23

As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, it felt like the universe had finally aligned in our favor. The storm that had ravaged our relationship had begun to subside, leaving behind a sense of calm and serenity. We held hands, our fingers intertwined like the threads of a tapestry, a testament to our unyielding love.

Despite the pain we had endured, we continued to cling to each other, our bond strengthened by the trials we had faced. It was as if we had weathered the tempests of fate, emerging stronger and more resilient with each passing day.

But, as if sensing our happiness, destiny seemed to stir once more, its dark tendrils reaching out to snuff out the flame of our love. It was as if the universe had decreed that we were not meant to be, that our happiness was a fleeting dream, a momentary lapse in the grand tapestry of fate.

And so, just as we thought we had finally found our footing, just as we thought we had emerged from the shadows of heartache, destiny struck again, its cruel hand reaching out to shatter our fragile peace. The cycle of pain and heartache began anew, a relentless drumbeat that threatened to consume us whole.

Why must it be so? Why must our love be forever plagued by the whims of fate? Can we never find a moment's peace, a sa fleeting instant of happiness, without the universe conspiring against us? The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, a vortex of despair that threatened to drag ame under.

"Are you ready, milove?" Jarred asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement. We had decided to take a vacation, to escape the pain and heartache that had threatened to consume us.

Canada was our destination, a place of breathtaking beauty and tranquility. This would be our second out-of-town trip together, and I couldn't wait to explore this new place with my husband.

"Yes," I replied, trying to sound calm despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Although the pain of our recent struggles still lingered, I was determined to work through it. We were married, and we needed to face our challenges together.

Jarred's eyes lit up as he told me, "In 30 minutes away where we are, we'll be able to see the aurora borealis." I felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of witnessing this rare phenomenon. And I was grateful to be experiencing it with Jarred, the love of my life.

"Let's go?" I asked, and Jarred nodded. He took my hand, and we walked together to the car. As we drove, I leaned on his shoulder, savoring the warmth and comfort of his presence. We had been through so much lately, and it had taken a toll on both of us. But despite the hurt and the exhaustion, we had found a way to hold onto each other.

As we drove, Jarred whispered, "I'm so happy to experience this with you." He kissed the temple of my head, and I felt a rush of love and gratitude.

"I'm happy too," I replied, smiling. "We'll see the aurora borealis with our baby." I caressed my tummy, feeling a sense of wonder and excitement.

Jarred's voice was filled with emotion as he whispered, "I can't wait to see our baby. I'll be waiting for her." I smiled, feeling my heart swell with love for this man and our unborn child.

As we arrived at our destination, we were both bubbling with excitement. There were other people there, some of whom had set up tents. I quickly grabbed my camera and positioned it behind us to capture a video of our experience. And then, we waited, our eyes fixed on the sky, ready to witness the breathtaking beauty of the aurora borealis.

The sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors, we stood there, mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of the aurora borealis. Jarred wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me close as we gazed up at the celestial display.

I felt his warm breath on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His chest pressed against my back, and I could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong. I leaned into him, feeling safe and loved.

As we watched the aurora borealis dance across the sky, Jarred whispered, "Promise me, love, that no matter what challenges we face, we'll always find our way back to each other."

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "I promise, Jarred. Hindi ako aalis at hindi kita iiwan."

Jarred's arms tightened around me, holding me close. "And I promise to always be here for you, to support you and love you, no matter what."

As we made our promises to each other, the aurora borealis seemed to swirl and pulse with an otherworldly energy, as if the universe itself was witnessing our vows.

We stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, watching the celestial display, our hearts filled with love, hope, and a renewed commitment to each other. In that moment, I knew that our love was strong enough to overcome any obstacle, and that we would face whatever the future held, together.

"Jar? Is that you?" a woman's voice cut through our intimate moment, shattering the tranquility of the night.

I turned to look at her, and my eyes widened as I recognized her. She was Ms. Tanaka, one of my clients.

But before I could even process her presence, Jarred's eyes had already locked onto hers. "Nadine?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise.

The girl nodded enthusiastically, and before Jarred could react, she had already flung her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. Jarred's body stiffened, and he looked awkward, his arms hanging limply at his sides.

I raised an eyebrow, watching the scene unfold before me. Jarred didn't reciprocate the hug, and instead, looked like he was trying to extricate himself from her grasp.

"Ah, Nadine..." Jarred said, his voice firm but polite, as he gently pried her arms off him.

Kung makayakap kala mo isang Koala? Koala ka girl?

"My wife, Clyde," Jarred said, his introduction sudden and deliberate. I smiled, a possessive gleam in my eye, making it clear that Jarred was mine.

