Nights with Mister Ten

Nights with Mister Ten - 37

Si Harold:

Nasa may pool area ako at nagpapamasahe.

Napatingin ako sa singsing ko.

I remember Karina's warmth.

Even my ring is stained by her.

Every time I close my eyes, I see Karina's crying face.

I must be crazy!

Nakita ko nang lumapit si Henry at umupo samay upuan sa mesa.

"What happened to you?"

"I slipped and hurt my back."

Napailing siya.

"Are you gonna be serious with Karina?"

"No. It's purely sexual."

"Okay."

"Why do you ask?"

"Wala naman. Anyway. Kianna missed her period."

"Congratulations. You have an heir."

"She's pissed! She's running for mayor."

"So I heard. Why don't you run instead?"

"Ako? Wala akong alam sa politics."

"You have her by your side. Isa pa kaya mo yun."

"I agree with Harold. Why don't you run Henry?"

Napatingin kami kay Hannah.

"Hi ate Hannah."

"Hi."

Napatingin ako sa hawak niya.

"Are you gonna ask me to sign again?"

"Yes. Sign the damn divorce papers!"

"Okay. I'll sign them."

Nabitawan niya yung ballpen na hawak niya.

Agad namang tumayo si Henry pero sabi niya ay siya na.

Pinatigil ko yung nagmamasahe sa akin.

Bumangon ako at umupo sa massage table.

"You want me to sign them, i'll sign them."

Lumapit na siya at inabot sa akin yung folder.

Pinirmahan ko na yung papers at binalik sa kanya.

"Good."

Tumalikod na siya at naglakad papasok.

"Akala ko ba ayaw mong pumirma because of the kids?"

Kinuha ko na yung robe at sinuot ito.

"I'm signing because of the kids. We kept on fighting every night because of those papers. Ayoko nang nakikita nila kaming ganito."

"But you'll lose your custody."

"Who said I will? I'm giving up my marriage but not my kids."

Huminga ng malalim si Henry at napahilamos ng mukha.

"Karina has nothing to do with this right?"

"I'm too old for her. Naimagine mo ba si Hailey na mag-asawa ng 22 years older than her?!?"

"Hindi mo sinagot ang tanong ko."

Tumayo ako at kumuha ng juice na nasa mesa.

"I took some time to think and no she's not the reason. You know me Henry. I just like broken things."

"Ewan ko sayo kuya. I heard Ino is furious. He is coming back next month."

Napatigil ako sa pag-inom.