Chapter 2: Changing Love
"I'M TRULY sorry that I've lost touch," Eunice sincerely apologized to her friends.
Addie and Soleil were sitting on a couch across her, sipping their champagne while listening to her explanation.
"Alam kong sinabihan ko kayo na aayusin ko lang ang annulment ko sa Pilipinas two years ago—"
"At hindi ka na bumalik," sabi ni Addie. "Sabi mo ay isang buwan lang. Kung wala pa 'kong kakilala na officemate mo, hindi ko pa malalaman na nag-resign ka na sa trabaho at hindi na babalik ng Paris."
Tumango-tango si Soleil. "We were really worried," she added. "You're not responding to our chats. You even deactivated all your socmed accounts. Akala namin kung ano nang nangyari sa'yo."
They were conversing in French and English all throughout. Hindi na sila nagta-Tagalog ni Addie for Soleil's sake.
"A lot of things happened, Addie, Sol. That supposed to be a month of vacation turned into a meaningful one," napangiti siya nang maalala ang isang buwan na iyon—when she finally learned about love and experienced its best. "I learned about love. How to love right... Then, Terrence confessed that he loves me. He's willing to work out our marriage. There was no annulment being processed from the start."
Nagtaas ng kilay si Addie. "Totoo din ba ang narinig namin na naaksidente kayo ng asawa mo?" she asked.
Tumango siya. "Road accident. He saved my life, girls. He was in comatose for two months because of that. Iyon din ang rason kaya hindi na 'ko nakapag-update pa at bigla na lang ako nawala. I was too focused on taking care of him. Tutok din ako sa kanya nang nagising naman na siya at nagpapagaling."
"I see," Soleil said. Ibinaba nito ang hawak na champagne glass. "I'm glad you're both alright now. I mean, you're still married then?"
Itinaas niya ang kamay kung saan lagi niyang suot ang wedding ring. "Happily," she answered.
Napansin niya ang pag-ikot ng mga mata ni Addie. "Kung gumaling na pala siya, bakit hindi ka pa rin nagsabi sa'min? Through email perhaps? Ganoon ba kahirap iyon, Eunice?"
Napatungo siya. "I'm really, really sorry. I hope you can still forgive me. Pangako, hindi ko na kayo kalilimutan ulit."
Aminado naman si Eunice doon. There's no perfect excuse for forgetting her friends in Paris. Kaya nga nang naalala niyang kumustahin na ang dalawa, siya naman ang hindi maka-contact sa mga ito.
Soleil pouted. "We really thought that you don't want to be friends with us, anymore. We got a hint that you're living happily in the Philippines. Nakakatampo lang na hindi mo na kami kailangan nang masaya ka na."
"Kaya kami na lang ni Soleil ang nagkusang i-block ka sa social media. Para less burden sa'yo," Addie sarcastically said. "Baka kasi nahiya ka pa."
That's why she can't find them!
Umiling-iling si Eunice. "I admit na nawala kayo sa isipan ko. Nagsisisi ako doon. Masyadong natututok ang pansin ko sa mga nangyayari sa Pilipinas. Pero hindi naman kayo nawala sa isipan ko dahil ayoko na kayong maging kaibigan..."
If only she can just tell them all the things that happened when she was in the Philippines. Sana kaya niyang ilatag lahat-lahat, pero baka naman masobrahan sa pag-absorb ng information ang mga ito...
"I believe in you. It's alright, Eunice," nakangiting sabi ni Soleil. "Nandito ka naman na ulit ngayon. Are you with your husband?"
Marahang umiling si Eunice. "He can't go with me because he's a trusted engineer and co-leading a family company in the Philippines."
"So... you're in a long-distance relationship now?" Addie curiously asked.
Tumango siya.
"And you're still happy?"
"We video call every day. Parang hindi naman kami malayo sa isa't isa. Tutal dalawa o tatlong taon lang naman ako dito—"
Nagkatinginan sina Addie at Soleil, sabay na nagtawanan
"W-Why?" nagtatakang tanong niya.
"Girl, sa tingin mo kaya niyo 'yong dalawa? Hindi magkasama? Walang sex?"
Napakurap-kurap si Eunice. "Well, yeah. I mean, we love each other. We've been through a lot and sex isn't the only thing that can make our relationship survive the distance."