The girl's smile faltered, and she looked taken aback by the introduction. "Oh..." she said, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Hi?"

Her gaze turned back to Jarred, and her expression softened. "My god, Jar, it's been 10 years since we broke up, and look where we are now, in Canada of all places." She chuckled, a faraway look in her eyes. "I still remember when you said you wanted to watch the aurora borealis with me, and now...now we're watching it together."

My face darkened, a storm brewing inside me. I turned to Jarred, my eyes narrowing. He looked nervous, his eyes darting between me and the girl. He let out a nervous chuckle, but it only made things worse.

Tumawa pa nga.

"I don't remember ever saying I wanted to watch the aurora borealis with you," Jarred said, his tone firm but polite. "All I remember is how you cheated on me."

The girl's smile faltered, and she let out an awkward chuckle. "Jar, palabiro ka parin tulad ng dati." she said, trying to downplay the tension.

But Jarred's attention was already focused on me. "Are you hungry, baby?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned.

I looked at the girl blankly, my expression neutral. "Yes," I replied, my voice flat.

Jarred smiled and wrapped his arm around me. "Let's eat, what do you want?" he asked, steering me away from the awkward encounter.

Mas lalo akong naiinis dahil nasa harapan parin namin 'yung babae. Nakiki chismis lang.

"I want carbonara and a chocolate that taste bitter," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. " 'Yung magpaparealize sa mga bitter na papansin na ex sa ex nila at wa'g na maging parang asong ulol sa harapan ng ex nila."

I gave Nadine a long, withering stare, and she raised an eyebrow at me, her anger and annoyance plain on her face.

Jarred chuckled and took my hand. "Alright, baby, I'll take your order now," he said, smiling at me.

Together, we walked away from Nadine, leaving her looking dumbfounded and furious. As we passed her, I couldn't resist giving her a little smirk and sticking out my tongue. Take that, girl.

"Jealous," Jarred whispered, his eyes fixed on me as he sipped his drink.

I swiftly turned to him, my anger simmering just below the surface. But instead of a defensive glare, he simply smiled at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Why would I be jealous of that?" I shot back, my voice laced with indignation. "Mas maganda naman ako..." I added, my tone dripping with confidence.

Ngunit tinawanan lamang ako ni Jarred, mas lalo akong naiinis sa kaniya.

"Hindi naman talaga, bahala kana diyan." I muttered, my words laced with annoyance. I turned my back on him and stalked off, my feet carrying me to a large rock where I plopped down, seeking solitude.

Tumatawa pa talaga siya. Ano bang nakakatawa sa sinabi ko? Meron ba? Dapat sinabi niya kung ano 'yung nakakatawa para naman ma gets ko.

"Hayss, my baby and her hormones," Jarred said with a hint of exasperation.

His words struck a nerve, and I felt a surge of annoyance. I swiftly turned to face him, my eyes narrowing into a piercing stare. The air was charged with tension as I shot him a withering look, my silence screaming volumes.

"Mama mo hormones." Saad ko. Nagsusungit parin. Hindi ko alam pero naiinis ako sa mukha niya. Sa tuwing tignan ko siya ay naalala ako sa pagkayap nung ex niya.

Kainis. Nagpayakap. Magsama sila nung ex niya.

"Love..." he called out, his voice soft and gentle, but I continued to ignore him.

"Come on... 'wag kana po mag selos," he coaxed, his words dripping with amusement.

Selos? Hindi nga sabi ako nagseselos. Naiinis ako sa mukha mo.

"I'm not," I insisted, standing up to leave.

But before I could take a step, he grasped my hand, his lips crashing onto mine in a swift, gentle kiss.

"You don't need to be jealous, baby," he whispered, his eyes locked on mine. "I'm all yours. Ikaw lang, sa'yo lang ako titingin. Ikaw lang po palagi."

His words were a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves, and I felt my anger dissipate. He kissed me again, his lips tender and reassuring.

We spent our vacation wrapped in each other's arms, Jarred's patience a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. Despite my frequent outbursts, he calmly calmed me, his gentle kisses a potent remedy for my temper. He knew exactly how to pacify me, to ease my emotions.

After our whirlwind Canadian adventure, we returned home, but the shadows of the past lingered. The ache of my father's passing still throbbed, and the memory of Danie's presence remained, a permanent mark etched on my skin and in my heart.

Jarred, too, bore scars. Trust issues began to simmer, and he grew increasingly paranoid. Every time I headed home from work, he'd pepper me with questions. Every time Kiraz and I stepped out, he'd probe, his insecurities a constant hum in the background.

