The Catch (COMPLETED)

Hook

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You're different tonight. Even when you met me with a hug earlier when I arrived, I can tell by the way you held me tighter and longer than usual that something was bothering you.

Even when you talked about browsing online for baby clothes and unable to choose which designs to choose for a boy, I can tell by the way you spaced for a few seconds that there was more to that story that you weren't telling me.

After dinner, you usually clear the table and wash the dishes but tonight I volunteer to do them. I guess you must be tired or bored so I tell you to rest and watch TV in the bedroom instead. With a few more arguments, you finally agree and proceed to the bedroom while I go on with the kitchen chores.

"Maine? Cupcake?" I call your attention sometime later when I find you sitting on the bed, staring at a blank TV screen.

"Jay, come here. I need to tell you something." You say and pat the space beside you.

I sit beside you and take your hand in mine. I lace our fingers together before kissing your hand then I look at you and smile.

"Ano yun?"

You take a deep breath and I can tell by the way you slowly release it that what you are about to say can't be all good. Five years of knowing and loving someone teaches you that.

"The university called yesterday, pinapag-report ako dun before the semester ends. I have a couple more months to teach." You say.

"Kaya mo ba?" I ask and you nod your head.

"Second trimester pa lang naman. They say it's the easiest time of pregnancy tsaka hindi naman ako maselan magbuntis. Mabait si baby." You tell me with a smile then gently rub your belly.

"Siyempre mana sa daddy." I grin but that easily faded when I see the hint of sadness in your eyes. "Bakit? There's more. I can tell."

"Catholic university kasi yun so they expressed some concern regarding..." You pause and sigh. "If I didn't have tenure and I haven't established my reputation in that school over the years, I could have lost my job and that could have been the end of my career. Mapupunta sa wala ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko. I really screwed this one up, RJ."

"Don't say that. Okay naman di ba? May work ka pa rin."

You chuckle mirthlessly and shake your head. "But would I have their respect? Especially my students. I have always been careful. I think things through all the time. I plan before taking any actions, weighing, calculating, making sure I get things right. Tapos the one time that I let my self go completely, the one time I truly followed my heart, I risk losing everything. It's like the universe is telling me something."

"The universe is telling you to that not everything is according to your plan. Maine, you're not losing everything because you will never lose me. Tandaan mo yan. Okay? Kahit anong wasiwas pa ang gawin ng buhay sa atin, hinding-hindi ako bibitiw sa'yo. I'm caught in your hook and I will never let go." I smile and tears start falling from your eyes as you nod your head and bury your face on my shoulder.

"Ang hirap, RJ. Sana kayanin ko pa itong lagpasan." You sob.

"Natin. Magkasama tayo dito, Meng." I whisper as I wrap you in my arms.

I let you cry for a while as I hold you close. When you have calmed down, I get you a glass of water to drink.

"Thank you, Babe." You smile.