Fatima Riarte only had one cardinal rule. And it's to never fall in love with her friend, Rigo Riorson.
Despite the meaningful glances and the silent pleas of the heart, their relationship never materialized.
Not until that one night.
But when a mis...
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Chapter 14
Painful Truths
Rigo leaned backwards on his seat to take a look at Fatima who was still standing outside. Nakalagay pa rin ang telepono nito sa tainga niya at mukhang may kausap pa. He didn’t want to look concerned but when he felt Jachin kick his shin under the table, he knew that he was being obvious.
He turned back to glare at him and quietly mouthed “what?” as if he didn’t know what warranted his reaction.
“Kumain ka na. Para makauwi na rin tayo,” Jachin said and then pointed to his half-full plate. Napatingin din si Amara na halos kalahati na ang nauubos sa pagkain niya. She ordered a plate of pancit and a diet coke.
“Natapos kayo sa errands n’yo?” Amara asked, directing her question mainly to Rigo.
Tumango si Rigo. “Yeah. Nakapili naman si Fatima kahit ilan lang pinuntahan namin. Ayaw niya rin kasing lumayo dahil malapit dito trabaho niya.”
She nodded and said, “And you won’t see her baby!”
“Oo nga pala, mag-iisip na akong pang-regalo,” Jachin muttered and clicked his fingers. “Ano bang magandang iregalo ‘pag binyag?”
Amara slowed down her chewing and tilted her head a little. “Hmmm. Maybe clothes? And other necessities? You know, like diapers and formulas. Those are expensive kaya kailangan ni Fatima.”
Rigo picked up his spoon. “Nakabili na ako.”
Lumingon ang dalawa sa kanya, not anticipating his answer. And after a few seconds, Rigo lifted his eyes from his plate. “Bakit?”
Napailing si Jachin at sandaling lumingon kay Fatima na nasa labas pa rin. “Wala naman. Nagulat lang ako kasi akala ko sabay tayong bibili.”
Bahagyang ngumiti si Rigo at inabot ang baso niya para uninom. Of course, he thought of that. But he wanted to buy them as many gifts as he could kaya inuunti unti niya para hindi biglaan ang gastos. He had already brought them toys for infants like a play mat and a crib mobile that they can use as early as possible.
Fatima went back to their table in a rush. “I’m sorry, kailangan ko nang bumalik sa dorm ko. Thank you sa pagsama sa ‘kin.” She picked up her bag and shoved her phone inside.
“Ha? Teka, ihahatid na kita,” Rigo said and stood up before anyone could react. “May emergency ba?”
Fatima’s hand froze from putting her things inside her bag. Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin niya kay Rigo at Amara, with the latter just sitting quietly and waiting for her to answer. “Yeah. Dumating si Ate Fie.”
Nanlaki ang mata ni Rigo. “Shit.”
“I know,” Fatima forced herself to remain calm despite the quiver in her lips. She was scared. Her mind was racing and barreling towards dangerous thoughts that weren’t good for her or her baby, but she knew she had no choice but to face her. Kapag nagtago siya ay mas lalo lang siyang hahanapin nito. “Kaya uuwi na ako. Thank you for today and I’ll see you.”