"Kaya lang dalawa ni Kiraz?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as I walked in the door, fresh from my mall trip with Kiraz.

"Yes," I replied, but he just raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing.

"Really?" he pressed, his tone dripping with skepticism.

My brows furrowed, irritation simmering. "Kami nga lang dalawa," I insisted.

But then, his expression darkened, and he dropped a bombshell: "Then sino 'yung lalaki na nakita kung kausap mo?"

A spark of anger ignited within me, and I felt my temper flare.

What the heck?

"What?" I spat, anger seething in my voice.

But Jarred's expression remained skeptical. "Clint and I saw you at the mall, Clyde. Sino 'yun?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

I paused, recalling the brief encounter. "Just some random guy who asked for directions," I said firmly.

But Jarred's doubts lingered. "Really? Out of all the people in the mall, he just happened to ask you?"

My frustration boiled over, and I snapped. "What's wrong with you? He just asked for directions! Why can't you believe me?" I shouted.

Jarred's eyes widened, and he took a step back, attempting to placate me. "I-it's not like that, love. I just...I don't know...maybe I'm afraid you'll cheat on me."

His words cut deep, and I felt a stinging pain. "...again," he whispered, my voice trembling.

Jarred's gaze fell, and I knew he was thinking of Danie. The accusation hung in the air, and I felt a wave of despair wash over me.

I shook my head, unable to bear the weight of his distrust. Without a word, I turned and walked away, seeking solace in the silence of our bedroom.

I stumbled into the bathroom, the door creaking shut behind me as I collapsed onto the cold tile floor. The sound of my own ragged breathing echoed off the walls as I buried my face in my hands.

The pain was suffocating, a crushing weight that threatened to consume me whole. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, with no lifeline in sight.

Paano niya nagawang pag-isipan ng ganon? Paano niya nagawang isipin na lolokohin siya? The memories of Danie's harassment still lingered, a raw and festering wound that Jarred's words had just ripped open.

I sobbed uncontrollably, my body shaking with each convulsive gasp. The bathroom tile was cold and unforgiving beneath me, but I didn't care. I just wanted to disappear, to fade away into nothingness and escape the agony that was tearing me apart.

Why did he have to say that? Why did he have to bring up the past and rub salt in my wounds? Didn't he know how hard I was trying to heal, to move on from the trauma that had almost destroyed me?

The tears streamed down my face, hot and bitter, as I mourned the loss of our trust, our love, and our relationship. I felt like I was dying inside, like a part of me was withering away beneath the weight of Jarred's distrust.

As the sobs wracked my body, I whispered a single, heartbreaking word: "Bakit ba nangyayari sa 'kin 'to?"

As morning dawned, the silence between us remained, a heavy, oppressive blanket that suffocated me. I was still seething with anger, the embers of yesterday's hurt and betrayal glowing bright.

And then, like a cruel taunt, his words echoed in my mind: "Kahit kailan, kahit anong mangyaro, sa 'yo lang ako maniniwala." Saad

His promise, his vow, now seemed like a hollow mockery. How could he claim to believe me, to trust me, when his actions spoke of doubt and suspicion?

The memory of his words fueled the fire of my anger, and I felt my resentment boil over. I couldn't bear to look at him, to speak to him. The pain and hurt he had inflicted on me still lingered, a raw and gaping wound.

Ako lang paniniwalaan mo ha? Sinungaling.

"Love, may reunion po kami sa saturday," he said, breaking the silence as we ate our breakfast together.

We'd made up, or at least, we'd moved past the argument. That's how our relationship was now - a cycle of making up and breaking down. It was exhausting, but I knew we had each other. I believed we could navigate the ups and downs together.

"Where is it?" I asked, already knowing the answer from Kiraz's conversation with me last night.

"One of our classmates' penthouse," he replied.

I nodded, and he asked, "Is it okay with you if I attend?"

I smiled wryly. "Yes. Wala ka namang gagawin na ikakagalit ko?"

He gave me a warm, reassuring smile. "Of course, baby, I'll behave."

That was the end of our sweet conversation, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was a growing wall between us. It hurt to think that we were slowly building this barrier, brick by brick. And now, with a baby on the way, I wondered if we could ever tear it down.

Ngayon pa talaga kami nagka ganito. Ngayon pa na magkaka anak na kami.

Kiraz burst into my workplace, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Girl, do you know?" she asked, barely containing her excitement.

I shook my head, confused. "Hindi pa."

Kiraz playfully hit my shoulder. "Gago ka talaga." she teased. "Bahala ka...about panaman 'to sa reunion nila."