"Ilang taon na ba kayong kasal? Tatlong taon pa lang, right?" tanong ni Soleil.
"May kasal nga ng sampung taon, naghihiwalay pa din. Kayo pa na tatlong taon lang at sobrang magkalayo pa sa isa't isa ngayon?"
"Our marriage is different," Eunice confidently said. "Kung ano man ang naging basehan ng iba sa pag-ibig ng iba, mas matatag ang basehan namin ng asawa ko. We have G—"
Addie raised her eyebrow. "Whatever, Eunice," she cut her words. "Anyway, hindi naman namin hinihiling na maghiwalay kayo ng asawa mo. Ang palagay lang namin, hindi magwo-work out ang ganitong set-up niyo."
"I'm already four months here. Last month bumisita siya. Every quarter, Terrence promised to visit me here."
"Simula pa lang kasi kaya active pa," Addie said.
Natigilan sandali si Eunice. Hindi dahil wala na siyang ma-rason. Pero dahil sa bitterness na naririnig niya sa boses ng kaibigan.
"And how sure are you that he won't cheat?" Soleil asked, this time.
Napabaling siya rito. Ngayon niya lang napansin na parang may iba na dito. Eunice knews they all looked mature in the past three years. Pero may mas kakaiba na ngayon sa dalawa...
"Terrence won't cheat."
"You brat, nakalimutan mo na ba kung paano mo siya nakuha? Di 'ba inagaw mo sa girlfriend niya?" Addie bluntly reminded her.
"At kaya kayo pinakasal dahil nahuli kayo ng Uncle mo, almost making love," Soleil added.
Eunice was taken aback. "Nang nangyari iyon, technically, hiwalay na sila ni Rachelle."
"Kasi ginulo mo sila," Addie blurted. "At nagulo sila."
"Nagulo si Terrence because he's attracted with you. Hindi niya lang maamin, because sila na ng girlfriend niya," Soleil concluded... which is partly true.
"Wasn't that cheating?"
Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Eunice. Paano ba sila napunta sa usapan na 'to?
"Addie, Soleil... you don't know Terrence... He's a loving and faithful man. He does not deserve to be accused of something that he did not do," pagtatanggol niya sa asawa. "He might be attracted to me while he's with Rachelle, but he was doing everything that time to be fully committed with his relationship.
"Nanggulo lang talaga ako," pag-ako niya dahil totoo naman. "Kaya nga galit na galit si Terrence sa'kin noon."
Eunice was not proud of her past. But she learned so much because of that, it's a part of who she is right now. Kaya niya nadi-distinguish ang transformation na ginagawa ng Diyos sa kanya ngayon dahil doon.
Napatawad na siya. Napatawad na din niya ang sarili niya.
Napatingala si Soleil. "I remember how devastated you were two years ago. When you came back here. Nasa airport pa lang, nag-breakdown ka na. Pero mahal na mahal mo pa rin siya. Na kung tumawag lang si Terrence, lilipad ka kaagad pabalik ng Pilipinas."
Natawa si Addie. "Umayos lang kayo sa nakalipas na two years, sobrang confident ka na ngayon? Sure ka bang hindi ka blinded lang ng obsession mo sa kanya?"
Addie and Soleil are both speaking in French, that Eunice can clearly hear the sweet accent, but underlies the mockery and sarcasm.
Dati naman na silang ganito mag-usap na tatlo. It's just that... it's different today.
Napapikit si Eunice at inignora ang damdamin na iyon. For sure, the two were just concerned.
Right. They're just concerned for her.
They never met Terrence in person. Naka-base lang ang dalawa sa nangyari sa kanya noon. Addie and Soleil were the most affected before. Inalalayan siya ng dalawa hanggang sa maging maayos siya noon.
She uttered a silent and quick prayer for calmness. Eunice opened her eyes and looked at her two dearest Parisian friends. "Love is clearer to me now. For me and Terrence, it's tough. I wish I can tell you all the things that happened, but we have a lot of days to catch up, right? What I can assure you now, Terrence was not the Terrence who broke my heart before. I am not even the same Eunice that you know today. I'm sure, kayo din.
