I'll Be There ✔ (I Will Series 1)

40. I'll Be There

This is the last chapter of I Will Series' first installment before epilogue. Thank you so much for reaching this far <3

This chapter is raw. No editing nor proofreading done since it's late already AHAHA! This chapter is riddled with flaws (grammar, vocabs, flow, tone, etc.) Do not expect perfection. Thank you and Happy Reading!

Kabanata 40
I'll Be There

DRIVING alone on this hot and steamy day makes me a little bit frustrated. So I turned the aircon on its whole level while I wait for the traffic to move finally. I run away, away from everybody, after that confrontation with Caitto. My brother and his wife were worried, so I had to tell them where I am temporarily living while waiting for my resignation letter to be signed.

I was so thankful to Yumero for letting me stay in his old condo unit. He's currently living in his boyfriend's place, so this unit has been vacant for years already. I picked up the keys from Yumero in person. He was concerned as well, but I begged him not to tell the others where I am currently living. He helped me carry some of my luggage. And we finally went inside the room. Everything's dusty; it is terrible for my baby and me if I live in a dusty place, so Yumero and I cleaned the whole area.

He offered to buy me some food and my other necessities, but I declined his offer as I was so exhausted from cleaning, and I want to take a bath and then sleep after. I'm sure he was exhausted, too, but he still insisted, so I can't say no. I took a bath and decided to wait for Yumero to come back, but as I watched a show on the television, my eyelids suddenly felt heavy. I slowly and carefully adjusted my body to a comfortable position. With a slight stretch and a yawn, I allowed the darkness to swallow me whole.

I woke up around 6 in the evening as I felt my stomach growl out of hunger. The lights were on, and I saw three paper bags on top of the kitchen counter. Katabi nun ay may nakahanda ng pagkain. Yumero cooked for my dinner before he left. Sobrang nagpapasalamat talaga ako dahil meron akong maaasahang mga kaibigan. I won't ask for more.

I ate what Yumero has cooked for me and I washed the dishes after I ate. I brush my teeth first before going back to sleep. The morning after I woke up, I quickly rushed to the bathroom dahil nasusuka na naman ako. I was having a hard time dealing with my pregnancy symptoms; how I wish I have him here beside me, rubbing my back, tying my hair into a bun, then helping me cook for something I crave.

I carefully stood up from kneeling; I closed the toilet bowl cover before I sat on it, then push the flush button. Sobrang nanghihina pa ang tuhod ko kaya I took my time to sit there. I did my morning routine too. I went out of the bathroom to cook for my breakfast. I was craving for something sweet, hinalungkat ko ang mga pinamili ni Yumero kahapon but I couldn't find anything sweet, so I decided to grab a hoodie from my suitcase and went out to buy an ice cream. Good thing Yumero's place is close to mall; it's just like a 10 minutes walk.

Upon reaching the mall, agad akong dumiretso sa supermarket area. I grabbed one basket and proceeded to the ice cream section. After getting the ice cream flavor that I want, I went straight to the priority lane for pregnant women, seniors, and PWDs. Nagtataka ako kung bakit ang daming nakatingin sa akin; some would even steal a look. I slowly lowered my head because it is so embarrassing. After a second, an elderly couple went to me.

"Hija, this is a priority lane..." sabi ng matandang babae. She even pointed the sign at tumingin din ako doon. At first, I was thinking na baka gusto lang nilang mauna sa akin. I smiled at them, then bowed a little before I step sideways, giving them access to my spot kanina.

Akmang maglalakad na ako sa likod nila when the husband saw my tummy. "You're pregnant, sweetheart?" Ngumiti ako bago tumango sa kaniya bilang sagot, other people around us looked away immediately. Tumingin din sa tiyan ko ang matandang babae, she looked shock as well. "I-I'm sorry, Hija... I didn't know you were pregnant kasi I didn't see your baby bump." She scanned me, napunta ang tingin niya sa hawak kong basket. "Nako! Where's your husband ba? He's making you carry that heavy basket." Inikot nito ang tingin niya, probably to look for my husband.