Chapter 13: Love and Lies
"ANG benta naman ng asawa mo, Eunice."
She laughed at the comment as little girls started to crowd around Terrence. Nag-volunteer ang asawa niya sa munting event ng church para sa mga bata. Once a month lang nangyayari iyon at nang sumakto ang bakasyon ni Terrence ay pumayag itong kumanta.
Terrence sang two Christian songs for children while playing an acoustic guitar. Pagkatapos nitong kumanta, dinumog ito ng mga bata bigla! Pero mukhang hindi naman nagulat si Terrence. Instead, he patiently and joyfully entertained the children.
"He's a good father, so the children could have sense the security in him," aniya at saka itinuloy ang pag-prepare ng mga materials para sa art session ng mga bata pagkatapos ng music session.
"Siguro nang nasa college pa ang asawa mo, laging tinitilian ng mga kolehiyala," biro ng co-Sunday school teacher niya.
Tumango-tango siya. "He was! May small band sila ng mga pinsan niya no'ng college. They used to perform during their college events."
"Hala! I can imagine the 'kilig'!"
"Para siyang si Jesus, dinudumog ng mga bata," ani Tita Gena, natutuwa sa nakikita. "Nang huling bisita sa'yo ng asawa mo ay nag-volunteer din siya dito, hindi ba? Nakakatuwa kayong mag-asawa. You have the heart to serve."
"Salamat talaga kay Lord, Tita, at pinagtiyagaan ako ni Terrence," aniya, natatawa din. "I didn't know I can serve until he introduced his faith to me."
"May purpose talaga ang lahat ng bagay at hindi basta aksidente lang. In-eksakto ni Lord na kung mamimikot ka, si Terrence na."
"Tita!"
They burst out laughing. Hindi naman na na-o-offend si Eunice sa katotohanan na iyon. Dahil alam niyang napatawad na siya sa mapangahas niyang mga paraan noon.
"Pero totoong napakagaling ni Lord, Tita," sabi ni Eunice. Napatingin na siya ulit kay Terrence na napakalma na ang mga batang babae. "'Yung mga pagkakamali natin, kahit masaktan tayo, ginawan Niyang daan para ma-lead tayo sa landas papunta sa Kanya."
Tumango si Tita Gena. "Most of the times, our greatest mistakes can lead us to the greatest One who can correct it."
"Amen!" sabay-sabay na sambit pa ng mga taong nakarinig sa kanila.
They all shared a joyful laugh as they completed their task. Tita Gena went to the stage.
"Children, let's say 'Maraming salamat' to our special guest. Kuya Terrence will sing for us, again, next time!"
Sabay-sabay na nagpasalamat ang mga bata na naghahalo ang mga edad mula sa lima hanggang labing-dalawang taong gulang. They have over 40 participants that day.
Umayos nang tayo si Terrence at kumaway sa mga bata. He charmingly smiled like how he smiles at Cyla, with his brown eyes sparkling.
"It's time for the next activity! You can join your Sunday school teachers now."
Agad na nagsilapitan kay Eunice ang siyam niyang estudyante. Unang-una ang apat na "admirers" niya, siyempre. Nagtutulakan pa.
"Be kind to one another, boys. And be careful," marahang paalala niya sa mga ito.
The five girls were giggling while taking their seats.
"Teacher, Kuya Terrence is your husband, right?" tanong ni Helga.
"He's so guwapo!" Joie exclaimed.
"His eyes are brown!" Grizelda pointed.
"Can we have a picture with him?" Ellis asked.
Umupo siya sa harap ng mga ito. "Sure, you can!" aniya. "We'll take a picture with him after this activity."
"Merci beaucoup, Teacher!" Shamitha hugged her.
"How about you, boys?" baling niya kina Lev, Pax, Evander, at Clement.
Sabay-sabay na umiling ang mga ito. Nakasimangot pa. Ayaw ng mga ito kay Terrence dahil asawa niya. These four romantic boys saw him as their greatest rival for Eunice's heart.
Natawa at napailing-iling na lang siya at saka ipinaliwanag sa mga ito ang gagawin. "Draw and color your most favorite thing na okay lang sa inyo na mawala. Basta si Jesus ang kapalit."
They have an hour to finish their craft.
