Chapter 7
13: Argument to Marriage?
[Avah's Point of View]
I don"t know how I spent the whole day at the restaurant as my mind wandered regarding what happened to us last night. I just realized that it was afternoon and our time for work was over. When I was able to change my uniform, my coworker touched me.
"Sis, you're just like us." Valerie whispered to me.
"Huh? Where?" I asked him.
"Malou's house, her birthday." Malou and I worked on a day-off. Only now did I find out why he took a day-off.
"I can't Valerie, e. You know, I'm pregnant, and then I don't drink." I reject him with a smile padin on the lips.
"You're not going to drink, and he expects us all to come. You're all right, so that you and baby can eat a lot too. It's like a pork carcass." He winked at me but begged. "You're fine, please."
"But it's okay for me to wear it?" I looked at the gray T-shirt I was wearing, old black pants and also black jelly shoes.
"Of course! I'm the only one wearing this. What's up?" Valerie was already smiling.
"All right, but I'll just be a minute, huh?"
"Yun! We're six going at the same time." He said happily.
Since we only rode two jeeps and a tricycle to Malou and there was no traffic on our route, we quickly reached the party. As soon as we arrived we immediately wished him a happy birthday. His parents and family greeted us warmly. We were seated in the living room and then they served us food. While someone was eating, someone was also having karaoke. A co -worker of ours, Tanya. He was very happy so every time he whimpered we couldn't stop laughing. After eating I stayed for a while. It would be embarrassing if I just went to Malou's birthday just to eat. We just chatted together at work until Malou's parents filed a case of alcohol.
They were drinking, while I was just watching them and laughing if there was a fun story. Sometimes they give me alcohol but Valerie scolds them. She reminds them that I am pregnant and that alcohol is not good for my situation.
I just found out that it was almost dyes in the evening when Valerie said, "quarter to ten already? Hello, Avah! You should be resting now."
"Yes. Mark, you brought Avah. You have a motorbike." Said Malou.
"All right, what's up Avah? Tara?" Mark's invitation.
"Wait, Avah! Just one shot oh! It's easy." Ani Tanya. Maybe a cheer isn't bad. I took the small glass and handed it to them. Draw the spicy and hot liquid down my throat into my stomach.
"All right. I'll be the first, Malou huh? Happy birthday again. Be careful everyone." I got up from my seat and followed Mark out.
"Bye, Avah! Be careful ha! Mark fix you driving ha !!" Malou shouted. He led us outside and we waved before I put on my helmet and got on Mark's motorcycle.
It was good and Mark drove carefully, I was confident to get home. I just told the location of my house and a moment later on the road we stopped opposite my tenant. I thanked him and then went up to the second floor.
As soon as I opened the door I was surprised because Davien was inside.
"Where the fuck have you been ?!" He asked angrily. Because the light is on, I can see the anger on his face.
"W-what are you doing here? How did you get in?" I was stunned at where I stood.
Davien approached me, I stepped back and closed the door. When I could no longer pull back, Davien turned his face. He put his sharp nose in my mouth. After that he shouted.
"You fucking drink ?!"
I gasped at his angry shout. In force, even those lying in the cemetery will almost wake up.
"N-no. Just a cheer. Wait, what are you doing here?" I tried to straighten my voice.
"You are pregnant! And you're drinking ?! Going home late ?! Is that appropriate for a woman who's bearing a child ?!" He kept on shouting which I disbelieved.
"Can you not shout? Someone else lives here! Don't build houses that shouldn't be late at night." I tried to calm the voice.
"Yeah! True! I shouldn't be doing stupid things late at night. But I hope you do that first before you criticize me, right?"
"When are you going to silence my life?" I looked at him badly and passed him by.
"If you agreed to move in my house on the first place, both of us can have a peaceful day!"
Here is the matter again.
I sat on my pallet and even though I noticed the expensive household items I ignored them. This will only prolong the answer. But why am I arguing? What is he to be angry about when I come home late at night?
