Broken Strings
Chapter 22

MELISSA QUIZON

“Goodbye, Miss Quizon.” One of my students shouted before he got inside his service. I smiled and I waved my hand on her.

I was about to leave school when my cellphone rang. I immediately opened the message.

From: Eugene

I’ll fetch you. Give me ten minutes. Wait for me, okay?

I hit reply.

To: Eugene

Okay. In the waiting shed.

Soon a black car pulled up in front of me. Eugene got out of there. I immediately stood up and watched it.

“Why did you pick me up? Am I bothering you?”

“I haven’t been with you for a few days. I miss you.” He laughed. He opened the car door for me.

“Where will we go?” I said as he entered the driver’s seat.

I looked at the wristwatch. “Reid is home at four o’clock. We still have two hours to kill. Wanna go to the mall or something?”

“Okay. Mall.”

I was currently listening to Eugene’s stories about the hospital when my phone rang. I opened the messages while Eugene continued to tell the story.

From: Wright

Where are you? I’ll fetch you.

I pressed reply. I’ve explained to Wright a few times that we shouldn’t be together but kept pestering me.

To: Wright

No need. I was already in Eugene’s car.

In less than a second, my phone vibrated immediately.

From: Wright

What? Why’re you with him?

To: Wright

Mind your own business.

From: Wright

Da*mn, Melissa. You’re making me so mad now. Where is he taking you? Please, tell him to pull over. I will follow you.

To: Wright

Stop sticking your nose to someone else’s business.

From: Wright

Get out of his car!

To: Wright

You ain’t the boss of me.

From: Wright

Please. Baby, you’re making me so da-mn crazy.

I did not reply. He tried to call me, but I blocked his number. The only thing I can receive from him is text messages. He is already annoying me. Did he think he was still my boyfriend?!

“I bet it’s the As-shole you’re texting.” I looked at Eugene. His lips formed a thin line. He glanced at me. “I’m so jealous.”

I ‘tsked. “He’s just texting to annoy me.”

“Well, he did a very good job. Annoyed Melissa is very scary.” He chuckled.

“That’s insulting!” I said, faking that I’m offended. “Well, Eugene’s everyday outburst makes my days’ worth.”

“That’s not insulting. I’m proud that my flaw amazes you.” A boyish grin formed on his lips. It touched my hand that was above my thigh. “Sweet Melissa.”

I suddenly felt goosebumps when I heard what he said. Eugene does love me, but why can’t I love him back? I want to love him back. I wish I can.

“Very childish, Melissa. Really? Tom’s world?” Eugene said incredulously. I pulled him here immediately. I know I will lose my stress when I play here. My b***d will live and I will forget.

“Tom’s world is for all ages. No age limit.” I rolled my eyes at him and folded my arms on my chest. “I thought you wanted me with you. Why do you seem to be acting now?”

It put my arm around me. As soon as we entered, the women noticed him. The effect of handsome doctor on people is unparalleled. “You know, I can’t resist that little puppy eyes, Mel.”

This is to buy tokens while I wait in the ring of the basketball game. When it arrived we fought, I knew I had no hope of winning this year, knowing that I was only up to his chest.

“I can’t win, you’re good at this! Your deceit.” I said in disgust. Because my time is over while he is in Round Three. Many of us are already watching because I’m here with him.

“Talk to you later, babe. “

I was bored waiting for him to come out but the head was gifted with basketball so I joined in as well. We took the time left to teach me.

“It’s like that.” He held my hand to guide the ball. I felt its hot breath in my ear.

“Aya. It’s over.”

“It’s always worth it.” It kissed my forehead. His hand wrapped around my waist. “Melissa.”

“Hmm?”

“Let’s tell Reid. I want him to know that I’m courting you.” He whispered. “I’ve waited this long, Mel.”

I turned to him. I saw someone waiting to play in the back so I pulled Eugene to a place where there weren’t too many people.

“A lot is going on in Reid’s mind right now, Eugene. It’s not time for me to add to that now.” I explain. I also want Reid to know that someone loves him so much, but how can he understand if his mind is confused about what is happening to us and his father? Sadness passed in Eugene’s eyes. “I…”

He forced a smile. “We still have one hour to kill. Where do you want to eat?”

“Jollibee?” I just missed it. She didn’t seem to want me to feel she was sad.

“Okay.”

While Eugene was ordering I opened my phone. The nook furrowed or when Wright’s message was read. Won’t he stop?