Nagsimula nang gumuhit ang mga babae habang nag-uusap. Habang ang apat na lalaki ay focused na focused sa pagko-color agad.
Matiyagang in-obserbahan ni Eunice ang mga ito. Mahigit kalahating taon niya nang kasama ang siyam na bata, at kahit makukulit, nakuha niya ang tiwala ng mga ito.
She's contented watching them, learning about their different personalities, and witnessing their growth every week.
Nangalumbaba siya at napaisip, kung buhay lang ang baby nila ni Terrence, siguro ngayon nag-uumpisa na rin niyang makita ang personality nito kahit sanggol pa lang...
Maybe, baby Love inherited her father's brown eyes. Maybe, their baby would enjoy playing with her Ate Cyla, and would appreciate good music whenever Terrence sings. Baby Love could have been very pretty wearing clothes that her Mommy had designed and sewn personally...
Eunice stopped right there. If she'll go more further, she'd cry. Humugot siya nang malalim na hininga at ibinalik ang atensyon sa mga bata.
Unang natapos ang apat na lalaki. They proudly presented their artworks. Isa-isa ring natapos ang mga batang babae. Nang maipasa na ng mga ito ang ginawa ay oras na para kumain.
Helga led the prayer first, and then Ellis helped her to distribute the snacks.
Habang kumakain ang mga ito ay nag-excuse muna si Eunice. Kumuha siya ng isang buong baguette at bottled fruit juice. Pagkatapos ay dinala niya iyon sa backstage.
Agad niyang nakita si Terrence, mag-isa itong nakaupo habang may ginagawa sa phone nito.
"Let's eat!" aya niya rito.
Agad itong napaangat ng tingin. Ngumiti. "Art session's finished?"
Tumango siya at tumabi dito. Binigay niya rito ang bottle fruit juice. Pagkatapos ay hinati niya ang baguette sa dalawa. "Kanina ka pang mag-isa dito?"
Inilapag nito ang phone sa lamesa. "I was talking with the worship team earlier. Kaaalis nga lang nila to practice for tomorrow's service. Nag-che-check lang ako ng emails, when you came."
"The kids love you! Gustong magpa-picture ng mga girls ko sa'yo."
"How about the boys?" ngisi nito.
"Nah! They don't like you for me."
He chuckled and reached for the bread. "Mas dumami ang mga bata ngayon. Last time I visited, hindi pa ganoon karami."
Tumango siya. "The members are growing exponentially. Hindi na lang mga Filipinos ang uma-attend. Marami-rami na ring Parisian locals. God is really blessing this church. Kulang pa rin sa volunteers, but we don't stop praying for and encouraging new members to serve."
Nakatitig lang nang mataman sa kanya ang asawa habang kumakain.
Inipit niya ang buhok sa likod ng tainga. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You've grown so much here, baby. You are really called to serve here in Paris." He gently touched her arm. "Hinding-hindi ako magsisising pinayagan kitang umalis ng Pilipinas para dito. Para sa Panginoon."
"I know it's hard for us, but I'll come home soon," she assured him.
"Of course." Nagpatuloy na ito sa pagkain ng tinapay. "Ano lang ba ang dalawa o tatlong taon? You also get to flourish your talent. Lahat ng 'to, preparation para sa mas malaking blessing pa na padating sa buhay natin, Eunice."
There's something about in Terrence's tone that Eunice noticed. It sounded like his convincing someone or something.
"But if you need me by your side, you know I'll come home in a heartbeat," she said.
Kahit ano namang plano ni Eunice sa buhay, she will still gladly submit to Terrence if he ordered her to stay in Philippines. Dahil may relasyon ito sa Panginoon, oras na pauwiin siya ng asawa, ibig sabihin ay utos din iyon ng Diyos. Kaya susunod talaga siya.
Ngumiti si Terrence, ngiting nanalo ng jackpot. "I know that, baby. I know..." Titig na titig na naman ito sa kanya. "I'm so in love with you."
Nayakap niya ito at akmang hahalikan, pero napahinto siya nang tumunog ng malakas ang cellphone nito.
Sabay pa silang napatingin kung sino ang tumatawag.
"Si Minnah," aniya nang makita ang pangalan. Lumayo siya sa asawa. "Answer it. Baka importante."
