AMBER is drying her hair when Rafael entered the room—the room they are occupying is her husband’s room. He is wearing a white shirt paired with a black pajama, until now she still can’t believe that she married a handsome and hunk man.
“Are you tired?” Rafael asked and planted a kiss on her forehead.
“Not really. I enjoyed talking to your parents.” She answered and turned off the blow dryer. “You are lucky to have them.” She added and unplugged the blow dryer and faced her husband. “You are really loved.
“Well, I guess that’s the advantage of being an only child.” Rafael said, and she can see the sadness on his eyes. “My mom had three miscarriage before conceiving me.” Rafael said making her gasps in horror. “When they learned that Mom is pregnant with me, mom took a leave on her work and dad leave the company to my grandfather. They always took precautions and mom went for a regular check-up but I was not breathing when mom gave birth to me.”
“Rafa…”
“The doctors did everything they could until they could feel pulse and heartbeat.” Rafael said. “My parents tried to conceive another one but they failed. I still remembered their joy and excitement when my mom got pregnant when I was thirteen, especially when they found out that it was a girl…” A tear escaped Rafael’s eyes. “But a drunk driver robbed that happiness from us—from my parents.”
Amber noticed that Rafael’s hands are trembling, and all she could do is to hold them tight. Now, she finally understands why he was so triggered when she threatened him to abort their baby. She cannot say anything as there is like a lump on her throat.
“My parents are on their way to the hospital for a prenatal check-up but that drunk driver… the collision…” Rafael cannot continue talking as he remembers those painful memories.
“Hush… Rafa…” She hugged him tight. Her tears are falling fast. Losing a loved one is very painful.
“My sister is gone in just a glimpse of time, Amber…” Rafael said in between his sob. It is the first time that Amber saw Rafael in this state. “Because of that drunk driver…. Because of him, I lost my sister…”
Amber is speechless and felt so guilty saying those things in the hospital even if she didn’t mean it. Rafa’s words before now makes sense. If only she could turn back time, she will not make the same mistake. She couldn’t imagine how Rafa felt before, her words are like a knife that cuts really deep.
“I’m so sorry, Rafa… I’m so sorry…” She repeatedly apologized when Rafael calmed down. “I’m so sorry for the words I said when we were in the hospital.”
“Amber…”
“I may not mean those words but I felt so guilty… It is all wrong. I’m so sorry.” She said in between her sobs. “I promise you that I will take good care of our baby, I will make sure that he will be born safe and healthy.”
“Amber…”
“I’m really sorry…” She continued apologizing.
“Stop crying, hon.” Rafael said, cupping her face and drying away her tears. “Let’s just forget about the past and look forward to what awaits us.”
“I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” Amber sincerely said. Rafael didn’t say anything and kissed her lips and she responded.
MORNING came and the whole family are happily taking their breakfast, Allison and Nico still can’t believe that they are now going to be grandparents and they keep on thanking Amber for that. Amber on the other hand is feeling guilty, will they still thank her if they know the things she has said? They might even curse at her. She looked at Rafa who suddenly squeeze her hand.
“It’s okay.” Rafael mouthed making her smile. “Eat up.” He said when he noticed that she’s not eating her breakfast.
“Is the food not to your liking, hija?” Allison worriedly asked. “We can ask Linda to cook something for you.”
“I’m fine, mom.” Amber smiled. “It’s just been a long time since I experience having breakfast with the whole family.” She added. Amber can’t remember the last time she had a meal with her parents, was that a year ago?
“Why?” Allison asked. “Where are your parents?”
“They are dead, mom.” Amber said and took a sip on her milk. Allison and Clyde looked at each other, feeling sympathy to their daughter-in-law, she’s young to be left alone in the world.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Allison said.
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