TREVOR'S POV.
"What the..." I almost cussed when I saw Tharia running inside our gate. She's all wet because of the rain.
Kakarating ko lang din galing sa Company. Hindi ko naman alam na hindi pala siya nasundo ni Kuya Ogi.
"Don't you have an umbrella?" Tanong ko pagpasok niya sa loob.
"Yaya Cecil, please get a towel," utos ko.
"Mababasa ba 'ko kung meron akong payong?" She shot her brow while wiping the water dripping on her face.
"Bakit kasi nagpagabi ka pa. I told you not to push yourself too much."
Iniabot na sa akin ni Yaya Cecil ang tuwalya. Ako nama'y lumapit at niyakap na 'yon kay Tharia.
"Maligo ka na sa taas. Baka magkasakit ka pa." Paalala ko.
What a wish. Nagkasakit nga siya noon.
Gumaling din naman siya bago mag Monday. Sinabi kong susunduin ko siya kung sakaling hindi ulit magiging available si kuya Ogi.
"It's raining again huh?" I whispered to myself. Plano kong sunduin si Ria ngayon. Not expecting to see her hoping in another man's car.
I did told her I will fetch her? Then what was she doing?
I walked myself towards them. I quickly grabbed Tharia's waist before she could get herself inside that damn car.
"Pre, sino ka ba? Anong problema mo?" Asked the man beside Ria.
He was really asking me who I am, huh?
He really doesn't know me? Then let me fucking tell you who I am.
"Susunduin ko lang ang asawa ko. Got a problem with that?"
I saw how his eyes got a bit widened. I think you already knew who's the man in front of you. Probably the husband of the woman you're entertaining.
"Ang rude mo naman!" She hissed when we got inside my car.
My forehead wrinkled at her remark.
"What's the rude in telling that you are my wife?" I looked at her.
Bakit parang ako pa ang may kasalanan? Nagsabi lang naman ako ng totoo.
"Sana man lang, tinawag mo 'ko, hindi 'yung hihilahin mo ako nang gano'n gano'n na lang!" She reasoned out.
So it is really my fault.
'Teka, hindi ba dapat ako ang nagagalit dito? Dahil nakita kitang sumasakay sa kotse ng iba?" I spat.
She said that that Von is just a friend. I'm not satisfied though. I could see in that boy's eyes that he liked Tharia. I could smell it.
Fine, fine! I'm fucking jealous.
Nang makarating kami sa bahay ay sumalubong na sa amin si Cali. He hugged her mom and Tharia kissed him.
"I miss you, baby." Tharia said.
"Ako? Hindi mo miss?" Sabat ko.
"Tsk, Asa ka." Sagot niya saka tumaas.
Tsk. Ang sungit talaga. Sarap halikan.
I went to my study room and took a bath there. I went straight to our room after. Kasabay naman no'n ay paglabas din niya na bagong ligo.
"I still couldn't forget what happened earlier." I said while intently looking at her reflection.
She asked what is that thing I couldn't forgot. Iyon daw ba ang nagpabasa siya sa ulan o ang nakita ko siyang may kasamang iba.
"Both Tharia. Both. You always make me fucking jealous with the boys around you. Kung pwede lang maging sa school ay sumama ako sa'yo." Really. If only I could fucking do that. I will.
That night, we made love.
The next day was a tough day. Sobrang daming trabaho sa Company so I told Andrew to fetch Tharia instead because I couldn't make it. Malamang uumagahin na naman ako sa trabaho nito.
I called Ria and told her I'm really busy with the Company. She undrestand though.
Umuwi ako mag aalas tres na ata ng madaling araw. I was really drained from work.
"Please, ease my tiredness baby." I heaved a sigh on Tharia's shoulder. Kung may nakakapagpawala ng pagod ko, siya lang 'yon.
"Tharia? Get up. It's almost seven, malalate ka. Hindi ka ba sasabay sa akin papuntang airline?" I woke her up. Natawa naman ako dahil nagmamadali siyang bumangon sa kama at tumakbo sa banyo.
"Ako na nga diyan," I offered when I saw her struggling clasping her bra.
"Thank you." She said in monotone.
My forehead creased because of that. Mukhang hindi maganda ang gising niya ah?