‘Where are you, Baby? Please reply to me.’

‘Did you block my number, Baby? I can’t reach you!’

‘Melissa! Unblock me!’

‘I’ll pick up Reid. I want you to enjoy your day with that a*****e. Note the sarcasm.’

And much more. I read it one by one. Yeah, I want him mad. I want him to be so damn crazy. If he wants to get me again, he will work hard.

“You don’t have to read his text all the time, Mel. You want him here instead of me?” I raised my eyes because of owning that unstable tone.

Eugene dropped our order on the table. I slowly hid my phone and reached for the cheeseburger. A few minutes of silence overcame us. It might prevent it from out bursting so it’s quiet. We were in a public area so maybe it chose to keep quiet rather than create a commotion.

I smiled. This boy is so cute. “Why do boys always get jealous?”

“Because some boys are possessive especially if it comes to someone so precious.” It says so directly. This is what I like about Eugene, he is straightforward. When he knows he is in the right, he fights back. He chuckled.

“He just said he was going to pick up Reid.”

“Good. I have more time to be with you.”

WRIGHT AGONCILLO

“Wright! Put down your phone immediately! I need your attention.”

“What ?!” I said to my Manager.

“We are at a conference. Where’s your attention?” he said while pointing his finger at the phone I was holding. I looked around and there were many flashing cameras. Most of the photographers are for their magazines.

I swallowed and hung up my phone. I’m sure they’ll have a hard time getting a good angle on me because I’m so dam-n pissed right now. Thanks to Melissa. She freaking blocked me! I know, I looked like a frustrated stalker right now but if she tells me where she is, I don’t give a damn on this conference. I’m leaving right away! I just want to be with her!

“Wright, you’re the most enigmatic member of the band. We know you value your privacy very much. I have a question for you. Who’s the kid in this picture?” So, they knew, huh? We looked good in that picture, I’ll buy that later. “Is he your son? You both have the same facial features.”

Yes. Dam-n right. “No. H-He isn’t.”

The reporter did not seem convinced. I know the attention is on me now, even my bandmates are also confused by the photo seen.

“Another question, Wright. Between you and Miss Claire. How are you?” Another reporter asked.

“We’re good. She’s happy with her new love life. If you want further information, ask her yourself.” I said honestly.

“Wright.” Our Manager threatened me.

“This girl.” My heart pounds when I saw Melissa’s eye-catching smile. “What’s your relationship with her?”

She’s my half. She’s mine. I want her only for myself.

I wanted to shout but it wasn’t the time yet. “No comment. Please excuse me.”

I left the conference room. The manager calls me but I can’t take it anymore. I wanted to breathe. My heart’s starting to pound so hard it hurts.

I stopped putting on the seatbelt when my phone vibrated. I frowned when I saw Claire’s name on the screen. What does she want this time?

“Claire? Why are you calling me? Are you weeping?”

“Wright, I need your help.” I heard her sobs. “My boyfriend and I fought again. I don’t want to go home first. Can I sleep in your condo?”

I remember when I found him in the condo sleeping on the sofa. I don’t know how she got in but it came out in the media, so they got even more upset about getting information on Claire and me. Her relationship with her latest boyfriend is also private. Because she is a model in the well -known brassiere industry, she has also made a name for herself in the industry.

I sighed. “Claire. I told you—”

“This will be the last time. That’s why I slept there without your permission because I can’t reach your phone. I need a friend, Wright. You’re my only friend.” I bit my lower l*p when I heard her weep. “You know, I’m not a bi-tch. I won’t destroy you with your family. I already accept the fact that you love her and I’m not.” I remember when I told her what happened to Melissa and me, she was angry with herself because but because of her, Melissa and I are fine now. It still doesn’t know that Melissa and I have a child, which I want when I say, the whole world to know. “Then I don’t love you anymore. I have Scott. We fight a lot but I love that so much.”

I leaned over and squeezed my aching senses. “Okay. I’ll just sleep at home. You know what to do. Don’t let the media know.”

“Thank you, Wright. Can I drink one of your expensive brandies?”

“Do what you want, Claire. ‘Don’t defile Sassa. It was Melissa’s gift in our first months.” Sassa is a big tiger stuffed toy.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” I bet she’s rolling her eyes now. Being friends with your exes is a choice. “By the way, good luck on taming the love of your life. Sorry for making the situation more complicated when I returned, Wright.”

