Destiny's Dance

Chapter 17

“Oh that's a great story!” Roger's mom exclaimed after he had told everything including the first day he had met Chanylle in a hotel bar, followed in a bus incident and lastly in Agoda hotel, which their story truly begins.

“Was it destiny, Mommy?” Namamanghang saad ni Clarisse.

“Yes, it is.”

“They both ran away from the wedding we first planned, before. But look at them now, they got married!” Sagot ng ama ni Roger.

“I'm glad that you've met her, Roger. Anyway, how's the girl in Paris? I remember you told me you have a girlfriend there?”

All of them fell silent. Chanylle and Roger looked at each other awkwardly.

“N-never mind, you are not obligated to answer. Let's enjoy the food!” Roger mothers exclaimed, trying to ease the awkwardness between them.

Days passed, the extra-sweet gesture of Roger before, became real.

In a cozy home, the soft glow of evening enveloped the living room. Roger, watching his pregnant wife Chanylle, settled into the plush cushions of their favorite sofa. The room was filled with a warm ambiance, echoing the love and anticipation that surrounded the couple.

As Chanylle nestled against the pillows, her hand gently cradling her small yet growing belly, Roger approached with a tray carrying a steaming cup of chamomile tea. His eyes sparkled with tenderness as he handed the comforting brew to Chanylle.

"Here you go, sweetheart," malambing na saad ni Roger sa asawa. "I made it just the way you like it – soothing and sweet."

Chanylle's eyes met his gratitude and love reflecting in her gaze. "Thank you, Roger sweetheart. You always know how to make everything better."

Roger sat beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. "Well, I've had some practice, taking care of the two loves of my life now," he said, a playful grin dancing on his lips.

Chanylle chuckled. "You're going to spoil me, you know that?"

"That's my plan," saad ni Roger, sabay kindat. His fingers gently tracing circles on her back. "After all, my job is to make sure you and our little one feel like the luckiest duo in the world."

As the evening unfolded, Roger continued to dote on Chanylle. He prepared a simple yet delicious dinner, ensuring it included all the nutrients essential for a healthy pregnancy. The dining table was adorned with candles, casting a soft glow over the room, creating an intimate atmosphere that mirrored their connection as couple.

Between bites, Roger shared stories about his day at work, making a conscious effort to infuse humor into his tales, eliciting laughter from Chanylle. He knew the importance of keeping her spirits high during this special time in their lives.

After dinner, they strolled hand in hand through the dimly lit corridors of their home. Roger guided Chanylle to the nursery, a room filled with pastel hues and soft toys, patiently waiting for their baby's arrival. The sight brought a twinkle to Roger's eyes as he envisioned their future as a family.

In the nursery, Roger gently lowered himself onto a rocking chair, inviting his wife to settle comfortably on his lap. As they swayed gently, Roger began to share his dreams and hopes for their child, whispering promises of love and support.

"I want our baby to know how I cherished from the very beginning," bulong niya, his lips brushing against his wife, Chanylle's forehead. "And I promise to be the best dad, to be there for both of you every step of the way."

Chanylle nestled closer, the weight of their dreams settling into the peaceful rhythm of their rocking. "I couldn't ask for a better partner, Roger. You've already made this journey so special."

Their night continued with Roger drawing a warm bath for his wife, Chanylle carefully selecting calming essential oils to ease her tired muscles. As she soaked in the soothing water, Roger sat nearby, softly singing a lullaby that echoed through the bathroom, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

With the night winding down, Roger escorted his wife to their bedroom, ensuring every pillow was perfectly arranged for her comfort. Nang sa wakas nasa ibabaw na sila sa kanilang higaan, Roger pressed a gentle kiss to Chanylle's forehead, his hands tenderly cradling her belly.

"Goodnight, my two loves," bulong ni Roger, his voice a lullaby in itself. "Sleep well, both of you."

Sa mga tahimik na sumunod na mga sandali, habang ang bahay ay bumabalot sa tahimik nilang pagmamahalan, ang di-malilimutang dedikasyon ni Roger sa kanyang buntis na asawa ay kitang-kita at nangingibabaw. Ang pag-aalaga ni Roger sa kanyang asawa ay hindi lamang sa salita kundi ipinapakita niya ang kanyang totoong damdamin para sa asawa.

Behind those happy and treasurable of his momentum, he doesn't expect the appearance again of his ex-girlfriend Caroline on the other day.

Caroline begged him to stay and to talk. She hoped that everything would come to the way it used to be, because of what had happened between them last night in the hotel.

Carolines eyes pleaded with Roger , searching for a glimmer of the past they once shared.

“Roger, babe, can we talk?” ang mahinang tanong ni Caroline.

Roger guarded “What is there left to say, Caroline?”

Nag-atubili si Caroline “I... I just need to understand. What happened to you?

Buntong-hininga si Roger. “Caroline, what happened to us in the hotel doesn't make sense. Moved on.”

“But, Roger, what we had was special. You can't deny that.”

Roger looked away “It was, once. But things change.”

Caroline leaning in “Roger, I can't shake the feeling that there's something unresolved between us.”

Natigilan si Roger. “Caroline, I've moved on. I have loved Chanylle. Actually, we will be having a baby.”

Caroline's heart sank, the reality hitting her like a sudden storm. The acknowledgment stung, but she refused to back down.

“Roger, just hear me out. Our connection was deep. You can't simply erase it. We also have a kid,” Caroline defiantly said.

“Caroline, I love my wife. I can't dwell on the past. But it doesn't mean, I abandoned my child to you.” mahinahon pa rin na wika ni Roger.

“I can't believe you've forgotten everything we shared, Roger,” Caroline said with desperation

“I haven't forgotten. But I've chosen a different path. We both need to move forward.”

