Chapter 40
1095 Words
RIZ
Justin and I couldn’t continue our conversation because after his phone call, my friends woke up. We all had breakfast together, and afterward, we checked out with a promise from my husband that we would spend a night here again.
Matet and Reysa drove back together while I rode with Justin in his car. As soon as we got home, Reysa’s mother called and asked her to go home. Matet went with her, and Justin and I were left alone again. They didn’t even stay for lunch and said they would just do a drive-thru at a fast-food place if they got hungry along the way.
As I watched their car drive away, Justin put his arm around me and guided me to the garden. We sat on the patio, and he sent tea to Manang.
“What did you and your mother fight about?” I didn’t respond. “Is she asking you for help again?”
I nodded. “I also told her that I’m pregnant and I… got married.” By now, Dad must surely know that I got married, but he still hasn’t called me.
“And?”
“She got angry. But I was expecting that, so it’s not new to me.” I couldn’t look him in the eye. I was ashamed that my mother behaved that way. Especially when she finds out about my mother’s new affair. She might think I’m just like her, and that would probably be the most painful thing that could happen between us. Having someone make me feel worthless is one thing; making me feel like a slut is a different matter.
“Just give her time. She will come to terms with it soon, especially when she sees her grandchild. Now, what kind of help does she need?”
“The usual. Tuition for my siblings, rent, food. That’s what she always asks from me when she’s short on money.”
“Then let’s help her this time. Her husband lost his job.”
I shook my head repeatedly. If she finds out that Justin has money, I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t just go to the office; she might even come here to Batangas where we’re trying to live peacefully.
“Let’s let them figure it out. Mom isn’t sick, and both she and Tiyong are strong.” I firmly refused for his sake. He doesn’t know my mother. And even though I know that the Calderon wealth won’t just disappear easily, I don’t want to be the kind of person who lets her family take advantage of her husband.
“Help her one more time and tell her this will be the last time you send money. Remind her that you are giving birth soon, and we need to save up.”
I didn’t respond. He squeezed my cheek and then whispered to me. I could barely understand what he was saying because I was tickled by the warmth of his breath.
“Justin, I can’t understand what you’re whispering.” I hit him on the thigh, and he flinched a little, which made me giggle. How was I supposed to know that was his spot? “Sorry.” I pinched it, and he almost stopped breathing. Until he took my hand and held it still at that spot. It was hard, and when I looked at him, a mischievous smile was playing on his lips. I leaned towards him and pouted. “Don’t be like that.”
“Like what?”
“Just don’t— Just! You’re so naughty. I might end up crippled because of you, and I’ll need a wheelchair.”
Justin laughed so hard and then showered me with kisses. “You say the funniest things. Do you want to go see a movie with me?”
“Like a normal date?”
“Like a normal date. No fancy restaurants or anything like that. Tonight, I’m all yours. You said you never had a chance to have a boyfriend because you got married right away. I can be your boyfriend tonight. What do you say?”
When you’re excited and feeling a mix of happiness, it’s hard to breathe. “Even drama?”
“If that’s what you want to watch, I’m game.” He stood up and extended his hand to me. I took his hand and stood up. “Wear something comfortable. We’re just taking a jeepney.”
While other women might be disappointed with no car or SUV, I was happy. It makes me feel that Justin is just an ordinary man.
Someone within reach and not too high up.
Someone who might actually like me.
Someone who could love me truly and not just out of obligation.
A girl like me can only wish for a happy ending like in those romantic novels or fairytale stories. I excitedly went to the closet and chose denim shorts and a white blouse, then paired them with a simple pair of rubber shoes.
“You look like a school girl. Won’t I be embarrassed if I take you to the cinema?” Justin asked, laughing. I was currently putting my hair in a ponytail when he walked in.
I was about to respond when he took off his T-shirt and threw it in the laundry basket. Why is that? Even though I’ve touched and seen his body several times, my excitement doesn’t fade. I’ll ask the doctor at my next checkup if I’m still normal. I am not attracted to other men like my mother, but my attraction to Justin is frightening.
“You’re looking at me like you want to eat me,” he joked as he picked out a T-shirt. And maybe I am being too gutsy, but I just want to kiss his lips. I positioned myself between him and the closet.
“Maybe I do.”
I stood on my tiptoes and reached for his lips while lowering the zipper of his pants. His hands didn’t move away from the closet and let me do what I wanted. My hands were busy cradling him as my lips traced his jaw down to his throat. Whatever happens if we’re late for the cinema, we don’t have tickets yet, and the jeepney rides won’t run out anytime soon. I heard him gasp when I slightly bent down to taste the tip of his manhood. There’s nothing wrong with being intimate with my husband.
And I have decided, I will make him fall in love with me, or I’ll die trying.
- Writer