Bumaba na kami. I asked her if she won't eat breakfast, ang sabi niya lang ay malalate na siya. Pati sa pagbubukas ng pinto ng kotse ay hindi niya 'ko hinayaang gawin 'yon. What the hell is going on with her?
"May regla ka ba?" Tanong ko.
Maging sa Airport ay ayaw niyang magpahatid sa loob. Doon niya lang ako pinatayo sa labas. It is my Airport anyway, bakit niya 'ko pagbabawalang pumasok? At uto-uto naman ako dahil sumunod ako at hindi na rin nagpumilit pa na ihatid siya sa loob. Kung ayaw niya, then fine. I won't force her.
Ako rin ang sumundo sa kan'ya that day. Ginawa ko 'yon kahit busy pa rin sa trabaho. I was tired not until she said something that made my blood boiled.
"Pwede bang... Huwag mo na 'kong susunduin?"
Is she serious?
I immediately looked at her. Shocked at what she just said. "Ano ba talagang problema mo, Tharia? Kanina ayaw mong magpahatid sa akin sa loob ng airport tapos ngayon naman ayaw mong magpasundo." She's confusing me.
"Kinakahiya mo ba 'ko?" tanong ko pa.
"No! Of coure not!" she replied immediately.
"Then why? May tinatago ka ba sa akin? O baka may ibang maghahatid sa'yo just like the last time?" She turned to me with wide eyes telling that I am still not move on with Von's issue.
"What about the guy who's always near you?" Again, I asked. I don't know what's wrong with me too. Napaparanoid na ata ako. Knowing that there are so many boys hanging around Tharia.
Luigi. Another friend of her.
"You know what, Trevor? Just drive."
I gritted my teeth and held the steering wheel tightly. Getting a hold of myslef. Frustration is all over my system. I just want her to answer me, kung bakit ayaw niyang magpasundo. Pero bakit parang kasalanan ko pang magtanong?
Nauna akong pumasok sa bahay. I went upstairs and get some comfortable clothes. I want a cold shower. Habang papunta ako sa banyo ng study room ko ay nagtext si Eros. Anya, kung free raw ako ay pumunta raw kami sa Vroom. Opening daw. I said yes because I want to release my steam. I didn't plan to drink, though. Ayaw ni Tharia noon. Kahit medyo may argue, gusto ko pa ring sinusunod niya.
Ibaback ko na sana ang inbox ko ng makita ang text ni Chivalry. Isang client at pinsan din ni Eros. Ngayon ko lang nabasa. She sent a message. Or should I say, texted a wrong message?
Chivalry:
Don't push yourself too much, love you💕
Kaning madaling araw 'to. Noong pag-uwi ko.
I replied immediately.
Me:
What was the text all about?
Chivalry:
Ohmy! Sorry Trevor It was for my boyfriend. I didn't know that I sent it to you! Sorry😊
I didn't reply to her anymore. Nagpalit na lang ako ng pants at t-shirt saka lumabas na.
"Bro! Sinama ko si Chi! She wanted to apologize daw," bungad sa akin ni Eros. Nasa likod niya ang pinsan niya.
"Hi!" she shyly greet. Waving her hand a bit.
Tumaas na kami at pumunta sa VIP room.
Nagkwento ako kay Eros na medyo may misunderstanding nga kami ni Tharia. Tinanong niya na baka raw may ginawa ako kaya gano'n. Ang sabi ko nama'y wala dahil wala namn talaga. Chivalry was eavesdropping in one side. Nasa tapat ko siyang couch.
"Well, you know girls. Bigla na lang nag iiba ng kilos, baka wala lang sa mood." Chivalry butt in and shrugged.
Umiinom ako ng whiskey. Pang unang baso ko pa lang ito at hindi pa rin nauubos. I was spacing out. Pinaglalaruan ko lang ang baso at wala na rin akong balak na umulit pa dahil ayokong magpakalasing.
"Uh... My boyfriend broke up with me." Chivalry spoke out of the blue. Bumaba si Eros dahil nakita si Colin doon sa baba kaya naiwan kami dito.
"He thought, I was cheating. With you. He... saw the text. I explained myself and told him that the message was for him and I just sent it to you but he didn't buy it. Still, he ended our relationship."
She doesn't sound sad at all. She narated it casually like that doesn't affect her.
