Always And Forever

What are you to me?

"Ex wife"

Ferdinand's correction came before he could even breathe. He looked at Leonor, ignoring the woman who was standing. "We got divorced three years ago, ex-wife is the proper term".

Liza took her hand back, a brief silence settled among them.

"So", she forced a smile, "Who is she?".

Bongbong finally looked up, eyes cold and emotionless. "And why exactly should I answer that?"

"Well", Liza folded her arms, "I deserve to know".

"You deserve to know?", he scoffed putting his utensil down,"What are you to me? Ka ano ano ba kita?"

His voice remained level.

"It was clear that our marriage was nothing more than a business agreement."

"Really?", Liza faked a laugh trying to look unaffected by his words. "So she's replacing me?"

"No", he uttered with a very firm voice. "She isn't replacing anyone"

Bongbong looked at Leni for a briefest second before returning his gaze to Liza. "Because unlike you", he paused and looked directly into her eye. "She is actually my choice".

Another wave of silence came. Even Leni wasn't expecting that.

"I think it's best to end this conversation", Ferdinand stood up first.

Liza let out a dry laugh. "So that's it?"

"That's it. Ano pa bang gusto mo?"

She looked between Bongbong and Leni. "You're really choosing her?"

Bongbong snapped. That was his final straw.

"I'm not asking him to choose"

Leni finally spoke after noticing that Bongbong was loosing his patience. Both of them turned to her.

She smiled politely. "But I think he already made up his mindl". She extended her hand to him, "Tara na mahal?"

Bongbong looked at her flabbergasted. The anger that was waiting to blow within him vanished instantly.

Liza stood there unable to respond. Her fingers slowly curled into her palm.

They walked past her hand in hand. Leni gave her a smile and a respectful nod. "Take care"

While walking outside. Bongbong couldn't help but stare at the hand that was holding his. Her leading the way and him just absently following.

Ba't ganito nararamdaman ko?
"Pwede ganito nalang palagi lord?"

They eventually reached her car. Fingers still intertwined. Neither of them spoke for a while. The evening breeze was enough to cool Ferdinand's temper.

"Huy", Leonor spoke first. "Ayos kana?"

Ferdinand cleared his throat finally tearing his gaze away from their hands. "Yeah. Sorry nadamay ka pa".

She just smiled.

"If you hadn't stepped in", he looked down avoiding her eyes. "Baka nasa front page nako ng Manila Times bukas."

A chuckle escaped her, "Loko"

"Pero seryoso.". He finally managed to look at her, "Thank you". Then an annoying smile betrayed him. "Tinawag mo pa akong mahal".

Neither of them noticed their hand still warming each other.

"It worked", Leni uttered triumphantly. "Baka masanay ka ha"

He chuckled, "Too late", and leaned closer. "Can I call you mahal too?"

She playfully leaned closer too. "Try it"

"Mahal"

Before he knew it. A smack landed his shoulder.

"Sinubukan nga"

"Sabi mo eh!", He laughed so hard his chinito eyes almosy disappeared.

When his laughter subsided, he stood straight and adjusted his glasses. "Seriously, thank you".

She looked down at the hand holding hers. Instead of pulling away, he gave it a gentle squeeze.

"You're welcome"