ANY OTHER NAME

CHAPTER 3: EMMANUEL LUIS

It was already two months ago when Asunta left their home. She knew that anytime from now she will deliver her child, but Ruffo doesn’t seem to call again after all. She does not have the sufficient strength to come back and she wants Ruffo to learn his lesson.

She sat down in the same couch in the garden feeling the fresh air. Suddenly a memory that made her wonder before appeared within her.

|F L A S H B A C K

Asunta was about to leave when he noticed that Drano was outside. She would have greeted their cousin, but the situation and emotions did not let her to do so. She walked slowly and from there, she heard Drano talking to somebody else over the phone.

“I just want to know what happened!”

“Of course! That woman is too weak to hold on!”

“I’ll make him worst…”

Those words are not clear to Asunta, but she afforded to understand the last lines before the call ended.

“I” LL MAKE HIM WORST…”

|| End of Flashback

“Here take these books and read,” Clindra instructed Asunta as she brought books of different novels and manuscripts.

“What these things are for?” Asunta asked with delight.

“You must have decided what your son’s name will be,” Clindra thought as she already viewed few pages of the book in front of Asunta.

“Oh my gosh! Really, I haven’t decided my son’s name. I cannot believe that out of the abundance of my excitement, I still forgot to plan my child’s name,” Asunta said.

“Okay, miller’s daughter that already became a queen, I will give you three days to think of the name,” Clindra replied as Asunta burst with laughter.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Are you John?”

“No, I am not!”

“Are you Peter?”

“Of course I am not!”

“Are you Simon?”

“Definitely, not!”

“You must be Rumpeltiltskin?” Asunta ended his question filled with laughters.

“No. HAHAHAHA I am Clindra! You really remember the story of Rumpeltiltskin.”

“Yes aunt. I am the miller’s daughter who became a queen because of a mystery that no one knows except you,” Asunta answered as she looked down.

“Hey! You grow big our little angel, but you are still the young one who craves for bedtime stories, and you know what? I believe your story too, has a happy ending,” Clindra motivated her niece as she held Asunta’s face upwardly.

“Now, show me that big smile. I hope you don’t want your child to be sad too, aren’t you?” Clindra added.

Asunta smiled widely as she opened the pages of the book.

“Alright! I will prepare our lunch and let’s talk about your son’s name in the dine table, okay?”

Asunta nodded as she goes back to the pages of the book.

| L E A N D R O' S P O V

I went back to Liliw to visit Asunta. I know anytime she might deliver her child, so as promised to aunt Clindra, I will stay with the two of them, just in case. Months passed by, but it is still a burden for me to tell Asunta about the stranger that passed by in the backyard. I had to form the right terms before telling it straight to her. I am on my way to their house, packed with my things and a bag of baby needs as a gift for the soon to come little angel.

|| End of Leandro's POV

***

“You are here, so where is my wife?” Ruffo spoke as he beat Leandro in his arms as he passed by.

“You cannot go there. You do not have the right!” Leandro just exclaimed. He does not know exactly what happened but seeing a man abandoning his wife and child makes his heat overly exposed.

*BUUUUGSHHH*

Ruffo pushed him hard that made him slide a little on his position. They looked at each other drastically just as if they wanted to kill each other in the moment.

“What now? You have the right over your child, but not with my wife. I bought her! What I tasted should not be eaten by others, otherwise you eat spoiled food,” he spoke that made Leandro furious.

*BLAAAAAAG*

Leandro punched him on his face that dropped him in the sidewalk.

“Son of a b*tch! You know I loved her more than you do. Now, I regret giving up on her because someone like you does not deserved to be loved. You do not deserve Asunta. I do not let you marry her just to disrespect or even lay your hand on her,” Leandro shouted that arise the commotion.

Leandro was now doubled over; the punch had caught him off guard. Ruffo however, was relentless; he swung another punch towards Leandro’s jaw. Leandro blocked the punch and countered with an upward cut to Ruffo’s neck.

“Very well then. So you are already saying that you own the child? So you are really the father?” Ruffo asked sarcastically.

“I do not know what you are trying to say, but I will never let you hold Asunta again, not now. I told you never let her go!” Leandro spoke.

Ruffo pushed him hard that made Leandro out of his balance.

“You really do not know how to answer huh!” I do not care about Asunta, I just care about a son to fulfill my duties and cultural codes,” Ruffo added as he run after his breath.

“Yes. He is the father!”

| LEANDRO’S POV

I am in my worst state of hatred towards Ruffo now. Like what the f*ck!!! We almost forgot what I and Asunta have as best friends just to look after this bullsh*t Ruffo! What does he think of himself? I was just in a bit shock when he asked about Asunta’s pregnancy and referring to me as the father.

Anyway, I do not really care about his thoughts, but when he already disrespected Asunta, I did not controlled myself, but punch him. i***t!! What kind of a jerk is he? We exchanged punches and counters till he repeated his question.