Napaluha si Caroline. “I never thought it would come to this. You and I... we were perfect together. I thought the last night we've shared was a big hope, to be back the past we've been together.”

“Caroline, perfection is a fleeting illusion. We had our time, but now I have a commitment to someone else.”

“Roger, just one more chance. Please.” Caroline pleading.

“Caroline, it's not about chances. It's about choices. I've chosen to build a life with my wife. I can't jeopardize that.”

The air grew heavy with the unspoken tension, the weight of decisions made and the path not taken. Caroline's mind raced, searching for a way to bridge the gap between their past and the present that seemed to have written them off. Roger, however, felt the weight of responsibility, torn between the echoes of the past and the commitments of his present.

It was Friday in the morning, kakauwi niya lang galing school, when Chanylle received a message from an unknown number. She is about to go home from school

“Hello, dear. I'm Caroline, Roger's ex-girlfriend. French-American restaurant, I want you to meet me there..”

Kinabahan si Chanylle. She can't help but to ask how did Caroline get her number? And why she should meet her?

Later on she found herself agreeing with what Caroline wanted.

Sa nasabing restaurant, natagpuan ni Chanylle na kaharap niya na si Caroline. The air was heavy with unspoken tension as they sipped their coffee, each harboring a feeling of love for the same man-Roger.

Caroline is such a beautiful goddess-like. Chanylle can't help but to feel insecure of her beauty. She can say how Roger was really in love with her before. They are a perfect match.

“Chanylle, right?” with a wistful gaze out the window, began to share her sentiments.

“Chanylle, I've never felt a connection like I do with Roger. It's like our souls are intertwined, but instantly, he's been distant. I'm drowning in uncertainty.”

Chanylle, looking down at her cup, nodded empathetically. “I know exactly what you mean. But I did not ask Roger to love me back. It's just that he realized that he was falling for me.”

As they continued to pour out their hearts, the silence between them became defeaning.

Tears welled up in Caroline's eyes as she confessed, "I love him so much, Chanylle. I am desperately in love with the man who has been part of my life since then."

Chanylle reached across the table, offering a comforting hand. Hindi niya rin maiwasang makonsensiya. Kung totousin, ito naman talaga ang minahal ni Roger. His greatest love. Pero mahal niya na si Roger.

"Caroline, I am sorry for your heartbreak. I also love him. I don't know but it was instant. I'm so sorry because I can't take him back to you.”

The communication ebbed and flowed, revealing layers of emotions and shared pain. Caroline admitted her fear of being left behind, while Chanylle expressed her struggle to let go of a love that once felt invincible.

Amidst confessions, a bittersweet realization began to surface. They both loved Roger, yet the situation seemed destined for heartbreak. As the words hung in the air, they acknowledged the need for honesty.

Their shared vulnerability strengthened their bond, and as they left the restaurant together, there was a sense of closure in the air.

In the end, the meeting between the two women in love with the same man became a turning point in their intertwined stories, leaving them with the clarification.

But little did Chanylle know, her meeting with Caroline was just part of her dark plan. Caroline setted her up.

Wala pa si Roger at ang kanilang kasambahay ay nasa palengke tanging siya lamang mag-isa.

Habang hawak ang tiyan, napasigaw si Chanylle dahil sa sobrang sakit.

Hindi niya matawagan si Roger dahil naiwan sa loob ng kanilang kwarto ang kanyang cellphone.

Kasalukuyan siyang nasa sala habang nanonood ng TV.

Minutes and hours passed, Chanylle shocked and afraid of what she was seeing between her thighs. It was blood. The blood flooded on the floor until everything in her sight was spinning until her surroundings became dark and black.

She woke up in an unfamiliar room. It was all white. She was shocked when she realized that she was in the hospital bed connecting a dextrose on her left arm.

She tries to get up but she is not able to do so.

“Just relax, it's not good for you to get up, because you're from the miscarriage operation.” Isang doktor ang pumasok sa loob ng kwarto.

Hindi makapaniwala si Chanylle sa kanyang narinig.

“No! It's not true!” Nagimbal na sigaw ni Chanylle. How could it happen?

“Alam mo ba, puwede kang kasuhan dahil sa ginawa mo. Abortion is a criminal practice,” Seryosong wika ng doktor.

Hindi niya lubos maisip ang sinabi ng doktor. Hindi siya makapaniwala.

“I didn't abort my baby!” Her eyes glaring. “I'm in my right mind!” At hindi niya napigilang umiyak.

“There is something in the liquid you have drunk. And it was an abortion pill.”

She was confused and found evidence in her mind about the doctor acussement. Until she remembered Caroline. Caroline was the last person she had met in the restaurant offered a juice drink. And the juice was the last liquid she had drunk, she still remembers.

Napailing na lamang ang doktor.

Later on, Roger's family arrives. They are all so worried except for Roger's face.

They are sad about her miscarriage. Later on, she and Roger were the only people inside the room.

She saw how Roger's eyes blaze on fire of anger looking at her, a thing that could make Chanylle not know why he acted that way?

Chanylle became teary eyed and shook her whole being when Roger went wild inside.

“Sweetheart…what's happening to you?”

“Stop calling me that way, Chanylle! I wish this was just a dream! A nightmare!”

She saw how Roger's eyes burned in fire, Kitang-kita ni Chanylle ang nag-aapoy na mga mata ng asawang si Roger as tears fleckiring down onto his cheeks.

“I just couldn't believe that you aborted our baby! How cruel are you? I thought you were the right woman for me! But I am mistaken!”

Chanylle couldn't believe of his husband's accusations. Her heart was wrecked out. She couldn't imagine how happy they were before this happened.