The Former Mrs. Tan

Disappointed Herbert

"OH, MY GOD! You DID that behind Herbert's back?" Ana exclaimed.

"Please, don't tell him that," I pleaded to her. "He doesn't know. Although I could sense that he knew a little bit of something."

"Okay, I'll promise," she said holding my hand. "So that's what you've meant of living a double life."

"Yes, domestic life with Herbert and corporate life with Billy. But to be honest, it was difficult for me. I was an overwhelmed housewife, confused daughter, and undecided Irene."

I WAS SURPRISED WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR.

"Mommy!" the twins, then six, greeted me. "Have you brought us our Happy Meal?"

Instantly, I remembered that I promised them the night before going to the office that I would bring each of them a Happy Meal when I arrive home. However, I forgot all about it and the nearest McDonald's was out of the way in going home.

"Look what Mommy brought home," I excitedly showed the twins my new plaque of appreciation. "Mommy got an award at the office!"

The kids just stared at the plaque and still asked for their Happy Meal. I put the plaque on the shelf to display it.

"I'm sorry, Mommy forgot," I said. "Don't worry. I'll make it up to you guys, how about this weekend?"

"Aw, not again," they chorused and sadly they went back to their play.

I saw Herbert standing by the shelf, staring blankly at the plaque I just placed. He then turned to me and said, "See? I told you, they never forget a promise."

IT WAS LUNCH TIME WHEN I ARRIVED home. The aroma undoubtedly came from Herbert in the kitchen. I opened the door and went in. Herbert was at the dining table preparing something.

"Good timing," he said as he was busy putting on his finishing touches. "Come on, let's have lunch together. I've got ribs, in a sweet spicy sauce just the way you like it, and mashed potatoes with bacon bits, ---"

"Oh, I'm sorry," I dismissed him hurriedly, kicking off my shoes and heading upstairs to lie down, "I should have called you earlier. Billy treated the team to a breakfast buffet for winning the Best Program again. I'm not hungry, I just want to go relax."

I left him with plates in his hands and a smile falling off his face.

"I'm really sorry, Herbert," I said and turned away. "I have to get some sleep now. I still have a shift later."

I'm not sure if I heard him right when he said "Happy Anniversary."