I took off my jelly shoes and set them aside under the pallet. I also noticed the new blanket and pillow on the bed. Will he really stand up for this nonsense? I never spoke again. I went to bed, covered with a blanket. I didn't even bother to change my clothes.
There was about a minute of silence until Davien removed my blanket and threw it aside. I was shocked there so I shouted.
"What?!"
"Get the fuck up and eat."
"I don't want to, I'm full."
"I said get up!" Shout it out. I woke up from lying down and looked at him sharply.
"Don't yell at it!" My tone rose. I looked at the food on my table. I stood up and approached it. I took a spoon and plate then I started eating. Fortunately, it's been two hours since I ate.
Even though I was very angry with him, I didn't spoil the food. I ate it gently. The taste of this food! But I don"t show that I"m having fun while eating the foods.
"This is the last time that you're going home late. You will never be able to leave my house after our marriage."
When he said that, I threw the food out in shock.
14: We'll Be Married. Period
I get up quickly from my encounter with foods. My feet seem to have a mind of their own because it moves automatically.
"What wedding are you talking about?" Anas ko kay Davien.
"Our marriage. We're both married. When we're married, you can't do whatever you want. You won't go home late at night, you won't work, you won't eat useless food, no you will live in this small and dirty house and especially you will never be able to drink alcohol. " If he can speak, he is like a dictator. The decision is final and it seems that when you resist you are no longer safe.
"Davien, only those who get married are people who love each other. Marriage is a sacred ceremony, it's not a game. We can't get married, we don't love each other. The Lord won't bless us." I made him understand my point but his reaction was not even shaken.
"Blessed or not, I don't care! People will not call my child a bastard because his parents are not married. I tell you Avah, whether you like it or not, we will get married. I will not allow my child to grow up without recognized father. I will not allow him not to bear the name Sebastian. "
Because of the shape of his voice, I had no choice but to sit down again. I also lost my appetite. I was just stunned. After my sigh I stood up. I covered the dishes and went back to bed.
"You're not done eating!" Davien's baling.
In a calm tone, I said, "I'm full. I'm from the party." I lay down again on the pallet and covered myself with a blanket. This week I will go to Mother Segunda. Only he can give me the right decision.
"Avah, we aren't done talking yet." Davien said again.
Since I'm a little sober, I also mentioned his name in my interview. I replied to him, "Davien, I'm tired. You also said I'm pregnant, there are many taboos. Please also think of giving me peace. I want to sleep and rest. Please don't bother me tonight. "
When I closed my eyes I quickly fell asleep.
[Davien's Point of View]
I grew up without father. He cheated on my mother when I was just a boy, just 10 years old that time. My mother was a doctor too, she raised me and my younger sister, Daniela alone using her salary, the product of her sweat, tears and knowledge.
Since I haven't experienced having a father, maybe that's the reason why I want to take care of the child in Avah's womb. And one more thing, I feel like I want to get married too. I feel like I want to have another reason and inspiration to struggle with life. In fact, I was about to invite Alexa to get married. Alexa, my four year relationship but she broke up because I am a doctor and I have more time for my patient.
If he hadn't divorced I would have definitely left work today because I'm arranging our wedding. But no matter how much I loved him then, mama really didn't like him. Mama would almost jump for joy when she found out that we were separated. Alexa is said to be artistic, and lazy and very jealous.
Come on man! Stop thinking about her!
I shook my head to get her out of my mind. I looked at Avah who was turned away. Even her back is still beautiful. Looking at the small bed, remembering how we make love on it last night made my anger fade away. It was replaced by temptation. God damn. I was never been this sexually active! What the fuck is wrong with my fucking horny hormones?
Because of the sudden heat of my body, I entered his small bathroom. The water is cold because it's night, besides the faucet has no temperature control. But I'm still thankful. I can have a cold shower.
After easing myself, I walk naked on the room. Who cares? She's asleep. And even if he's not asleep, what? He saw it again. I grabbed my bag and took my boxer shorts and sweater. After getting dress, I lay down next to Avah.