"I'm truly sorry I was not there for you, Addie and Soleil, when you were both changing into your better versions. Let's fill that gap. Let's re-introduce ourselves with one another. We are not college girls anymore." Inabot niya ang kamay ng dalawa. "And give Terrence a chance. Nakuwento ko na rin kayo sa kanya. He would like to meet you both in his next visit. You're going to love him."
Nagkibit-balikat si Addie. "Let's see, then. But a cheater is always a cheater."
"He's not a cheater," giit niya pa rin.
"Noong bagong kasal kayo, hindi ba 'yung ex pa rin niya ang hinahanap-hanap niya?" Soleil remembered. "Isn't that cheating also?"
Napagtutulungan na siya ng dalawa. That's when Eunice realized, kahit anong pagtatanggol niya sa asawa, hindi naman maniniwala ang mga ito.
"A cheater," si Addie ulit. "...will always be a cheater."
Eunice smiled gently. "Unless a cheater repented and surrendered his life to Jesus."
Sabay na napamata sa kanya ang dalawa.
"What the hell?" natatawang sikmat ni Soleil—the least person Eunice thought that will react that way.
Bumitiw sa kanya si Addie at tinuro siya. "Eunice? Are you the catholic girl now?!"
"Born again Christian."
"Oh," Soleil laughed and turned to Addie. "She's been brainwashed." They both giggled.
Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin niya sa dalawa.
"Soleil... don't you... serve in the church anymore?"
Her French-American best friend flipped her long blonde hair. "Matagal na 'kong hindi nagsisimba. Itinakwil na rin ako ng parents ko. They don't understand the choice that I made."
"What... choice?"
"I'm done with this church thing. I'm done being dictated with who am I supposed to be." Nagkibit-balikat si Soleil. "Bawal ganito, bawal ganyan. Dapat dito ka magpe-pray, dapat kabisado mo kung hindi ay hindi ka talaga sincere, dapat ganitong beses ka magro-rosary... Dapat ganito gawin mo para considered kang mabait o mabuting tao. Dapat balot lagi ang suot mo para walang babastos sa'yo. What the fuck? Ano bang klaseng paniniwala iyon?"
"Nakakasakal, huh?" Addie added. "Nasaan na ang rights mo doon as a person? As a woman?"
"So, I have decided, I can still believe in God, right? I just don't do the church thing and its rules. I decided to change my beliefs. People are just a bunch of hypocrites, anyway."
"Agree, girl!" Addie gave a sassy high-five with Soleil.
Hindi alam ni Eunice kung anong sasabihin. She can understand all the things that Soleil said. At may mga bagay na tama ito, pero may mga bagay na mali din ang pagkakaintindi nito...
Eunice wanted to say something. Pero hindi niya magawang mabuka ang mga bibig. Wala ring pumapasok na tamang salita sa isipan niya. She tried to pray. Pero natigilan siya nang makita kung paanong tumingin si Soleil at Addie sa kanya.
"But we respect your religion, Eunice, okay?" sabi pa ni Soleil. "You respected mine naman before. I just let you mock me because you're my friends. Pero naisip ko tama rin naman kayo. It's so boring to be 'good' all the time. Sometimes, I'm just faking it."
"I don't have a religion," Eunice managed to say. "I have a personal relationship with the Lord. Also, I just found a congregation that believes the same. Not legalistic but, they are just teaching us and giving us clear examples how to live a peaceful and shameless life..." That is pleasing to God. She wanted to add.
Natahimik ang dalawa, obviously processing what she has said.
Tumikhim siya at tumuwid ng upo. "Maybe I can tell you more about it. Kung gusto niyo pang makilala si God, I can guide you. Don't look at it as a religion, but a spiritual health check..." she kept her calm. This is clearly an open opportunity for her to share Jesus.
Addie made face. "What's difference with your life before and your life now because of your... what's that again? Personal relationship with the... Lord?"
"I feel more free and joyful in life. You can't imagine how this love changed me in many ways..." Eunice dreamily sighed. "I want to share this same love and life to you both. Para kung nalulungkot o may problema kayo, this can help you not to lose any hope."
"Masaya rin naman ako," Addie said. "I feel so free also! Anong difference?"
Tumango si Soleil. "I'm doing good with my own life, also. Wala rin akong problema. Kanya-kanya naman ang definition ng freedom at happiness, hindi ba? We're all fine with our lives."
