Chapter 1 - It all started when I thought our relationship was sailing smoothly. Little did I know, it already capsized. I should have known, she was distant, always on her cellphone. Whenever I try to have some quality time with her, she would end up getting annoyed. There was this one time when I prepared a nice dinner for her, she stood me up. She didn't arrive that night. I ended up eating dinner by myself.
Another incident was when our daughter broke the mirror that was in her room accidentally. I was so surprised! She never - never raised her voice when it comes to our daughter. To my shock, she did that faithful day.Chapter 2 - I heard her one day. She was on the phone, whispering something. It was not in my nature to eavesdrop. But I did, and I regretted it.
"Carly, I know. I know what I'm doing is not right but- can you blame me! He... He left and now he's back," Tara said."N - no! I don't know!" She sighed heavily.
I couldn't help myself to listen more. Carly is her best friend and if I'm correct, the 'He' she's referring to must be Alex. The way she stressed pronouncing the word, the sighing, the- way she's talking to Carly secretly. It must be... Alex. Her ex-husband.
Chapter 3 - I saw them a week ago. Holding hands, side-by-side. Maybe I'am being a martyr, but I followed them without them knowing. What I saw was the most painful thing my heart could fathom. My wife, smiling, laughing and - so loving. It was a burden seeing her with another man, and when Alex kissed her, it broke me. I left the moment I saw them kissed. I drove and drove until I arrived at a familiar location. A small hill overlooking the ocean, where we first met. Where I fell in love. Where I promised I would love her and she would love me - Forever. I guess its true, there is no such thing as Forever. I cried that night, screamed and punched the car. Threw rocks just to help me relieved the feeling I have. Then my phone rang, a message from a friend.
"Michael! Don't tell me your wife is hooking up with her ex-husband!"
I smiled, 'hook-up'. Yeah, I guess she was hooking - up with her ex.
Chapter 4 - I was carrying our daughter, putting her to sleep on her bed after falling asleep on the couch. Tara was in the kitchen, on her phone again. I wanted to confront her, about what I saw. But I'm afraid to lose her. I don't want to lose her. I Love Her. After carrying our daughter to her bed, I paced myself to our room and into the bathroom. I took the toothbrush and toothpaste, planning on brushing my teeth before heading to sleep. I couldn't help but think what would happen if Tara would leave. Will I survive? Am I strong enough to let her go? But what if I fight. What if I show determination that She belongs with me and our daughter. That she should choose us because we are her Family. But, why would I inhibit her from the person who is making her happy. Why should I let her go and be with Alex, the person she had loved for all eternity. As I finished brushing my teeth, I decided to wash my face. I felt a pair of arms crawling up to my chest. Tara leaned her head on my back. Surprise was evident on my face.
"I love you," she stated.
I smiled. My eyes were starting to water. Is this goodbye?
"I love you, too. So much," I replied.
I turned around and kissed her. If this is goodbye, then so be it.
Chapter 5 - 13 years later.
"Dad, come on! Let's take a picture!"
My daughter's high school graduation. My baby is a lady. I shed a tear and wiped it quickly before she could see it.
"Aawww... Dad don't cry," she busted.
"I'm not crying!" I retorted.
"I'm always gonna be your baby! Okay? I'm a daddy's girl, remember?"
"Daddy's tough baby girl,"
"That's right!" She laughed.
We took a picture together. Luckily, I still live in the dark ages where I have to film the photo. Old school is my game. We stayed a couple of minutes talking to some friends and teachers. Thanking them and giving some gifts for them to cherish and remember. It has been thirteen years. My, how fast time flies.
"Dad!" My daughter tugged, I turned to her direction. "We're going, you want to come with us?"
She's referring to her Mother. A lot has happened after thirteen years. A lot has changed.
"I think I'll catch up, okay? Send me the address," I replied.
She nodded her head in approval. I'm still a martyr.
After that faithful night of what I though was pure love, the next morning, I saw our wedding ring on the table. A note was beside it with the phrase written on the folded piece of paper, "I'm Sorry". I never cried so hard that day, the loneliness I felt. I was reckless after. I saw my life burn before my eyes. Always drunk, always late for work, almost homeless. But the only person keeping up with me was my daughter. She was there. Through ups and downs. I thought she would give up on me, but I was wrong. She was always there for me and with me. And will return the favour and love she showed and have given me. Although I haven't fully moved on, I learned that there are things you need to let go.
I let someone very dear to me, the one that I loved so much go. But it was for her happiness. It was for the best. I can't let her stay knowing she's not happy anymore. It would be torture for her. I guess it worked out for the both of them, they're happily married. And as I stood outside the restaurant, I can see my wife, smiling the smile I've been trying to achieve. Holding hands with her husband. Laughing to something funny. How I wish that was me. That should have been me.
*scoff* Well, Bieber, thank you for the song. K, bye!
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Moments of Love
General FictionA bunch of short-stories and one-shot stories my weird mind concocted.