My eyes snapped to hers, "Ano?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Kiraz laughed, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Ana diba habol ng habol ako kay Clint nung highschool kami. So, may mga kakilala akong kaklase nila."

She paused, drawing out the suspense. "And guess what?Nandon may ex nila."

My eyebrows shot up, intrigued. Kiraz smiled mischievously. "It's at Kate's penthouse."

"Kate?" I repeated, my mind racing.

"Yeah, their former class president. She's my source," Kiraz said, a sly wink accompanying her words.

I felt a sudden jolt of surprise. "Nadine, Jarred's ex, and Ava, Clint's ex, will be there too." Kiraz dropped the bombshell, and I raised an eyebrow.

I wasn't the jealous type, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that Nadine still had feelings for Jarred. I trusted Jarred completely, but Nadine's behavior had always made me uneasy. Like that time she hugged him in front of me, despite his obvious discomfort.

Kiraz seemed to sense my unease. "Let's go check it out, just for fun," she suggested, a conspiratorial glint in her eye.

I nodded, my curiosity getting the better of me.

As I walked into our home that evening, I was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of dinner being prepared. Jarred was already in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. He flashed me a warm smile, and I couldn't help but return it.

He walked over to me, kissed my forehead gently, and guided me to the dining room. "How's your day, love?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

I gave him a slight smile and replied, "It was fine."

Jarred looked at me with a hint of worry. "You should just stay here and focus on your pregnancy. Baka pamagod ka masyado"

But I shook my head, reassuring him. "Kaya ko pa naman"

Jarred nodded and said, "Call me if you need me." I nodded, and he added, "If you need me, just call me, and I'll be there."

Our eyes met, and I smiled deeper, feeling grateful for his love and support.

Kiraz and I continued to chat, making plans to meet up at her condo. She had a mischievous glint in her eye as she said,

"We'll disguise ourselves and sneak out." I raised an eyebrow, concerned.

"Won't they get mad?" I asked. Kiraz waved her hand dismissively.

"Bakit naman? We're just checking things out." I sighed, feeling uneasy about the plan.

"Baka kasi iisipin nila na wala tayong tiwala sa kanila." I said. Kiraz shook her head again.

Iba pakiramdan ko dito eh. Feeling ko may mangyayaring masama.

"I'm doing this because I'm still scared Clint might try something again," she admitted, her voice laced with vulnerability. I couldn't blame her - their past was toxic, and she was still traumatized.

"Trauma is the worst," I said softly. "I still feel dirty sometimes," I whispered, but quickly shook my head.

Kiraz looked at me curiously, but I knew she wouldn't understand.

"Dirty?" she asked, but I just shook my head again.

"It's nothing." I said, knowing that she, like everyone else, wouldn't believe me.

As we made our way to Kate's penthouse, I couldn't help but chuckle at Ashley's over-the-top disguise. She wore a bright wig, heavy makeup, and sunglasses, while I simply donned a cap. "You're exaggerating with the disguise," I teased, eyeing her from head to toe.

Ashley defended her getup, saying, "That's the point of a disguise - they shouldn't recognize us!" I playfully rolled my eyes and shot back,

"Ikaw nga tung disguise daw, pero nag kalo lang." Ashley just grinned, and we continued walking to the penthouse.

"Bakit ba? Ikaw tung may sadya dito." I said with a smirk.

Kiraz raised an eyebrow, teasing me with a playful tone, "Talaga lang ha?"

I couldn't deny that I was curious to see Jarred, but deep down, I trusted him and knew he wouldn't do anything to betray that trust.

Kilala ko si Jarred. Kilala ko ang lalaking pinakasalan ko.

As we slipped inside the penthouse, we made our way to a corner, surveying our surroundings. The luxurious space had transformed into a vibrant bar, complete with pulsating music and lively chatter.

But as the sounds and sights enveloped me, I was hit with a wave of unpleasant odors - a potent mix of alcohol and cigarette smoke. I instinctively covered my nose, trying to filter out the overwhelming scents.

The pregnancy is really heightening my sense of smell. The pungent aroma of alcohol and cigarettes is almost overwhelming. I wrinkled my nose in distaste, feeling a bit lightheaded from the strong scents.

Ashley and I stood frozen behind a stand-up table, trying to blend in like a couple of spies on a mission. Every time someone walked by, we'd quickly hide behind the table, holding our breath.

We scanned the area, our eyes scanning the crowded room for any sign of Jarred and Clint. And then, we spotted them. They were gathered around a table not too far from us, but just far enough to observe without being noticed.

