Any Other Way

RUNAWAY

We hold each other's hand while we are on our way to the venue.

Her gaze was drawn to the venue, but mine was drawn to her heavy yet alluring eyes.

Shaveena's eyes speak for her, even if she is broken, teary, and tired on the inside. I know she's strong without anyone's assistance. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung paano niya nakayanang hintayin ang dati niyang asawa noon.

I'm relieved she invited me to accompany her.

Alam kong ayaw rin ni Soren na iwan ang kapatid niya sa Pilipinas na mag-isa. Lalo na't dumating si Linkin makalipas ang isang buwan.

It's been ten months since she broke into my house.

A lot of things happened.

I bought a place in New York because of the never ending requests for my work. In the Philippines, I received an award for my projects. I purchased an orphanage. And I managed to buy Linkin Nate Carreon's agency.

However, of all the memories from this year. Even Linkin's resignation was not the most memorable.

Marrying Shaveena Art is an unforgettable experience.

Since she left and married someone else, I've been healing quickly. My board exam and projects literally caused me to forget about her. I even beg God for anything just to forget about Shaveena.

He probably declined my prayer.

Shaveena has been making everything bright lately, I must say. I am grateful because the opposite of my wishes and prayers happened. I used to be good, but now I am even better.

But . . . She is not enjoying the sunlight that she only emits.

"Shaveena," I said. "I have a confession to make."

"Hmmm?" she asked, squinting her eyes.

"I always visit your daughter."

She relaxed her face and let go of my hand right away.

I knew it.

"How dare you, Syntyche Skuna." she said coldly.

When Shaveena is angry, she always says something I despise.

"You deserve to know the truth, Sha. Alam kong ayaw mo siyang makita so I did what you don't want to do. Sinabi ko nga sa iyo diba? Paninindigan ko ang anak mo kahit hindi ako ang ama?"

Her brows furrowed. "You're making excuses."

"Her name is Hannifa Art." I said.

I'm ready to receive her slap. I don't want to defend myself. She needs to let it all out.

"What the fuck, Syntyche. Did you give her a name?"

"Please, Sha, calm down. Calm down."

"How am I supposed to fucking relax when my name is connected with someone I don't want to hold, see, or fucking know?"

I pursed my lips. I should not have mentioned this matter.

"Hindi ako kagaya ni Harelle na mabait sa kapwa niya tao Syn. Alam kong may malambot kayong puso kaya gusto niyong alagaan ko ang isinilang ko. I can't stand the idea of seeing Linkin and use the child to piss me off."

I hold her hand to calm her down.

"Mabuti nga pinigilan ako ni Soren na ipalaglag ang bata. Oo. Huwag ka nang magsalita. Alam kong kasalanan iyon. Pero Syn? Napagdaanan mo ba ang napagdaanan ko?"

"No more. Say no more." agad-agad kong siyang ikinulong sa yakap. I don't want anyone to see her like this. Vulnerable and fragile.

"I'll talk to Soren. Isinama lang naman tayo rito, hindi tayo imbitado. Let's explore New York. Tihana will probably understand."

"When did you talk to Tihana?"

"Are you okay now?" isiniksik niya ang sarili niya sa dibdib ko. "Sha, talk to me."

"I'm all right. Pls tell that child's parents that my name should be removed from her name. She is not my child."

"Alright." hinila ko agad siya palayo at inilahad ang kamay ko. "Please take my hand now. It's bare and cold without your warmth," I said, kissing her forehead again.

I should probably tell the parents who adopted Hannifa to change Art to Karl. It's a very masculine name for someone like her, but I'm hoping that one day Shaveena will come to love Hannifa now that my name was connected to the child she bore.

Even Soren said she reminded him of Shaveena.

The Soren I knew was never happy with the child, but he embraced her.

What about Shaveena, who raised her in nine months? How much more if her mother's instincts prevail over her despise for her ex-husband?

I understand my Amor. She's still the lively and cheerful Shaveena I met in college. She just need to be taken care of at this moment.

Hannifa Karl. Not bad?