TWELVE: UNEXPECTED REUNION WITH MY EX

[Shaira’s POINT OF VIEW]

"By the way, when did you come home last night, and how was your work yesterday?" I asked while forking out delicacy.

He lifted his head and stared at me for a split second. Meanwhile, I simply stare back at him as I anticipate his reply.

'What's taking him so long to reply? Did I ask a difficult question?' says a tiny voice in my head.

He cleared his voice before replying, "I don't know what time it is. I just know it's late in the evening. I even caught you sleeping on the sofa."

I probably fell asleep there because I waited too long.

"I forgot to mention you left the tv to perform while the audience was already asleep," he added.

"I forgot to turn it off. I'm sleepy at that time," I replied, scooping a spoonful of rice.

He just nods while his mouth is busy chewing the bacon and once in a while a breath of silence joins our table. I keep glancing at my husband, trying to figure out his mood. Even though he didn't say anything I could tell something is bothering him, but I don't want to interfere yet because he would tell it right away if he wanted to.

"Can you drop us off today?" I asked him.

"Of course, I also wanted to see my son going to school," Jhotam replied.

"How about after school?"

"I'm not sure. I'll just give you a call."

"O-ok," I replied. I was quite disappointed because he wasn't with us yesterday and until now he seems packed with prior engagements.

After breakfast, my husband escorted us to Tamra's school before heading to his office. On my way to the exit, I ran into Hera, and we had a small chit-chat.

She will continue her career, and her husband didn't argue about her decision. He is fine, as long as she can take care of their twins. I also want to get back to work, but Jhotam dislikes the idea, so I didn't bother to argue about it. I also think I need to focus on my family first.

While heading back home, I made a subtle self-reflection and asked myself whether I truly wish not to go back to my profession. I heaved a heavy breath as no answer spurred me at the moment.

When I got home, I realized the house felt empty inside without my boy, and so am I. My husband is busy with his work, while my son is busy attending school.

After doing all the household chores, I feel useless for lying on the sofa all along. Shortly after, I later found out that I had fallen asleep while waiting for the time to fetch Tamra from school. Fortunately, it's just a 5 minutes delay from my usual time going to school.

"Hmmm?" I said. If it were not for the phone call, I might still be sleeping right now.

"I'm sorry. I have a pile of papers on my desk," says Jhotam over the phone. My husband can't make it, and I'm fully aware that he is busy right now so I replied, "It's ok. I understand."

"Thanks, bye love you both, and take care," Jhotam says.

"I love you too. Take care," I replied before hanging up.

I'm not complaining, or what I understand the nature of his work being the CEO is not just swiveling a chair, signing papers, and shaking hands. Everyone knows it is more than the word 'boss' so who am I to complain? Besides, I appreciate all his effort in maintaining a father figure, a good provider in the morning, and a sweet husband and father now and then.

I put my phone inside my pocket. After fixing my messy hair, I went straight outside the village and called for a grab. After a few minutes of standing, a white and green taxi came my way.

"Saint Michael School," I mentioned as I sat in the back of the passenger seat. I saw him nod his head. Luckily, today I didn't catch up in a disastrous jam. I told the driver to wait for us. I will double the bill if he'll drive us to Sm north.

I found my son sitting next to the man with a blue polo shirt. I feel apologetic toward my son. I let my son wait for about ten minutes, he must be lonely sitting there alone.

"I'm sorry, baby! How long have you waited for me?" I brushed my son's hair as I kissed him on his forehead.

"Don't feel sorry about it, mom. By the way, this is my new adviser today. He said he wants to meet your mom."

The man my son wanted to introduce is now facing me. I think I saw his face, but I couldn't recall where and when.

"I'm glad to see you are happy now," says the guy standing before my eyes.

'What's with this odd feeling? Is he someone I used to know?'

"I know I'm the last person you wanted to see," the guy added.

I don't want to laugh in front of the stranger, or else he'll think I'm degrading him. I find it weird how a man like him could utter such ridiculous words as if we are old pals when it's our first time seeing each other.

"Pardon?" I don't know how to get out of this very unusual moment. Is it just my imagination? Or he is staring at me with longing eyes. From those eyes, there is visible loneliness that I can read. It made my heart skip a beat out of the creepiness.

"It's me... Ryan."

R-Ryan... that guy from my past relationship?!