“YES. HE IS THE FATHER.”

I do not know if I am deaf or what. I cannot manage to look at the people standing side by side. It was Asunta. She looked straight to Ruffo and directly stated that I, really? What? Wait--- I am the father? Like luh?

The expected commotion did not happen. The raging fire within Ruffo turned out cold and careless. He does not seem to care anymore? What just happened? Where is the Ruffo I know? Will he beat me or what?

“THEN GIVE ME YOUR CHILD, AS A PAYMENT.”

Those are slow murmured words from Ruffo, but enough to be heard clearly.

“Hell no!” Asunta exclaimed. Who are you to say all these bullsh*ts after hurting me?” Asunta expressed deeply as her tears began falling sideways.

“HAHAHA! Really Asunta? You have the guts to talk me in this way? I told you many times how I feared the agreement, but what did you just do? You left me once and then you get pregnant. Then months before when you came back, you are saying I am the father. When we had struggle, you left me again. But things are clear now; the proofs and pictures are all true!” Ruffo continued his thoughts as he held his breath.

I was frozen.

|| End of Leandro's POV

***

Ruffo left the place while Asunta was left in her position. Clindra went outside to check the commotion and she found Asunta crying with great remorse. She knew within her that Leandro is not the father of her child, but too deep emotions carried her.

“Take a deep breath Asunta, stop crying. It will affect your child!” Clindra responded as he wiped Asunta’s tears.

“HAAAAAYYYY”

“Breath in and then breath out!”

“Shhhhsshhh, please stop crying…”

Clindra take Asunta inside the house.

“I ju—st can’t beli—ve these things are happening between us n—ow,” Asunta said as she continuously sobbed.

“Hija, please, just stop crying,” Clindra continuously pleads.

“Asunta?”

“I did not mean to hurt him, but since he disrespected you, I do not hesitate to beat him. Still, I am sorry. I know you do not want such things to be resolved in that way…” Leandro continued with his guilt feeling.

There are no words spoken, but a tight hug was given.

“Sssssshhhh ssssshhhh… It is alright, I am here. Just please stop crying okay huh? We are not yet ready for your delivery hahaha I’m afraid that you’ll labor here… Yay! Like ewww Hahahaha,” Leandro exclaimed as he tries to set Asunta’s mood.

“Ewww… faggot!” Asunta responded followed by little laughs.

“Alright! I can see it now!!! But don’t laugh recklessly HAHAHA you look like a pig. Joke--- HAHAHA I mean, you are not allowed to feel intense emotions and deep breath. HAHAHA,” Leandro continued.

“Anyway, I will take some rest now. Bye then…”

“Hmmm… Asuntaa… All things work for good, okay? All is well,” Leandro said.

Her smile was plastered and a short nod was given as her response.

| RUFFO’S POV

I do not know exactly what to feel.

I am so numb that I do not care anymore.

I went straight to a bar right after. I bought two bottles of Domaine Leroy.

“Mind to join you, Sir?

“HAHAHA Sir your face, Selena…” I said as I faced a woman that looked so well in her mid-30s

I admit it. She looks so hot in her fine red dress with medium slit on the side. I looked at her so tight that I can imagine how my wife looks like.

“Hey! You are looking at me differently. What is wrong? Do I have dirt or smudge on my face?”

“In your lips, perhaps,”

I grabbed Selena at her waist and give him a short but deep kiss. I can smell her perfume here and its enchanting fragrance captivates me. It seems like my longing for Asunta was turned into too much anger. This time, I just want to prove the world that I am not a lost man. I can win any woman that I wanted.

We shared the remaining spill of wine that made me more tipsy and drunk. It is getting hot in this place that I can see the grains of my sweat all over my white polo.

We went out in the bar on our way in her condo. My eyes are getting heavier and too drunk but I can see what’s happening. She drove the car so fast. If I am not mistaken, it is ten kilometers away from the bar.

We went inside and huge space place was occupied with complete darkness, not with light but of emotions.

|| End of Ruffo's POV

***

It is too dark in the room that the two can’t see clearly. Selena opened a warm white shade that lights the huge space. There are mirrors on the walls and ceiling. On a side of table, there atop small mirror and lines of cocaine. It was a complete blank space other than that. The quiet place became a side of roaring s****l pervs.

| ASUNTA'S P O V

I am continuing writing after skimming the book that aunt Clindra gave me. I am so conscious about my painful urination. Since I slept I am dealing with strangury that I used the comfort room multiples time every hour.

“Hmm… ahhhh ahhhh ahhhh… Ouch!!! My tummy…Help!!”

“Asuntaaa…” Leandro spoke loudly

“Oh my God! Your water has broken,” Clindra said as she instructed Leandro to get all the necessary things.

Leandro drove fast and I am having difficulty in my breathing. I can feel the blood stream that runs out from me. I feel so weak, I am so afraid since it was my first time and I’m already too old for my first.

|| End of Asunta's POV

***

“MAKE LOVE WITH ME, RUFFO…” It was a shallow tone and Ruffo can hear Asunta’s voices.

