The faint light of dawn seeped through the thin curtains, brushing the walls of the small apartment in pale gold. Mae stirred, the quiet hum of a ceiling fan filling the silence. It was now Tuesday. She should have spend the night with Mateo but she ended up sleeping with three men.
For a moment, she didn't move. Her body felt heavy, still tangled in the intense action last night. Then a small, sharp pain made her flinched a discomfort inside her gem, one that drew her instantly back to Liza's teasing voice.
Little by little.
She shifted slightly, testing the soreness. It really hurts, but it was there a reminder she couldn't ignore. Her hymen is still intact but a partially damaged.
She left the apartment and walked the streets of Urdaneta with difficulty. Her gem received too much beating last night. She caught the first bus bound for Dagupan, settling by the window. The passing scenery blurred into a watercolor wash as her thoughts spun between Liza's advice, last night's warmth, and the small, undeniable pain that made her a real woman.
It was just after eight when Mae stepped off the tricycle in front of Mateo's house. The tall wrought-iron gates swung open as soon as she rang the bell, and there he was Mateo, in his crisp morning shirt, the faint trace of cologne wrapping around her like a familiar memory.
"Mae," he said with a mix of surprise and pleasure. "You're here early. I thought you'd still be in Baliwag."
"I took the morning bus," she replied, her voice light but carefully measured.
He stepped aside to let her in. "How have you been?"
Mae smiled faintly. "I enjoyed Liza's birthday party."
Mateo's lips curved into a teasing grin. "Enjoyed it so much that maybe... you went to see your boyfriend in Baliwag after?"
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I have no boyfriend." Her eyes met his, holding the gaze. "I belong to you now."
The air between them seemed to shift. Mateo studied her for a moment, his smile fading into something more serious.
"What happened to you? Did you hurt yourself? Or.....did someone take your virginity" He teased.
She flinched, guilty, ashamed. It's not someone who attempted to take her virginity but.....some people.
She decided to test the weight of a question that had been gnawing at her since sunrise. "What if... hypothetically... I slept with someone I like and gave him my virginity?"
His brows rose slightly, but his expression remained calm. "I'd be hurt," he admitted, "but I wouldn't blame you. If you slept with someone, it would only be because you had feelings for them. And I can't fault you for following your heart."
Mae swallowed, feeling a knot tighten in her chest. "You're right. It's just... a hypothetical question."
Mateo led Mae into the living room. The morning sunlight streamed through the wide windows, catching dust motes in its glow. He poured her a cup of coffee, the rich aroma filling the space between them.
"You look tired," he said, settling into the chair opposite hers.
Mae sipped slowly, letting the warmth of the drink soothe her. "Didn't get much sleep last night," she said vaguely.
Mateo walked into the living room, his phone still in his hand, a faint crease between his brows. Mae was curled up on the couch, sipping tea.
"I just got a message," he said, setting the phone on the table. "I have to fly to Davao City tomorrow. Business meeting. I'll be back Friday."
YOU ARE READING
The Unbroken But Impure
RomanceA story of a young woman who, though still a virgin, already carries experiences with men because of painful events in her life. How long can she protect her honor? Will she still be able to offer what she has been safeguarding to the man she loves...