Hindi ako sumagot dahil sa totoo lang, wala naman akong pakielam. I have nothing to do with her personal life. Kliente ko lang siya at iyon lang 'yon.
At bakit ba niya ikinekwento sa akin? Share niya lang?
I gulped all the whiskey left in my glass. Nagulat ako dahil sinalinan pa ulit 'yon ni Chivalry.
"Drink more!" She urged. "You need it, may problema ka diba?" She added.
Dahil nasa baso ko na, ininom ko na rin. Hindi ko napansin na tuloy-ruloy na pala ang pag inom ko. Nadaya ata ako.
I was wasted.
Goodness. I told myself I won't drink too much but here I am. My world is spinning and my mind wasn't functioning well anymore because of the liquor.
Bumaba si Chivalry at hindi ko alam kung saan nagpunta. Tumaas na rin si Eros at sinabing uuwi na kami. Tatawagin na sana niya si Chivalry but someone called him so he asked me to do the favor instead. Nag CR daw ang pinsan niya so I went to the restroom.
Nakasalubong ko si Chivalry sa hallway. Pabalik na rin sa table namin.
Lasing na rin siya kaya napatumba siya at napahilig sa pader. I went to her.
"Hey, uuwi na raw sabi ni Eros." I told her.
She didn't flinch. Instead, she clung her arms on my shoulder and kissed me. My eyes widened but afterwards, I closed my eyes because a familiar scent invaded my nose.
Tharia.
I held her waist and kissed her back. Her hands fell in my arms. Seconds later, she put it back on my nape and pulled me more towards her to deepen the kiss.
I missed you, Tharia.
What the fuck was happening?
Damn alcohol!
Saka lang ako natauhan.
I pushed her and walked out. Pagbalik ko sa dancefloor ay nagmamadali si Eros na daluhan ako.
"Ria was here!" He informed.
My eyes widened in shock. She went here?
"Umiiyak pare, what on the fucking earth fucking happened?" Anya pa.
Wala na 'kong hinintay pa at umalis na agad ng bar.
"Sir!" Si mang Jenson na balisa. "Si ma'am Ria ho! Iyak nang iyak!"
Tumango ako sa kan'ya at pumasok na sa loob.
Patakbo kong pinasok ang kwarto namin.
"Tharia," I called her.
"Huwag kang lalapit," she moved her hands.
Hindi ako nagpapigil at humakbang pa rin papalapit sa kan'ya.
"Sabing huwag kang lalapit!" She shouted. Parang tinusok ang puso ko. Parang... Takot at diring diri siya sa akin.
"Hear me out, Tharia," I pleaded.
"What you saw... That's..." I couldn't find right words.
"Ano? Na lasing ka? Kaya nakipaghalikan ka sa iba? Sa harap pa ng asawa mo, ha?!" Gusto kong suntukin ang sarili ko. I couldn't imagine her pain while seeing me kissing... Another woman. I know I was wrong. I know I committed a mistake.
"Napakagago mo! Kung kailan ka nagka-anak saka ka pa nagloko!"
Umiling iling lang ako. Unable to talk.
"Tangina, habang ako 'yung inaakusahan mong baka may ibang lalaki, ikaw pala 'yung nagpapakasarap sa labi ng ibang babae!"
"I'm sorry..." 'Yon lang ang nasabi ko.
"Akala mo ba binata ka pa? Na pwede kang pumunta sa bar at makipaghalikan sa iba? You are no more teenager! You're a husband and a father, Trevor! Niloloko mo na 'ko!"
I looked at her and shook my head. "No... Please, I can't do that to you,"
"You already did! The moment you stepped your feet in that freaking bar! The moment you kissed that woman! Whoever she is!" she shouted.
Wala akong nagawa kundi umiling iling lang dito hanggang sa makita siyang napaluhod. I went to her and hugged her.
"Gago ka..."
"Baby, listen to me please"
"Ayoko. Ayokong marining ang anumang sasabihin mo."
Tears escaped from my eyes. She doesn't want to hear me. I badly want to defend myself. I want to reach her but is seems like she's building a wall.
"Please," I pleaded again. As I tightened my hug.
"Lumayo ka sa 'kin!" She then punched me. I didn't bulged.
"Layo sabi, Trevor..." She repeat in low voice.
