The Substitute Bride

Chapter Seven

Since that day, I have never seen Chase even at home. Pakiramdam ko ay iniiwasan nya akong makita. Siguro ay galit sya sa akin. Ito na ba ang una naming away bilang mag asawa. Parang napaka babaw naman nito. Ganito ba talaga ang mag asawa? O baka naman kami lang. Baka naman masyado lang akong nag ooverthink.

"Ms Soares, I mean Mrs Montgomery." Bati sa akin ng Dean.

"Dean, you called for me?" 

"Yes Mrs Montgomery, I just want to ask you again regarding the exchange program to UK? Have you made your decision?" Tanong ni Dean sakin ng may malaking ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

"I have actually made my decision Dean." Sabi ko

"So, I guessed you have already filled up the application? Just send to my email Mrs Montgomery and I will make sure to write a good recommendation for you." Our Dean said excitedly.

"Actually Dean, I have decided not to apply for the exchange program. My husband and I have discussed about it and we have came up on an unfortunate decision of me not applying for the program due to some personal matters. I apologize for this decision Dean." sabi ko sabay tungo.

Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Dean at napalitan ito ng lungkot.

"It's okay Mrs Montgomery, I understand. You and your husband is still in the beginning of your marriage and I believe being in a long distance relationship this early will be a big challenge for both of you so I really do understand. But in case you change your mind, you still have two months so let me know okay?" 

"Yes Dean, I will. Thank you." Sabi ko kay Dean sabay tayo at umalis na.

I am not sure if I made the right decision to refuse a massive opportunity but I guessed I was really affected with what Chase said that even if our marriage is only on papers, he is still my husband and he still has the rights on me. Even if I am not sure whether I have those same rights when it comes to him.

"Rhi, you spoke to Dean?" salubong sa akin ni Cindy.

"Oo" sagot ko

"And? Have you submitted your application? Is he going to write a good recommendation for you? I am sure you'll get it. Oh my gosh Rhi, I am so happy for you." Excited na sabi sa akin ni Cindy.

"I won't apply to the program Cinds"

"But don't forge--- What?!" gulat nyang tanong.

"Chase and I spoke about it and to sum it up it does not seem like he is happy about it so I have decided to refuse the Dean's offer." 

"You're kidding right? Rhi you have been waiting for this opportunity for four years and you'll just let it go just like that? And because of what again? Because of you husband?"

"Cinds, please. Let's not talk about it right now." I pleaded.

She did not say anything but I know what she's thinking, I bet she's thinking of how stupid I am for coming up with this decision. But I don't feel anything at the moment but relief. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko pero masaya ako.

Matapos ang tatlong klase ay oras na ng uwian. Dumaan ako sa library para kumuha ng mga libro na pwede kong basahin para sa nalalapit naming exams. Paglabas ko ng library nakita ko si Cindy at Luke na naghihintay.

"Hi Rhics, we'll be going to the mall. Wanna join us?" Tanong ni Luke sa akin.

Hindi naman nagsalita si Cindy, alam kong may tampo pa rin sya sa akin pero aantayin ko na lang hanggang sa kausapin nya ako. Alam kong konting panahon lang ay maiintindihan nya din ako.

"No Luke, I have to go. Mr and Mrs Montgomery are waiting for me at home, I promised them dinner so I really have to go, but if you two want to join us then you're welcome to do so."

"What do you think Cinds?"" He asked Luke.

"Okay, let's go." Sabi ni Cindy sabay walked out at sa sagot at galaw nya, mukhang may masama itong binabalak na gawin.

Nang makalabas ako ng university ay napansin ko ang pamilyar na sasakyan sa harap mismo ng gate.

Lumabas mula sa sasakyan si Chase, sinalubong nya ako at inalalayan papunta sa sasakyan.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"I finished my meetings early so I have decided to pick you up." Sagot nya

Tumango na lamang ako at saka sumakay sa sasakyan nya. Makalipas lamang ang wala pang isang minuto ay bumukas ang pinto ng sasakyan sa likod at sumakay si Cindy at Luke.

"Cindy, let's just use my car, come on." Pilit ni Luke kay Cindy. 

"No! If you want you can use your car, I don't know why you followed me here. If you want to leave, you may!" halos pasigaw na sabi ni Cindy kay Luke.

Walang nagawa ang lalaki kung hindi isandal na lang ang likod sa upuan at sana minasahe ang kanyang noo.

"Seatbelts" paalala sa amin ni Chase na sya naming ikinabit.

 Napatingin ako sa kanya at halos mapatalon ako dahil hindi ko inaasahan na nakatingin din sya sa akin. 

Ipinaandar na ni Chase ang sasakyan nya, pero hindi pa kami nakakalayo sa university ng halos tumilapon kami sa dahil sa biglaang pag hinto ng sasakyan ni Chase dahil sa sinabi ni Cindy.

"I have found Asha Collins"