PMS1: President's Forgotten Wife

CHAPTER 26 [IV]

CHAPTER 26, part IV: A SLIP OF THE TONGUE

"You told me, 'what if she says no? What if this night turns to be a disaster? Sceven, I'm not sure if I can handle another heartbreak. Not now that I have her.' That's your exact word that night, so I answered you with full honesty with, 'this night won't be disastrous as you're planning to claim now, but as long as you feel that this is right, that she is the woman that you want to grow old with, then you're on the right track man. Just trust in yourself this time.' And the night went well, which I thought it did," the moment when Sceven made a short stop in front of a drive-thru, a hint of sadness crept on his face like it was devastating even to remember that moment.

"Why? Did something bad happened?" Whatever happened that moment, Eisen is persistent to know everything. Now that he got Sceven to talk, he'll dig deeper and deeper until his memories will come back.

As soon as Sceven said their orders through the speaker box, they went into the service window to grab their orders before continuing into their journey and their hanged conversation.

"Your mom happened. She was furious as soon as you got home and started yelling at you. I'm not sure what your mom's deal when she told you that she disagrees with your fiancee, and I don't quite get why. I was just there, standing while waiting for a perfect chance to congratulate you. But because of what happened, I was about to leave that night because I don't plan to meddle with your issues when you stormed off from your home, and your mother talked to me.

She told me that I'm a terrible influence, like we're still in high school and have been causing a lot of trouble together. Your mom specifically said that you have a goal in life, and someone like me isn't needed for the whole duration of your voyage to attain those objectives. Of course, being a respectful son and an understanding friend, I told your mother that you're outstanding even without me. All of these, the decisions you make, are all because you choose to do them, and that is not because I was there standing beside you to cause trouble.

I want your mom to realize that it wasn't my fault when you are at the right age in choosing the path where it leads you to your freedom to be happy and contented in life. That all I did was to listen to you and support you to whatever you decided for yourself. If you can remember your past clearly, you'll absolutely understand why I never get to say in anything you do, and that is because once you want something, you won't stop until you get that. So, I wanted to apologize for ghosting you that night because I traveled back here in the Philippines. After all, first, I don't want your mom to get mad at us because she's clearly furious that I was there and you suddenly stormed out, and second, I got a phone call from my secretary about the business meeting I was supposed to attend that day. And I think that was the last day we got to see each other in person."

Sceven grabbed two burgers out of the paper bag and handed the other to Eisen while he devoured the other one before looking at Eisen and lightly laughed to ease the intense atmosphere.

"But hey, I totally understand your mother's side for acting that way because I know she was just trying to protect you and help you stay on track. Because I know, just like my mom, no mother would be able to bear the pain once their children are in danger. So, don't get mad at your mom, okay? Besides, you promised me that you'd not do something stupid." The conversation died down as they both focused on the road, a big lump of pain forming around Eisen's chest.

Is that why? The reason why his family wanted Jade to file a divorce with him is that they never wanted her to be a part of his life in the first place? But why? She didn't do anything wrong! Jade has been nothing but a good wife to Eisen. What did she do to deserve all this?

Eisen's thoughts wandered through the sky outside as he tried to process everything that Sceven had told him. Eisen knew that Jade was the one for her. She smiles brighter than the day could bring him comfort. Her touch was so soothing more than what the blanket could cover. The longer Eisen stare at her steel grey pensive eyes, he was like reading an open book with too many morals that could trigger different emotions.

Jade was more than enough. And Eisen doubts what he did to deserve such a woman who can be so imperfect yet so perfect in his eyes.

"Eisen, I've been meaning to ask," Sceven's voice snapped Eisen from his trance, making him look at his friend with curiosity. "How are you holding into the divorce? Did Alicia bother you? Or hasn't she been in touch since the day she dumped you like a bag of garbage?" Eisen smiled at the thought of his wife and prepared himself to tell his friend about his wife when—

"Well, she's been nothing but a—" a sudden pang in Eisen's chest started to swallow his every fiber, weakening his muscles. His chest tightened as Sceven's words became a dagger that was slowly causing him to bleed out everywhere. "What? What did you—"

"I know it's a tough question to answer, but you know, man, I just want to know how you've been. You can just dodge the question and ask me anything you want to hear for now. If it will help with your recovery, then that would be nice, right? And I remember, I went by to your penthouse a couple of times, but the one in the lobby keeps on telling me that you haven't been home for almost two months now. So when you gave me a call, I was like, I don't know! Maybe I'm grateful that you're safe and somewhere far away." Eisen cleared his throat as he stopped his voice from shaking and produce no hint that he was starting to feel scared of what he's about to hear.