Napakunot-noo ito. Sinagot nito iyon pero hindi umalis sa harap niya. Tahimik na kumain si Eunice ng tinapay.
"It's a Saturday, Minnah. I told you I won't entertain any work calls."
Hala, ang sungit.
Nakinig ito sa kabilang linya. "You could have just emailed it if it's not that urgent."
Aalis sana si Eunice pero hinawakan siya ni Terrence sa kamay at hinila pabalik sa tabi nito.
Napabuga ito ng hangin. "I'm sorry, Minnah," he said, gentler and calmer. "I understand you. I'll call you once I checked the email. Thank you."
Ibinaba na nito ang call. Malalim ang buntong-hininga ni Terrence habang nakatingin sa cellphone nito. His eyes showed great concern.
She tapped his back. Napatingin ito sa kanya.
"Don't stop praying for her," aniya. "I think she's just like me before. Someday, she'll go back to God."
♥♥♥
EUNICE and Terrence were both enjoying their tour around the city of Rome.
Pero habang naglalakad-lakad at kumukuha ng litrato ay palaging tumutunog ang cellphone ni Terrence. Wala itong magawa kundi sagutin ang tawag ni Minnah dahil sa trabaho.
Nagkikibit-balikat na lang si Eunice. Pagbalik ni Terrence ay kunot na kunot ang noo nito. Parang mauubusan na ng pasensya.
"Chill, engineer. Inhale-exhale," pagpapakalma niya dito. She rubbed his back.
Terrence turned-off his phone and put it inside his pocket. Pagkuwa'y ngumiti na ito. "Let's take more pictures together. Cyla wanted me to send her a lot of photos."
Pagkatapos ng tour ay bumalik sila sa hotel para makapaghanda sa dinner date nilang mag-asawa. The moment Terrence turned on his phone, again, agad na pumasok ang tawag ni Minnah.
Natawa na lang siya sa pagsimangot ng asawa. Sinagot ni Terrence ang tawag ni Minnah. Tapos na si Eunice sa pag-aayos ng sarili pero nasa phone pa rin ang mga ito.
Kung noon siguro at kung normal lang ang sitwasyon, nairita na siguro siya.
On their last night in Rome, Minnah still kept on calling.
Akmang sasagutin iyon ni Terrence, pero inagaw ni Eunice ang phone, ibinaba ang call, at saka pinatay ang cellphone. She tossed it on the couch after.
"I like that," ani Terrence, nakangisi habang hinihila siya sa kama.
She giggled and made love with him the whole night.
Hanggang sa makabalik na ulit sila sa Paris ay nakapatay pa rin ang cellphone ni Terrence. Nagche-check na lang ito ng email gamit ang Ipad niya. Mukhang mas nag-e-enjoy itong walang cellphone.
"Now we're back here for the weekend, can I invite Soleil over dinner later?" she asked him.
"Sure, if she's available."
Napatingin si Eunice sa phone at nag-isip kung tatawagan niya ba si Soleil. Her friend had been updating her for the whole week, kung anong nangyari sa family reunion nito at kung anong ganap sa work. However, Soleil never mentioned anything about Lucien, still.
Pumapasok-pasok pa rin sa isipan niya kung tatanungin niya na ba at ipapaalam dito ang nakita niya last week. Pero naisip niya rin na hayaan na lang muna ang kaibigan at maghintay pa kung kailan ito magiging handa na sabihin sa kanya ang tungkol doon.
Hi, Soleil! We're back in Paris until tomorrow. Let's have dinner here in our place. Terrence will cook.
Nauwi na lang sa text ang dapat ay pagtawag niya. Baka kasi hindi mapigilan ni Eunice ang bibig niya kapag tumawag siya.
Inaayos niya ang laundry nang mag-reply ito.
Oh, sorry! I have a date tonight. I'll also be at my parent's house tomorrow. Maybe next weekend?
Napakurap siya. This could be a good timing for the topic.
Date! Is it the same man you mentioned before? Hmm?
Is it Lucien? Gusto niya sanang idugtong iyon. Pero s-in-end niya na lang agad ang message na walang binabanggit na pangalan.
Oui!