Jarred was standing beside Clint, along with some other guy I didn't recognize. Next to Clint was a slim girl with short hair, then Nadine, and a blonde girl I'd never seen before. They all seemed to be in deep conversation, their faces serious and intent. I felt a pang of unease, wondering what they were discussing, and why Jarred was standing so close to Clint.

Kiraz whispered to me, "Girl, tubami pa 'yung kupal na 'yun sa ex niya!" But I just kept observing Jarred's behavior, noticing how he was having fun, yet maintaining a clear distance from the other women.

Kiraz continued to mutter under her breath, "And they're even whispering to each other." I also caught sight of the girl chatting with Clint, and they were both laughing together.

Kiraz's voice took on a note of anger as she said, "Buti nalang talaga pumunta tayo!"

Just then, a girl with stunning black wavy hair commanded everyone's attention. All eyes were on her, and I turned to Kiraz to ask who she was. But before I could even ask, Kiraz replied, "That's Kate."

Kate's voice rang out, filled with pride and gratitude. "I'd like to thank everyone for being here today. I'm beyond happy to see you all, successful and thriving. Who would have thought na 'yung dating pasang awa ang grado, laging tulog, laging absent, ay napaka tagumpay na sa buhay."

The room erupted in laughter and applause, with everyone's faces beaming with pride. Some even looked emotional, overcome with joy and a sense of accomplishment. Kate's words struck a chord, reminding everyone that they had made it, and that their class reunion was a testament to their success.

As Kate continued, her voice filled with emotion, "As your class president, I am so proud of you all. We all made it. We all fucking made it!" The room exploded in cheers and applause, with everyone shouting and whistling.

I glanced around, taking in the joy and excitement, and that's when I saw him - Jarred, looking directly at me with a soft, rose-tinted smile on his lips. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly pulled Kiraz down under the table, my face burning with surprise and embarrassment.

"Shit!" I blurted out. Kiraz looked at me, perplexed.

"Jarred saw me," I whispered. Her eyes widened in alarm, and she suddenly slapped me.

"Tanga ka!!" she exclaimed. I just chuckled, but her expression turned serious. "Pa'no kapag nag sumbong 'yun kay Clint?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice.

Before I could respond, a loud, teasing voice pierced the air, and the crowd erupted into a harmonious chant: "Muling ibalik ang taming ng pag-ibig" Kiraz and I exchanged a nervous glance.

Kiraz whispered urgently, "Shit, it's Clint. Did he do it again?" Her voice trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. I quickly grasped her hand, and we stood up to investigate the commotion.

As we stood up, my world shattered into a million pieces. Before me, a sight that seared itself into my soul: a guy and a girl, their lips locked in a kiss.

Kiraz's frantic whisper pierced the air, "Clyde!" But I was frozen, my gaze transfixed on the betrayal unfolding before me.

Time stood still as he suddenly pulled away from the kiss, his eyes immediately locking onto mine. I was paralyzed, my heart splintering into a thousand shards. Tears burst forth like a dam breaking, streaming down my face as I struggled to breathe. He looked scared, nervous, but I didn't care. All I saw was the man I loved, kissing another woman.

Tangina, pa'no mo nagawa sa 'kin 'to?

As his classmates followed his gaze, their faces fell, shocked to see me standing there, shattered. My eyes remained fixed on him, my mind reeling with anguish. He took a step closer, but I recoiled, stumbling backward, desperate to escape the agony. My feet faltered, and I crashed to the ground, the impact sending waves of pain coursing through my body.

Kiraz's terrified scream echoed through the room, "Clyde!!" I flailed, trying to grab the table to break my fall, but it was too late. The white mantle gave way beneath my grasp, and I crashed to the floor, the objects on the table raining down on me. A bottle of alcohol slammed into my stomach, and a fresh wave of agony washed over me.

Jarred's panicked voice called out, "Clyde..." but I couldn't bear to look at him. I was drowning in a sea of pain - the physical agony of my fall, the emotional torment of his betrayal, and the crippling fear for my unborn child.

Kiraz's horrified voice pierced the air, "Shit, ang daming dugo!"

Jarred's anguished cry followed, "Fuck!!" as he rushed to lift me up. But I pushed his hands away, my vision blurring.

With trembling hands, I reached down, and my heart sank. The blood was everywhere, gushing out of me like a river. I felt a searing pain in my chest as I realized the unthinkable. It was too much blood. The thought sent me spiraling into despair.

And then, it hit me - the reason for the bleeding. My baby. Our unborn child. The tears flowed like a torrent, and my world went dark. Everything faded to black as I whispered a silent prayer, "Anak ko..."