Chain Reaction (On Hold)

Chapter XII

It's been  a month since Ken came back. Things are still awkward between them. They don't speak often and Ken uses the room next to her's. So basically, it's like they are still strangers. But like civil strangers. There are times when they talk but it's like they're not married. It's definitely back to zero for them. Ana is still having a hard time, because up until now, he hadn't explain why he left or where he went all this time. She wants to ask him but she can't, maybe she can't because she won't be able to handle the answers. She's having a hard time with their set up, because all she wants is for them to go back to normal again, but then again, she learned to be contented, because at least they get to talk. 

Ken is really busy lately, but Ana knows it's about business. But that's all she knows, he doesn't really tell her everything.

"Yes, Dad. I'm working on the papers." Ken said on the phone while looking on some papers.

"Uhm, Arthur, can check on this." He asked his assistant. He is really busy right now. His dad asked him to be the CEO of their mall. Yes, a shopping mall. It's one of the most famous mall in the country. It only has one branch because they want it to be one of a kind. His Dad has been hands on with managing the mall ever since Ken was a kid, so now, his Dad finally decided that it's time for him to be the one to manage it. The thing is, Ana doesn't have a clue that they own a mall. He still hasn't told her about it. The reason? Well because they don't talk that much. He only talks to her during meal times. And Ken is very happy because, he's been feeding Ana very well, and he can see that she's not that skinny anymore. Now, that's what you call progress. Even though he is busy, he still finds time to cook or atleast buy food for Ana.

Ana got home earlier than expected, but she really is tired. Well, who won't be if you're handling 15 little kids. Imagine the energy required for you to handle them. She's so freakin' tired. So she sat on the sofa the moment she got inside their home. She planned to just sit there for a moment but she dozed off to sleep.

"Uhuh, Dad, the mall is closed already. And I've settled the its promo for next month. Everything's settled now. You can rest Dad. And please tell Mom, I miss her. Bye." Ken said on the phone. Yes, he is close with his parents especially his Dad. Well, his Mom, he loves her like a real Mom. But she's only his step-mother. His mother left them when he was still young. And it's something he told himself to forget. Matagal na niyang kinalimutan ang totoo niyang ina. For him, she's not worth remembering. Besides, he's happy now with his mother. And now, he has a younger sister and brother but they're both busy with their own life. But he still keeps in touch with them. It's already almost 10 pm, he's wondering if his wife's already home. Well, ofcourse he still cares for his wife. That he can't deny. But he just doesn't show it. When he got home the lights were open, so he assumed that Ana was already home. He opened the main door and there he saw his wife sleeping on the couch. She must have been very tired. He thought. His wife looked so beautiful even while sleeping. She looks like an angel. He can't help but feel in awe with the sight of her face. Truth is, he doesn't hate her. He hates what she did. He went near his wife to get a clear view, when he got closer, saka naman naalimpungatan si Ana.

"Ken?!" She said in surprise.

"Oh, sorry, did I wake you up?" He said trying to act natural.

He almost got caught by his wife, but thanks to his fast reflexes he wasn't.

"Uh, no. Gosh! What time is it? Masyado ata akong pagod."

"It's almost 11." He said plainly.

"Ooooh. Hala. Have you eaten?" She said while standing up.

"Uhm. Nope. You?"

"Uuuuuhh.." She can't answer

"Ana? What did I tell you about skipping meals?" He said like a father to Ana.