Tangled Ropes

Chapter: 5

I became even more distant with Aire. He would talk to me about things and ask me questions but I would reply dryly. I was very tired of him kaya when he said Avery's name instead of mine it was over. He had completely lost me.

I thought things would be awkward but I was surprised when one night something happened between us. It was his birthday and he had a couple drinks, I was very sober and refused but he pulled that birthday gift card on me kaya niya ako napapayag.

The next morning, I woke up in his arms as he kissed my shoulder.

"Gising ka na?"

I shut my eyes when he peeked at me and heard a soft chuckle.

"Alright. Get some rest, my beautiful wife."

He sounded like he was warming up to me now. I fell asleep again but was immediately woken up by a nightmare. I got up and started panting and screaming.

"Hey." Aire called and hugged me. "Andito ako, what's wrong?"

"H-hinahabol nila ako." I said. "The Russians! Dadakipin nila ako!"

"What Russians? Hey, Luxiana andito tayo sa bahay. Walang ibang tao."

I calmed down after then went back to sleep. Aire has been very attentive, I need to get used to it kahit sa saglit na panahon lang.

"Manang Ester, can you get some Lilacs? Luxiana loves them and can we please have some fresh orange juice? Ayaw ko ng artificial na powder ang titimplahin."

"Ano pong okasyon?" I heard Manang Ester ask.

"No special occasion. Just doing something for Luxiana."

I was still sleeping in my own room. Aire didn't need to tell me na I was just his play thing, I can feel it naman.

May mga araw na sinasabi niyang nasa sementeryo siya matutulog kaya I felt defeated once more. I was getting sick of this set up kaya I wanted to scare him for a divorce.

"Aire."

"Not now, Luxiana. I need to go to the cemetery." He had a rough day at work.

"Mabilis lang." I said but he didn't listen. "Aire hindi ako pumapayag."

"What?"

"Ayaw kong pupunta ka sa sementeryo. Don't go to Avery." I said. "Dito ka lang, hindi ka aalis."

"Luxiana, now is not the time."

"Pagod na ako!" I yelled and he stopped. "Huwag mo na akong saktan, Aire parang awa mo na."

"Ano? Luxiana, bukas natin pag-usapan."

"Kapag umalis ka ay hihiwalayan na kita." I said, like it was a threat to him. "I am tired of always coming in second to Avery. Palagi na lang siya ang nasa puso at isip mo. Palagi ka na lang nasa sementeryo."

"Luxiana, go inside."

"Umalis ka. Makikita mo bukas ng umaga ang divorce papers sa mesa mo." I warned. "I married you for love, not for a roof to keep my house stable. Palagi mo na lang siyang iniisip, palaging siya ang nasa puso mo. I was raised by my parents to recognize love as a very sacred thing in marriage but I will always lose to a dead woman. You never loved me, Aire at alam ko iyon. I did everything for you to at least love me half as much as you do Avery but she is still your one true love diba? She will always be your wife and I will always remain in her shadows."

"Don't say that."

"Kahit totoo? Aire tama na. Sobrang sakit na, I am giving you a chance to decide. Stay here and be a good husband to me or leave, go to the cemetery and once you leave me.. I will disappear from your life just like her."

"You're not serious." He said then turned around.

"One thing is uglier than a man's ego, Aire." I said once more. "It's a woman's rage."

"Hindi mo ako lalapagan ng divorce papers bukas. Uuwi ako at andito ka pa, got that?"