Vivid Existence

Chapter One

"Sir, everything has been settled. Kayo na lang po ang inaantay." Shin informed, handling the paper needed for the board's meeting. I nodded as the signal of agreement.

I fixed my cuffs and collar before I stood up. I picked my phone and pen. Lumakad palabas ng office habang nakasunod si Shin sa akin. Napatingin ako sa watch. Two minutes left.

I halted at the front of the elevator and pressed the 'up' button. Bumungad ang mga general managers from our different branches handling the same folders as what Shin brings. They bowed their heads and greeted us as we stepped inside. I smiled as my response to them and pressed the close button. I could only hear their breaths and sighs and whispers at the back. Hindi ko na nilingon at baka matakot pa sila.

The elevator stopped to the designated floor. We walked towards the conference room that accommodated at least 50 persons. Nakasunod lang ang mga managers at inabangan ang pagpasok ko sa conference saka sila sumunod.

Shin opened the door for me and I could see the faces of the executives and top management. Their smiles faded as I entered and interrupted their errands. Seeing them talking to my parents who are smiling while narrating.

Dad tapped mom's right hand and pointed in my direction. Her smile got wider and stood up to give me a warm welcome. I smiled and hugged her back. She patted my back and kissed my cheeks. She's always this lovely and sweet. No doubt that Dad found his greatest downfall in her.

"We thought you're late again, Shawn." She teased me, guiding me to the empty seat at her left side.

Dad shook my head and patted my head. He loves doing something to my head. Mom sat in the middle and told me that the meeting was going to start. I checked my suit until the sales presented the monthly report.

"As you can see, our profit is getting higher as we started to channel our restaurants and are being promoted by local famous personalities. Hoping we can encourage and gain some foreigners to cater to a wide range of targets and set higher percentages." The sales continued to discuss further expenses and financial reports.

"In short, nakabawi tayo after the pandemic. It doesn't take a year to bring back everything we had lost for almost 3 years. Good to hear that people miss and anticipate our comeback especially our loyal customers. We don't do price hikes that much so we will gain their trust again like how they used to. Gladly to say, the business is finally recovered from the nearer bankruptcy and closure." They clapped as the presentation's done.

"Pero hindi dapat makampante. Remember, we still have competitors outside wondering how we survive the years of business drought." Mr. Rivera opened up as they wanted to give comments.

Ms. Regadio nodded. "I agree with you. They will find ways and investigate the tactics we used to lift this business."

The discussion lasted for 30 minutes until Dad adjourned it for some important reasons. We congratulated each other and left the venue. My parents said their goodbyes and some Mom wanna spend her afternoon with her plants.

I went back to my office and immediately finished my other reports. I read and replied to my emails. I don't want to render overtime here. I wanna go home early as long as I already settled my tasks and appointments.

"Shin, any schedule for today?" I called thru the intercom.

"None so far, sir." She replied, flipping some papers on her table.

"Good. I will be out early so you do."

She thanked me and I ended the call. I still have minutes left so I sorted my documents accordingly. I got some tissues, poured a small amount of alcohol, and used it to clean my desk as I could see some specks on my table and desktop. Somehow they called me a clean freak but the previous pandemic made me. I've never been this so obsessed with cleanliness. I threw it in the trash and washed my hands with sanitizer.

I was wiping my hands using the toilet towel when my phone rang. I instantly went to my table and a bastard's name appeared. I lazily answered the call and clicked the loudspeaker. "What?!"

Jezrel snorted. "Hapon pa lang, brad. High blood agad."

I was combing my hair in the full-length mirror. "Ano pakay mo?" I asked.

"Take a shot tonight kaso you're-"

"I'm going," I answered. No hesitation.

"O-Okay. Your wife, isn't she strict?" This bastard was too curious.

"What's with my wife, huh? Your type?"

Jezrel with the bastards laughed. "Not really bro but she's good enough compared to your girls before. Too good for you." Heard Caesar's voice.

