His Punishment (15 page)

He started to pull her ring finger
and slid the sewn ring on it. “Be my wifey and let me be your hubby. I promise
if this gets fixed, I will give you a real ring.”

She just smiled at him beautifully.
She was overwhelmed. She knew if there was no dilemma around them, she would
happily be his wife anytime.

“Yes. I accept you as my hubby.”
She leaned forward to kiss him passionately.

When their lips parted James
started talking again.

“I promise wifey, I will fix
everything. There’s no way I would give you up. But until then, we must keep
praying everything will turn out right.”

“Yes hubby. I will keep on
praying.”

The food was served in front of
them interrupting their solemn moment. The sun has already set and they ate
their last dinner together serenely.

“Come on! Let’s go to Coconuts Bar.
I know they have a band playing there tonight.” James was so happy after
dinner.

They didn’t know where Lyn and
Christian are at the moment. They have not seen them since last night, perhaps
they are locked in the room upstairs.

The basketball season is soon
starting and Lyn is going back to California for the rest of her summer
vacation. They are sure they are insatiably consuming each other now.

James led her up her seat and
hugged her. They both looked at the sunset embracing each other. They both
don’t know when this moment will come again. Or worse, they don’t know if it
will ever come again.

“I love you hubby.”

“I love you wifey. I promise to
come back for you.” With that he kissed her on the lips then they started
walking on the beach hand in hand.

They walked in silence enjoying the
soft sea breeze touching their faces and body. It was a cool night and the moon
was just a quarter. It wasn’t so dark though, as the sky was filled with stars
in this summer sky.

When they reached the bar, they
were ushered by the waiter inside. In a few minutes they were seated and the
fire dancers started their performance.

It was a beautiful night. They
would surely remember this night.

They ordered drinks and watched the
fire dancers gracefully swing the lit slings in their head and bodies. They
just clutched on each other’s hands while they were quietly amazed by the style
of the performing group in front of them.

After about thirty minutes of the
fire dancing, the lights at the improvised big tent were lit up and the band
positioned themselves in the stage.

“You know what, the day I heard you
sing, I think that was the first day I liked you.” he confessed.

“Really? But that had been so long
ago,” she replied amazed.

“Yeah . . . But even I didn’t know
it. You sang so beautifully. It got to me. That’s why Rhea got mad.” he admits
again.

“But you were so mad when we came
back to school.”

“I’m sorry. But I’m not sorry I
kissed you. I didn’t want to stop actually, but when I saw you in tears, I got
hurt.”

She hugged him and didn’t say a
word. He played with her hair, gently stroking the strands.

“I was stupid. I knew at the ball,
I was already attracted to you. I misjudged you when I saw you at the suite. I
didn’t know a thing. I was so naïve. I was such an ass. If Christian didn’t
explain everything to me, I wouldn’t have come to my senses. I’m really . . .”

“Shhhh . . .” she looked up to him
and silenced his apology with her finger. “That’s all in the past now.”

“I don’t want you to be my past
wifey. Believe me. If there’s anything I could do, I would.” He felt sorry.

“I know. I believe you hubby.”

“I never regret everything I did
with you. I only regret hurting you.” He continued.

“Stop it. You’re making it sound
that it’s hopeless for us to be together. Please. Stop. This is no good bye.
Please.” Tara pleaded almost in tears.

“Sing for me,” James requested her
as he wipes her tears.

Tara suddenly smiled.

“You love me?” she asked sheepishly
with a little of her teardrops left in the corner of her eyes.

“Of course I do,” he said.

“Then YOU sing for me,” she teased.

“You’re kidding right?” he asked.

“Well, yes at first. But now, I
decided I want to hear you.”

“I don’t sing well wifey!” he
objected.

“Have you ever sung with a band
before?”

“No!”

“Then there will always be a first
time. Make this night even more memorable,” she appealed to him.

He kept silent and looked at her.

“Just for you,” he stood up and
went to the stage and talked to one of the band members.

“I don’t know how to sing. But I
will try my best for you wifey. This song speaks my heart the most,” he lowered
his head as he started singing Bruno Mars’ “It Will Rain”.

She felt how much James meant every
word that he is singing. He didn’t sound that awful but it wasn’t concert
material. But she didn’t mind. The words were just too sweet and his eyes were
so romantically speaking to her as he sang.

He can see her teary eyed when he
started with last chorus of the song. He didn’t understand if she was starting
to shed tears because of his voice or because of what he’s meaning.

