That Sort of Girl

Now, The Storm

The moments after that were like an endless dream. We were in paradise. A particular '80's song became my last song syndrome that weekend, too. I didn't mind because I thought it was never wrong for me to stay in love with Matteo. But we have to return to reality.

We went back to our respective work Monday morning and not Sunday evening as planned.

By late afternoon, I went home feeling tired and beaten. I entered the house and saw Susan on the phone.

"You were at the beach, really? I'd bet you're too tan by now..." I heard her say to her caller which I assumed was Benjie.

I didn't let myself get tanned that weekend. Matteo and I spent most of the time on bed f*****g as if that was our last weekend on Earth. We even discussed about our relationship and the possibility of settling down.

He said, "Better ask your daughters first."

He has a point. I haven't introduced him yet to Susan and Elaine. So during dinner, I popped the question.

"It's alright with me," Elaine said. "You deserve to be happy. Also, we don't have a father figure ever since. It may be nice to have a stepfather like him."

"Elaine's right, you deserve it," Susan agreed. "You've been a good mother to us and you haven't given yourself time to find your true happiness."

"Thank you, my sweethearts," I told them as I held their hands with mine. "I'll introduce him to you soon."

So I called Matteo that night and told all about it. He was happy and excited. In fact, he invited me to have dinner in a five-star hotel of my choice. So we agreed to have dinner either at the Riviera or at Hotel Delujo that coming weekend.

I searched my closet for an appropriate dress but I couldn't find one that suited my desire. I had this feeling that he will propose marriage to me on that dinner date so I had to be beautiful.

So I went out to shop the next day at the La Galleria, the biggest mall in Marcelo. After buying a dress, a pair of shoes and a handbag that go with it, I dropped by the drugstore to buy some facial creams. I was about to run out of my day and night creams that I need to replenish them.

As I passed by an Italian restaurant, I saw Susan dining. She was with a man. It might have been Benjie. I went in to check Susan because I sensed something familiar with the man.

Susan saw me approaching.

"Mom!" she said in surprise.

"Hi, sweetheart," I said. "I was shopping and I saw you here together with Benjie, I assume."

Before the man turned around, I've heard Susan saying, "Mom, I want you to meet my boyfriend, Benjie."

I froze when I saw him. It felt like cold water splashed to my face.

"Matteo, how can you do this to me?" I asked.