A MONTH and a half later, we returned to the Philippines. We have been here for almost a week.
Clyde’s surgery went well. When we arrived, I first put him in the hospital to take care of him and take a good look at him. Another one is that it’s better that he’s there because his recovery is still going to take a while. Mama Cha still hasn’t been able to rest properly since the surgery. She hasn’t slept well; she’s thin like Clyde and getting sick. At the hospital, I hired a private nurse to watch over Clyde 24/7. He will spend about a month there before being sent home.
MEANWHILE..
Trina was in a very bad mood early in the morning, so she went to see her Aunt Maggie at the salon where she was working.
Trina, if you come here to the salon just to whine, please! That’s bad business, sweetie! Did you and Jet fight again? ” Maggie said.
Yah, that’s another one! Then! I’m annoyed with Clint; two days without coming home! And you know what, Aunt? ” She stood up and approached Maggie, who was sitting on the other side of the couch. ” Clint has a girl again!” she said, her lips clenching as she folded her arms.
Maggie laughed at what her niece said.
“What’s so funny? I found a nightgown in his luggage when he came home from Japan!” Trina said, frowning.
“So what? What’s new with that playboy husband of yours? You’ll be surprised one day that he has a child with someone else! And what does it matter? Trina? Stop acting like you do care, sweetie!” Maggie replied irritatedly.
“No! It’s not possible! I’m satisfied with our situation! At least I have a rebound when Jet and I fight, and then–I have to force him to get married! Because-” Trina couldn’t finish what she was going to say because Maggie suddenly interrupted .
“Because? Avoiding Bankruptcy? And Jet? He’s just making you an excuse, hmp? Is that why you need Clint now? Haha! You’re such a smart bitch! Maggie said, laughing aloud.
“Jet’s wife is making noise because someone saw us in the condo unit at Global,” Trina said seriously.
“Well! It’s really like that! Eight years is probably enough! Isn’t it? And me! I went along with your foolishness and even tricked Chari, who I’ve been friends with for a long time! I rode you pretending you were pregnant with Clint!” Maggie said. “Clint didn’t notice at that time that you gave birth much earlier than you told him because you were three months pregnant then and not two! It was all a f**kin’ set up!”
“How could he notice? Then he didn’t do anything but look for Aunt Chari by that time! He doesn’t care about me getting pregnant! ” Trina answered. ” See the tattoos? He even put the name all over his arm! Tsk! ”
“Well, I know that Chari has feelings for Clint.” The way she reacted when I told her you were pregnant shocked me! Haha! ” Maggie laughed.
Trina’s eyebrows met in annoyance.
“And why, all of a sudden, are you being protective of Clint? Whereas before-you didn’t really care about him!” Maggie teased.
“I really liked Clint even before. I like both Jet and him!” Trina replied.
“Hmp! You only feel lust for Clint because of his handsomeness, profession, and bank account! He’s talented! Hahaa! ” Maggie said, followed by loud laughter.
Trina didn’t react.
I RETURNED home that night because I hadn’t been home for two days. I stayed with Mama Cha because she was not feeling well. I immediately went straight to Tejies’ room.
” Hi Tej? How are you? ” I asked.
” Hi Daddy, I’m so happy you’re here now. ” He said with a smile.
Suddenly, Trina spoke. “Daddy returned from his woman! That’s why he just went home! ” Trina said aloud.
My eyebrows met. ” What are you talking about? Seriously, Trina in front of Tejie? ” I asked.
Trina just stood leaning against the door of Tejie’s room looking at Clint sharply. “Let’s talk Clint!” she said firmly.
“Okay, fine! Can we do it later? I want to talk to Tejie first!” I answered back annoyed.
Trina looked up before leaving.
TRINA’S VOICE echoes in the four corners of our room.
“What the hell, Clint? Explain that dress to me? Aaagh!” she said angrily and threw me the clothes she was holding. “What’s that, Clint? Now I want to believe that you have a woman living in Camiguin!” she shouted again.
