Tease Me, Bella Beatrice

12:

I was silent for half a minute before she continued talking.

"Why would you think it is not sayang?" She continued. "She was cheated on by the guy."

"Hindi sayang kasi 'di ba you said naman na undeserving of love, trust, and effort ang guy for nine years? So, what would be the waste in there? Sure, the memories are but her value as a woman herself is worth more than staying in a relationship with a guy that takes her for granted. Kasi guys always have a choice. To be loyal and to cheat." I replied at her. Now she is listening to me with all her attention. "Kasi 'di ba in this world naman, temptations are always lingering around. Hindi mo man isama sa debate 'yong love and commitment, sa respect pa lang sa partner mo as a woman, is already a choice. Don't you agree?"

Nang sulyapan ko siya ay tumatango-tango ito at mukhang nagsi-sink in sa kaniya ang mga sinasabi ko.

"But don't you think, sa perspective ng guy na nagcheat, may kasalanan ba 'yong babae? I mean technically lang."

"No. Wala. Cheating is always a choice. You get what I mean."

"What if kunyari tayong dalawa 'yon. As the girl, I am a career woman. I do not give you the attention and love you're giving me. Kumbaga mas matimbang 'yong oras na ibinibigay ko kaysa sa trabaho ko. Wouldn't that be a cause or somehow a ground for you to find someone who can give you the same amount of love and attention you want?"

"Isn't that already what you're doing? Mas matimbang 'yong oras mo sa trabaho kaysa sa-"

"Hoy 'wag mo akong sinisimulan ng ganiyan ah? Akala mo naman talaga hindi ka ganoon. Coming from you ah."

We both laughed. Tinawanan na lang namin ang kaunting pag-aasaran namin. No one even got offended because we both know it's true from the both of us. Parehas pala naming ginagawa iyon.

"But seriously, that is not a reason enough. Right? Look at us." I said. "Kahit anong busy natin, we find time to be together, to constantly grow and remind each other that it is fine to work but do not forget we have people waiting for us. The people who are the same reason why we work. We want to secure their future and give them the best on this life. So, why would you cheat with another woman in the process of hassling for a better future for her? Isn't that stupidity na?"

"Kahit na wala na 'yong kilig tapos natagpuan niya 'yong kilig sa iba?"

"Why would you even look for just kilig? Do not settle for that. Choose maturity, peace of mind, and clarity. Kasi ang kilig, temporary lang iyon. Well, except from you. Kinikilig pa rin ako every time you smile and look at me the way I love you. I am still crushing on you."

"Sus. You're sugar-coating it already."

"No. I am just being transparent."

"Talaga? E paano kung ginagawa ng babae lahat ng bad things and negative ones just to give the man reasons to look for someone else?"

"Well, surely the problem in that relationship is your communication. The guy should ask his woman what is going on because obviously, something is bothering the woman. Baka kulang sa atensyon. Baka nasasaktan. Baka nagtatampo lang or so."