The Jerk is a Ghost

76

He immediately turned to me, "Oh he is. Just a moment."

He took something and then presented it to me. A wrapped one that looks like I already know the flesh.

"This. Take this."

I took it with a smile, "Thank you. I'm leaving."

"Oh all right, hija. You'll be careful on the trip, huh?"

I nodded with a smile then waved my hand and complied.

My smile just faded because when I arrived in the living room of the house, Khalid was also coming down the stairs. He is alone and looks like he is going to work as well. We both stopped when our eyes met. But I sneezed and I was the first to avoid looking at the two of us because I still couldn't bear his emotionless eyes.

"I-I'm leaving."

I didn't wait for him to speak because I didn't expect him to answer. If he did answer, I knew that his voice was as emotionless as the expression on his face.

I turned my back on him and walked out of the house because unlike before, I also didn’t expect him to take me to the office like he used to do.

I sighed deeply as I boarded the pick up. I immediately ordered Sir Ben to leave.

Before the pick up could finally come out of the gate of the house, from the side mirror of the pick up, I had just seen Khalid come out of the house. I saw him standing outside, his hands tucked in the pocket of his slacks as the gaze followed the pick up I was riding.

When the pick -up finally came out of the gate and he was completely out of my sight, I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes tightly.

If before, when we were still in high school, it seemed like it was hard for him to catch up. Now, even though we’re married, why do I feel it’s harder to reach him? I could feel his distance from me.

It's sad because I don't really know what I can do to get us back to normal. I don’t know how I can get rid of his anger at me.

I sighed again and opened my eyes. I just focused my attention on the scene outside and you forgot all the sad things and events in my life.

Case in point, we were just in the middle of the trip when I looked in the side mirror. I frowned when I saw Khalid’s familiar car following us.

"Man, did Khalid have the car that followed us?" I asked Sir Ben to make sure.

He looked in the rearview mirror at what I was referring to, "Face. Why? Shall I stop? Will you go with him?"

I took the elevator to Dad’s office. When I got there, as I expected, Daddy was surprised to see me.

"Son!"

I smiled as I approached her and kissed her cheek.

"Good morning, Dad."

He also greeted me back and he sat me in the visitor’s chair afterwards.

"Are you okay? Can you work now?" he asked.

Somehow, I am thankful I had understanding parents. Because they knew that until now it was still difficult for me to lose Aki so they understood that I was not entering. When I once entered even though I had not yet recovered from the loss of Aki, I did not do a sensible job. And worse, I always lose consciousness because I just go in without food.

I smiled at my father, "That's why I'm here, Dad, because I'll try to work again."

"Are you sure?"

He still had worry and doubt on his face. But I knew he was just worried about me.

"Yes, Daddy."

He smiled, "I'm glad to see you smiling again, hija. It's not as beautiful as your smile before, but the important thing is that you know how to smile again," he said and sighed, "Good and you were allowed your husband can work now? "

My smile faded at what Daddy said.

Actually, my family doesn't know what's happening in our lives. They knew nothing of Khalid’s femininity. Aside from the fact that they haven't heard anything about my wife's femininity, I'm also asking the people who know at home not to let my family know about it.

Because when my family found out that, I was afraid that they might force me to divorce Khalid which I didn’t want to happen. Aside from the fact that I still love him dearly to this day, I don’t want to break the promises I made to him and my son. I will still do everything to get us back to normal even if it seems like it will be difficult for me to do that because she already loves someone else and they will still have children.

I know that no matter how much they like Khalid with me, when they find out I am hurting because of him, they will force me to divorce him.

"Son, are you okay?"

I just blinked when Daddy awakened my spirit from deep thought.

I smiled sparingly and nodded, "O-it's okay with my husband for me to go to work."

He smiled, "In that case, I'll agree. I'll also call a meeting tomorrow when you return. Just tell me if you're new, huh? Don't force yourself."

I smiled and nodded.

After talking to Dad, I headed to my office. When I entered there, it was as if I had suddenly changed even though nothing had changed in my office. Are you still outside? "

Oh, making a small talk? Hehe. Fine, I already know him so it's okay to talk for a while.

"Ahh. I decided to go out earlier for a jog. It's also part of my exercise to strengthen my body."

Actually, I overdosed on that now. I'm not supposed to run like that for half an hour. Now I feel the trembling of my legs with fatigue.

"You look exhausted. You've run too far?"

He guessed it right. I almost fell down earlier in the plaza. Fortunately I was close to the acacia.

"Yeah ..." if I hadn't just lost my temper earlier I wouldn't have run this far and die on the side of the road.

I remembered what Anna said again. If I could only forget, I would want to erase from my brain the words he uttered at that time!

"So, how's your legs? Can you stand up?"

"Yes. I think so. Did you see that? I was walking when the accident happened again."

