Chapter 36 Goodbye

Two months had gone by within a blink of an eye… 'Here, coffee. The season's getting colder and you'll get more stressed with the cold.", Carlos said as he stretches out a coffee on his hand towards Dina. 'Stop! I don't want to drink coffee, it will only make my heart palpitate even more. I'm afraid I'll get high blood already.", Dina sounded so irritable. Carlos laughed. 'I thought with what you have experienced, you had learned to patience already?", Carlos teased her. 'That's what I thought too. But this is different! How were you able to endure this, best? They even got to threaten me… the teacher!", Dina complained. "See? I told you. Haha.", Carlos laughed again. 'Don't laugh at me! It's not funny and you are making me more irritable! Stop being annoying!", Dina complained angrily. 'Wow, were on bad side of the bed eh?", Carlos taunted. "Stop teasing me!", Dina complained again. 'Here, your favorite chocolate… so stop being such a diva.", Carlos teased. Dina frowned. "I don't want it." "Amazing! Dina, this is your favorite and you are refusing it! It must be a miracle!", Carlos teased even more, when he took a bite off the chocolate. "Stop it!" 'It's yummy!" 'It's disgusting!" 'No, it's not… nomnomnom." 'Yuck!" 'What yuck? It's yum!", Carlos as he took another bite. 'Stop it! You're making me nauseous!", Dina as she started to act like she was about to vomit. Carlos became worried. 'Dina, are you alright?", Carlos ask with worry painted all over his face. Then went on to touch Dina's forehead. 'You're hot. It seems like you hadn't adjusted well with the shifting of the season.", Carlos commented when he saw Dina started to look as if she was about to faint. "The truth is… I had been feeling tired this past few days and at times I feel dizzy too.", Dina admitted. "Are you sure you can handle the teaching job here, Dina? Because if now, I can still handle all the living costs. The reason why I had you work in here is to make you busy and for you to slowly move on. But seeing you getting sick like this…", Carlos answered when Dina fainted. "Best! Best!", Carlos went on to assist Dina and when she hadn't answered, he immediately brought her to the school infirmary. … 'So how's Dina, nurse Jen?", Carlos towards the nurse. 'She's fine, don't worry. I think she just been into too much stress.", she replied. 'That's a relief, then.", Carlos replied, feeling relieved as if pulling out a thorn on his flesh. But the nurse didn't answer him and she looks agitated as if she wanted to say something. 'Is there something wrong?", Carlos probed. 'Well… actually, it's not wrong. Considering you, as the whole school knows, that you're Dina's partner I guess you have the right to know…", The nurse answered. 'What is it… that I have to know?", Carlos asked, wondering. 'Although it's weak. I felt it.", the nurse said. 'What?", Carlos sounded confused. He has zero ideas of what the nurse is talking about. 'You know, when I was taking her pulse, I felt another pulse. It's weak but it's there. I felt a baby's pulse, Carlos. I think you need to take Dina to an Ob-gyne. Just so you know, you are blessed to have such a gift. You must take care of her and that gift.", smiled the nurse. Carlos was stunned, he was still in shock even when the nurse had already left him. Di-Dina? Dina is pregnant? Rico had made Dina pregnant?!, Carlos thought and he cried. He is so angry and he couldn't believe it. He wanted to wreck everything in his sight. That cheater had taken advantage of Dina and even got her pregnant. Carlos looked at Dina. He felt pity. Why? Why Dina? Why did you gave yourself to that cheater?! Why did you love that man!?, Carlos wanted to shout at her, shake her and wake her up but pity for Dina's situation overpowers his emotion. What will happen to you now, Dina?, Carlos though as he feels angry to the growing child inside her. This is the result of that cheater's audacity… it is unwanted. It must not live. … Carlos looks so serious ever since Dina woke up and saw him at the school clinic. 'Where are we going, Carlos? You hadn't said a word ever since I passed out.", Dina probed while Carlos was driving. It was obvious that they weren't going home because they were taking a different route. It was the first time Dina had saw Carlos that serious. 'We're going to a doctor. I haven't say anything because I am thinking.", Carlos answered flatly while his focus is still on the road. "Why are we going to a doctor? We had just been to the clinic. I'm fine already. I was just stressed. We don't need to go to a doctor. Stop being so overly dramatic.", Dina joked but Carlos didn't smile and instead, he let out a deep sigh. 'Dina… you're pregnant.",Carlos said in a low voice as if he was a loser in a match but despite this, Dina had heard him clearly. Dina was so shocked and wasn't able to answer. She looked at her stomach, tears began to fall… there was something inside her that's already alive. 'You don't look happy. The reason why you're bringing me to a doctor is that you want to get rid of my child?", Dina sounds angry. Carlos sighed. Dina is pregnant with another man, it is not his child but the outcome of Rico's impudence. 