CHAPTER 44 Madly In Love
I SMILED A bit and shifted on my seat uncomfortably. My eyes were naughty. I also ignored the greetings of some friends and acquaintances due to extreme nervousness. I wanted to make sure I couldn’t see him here, but it looked impossible because I could see a man in front of the chair from where I was sitting.
His shoulders were square, broad, and burly like a warrior. Even though I could only see his back, I knew it was him.
I couldn’t breathe. I think something is choking me. My heart was pounding so hard against my ribcage. I didn’t remember being scared in my entire life.
Suddenly it was as if I wanted to run out of the church and leave everything here.
But I was shocked when Peter grabbed my shovel. “Hey, are you alright?”
I quickly turned my attention to him. “Y-yes, I’m fine . . .” I said in a trembling voice.
I was not on myself when the mass started. Doris was hugging baby Clarence, and I could not sit still until the godparents are called in front.
I bowed my head I walked towards the front. Peter was next to me.
When the priest started to speak, I just raised my head. And right straight to where I stand, I saw Lawrence. My heart immediately pounded with excitement.
His appearance was seductive. His hair was well done with a creative nose, a square stubble jaw, and his tight lips, making my heart leap. But his face is expressionless with no sign of feelings. The tension in his jaw can also be traced to his definite anger.
I tried to breathe calmly. I also tried to avert my gaze from him and eventually lowered my gaze. I wish I could get the strength to run, but I can’t. If only the earth could swallow me, I would just escape his deadly stares.
I am thankful that baptism was over soon. One by one, everyone sailed out of the church. I am still not on myself. My mind and heart are debating whether to leave San Simon and return to Manila right away.
But even before I could step out, someone held my wrist.
It was so fast. His hand held mine then he pulled me away. It was too late to protest because I was quickly locked in a corner of the wall where almost no one would notice us.
My lips parted in shock. Even my breathing tightened. He looked at me darkly; jaw clenched so tight. He almost swallowed the space between us.
“Margaux . . .” he whispered my name in a sweet but venomous tone.
I could feel the trembling of my two knees as I looked up at him. He almost nailed me from standing because of his dark stare at me.
“What are you doing here?” he asked coldly.
I did not answer. Instead, I tried to get out of him, but it looks like he has no intention of letting go.
“You’re not going anywhere, Margaux.” His voice was raspy, and his eyes were serious as he looked at me.
“What are you doing? Can you release me?” I said calmly. I pushed him away, but he didn’t move a single inch.
“We have a lot to talk about, Margaux. You can’t run away from me again.”
I swallowed hard. His eyes almost glazed over as he stared at me. His jaw also continues to tighten in rage.
“We have nothing to talk about, Lawrence, because nothing is going on between the two of us!” I said emphatically.
He stared at me in awe, and that’s where I got the chance to push him hard.
He stepped back and looked at me in disbelief. Even I can’t believe what I said.
“Stay away from me,” I weakly said because I knew in myself that I did not like what I said.
“You don’t know where I was looking for you, Margaux. You left me with nothing. After all that has happened to us, you just left without saying goodbye?!”
He stepped closer, grasping my two arms as if I really had no intention of letting go.
“I will fucking never let you put me back on this mess again, Margaux,” he said as he was squeezing my arm tightly.
I bit my lower lip, not because he squeezed my arm but because of his last word.
“Let go of me. Otherwise, I will shout!” I threaten between consecutive breaths.
Lawrence raised his thick brows and looked at me with a twisted face, “You can’t do that, don’t you?”
I could not even answer when he caressed my cheek. I knew his lip was about to touch me just a few inches, but I immediately pushed him when I heard Peter called my name.
He retreated but still did not leave in front of me. He kept his distance closed and looked at me with creased brows. “That bastard, how long will that man followed you?” he muttered closely.
I felt my ears getting hot. I glare at him with hatred. “How dare you say that to me? You know nothing of what happened since I left!”
He finally backed away, hands slide down to his pocket and staring hard at me. “Who told you to leave, then?” he asked with the hint of bitterness.
My tongue stuck at that question. And I said nothing. My conscience immediately overwhelmed me because of his departure. His words cut right through me. I felt my heart stretch wider than it should. I was almost drowned by the air entering my chest.
***
WHEN WE GOT back to the resort, I immediately went straight to my suite. There I caught up with Doris watching Clarence asleep.
It was as if my heart was squeezing as I sat beside the naive child. Lawrence and I have just met; he will soon meet his child at any time from now on.
I shook my head. Weeks ago, it was okay for me to let them meet. But why am I now afraid
It would be wrong for me to hide him from Lawrence, but this is the only way to protect my son. I know that this is the right thing to do right now. And the only way I can think of is to go back to Manila.
My brain immediately worked. I quickly pulled out the traveling bag we were carrying and put Clarence’s belongings in it one by one.
“Are we leaving yet?” Doris asked me.
“Yes, Doris. Arrange all of Clarence’s belongings.” I did not look at her as I command her.
“But the gathering is just beginning. Ma’am Cindy came here earlier and looked for you.”
“I-I already talked to her. I also said goodbye to her,” I said firmly.
She no longer spoke. We were ready to leave when suddenly the door of our suite opened, which startled me.
The absolute shock completely paralyzed me. The feeling of having him standing so close to my son made my heart tremble.
“Who are you?!” Doris asked alertly to the man in front of us.
I almost turned pale when he turned his gaze to my baby. The astonishment was on his face, and his mouth hung with lips slightly parted and the veins popping hard in his temple.