Tipid at simpleng reply nito na ibig sabihin ay "yes" lang. Walang kadugtong o ano. Parang ayaw nitong mas pag-usapan pa ang tungkol sa ka-date nito.
Looks like you really like the guy. You've been going out with him for a while now, right? she texted back.
Hinintay ni Eunice ang reply nito. Pero na-dryer niya na at natupi ang mga damit ay hindi pa rin tumugon ang kaibigan.
Napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. Lord, teach me to be more patient. And take care of Soleil. I hope she'll tell me about it soon. Hindi naman po ako magagalit kung si Lucien talaga ang gusto niya.
Eunice does not want to think highly of herself, pero sana naka-move on na talaga si Lucien sa kanya at hindi lang rebound si Soleil.
Lumabas siya ng laundry room at dumiretso sa kusina kung saan nagluluto si Terrence. He's wearing her bright yellow apron and still, he's the most handsome man in her eyes.
Niyakap niya ito mula sa likod. "Soleil's still not telling me about her and Lucien. And I hope Lucien's not just using my friend."
"We can hope for the best."
Sinubsob niya ang mukha sa malapad nitong likod. "I just know how adult relationships work here. I mean, kahit sa Pilipinas naman uso ang open relationship at casual sex. Pero mas liberated ang tao dito. I really, really hope it's more than that for Soleil and Lucien. Sana hindi lang rebound ang kaibigan ko. Masakit kaya 'yon."
"I don't know if you've noticed, pero halos magkatulad kayo ni Soleil sa maraming bagay. The way you dress, smile, converse, and even, eat."
Napakurap siya. Humarap ito sa kanya. "You haven't noticed, have you?"
Now that Terrence mentioned it, oo nga! "Lagi kasi siguro kaming magkasama. Kasi, nasa iisang team lang kami. And Soleil's a really sweet girl, college pa lang kami. Ganoon naman iyon, hindi ba? Unconciously, may na-a-adapt ka sa lagi mong kasama. Baka may na-adapt din ako sa kanya."
Nagkibit-balikat ito. Alam niyang may gusto itong ipunto, pero hindi na lang nito pinagpatuloy.
"Prepare the table, malapit na 'kong matapos dito. And can you turn on my phone? I think no one would call me from the Philippines at this hour."
Alas-sais na kasi kaya hatinggabi na panigurado sa Pilipinas.
"We should call Cyla tomorrow," paalala niya sa asawa. She turned on his phone. Wala pa sigurong limang segundo ay nagpasukan na ang lahat ng messages.
Galing kay Minnah.
"I think your ex was mad because she can't contact you," she teased him. Hindi niya binubuksan ang messages pero nakikita niya lang ang preview. At napakadaming text na kay Minnah lang lahat galing.
"She's too demanding," angal nito.
"Siya yata ang boss mo, eh," napapailing na lang siya habang natatawa pa rin. Dapat hindi niya ginagawang biro, pero she just wants to lighten up the mood, so her husband won't get stressed.
"I should just fire her."
"Not now, perhaps." Ibinaba niya na ang phone nito sa lamesa. "She's harmless naman. A little bit more and we would know her real story."
"I hope so, Eunice. I hope so."
♥♥♥
"DO NOT LIE. It's not just a simple commandment. It was ordered because it can destroy and leave a very big damage if we disobeyed. Hindi lang basta-basta naglalapag ang Diyos ng kautusan dahil 'trip' Niya. He knows that if we spread false truths, we mislead innocent people to a wrong belief. Thus, these innocent victims were sinning, nang hindi pa nila alam.
"The consequence of lying is beyond what we have experienced maybe. Don't think ever think na kayo lang ang apektado. Hindi lang ang nagsinungaling ang mapapakamak, ngunit kasama na rin ang mga naniwala sa kasinungalingan nito. As much as possible, speak the truth. But speak the truth in love, brothers and sisters.
"Speak the truth, not with the intention of harming because that's pride and self-righteousness talking.
"Truth hurts. Yes. Masakit na nga ang katotohan, kaya naman, you don't have to be rude in saying it. Truth hurts, but it should not be an excuse to be rude. Hindi mo na kailangang dagdagan ang sakit sa paraan nang pagkakasabi nito.