"Go on. Hurt me. That serves me right," I buried my face on her shoulder. I am relly sorry, baby. Hurt me if that helps you to feel better and light.
She cried more and just kept asking why. Why. Why.
"May mali ba sa akin?" Tanong pa niya.
"Dapat ba hindi ko na lang tinuloy 'tong pag aaral ko?" She even blamed her study.
"Bakit gan'yan ka? May lalapit pa lang sa akin, galit ka na. Pero ikaw Trevor? may kahalikan ka pa," She broked down.
Sience surrounded us. Iyak lang niya ang naririnig namin.
After a minute, she stood up.
"Saan ka pupunta?" I asked her.
"Sa anak natin. I can't bear sleeping with you on the same bed."
There. The moment she said that. That's when I knew I broke something between us.
The next day, I brought all the courage I have and explained myself to her.
"I... Was drunk. I admit it, I was. Kung... Sumunod lang sana ako sa'yo, sa paalala mo, hindi na sana ako nagkamali. I should not drink last night." I didn't get any anwer from her. Maybe she found it ridiculous. It was, though.
I called Eros to asked for advice.
[Kantahan mo, bro. Gagaan loob non.]
"I can't sing-"
[You can. For her. ]
I sighed. Sabi ni Eros ay sasamahan niya raw ako at siya ang mag-gigitara. Sabi ko, ayus-ayusin niya dahil 'pag lalong nagalit si Tharia sa akin, talagang ipapalunok ko sa kan'ya ng buo ang gitara niya.
We talked after that. Hindi niya ulit ako pinansin for three days. I couldn't take it anymore so I confronted her.
"Still mad at me?" Tanong ko. She just ignored me. She was busy with her phone so I grabbed it.
Her brows crashed. "May ginagawa ako," asik niya.
"Kinakausap kita." Sagot ko naman.
That night. We make up. We both fixed our problems. I also promised to myself that I will distance myself to the things and people that might trigger Tharia. Ayaw ko nang mag-ooverthink siya at masaktan pa ulit ng gano'n.
"You look good," she threw a compliment.
Today is my birthday. I'm very happy that Tharia and I are good now.
"Thank you. Do you have any gift for me?" I tilted my head a bit.
"Wala, ano bang gusto mong regalo?"
I said I want a baby. She just laughed thinking that I was joking but I was serious as hell. I want another baby other than Caliver and her.
"Happy birthday baby," she whispered.
"What the..." I almost cussed because of the tome of her voice. That was so fucking sexy!
I leaned on her and kissed her lips. Hindi pa man kami nag iinit ay may narinig na 'kong katok at hiyawan.
"Bro!"
I wanted to punch Eros, Nicho, Chad and Rich's face. Tangina talaga ng mga 'to e 'no? They really fucking know when to fucking interrupt.
My party ends with a very steamy night. I was so satisfied 'cause I got what I want. I am now only waiting for another baby to form.
While I was in the office, Tharia called. Asking if I already had my lunch. I answered no and she said International Cuisine gave something for me. A belated birthday gift.
Dadalhin niya na lang daw dito ang pagkain.
A knock came. I thought it was Tharia but I was surprised to saw Chivalry instead.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry about-"
"I said what the fuck are you doing here?" I asked in dark voice.
She didn't answer.
I looked at her with confused eyes. "You went here wearing that dress?" I pointed her dress. "You sure you are here for business?"
"I also wanted to talk to yo-"
"Get out." I refused immediately.
Papunta rito si Tharia. Ayokong makita niya kaming magkasama kung hindi naman pala trabaho ang pag uusapan. I don't want her to think of something else.
"I... Really came here for business. My father asked me to prepare the papers for shipping. And hit you up."
I nooded. She looked serious, though. Her father has a business with me so I had no choice but to entertain her.
Pasado ala una na pero wala pa rin si Tharia. Where is she?
Pinilit kong tapusin nang maaga ang usap namin. Though it was really a long conversation and business to discuss. Now I am just waiting for Tharia.
"Sir!" Yumi suddenly entered.
"Si ma'am Ria po at 'yung kliente n'yo, nag away."
I rushed, stood up and get out of my office. Wala na 'kong naabutan doon kundi si Chivalry na may sauce sa damit at ang ibang pagkain ay nagkalat sa sahig.
"What happened here?" Tanong ko nang makalapit.
