What would you choose?

Chapter 4

Sage POV

It is my last day here in Batanes and I'm roaming around to get some souvenirs for Noah and Rowan. I miss them so much it's been a month na hindi ko sila nakita. I felt bad leaving them, but I know that they understand.

While looking around, naramdaman kong nag vibrate yung phone ko kaya chineck ko muna.

Unexpectedly I got a message from Nate.

North Nathan Lopez: Hi Sage, hope you're having a good day. I just want to ask if you are free today. I had to discuss some things with you.

What is it this time? Ano naman kayang kasinungalingan ang gagawin namin ngayon?

I immediately replied to his message in Messenger. It sounds like what he will discuss is important.

Samuelle Sage Castillo: Hi, why? What's the matter? I'm a little busy looking for souvenirs but if it is important then I have time.

North Nathan Lopez: Ohh, I guess I need your help. Maxine is not convinced that I have a wife. Kasi wala naman daw akong pinopost na pictures mo and I didn't even introduce you sa mga kaibigan ko even in my family.

Samuelle Sage Castillo: Your ex is desperate ha.

North Nathan Lopez: Yeah, I won't force you naman if you're uncomfortable and I know we've just met.

Samuelle Sage Castillo: What's your plan ba? I don't have enough time since I need to go back to Baguio.

North Nathan Lopez: That's unfortunate, can we discuss it in person at least? Where are you? I'll come to you.

Samuelle Sage Castillo: Okay, I'm in the lighthouse.

North Nathan Lopez: Alright, I'm on my way.

While waiting for Nate, I took out my camera and captured the beautiful island. The view is fascinating, and it gives me solace. For a moment, I forget how hurt and lost I am. I would be lying if I said that I moved on because I'm still in pain and asking myself what the reason for our breakup could be.

You don't get to appreciate what surrounds you when you are going through something; it hits you differently. I'm thankful that I found peace when I got here.

After a couple of minutes, someone called my name

Paglingon ko ay si Maxine. I was a little startled because I didn't know what she wanted.

"Are you really North's wife?" she asked,

I was about to answer her question when she spoke again.

"I never thought that he would love someone aside from me. Because we promised each other that no matter what happens we will always choose each other." She said confidently

So ano pinaparating ng isang to. I just looked at her with a blank expression. Waiting for her to continue what she was saying.

"I know that this time I will learn to love him." She continued

Ano ba tingin nito sa tao bagay na pwedeng balikan kapag gusto mo na ulit.

You don't make another person an option because you are not getting the amount of attention you need from the person you are with. You don't see them that way and shouldn't make people that way.

"Maxine, tao din naman si Nate. He can be tired and drained from your treatment. Most especially he is not an option." I said annoyingly

I hate it when people don't see the person in ways they deserve.

"Ano bang alam mo? Bakit parang mas marunong ka pa sa nararamdaman niya?' she said mad

This is why I don't talk to people who get mad when they are hurt especially when their ego is trampled upon.

"Look, Maxine, I don't want a fight. The decision will be made by Nate if he doesn't want to huwag mong ipilit. You are the one who caused him pain, respect his decision." I said confidently and bravely

Akmang aalis na ako pero hawakan niya ang kamay ko.

"Pwede bang maghiwalay nalang kayo? I need him. I still love him. I know I sound desperate, but please can you just give him to me?" she said while crying

"He is not a thing Maxine that I can just give to you. Dahil lang kailangan mo siya." I said annoyed

"Hindi ko naman sinasadya na masaktan siya. I just couldn't get the time that I needed when we were together." she defended herself again

"I'm sorry to hear that but, you don't blame him for that. Besides, I couldn't just let him go." I said

Can someone please save me from this situation? I don't want to make the conversation longer. I don't even know why I'm arguing with her.

"Please I—" hindi na naituloy ni Maxine ang sasabihin niya because Nate came

"Hey, I'm---" he didn't continue what he was about to say when Maxine turned around since nakatalikod siya kay Nate

"Maxine? What are you doing here?" he asked looking confused at her

I hope he won't get the wrong idea. It looks like I hurt Maxine because she looks like one.

"What happened here?" he asked looking at me and Maxine

So I defended myself

"I didn't do anything to her Nate, I just did what was right. I'll leave you both muna, talk to her, Nate. I will wait for you at Phil's Brew café." I said before leaving them

I think they need to talk again

It was never easy to let of someone. I understand Maxine's side on that part, but making Nate an option is not okay.

----------

After thirty minutes, Nate came

He smiles when he already sees me

"I'm sorry Sage." Panimula niya nung makaupo na siya

"Did she hurt you?" he asked concern

I'm glad he didn't think that I hurt Maxine.

"No, she just raised a voice at me. Natapakan ata ego niya." I said before smirking

"I don't even know why she's there, we don't even know each other, she doesn't even know my name," I continued making his face more concern

"I'm really sorry, Sage. We talked and her reasons are just the same. I don't know but she doesn't want to stop." He said worriedly

"What are we going to do?" I asked since I really can't think properly

"I'm afraid that we need to keep pretending." He said apologetically

"Pwede bang totohanin na lang natin?" he continued

"Ang pagiging mag-asawa? we don't even know each other aside from knowing our government's name."

"Try lang natin, kung hindi nagwork then I'll work it out." sabi niya na parang sa limang minuto ay may asawa ka nang nakalaan sayo.

Kaya iniwan ko siya sa Cafe without saying anything because our situation is absurd.