It was as if my own brain had given birth to my arm and hand because I suddenly hugged Avah. No matter how much I wanted to pull my hands back to myself, I couldn"t. She's so damn warm, and good-smelling. Then later, I was able to fall asleep.
The scene next morning was quite amazing and I don't know ... its exciting. Not because I wake up and she's naked, no. Strange because I woke up while Avah was cooking in her small kitchen. It was like mama to papa and Daniela and me. Her dark long hair was tied and watching her from her back was intriguing and entertaining. She will make a perfect wife, I already can see it.
I stood up, as much as possible I don't want her to know that I'm already awake. What the hell is with me? Why am I acting like a silly in love idiot in high school? Despite of all my thoughts, I still found myself on her back. I asked, "what are you cooking?" in my just-woke-up tone.
Avah was obviously surprised because she jumped when I suddenly asked her so close.
"w-no, just eggs." His answer was weak and muttering.
I could smell Avah's fragrant hair. She has taken a bath. Damn. She's sweating because of the heat from burner. And the smell of the food she's cooking is already part of her personal odor.
I can't stay another minute. My hormones are very active for Avah. I quickly walked away and took my clothes from his desk last night.
"I'll be leaving now. Think of what I've said last night Avah. About the marriage. And don't try to hide, I will always come to find where on heaven or church you are hiding. And if you ' I'll do what you did last night for the second time, I'm saying I'll take you to church soon just to get married as fast as possible. " As I say those things I put on my clothes.
I saw Avah's shoulder rise and fall. Meaning she breath deeply. She turns around and says, "give me a few days to think about don. At least for a week." The graceful of her voice.
Fuck! She is so damn beautiful!
I approached Avah then I said, "until Sunday, then. But no matter what decision you come up with, we will get married. Period." I said firmly. I wasn't able to control myself because I pulled Avah closer and crushed her with a kiss. "I'll go now, see you later." Then I let him go. I saw how surprise she was. My eyes didn't miss her red cheeks. And God yes! Sister do know how to blush!
Before I could just turn around and suffocate her with my kiss, I went out.
15: Yes
On Sunday, I visited mama and my sister at our house in Alabang. It is a private village named Whiteheights Village and only upper class family lives in there. That is where I grew up with my mother and younger sister.
I pressed the doorbell. Mama get out of the house, she saw me through the lined gate and I saw how excited and happy she was to see me. Her smile shows white set of teeth, it reaches her eyes.
"Hijo! Oh, you're here!" she said as she unlocked the gate. I smiled towards her and then opens my arms widely. As soon as the gate opened, mama quickly hugged me. "Why did you come unannounced? I could have cook for you!" he said after our tight hug.
"There's no need for that, mama."
"Don't you missed my dishes?" she pouted like a little girl.
"Of course, I did missed it. But I'm afraid that someone will have to cook for me aside from you, ma." I chuckled. I'm giving her a clue about my upcoming settle down. For later after I reveal my plans, she wouldn't be so shocked. "Is she here? Daniela?"
Mama and I get in. She locked the gate again. Since my car wouldn't fit on their garage I won't let it in anymore. There are two cars in the garage, Toyota Corolla ALT15 and Toyota Hiace. This people are into Toyota and I'm not. The space only fits two cars so even if I wanted to pull my car in, there's no choice.
When we got to the living room, I saw there my younger sister. She's on her phone, sitting in the single couch with crossed legs, wearing a piece of fabric that is not very appropriate for me. I think the clothes she's wearing is called crop top and short shorts. It's not very pleasing to see my own sister wearing such clothes. Maybe if Avah would use it I might find it sexy, but that's impossible.
"You shouldn't have worn anything, Daniela. The hell is that style?" My brother was obviously surprised by my voice as he quickly put down his cellphone and quickly raised his head and looked at me.
"Kuya!" Her smile bloomed and she stands up. She gave me a bear hug then a peck on my cheeks.
"Get dress, it's gross." Daniela's face suddenly turned sour at my comment.
"Gross? You shouldn't be saying that because first, I'm home with mom only, second you came here without even telling us and third this is a millennial style!" Daniela retorted.
"Good point." Mom sided with Daniela.
