CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
“What are you doing here?” I asked in surprise when I saw the three standing outside. “And how did you find me? Go home and I will not come with you.” I shooed them away. How did they know I was here?
“Source, sucker.”
“Source your face. Go all of you and I don’t need you.”
I know they can find many ways to track me. With Dane’s connection, there is no doubt that they can turn the Philippines upside down just to find me. Then they are smart, I am the stupid and slow amongst us. But, I am still proud because it took three months before they found me. But I hope they never showed up.
“Look at yourself, Jace, you’re really different.”
“I’m still more handsome than you, Phoenix.”
“Yeah, handsome asshole.”
“What did you say?”
“Shall I say it again? Can you let us in? Look at the women here they’re too loud.” I looked at the women outside. The others have been reprimanded by their husband. I open the door wider so they could enter.
“Who told you to look for me?”
“What are you doing, man?” Blaze asks.
“Live quietly, Blaze. Away from judgmental people like you.”
“I know you’re mad at what I did because I banned you. But I hope you understand that’s for Margot what I’m doing.”
“Ok, are you done talking? You can leave.”
“Sucker, you can come with us to Bulacan whether you like it or not.”
“You want me to ask the fishermen here to drag you away?”
“What?”
“Your connections are nothing compared to my troops here.” I took a stainless glass and poured water from the jar. No need for ice to cool. At first, I had diarrhea because I was not used to it but now it is very tasty and the sweetness is still there.
“Come back to Bulacan. Come with us.”
“Why didn’t you come back, Phoenix? Nobody told you to find me and come here.”
“We’ll freeze your account so you don’t have anything to use.” I laughed because of what Blaze said. So maybe they tracked me because I withdrew yesterday?
“Freeze your face.”
“Now tell us that your not—-”
“Immature of what I am doing? Is that what you want to say, Blaze? Yes, I am. And since I’m selfish and immature, get all of you.”
“See, sucker, everyone is worried about you. Dane, your mom, us.”
“You’ve seen me, send my regards to them.” I looked out the window. “Mang Pilo! Is the fish dry? Please check so we can deliver the order tomorrow and when we have a dish later!” Then I confronted them.
“Ok, Umami!” Mang Pilo replied.
“Umami?” they asked at once.
“Why? That name came from me so I can use it anywhere.” Umami because I introduced myself to the people here and said I am a half-Japanese. It was good that they believed. “Go away and I’m going to rest and we’re going to the sea tonight.”
“Let’s leave him, he will come to Bulacan when they get tired of it.”
“You’re not sure, Phoenix.”
“What am I not sure about?”
“You’re not sure I’m going home to Bulacan. If I get tired of it, I’ll move to another place. Maybe I will go in the Visayas a little far away so you can’t follow.”
“Let’s tell him the truth, so this stupid dumbass will come with us.” I frowned at what Phoenix said. Blaze stared at Phoenix.
“What’s the truth?”
“You never know if you won’t come with us, either,” Blaze replied.
“Clickbait,” I replied then I lay down. “You can’t get me out of that because I’m not going to come with you.” What do they think they can get me through like that? I’m slow, aren’t I, then I will stand on it.
“I am planning to go to the USA with Maggie and Margot with the kids.”
“With the kids?” I ask.
“With the kid. The s just slipped.”
“That’s stupid again, he can’t get it.” I just frowned at what Phoenix said.
“What now, man?”
“Ok. Be careful.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“I told you, he’s slow so let’s tell him and we won’t get anything out because the head of the asshole is pure air.”
“Shut up, Phoenix.”
“I’ll choke you, sucker.” Did they really think I could get through that?
“Listen, Jace. You have to meet her for the last time.”
“I’m restricted to come near her, aren’t I?”
“I’ll go out, my mouth will be slippery and I’m really shivering in anger because of this asshole’s slow mind.” Phoenix left the house and I didn’t care even if he didn’t come back.
“Come back and you’ve got a lot of work to do. Your client in the BC ad is already looking for you. And the bar with Zeus.”
“I’m going to resign from the BC ad and I’m going to sell my share there as well as my share in BCC.”
“Are you upset, Jace?”
“Yes, Blaze,”
“Let’s tell him the truth, Zeus.”
“Let him do what he wants.” I smiled at Zeus. “If he wants to ruin his life, then let him. We did our part. He, himself can fix his mess. Let him stand up for being childish.”
“Thanks, Zeus, be careful.”
“I’m outside, Blaze, talk to your in-law before I kill him.” I was shaken when Zeus came out but left Blaze.
“I only have one seat here, and I use it. So leave, too.”
“The next day we’re leaving.” I just looked at him and drank some water. “Margot is ok. She’s already at work and she’s fixed everything. Dane, transferred me to our main branch so I can accompany Maggie and Margot there.”
“Take care.”
“Jace, what are you doing?”
“Facing reality. Live, eat, have fun and enjoy. There’s just no sex life because the women here are so kind.”
“This is not your life, Jace. Your life is in Bulacan, in Manila, with us.”
“With you? What kind of life? Sad, mumbling because I lost a child and my wife will leave me? I’m immature, right? This is where I can use my immaturity. To be happy and live simply without hurting anyone and no one can hurt me too.”
“Brianna is getting married. As fast as it is. She already moves on.”
“Good for her, I wish her all the best.” I am not affected. I’m still happy with her. I should have let her go before so that she would be really happy. But because I am selfish and took her with me, now they are both gone. Three, including my son. Bad karma.
“You didn’t think it was your turn to fix yourself.”
“There’s no point of fixing. I am happy now.”
“Are you sure? Are you happy that Margot is no longer with you?” I did not answer. If she only knew how much I miss Margot. That’s why I don’t want to go home because she’s the only one I can remember. I chose to stay away because of this, I could focus my mind on other things. It’s not like when I’m in every corner of the house, office, or wherever I go it’s Margot I think of. Every time I remember the fact that she hated me I feel I am dying. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t come back. I’ll just keep staying here but I’ll prepare myself.
“Jace, you can get her back. She’s hurt but she’s still your wife.”
“I’ll chase her? No need. You’re right she needs space to think.”
“Are you determined about what you want to happen in your life, Jace? Can’t we force you?”
“Yes.” He did not answer. He approached me and touched me on the shoulder.
“You know where to find us. I just hope you can talk to Margot before she leaves.”
“Ok.” He tapped my shoulder and then go out. The two did not enter either and when I peeked they were already walking away. They even passed women outside who followed their gaze.
I smile when I saw them walk, who said you could leave, Blaze? No one will leave the country. Margot is not the only one who knows how to get banned and she is not the only one who has a lawyer.