"You can't control how will people respond. But you can control your choice of words, your tone, your timing.
"Kapag hindi pa sila nagising sa katotohanan, kahit sinabi mo na, si Lord ang bahalang pumalo sa kanila ng mas malakas. Hindi mo trabaho iyon.
"Huwag kang manggigil. The person opposing you is not an enemy. You know who's the real enemy. Huwag nating hayaan ang demonyo na gamitin ang mga bibig natin. Dahil madalas, imbes na sa 'truth' naka-focus, sa kung paano mo sinabi nagkakaroon ng conflict. Tama ba? Mapapahamak ka pa kasi tama ang sinabi mo, pero mali ang paraan mo. You see how chaotic social media is?
"Speak the truth in love, with the intention of correcting because you want that person to be better. Be tactful. Mind your words. Freedom of speech was not given to be abused and just say anything you feel like saying.
"Tingin niyo 'yung mga pinalaya sa kulungan, pinalaya sila para maghasik ng krimen ulit? No. They were freed because they were disciplined and were expected to live responsibly by their own, and not to commit the same mistakes, again. When there's freedom, a great responsibility comes with it. When we were given the freedom of speech, we were expected to be responsible of our words.
"You can speak the truth, tell the truth with kindness and gentleness. You can speak the truth in that manner. Kahit masakit ang katotohanan, may dalang comfort sa taong pinagsabihan mo dahil sa paraan kung paano mo ito ipinarating. At kung nahipo ng Diyos ang puso ng kausap mo, magiging thankful pa iyan sa'yo.
"But before you open your mouth, open your heart to God first. Pray. Ask for the Holy spirit to fill you. Fuel your heart by reading His word....
"That way, you could avoid lying and have the power to be honest without being rude, and to speak the truth with love. Do not forget that what comes out from our mouths are what defiles us. And once you talk, it will greatly expose the real you. Because the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
"Kaya kung puro hate ang nasa puso mo, puro hate ang lalabas sa bibig mo. If your heart is full of yourself, puro yabang ang lalabas sa bibig mo. But if your heart is filled with God, you're going to bless and inspire people from all the words that comes out from you—whether you are speaking it or even just posting on your social media accounts.
"Assess yourself. Ano ang mahilig niyong sabihin? Madalas niyong sambitin? Ano ang mahilig niyong pag-usapan ng asawa mo, ng pamilya niyo, ng mga kaibigan mo... Check your social media and your posts. Kung ano man iyan, iyan ang tunay na laman ng puso mo.
"Ang tanong, is it glorifying to the Lord? Is it the truth? Is it about the love of God? Is it about God?
"Before I end this message, let us always remember that Jesus didn't die for us to lie. He didn't sacrifice his life for us to have an excuse to humiliate others by being brutally honest because of our freedom to express our opinions.
"He was nailed on the cross because He wants to give us grace. Whenever we speak the truth in love and with love, you are extending this same grace that Christ died for you. Extend Jesus to others, brothers and sisters...
"He's the greatest truth worthy to speak about. God bless you."
Nagpalakpakan ang mga tao. Pero pinakamalakas na palakpak yata ay ang kay Terrence at Eunice.
Eunice inhaled and exhaled. Parang hindi siya humihinga habang nagsasalita ang pastor nila. The message was so timely. Natamaan talaga siya! Diretsong-diretso sa puso.
Still, praise God for today! Her soul was filled again.
Hinapit siya ni Terrence sa baywang at kinintilan siya ng halik sa sentido. "I love you, baby," he randomly whispered. "I won't get tired of saying that because my heart is full of you."
"Kasisimba pa lang natin, pero ang harot mo na."
He laughed and embraced her tightly.
Tuwing umaga nagtuturo ng Sunday school si Eunice. Kaya naman pagkatapos ng second service na iyon ay nakauwi na rin sila agad ni Terrence. Nagbigay si Tita Gena ng lunch kaya ininit na lang 'yon ng asawa at iyon ang pinagsaluhan nila.
They video called Cyla after lunch. Habang kausap ito ay nag-e-empake na si Eunice para sa pagpunta naman nila ni Terrence sa Champagne.
"Papa, I got a perfect score in my Math exam! And I won the first place in Math quiz bee for grade 2!