Cause there’ll be no sunlight
If I lose you, baby
There’ll be no clear skies
If I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds
My eyes will do the same if you walk away
Everyday it will rain, rain, rain . . .

He was meaning every word of his
song. He didn’t know what he would do or what would happen to him if he lost
her. It was an understatement to say that his eyes will just rain if he loses
her. He knew deep inside he would be living a dead life if she’s gone. He won’t
be able to stand any second of it.

She felt the pain in James’ song.
She can feel it too. It would seem impossible for her to breathe, to know that
he would not be by her side anymore. She was not just in love with him. She
sees him as her life. She started to cry at the thought. Timely, James’ song
was over. She felt him to her side.

She heard the band members woo her
at the song. They thought their story was a very simple love story. Little did
they know it was one of the most complicated tales of all time.

“Wifey, don’t drop me to the
airport tomorrow,” he told her as he sat beside her and hugged her.

She didn’t respond. She was still
in tears. She can’t let go. She can never do. It would have been easier if this
guy isn’t James. The one she loved like forever.

“I can’t let go hubby.”

“Neither can I. I will never do
wifey. Never.” He said and kissed her passionately. They didn’t care if people
were looking. What mattered were them. It might be the last kiss they will be
sharing and they won’t dare bother if they make a scene.

The UAAP Season started. The
different schools and their teams are all hyped. The opening ceremonies were
held at the open field of Marikina Sports Park. It started with the Presenting
of the Board of Directors then the Parade of the Athletes. James was leading
his team as the Captain with Christian by his side and Lyn as the official muse
for the year.

James kept glancing around as if
looking for a familiar face to beam at him. The game officially starts two days
from the grand opening of the competition today.

They lined up as they reached their
spot in the field. They waited for the National Anthem to be over and the
season was officially opened by the torch relay and cauldron lighting.

They all took their respective
seats after that and waited for the cheerleading competition to commence.

James patiently watched the
schools. The sequence of the performance is determined by drawing of lots prior
the competition. And their school was drawn last. He saw Rhea below the
bleachers where the athletes were seated. He wondered why she was wearing her
cheerleading uniform.

Once they started their routine, he
was so shocked to see Rhea still performing at the center. Although she was not
doing any of the stunts, he was still surprised she was dancing. He shook his
head.

“Why is she still there?” Christian
asked obviously having the same thoughts as he is.

“I have no idea,” he shrugged
frowning.

“Did you take her to the doctor?”

“No. But I guess now I should.”
James said again still looking intensely at the routine of the cheerleaders.
Rhea was the cheer captain, but he didn’t expect her to still take part, considering
her condition.

“I don’t see any baby bump dude!”
Christian didn’t fail to notice.

“Me too! Could it be that she is
faking it?” he asked his best friend.

“Probably! Best to do is go to the
doctor with her.”

“Yeah, I’ll make her do the test in
front of me.” James said annoyed.

The competition was over after a
couple more minutes and the board of judges handed the envelope with the
winners’ names on it.

After several drum rolls and cheers
from the crowd, the 1
^st
place was announced and it was their
cheerleaders.

James saw how Rhea jumped up and
down in excitement and happiness. He could not believe what he is seeing.
If
she was pregnant indeed, why would she be this energetic?

He looked at Christian who looked
back at him.

“What the hell was that?” he
cornered Rhea before she went inside the wash area.

“James!” she was happy and she
hugged him.

James removed her arms from his
neck. “Answer me.” He sounded pissed.

“What?” she asked innocently.

“You did your routine and kept
jumping when we were announced.”

“Yeah! I was happy! Aren’t you?”
she asked dumbly.

“I know you are but you said you’re
pregnant!” he accused her.

“Oh that!”

“What THAT?! Are you being stupid?”
he was really mad. For now, he didn’t care whose baby it was, he cared about
THE baby for this matter.

“I got a medical slip from my
doctor telling me I could still dance. My pregnancy is not sensitive, and as if
I was the one doing the stunts!” she reasoned out.

“Are you faking this Rhea?!” he
can’t help but feel fooled.

“Of course not! As if I still want
you!” she protested.

“I want to go to the doctor and
have you checked.”

“Okay. When do you want?”

“NOW.”

After Rhea finished dressing up
into more appropriate clothes, James met her in the car. He still keeps eyeing
her suspiciously.

“What?” she asked him.

