Once a Wife [English Version]

Chapter 1

"WHAT?" Maricar's sister, Maricris, couldn't believe what did she just heard "That's just it? He got that girl pregnant and then asked for an annulment? Bullshit! Where did he hide his brain?!"

Maricar couldn't say a single word, it has been a week since he left them but the pain was still there, it didn't go away. She thinks it gets even stronger.

"What are you crying for? He's not dead yet!" Maricris shouted as she massages her temples. "Damn it, Maricar! Our parents did not send us to school just to cry over a dickhead man!"

"Ate, I called you because I don't have anyone to talk with yet you're scolding me there like it was that easy not to cry as nothing happened!" She sighed and wiped her tears away. She couldn't say this to her friends because she couldn't destroy the image of her husband, and the blame would just be on her when they learn that Dominic has gone with others, she's afraid that they would think that she failed as a wife.

Maricris was astonished, apparently fascinated. "I-I'm sorry" she walks towards her and rubbed her back. "I was just worried about you, Maricar. I just can't accept that between the two of us, it was you who've been cheated, I mean - I don't have any sweetness in life! I'm not as affectionate as you, Maricar. That's why I don't get it "

She looked at her sister, "You're not affectionate but you see, you don't look like your age, your body, and skin! You do not seem to have a child, You could pass as a sweetheart! M-Maybe, that's why Dominic cheated because I don't look... young, anymore" She's weeping, again.

Earlier, she saw his husband's yahoo messenger's display photo. Dominic was with his mistress and holds a sonogram. Her heart bled, again. So, she asked her neighbors to look after her children for a while because she did not want them to see and hear her crying.

"What an asshole! He posted that on yahoo messenger?" Maricris rolled her eyes. "What a dick--"

"Ate!" She rebuked her for they might hear her. Among her children, it's just Raven whose angry with his father, while Gryffin and Slyther are still looking for him.

"You didn't tell them?"Maricris's brows furrowed, "don't you?" She just nodded as Maricris eyes went wider, again. "For goodness sake! How long will you keep this from them, Maricar? Are you planning to take the blame for what he did?! Those two boys would end up hating you--"

"Ninang" They both turned their heads and saw Raven as he walks to them, he blessed and kissed his godmother's cheeks then sat beside her.

"Raven, Hijo. I'm sorry"

"I'm not going to let Gryffin and Slyther get angry with Mommy," Raven said. "Dad -- I mean, Dominic, this is all his fault" Pain flashed across his eyes.

Maricar and Maricris looked at each other. "Hijo, I know your father made a mistake but he's still your dad. I think it's inappropriate for you to call him .. Dominic?" Maricris calmly said as she held his hand.

"But we're his family! I think it's inappropriate for him to leave us like trash!" He blurted out but then was taken aback by what he said, "I-I'm sorry, Ninang. Sorry, Mom"

They all went silent. She could understand where her son's coming from.

"Kuya Raven! Huffle's calling you. She's being a witch!"They looked at Slyther whose running down from upstairs as he went to Raven, "Gryffin is making her calm but she's impossible!"

"Go ahead, Raven," she said, "Keep an eye to your siblings, I'll just make you a delicious snack" She brushed his brown hair. Raven excused himself and left them.

When Raven left, Maricris gave her a meaningful head to toe look, "What?"

"What are you doing?" Maricris asked. "I'll make you a delicious snack" she imitates her voice.

"It's already afternoon! My children cannot be hungry, Dom will be upset-" she stopped and looked at her sister who's giving her the You-got-your-answer look.

"It's my routine." She reasoned out. "I don't know how to start again, I mean, we've been together for 11 years. How could I move on from this?" She sighed heavily, how she wished she could just fast forward time.

"You're still young, life has not even been started yet," Maricris smoothly said and looked at her. "Your life barely even started yet!"

Okay, she admits. Getting pregnant at the age of 17 is not ideal but she couldn't feel an ounce of regret! She loves her firstborn so much!

"Your children were already grown-ups, they can even do things on their own. Also, your firstborn, Raven, he's responsible, He doesn't neglect his brothers most especially, Huffle"

She has a point, but, "What do you suggest?" She asked. "Go out and party? Make-out with college boys?" That's impossible.

"Duh, no!" Maricris reacted, "You have to face this situation with grace and beauty, you've been cheated and hurt, do you honestly think I will let you look like a loser?" She put the strands of her hair at the back of her ears, "No!"

"You have a degree, Maricar, I'll help you to use it," Maricris added, "Business Management, you could put up your own business!"

"I was just thinking about our ends meet then right over you're disclosing me about putting up a business?" She chuckled a bit, "If you're not my sister, I'll think you're in networking and shouting POWER!"

Maricris laughed with her, "You should sell this house and find another place to live. The place where he can't find you!" Maricris rolled her eyes. "Find a place that suits your family, just tell me and I'll help you"

"To whom will I ask for help? You're all that I've got, Ate. You're the only one that I could trust right now" Maricris hugged her tightly, her eyes began to water again, " Do you think I can move on?"

"Of course, you're stronger than you think you are, you're my sister after all!" Maricris said enthusiastically, "I know you have many insecurities, Maria Carmina, but you should leave those behind."

She nodded, "I will, Maria Criselda" they both laugh at hearing their full names.

"Now stop calling me that name," said Maricris. "I'll just call Eugene, I'll tell him to bring the kids here, and we'll join the dinner. "

"Thank you, Ate" she smiled and suddenly felt hopeful.

She can do this. She has to.

---

Ate - It means older sister in Filipino, it also can be used to call someone you're not related with (woman) but is older than you, as a sign of respect.

Ninang - It means godmother in Filipino.

Hijo- This is a Spanish word that means son, but in Filipino, this was used to address a boy younger than you. Usually, this was used by elder people to call their grandchild, godchildren and even not related.