“It’s also my fault, Claire.”

I hanged up. I tried to call Melissa but it automatically rejects me.

“Da-mn it, woman.” I hit the steering wheel. “You’re driving me so dam-n jealous!”

It was close to four o’clock so I stopped calling. Maybe Eugene and I are busy right now. Dam-n it! When I arrived at Reid’s school, the guard let me in right away. I have my ways. I saw Reid sitting in the waiting shed and looking around. It also sucks. It has classmates waving at him but he ignores them.

“Hey, little boy.” I’m distracted here.

His forehead is immediately wrinkled. “Why are you here? Where’s my mom?”

“You don’t want to see me?” I hid the resentment in my voice.

It did not speak and just bowed. Its ear is ringing but I don’t know why. It looks so cute. I’ll ask okay Mel why our son’s ear is working.

I sat down next to him and took off my shades. Very few go through this habit so it’s okay for me to show a face. “Want to eat somewhere? Where do you like?”

It nodded and pointed to a food stall.

“Fishball?” I winced. “Can we eat that?”

He nodded again.

“Let’s go?”

He grabbed my hand and jumped to get down to the slightly elevated chair. It hit the rolling bag. I feel so happy that I can hold my son’s hand. He is already giving me space in his life. “Excuse me, please give s ten of those.”

The woman gasped as she looked at me. I winced. Not again.

“W… Wright! Oh my gosh!” She jumps up and approaches me. “Picture! Picture!”

“Okay.” I want to run but my son likes fish ball now. The woman has also attracted attention so they have multiplied. I couldn’t control the man, my son was already covered.

“Ouch” I heard Reid shout.

“Reid!” I immediately loaded it up and ran into the car. Dam-n! I made the wrong decision again. I should have just bought it a bag of fish balls and then we ate it at home. I’ll sit on my lap. “Are you alright?”

I saw the bleeding wound on his knee. I turned pale. I hurt him. I hurt my son because of my foolishness!

There were many knocks on the young man’s car but all the doors were locked and my car was heavy-tinted. They can’t see what’s going on inside.

“M-Mommy!” He started to cry. Oh, no.

“Ssshh… I’m here. Daddy’s here. Stop crying, Baby. We’ll heal your wound.” I kissed him on the forehead. God, I can’t stand my son cry. I tried to wipe it with a tissue but I was surprised when it slapped my hand.

“My mommy! I don’t like you!” He shouted at me. I hurt. “Don’t touch me!’

I can’t breathe. “Reid… Son. All right. Let’s treat it so it doesn’t get infected.”

He tried to leave my lap but hugged me tightly. I won’t let go again. Never again.

“I don’t want to be with you!” Tears flowed down his cheeks. “I want my Mommy!”

I put its head between my neck. I had a hard time controlling it because he was beating and kicking me. Yeah, I deserve it. All of it.

“Let me go! I don’t like you! Mommy!”

“I’m sorry, baby. I’m doing everything I can to make you forgive me.” My voice started to quiver.

“Mommy!”

“I’m sorry I’ve hurt you.” I was so closed to have a bond with him but I blew it.

He cried for a few minutes until he fell asleep. I slanted the chair next to me and slowly placed it there. I wiped the tear from his cheek and kissed his forehead.

“I’m sorry, son.”

I turned off the car engine when we reached the opposite yard of their house. I wear my cap and shades. I got out of the car and turned around in the passenger seat. I picked up the sleeping priest Reid. When we got to the front door I used the key that hung around its neck.

I laid him down on the sofa and went to the kitchen to get some basing. Its wound needs to be cleansed. I sat down next to him and gently touched the towel to his knee. He blinked and his eyes slowly widened. My heart skips when its gaze lands on me.

He immediately got up and ran to his room. He closed his door on my face. I took a deep breath and leaned back on the sofa. My senses ached again.

I was startled when I heard the sound of a car in front of the yard. I peeked out the window. The car wasn’t very tinted so I could see Melissa and Eugene’s happy faces. The two were talking but since they were inside the car, I couldn’t hear that. I noticed something Eugene said and Melissa nodded.

Seconds later.

I watched them l*p-locking. From that moment, my brain stopped functioning. The only thing I see is nothing but Black. The only thing I feel is nothing but pain. There she is, my piece, my half, fading. Bit by bit.

What should I do?

Nobody told me there’d be days like this.