"'Yung asawa mo, bigla na lang akong tinapunan ng mga pagkain."
I didn't believe her. Tharia won't hurt someone without a reason. Depende na lang kung galit pa siya sa nangyari noon sa bar na malabo na dahil ayos naman na kami.
"Did you say something to her?"
I saw a glimpse of shock in her eyes. Hindi niya 'ko sinagot.
"Tell me. You said something bad to her, did you?" I said, a bit warning her.
"N-no! W-wala ako ginagawang masama! Maldita lang talaga ang asa-"
"Opo sir." Yumi joined. "Sinabi niya po kay ma'am Ria na... may nangyari daw po sa inyo sa loob."
I looked at her using my dangerous eyes. She suddenly looked like a scaredy cat.
"No! That's not true! Sinungaling ka!" She turned to Yumi.
"Totoo po sir. Kaya po umalis na si Ma'am." Dagdag pa niya.
I scoffed. Tch. Galit na naman sa 'kin ang misis ko.
"You'll see what I will do if Tharia gets mad at me again." Saka ako ulit pumasok sa opisina para kunin ang susi at ang coat ko.
I called Tharia but she was unreachable.
Pagdating ko sa bahay ay wala rin siya.
Naisip kong baka nasa school siya at sinundo ssi Cali pero nasa garage ang kotse niya.
I called Aloha. Wala rin daw.
Like what the fuck. Ito na naman po kami sa hanapan. I swear, kapag nahanap na kita, ipoposas na talaga kita sa akin.
"Ano? Any news about Ria?" Mom approached me.
Isang araw na pero wala pa rin.
"Daddy, where's mommy? Hindi niya na ba tayo love? That's why she left us?" Caliver with his teary eyes.
I smiled and carried him. "Of course not, big boy. Mommy just, uh, bought something."
"She'll come back, right?"
"Yup,"
"What if she doesn't want to come back to us anymore?" Cali started to cry.
"No baby. If she really doesn't want to, then I will drag her here just so she'll come back to us."
Caliver pouted. "You're bad, daddy."
I just chuckled and put him down.
Nagpunta ako sa airport for inspection. Mi-ni-ting ko rin lahat ng mga piloto sa Airlines.
"Mr. Frenielle, how's life?" Captain Velenze greeted. Kakatapos lang namin at kakalabas lang sa conference room. Paalis na sana ko to search for Tharia again pero nakasalubong ko si Capt. Velenze.
"Fine. How's work, Cap?"
"Fine, too. Hinatid ko nga pala ang asawa niyo kahapon."
I squinted my eyes on him as my forehead creased. "Hinatid? Saan?"
"Siargao, sir."
"Really?" I shot my brow.
Siargao huh?
Hide yourself now, Tharia.
Kay Captain Viray ako nagpahatid since hindi available si Captain Velenze. I was planning to get Tharia and drove off to Manila right after but then I saw her in that damn two-piece and sinking her body in sea water. Iyon ang naabutan ko pagdating sa resort. Gandang bungad.
I removed my shirt and leave only my short. I sunk and walked towards her.
"You're enjoying your damn vacation here while I'm going crazy about guessing where on damn earth you are."
I could feel her shockness. No. She's sacred. Why, hmm? Because I caught you again?
"Did you know that I almost lost all my shits just to find you?" said me.
"Here we are again at fucking running and chasing." But you are not that good at running. You're to slow that I could chase you so easily. But this is the last time you'll run.
But if you really want to run away, take me with you, then.
Kanina ko pa napapasin na walang kibo si Ria. I knew she wasn't feeling well. Ayaw niya lang sabihin. There was something wrong with her.
I was right. She suddenly faint.
Buti na lang nakasunod din ako sa kan'ya pataas sa hagdan kaya kahit papaano ay nasalo ko siya.
I told mom to call our family doctor. Pero nagulat ako dahil si Nica ang naabutan ko sa baba.
The one who told me about the biggest secret of Tharia.
"Bakit si Nica, mom?"
"Aren't you happy to see me?" Nica initiate a hug.
"Mom?" I called her.
"Well, I have a feeling... Maybe she's pregnant."
"Oh my! Really? This is my second time checking if Tharia is pregnant!" Nica exclaimed.
