Gathering

“GOOD MORNING!”

I smiled while facing the stove while cooking.

“Morning. How was your sleep?” I asked as I glanced at him, he was still not wearing his shirt, so I chose to refocus on cooking.

“It was good. Hmm, breakfast looks good, huh?” he said huskily.

I was shocked when I heard his voice behind my ear. I could feel the warmth of his breath under my skin.

“Y-yeah, I’ll prepare bacon and sausages,” I replied casually, did not want to affect his presence behind me.

“Hmm, sounds delicious,” he mumbled.

I close my mouth instinctively and swallowed the word I was about to spout. My forehead was also sweating because he seemed to be watching what I was doing.

“Can I use your shower?” he mumbled again.

I nervously nodded. Thankful that he didn’t speak anymore. I just heard the rush of the water from the shower, indicating that he was definitely bathing.

I finished serving breakfast and suddenly heard a series of doorbell sounds from outside.

I took off my apron for a moment before heading to the door to open it.

My eyes flashed with worry, and my lovely face drained of blood when I saw who’s at the doorstep. He looks very ruthless and intense, causing me to be lost in my mind for a long while.

“Lawrence?!” I finally got the voice.

“Hi. Good morning!” he greeted. I immediately looked down at the flower he was holding.

“W-what are you doing here?!” I stammered. Immediately rebuilt the heart. I just turned to peek at Peter inside too.

He glanced quietly, walked in, and wandered around. “Can we talk?”

“Hah! M-maybe some other time? I’ll be busy the whole today. I’m sorry,” I quickly said. I close my eyes. Damn! Why those fucking words stuttering from my mouth?!

“Margaux, we need to talk. I already talked to Dad, and—” he paused.

His face suddenly darkened, and he looked at me from behind.

I quickly glanced at Peter, wearing his fucking boxer shorts. Blood rushing throughout my veins, and right now, I feel like I wanted a heart attack.

“What is he doing here?!” Lawrence’s voice is low and rumble.

I lowered my head ashamedly. I could not speak. I wanted to hide into a hole at the moment to avert his gaze.

“You have a visitor. I’ll get a towel first. I’ll just get dressed,” Peter stated.

I bit my lip hard as I felt his footsteps away.

“That bastard!” he asked with disbelief. His cold, piercing eyes look as if it’s an eagle looking at its prey.

“What exactly are you doing here, Mr. Saavedra?” My voice cracked slightly, even my toes were trembling, but I remained composed, even though I knew he wanted to eat me whole.

He chuckled. “No, nothing. I think we have nothing more to talk about,” he coldly said.

He has already begun to step away. I just kept standing. I want to stop him and explain what he just saw.

But I couldn’t. I didn’t even try to chase him. I made my final decisions. I will raise the child alone and starts something new.

“Won’t you talk to him?”

I have a glimpse of Peter at my side. He is now wearing his T-shirt and the pants that he wore last night.

“I’m a man too. I know what’s running through his mind right now,” he added.

I shook, slowly holding back the tears I had been holding back. It seems like now I feel more pain in exchange for my decision.

I’m letting him go, not because I don’t love him. I’m letting him go because loving him has no meaning if it’s only pains me.

I love him to the point it hurts. But it hurts more to hold on. And sometimes it has to be done, not mad, not upset, just done.

***

“BESTIE!”

I widely smiled since I heard Cindy’s voice on the other line.

“How are you? When are you going to visit me in Manila?” I asked immediately.

“Sorry, bestie, Carrick and I plan to open a new boutique here in San Simon, so it might take a while before I can visit you.”

I pouted my lips. I lay down on the bed and caressed the bulge of my stomach.

“I’ve missed you,” I just whispered over the phone.

“I know that. I miss you too, so I called you because you were invited to Jocko’s birthday bash!” she excitedly said.

“Birthday bash?” I furrowed my brows.

“Yes, because they don’t know how to contact you, so he just told me you were invited and Peter.”

“Uh, all right.”

“Hmm, do you want to spill something?” Her question is sarcastic.

I was out of breath, I want to tell her about my pregnancy, but I was losing courage. I know she will not just sit and be silent to one side.

“No, nothing . . .” I refused.

“I heard you and Peter are already dating. Is it true?”

I chuckled. “We’re good friends. Nothing special between the two of us.”

“Really? Well, if you are happy with each other’s company, I do not mind if you have something,” she teasingly said.

“We’re friends, you know me, right?”

“Okay, then, that’s what you said.” And she dropped the call. At that point, I sank into deep thought.

A great trembling arose in my heart when I thought about Lawrence. What if he finds out about my pregnancy? I shook my head down and tried to go to sleep.

***

“ARE YOU SURE about this?” Peter asked me confusingly.

A few minutes later, his car parked right in front of the Saavedra Resort, where Jocko’s birthday party will be held.

“Yes,” I bravely said.

Peter held my hand tightly. “Don’t worry, I’ll be at your side,” he said with thick of promise.

Even though I was relieved, I still couldn’t help but be nervous.

I walked on the beach with breath in my lungs, and the salty breeze whipped my hair. I watched the raging light and darkness courageously on my feet.

The golden orbs rose from the horizon, spreading their magnificent rays of lights everywhere. From here, I could see the strong waves as if inviting me to swim. Even the trees greeted us when we arrived.

“Welcome to Saavedra Resort!”

I smiled at some staff who greeted us when we arrived. Peter went straight to the reception desk to check our room. While waiting, I couldn’t help but look around. Although nothing is new but I a strong throbbing on my chest, knowing that Lawrence is around.

“Rest first, I’ll just go upstairs to check my room,” Peter said while scanning the whole room.

“I’m okay, Peter. I can handle myself,” I softly said before smiling.

“Just call me if there is a problem. I’ll pick you up at seven, all right?” He spoke in a very natural tone.

“Thanks. But I’m fine, I swear.”

He did not speak again, although I knew he did not want to leave me yet. I just want to rest as well because of the long trip.

I slumped on the soft bed as I crumpled every moment. I closed my eyes forcedly, I wanted to sleep, but my mind refused.

Until a call from my cellphone woke me up.

“Bestie, where are you?!”

I woke up because of Cindy’s loud voice from the other line.

“We’re here,” I said calmly.

“Oh, gosh! We’re on our way. We’re still here in San Felipe because Carrick is still taking care of some stuff. See you later, enjoy yourself, bye!” I drop the call and ready for the party tonight.