Magsasalita pa sana si Eunice pero tumayo si Addie. "Anyway, we're here because we really want to catch up with you." Nagsalin pa ito ng champagne at kumuha ng pink macaron. "Dito na ulit ako sa Paris magta-trabaho."
"Me, too!" Soleil excitedly said. "And guess where?"
"Guess where, Eunice!" Addie pumping the excitement higher.
Nanlaki ang mga mata niya nang makuha ang ibig sabihin ng dalawa. "K-Kayo ang bagong designers na sinasabi ni Ma'am Lilou?" tukoy ni Eunice sa kanyang boss sa trabaho.
Sabay na nagtanguan ang dalawa. Napangiti si Eunice. Ngunit hindi niya alam ang nararamdaman. Hindi ba dapat masaya siya?
Actually, she's thinking she's happy. She should be! Eunice wanted to be happy because she'll be spending more time with Addie and Soleil. Ibig sabihin mas marami pa siyang chance na makapag-share sa mga ito. Tamang timing lang ang kailangan!
Napatayo si Eunice at niyakap ang dalawa. "I really miss you both! Thank you for giving me another chance to be your friend."
"Hmp! Hindi ka rin kasi namin matiis," sabi ni Addie.
Soleil caressed her hair. "You're too precious for us, Eunice. And aren't we too old to hold grudges?"
Napapikit si Eunice at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. She would really take care of this answered prayer.
She loves these two so much, she wanted them to experience the same love she's enjoying right now.
My unchanging God, I love Addie and Soleil so much. May you help me bring their souls back to you. Amen.
♥♥♥
Such a perfect love
Oh, You lift me higher, higher!
Lighting up my way,
Everything is brighter, brighter!
Tuwing weekdays, sa loob ng apartment lang nag-e-exercise si Eunice. She does a light work-out routine, some stretching, and jogging in place.
With You, everything is better, so much better.
With You, I am right where I belong...
In this perfect love!
Napangiti si Eunice sa kanta. Kahit araw-araw niyang naririnig ay parang bagong kanta pa rin para sa kanya. Her playlist is just on the loop.
Natigil ang kanta sa Ipad eksaktong six AM. Her video call app rang. Agad niyang sinagot iyon.
"Good afternoon, engineer!" she lively greeted her husband.
"Good morning, baby." Itinapat nito ang camera sa pagkain. "I'm having my lunch."
Napangiti siya. "I just finished my workout. I'm still sweaty!"
"And lovelier."
She giggled and wiped off her sweat using a face towel. "How's work?"
"So-so. I'm almost finished with the blueprint I was working on since Saturday."
Naghugas ng kamay si Eunice at saka naghanda ng light breakfast. "I hope the presentation of your team goes well this Friday."
"Praying about it." he said. "What time are you leaving for work?
"Katulad ng sabi ko sa'yo kagabi, I'll be leaving by seven-thirty. Ipapakilala kasi si Addie at Soleil ngayon sa office. I don't want to miss it."
"Masaya ako na maayos na kayong tatlo."
"Lalo ako! I can only thank God for this another chance. I'm going to appreciate my friends and love them right this time."
Bumalik na siya sa lamesa. Ibinaba niya ang greek salad at yoghurt drink na hinanda at tumapat ng upo sa harap ng Ipad.
They prayed together before eating. Terrence started to have his lunch, while she ate her breakfast. Sabay pa rin silang kumakain kahit malayo at magkaiba ang oras. Araw-araw nila iyong ginagawa. They never missed unless tuwing weekends at napapasobra siya ng oras ng jogging sa labas katulad noong nakaraan.
"Will I call you during your lunch break?" Terrence asked.
"Huwag muna siguro. I'll be having lunch with Addie and Soleil for their first day at work," aniya. "Uuwi ka ba ng maaga ngayon?"
"I'll probably be out by five PM. Susunduin ko pa si Cyla sa school. Then, I'll cook dinner for us."
"Hindi ka pa din nakakakuha ng kasambahay?"
Umiling ito. "Ang hirap palitan ni Mang Emman."
"Oh, I miss Mang Emman na. How is he?" Eunice would always treasure the old man in her heart. Ang laki-laki ng naging tulong nito sa faith niya, at sa pagsasama nila ni Terrence.
