Breaking Free

Thrilla in Manila

She looks furious... Shards of glass and china all over the floor. What is it this time?

"I hate you! I hate you! How dare you cheat on me? I don't deserve this," Ericka shouted and slapped me hard across the face and threw punches at my chest. Tear stains all over her cheeks, mascara running.

Though confused, I kept my calm and let out a long sigh. Oh boy... I bet this is another of her jealous fits. I so do not need this tonight. Coming from a long flight, I just want to lie down, cuddle, and have a nice sleep with her beside me.

"Ericka, babe... I'm not cheating on you... What are you talking about? You know I love you and I would never do that to you. We already talked about this. Stop this. Please let's rest. I'm really, really tired," I told her in my most reassuring and loving voice.

"Of course you are tired! You've been fucking that two-faced bitch the whole time!"

I gave her a confused look. As far as I know, I don't have issues or blind items when I checked the news and social media thirty minutes ago.

"What?"

"Is Nadine that good in bed that you wanna throw away what we have?" she grabbed the nearest vase in the living room and throw it real hard on the floor. New bits of china scattered all over the floor.

I ran to her and trapped her in a tight embrace and kissed her head, "Babe, please stop. You are just being paranoid. How many times do I have to beg you to listen? Nadine and I are just friends - there's nothing going on between us"

She managed to get away from my embrace and slapped me again.

"Nothing?!!! I saw the pictures and videos, James. They were all the rage in Twitter and Instagram. You and that whore were together the whole time when you were in Paris! I saw the way you look at her. You can't get your hands off of her, don't tell me there's nothing there!"

I huffed and felt the last traces of my patience evaporate. Fatigue, frustration and jet lag taking over.

"Well what do you expect?! In case you haven't noticed Ericka, Nadine and I are in a love team. We are supposed to act like a lovestoned couple in front of the cameras! They are all publicity stunts for the new movie," I shouted back not hiding my irritation.

"And what about those times you would stay hours in her condo? Those secret dinners in BGC?" She triumphantly sneered as she saw shock on my face.

"How did you know about those?" I said.

"Oh, I know a lot, James. We have a lot of common friends, remember? Better tell me the truth now because I know all your secret rendezvous with your little whore. Admit that you were cheating on me with that too good for nothing bitch of yours," she said with a wicked smile.

I slowly walk towards her - feeling nothing but anger. I'm literally shaking with anger.

"You want to know the truth, Ericka? Fine! Here's your truth: I spend hours at Nadine's place because I NEED a break. I NEED to breath and get away from this toxic relationship. Why? Because I'm sick of your nagging, your insecurities, and baseless jealousy! Nadine's become my confidant and a trusted friend. You should feel nothing but gratitude towards her. Damn! She's the reason I am still here with you. I wanted to break-up with you months ago but she talked me out of it. She told me to trust you more and that I should be more understanding during your jealous tantrums. So please, stop being jealous and stop this senseless fight."

"You are not the only one who is tired of this relationship, James. I'm tired of being your secret girlfriend. I'm tired of you ignoring me when we are out in public, and especially when Nadine is around!" new tears streaming down her face and she threw another vase on the floor.

"Which, by the way is your master plan. Let me remind you, it was you who came up with the idea of keeping our relationship in the down low and tell everyone that we have broken up. I never liked hiding you from the public, you know that. I was honest from the very beginning that I have already a girlfriend, and that no amount of bashing and false rumors can change that." this made her shut up.

I held my hands up in surrender, "Ericka, this discussion is pointless... I'm tired and I need rest. I'm leaving. Let's talk tomorrow, OK?"

"Where are you going? Don't you dare walk away from me, James! We're not yet done!" she shouted. I just continued walking to the door.

"You are spending the night at Nadine's again, aren't you? How dare you!" She ran towards me and pushed me. I fell to the floor and in slow motion, heard my head slam to the tiled-floor. I initially felt pain, but as I helped myself up, there was a sudden rush of new anger numbing the pain away.

She was about to say something when I cut her off, "Shut up, Ericka! Enough is enough. Let's end this. I want out... I don't want to be in this fucked up relationship anymore. Let's break up."

"You are not breaking up with me! You're the one who cheated... you should be the one who's sorry." she's crying again. I'm so done with this relationship. And I started walking towards the door again.

"Come back here and face me, James! You cheater! You liar!" her voice full of manic anger.

I let out a huge sigh. Suddenly, I remembered something... It's like I've finally released a blinding light that I've been suppressing for the longest time in a very dark room. Then I faced her with a smug look.

"You dare call me a liar and a cheater? Tsk, tsk... Ericka, babe... Sorry, but can you please confirm this rumor I've heard. Someone told me that you spent countless nights at Stanley the record producer's condo." I sneered. She suddenly froze, shock all over her face.

"And babe, I'm not sure if someone's already told you... Stanley's neighbors are already complaining... They said you two disturb the whole floor every time you fuck each other. Awww... Poor neighbors, couldn't get a good night sleep." I literally can taste the sarcasm in my voice.

"J-James... How d-did you..." she was stuttering. Whoah... Looks like the rumors are true after all. For a second there, I was hoping she'll deny everything. I never felt this stupid.

"How did I know? Oh, I know a lot, Ericka. We have a lot of common friends, remember? Better tell me the truth now because I know all your secret rendezvous with your little man-whore." I laughed at the irony... Yeah, right back at you, Ericka

"James, I... I'm so sorry..." guilt all over her face. She's sobbing real hard now.

"I was so stupid. You know, when I heard about you and Stanley, I fuckin' chose to trust you. I loved you so much. I chose to believe that you will never to that to me because you love me..."

"James, can we talk about this? Please... Let's work things out..." She was pleading, crying her heart out.

"Ericka, my baby..." I sweetly began. I can see a smile forming on her face.

"I believe it's already too late. There's nothing to talk about. It's all over. We're through..." she let out a sob and sat down on the couch looking helpless. I felt a little bit of guilt, but I've had enough. It's better for us to have separate lives.

"By the way, I want you and your things out first thing tomorrow. You might as well throw away your keys - I'm gonna install a new lock tomorrow. And don't worry about the clutter. I'll have Ate Ca take care of it. Oh, I also brought pasalubong for you and your family from Paris. I'll have someone deliver them over your place." I can still hear her crying. It was a jerk move but I didn't care.

"Goodbye, Ericka." then I closed the door and left.

I drove away - away from the drama, away from Ericka... Bit by bit, I heard my heart break into pieces.