"Good job! That's my girl!" proud na proud ang Papa Terrence.
"Mana ka kay Papa, sweetie," aniya.
Cyla giggled. "Mama told me that too, Mommy Eunice. Papa loves Math. I love Math, too!"
"I'm very proud of you, anak." Terrence is beaming with pride. Kumikinang pa yata ang mga mata nito. "But even if you didn't win or got a perfect score, I'm still proud of you. Don't forget to thank Jesus, alright?"
"Yes, Papa! Can I ask for a prize?"
"Anong gusto mo, anak?"
"A baby brother from you and Mommy Eunice!"
Ang lakas ng tawa ni Eunice. Sana madali lang. "Not so soon, sweetheart. But what about I make you two beautiful dresses?"
Cyla squealed and nodded. "Okay, Mommy! I love when you make me a dress. I always feel like a princess."
Siguro ay inabot ng tatlong oras ang pakikipag-usap nila sa anak. Madaming kuwento ang bata tungkol sa school at may "trivia" pa tungkol kina Matthew at Frances na lagi daw nag-aaway pero nagki-kiss naman daw sa dulo.
They ended the call since it's bedtime for Cyla in the Philippines. Tinulungan na siya ni Terrence sa pag-e-empake. At pagkatapos ay naglinis din sila ng apartment para bukas ng umaga ay aalis na lang sila.
Maya-maya pa'y tumunog ang cellphone nito. Si Minnah.
Napangiwi siya. Terrence sighed, yet he answered the call and excused himself.
Tumango lang siya at hinayaan ito. Meanwhile, she reached for her own phone. She started to type the message for her friend. Sa text na lang niya sasabihin para hindi naman ito ma-caught off-guard kung tatawagan niya.
Hello, Soleil. I texted because I was convicted earlier by God's message. Since you're one of the person I trust the most, I want to be honest with you. :)
Two days before my vacation leave, Terrence and I had a date night in Moulin Rouge. When we're about to go home, I saw you... With Lucien. You kissed, and I was surprised. I felt a little off to realize that you could have been dating him all this time while I was ranting about him to you.
But after a prayer, I was able to calm down. I love you and I understand if he's the man you like most. I'm not mad. And it's okay if you don't want to tell me anything yet even after this. I'll respect your decision. I'll wait. I will always be ready to listen to you, okay? No judgement. Just pure love. See you soon!
Praying for you always. Xoxo.
Eunice sent the message after a short prayer. She's not expecting a quick reply or a call from her. Ang mahalaga, nasabi niya na ang kailangang sabihin dito.
That night, she prayed together with Terrence. Ang focus ng prayer nila ay ang mga tao sa paligid nila. Eunice prayed for Addie and Soleil. Damay na din sina Caelan at Lucien.
Nakatulog siya nang sobrang himbing at may mapayapang puso.
Though that peace was short-lived.
Kinabukasan, paalis na sila ni Terrence papuntang Champagne. Palabas na sana sila ng apartment, ngunit biglang tumawag si Madame Lilou.
Agad niyang sinagot iyon. "Bonjour, Madame!" masaya pang bati niya.
"Eunice, please report to the office now. I sent you an email. Look at the photos and explain everything to me. I don't want to believe it. Maybe it's fabricated!" na-a-alarmang bulalas nito.
Her smile faded. "P-Photos?"
Napalingon sa kanya si Terrence nang makitang nagmamadali siyang ilabas ang Ipad. She opened her email and instantly got her boss' email.
Eunice's whole body shook when she saw the pictures!
Lahat iyon ay totoong nangyari. Pero kung titignan ang anggulo kung paano iyon kinuhanan, halatang sinadya na magmukhang may namamagitan sa kanila ni Lucien.
Sino ang kumuha ng mga iyon?!
Even the pictures of her and Lucien from long time ago were attached... The kissing, the dirty dancing in the night club...
No...
"Kalat na kalat sa buong opisina that you're cheating on your husband. That you have an affair with Lucien De Sauveur! God, Eunice! All the employees received an email containing all those photos of you and Mr. De Sauveur, two weeks ago! And just now, the email was sent to the executives! They want to pull you out from the London Fashion Show. Report to my office and explain everything! This is destroying your image and reputation to the whole company!"
***
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