"Last time we talked, he's with his brother. May tinayo silang maliit na negosyo sa GenSan at maganda naman daw ang takbo."
Ngayon, dito sa Paris, parang si Tita Gena na ang kapalit ni Mang Emman sa pagbibigay sa kanya ng WOWs or words of wisdom.
Kahit maagang nawala ang mga magulang ni Eunice, nagpadala naman ng Diyos ng mga taong kayang tumayo bilang taga-gabay niya.
According to his Kuya Eugene, their parents were believers. Therefore, one day in heaven, Eunice can see them, again. Of course, with baby Love, also!
Pagkatapos nilang kumain ni Terrence ay nagpaalam na din siya para makapaghanda sa pagpasok sa trabaho. Terrence was also called for a meeting.
"Je t'aime de tout mon coeur, baby."
"I love you with all my heart, too, engineer brown eyes!" She blew a kiss before ending the video call.
Eksaktong eight AM ay nasa opisina na si Eunice. Sa sariling opisina ni Madame Lilou Gaudin ay natanaw niyang kausap na nito sina Addie at Soleil.
"Bonjour, Eunice!" bati ng mga kasamahan niya sa team.
"Bonjour!" masayang bati niya pabalik. "Madagdagan tayo ng kasamahan," she said in French.
"Yes! How did you know?"
She winked. "They are my best friends in college."
Eksaktong bumukas ang pinto ng opisina ng kanilang boss. Madame Lilou went out. Sumunod ang dalawa niyang kaibigan.
"Everybody, gather around!" Madame Lilou commanded in French, using a lively tone.
Tumayo si Eunice at masayang kumaway sa dalawang kaibigan. Both waved back at her.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce our new talented young ladies. For the branding department, we have our new assistant designer, Mademoiselle Adelie Eloise Beaufort."
Addie stepped forward. "Hello! You can call me, Addie!"
"And we also have Mademoiselle Soleil Aveline Brosse. She will be joining Eunice's fashion team as the assistant fashion designer."
Soleil confidently stepped forward and waved. "Hello, guys! I'm excited to work with you."
"Please give them a warm welcome here at Gaudin haute couture. Treat them well!"
Pumalakpak ang lahat, pinakamalakas ang kay Eunice. Isa-isang bumati ang tao kina Addie at Soleil, nakipagkamay.
Hinintay niyang matapos ang lahat bago siya lumapit. Nagyakap silang tatlo.
It's like they were in fashion school all over again.
"I'll go to my department," paalam ni Addie. "See you at lunch break, girls!"
"Come, Soleil. Ipapakilala kita sa team natin." Eunice is already the leader and senior fashion designer of the group.
Lahat ng projects na tatanggapin ng team ay siya ang taga-decide. Pati sa mga designs ay siya ang may huling approval. For the last four months, Eunice already built a good relationship with her team. Kaya hindi mahirap gumawa ng project dahil nagkakasundo-sundo sila.
Ngayong kasama niya na si Soleil bilang co-leader, mas confident pa ngayon si Eunice na mas magiging maganda ang trabaho nila.
"Hi, guys! I'm Soleil!"
Naglapitan ang buong team dito at nagpakilala isa-isa.
Napangiti si Eunice nang makita ang malaking pagbabago kay Soleil. It's kind of sad to know that she's no longer serving in faith, but there's something about her that changed in a good way.
Soleil is oozing with confidence now. Mas nag-improve din ang fashion sense nito. Wala naman siyang problema sa conservative clothes nito noon. Now, it's just more stylish and sexy. She's also wearing more accessories. Pero wala na ang cross necklace nito.
Hinayaan muna ni Eunice makapag-bonding si Soleil sa buong team. Tahimik na umupo siya sa isang tabi.
Aside from her fashion sense and confidence, her friend remained sweet and kind. Eunice is trying to assess Soleil's heart in a spiritual level. Sigurado naman siyang hindi nawala ang faith nito kahit tinalikuran na nito ang dating paniniwala...
"Where will be my table, Eunice?" Soleil asked after the introductions.
They were conversing in French
"Dito," turo niya sa bakanteng table na katabi ng kanya. "Since we will be working on designs traditionally, we have our own drawing and sewing tables."