"When y'all become interested in my marriage life, huh? Too many questions to entertain." I started to shower myself with my manly perfume.

My wife says she doesn't like the scent, sobrang tapang daw at masakit sa ilong but I won't change it after hearing her words.

"Someone's nagpapabango. Hindi ka ba naligo?" Ramjen took the phone from Jezrel.

"Naligo, gusto ko lang maging mabango."

I turned off the ac and folded down the curtain blinds. I locked my desks and put the keys inside my slacks. I grabbed my phone. We left the office and locked it. We rode our own cars going to one of the smokiest and crowded bars. I don’t even know the name I just go and hang out with these bastards, that’s all.

The bouncer and waiter greeted us as we entered the bar with no one. Our college friend Julien owns this so we can go and drink anytime we want to. I was about to sit on the stool when my phone rang. Sinilip ko ang tumawag at bumungad sa akin ang pangalan ng asawa.

“Yes?”

“Mama and papa, they’re here. You better go home now.” She announced.

I massaged my temple. I have no choice. “Okay, I’ll be there at 20.”

I heard her sigh. “I’ll tell them. Bye.” She ended the call.

Ramjen sipped his drink and I could tell his smirk. “Someone calls home.”

Jezrel brought some drinks when he noticed the hurry on me. “You go home, bruh?”

“His wife called,” Ramjen answered.

“Parents are there too,” I added. They just nodded and shoo me away.

“Maybe they are asking for the improvement of your marriage, perhaps looking for a cute baby’s arrival.” He playfully stated as he filled his shot glass.

It’s been a year but I can say everything is still strange and unusual to me. Marrying Devon to grant my younger sister’s wish… I have no choice, I wasn’t given any options to choose. And Devon, we both don’t this s**t marriage happened but we can’t afford to dismay Shreya.

I went home and saw my parents having a good time with Devon. They were laughing at the top of their lungs that even Dad got coughed and caught his breath. Mom massaged his back. Devon halted from having fun when she saw me entering the house.

Sinalubong niya ako and we kissed, for the show. As much as possible we try not to disappoint them and letting them see that the marriage is working, doing great. She even hugged my right arms as we walked going to the living room and join my parents. I greeted my parents and sat with them. I held her hands and intertwined them.

“I thought you are busy, again.” Mom started the conversation.

“Nope, I plan to go home early and spend more time with my wife.” Devon nodded and fakely smiled. Great actress.

“Mama, we may busy but we make time to ourselves so there’s nothing to worry about. You two, with papa, should rest and spend more time at home. Delikado maglalabas sa daan po ngayon.” She added, convincing the two.

“Hija, we need some air from the outside,” Dad answered.

“Polluted naman.” We laughed at my wife’s response.

“I think these two are okay with their lives, we better not disturb their free time. We should go home, hon” Dad nodded.

Hinatid pa namin sila sa car nila and the driver started the engine. We waved before the car finally left the house. I closed the gate at wala na ang asawa sa labas.

We chose to ignore each other at home. Totally strangers.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng bahay habang siya ay busy maglagay ng mga mug and teaspoons sa sink. She glanced at me and continued her errand.

“I’ll go to the bar.” Pagpapaalam ko.

“Suit yourself.” She responded.

Lumapit ako sa kanya at tumabi. Napahinto siya sa pagliligpit at napatingin sa akin. Her chinita eyes can captivate someone's breath. It looks warm and fascinating. Her long eyelashes suit well. This is the first time I have looked to her like this. Even in our wedding, we had shared smack kisses on lips.

"You won't get mad?"

She raised her eyebrow. "Why would I? I will never control you. Go ahead and have fun. Just don't get wasted, please." She pleaded.

I smiled. "Noted ma'am. I'll go now." I kissed her cheeks and left her shocked.

My unusual move has been started.

I should get drunk and forget what's messing in my mind.

I dialed Caesar's number while opening the door of my car.

"Caesar, I'm on my way."