Clarence Xander

I CAN SAY I am brave now. I was able to forget everything about him. The pain and suffering I left in the Philippines gave me new strength to continue what I started.

I stopped typing on the keyboard when the laptop in front of me rang.

Cindy is calling on Skype!

I answered that immediately, and her image appeared on the monitor.

“Bestie, how are you?!” she greeted me with a full smile on her face.

“I’m fine, you?”

“No worries, I’m fine.”

“How about Mom and Dad?”

“They are fine. I had dinner with them last night,” she delightedly said.

“Thank you so much, bestie.”

“No problem. Anyway, when are you going home to the Philippines?” She furrowed her brows and rested her back against the chair. She scratched her big belly. She’s also pregnant with her first child with Carrick.

“You know I want to give birth here. And it will be difficult for me to travel in my current situation. And once I have given birth, I will count three more months to travel the baby for his safety.”

I have been tired of explaining to them since I came here because they have been waiting for me to come home.

“I saw Peter last time with Jocko at the bar. You’re about to give birth. Someone needs to look at you there,” she said. Concern was evident in her voice.

I sighed, I tried to smile, but I still couldn’t help but mail in my current situation.

“He had a conference meeting there, so he left for a day. I don’t want to force him just to take care of me. He will come back here soon anyway,” I explained.

She just nodded.

“By the way, I know you don’t want to hear about him, but . . .” she paused.

She waited for what I was going to say, but when I did not speak, she continued.

“The wedding is canceled. Elliesse has a sudden project in LA, so they have to reschedule the wedding for next year. Then I heard that the two broke up before because of Elliesse’s ambition to become a famous model. Can you imagine that? Until now, it is still the reason why their wedding was canceled this year.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head.

My forehead furrowed, and I was immersed in deep thought. Was the marriage canceled because of that? It is impossible. She’s pregnant. The marriage must continue because they will have a child.

“Hey, Margaux, are you okay?”

I snapped out from my thinking and shifted on my seat uncomfortably. “Uh, yes, I’m fine.” I smiled a bit and looked away.

“I’m sorry, Margaux, I shouldn’t have mentioned him to you.” The apology was in her tone.

“No, It’s okay, don’t be. I’m getting used to it.” I trailed off. I tightened my grip on the ballpen I was holding earlier.

“Are you sure?” She raised her brows at me.

“What the heck! I was right when I was dismissed by her then. My only concern now is my baby. I am happy with my decision.” I smiled at her genuinely.

I got up to go to the refrigerator and get some fresh milk. I went back to the chaise lounge and faced her again.

“You’re right! Other guys deserve you. Look what he had done to you!” Her voice sounds irritated.

“I have nothing to regret. I am happy with the blessing that has come into my life,” I answered and quietly sipped the milk I was holding.

“Anyway, at least you have a souvenir from him, right?” She even laughed at her own joke. I just shook my head while smiling.

“Hon?”

I heard someone called Cindy, and from behind, Carrick’s handsome face peeked out.

“Hi, Margaux, how’s Paris?” he asked.

“Hmm, I’m okay!” I answered sparingly. He smiled as a dimple came out of his cheek, and my heart twists a bit. He did remind me of Lawrence. The features of the two do not go away. That look is really in the blood of Saavedra. He has messy dark brown hair, a perfectly subtle jaw, and soft-red lips. But I’m thankful that he is different from Lawrence. Because I know he loves my best friend.

“Sorry, bestie, I need to cut our video call because we still have a check-up at my OB,” Cindy told me.

I just smile as a thank you. She knew very well that our conversation should end. Carrick is Lawrence’s cousin. We are sure all of this will reach Lawrence if he does not stop us.

“Alright, be careful! Baby, take care!” I smiled and waved my hands to both of them. I also cut the line and gently leaned back on the sofa. I could not help but let out a deep sigh.

Suddenly I felt like I had no desire to work today. It’s like I just want to sleep in the afternoon. After a lively conversation with Cindy and Carrick, I just feel exhausted and in pain. I’m not sure what I should feel right now.

The marriage did not go ahead. I don’t know what’s actually happening between Lawrence and Elliesse. But I should no longer care. I should no longer worry. I’m okay now. I already forget about him, and I already formed a dream for just me and my baby. But why can’t I still avoid getting hurt when it comes to Lawrence?

Do I still love him? Is leaving not enough to forget my love for him completely?

***

I HEARD A series of knocks on the door. I immediately stood up to open whoever was behind it.

And my smile widened when I met Peter carrying a box of pizza and a box of cake. He also carried his traveling bag on his shoulder while his sweet smile was plastered on his face.

“Peter!” I immediately greeted him with a hug. I can smell his familiar scent. I clawed my hands on his shoulder and planted a soft kissed on his cheek.

I heard his weak laugh before snatching what he was carrying.

“Wow, that’s my favorite!”

He even whistled behind me as I made my way to the table there, as I shook my head and just smiled.

“How’s your flight?”

I looked up again to get his traveling bag, but he did not give it to me.

“This one is heavy.” He quickly laid the bag on the carpeted floor.

“Let’s eat it,” I said as I turned around and walked towards the kitchen.

I quickly grabbed a saucer and a knife to slice the cake. But I immediately screamed when I felt his hug from behind.

He planted a kiss on my neck. Not just one, but a series of kisses that cause me to tickle.

“How are you, kiddo? Did you reprimand Mommy while I was away?” he softly said under the sensitive skin of my ear. He caresses my big belly, which he always does when he caresses me.

“He’s a good boy,” I answered delightfully.

I whirled around and looked up at him with a little smile on my lips.

I blinked when he suddenly stopped and stood still. He licks his lower lip and takes one step back.

I forced a smile back on my lips. “Uh, let’s eat the cake and pizza?”