Sorry

HE LOWERED HIS head and slowly hovering my face more. “The hardest thing I have ever done is walk away while I’m still madly in love with you, Margaux.”

Before I knew it, our tongues entwined in a kiss, just enough to intoxicate my mind. My arms spontaneously hugged his nape, grasped his hair so tight, and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss.

The kiss that I dreamed of last night. The kiss that I was longing for so long . . .

He drew away slowly, lick his lower lip as his forehead rest to mine. “I love you, and I want to be the very best for you. I will not allow that man to be the father of my son. Not this time, Margaux. And I will not give up on you easily,” he said straight and firmly.

***

THE DAY WENT so fast but smoothly. I can’t even remember that day—the day we last met Lawrence.

This is what I want, right? It’s all over with us. I do not intend to overturn my decision. But as time went by, and as Clarence grew, I feel like I’m carrying something heavier in my chest.

“Are you guys ready?!” Peter said energetically.

“Yes, we are ready!” I answered.

Peter quickly took Clarence from me. Doris is off today, and Peter decided to take Clarence and me for a walk today. Also, Mom and Dad are not here because they have an important business trip.

“How are you, little kiddo?” Peter asked Clarence sweetly.

Even though the boy did not answer, I am sure he was glad to see Peter. I was already carrying Clarence’s belongings when I was stopped by an oncoming vehicle.

My heart raced unexpectedly, especially when it stopped right in front of me. Moments later, the door opened, and it spat out Lawrence.

I openly gaped as I observed his tight jaw with an angular shape filled with little stubbles. I almost drowned in his presence as he stepped closer to me. My jaw slowly hit the ground as I looked at his soft, sharp lips that very attractive and captivating. Even if I don’t smell it, it obviously smells good. And he’s wearing a black polo shirt paired along with denim jeans and black shoes.

In that instant, he turned and caught my eye before I could turn away. There seems to be a magnet sticking between us. His eyes come closed, and it makes me want to feel how his lips move in a kiss and how his hands follow the curves of my body.

“What are you doing here, Saavedra?” Peter said right behind my back.

I blinked and quickly averted my eyes.

“I came here to visit my son,” he said confidently.

Peter stepped towards me then glanced at me before Lawrence. “Do you have the right to visit your son?” Peter asked him bluntly.

A muscle on his jaw clenched annoyingly. “I’m his father, Mr. Monteverde,” Lawrence said with a smirk.

I heard Peter gnashing his teeth and muttered a curse. In the end, he said nothing but grabbed my wrist to ask him to leave.

Lawrence looked down at my wrist with a twisted face. I was about to pull my hand away from it, but Peter stopped me firmly.

“As you can see, we are planning to have a family bonding today, Mr. Saavedra,” Peter said seriously.

“I hope you don’t mind if I join you?” Lawrence said as his eyes shifted to me.

His eyes were dark and totally unreadable. My heart pounded even more because of the growing tension between him and Peter.

“What did you say?!” I feel Peter’s grip tighten on my wrist. I know he only suppresses his anger.

“Yes, you heard me right. I’ll go with my son.” A ridiculous grin spread over his face.

The two looked at each other for a moment before I could feel Peter’s grip on me.

“Why not? We’ll just eat outside, and I’ll take Clarence to the Manila Zoo,” he said with finality.

“Alright, so let’s go?” Lawrence said with a hint of excitement.

Since I did not answer, they both turned to me. I tighten my lips hard. I was hoping Lawrence would leave after learning that we had a walk, but what did he say? He want to go with us?

“Let’s go, love,” Peter softly whispered right through my ears.

My head shot up, and I swallowed hard forcefully. When did he learn to call me that?

My eyes instantly flew out to Lawrence. His eyes were very dark and murderous. Suddenly my lips felt very dry, and I could not speak immediately. I also could not understand what was running through Peter’s mind as to why he agreed to include Lawrence in our bonding today.

“Here you go!” Lawrence immediately opened the door of his car for us.

“They will not ride in your car.” Peter insisted that he put some of our belongings in the backseat.

Lawrence glanced at me first as if he was asking for my decision. But like before, I just averted my eyes.

“Okay, you get on him,” he said before finally getting into his car.

“Let’s go?” Peter said and silently opened the door for me.

Along the way, the two of us just kept quiet. I’m not used to seeing him like this. He was fun, especially with Clarence. He also doesn’t run out of stories and jokes when we have a trip like this. I know he’s not happy with his decision. I know it’s only forced because of Clarence. And I know how he loves my son so much to the point that he would give up his happiness for the sake of Clarence.

I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing his arm. It glanced at me for a moment before refocusing on the road.

“I understand. I just don’t understand why he has to force himself on you,” he said in irritation.

I sighed deeply. I slowly stroked his arm. “Let’s just enjoy the day,” I mutter softly.

He didn’t speak anymore, so I decided to turn my attention to the road. After what I heard from Peter, I know that this date will be a bad day.

***

LIKE WHAT PETER said, he took us to the zoo. He was also the one who always carries Clarence, who was very happy with the variety of animals he saw.

I quickly took a picture of them using the cellphone I was holding. I never saw that smile before. He was obviously laughing happily. Even at a young age, he seemed to know what would make him happy.

“How long do you want to play games with him?”

I was immediately relieved when I felt Lawrence’s presence next to me.

“I’ve just given him a chance,” I stated and looked at their photo on my phone.

I heard his heavy sigh, and then we slammed next to me. “Chance? Or maybe you just felt guilty for him, so you can’t leave him?”

I glanced at him. He folds his arms in front of me while his face is serious. His bloodshot eyes were telling me to stop messing around.

“Clarence is growing up. Who do you want him to meet as his father?” he added through gritted teeth.