This Is Me Trying

Chapter 11: Upside-Down

ON A FRIDAY afternoon when Solis had to pick up her sick husband unwillingly, she had no choice when Gabriel called her impatiently. Hayland has a high fever and she is asked if she could pick him up despite hearing how Hayland tried to complain in the background, not wanting her to be oblige or something. That made her snicker, rolling her eyes while saying to herself that her husband was really a great pretender.

"If you only know, Gabriel..." she commented, stepping on the gas as the light said go.

Not long after, she arrived safe and sound in Hayland's company building. He owns a shoe company and he is slowly making a name in the industry. She's so proud of him but now, the bitterness already sprouted in her taste buds. She can't be that happy when all she is is grief and sadness.

Fastening her pace, she strides towards the lift. Gladly, she is the only one inside so she has the time to compose herself. She heaved once it dings and stepped out from it. Hayland's office is on the left wing and though she is furious, she almost runs just to get to him. Sure thing, she's still hurting but she still cares for her beloved man.

Just as she was about to knock on the door, it suddenly opened up revealing a very familiar face who is now crying messily as her mascara scatters down her face. However, the said woman eventually froze when she saw her standing in front of her as if her presence intimidates her entirely. She grimaced and if looks can kill, she is sure this pest is dead by now.

"Aubrey..."

Aubrey almost dropped herself into the floor had she not gripped the knob for support. "Ma'am Solis—"

"What are you doing here?" she asked calmly.

She saw her swallowed hard. "I—I'm sorry—I just... it's not my intention."

"Hayland? Hayland!" she called desperately as she shoved her harshly away from the door frame. "Get away from here! Hayland?"

"L-Love, I'm here—"

"What the hell is this?" Solis tried. She is trying her best not to scream but her crimson face tells that she can't hold it any longer.

"Sol, listen—"

"Shut up, Gabriel!" she snapped at the curly-haired man beside her husband. Gabriel automatically kept mum, rubbing his sleeved-tattooed arms, as if goosebumps crawled there.

"Now, you explain this, Mister!" she ordered dangerously, looking daggers at her husband's flushed and sweating figure.

"Calm down. It's not what you're thinking. I swear. She just came inside and forced herself in—"

"It's not true, Hayland! Baby, I know that you still want me. Please, I can't do this alone. I need you." Aubrey clasped her hands, turning to Solis's dumbfounded face.

"Wow!" The furious Solis folded her arms and this time, she looked amused.

The young lady sniffed. "Ma'am, I'm sorry. I know I promised but I tried. I tried to stay away from him but it's hurting me so much..."

That's when Solis's tears came pouring down. "It's hurting you? Have you come to realize that you're killing me every single day? I couldn't believe my husband is this cheap to hook up with a woman who can't even think straight."

Hayland tried to get in between. "Love, please—"

"Let's go home!" Solis wipes her bitter tears away, grabbing her husband's wrist firmly. She will never let that woman touch what is hers, to begin with.

"No... no, baby—please, let's fix this." Aubrey gets in their way desperately, kneeling in front of Solis. "Ma'am, please hear me out. My family will disown me if they know about my situation."