"Whatever." I said bored.
"Why are you here, Kuya? You don't visit us twice every two weeks." My younger sister look at me with that questioning stare.
"Let's seat, I have an announcement." We walk towards the living, Daniela sat back to her throne, I sat in a long couch with mama by my side. They just looked at me, waiting for my announcement. After a very deep breath, I finally found my courage to say, "I'm getting married."
My mom and sister's reaction was the same. It's a loud "what ?!" Then mom added, "No! No, no! I thought you broke up with Alexa ?! Why are you suddenly marrying her? You know I don't like that damn thing! I'm against it! I'm so against this marriage! If you will continue that disaster, you can forget that you have a mom! " She bursts dramatically. Both mom and Daniela don't like Alexa, when we're still in relationship, of course it hurts, but at least Daniela is supportive. She don't throw shade on Alexa, she's good at pretending unlike mom.
"Whoa ... I calm down. We've got to hear what Kuya Vien has to say."
"No! Maybe that woman charmed you what? Why! Why her !?"
"Ma, ma! Alexa's not the woman!" I take the lead here. Mama's terrified face quickly disappeared when she heard that. But I still can see the fear in her eyes. "I'm going to be a father soon, with a decent woman."
"Y-you're ...?" There's a moment of silent. The information might still be sinking in on their heads until, "I'm going to be a grandmother! Thank God! And with a decent woman? Oh my! Not Alexa's? This is a blessing!" she cried out.
Daniela was still shook. She keep on asking if there's a hidden camera, if it was a prank and shit. While me, I said "yes, you can say that it is a blessing. Because Avah was once a nun, almost an abbess."
"W-what?" Now was my mom's turn to stammered.
[Third Person's Point of View]
After mass Avah left the convent. Father Arnulfo talked to him briefly during lunch. After that, he went to his mother, Mother Segunda. He looked for it in his room but there was none, because by asking questions he found out it was in the church itself. Avah found the old nun sitting on the classic piano, the old -fashioned instrument they used whenever they sang as the Parish Choir. The only piano reason for Avah to know how to use it.
Mother Segunda plays the Song Of Desire written and applied to the music of the Bukas Palad Music Ministry. When the music came to its chorus Avah began to sing with her voice God"s grace. He is like an angel singing. Mother Segunda's head was raised and her happiness welled up in her heart when she saw the child. The nun was even more interested in playing.
"I remember you
While lying down
Because Your help is always there
In the shade of Your wings
I sing with joy. "
While singing, Avah approached her standing mother until she stood beside the nun.
When their music ended, Avah said, "Mother, I need your guidance,"
Segunda frowned. He looked at the maiden and asked, "how's the guide, Sister?"
"The father of my children showed me, Mother. He said he didn't want our son to grow up without a father. He wanted marriage, but marriage is a holy sacrament, Mother. I'm a mess, I'm not know what I have to do, say and answer. What does the Lord want for me? All I want is to serve Him. " Avah said sadly.
"Sister, whatever is happening to you now is according to the will of the Lord. But the decision should not come from me, your life is what you are consulting with me, Sister. All I want is for you to be happy in your new life, together your child and if possible the father of the child. Marriage is a holy sacrament, but not everyone who is married loves, sometimes they finally find true happiness. That is my opinion but the decision should not be come from others, you must Sister. You are in control of your life, and remember that in every step you face God is there. " Long mantra of the old nun.
Silence prevailed between the two of them until Mother Segunda said, "Would you like to sing with me? Singing makes you feel better." Avah smiled at the old man then they continued singing sacred music.
Before Avah left she prayed first. He prayed that his decision would be right. Because it was already dark when Avah left the church, she arrived at her house around seven o'clock.
Just like last night Davien was already there, waiting for him.
"Where are you from?" mejo the young man asked irritably.
"I'm from the Convent, and I have an answer about what you want."
Davien frowned. He could not understand what the girl was saying. "What does that mean?" Aniya.
Avah looked up, she met the young man's gaze before saying, "I'm already consenting to the marriage."
To be continued...