50 Days to His Heart

Day 7: Henry

"I'm sorry about yesterday Adrian. I didn't know."

I saw Adrian smiled after sipping his brewed coffee. I was so much consumed with hatred and jealousy yesterday, that upon seeing him, I sent my fist twice right to his face without even talking to him.

So here I am, a day after my emotion has settled, meeting him in person over a cup of coffee just to apologize and try to befriend him because who knows, he could be keeping something from me too, but for the mean time, I'd keep my mind open and act as normal as possible.

"I understand. You possessive husbands always see me as the 3rd party guy."

"I was also hit by George before and look at them now, still happily married. So I hope the same thing will happen to you and Lorraine, not just with Vianna and George. You can hit me again if you want to."

We both chuckled at what Adrian said. I never knew that this guy would still find ways to lighten the atmosphere and he was still all friendly after what happened. How could he be so calm and understanding?

"Vianna told me everything. Sorry for being a jerk and hitting you without hearing the whole story."

"And leaving me like a loser at Max's. I was looking at this woman and thought she's the one but when you came, I lost all the 'gwapo' points I have. I was not able to stand right away and you left me without giving me a chance to fight back."

I didn't know that Lorraine and Vianna's highschool friend would be this nice. I even thought that he was a threat to me and was into something else, but I was wrong.  Right before me is a man who seems like a brother to me, a brother I never had, being the only child of my parents.

As soon as I've found my family, I will treat Adrian a couple of shots in the bar I frequent to and help him find 'the one' and if he wants, I can ask William's events company to take care of his wedding.

"But seriously Adrian, thank you for getting in touch and telling us that you saw my wife somewhere in this area. The police have gathered CCTV footages of the different establishments and soon we will be ableto trace where Lorraine is."

"Dont worry. All are batchmates who have read Vianna's post in our high school group are doing their best to trace Lorraine and your children. We are one with you."

"Thank you. I just don't understand. Why is this happening with my family? And why us of all people?"

"Henry, I don't want to rationalize things but everything happens for a reason and God has a bigger purpose for all of these."

I looked at Adrian and didn't say anything. I know I didn't spend so much time praying or attending church services and all I think of is expanding my businesses, but I never miss giving to charity.

I've been a good husband and a loving father, I suppose, sending my kids to an exclusive school and loving Lorraine like she's the only one.  That even when Eunice came back and the temptation was so strong, I didn't give in. It was only recently when I discovered of Lorraine's secret that I thought of giving Eunice and I the chance

that we missed back then.

I pay my taxes on time, send scholars to school as part of the outreach and don't do under the table, and yet, I ended up in a situation like this. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why  of all people, God chose me to be miserable? How could I trust a God who has never made His presence felt in my life? How could I believe that there is a bigger purpose for this when I am left by myself with no one to turn to? That when I get home, all I see are portraits of my kids and Lorraine---happy. That when I sleep

at night, I wish I won't wake up to another pain anymore.

"He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. You can read that from Isaiah Chapter 40."

Adrian moved next to me and showed me his Bible with the highlighted passage. It felt awkward but I didn't want to offend him for the second time. I had no choice but to continue reading.

And it says,

'Even children become tired and need to rest, and young people trip and fall. But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky, they will run and not need rest, they will walk and not become tired.'

How could trusting the Lord I do not see give me the strength to keep going?

"Henry, you are not physically tired, but emotionally too. I mean, I don't know what happened between you and Lorraine but you have to forgive yourself and don't think that this is entirely your fault. Things happen."

I made a fake smile and pretended that I understood what he was saying. Had I not hurt him yesterday, I would have covered my ears and left him now. I don't want to listen to all his lectures. I'm done with college and graduate studies!

"Thanks Adrian. I wont take much of your time, ahmmm.. I'll update you about my situation."

I just have to end this conversation or I will end up crazy if I'd keep listening to him. I stood and shook his hand.

"Ah. Yeah sure. And I'd pray for your family."

Adrian extended his hand and placed it on my head, closed his eyes and whispered something I didn't understand.

"What was that for? I'll keep going."

"Ahmmm.. Henry.. I just thought now, I think I know a place where Lorraine could possibly be."

"Like where?"

Good. At least it makes sense that I am still talking to this guy who'd qualify as the President's spiritual adviser. I know someone from Malacanang and I can recommend him.

"Wait, let me call Vianna."