Of course. In the depths of my thinking before, I never thought that life was in danger, yes, outside the house. only called Christian earlier to let him know I'll be leaving for a while and he'll follow me. Surprisingly he hadn’t warned me earlier before the incident.

"Christian, where are you?"

I'll talk to him later. I will think about the steps I will take. I don't want to always depend on luck or the people around me.

What happened to Chris could have happened to them or worse.

"What happened earlier, I'm sorry. Really bring me to the accident, because you were injured again. I'm sorry."

"It's alright."

Liar. Does it look okay to get hurt in the face? I don't think so, since he's still very handsome, his face will be ruined because of me.

I want to laugh at what Sir Ben said. He also seemed to realize what he said so he kept quiet and just focused his eyes on what we were going through.

As if my husband will keep me company? He might just run over me when I insisted on getting in his car. But why is he following us?

I want to laugh at my own question. Of course. I almost forgot that he was passing by our hotel on his way to his office. So, I sighed and spoke.

"Man, let him go first. Maybe he's in a hurry, eh."

Sir Ben followed what I said. He slightly tilted our pick up to give way to Khalid's car. We waited for him to get ahead of us, but he didn’t, he stayed behind us. Sir Ben shouted at him and signaled to overtake, but he didn't.

"Sir doesn't want to, Ma'am. Maybe he meant to follow you." said Sir Ben while still not overtaking Khalid.

Why is he following us?

I'd rather think he was following us because he was worried about me, than to think he could follow us because he didn't trust me if I was going to the office.

Throughout the trip, Khalid's car followed me. And it looks like Sir Ben is right. It looks like Khalid intentionally followed us because when the pick -up stopped in front of the hotel, his car sped up.

When Khalid's car disappeared from my sight, I sighed and got out of the pick-up and entered the hotel.

"Ma'am! Good morning!"

I smiled at the front desk receptionist's greeting. The shock was obvious on their faces when they saw me.

After all, since Aki disappeared, I haven't been able to go to work. The magnitude of the effect of losing my child on me. Much has happened, much has changed. Change is one thing

by Khalid.

"Good morning, too. Dad? Is he here yet?" I asked them.

"Yes, Ma'am. He'll just come too. He's already in his office."

I smiled and nodded, "Okay. Thank you."

"Welcome, Ma'am. Welcome back." Leonisa is working in an electronics company in Cavite such like Marlene, who is in Sucat, Paranaque. Jenny is working as retailer/cashier in a drugstore in Tondo. Leonisa's bf is our schoolmate, who's now a teacher in San Mateo, Rizal. Jenny's bf is her Friend just like CHASE and I.

I was so glad to know about them. I just hope I could have Amy and Frenel's numbers, through texting with them.

Today, I have earned P25 from 'department store-department store-. Thanks, God!

Though I was sleepy, I pushed myself in getting up and working. I immediately swept the yards. Then after I have taken a hot coffee, I started laundry.

I rinsed the, so that we could save water, despite of far distance and sun heat. I was so tired when I got home. Then, I have to held Chase and bathing Zildjian and Hanna.

After we've taken our lunch, I took a nap. My head was aching. Like Chase, I was always lack of sleep. Thus, taking a nap would be of big help.

Five, I have discovered that Hanna's milk was already few. It made me problematic. I did not know where to find it. 'Department store-department store' today was zero. I did not want my e-load capital to be used.

Past eight, Gie arrived. It surprised me. Haay! She's gonna consume water tomorrow.

"Lord God, thanks for the strength, happiness and blessings. Please, bless us again morrow. You already know what we need, before we ask You. Pardon me for I am committing a sin. Amen."

When I woke up at seven, I was so weary. I didn't know why. It's maybe because we're out of budget.

April and Dick2 visit Zildjian at ten AM. Good thing, they didn't stay long here. Chase and I were not in the mood of entertaining guests.

Two, I sold scraps. I have earned P100 from it. Thus, I could buy Hanna a box of milk.

Past seven, 'department store-department store' has had P50 sales. It gladdens me. It would help us.

From 2 PM to 9, I was texting limitless. I have a new contact. Mechel and I exchanged queries about ourselves. I have learned that she already has a daughter, who's an age of Hanna. Eva and I also interchanged news about ourselves. She was up to date employed as company checker. While, Irene Dreu is a municipal employee in Irosin.

Still, no one knows Amy and Frenel's numbers. Alas!

"Lord God, thank You for the financial blessings! Thanks for everything. Amen!"

Usually, I woke up early. I swept the dried leaves. I did laundry. And many more.

Ten, my in-laws arrived. They give Hanna biscuits, when they come back at one-thirty. They stay for 15 minutes and leave. They had no good news for us. I was so disappointed.

