Separated

Chapter 11

Mr. and Mrs. Faulkerson are in again today. It had been a little over a month since their last visit. This time, they come in not speaking to each other. Mrs. Faulkerson is looking  out the window, while Mr. Faulkerson looks down at his shoes. 

"What can I do for you today?" The doctor asks. 

"We just wanted to come in for our regular consultation," Maine explains.

"Forgive me for pointing out the obvious, but there seems to be an issue. Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?"

Maine and Rj look at each other. "We can't compromise kasi on this thing. We've been arguing about it for a number of days na." Rj explained.

"I've been offered to do a tv special for 3 months, but the show will only air every Saturday so the taping schedule won't be bad and I would still be home most of the time. But, Rj here doesn't want me to do it because I'll have a leading man."

"She'll play a nanny who the boss falls for. How original is that? Hindi ba pwedeng iba naman? You played a yaya na before."

"But ang tagal ko nang walang ganitong project and this would be good kasi hindi malaki adjustment!"

"I don't want you having kissing scenes, what's so wrong with that?"

"It's acting, di ba? You're an actor. Why can't you understand that?"

"I've avoided kissing scenes all this time, kahit hung wala ka because I was conscious that it may be misinterpreted and I didn't want you to deal with that. Can't you extend that same courtesy to me?'

"I'm trying naman! I told you I'm working it out with the producers. Sinasabi ko lang sayo now because in case dumating yung time na talagang kelangan nung scene, you'll be prepared."

"Ayoko nga kasi ng may ganung scene! Why can't they find you a character na walang love team? MADRE!"

"Rj, why are you being so stubborn?!"

"I don't want anyone else kissing your beautiful lips. Masama ba kung gusto ko for me lang yan?"

The doctor cleared her throat. "Mr. Faulkerson, maybe you could tell us what the issue is?"

"Nagseselos ako eh."

"Alam ko yun pero why? I never gave you reason to be."

"Does it have something to do with your previous issues?" The doctor asked. 

Rj stood up and started pacing. "I don't know. Maybe."

"What are you worried about, Mr. Faulkerson?"

"That she'll kiss that guy on-screen but then they'd discover they have chemistry and then baka magkaron na naman siya ng doubt sa relationship namin."

"Rj -"

"I won't make it if you leave me again."

Rj looked so broken when he said that so Maine hugged him tight.

"Rj! Huy. Don't say that. God. I'm so sorry I made you feel that way and I know it won't be easy but you've got to trust me on this one. I'm never leaving you again, okay?"

The doctor turns to Maine. "You need to help him out and extend a little more understanding on this one. He will always feel vulnerable when it comes to losing you."

Before Maine could reply, she had a sudden dizzy spell and had to hold herself steady on the chair. Rj was quick to help her get seated and handed her a water bottle. "Are you okay? Sabi ko na sayo reschedule nalang natin 'to eh. May sakit ka pa eh."

"Okay na nga ako. We needed this kasi ilang days na tayong nag-a-away. I can continue naman. I'd like to continue, doc."

The couple discusses the project a little bit more then come to an agreement that romantic scenes will be dealt with sensitivity. It is good to note that throughout their argument, they have always maintained physical contact - holding each other's hand, him touching her lips, caressing their faces, playing with the other one's hair. During the session, it has been more of the same, their eyes glued to each other's movements. 

Mr. Faulkerson is extra attentive because his wife has been ill and she does look a little bit pale today.

On Mr. Faulkerson: It is surprising to see that he still had these issues in him considering how well he and his wife have handled this reconciliation. But he is a man that many women have left, either by choice or by twist of fate, and it is understandable that his scars would also take time to heal. 

Mrs. Faulkerson is adamant about one thing: that she is here to stay and she would prove it to him for the rest of her life.