The Art of Never Letting Go (Book 2)

half-baked

//

"Hey. Why the sudden call, Cass?"

"Sorry. Did I disturb you?"

"Hindi naman. How's Calley?"

"She's with my parents today. How's your wife, Rodjun?"

"Just fine. Experimenting with some cook books again, kilala mo naman 'yun."

"Any signs of pregnancy?"

"Wala pa rin, eh. I always tell her not to be pressured, since we're not in a hurry. Just enjoy married life. 'Di ko na nga rin pinapakausap kay Mama, baka lalo lang syang mag-isip."

"Oh. Okay. Nangangamusta lang naman ako."

"Spill it, Cass. Hindi ka naman tumatawag para lang mangamusta."

"Grabe ka naman. Ganyan ba tingin mo sa'kin?"

"Any questions about Alden?"

"Am I that transparent?"

"Yeah. So. You told him to go filming. Kamusta naman sya?"

"Fine. He updates me every now and then."

"But?"

"But he didn't go home today when he learned that Calley's with my parents. You know, today's a free day."

"And?"

"And hindi ba ako worth it uwian?"

"Grabe naman, Cass. Why are you still having those thoughts? You're married. Are you jealous of your own kid?"

"I guess so. Calley is his world."

"And Alden probably thinks that the kid wouldn't understand his absence, but you would. So there."

"Kahit isang oras man lang sana kaming magkita."

"No video calls?"

"Mahirap humanap ng signal sa location nila. He says he'd find a better connection kapag lumipat sila."

"Iyon naman pala. Cass, don't worry about Alden. He's fine on his own."

"Oo nga. But he's working with her, you know."

"Who?"

"Her."

"Her? Sinong - ah."

"Yeah. Exactly. Ah. That magical connection they have. Sinabi ko lang, he's working with her. Her. Just a damn pronoun. And then you already know who it is."

"Sinabi ba nya sa'yo?"

"Hindi."

"Paano mo nalaman?"

"May staff na nag-upload ng group photo."

"He probably didn't tell you because... he thinks the matter isn't something to be discussed."

"They were together for ten years."

"Were, Cass. Were. Dati. And if you're doubting my friend, look at your ring, look at your kid. And then think that he's probably staring at the same things which remind him kung anong dapat hindi gawin."

"But she was his great love."

"But you were greater. That's why he married you."

"What if he just doesn't want to be hurt?"

"Why are you having these thoughts?"

"I don't know. Ikaw nga ang tinawagan ko because I know you're a great friend to the two of us and you're the reason why we met. You're gonna smack some sense into my head."

"He doesn't plainly choose someone just because he wants to feel safe, Cass. He chooses someone because he thinks you're the best choice."

"At the moment. Best choice at the moment. But that moment doesn't last."

"But your vows would. And your kid. Remember all of that, Cass. Remember that Alden knows these things and your kid would probably be the last person in this world na gusto nyang masaktan."

"Calley is just three. She wouldn't understand even if Alden does something..."

"I don't even know why are we talking about this like we're anticipating it."

"I don't know. Nakakaparanoid, Rodjun."

"Then don't be."

"I hope it's as easy as that. Ask your wife if she falls asleep calmly when you're out."

"She does. Dahil pinagkakatiwalaan nya ako."

"That's what you know."

"And that's what I should know. Tell Alden that you're lonely, but never tell him that you're doubting him. It would hurt him a lot."

"I'm not doubting him."

"You are."

"I'm doubting myself."

"Why?"

"Because I have nowhere to go if he leaves me."

//