“If I find out that you’re faking
this Rhea, you would wish you were never even born!” he threatened her.

“As if!” he heard her squeal, now
he is completely wondering how he was able to convince himself that he loves
this woman!

“My doctor is from Makati Hospital.
Her clinic is until six pm today.”

James looked at her again with
those ice-cold eyes of his. “You think I’d be fooled?”

Rhea kept silent.

“We’re going to Christian’s cousin
in law. She is an Ob-Gyn.” He continued driving and was surprised she shut up.

“What? Caught your tongue?” he
asked her again smirking.

“What? You think I’m nervous? You
can bring me to all the Ob-Gyns you know! I don’t give a damn!” she exclaimed
and crossed her arms across her chest.

They arrived at the clinic of
Christian’s cousin in law and went direct to the point. Dr. Galvez, his best
bud’s cousin in law is still young but looks very professional.

She led Rhea to the separate room
to examine her, after like an eternity they were both out and joined him in the
doctor’s room.

“She is pregnant.” Dr. Galvez
stated.

James’ heart sank. He thought he
would get the good news this early, but he didn’t.

“Honestly, I’m not sure if the baby
is mine,” he admitted.

“How dare you!” Rhea slapped his
shoulders forcefully.

“What? You’re a . . .” he didn’t
finish his sentence out of respect for the doctor.

“Actually, if you want to do some
paternity tests . . . you could do so anytime.” The doctor offered.

“What?!” Rhea and James both
exclaimed.

“You mean I don’t have to wait for
her to give birth?” James inquired.

“No. That was before. But now, as
early as ten weeks, the baby’s DNA can already be extracted.”

“Would that be accurate?” Rhea
asked this time.

The doctor laughed a bit.

“Scared?” he asked.

“Hell No! This is yours! I know it
is!”

“Whatever! Doctor, can you extract
samples from us now?” James was too eager to know and prove it’s not his.

“Oh no. I would have to refer you
to the laboratory that will do the tests,” she started writing in her
prescription pad.

“You can go here anytime you’re
both ready.” She handed James the paper.

Rhea peeked through the
prescription pad and read the name of the laboratory.

“Okay. Thanks doctor. We will do
this immediately.” James shook hands with her. They left the clinic and James
didn’t even wait for Rhea.

“Can it be done tomorrow? I feel
tired today. And you have a game two days from now, so perhaps you might want
to do that after the first scheduled game?” she asked as she treaded behind
him.

“I knew you would try to delay
this,” he shook his head, “but no. If you don’t want today, then we are going
tomorrow. I don’t care if I won’t be able to play in the first game! The truth
must be out the soonest time!”

She didn’t answer.

“I will pick you up tomorrow at ten
in the morning.” He started walking away.

“Wait! Are you leaving me here?”
Rhea shouted as he turned his back on her.

“
Why? Didn’t your doctor say
your pregnancy isn’t sensitive? You jumped up and down this morning, taking a
cab home won’t be bothersome!” he left her with her jaw dropped in disbelief.

***

“Hi Wifey!” James cheerfully said
as he heard Tara receive the call.

“Hi Hubby!” she replied as
blissfully.

“How’s the opening ceremonies?” she
continued.

“Okay. But I was hoping you’d be
here,” he said faking drama.

“But I told you I can’t come. Work
is hectic but I’ve got good news!” she said excitedly.

“You’re pregnant?” he blurted out.

“What?” she replied in shock.

“It would be good news for me! And
I know for a fact we never used protection.” He complained.

She laughed at how childish her
hubby is. “Of the two times it happened, I just finished my period so that’s
impossible you know.”

She heard James sigh before he
talked again. “Uhm, so what is it?”

“I’m flying back in a week!” she
said excitedly.

“Really? Til when will you be
here?” he was thrilled.

“That’s the good news . . .”

“What do you mean?” He asked again.

“I’m staying in Manila for good.
There’s a new business venture and my parents want me to handle it.”

“Oh my God wifey! Really?” he can’t
believe it.

“Yes. Just got off the phone with
my mom. She just told me.”

“I’m so happy! I’ll see you in a
week then every day after that!” his voice sounded like a person who won the
lottery.

“Of course hubby!”

“I love you. I love you. I’m so
excited to see you!” he was simply ecstatic.

“I love you too. But I better go,
there’s a lot to wrap up in here before I leave.”

“Okay wifey! I’ll call you later.”

“Okay hubby! Bye! Start counting
the days!”