"Magnificent!" Soleil blurted and took her seat. Tumingin ito sa kanya. "I'm excited to work with you. Sa college, tayo-tayo ang magka-group palagi. Anong difference ngayon, right?"
May kislap sa mga mata nito. Ngunit may kakaiba ring emosyon na hindi niya na napansin. Mas nangibabaw kay Eunice ang saya na kasama niya ang kaibigan sa trabaho ngayon.
She started to tell her about the current project the team was working on. Mabilis naman nakuha ni Soleil ang mga tasks nito. They started their work.
Mabilis na lumipas ang oras. During their lunch break, sinundo sila ni Addie at lumabas sila para sa lunch.
Habang naglalakad papunta sa malapit na restaurant ay nagpapadala ng chat si Eunice kay Terrence.
Eunice:Going out for lunch with my friends. Kiss Cyla for me. Drive home safely, engineer! :)
Terrence:I will, baby. I love you.
Terrence: Enjoy your lunch. Tell you friends I said 'hi'.
"Bakit ka nakangiti mag-isa diyan?" Addie asked in French.
"Terrence wants to say 'hi' to you both," aniya sa mga ito.
Soleil chuckled. "You look like you're still in your honeymoon stage."
Sumilip si Addie sa phone niya. "Do you do sex on chat?"
"Adelie!" saway niya rito.
The two chuckled, maliciously. "Oh, come on!"
Nakarating na sila sa restaurant na kakainan. They took their seats and the menu is already above the table.
"I told you both, iba ang love namin ni Terrence."
"So, you don't do 'it' even during your video calls?"
Umiling si Eunice. Every three months naman ay nagkikita silang mag-asawa, ano lang ba ang dalawang buwan na paghihintay? Hindi naman ikamamatay ni Eunice at Terrence kung hindi sila makakapag-make love araw-araw.
"Ang boring niyo naman!" Addie blurted. Nag-Tagalog na talaga. "Where's the fun in your marriage?"
"Let me guess," singit ni Soleil. "You can't do it because your religion says it's evil."
"It's not pleasing in God's eyes," paglilinaw niya. "It's not religion that dictated it. Puwede naman naming suwayin iyon. Pero it's our commitment to the Lord to love each other in the best and purest way we can."
"Boring!" Addie said, jokingly. Nagtawanan ang dalawa.
Ngumiti lang siya at napailing. Someday, someday they will both understand. Kailangan lang maghintay ni Eunice.
"Terrence is still a man," sabi ni Soleil. "They have a very, very strong 'appetite', you know."
Addie gasped. "Bakit alam mo?" she asked in French. Pagkuwa'y bumulong ito. "You're not a virgin anymore, are you, Sol?"
Soleil chuckled, sexily. Her cheeks turned rosier. "Well..." she playfully said.
"You bitch! You made it!" Sobrang saya ng tawa ni Addie. Tila proud na proud pa. "Who's the lucky dog that got to hump you?"
Soleil just mysteriously smiled. Addie talked about her fuck buddy. Eunice became uncomfortable. Tinawag niya na ang waiter para makapag-order.
♥♥♥
"LUCIEN Yves De Sauveur."
Napakunot noo si Terrence nang mabasa ang buong pangalan ng kliyente nila ngayon. The most demanding client the company ever had so far—Mr. De Sauveur is a French billionaire that is building his company headquarters in the Philippines.
Sila ang pinili para sa buong project—from the engineering services, land development, architecture, landscaping, etc.
Terrence first thought that it was a blessing from the Lord. But as the project continues, it gave him too much headache, he wanted to think otherwise.
But he must endure. Sagittarius Engineering can't always have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Hindi araw-araw ay may isang bilyonaryong pagkakatiwalaan ang kompanya nila.
"Lucien... De Sauveur..." Tila narinig niya na ang pangalan na iyon. He just couldn't recall where and when.
"Papa, what's for dinner?" Cyla asked, tugging his shirt.
Napayuko siya sa anak. "What do you like, anak?" Hinaplos niya ang buhok nito.
"Mmm... something with sabaw!"
"Sinigang?"
"Yum!" Tumango-tango ito.
Napangiti siya. "I'll just send this email, darling. Then I'll start to cook."
"Okie dokie!" Lumabas na ang anak niya ng kuwarto.
