'Til I Found You (COMPLETED)

47

Time flies, burdened by trials that test their bond. Like any relationship defined by imperfection, theirs is no different; they clash and reconcile in a relentless roller coaster of bittersweet moments. Hand in hand, they brazen out every storm thrown their way.

But the atmosphere shifts when his employment is disrupted.

The restaurant owner files for bankruptcy, leaving only one last month of operation. It is a staggering blow, especially with little ones on the way and Eli just returning to school. Aga searches for a new job, but fate seems to work against him. No offers come, and the mounting frustration begins to consume him.

The change does not escape Lea’s notice; she discerns the slow hardening of her man. He transforms from an understanding partner into someone cold and unreachable. They barely talk, as Aga retreats into a heavy silence the moment he returns from work. She is not used to his sudden outbursts, and each one leaves a sting in her chest. Their petty bickers turn into unbearable confrontations, and Lea cannot help the growing dread in her heart. She sees his perseverance, his desperate need to provide, and she tries to understand—until the day comes when the foundation finally cracks.

As they have dinner in a silence Lea is beginning to fear, Eli breaks the quiet. "Daddy, it's almost our exam day. I need to pay na, and we have school project as well."

"I will request for a promissory note tomorrow," he responds, his voice flat.

"But, daddy, you did the same last exam. I need to pay na sabi ni teacher. Our school registrar won't allow me to take it unless you pay my tuition," Eli explains. A deep sigh from her father sends a shiver down her spine. Lea watches from across the table, sensing the suffocating calm before the storm.

"Then, I will transfer you to another school. We have to save up for your siblings. I can't afford your tuition anymore, Eli. Daddy's losing his job."

The admission hits the air like a physical blow. Aga has been silent about the severity of it until now. He ignores Eli’s crestfallen expression. "Daddy, I don't like..."

"Eli, you heard me. It's final," he snaps.

"But, daddy..." Eli starts, but Aga’s temper finally breaks, making both her and Lea flinch.

"Enough! You heard me! Whether you agree or not, you follow as I say!" He glares at his daughter’s trembling lip, and Lea knows she cannot stay silent.

"Aga, tone down your voice. Wag mo namang sigawan yung anak mo," she begins as Eli begins to sob.

"Then make her understand our situation! Ang hirap kase sayo you're sugarcoating the truth. I am losing my job, Lea! Mas lalo tayong mahihirapan if we do not transfer Eli to an affordable school!"

"Teka nga! Ba't ba ang init ng ulo mo parati?! Aga, you're being so distant from us these days. Eh halos hindi nga kita makausap ng maayos kase parati kang galit!" She loses her grip on her patience. Aga stands abruptly, but Lea stands her ground, gesturing for their daughter to go upstairs.

"Pagod ako, Lei. I just want a peaceful night."

She blocks his path, her eyes searching his. "Pagod ka sa alin, Ags?! Sa trabaho mo o sa amin?!"

"I don't want to argue," he mutters, but Lea can feel the volatile emotions brimming beneath the surface.

"No. Let's talk, Ags! Akala mo ba hindi ko napapansin yang pagbabago mo?! I know where you're coming from but don't vent your anger towards us! Aga, pamilya mo kami!"

"Eh alam mo naman pala kung san ako nanggagaling eh! Lea, pagod na pagod na ako! I am doing the best I can just to be a father to our kids and a best man to you! I work so hard for this family! Konting cooperation naman diyan, Lea, kase nakakapagod na!"

The words pierce her like a jagged blade. He looks like a stranger—a man she no longer recognizes. The pain cuts deep, and in a moment of sheer hurt, she hits his face, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. It feels as if her past is haunting her once again. She blames herself for being weak, for being the fool who always falls for him. "That's it. Lumabas din yung totoo, Aga! Kaya ka nagkakaganyan kase napapagod ka na sa amin."

"Lea, that's not what I meant! Wag mo iniiba yung usapan!"

"I'm not! Aminin mo na lang na nagsisisi ka for choosing us! For choosing this kind of life! Di rin naman kita masisisi, eh. But let me tell you this, I didn't force myself to you, Ags! Ilang beses kitang pinagtulakan at iniwasan! Tahimik na yung mga buhay natin pero eto ka! You came back into my life with all your promises! Nagpakatanga ako ulit sayo, Aga! Sinuko ko ulit sayo yung buong ako! Hindi lang naman ikaw yung napapagod eh! Aga, napapagod din akong intindihin ka but I never tell you that!"

She feels the little ones wiggling and kicking in her belly—a sharp reminder of the future. The thought of raising them alone, just as she did with Eli, flashes through her mind. It is a familiar, lonely path. She always seems to lose the game of love.

"Lea, I don't reg..."

"Tama na, Aga. Wag mo na pahirapan ang sarili mo. You know the choices you have. Bukas naman yung pinto. Just go back home. I will not stop you. Nakaya ko namang palakihin si Eli mag isa. I'm sure kakayanin ko din silang tatlo. Wag na natin pa ipilit to, Aga. Kapwa lang tayong masasaktan lalo na ang mga bata"

She turns her back, walking away with a heavy finality. Realization hits Aga like a physical weight as he watches her retreat. He has let his pride and the weight of his trials blind him to the one person who stood by him. He has broken the very thing he was working so hard to protect.