Then at 4, Fire texted me, telling andreminding me with our debt. He suggested me to make a way to settle it as soon as possible that Gie is so ashamed to her boss. I did not reply because I did not know what to say. Besides, I did not know where to get money for it.

Before I sleep, I prayed to God. I asked Him for financial help.

As always, my waking-up every day is a forced one. I have to open the store. I have to sweep in the yards. I have to wash Baby Zj's traditional diapers. Haay! It's so tiring. Sometimes, I wanted to flee I wanted to escape. But is shall not.

Plus, the budgeting. I did not know how to spend every peso, I was holding. The fact is I really do not have the money to be budgeted. I was just being wise. I see to it that nothing is being used in a non-basic needs. is already showing.

He laughed even more

Uncle because of that. "Is that so? Before, you always made me work every time you saw me! Who would've thought that you'll grow this big ?!"

"It's a big man, cry." I said softly.

I didn't expect that they could hear me, so I was surprised when Uncle Joey laughed out even more. Even Mathieu giggled because of my remark. I can't help but to smile again upon seeing them do so.

"You're serious, Ellen. Just emotional, don't cry!" Math complained to me.

"Why? Does Math always make you cry?" Uncle asked with a laugh.

"You have no idea."

Mathieu laughed because of that. "Hey! That's not true ah!"

For some reason, we managed to lift each other's moods through that meal. After eating, Uncle Joey booked a Grab trip going to Golden Times hotel where he is staying. We wanted to take him to the airport, but he refused, saying that he would still have a business meeting at the hotel before his flight. We waited inside the restaurant while waiting for Uncle's Grab ride.

"Just always call me Sir Joey. I'll take care of Ellen here." said Mathieu to Uncle.

Uncle Joey patted his shoulders because of that. "I'm sure you'll take good care of her." smiling he said to Math. "Elle, I'll send you an email once I got back. Take care of the rest for me."

"Yes ..." I told him.

"Oh hey, the Grab is already here. You guys better be on your way back home. The clouds are dark now, it might still rain."

We left the restaurant.

Uncle Joey signaled the Grab to wait a little, then turned around to give both of us one last hug. "I guess this is it? I'll call you guys right away if I can, so don't worry."

"Be careful, Sir Joey." sad he said goodbye to it.

We both turned around when I remembered the other thing I would say to Uncle. "Uhh ... Math, I'll just tell Uncle something for a moment. Get in the car first ..."

Mathieu just looked at me in surprise, but he agreed anyway. "All right. You know where we parked, don't you?"

"Yeah. Just go. I'll be right next."

Math waved at Uncle again before he left for the parking area.

When I was sure that Mathieu was gone, I looked at Uncle Joey again. I saw his amused expression. He might be wondering what I would tell him.

"It's about what you've asked me last time, Uncle. I just ... wanted to get your opinion about it ..." I started.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Well ... you asked me about whom I am ... interested with, remember?" I remind him.

A smile started to form on his lips. "Oh, that? Sure, you can tell me."

I didn’t know how to tell him so I breathed a few times first. "I actually think ... I'm in love with--"

"Mathieu?" Uncle Joey smiled at what I was going to say.

I was surprised upon hearing that from him. "H-How did you know ...?"

He sighed as he smiled away, as if remembering something. "I saw the way you looked at him, and with that, I can tell right away, Elle. I've been there before, so I know how a person in love looks like."

I heave out a sigh. "Yeah ... but I'm not sure if he'll ever be the same with me ... I don't even think it's gonna be possible."

"You ever wonder why I never married?" Uncle Joey asked all of a sudden which made me frown.

"Y-Yeah ... Actually, I'm questioning that, too ..." I replied.

"I had a girlfriend before, and I know that she's the love of my life ..." he started. "We loved each other very much, but back then ... I always doubted myself. What if I'm not worthy enough? What if I don't deserve her? Until one day, my insecFireties got the better of me. We broke up, and when I came to, she's already married to another man ... "

"That's ... sad, Uncle." I just smiled and nodded again then I turned my back on them.

"Still, I'm sorry. If only I could have super powers to remove the wound on your face so you don't have a scar I would!"

He chuckled. "You'll do that for me?"

"Of course! You're so handsome! It's a pity if you let your face get scarred or even scratched!"

"Pfft! Like that? What if I'm not handsome, will you still do that for me?"

"Depends on how cute you are, it's still past!"

"What if ugly?"

"Of course ... I need to heal his wound even more! Jusko, it's too ugly for me to let it look even worse because of the wound? You're crazy, you're still sympathetic!"

She couldn't stop laughing. I laughed along with him. Gosh! That baritone voice of his! It is not obvious that he is still young.

And speaking off ...

"By the way, Chris, how old are you?"

He settled down before speaking. "I'm turning 19 soon."

"Really? Kelan ?!" He's a year ahead! Shet.

"I said soon."

"When is that soon?"

"Why?"