"By the way, how did you—you know, how did you know about what h-happened to me?" It seems like Sceven knew a lot of things that his family can't even provide. And this is his opportunity to comprehend what he needed to understand. This is an opening for him to see what was behind those thick black cloth covering the truth from him.

"Your brother, Lewis, told us about the amnesia, and I'm deeply sorry it happened to you. But aside from that, we were drinking in a bar that night, and then you know, the accident occurred, which could've been avoided if I succeeded in finding you before you got out of the bar. Up until now, I can't help but blame myself for what happened to you. I'm sorry." He paused for a moment before making another turn, chewing his burger in hand. "By the way, if you want to meet the group before you go back home, let me know so I can invite them over to your place."

Eisen nodded in response, absentmindedly letting his fingers play on the paper covering the burger in hand before asking another question. "How did you find me?"

Eisen's mind started to conclude and come up with situations that were slowly ruining his thoughts, making him unable to trust his head and heart. He's starting not to trust himself anymore.

"Well, that's a nice question, thank you for asking. A woman was the first one to see you bleeding. Lucky enough, she's some kind of a nurse, but I haven't seen her for a while now. I wanted to thank her for performing first aid. She actually saved your life that night." He clenched his fist as a sudden throbbing in his head restricted him from thinking further.

"What is her n-name?" What is her name? He needed to know who she is. Eisen required to know who was the woman who saved him.

"Name? I think it starts with... Hmm. Let me recall it because I do not quite remember her name. Oh, your brother used to know her. You could ask him, though."

"I—"

Eisen's voice was faint, which Sceven thought that the young man was still processing the divorce agreement between them. So, Sceven continued to speak, wanting to make sure how has he been doing. However, Eisen's ears slowly turned numb as his right hand clenched into his shirt, where his chest lies beneath the fabric as if holding his dear life into it.

He wasn't able to finish his sentence after realizing that after a long time of being caged with his thoughts and struggled with what he feels, this has been the moment where a memory made him know who he really was.

______

THE SUN was about to set, and Jade and Geralt were peacefully sitting against a tree trunk, letting their feet snuggle into the sand as the wave of the ocean calmly whistled around them. The birds were like flying kites up above as the wind blew enough intensity to make a strand of Jade's hair dance like it never danced before.

"I never thought you still remember our favorite spots when we were young." She surprisingly said after realizing now that all the places they went together, those places became so dear into her heart that they always melt her heart whenever her eyes lie upon the beautiful home she grew up in.

"How could I forget the sole reason that made my life beautiful?" When Jade looked at Geralt, the man was already glancing at her like Geralt was actually referring to her.

Jade couldn't respond to what Geralt said after weighing whether he made those remarks to answer her question or because he refers his words directly to her. Jade felt confused. And she hated herself for that. Instead, she lifted her gaze and started counting the birds high up above who are in sync with each other.

"It was nice to see how birds still fly in flocks, and here I am still looking for the last bird, can't help but to chant in my head 'sidak maudi' (I'll eat the last one)." The woman laughed in realization after acknowledging how silly she was when she was still young. And even now that she had grown up, she can't stop being silly around the place where she belonged.

"We would even run and chase after them even though they're impossible to follow. We would eventually give up and find ourselves lost somewhere. Can't forget the moment when we needed to climb a tree because three ravenous dogs chased us on the loose." Jade landed her attention back on Geralt, who was already looking up at the sky, and then his gaze fell on the sand and started kicking the sand off of his feet. Like removing the sand without water or a towel is possible to happen.

"It was your fault for challenging me into a race." She laughed while reminiscing that moment, the last moment they shared together during their childhood, where she thought she wouldn't be able to make it back home.

And that day did she knew that it was the last time she would be able to play with the boy who made her feel what it felt like to be free, to be human, even just for a while without expectations and limitations.

