That Sort of Girl

When It Hits You

"Matteo?" Susan asked. "Mom, you mean..." I didn't let her finish the statement.

"Come on, Susan, let's go," I said as I grabbed her wrist and pulled her out of the seat.

I led her straight towards the door, shopping bags dangled on my other hand.

Susan was speechless as she followed my lead. I could imagine the shock on her face. I would have understood her denial. I knew it would take time to sink into her mind.

"Ana, wait! Let me explain," I heard Matteo (or Benjie, whatever) say.

I didn't want to create a scene and I don't think people in the restaurant noticed it. My mind processed the whole thing at an instant. Hurt twice before, this one wouldn't be something new to me. So the surprise became anger; it might have skipped the denial stage. I assumed it was different for my daughter.

As soon as we went out of the mall, I hailed a cab, but I saw it has a passenger, so I called another. I tried not to look at Susan.

"Mom, I'm sorry," I heard Susan saying. "I didn't know..."

I turned to her. "Does he know?"

Tears were starting to well up in my eyes, controlling them not to fall.

She shook her head, "I have no idea..." Her tears flowed down her cheeks.

A cab stopped in front of us and we immediately went in. I gave the driver our address and went off. I saw Matteo went out of the mall and tried to follow us. At that point, I said to myself, I will not see or talk to him again.