It was the day before the twins' 1st birthday. Nasa bahay daw matutulog si Luxiana para hindi kami mahirapan sa preparations. The decorations were already being set up in my garden kaya I decided to check on her.
"Balloons go over there, Kuya." She said as she guided the decorators.
I went to the kitchen and saw a bunch of oranges on the island. I sliced three oranges in half and squeezed all of the juices out. Nilagyan ko ng yelo ang isang baso at doon nilagay ang lahat ng juice na piniga ko. I went back to the garden and gave it to Luxiana.
"Oh! Thanks, Aire." She said before drinking. "Ay! Hindi ito powder ano?"
"No, I know you don't like powdered artificial drinks kaya I squeezed the oranges."
"By hand?" She asked kaya tumango ako.
We finished up the decorations and checked with Yaya Daisy for the twins. They were both playing with the box that contained their new toys. These kids..
I was drinking my whiskey when I saw the divorce papers that Luxiana signed but I didn't. I kept it here in hopes na I was strong enough to give her the freedom she deserved but I didn't. I never signed them.
For a whole year, these papers remain hidden in my room. I wanted to sign them not because I didn't love her anymore.. it was because she wanted it. I want to give her everything that she wants but this was not one of them.
I haven't visited Avery for ages now, simula nang mabuntis si Luxiana ay sa kaniya lang palagi ang focus ko.
"Aire." I looked up and saw Luxiana. "Ano iyan?"
I gave her the papers and she gasped. Tinignan niya ako but I just ducked my head since I felt so ashamed.
"We're not divorced?" She asked.
"No." Sagot ko. "I wanted to pero it felt so wrong. I loved you in every way I know. I wanted us to work but you were always hurting when with me. You had every right to be mad and demand a divorce."
She sat on the table and sighed.
"You should have told me."
"I was scared." I confessed. "Luxiana, you are an amazing woman. I can't believe you put up with me."
"I'm sorry.."
"No need, I was at fault.. all the time. When I valued Avery more than you."
"Are you going to sign it?" She asked as she handed the papers to me.
Tumayo ako at tinignan siya.
"No.."
I tore the papers apart and threw it in the trash.
"I have been in despair for a year.. this does not amount to the years and the moment I had lost Avery."
She stared at me as she listens.
"I told Avery's grave that I would find her in every woman I see... But Luxiana, if you died first then I will follow you until the ends of time."
I walked towards her and hugged her.
"Mahal kita."
YOU ARE READING
Tangled Ropes
Short StoryLuxiana Adamis-Rodis Aire Rodis A Woman's Broken Heart Continues Shattering Luxiana knew that she will always only be second to Aire's heart. His first wife who had died tragically of a sickness holds his heart until he said I do at his and Luxiana...
