Heal my Broken Heart

CHAPTER 11

Alfie

I am cooking our lunch while Grae was busy watching TV on a local channel. She wanted to help me in the kitchen but I refused. I don’t like her to work around the house. Kulang na lang ay hindi ko siya pakilusin. She’s pregnant and I want to spoil her so much.

Dinig ko rito sa kusina mula sa sala ang mga halakhak niya habang nanonood ng TV. She’s watching a noon time show. Maya’t-maya siyang tumatawa kaya nawiwili akong panoorin siya. I leaned on the counter island while I crossed my arms. I am watching her intently. She’s sitting in a sofa while watching and eating sliced apple dipped in a cane vinegar. She’s very engrossed in the TV show that she’s giving her opinion while pointing her fingers. Silly woman!

I shook my head and went back to the stove to check what I am cooking. She requested for sinigang na hipon but since I am allergic to prawns, I cooked another meal for myself. I noticed that the TV was turned off, or did she lower the volume? After I put all the ingredients in the pot, I covered it and went to her.

Nadatnan ko siyang nakahiga sa sofa habang nakapikit at hinihilot ang kanyang sentido. “What wrong, honey?”

“My eyes and head hurts.” She complained. Naupo ako sa ulunan niya. I guided her head to rest on my leg and massaged her scalp and temple.

“Does this help?” I asked her. Hindi siya kumibo and remained her eyes close. Tiningnan ko ang wall clock, it’s almost lunchtime. Kung matutulog siya ngayon, she’ll surely eat her lunch late.

I tapped her shoulder. “Babe, I’ll go and get medicine for you. Lunch is almost ready.” Bulong ko sa kanya.

Tumango lamang siya. I saw how she forced herself to get up. Inalalayan ko lamang siyang bumangon. Nakapikit pa rin siya habang iniinda ang sakit ng ulo niya.

“I have a medicine for headache on my bag. It’s safe for pregnant women. Can you get it for me, hon?” she asked. Bahagya pa akong natigilan sa tawag niya sa akin but I have to hurry up.

I looked for the medicine inside her bag. I observed how organize it is. May kanya-kanyang purse sa bawat gamit niya. It’s like a whole bag with small bags inside of it. Nang makita ko ang purse niya na may mga gamot, agad kong hinanap ang sinasabi niyang gamot sa akin. I even saw a band aid and a digital thermometer on it. She’s always this prepared!

I hurriedly went back to the living room pero hindi ko na siya nadatnan roon. Agad kong tinungo ang kusina. I saw her there pouring water in her glass. Kung makakilos ay akala mong walang iniindang sakit ng ulo. I went closer to her nang makita kong naghahain na siya sa hapag.

“Hey, I thought your hurting? Let me do that.” I asked in concern.

Tumango siya. “Nakita mo ‘yong gamot ko?”

Inilahad ko ang gamot na hawak ko. “Is this it?”

She nodded again. “Kain na tayo.” She smiled at me, trying to keep the pain on herself.

I served her meals once and for all. She mouthed her thanks when I put her plate in front of her. I scooped my own food but I cannot concentrate on eating because Grae is moving very slowly, surely because of headache.

“Let me peel your prawns, babe.” I volunteered. She smiled and nodded.

“Thank you. I’m sorry, too.” He held my hand and gently caressed it.

It’s good that she was able to finish the food I served to her kahit na medyo mabagal siyang kumain. Nakainom na rin siya ng gamot. I hurriedly finished my food so I can send her to our room. Nang maihatid ko na siya roon at nasiguro kong makakapagpahinga na siya ng maayos, I called her OB-Gyne and asked for her advice.

“Sometimes, headaches are normal in the first trimester. What else does she feel?” the doctor asked.

Inisip ko pa kung ano’ng iniinda niya kanina. “Her eyes. She said it stings.”

“I suggest, you bring her to an ophthalmologist. You can both go there once she’s okay. I’ll inform Dr. Regalado’s secretary for an advance appointment.”

“Thank you very much for this, doc.” I said.

Dumiretso ako sa kwarto namin. I smelled something minty inside the room. I saw Grae putting some green-looking cream in his head.

“I talked to your doctor, she told me to have a check up to an ophthalmologist.” I said. I am looking at her while she dipped her finger on a round small container and applied it to her temple.

“Doktor agad. Okay na ako mamaya. Katinko lang katapat nito.” Aniya.

“Please let yourself be checked, hon. Hindi ako mapakali kapag may iniinda kang sakit.” I worriedly said.

It worries me more when I see her in pain. Kung pwede ko lang akuin ang sakit na nararamdaman niya ngayon ay ginawa ko na.

Tumango siya. “Sige, bukas.”

I massaged her head until she fell asleep. I slowly tuck her to bed and I stood up to adjust the coldness of the air-con. Muli akong tumabi sa kanya at yumakap. I rested my face on her nape. Oh, how I got addicted to her scent. Minsan, tinutukso niyang naglilihi rin ako. Well, I love that. I am not complaining. I love her and our child.