"At least something good happened that day." When Geralt shifted his gaze towards Jade, his eyes whiff in happiness with the memory that Geralt was talking about. "And I can still remember it, letting it play in my head over and over again, Jade. And by now, I think you remember that too."

Her heart raced like a million drumsticks hammered against her chest, breaking her ribcage, suffocating her heart that brought pain inside her.

Jade's lungs started to burn and grew thin and small. She can't breathe, nor she can't speak. And now, her body trembled with battle cries rip her in every way possible.

It was supposed to be a romantic moment. But now, it seems that the longer Geralt stares at her, the better he'll realize that she tolerates it. Everything she can't let anyone know.

"That day, I made a promise. And I will never forget the promise because that vow was the sole reason that made me cherish it, and I shouldn't take it for granted, Jang." It took a while for Jade to digest what the man had said to her, "This may sound silly, but that promise I made for you to hold on was also the reason why I didn't date anyone. And I think you know why,"

Jade's ears were in a haze as she recalled that day, with his promise hanging around the tree where they stayed for a while before it was time for them to let go. And for Jade, she thought it was just for fun. Making promises like that isn't a joke to begin with. A part of her knew that THAT promise was uncertain, and the promise made by Geralt would eventually disappear and turn into just a whisper of the wind because the world is prone to changes

."Geralt... It was just a promise you made when we were kids. You can't be serious when you said that to me. We were around five years old," she called out as she reached for Geralt's shoulders, trying to make it sound lighter than Jade felt when she said those words came out of her mouth.

Jade remembered that she never wanted to end for the fear that her only friend is ready to leave her behind. The feeling was overwhelming when Geralt came into her house that day and hung out like any regular day. But Jade felt that something has definitely changed. There is something unique in that instance that made her want just to go home and stop Geralt from any attempt to tell her what's going on.

And then the birds happened.

Jade was too distracted that day, making her forget about the real reason why Geralt ended up hanging with her wearing an outfit, indicating that he's about to go somewhere she's not informed where to. They were running, laughing, singing, and doing every silly thing they could come up with. But that day, Geralt didn't engage himself in any activity that would dirty his shoes or even his shirt. He was too clean to see. While Jade? She looked like a dog released from a leash.

Until the moment they saw the birds, followed them, pursued by dangerous dogs, and ended up on top of a tree where Geralt claimed where he made the promise.

Jade remembered everything. Even the moment she cried, and Geralt wiped her tears away. Every detail she engraved in her mind to never forget about any of it as she grows mature.

She hid in her room all day. She never gets out of the house, even though her mom was forcing her to play. That day when Geralt said goodbye, she couldn't handle it. Jade only had one friend who she trusted deeply aside from her family. But when Geralt finally took his leave with her aunt, Jena, kids her age started to bully her again and again and again. She's even scared to tell her mom, knowing that when something happens to her, her mom always gets overreacting—her way of defending her child.

Geralt promised her that he'd be back after two years. However, she waited and waited for him to come back. Until finally, when she turned second-year high school, she finally gave up. Since that day, it was hard for her to believe in promises because Jade knew that vows make a person hold on and eventually turns them numb after years of holding on for too long.

Jade doesn't want to feel numb. She wants to feel human. She wants to be herself again. And that is why letting go of that promise made her move on and keep on moving forward in life.

And after 20 years of waiting for Geralt's two years promise to come back, here they are catching up to whatever they need to catch up.

But no matter how hard she tried to stop herself from trembling with the way she felt, sad emotion immediately appeared on the young man's face like it was the most devastating reply he could hear from Jade. But after a short moment, the sadness he felt immediately replaced by persistence and determination when Geralt grabbed her hands and placed them on his chest, allowing her to feel the rhythm of his heart.

And as Jade let herself listen, a single person invaded her thoughts, making her tears want to slip out of her eyes. The wave of his beating heart didn't reach Jade's system, but it only trickled her fingers and then faded away.

It didn't reach where she wanted to feel it.

It didn't reach her heart.

"My heart was already beating for you the moment I made that promise, Jade. And I am here to make that happen no matter what it takes. I made that promise, so a promise is I intend to give you."

But Eisen's did.