"You know? Until now, I still couldn't believe na ikaw ang tatay ng dinadala ni Ria noon. Small world! Talagang sa akin pa siya nagpacheck-up ha? Then you suddenly came that day! I saw how shocked Tharia was nga e. It was like, she was hiding from you."
"She really was, though..."
Her eyes widened. "Really? Why?"
"Long story," I shrugged.
Nica clicked her tongue inside her mouth. "Nako... Maybe she was scared back then. Notorious playboy ka pa naman. Akala ko nga you will never be serious at someone. I was wrong. Really. You are not just serious, you're freaking crazy over her!"
I chuckled. "Who wouldn't? She's like an angel fell from heaven."
"Aysus! Sige na nga. I gotta go and check her up." Then she went upstairs.
I just nodded and waited for her.
"She's... " Nica trailed off.
Andito 'ko ngayon sa kwarto dahil tapos na daw si Nica.
"She's what?" I asked. Really eager and curious about what she was going to say.
"She's pregnant!"
"R-really?" Not believing her.
"Yeah. Almost a month." Nica turned to me and gave malicious look. "I wonder if this was the birthday gift you've asked for?"
I smirked. "Hindi." I smiled more. "Hindi ka nagkakamali."
Nica rolled her eyes. "Really, Trevor?"
I just chucked and thanked her.
The next moment, Tharia woke up.
"I'm... So lucky to have you, Trev. Thank you for everything." That was the most pleasant and satisfying words I have ever heard.
"Thank God He gave me you. You are my everything. I am nothing if I don't have you." I replied. Truly, I don't think I am who I am right now without her. She changed me. She made be better. She's the best.
Two months later, on the job training of Tharia ends. Nag stay na lang din siya sa bahay. Habang ako naman, gustuhin ko mang manatili na lang din dito, ayaw niya. Kailangan ko raw pumasok sa Company. Kung pwede nga lang gibain ko na lang ang kompanya na iyon para wala na 'kong poproblemahin at siya na lang ang iintindihin ko e.
Hindi naman siya maselan ngayon unlike when she was pregnant with Cali.
"A girl." Nica announced.
Nakita ko agad ang ngiti kay Tharia. Gusto niya kasi ay babae.
"Ako naman ang mang-sspoiled ngayon," She spat.
"Go on," I smirked.
"Trevor!"
Tharia shouted. I almost stripped with my own feet because of that. I carried Tharia immediately and brought her to the hospital. Manganganak na.
Hindi ako pwedeng pumasok sa loob ng delivery room kaya nasa labas lang ako at paikot ikot.
"Trevor, could you please sit down? Hilung-hilo na 'ko sa'yo! Goodness!" Mom scoffed. "As if this is Tharia's first time to give birth. Para kang ano diyan." Mom rolled her eyes.
"Oo nga, daddy." Si Caliver na nakaupo sa bench ng ospital. Dinuduyan niya ang mga binti niya habang kumakain pa ng popcorn. Probably relax than me.
I just sighed and sit down.
"Success," the doctor came out.
Agad akong pumasok sa loob at dinaluhan si Tharia. She looked exhausted and tired. Pero kahit gano'n, nakangiti pa rin siya at bahagyang naluluha habang nakatingin sa anak namin na nasa bisig niya.
"My little angel... " she whispered.
"Hey," I hugged and kissed her temple.
"What's her name?" I asked.
"Aniah Raye,"
She then rubbed our daughter's cheek using her index finger.
"Aniah," I called.
As years past by, our relationship just got stronger. I don't how is that. I do believed that love fades as time do, pero mali ako. My love for her didn't fade, or even change a bit.
Really. I couldn't see my old self right now. Tulad ng sinabi ni Nica, akala ko rin ay hinding hindi ako magseseryoso. Pero 'pag talaga dumating na ang para sa'yo, mababago ang plano mo.
They said, women is the downfall of men. Indeed. Kapag wala siya sa akin, parang wala na rin akong buhay.
My life is complete with her.
She's my happy pill, home, weakness and strength.
I didn't remember doing something to made me this lucky. Though I am not really close with Him, He still gave me a blessing that turned my life into rainbows.
She's my light in the dark. My rainbow in the middle of the rain. My fire in the midst of a cold place. My answer in thousands of questions.
I love Tharia. Her flaws, imperfections, and all. All of her.