She’s still reporting in the office despite my several request to her to stop working and take a rest. Then, she’ll reasoned out again about supporting her family. Sometimes I get frustrated on her for being stubborn but I got easily smitten when she turns sweet to me. I can’t stay irritated at her. I can’t stay mad at her for a long time.

Isang ngiti. Isang yakap. Isang halik. Lahat ng iyan kapag galing sa kanya, naglalaho na parang bula lahat ng iritasyon ko sa kanya.

“Kailan ka huling nakaramdam ng pananakit sa ulo at mata, Miss Trinidad?” I heard the doctor asked her. Nakahalukipkip lamang ako habang nakatayo sa isang gilid at pinagmamasdan kong ine-eksamen ng doctor ang mata ng mapapangasawa ko.

Tss, I’m not comfortable anymore when someone calls her ‘Ms. Trinidad’. Gusto kong ipagsigawan sa lahat na magiging Villanueva na siya. I’ll change her surname and no one’s going to stop me for doing that.

“Few months ago po, Doc. After ng NLE.” She answered.

The doctor looked astonish when she heard her. “Oh, you took NLE?” he asked.

I butted in. “She’s a nurse, Doc.” I said.

Tumangu-tango ang doktor sa sinabi ko, very convinced with my answer.

“May astigmatism ka, at the same time, nearsighted ka rin. I will recommend you to wear eyeglass or you want to wear contact lenses, instead?”

Umiling siya. “Glasses na lang po, Doc.”

Lumapit ako sa kanya. “Are you sure? Choose what makes you feel more comfortable, honey.”

He glanced at me and smiled. “Salamin na lang, Alfie. Mas okay ako ro’n.”

After she chose a frame, we were advice to return after two hours to claim her glasses. We decided to go out first and go to a mall, as per her request.

“Sorry, nag-absent tuloy tayo ngayon sa office.” Aniya.

Bumaling ako sa kanya. We were in the parking area now. I unbuckled her seatbelt and tucked her hair on the back of her ear.

“Don’t worry too much about it, Grae. Ako ang bahala sa opisina. I want you to take care of yourself more.”

She pouted. “Kung aalagaan ko nang mabuti ang sarili ko, hindi mo na ako maaalagaan.” She snaked her arms on mine and leaned her head there. “Gusto ko pa rin magpa-alaga sa’yo, eh.” Then she smiled sweetly at me habang nakatingala siya sa akin.

Damn it. What is happening to me? Ito ba ang sinasabi nilang kilig? Is it normal for a man like me to feel this way?

Kung hindi normal ‘to, I would rather choose to feel it often and I don’t want to be normal again para maramdaman ko lang ito palagi. Only Grae can make me feel this way.

Pauwi na kami sa unit ko. She’s making fun of her face while using her new glasses.

“Alfie…”

“Hmm?”

“Maling frame yata itong napili ko.” She said.

Hininto ko ang sasakyan dahil red light. “Why?”

“Laging nalalaglag sa dulo ng ilong ko eh. Wala naman kasing nose bridge na pagpapatungan, oh.” She showed me her small nose.

I laughed at her remarks. “I find your small nose cute. Bagay pa rin sa’yo. Hindi lahat ng babaeng matatangos ang ilong ay magaganda.”

“Weh? Pero lahat ng naging chiks mo, the bomb! Curvy body, long legs, and beautiful faces. Cute lang naman ako eh. Look at me. Dimple lang ang lamang ko sa kanila!” she said.

There she goes again. I wanted to kiss her to take away her insecurities pero biglang nag-green light na. Pinaandar ko na ang sasakyan.

She continued talking. She even laughed evilly. “But look who’s here beside you. Ako lang naman. Lahat sila pinataob ko.” She shook her head. “Dinaig ng cute na tulad ko ang mga magagandang ‘yon.” Then a loud laughter roared inside my car.

I laughed at her, too. “That’s what I like about you, baby.”

“Confidence is the key! Tingnan mo naman…” she held my chin. “Sa akin ka napunta. Eh crush lang kita no’n! Sorry na lang sila, akin ka na ngayon.” She said confidently.

I grinned. “If our child is a daughter, I want her to look more like you.”

“Sasakit ulo mo ‘pag gano’n.”

“Bakit?” I raised my brow and glanced at her.

“Maganda ‘to paglabas. Pipilahan ng mga manliligaw niya.” then I heard her endless laugh again.

“Then, I want a son.”

“Sana magmana sa akin.”

I gave her a quizzical look. “Why?”

Nasa basement na kami at nakapag-park na. Nilingon niya akong muli. “Kapag sa’yo, mamumuti agad ang buhok ko dahil lalaking babaero ‘yon panigurado!”

I scratched my head. I surrender. Wala na akong maisagot sa kanya.

My life before her is routinary. Boring. s*x is only for pleasure. Money is only for power. Life and status are only about competition.

Not until she came and stayed in my life. I make sure I do anything with a purpose. Instead of s*x, it’s making love. Only to her. Money for me means provision. And living with her is all I wanted to the do for the rest of my life.

