Kamiah went to work, wondering why she had dreamed of her.
“Why? When I had a good day yesterday. Why do I feel off? For sure they are talking but that’s not what is making it off. Why is it now when I say her name I feel something is wrong? What is with you and Acwell?” her mind was full of questions trying to understand her dream and the way she feels.
Acwell also has some flashbacks of his first few months in Dubai. He did not know what to expect. At some point, he was culture-shocked. He is new to Islamic culture and governance. Yes, back home, there are Muslim people but only a few. He was lonely in the first few weeks and struggling to adjust to the job and the people at work.
Then, he became friends with other expatriates like him. They taught him how to work smart and have fun. These people and the distance from the people he loves brought back the playboy and party side of him. They would go to some bars inside a hotel and drink until closing. That was their way of releasing boredom.
The constant visit to the bar made him forget about the people that he left back home, especially Kamiah. He started having fling here and there. Some for only a day or two. Some for a week, but the maximum of two weeks. It was never serious because he still wants Kamiah. But he rarely calls, almost to no contact at all. He doesn’t want to answer her when he is inside a bar or with a lady. He doesn’t want her to find out. His reason was he is just having fun and he will find time for her later. But despite doing this, he is also saving for his mother and so he can ask Kamiah for marriage.
But as the days went on, he can’t seem to find time for Kamiah. He doesn’t want to reply to her messages because he feels guilty for treating her like that. His newfound friends told him it is okay as long as it is not his mother. Kamiah should not hope that much because they are not married. They also told him he is young, so he must enjoy and explore all options. He can’t commit to Kamiah right away. It is true in some sense, but he also cannot let her go.
A month before his probation, the company hired a new receptionist. She is half-Filipina and half- American like him. Her name is Catrina Fiona Adwell. They worked together in several shifts and share a lot of interest. She also reminded him of Kamiah. There are similarities in the facial features, even with some qualities, but Catrina is more outgoing and outspoken.
They started as friends and would talk after work since they are staying in the same building. With her, Acwell felt Kamiah was some sort of bothersome to him. He thought there is someone almost like her and near him why does he have to put any effort into her. Soon, the friendly talk is developing into something more. Acwell got drawn to her. Not that he loves her but because she is the one near to him. Catrina was not shy to show an indirect way of her feelings to him. Acwell could confirm she had fallen for him.
They ended up having an affair. The first two days it was good. Then the succeeding days, it is becoming hell for Acwell. He is finally seeing her true colors. She is insecure and likes to argue if she doesn’t get what she wants or if teased and she doesn’t like it. They kept arguing for a lot of reasons and some are just petty things.
On the fifth day of their relationship, they argued in the morning about Kamiah. No matter how much he told her that they are not talking to each other, she would not believe him. It’s because Kamiah is still calling and sending him messages. He can’t tell her that Kamiah doesn’t know, and he can’t let go of Kamiah yet. That night, he came home drank, and he tried to fix their relationship. He wanted to make up because he doesn’t want that their fight will affect their working relationship. However, that night ended with them sleeping together. A night that until now he regrets.
They did not fight on the sixth day, but on the seventh day, they did. It was Kamiah’s birthday. Catrina discovered that he called her. That was the moment that Acwell decided they must end their relationship. It is not a healthy one because all they do is argue. Talking to Kamiah made him realize what he was doing wrong, and being with Catrina was a total mistake. He stopped going to bars and did as he promised, call Kamiah three times a week.
Two weeks after, Catrina came knocking on his door. When he opened the door, she immediately said, “We need to talk it's something important.”
“What is it, Catrina? If you came here to just argue with me again, I don’t have time for it. I’m tired, let’s end this like you always say,” Acwell answered.
Then she unlocks her phone and showed him a picture. “Look,” she said.
He saw a pregnancy test with two lines on it. “What is it?" he asked.
“It’s a pregnancy test. I took the test this morning because my period is already delayed. I’m pregnant.”
Acwell felt like all his dreams crashed and his world stops. “Are you sure about that?”
“Yes. My period has never been delayed.”
“Try doing it again after two weeks and leave me alone for a moment.”
“But Acwell, this is correct. I don’t have to do it again.”
“Please, do it again after two weeks. Then, you can come back to me. For now, I want to be with myself.”
“Acwell, aren’t you happy we are going to have a baby? Because I am.”
“Please, Catrina. Leave me alone for now.”
Acwell’s break is almost up and so the flashbacks have to be paused. He knows he will think about it again later.