He immediately undressed her and took off his shirt.

Atop him… she straddles his chest… her breast are playing in her face. He cups her breast. She leans down as she kisses him.

Ruffo is in his late 30s but a slim and good looking humane was built within him. She leans over his face, her tongue in his mouth… she kisses him… she moves her hands up, holds both of his arms above his head.

She moves higher atop him… she reaches to the side of the bed… a white silk scarf is in her hand… her hips is above his face now, moving… slightly, oh---so mightily… his face strains towards her.

The scarf is in her hand… she ties his hands with it… gently… to the brass bed… his eyes are closed… tighter…lowering hips into his face… lower…over his chest… his navel.

As deeper as the urge, Ruffo can see Asunta’s face with Selena.

He is inside her… his head arches back…

She arches her back… her hips grind… her breasts are high…

Her back arches back… back… her head tilts back… she extends her arms… the right arm comes down suddenly...

He bucks, writhes, bucks, convulses…

It flashes up… it flashes down… and up… and down… and up… and…

| CLINDRA'S P O V

We arrived at the hospital ten minutes after. Asunta was assisted by the nurses and doctors in a private hospital. She is bleeding excessively that made me out of my mind.

“Family? Where is Mrs. Asunta’s family? Are you her husband?” the nurse asked Leandro. I just don’t know what he’ll answer but with deep shy he nodded.

“I am too sorry but after the first trial of normal delivery, we found that the baby’s shoulder presentation has a problem. The baby is curled against the mother’s pelvis. The doctors try to redirect the baby’s position to ensure a safer trip down the birth canal. However, her placenta separates too early and too much bleeding occurred. She has difficulty in breathing and has short and weak contractions. We need to do an emergency cesarean delivery, right away!” the nurse said that stuck me in my position for a second.

“Do whatever you needed to do and please save the both of them,” I said with a great fear. My eyes are too deep but it is too wide open. I am so nervous!!!

|| End of Clindra’s POV

***

*KRIIIIIIIING*

*KRIIIIIIIING*

*KRIIIIIIIING*

“Hello, Aunt Eleanor? This is Leandro.”

“Leandro?” he was stoned on his position when heard a manly voice on the other line. He was reminded by Eleanor’s instruction but the urgency of the call made him think differently.

“Asunta and your grandson are in danger. We are here at Liliw, Laguna in Liliw Periculture Center,” Leandro said with his fears.

“What--- wait? We will go there as soon as possible!!! Please take good care of my daughter!!”

*TOOOOOT*

*TOOOOOT*

*TOOOOOT*

“Heeeeehhhh… Uwaaaaahhhhh…”

“Uwaaaaaahhhhh…”

Clindra and Leandro were mesmerized when they heard the loud cry of the newly born child.

“The baby is fine but we need more observations to undertake, but we’re afraid about the mother’s condition. She experienced too much blood loss even before the operation; she is now in her critical state.

“Please do everything you can, I’m begging you,” Clindra expressed as she cannot stop herself from crying.

They walked near the room of incubation. The place was covered with crystalline glass windows. From there, the young Ruffo in reddish skin can be seen from afar.

“Where is our daughter?”

Esteban and Eleanor just came. The anger that runs within Esteban was turned into a joyous state as he saw his grandson.

“Cutieee… cutieee… here is your Lala,” Eleanor said as she traced the glass window thinking like she is stroking her grandson’s fingers.

“You must have told us that you know where Asunta is…” Esteban said in his serious pitch.

“Don’t blame them… I knew it all this time…” Eleanor responded.

“What--- Eleanor? Are you out of your mind?”

“Why? I know she will be more stress if she stayed with us. Look what happened last time when Ruffo came to our house. Besides, sister Clindra manages it all,” Eleanor continued.

“Whatever!! You are always freaking my decisions…” Esteban responded.

|ASUNtA’S POV

Every inch… every stroke… every blood stream…partly, I can feel it but I know I am too numb and weak. My eyesight is getting white--- but they told me not to sleep after the operations. I cried a lot when I heard my baby’s cry but I cannot hold him, they prohibited me at the moment.

“Aahhhh… aaahhhh!!!!”

I can feel the swelling and pain in tissues in the vaginal and perineal area due to my trial of normal delivery. I cannot control the pain, it doesn’t subside…

“Aahhhh… aaahhhh!!!!”

The doctors are getting inside. I can see now partly the faces of the people I love. There… looking at them crying…

I know I cannot take this anymore.

Tears stream down my face.

“Please give my legend book to Emmanuel Luis, he is my son…”

And everything went black.

|| End of Asunta's POV

***

| RUFFO’S P O V

“What was that!?”

I stood up in the bed beside a naked woman and wore my pants.

It was a beautiful nightmare, indeed!

She is kissing me, but why Asunta always bid her goodbyes?

|| End of Leandro's POV