“Tsst!” I smirked. “Trina? What’s happening to you? What the hell is going on?” I asked while picking up the clothes he threw at me.
“I got that from your luggage! Whose dress was that? Whose?” she shouted again.
I didn’t react. I went straight to the bathroom and threw the dress in the trash can.
“Clint, what the hell! We’ve been like this for eight years! Since we got together! Don’t you want a change?” Trina said, seriously.
“Trina, you’re being paranoid! Besides, we’re used to this, aren’t we? It’s you who started it not me so dont put the blame on me! I caught you several times. Did you hear anything from me? What’s going on with you? Stop acting like you care!” I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Clint, I love you!” I’m your wife! Can’t we be okay?” Trina said, sobbing.
I’m speechless. I think this woman’s brain has been poisoned, and she kept convincing me that she cares!
“Clint, let’s get married! We’ve been together for so long, Tejie has grown up. I’m ready to tie the knot with you,” she said.
I was not moved by what I heard. Tie the knot? What’s happening to Trina?
I finally answered. “I can’t understand what you’re saying.”
She approached me. “I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done, I love you, Clint,” she said, while crying. “Let’s fix this relationship, Clint, please, for Tejie.”
I don’t know if I should hug her or push her away. I’m also not sure if I can feel something in what she says or if there isn’t anything at all.
She hugged me even tighter. “Let’s not let Tejie have a broken family. You know how difficult it is.”
And that’s when what she said hit me. Those words really woke me up.
Until..
“Don’t worry, I won’t repeat my life. I won’t let Tejie be a man without a proper family,” I said.
I don’t know, but when Trina hugged me, I hugged her too. I get really fragile when it comes to Tejie. Even if I say that Tejie is not that close to me, I understand because of the events he witnessed me doing with Trina. Like cheating and arguing.
“Clint, let’s get married. Let’s give him your name. He’s a boy and will carry your name,” Trina said.
And again. Here comes my chaotic mind.
CHARI’S POV
That couple must be arguing now! Who will not be furious when you find a nightgown in your husband’s luggage? Hey.. I’m sorry Clint, I just tried. I meant to put my nighties there in your suitcase, but don’t worry, I haven’t even worn them. I even bathed in perfume to make it even more annoying! I wonder how Trina will react. Clint knew it was mine because he saw me wearing it here at home. He would just scratch his head when he saw it. Surely tomorrow the fool will be here again, returning my dress.
Looks like I’m going to enjoy it here in Manila!
WHEN TRINA fell asleep, I returned to the dress that I pretended to have thrown in the trash in the bathroom. But the truth is that I just hung it behind the door.
I whispered, “You are really silly, Ma.”
Trina got one of her red nighties. I can still smell Mama Cha’s sweet perfume clinging to it. I just shook my head at what she did. Fortunately, Trina and I didn’t talk about it any longer. I will keep it and return it to her tomorrow. Suddenly, I thought of the marriage that Trina wanted. I really don’t know what’s going on with this girl who suddenly asked for marriage, but I remember she opened it to me last year.
I don’t know. I have no intention of ever marrying her. It’s not easy for me to forget all the cheating she committed. I’m fine with the way we are. But every time Tejie is involved in the conversation, I get confused. I really don’t want to destroy his family. But-am I doing it right? I keep on saying that I don’t love this girl and I’m not close to Tejie, but why do I still keep clinging? And there’s Clyde and Mama Cha, always waiting for me to be with them! Why is it that I can’t fight for who else is the real woman I love? That’s why I can’t blame Mama Cha for why she still hasn’t broken up with Josh.
I’m confused.
I love both Tejie and Clyde. Whom should I really prioritize between the two of them? I don’t want to lose Clyde, who needs my attention more, but I also don’t want to miss the rare moments like this when Tejie is so sweet and close to me.
But I will admit it.
Mama Cha and Clyde are really the first in my heart.
June_Thirteen