Terrence started to compose an email. Uncle Johnny asked him to personally email the client. Unang beses ito.
Bonne journee, Monsieur De Sauveur!
The link provided below directs you to all your personally requested files such as; the blueprints, the designs, and the digital 3D model for our building project. Once clicked, it automatically downloads on your computer.
We are all looking forward to meeting you this Friday.
Until then.
Always at your service,
Engr. Terrence David L. Aranzamendez
Project Head/Senior Engineer
Vice-President, Sagittarius Engineering Inc.
"Papa!" Cyla called from outside the room.
He pressed "Send" and got up from his seat. Paglabas niya ng kuwarto ay hinila agad ni Cyla ang kamay niya.
"Can I cook with you, Papa?" she asked, with her thick Australian accent.
"Ask in Filipino."
"Puwede po bang... ahm... luto tayo... magkasama?"
Napangiti siya. Puwede na rin. "Magluluto tayong dalawa," he carried her.
"Papa! You should stop carrying me. I'm already eight and I'm a big girl na!"
"Nagpapabuhat ka sa Daddy Matthew mo, pero hindi na sa'kin?"
Humagikgik ito at yumakap sa leeg niya. "Daddy Matt is so strong!!! Mama said she loves pinching Daddy Matt's biceps. Do you have biceps, Papa? And abs?"
"What?!" Terrence over reacted, his daughter finds it funny.
Also, he's a little bit surprise that Cyla already has knowledge about... biceps, abs? Ano kayang itinuturo ni Frances dito?
Pagkadating sa kusina ay naghanap ng ingredients si Terrence. Thankfully, they all have the ingredients to cook Sinigang.
Terrence spent the whole night cooking, eating, and talking with his daughter. Interesado siyang nakikinig sa mga kuwento ng anak. Minsan tungkol sa school, madalas tungkol sa pagsasama nina Frances at Matthew.
His cousin is so whipped! Naisip niyang isali si Matthew sa Bible study group nila ng kaibigan niyang si Dale. Sino pa ba ang mga pinsan niyang nandito sa Maynila ngayon at nang mahikayat niya?
When it's Cyla's bedtime came, Terrence made sure his daughter washed up, changed to her pajamas, and already brushed her teeth.
"Good night, darling."
"Good night, Papa! I'll see you tomorrow. I love you with all my heart!" she sweetly said and kissed his cheek.
Napapikit si Terrence at niyakap ang anak. His heart ached a little. Dalawa na sana ang anak niyang babae ngayon pero...
Iba ang plano ng Panginoon.
"I love you with my all, anak. Pray before you sleep." He kissed her forehead. "Jesus loves you."
Pagkabalik niya sa sariling kuwarto, iginala ni Terrence ang paningin.
Kahit ilang buwan na, hindi pa rin siya sanay na wala si Eunice... na hindi niya katabi si Eunice...
Hindi niya lang masabi sa asawa, pero hirap na hirap siyang wala ito sa tabi niya. The very thing that keeps Terrence persevering is their reverence to the Lord.
He had to obey and let his wife answer her calling in Paris. She's living a great life, he can see. Lahat yata ng tao doon ay kinagigiliwan ang asawa niya. She's more alive. Kahit papaano, nababawasan ang pagka-miss ni Eunice sa anak sana nila...
His heart ached more than a little. Huminga siya ng malalim at tinawag ang Diyos.
Masaya naman si Terrence. Walang pagkukunwari ang ligaya niya para sa asawa, sa harap ng anak niya.
Pero minsan napapatanong lang siya, bakit... bakit may naiwan na kirot sa dibdib niya?
What could be God's purpose for allowing the pain to linger in his heart?
Eksaktong pagkatapos ng dasal ay tumunog ang cellphone niya.
He received a chat from Eunice;
I'm home, my engineer! Call me when you're not busy. I had a very loooong day.
He was about to call her, but his phone notified an email from Mr. De Sauveur.
He opened the client's email first.
Merci beaucop! Thank you very much, Engr. Aranzamendez! I didn't know the company's vice-president will personally take care of this project. I'm beyond honored!
In a different note, how's your very beautiful wife?
***
Let's get connected!
Official FB Pages: FGirlWriter and C.D. De Guzman
~~~
Join our family!
FB Group: CDisciples
Twitter: CDisciplesHome