“The hell I will! Bye! Take care.”
He hung up so happy. First, the paternity will soon be finished. He is really
sure it isn’t his. Then Tara’s is coming back . . . home . . . to him . . .

James’ Point of View

It has been a week since we had the
paternity test. The results are coming out today. Rhea and I agreed to meet at
the laboratory as I am coming from a basketball practice.

We won the first match and the team
was all hyped to practice and make sure we don’t lose a single game this
season. Christian and I are being offered a contract by one of the most famous
teams in the Philippine Basketball Association and we are determined to get a
good sum so we are really practicing double.

I was so restless to get out of the
gym, not because of nervousness or anything like that. It was pure excitement.
I knew this day would set me free from Rhea.

Tara was supposed to be flying in
yesterday but something came up so she’s coming today. I am going to pick her
up in the landing strip after claiming the paternity test result. I am so
energized to drive and eager to see the results favorable. I am now 100% sure
myself that the baby isn’t mine. The test results should prove my assumptions.

I arrived at the laboratory ten
minutes ahead of my agreed meeting time with Rhea. I parked the car and I was
swiftly walking to the reception area when I heard her voice call to me.
Clearly, I wasn’t the only one early.

“Excited?” she asked holding me by
the arm.

I instinctively removed her arm
from mine.

“Of course, this is going to be a
good day.” I smiled. I know that no one can piss me off today.

“Me too!” she smiled like the devil
herself.

We walked quietly but briskly to
the reception, unable to hide my eagerness.

“We came to claim the paternity
results under James Ervine Aguilar.” I told the lady.

“Please wait a minute, we will
retrieve your files.”

I looked back and found a seat. I
looked for Rhea and she was outside on her mobile phone.

I waited impatiently. I wanted the
results in my hand quick. I’m too excited to meet Tara at the landing strip and
share with her the good news.

“Mr. Aguilar?” the receptionist
called me again.

“Yes?” I stood up and approached
her.

“The doctor will discuss the
results to you and . . .” she looked down at the paper, “Ms. Rhea Bernardo.”

“Okay, I will just call her.” I
went to the door outside where I saw Rhea a while ago.

“Yes I will pay him later!!!” she
screamed at the other line.

I frowned at her voice. I’m
starting to hate everything about her.

“Yes. I’m still with James. I will
settle this after we talk to him.” I heard her still fuming on the phone.

“Rhea,” I called to her.

She hung up the phone immediately
when she saw me. She didn’t even tell the person she’s talking to that she’s
hanging up. I frowned at her lack of etiquette.

“Why?” she asked me nervously.

“They called us to talk to the
doctor who will discuss the results.” I told her and went inside without waiting
for her or acting like a gentleman as to open her door for her.

We were guided to the doctor’s
clinic on the second floor of the building.

We proceeded inside slowly.

We saw the doctor and he smiled at
us. He was a handsome young doctor from my observation. He looked more like an
actor than a doctor actually.

“Good morning. I am Dr. Tan. Please
take a seat.” He pointed at the seats in front of his desk.

“How are you doing?” He tried to
bring a light conversation as he saw Rhea and I are not talking to each other.
We were like crime suspects waiting for his verdict.

“We’re good Doctor.” she said in
her cheerleader voice.

I looked at her puzzled, a while
back she was so irate and now she is so bubbly.

“So, what can I say?” he asked
again.

I sat there very silently. I
suddenly felt nervous from his stare. He handed us each a copy of the paternity
result.

“Congratulations Mr. Aguilar,” he
shook my hand.

“Which means?” I asked my eyes
narrowing of tension.

“The results were positive. You’ll
be a father soon.”

I nearly fell off my seat. I looked
at the paper in my hand. I felt myself stop breathing. Why did I even breathe
back? Oh good Lord, take me now.

“Thank you doctor. You see we had
this little misunderstanding so I don’t blame him for having to get this test
and all, but I know he knows it’s his actually.” Rhea’s voice was buzzing like
a bee. It stings my ears. I looked one more time at the paper in my hand. It
says the same as the doctor proclaimed.

I can’t believe what I just heard.
I looked at the original copy of the result that he read from. This might be
some typographical error or something! This can’t be happening. This is
impossible!

I blinked like over a dozen times
to see that I am not hallucinating of what I am seeing. POSITIVE it said in
bold green all capitalized letters.

I closed my eyes. I don’t know. I
feel like having a heart attack. Or I wish I was having one.