***

Grae

Nasa kanyang opisina kami ngayon. Alfie is very busy. Hindi kami pumasok kahapon dahil sinamahan niya akong magpa-checkup kaya ang resulta, naipon ang lahat ng mga gawain. I was busy, too, encoding and plotting for his schedules. Ibinigay na kasi iyon ni Harold sa akin.

I glanced at him. Magkasalubong ang kanyang mga kilay habang may binabasang dokumento. He’s comparing them. Maya-maya’y narinig ko siyang nagsalita. I alerted myself. Pero si Harold pala ang tinawag niya sa intercom.

Hindi nagtagal ay pumasok si Harold. “Yes, Sir.”

Alfie handed several folders to him. “Bring this back to Martin’s office. I already reviewed and signed it. This one…” inabot niya ang isang green folder. “Tell the Vice President for Marketing to review it. I am not pleased with her proposal.” He said with authority.

Tinanggap iyon lahat ni Harold. “On it, Sir.” At umalis na sa opisina.

Nakatitig lang ako kay Alfie. He looked stressed. Isinandal niya ang sarili sa swivel chair habang nakapikit at mariing hinilot ang sentido. Agad akong tumayo para mag-prepare ng kape niya. I was leaning in the counter island of the pantry while gawking on my fingers when I noticed him enter there.

I smiled. “I’m preparing your coffee.” Tumuwid ako sa pagkakatayo.

He nodded and without notice, he hugged me tightly. Napatda ako sa kanyang ginawa ngunit agad ko ring tinugon ang kanyang mga yakap. Hinagod ko ang kanyang likod. He plunged his face on my neck.

“I’m sorry, honey. I’m so busy. Hindi na kita napapansin.”

I chuckled. “I understand.”

Hinayaan ko siyang yumakap lang sa akin. Inabot yata kami ng ilang minuto sa ganoong posisyon. Nang makita kong ready na ang kanyang kape ay pinilit kong kumalas sa kanyang mga yakap upang maisalin ko na iyon sa kanyang tasa. Pero hindi siya nagpapigil at niyakap niya na lamang ako patalikod.

Nang minsang subukan ni Venice na pumasok sa opisina ni Alfie, agad siyang sinabihan ni Harold.

“Sir, Miss Venice is here.” Harold said.

Nilingon ko agad ang table ni Alfie. I saw him pressed the button of the intercom habang ang kanyang atensyon ay nasa dokumentong kanyang binabasa.

“What is she up to?” he asked.

I smirked. Naks, tinototoo talaga ah?

I heard a woman’s voice in the intercom. “Let me talk to him, Harold. Hi Alfie!” she said.

“Yes, Miss Zarragosa?” he formally asked.

“It’s almost lunchtime. Come on!” she said.

“I’m busy. I’m sorry.”

“Alfie---“

“I’m sorry, Venice. I’m busy and I’ll take my lunch with my fiancée. Harold, please guide Ms. Zarragosa away from the office. Thank you.” At pinatay na ang kanyang intercom.

Namilog ang mga mata ko sa aking narinig. Did he just shoo away that woman?

Tumayo ako para lapitan siya. “Don’t you think it’s rude shooing her away like that from your office?”

“It’s not official, hon.” Patay malisya niyang sagot sa akin

I pouted and hid my face because it’s already obvious that this is what I want and I’m here in his office. Hindi tuloy ako makapag-isip ng maayos, knowing that he started to grant all I want to happen.

Weekends came and we just stayed late at night. Alfie, being him, was always energetic. Kahit maraming ginagawa noong araw ng biyernes ay nagawa pa niyang umungot sa akin.

Nagising ako mula sa malakas na ring ng cellphone ko. It was in the bedside table. His arms snaked on my waist. Tanging ang kumot lamang ang tumatakip sa hubad naming mga katawan. Pilit kong inabot ang cellphone ko. Lizette is calling. Doon ko na rin sinagot ang kanyang tawag dahil hindi ako makabangon sa bigat ng kanyang mga braso.

“Hello Lizette…” bati ko sa kanya… Halata pa sa boses ko ang pagod at antok.

“G-good morning, Grae!” I heard an angry voice in the background. Hindi ko lang makilala kung sino iyon.

“Sino ‘yong nagagalit?” I asked. Alfie stirred when he heard me talked. Naalimpungatan na rin siya dahil sa gulo ko.

“Gracielle, nandito si U-Uncle Ruben. Hinahanap ka niya.” she said while her voice got stuttered.

Napabalikwas ako mula sa aking pagkakahiga. Kahit si Alfie ay talagang nagulat sa ikinilos ko. Napabangon din siya ng wala sa oras.

Bumundol ang malakas na kaba sa dibdib ko. Nandito ngayon si Papa sa Maynila! Pero hindi niya ako nadatnan ngayon sa aming apartment dahil nandito ako sa condo ng boyfriend ko!

“H-Hah? Ano’ng sinabi mo?” tanong ko sa kanya

“E-Eh sabi ko, nakatira ka ngayon kay Alfie.”

Natampal ko na lamang ang aking noo.

Wala na akong choice ngayon kundi ang harapin namin ni Alfie ang galit ng Papa ko.