THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC36
IRIS
"Kurt and Mags?" Kaia exclaimed, sporting the same reaction I wore yesterday.
I nodded, "You didn't know?"
Hindi ko kasi nasabi sa kanya ito kahapon dahil hindi kami sabay umuwi. Nakalimutan ko rin sabihin sa kanya kaninang umaga dahil nawala rin sa isip ko. Ngayon ko lang natandaan no'ng paglabas namin.
I was gone for one year, this kind of issue was out of my reach. Hindi rin naman ako nagtatanong. Wala akong paki-alam. But knowing Kaia, she probably scoops some details because well, she's here—breathing the same air with them. But the way Kaia seemed taken aback about my question, I already concluded that she di
THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC37IRISKaia's investment between Joaquin and I's relationship was heightened over time. Akala ko ngayong may kalandian na siya ay titigilan na niya ako sa katatanong tungkol kay Joaquin. I was pissed at first, reasoning that my plan is still the plan—nothing changes. But the encounter last night with him awoke the sleeping curiosity of Kaia."Gaga! Para sa anak niyo naman tong dalawa!"Natigil ako sa tangkang pag-sagot. Kapag nasasama talaga si Jacques sa mga ganitong usapan ay napipipi ako. Bigla akong natatanga kapag anak ko na ang pinag-uusapan."Basta, Kaia. Ayun pa rin ang plano. I'll buy Joaquin and I time, then unt
THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC38IRISAs much as I want to spend time cuddling with Jacques all day—which became impossible due to my responsibility as a student, weekdays are my only saving grace.But school is really out there murdering my only chance to be with my son.May meeting lahat ng graduating students ngayon para sa darating na Immersion. At napili pa talaga nilang itapat sa sabado ang meeting. Hindi ko alam kung talaga bang malas ang program namin dahil Comm lang ang nag-iisang sabado ang assembly for immersion. Dawalang araw na nga lang ang oras ko para kay Jacques nakuha pa nilang kunin. Hindi naman ako pwede magrason na may anak ako dahil malaking issue 'yon.
THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC39IRISMabilis kong tinanggal ang kamay niyang nasa pisngi ko at umatras."What-what are you saying?" I asked in disbelief."Jacques is my son, Iris..." he stated.Natutop ko ang bibig ko at isa-isa nang nagbagsakan ang mga luha ko. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwalang tumitig sa kanya."Ano bang pinagsasasabi mo—""Iris please..." nagulat ako nang makitang umiiyak na rin si Joaquin.Oh my god."It's been one year, Iris. I
THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC40IRIS"Mom stop crying, for the love of god!""Can't I just be proud, Kaia Laurence?" her mom rebutted."No of course not, Mom, but you've been crying since morning. Hindi pa ako rumarampa oh?!""Oh okay, alright, I'll stop for a while. Later na lang," her mom responded. Kaia looked at me and rolled her eyes to the fullest.Nasa labas kami ngayon ng PICC. Today is our graduation day! That's why I couldn't blame Kaia's mom for crying out loud because it was the moment we were all waiting for. Considering that Kaia and I stopped for one year. Tita Kristine must be so proud beca
THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC41JOAQUIN"Pres, pinapatawag ka ni Dean," Angela peaked at the door."Office?" I asked and she simply nodded.I stood up from my seat and closed my laptop. I exited my office and I saw my officer's busy doing something on their laptops. And then I call out Matt."Who's attending the ID?""Sina Akin, Pres," Matt answered. "Umalis na ako kasi hindi naman ako pinapansin ni Akin kasi dumating 'yung mga magagandang SA. Kaya umalis na lang ako," he dramatically narrated.
THE GOOD EQUAL | #TGEC42JOAQUINI'm already certain about my life: my dreams, my career, my needs, my wants, everything. It's already listed and all I have to do is to execute them. But Iris turned my world upside down. She crumpled my list and throws it in the nearest garbage.She's such a plan pooper."Pres nasa hall na," Clarence informed me."Ilan sila?""Tatlo, Pres. Pero isang band pa lang ang nasa hall. May klase pa 'yung iba e," she clarified and I nodded.I requested my org mates to hunt do
THE GOOD EQUAL | TGEEPILOGUEPART1JOAQUIN"Jacques, where's my kiss?" Iris called out our son. She's about to leave for work but Jacques is keeping her stilled in her spot. Iris then gave me a look."Where's Jacques?" she mouthed.I shrugged, which made her roll her eyes."Pakikuha na siya please, mala-late na ako," she pleaded. I crooked a smile before I rose from the couch and fetch our son from his room.It was already a routine. Iris always had a hard time going to her work early because our son is keeping her late. I wouldn't blame my son though, I would rather have Iris give me a look forever but at least I can see her every day and have her around with me and Jacques than see her for 5 hours a day.
THE GOOD EQUAL | TGEEPILOGUEPART2IRIS"Hello, Joaquin?" I mumbled when I picked up the phone without looking at the caller."Anong Joaquin? Si Kaia 'to!"I instantly looked back at my phone to confirm it. Shit, I freaking thought it was Joaquin."Oh, bakit?""Wow! Ganyan na tono mo porket hindi ako si Joaquin? Grabe Iris, magkasama na kayo't lahat sa iisang bahay atat ka pa rin sa tawag niya?"I took a deep breath. Jusko talaga 'tong babaeng 'to!"Shut up! Sinabihan ko kasi siya na tawagan ako kapag may emergency—""Edi si Joaquin lang talaga katawagan mo? Kasi for sure hindi Joaqu