The Former Mrs. Tan

The Custody of The Twins

THAT WAS THE SAME YEAR I LEFT HIM and the twins. The news spread like fire in the office. Most of them were sympathetic to Herbert. I felt scorn in their stares. They even pointed a finger to Billy as the reason of our separation. But what people don't know was Billy was my source of courage, strength, determination and inspiration.

After a few years, Herbert resigned from Contact Point and decided to set up a business using his back pay as his capital. However, his first attempt to business was a failure. I've heard it was an internet cafe. 

During that time, Brian was hospitalized because of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Herbert lacked money but were able to survive the challenge because I paid more than half of the hospital bill.

Herbert launched another business which I've heard was slowly picking up.

A year after that, I was promoted again to Senior Operations Manager earning six digits per month. That was the year that I filed a case to dissolve our marriage so I could go on living with Billy.

I didn't care of what my parents had to say. Herbert, too, was not reacting. However, when it came to the custody of the twins that was when the problem started. 

Herbert insisted that he must have the twins because it was him and his family who took care of them well. I insisted that the children be with me.

One morning, in the parking lot, Herbert approached me as I was about to open my car.

"What do you mean by this?" He asked showing me a folded document. "How dare you leave us and then request for custody of the twins!"

"I'm their mother, Herbert," I said. "I have all the right." 

"Where in the books of law that says that fathers can't be parents to their children?" He said. "I've been with them ever since they were born."

"Just talk to my lawyer," I said as I entered my car. I pulled down the window and continued, "If you could afford a better lawyer, anyway."

He put his hands on the window, "What did Billy put in your head?"

"Don't drag Billy into this," I said. "It's my own decision. I can decide for myself!"

"Okay, we'll see that in court," he said. "Just pray that Brian and Brandon won't hate you for doing this."

He went away and I pulled up the window. I started the engine and held the steering wheel.

THE GREAT COURT BATTLE BROUGHT OUT the worst in us. 

Herbert was pictured the bad person --- a philanderer (because of those women linked to him in his casual relationships), complacent (because he stayed as an agent for many years), squanderer (because of his failed business and lack of money), and irresponsible father (because of Brian's hospitalization).

Herbert couldn't believe on what he heard in those court hearings that happened. My lawyer brought out those accusations against him just to prove that I was the complete opposite.

In the end, the court decided in my favor. At first I felt victory especially for my parents. Then I felt sad. I wanted to apologize to Herbert.

"Do you really love kids?" Billy asked as we were having breakfast.

I raised my head and thought of what to say to him. Knowing Billy, whatever I'll say would backfire at me.

"Yes. and no," I answered. "When I was pregnant, I felt the excitement of being a mother. When I was giving birth, I felt the pain. But then I felt satisfied seeing the twins. I am a mother! I kept saying that to myself."

"Is that the real reason why you filed custody of the twins?"

"What do you mean?"

"I just want you to think things over before making big decisions," Billy said. "Why don't you try joint custody as another option?"

I looked at Billy. Maybe, he's right.