'Til I Found You (COMPLETED)

47

Time flew entailed with trials coming their way. Just like any other relationship that has imperfections, theirs is no difference. They fight and make up. It was a roller coaster of bitter sweet moments. Hand and hand they brazened out all trials thrown upon them.

But changes occured when his employment was disrupted.

The restaurant owner filed for bankruptcy leaving only a last month of operation. It was a big challenge for him as they have little ones coming, and their Eli just went back to school. Aga searched for a new job but fate seems giving him a hard time. No job offer is available for him, and it frustrates him. It didn't skip Lea's attention as she could discern her man's changes. He went from an understanding man to a cold one. They barely talk as Aga went silent from his day at work. She is not used to his sudden outburst, and it grew a sting in her chest. Their petty fights turned unbearable at times and Lea can't help but feel worried. She could see his perseverance to provide their needs. Somehow she understands where he's coming from ... not until a day came that proves their relationship is beginning to become hopeless.

As they were having dinner with silence that Lea is getting used to, Eli broke it. "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 responsed.

"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 explained but a deep sigh from her dad sent shiver down her spine. Lea was just observing the scene but she could sense the 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"

It's never went through their conversation as Lea recalls. Aga was silent about it and she saw Eli's sad reaction. "Daddy, I don't like"

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

"But, daddy ...", Eli including Lea were freaked out when Aga lost his temper.

"Enough! You heard me! Whether you agree or not, you follow as I say!", he saw his daughter's frown and Lea knew something must be said.

"Aga, tone down your voice. Wag mo namang sigawan yung anak mo", she begun as Eli sobs.

"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 lost her grip and Aga quickly rose to his feet. Lea didn't live him down as she did the same while telling their daughter to go upstairs.

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

She blocked his way, "Pagod ka sa alin, Ags?! Sa trabaho mo o sa amin?!"

"I don't want to argue", he replied but Lea felt the brimming emotions flowing.

"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 out 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, Lei, kase nakakapagod na!"

And, Lea felt a stab in her chest. His words directly pierced her into pieces. He seems like a whole new man. A stranger to her eyes and it cuts deeper into her. She hit his face as tears keep flowing down her cheeks. It seems like her past is haunting herself once again. But she could see no difference. Maybe she's got used to all the heartaches. It's always like this but she could only blame herself for it. She's weak and fool as always when it comes to him. "That's it. Lumabas din yung totoo, Ags! 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, Ags! 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 felt her little ones wiggling and kicking in her belly. It seems to give her a snippet of what's to come. She might rear another little ones all by herself but there's nothing new to it.

She always loses in the game of love.

"Lea, I don't reg ...", he was cut off.

"Tama na, Ags. Wag mo na pahirapan ang sarili mo. You knew the choices you have. Bukas naman yung pinto. Just go back home. Nakaya ko namang palakihin si Eli mag isa. I'm sure kakayanin ko din silang tatlo", she turned her back at him. Realization hit him so hard upon seeing her walking away. He f-cked up. Lea has been always on his side supporting and loving him but he was blinded by trials that he failed to see his shortcomings.