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..."is that her husband?"
I can't believe my eyes! Isn't he dead?
Who is that man? Am I dreaming? Does he have a twin? How did this happen? Was she lying when she told me he died? Is this sorcery?
There's a lot of questions in my head.
But wait... maybe that's some other guy.
"Nash! Wai---"
Before I could even stop her, she was already holding the guy in her arms while weeping.
"I missed you so much, John.", as she sobs.
"Who are you?"
Nash stared at him blankly.
I wonder if this guy lost his memories too.
"John, it's me -- Nash, your wife. Don't you remember me?", as she tried to explain.
"What are you talking about? Lady, you're insane", as he pushed Nash away.
I immediately ran to her to catch her.
"What are you doing? Are you sure that's your husband?", I asked furiously.
The guy didn't bother. Nash wanted to follow him but I forcefully stopped her. It seems that she's not herself. She continued to cry as she shook her head in disbelief.
I let her get herself together while I get our keys for the room.
When we got our room, I went down to get us some food.
I saw the guy with another woman. As I approach them, I can see that they are very happy. I can't help but to think about Nash's outrage earlier.
"Excuse me, sir. I apologize for what happened earlier. But may I please have your time to talk for a while?"
He looked at me, "Pfft!"
What an ass! I grabbed his shoulder.
"What do you want?!", he agreed to come with me to settle the mishap.
I went back to the room only to find out that Nash was still crying. She didn't notice me when I entered the room.
I brought her the food and forced her to eat. It has been a long day.
I left her in the room while I rested in the balcony with my beer.
"Are you crying, Carl?"
"No, I'm just talking to myself.", as I sniff.
John did me good. Who would've thought that he has skills; I wouldn't have imagined that there is a fighter in him judging by the way he looks.
Lesson learned: Never judge a book by its cover.
But no, it's not the reason why I shed a tear.
It's because I thought Nash doesn't care about me after all. I had bruises all over my face and it seemed like she doesn't bother.
"What's wrong with me?", as I sighed. "Am I falling for her? Please don't let this be another broken-heart situation."
When suddenly, I heard the room door open, "Where are you going?"
"I'll just get something from downstairs."
"No! You're not going. I know what you have in mind!", I held her hand as I stop her.
"And who do you think you are?", she pulled her hand.
I nod and let go of her hand. I tilted my head up to stop by tears for falling. I went back to the balcony to drink some more.
I shook my head, "I'll be damned!"
I had no choice - I went down to the lobby to look for Nash. Being the man I am, of course, I'm concerned and I want her to be safe.
Looking around, I saw Nash with John, near a tree talking nicely like nothing happened.
I went near them, not too close for them to see me, but close enough to hear them.
"I'm sorry, Nash, for what I acted earlier. I felt jealous, you were with another man. I thought you have moved on and forgotten about me. Who is that man, anyway?"
"No, John. You know that you're the only one for me.", as Nash hugged him tightly with happy tears.
"Lying b*tch!", I lost all hopes.
I went back to the room and continued drinking.
Nash too, came back up, with a smile on her face.
"Carl, please take this money for you to go home. I need to leave, something urgent happened that I should attend to."
"Sure. Put the money on the bed.", my voice was shaking. I didn't even know if she noticed that.
"Are you not going to send me off?"
I didn't look at her. I'm about to burst into tears again.
"You can take care of yourself, right?"
She went off and closed the door lightly. But I can hear her footsteps slowly fading away.
"It's fine, Carl, stop acting like a child. You should be used to it.", I blame myself.
I woke up early to catch the bus going back to our hometown. On my way to the lobby, I saw John and Nash enjoying in the resort pool.
She noticed me. Our eyes met but I pretended that I didn't see her because my eyes are getting wet again.
She was trying to show me a sad face for me leaving. But I guess, it's more of that she pities me.
"Life is what it is, anyway."
When I reached home, I quickly grab my guitar to practice singing. It's Friday again and it's time for me to sing on stage. I try to forget about what happened. Anyway, I shouldn't not fell attached since there was really nothing between me and Nash.
I went to the beer garden only to find out that the garden was closed.
"It seems that my lucky days are over.", said my friend who owns it.
As I walk back home, I encountered Nash and John.
"Aren't you going to sing on stage tonight?", Nash asked.
Without looking at her, I answered, "I was but then the garden was closed and has been sold to someone else.
...
"I'll go ahead."
She just nodded and I went on my way.
When I reached home, I realized and told my mom, "Hey, mom. Don't you think you'll be fine now?
I want to leave the country for a while. People say that there are a lot of opportunities outside for Maritime graduates like me. I don't want to miss the chance."
My mom looked at me and said, "Go ahead, son. It's time for you to follow your dreams. I'll be fine for now."
When my mom said that, I burst into tears.
"Why does my life seem unfair? You know what, I'm starting to feel tired for everything that has happened."
My mom cried with me as she hugged me, "I'm so sorry, son, if that's what you feel. Please don't say that."
"Forgive me, son, please don't say that."
I cried even harder as I lean my head on my mom's shoulder. I wanted to scream. Scream until all the pain goes away.
"Knock knock!"
I suddenly heard a woman's voice from the outside. I quickly wiped my tears to check who could've been that.
It was Nash.
"Mom, I will go upstairs to prepare my things."
"Where are you going, Carl?" Nash asked.
"Ah... I decided to leave the country."
Nash was shocked.
"That will take you years before you can come again. Who will take care of your mother and brother?"
I answered her with a smile, "My mom and I have discussed it."
"I will help you find a high paying salary here. Don't leave."
"Thank you, Nash, but my decision is final."
I went up to my room to prepare. Nash followed me.
As I organize my things, Nash was helping me.
"What are you doing here, anyway? Where is John? You left him alone outside?"
She smiled and started sharing stories. She seemed so happy.
It pains me that I know the truth now.
"I can see that you are truly happy. But please take cautions, not everything seems the way it is. Don't trust John too much."
I thought she will be mad; she hugged me tightly.
"Thank you, Carl, and I'm really sorry. Please take care there. I'll be missing you for sure."
"Oh please. Don't make me cry again."
I left home the next morning. Things happened so fast. After a week, I was able to board the ship.
Being on a ship was very depressing. Most of the time, we are on the cruise. We are only able to dock every after 3 months.
I really miss home, my mother and brother. I use singing as my way to pass the time.
Nine months have passed. It wasn't easy but I thank God that I managed to finish my contract.
My mom was so excited. She was crying with tears of joy when she saw me from afar. I guess we both miss each other so much.
My neighbors were all outside the streets, ready to greet me. I gave a little money and some alcoholic drink to celebrate. I didn't have much but it feels joyous to share.
I started singing on a videoke that my brother rented. My mom couldn't stop hugging me even though I'm singing. She's overjoyed to see me home.
"I missed you, Mom!", I exclaimed while holding the microphone.
"Whoo! I missed you all!"
They were cheering me when all of a sudden...
"CAAAAARL!"
It was Nash... and Aish! I was astonished.
"What are you both doing here??"
to be continued...
