UNFORGIVEN (Mistake Sequel) ENGLISH

EPISODE 2

ALESSANDRA

I know Philippe just got home from somewhere. I did not confront him. If I did that, it could lead to an argument. As much as possible, I do not want my husband and me to argue. I'm not used to us acting like this. There were no problems during our fourteen years together. So Philippe leaving every night without my awareness is somewhat alarming.

“Good morning, Mommy!” My youngest, Alessan Philippe, greeted me as I entered the dining room. My son approached me, and I lifted him. I kissed his cheeks.

“Good morning, baby. How was your sleep?” I asked.

“Good, Mommy!” He smiled as he said.

“He is good, but I am not, Mommy! I don't want him near bed anymore; he's too mischievous. He kicked me, huh?” Sandro complained loudly. Because they sleep next to one another in bed. My other children are in another room. We only have six rooms. There are two people in every room. We were unable to arrange a room for each of my eight children. I assumed Philippe and I had a small family, but I was wrong. We were unable to add another room because the house only had six rooms when it was completed.

“You are the one who occupied my space!” the youngest responded. Sandro snorted and taunted him.

“Okay, let's just get another bed so you can be alone,” I said. So they will not argue.

“Mommy, where's Daddy?” My third son, Samuel, one of the twins, asked. His brow furrowed as he gazed at his father's chair.

“He was still asleep, baby,” I responded. He tilted his head.

“Why? He normally wakes up at the same time as we do.” I looked at my son because of what he had said. I swallowed.

“Daddy did some work last night, so he remained up.” I lied. I want to disappear from my seat because I'm lying to my son.

“Work? Mom, I heard his car last night. He went to work late at night?” My son, Alejandro, expressed his surprise. I massaged my neck. I can't answer their questions since I can no longer lie.

“He forgot to take something from the office,” I reasoned. I cleaned my forehead because there were tiny droplets of sweat on my forehead. My children act like inspectors because of the questions they ask. I can't seem to lie to them.

“Strange,” Phille spoke.

“Good morning, brother!” Samuel greeted the twins upon their arrival. Their elder brothers kissed their younger brothers' cheeks. They are kind to their younger siblings, which makes me delighted with my firstborns.

The twins kissed my cheeks. After the two sat down, I noticed Leandro's fist was bandaged and blood-stained.

“Son, what happened to your fist?” He lowered his hand, hiding it beneath the table.

“I practiced boxing last night. I didn't strike the punching bag because my fist struck the wood,” he said. I stared at his fists. His fists appeared to be swollen.

“He has a competition at school, so he practices daily,” Lessandro interjects. I know that my son participates in such sports. He once brought home a medal. He said that he won the boxing competition.

“Take care, son. Later, I'll check your wound, which may be infected. You can't just bandage it without applying medicine,” I said.

My son smiled. “Mom, I am fine. Don't worry, okay? I should be worried about you.” Leandro speaks meaningful words.

“I am fine. Eat now, or you might be late for school,” I said. While eating, I couldn't stop thinking about what Leandro said. I'm ashamed of my children for what their father is doing to us.

PHILIPPE

I massaged my forehead. I felt like a hammer was banging into my head in pain. How can it not hurt? I drank heavily last night. It was early in the morning when my colleagues and I finished our drinks. I recently informed my secretary that I would be arriving late to the office. I looked at the clock on the wall. It's already 10:00 a.m. I walked into the bathroom to take a shower.

When I entered the kitchen, I saw Alessandra cooking lunch. She turned around when she sensed my presence from behind.

“Hon, do you want some coffee?” My wife asked, smiling. I nodded. I needed coffee to soothe my headache.

“Where did you come from last night? You come home in the early morning.” She asked, which annoyed me.

“It’s none of your business wherever I want to go. Avoid pestering me with what I am doing in my life. Do your duties as my wife and mother to our children; don't interfere with my personal life outside the home.” Alessandra seemed shocked by what I said.

I wish I could take back what I said, but I already said it. I want to have fun. Is this bad? I'm tired of going to the same places—home and business. I needed a nightlife. She is not the only one I always hang out with. I needed someone to spend time with, so I could have fun.

“I am very sorry,” she said, and never talked again.

*****

After entering my office, I met Calixta, the girl I met last week at a bar where my friends and I go.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked her.

“My Dad is working here in this building,” she said and smiled. I like her smile.

“Oh really? What's your Dad's name?” I asked her.

“Froilan Garcia. He’s expecting me now. I will give him something.” She raised the bag she was carrying.

I smiled. “You are such a sweet daughter. I know your father personally. He worked as my company's Vice President.” Calixta's eyes widened at what I stated because I didn't tell her anything about my life. I went there to have fun, not to discuss my personal life.

“You are his boss? I wasn't expecting it!” She stated that she could not believe I was her father's boss. I chuckled at what she said. Well, I will most likely be because she is still young. She's just 23 years old.