'You are having difficulty in adapting this place alone… how much more if you have a child. You can't, Dina. It's too hard for you---'Carlos was abruptly cut off. 'STOP THE CAR AT ONCE!", Dina blurted out angrily. 'Dina please understand--- Wait, Dina!!---" 'STOP THE CAR OR I'LL JUMP!", Dina threatened Carlos angrily. Carlos didn't take her seriously and went to open the door. Carlos instinctively stepped on the break. Dina used this opportunity to get off the car but Carlos hurriedly ran after her. 'Dina! Wait! Listen! This is for you---',Carlos caught her hand and tried to explain but he was slapped by Dina. 'How dare you! It's my child! I know I am indebted to you for a lot of things Carlos! But to abort my child?! You're too cruel! This child is innocent! It has nothing to do with you or with my anger towards Rico! This is my child! How could you?!", Dina cried as she continued to fight against Carlos to free her hand. 'Look, I'm sorry… Please let's go back to the car first. We're causing a scene already. We're in the middle of a traffic.", Carlos tried to calm her down when he noticed traffic starts to build up behind their car. 'No! Leave me alone!", Dina yelled as she continues struggling to free her hand. 'You know I can't do that." 'Yes, you can! When you told me to abort my child, it's already saying right to my face that I should die too!" "Okay! Okay! Keep the baby, don't abort it!", Carlos agreed defeatedly. Dina calmed down and Carlos slowly and patiently guided her to walk back to the car even though Dina is still distancing herself away from him. They were both silent the whole drive and even when they had arrived home. Dina immediately went straight to her room. She locked it, indicating as if she doesn't want to talk to him. This is their worst fight ever since they became friends. Carlos was sad, he doesn't know what to do but he is also not willing to accept this child. "Dina, let's eat.", Carlos knocked on Dina's door when it's already dinner time but she didn't answer. She continued to lock herself despite Carlos's persuasion. She refused him because she knows Carlos is just going to try to convince her to abort the baby. "I hope you understand my intention, Dina. It's the best for you. I hope you'll change your decision… I am doing not this for myself but it's still for your sake.", Carlos added as he tried to make Dina understand how difficult it would be for her to have a baby without a father. Dina became deaf, she refused to listen and understand Carlos. She focused herself on her tummy… she smiled at it and talked as if the baby will be able to hear it… then she cried. That night, she made up her mind to do something without informing Carlos. The next day, Carlos was surprised when he didn't saw Dina inside her room. It is the only place where she used to frequent all the time. For some reason why, he went over Dina's closet and opened it to check. Dina's clothes were also gone, he became anxious… then suddenly, he saw a letter on the vanity table. Carlos, Thank you. For the past two months, I had depended on no one but you. Thank you for everything and for your understanding and also for the attention you had given me. Thank you. I am sorry because I can't return your love for me and I don't want to hurt your feelings any further especially now… that I am going to have Rico's child. I really want to have this baby. I can do this so please don't worry. You told me it's difficult to have a baby here and I know you're right. I can't do this here that is why I am going back. I'll return home but don't worry I won't go back and disrupt Rico's happiness with Alice. I have endured two months to free him and make him happy… I won't let it go to waste. Thank you, Carlos. Take care. Goodbye. Your best friend, Dina ###Chapter 37 A New Adjustment Carlos was horrified while reading the letter. It feels like he had lost all his energy. He couldn't take it if Dina will go away. Dina is with him already and now she's going away again. Even though she assured him that she won't go back to Rico, he is still anxious. What if Rico will find out that she is going to have his baby? What if they insist to let Dina go back to them? What if they'll fall in love for real? He had given way once already and he doesn't want to do it again… he already has Dina, he won't be able to make it without Dina… he needs Dina. He knows how many times he had prayed for a chance to have her… the chance is here already. He was so happy when Dina chose him and agreed to go away with him but now she pushes her away. He can't afford to lose Dina again to Rico. Even though it pains his ego, he could be called a martyr but he is ready to take Rico's baby as his responsibility just to make Dina stay…because he truly loves Dina. Carlos was stepping on his gas as hard as he could while driving towards the airport. He doesn't know when and what time Dina's flight will be but if ever Dina had already flown away, he will still follow her. 'Dina! Please don't leave me!", Carlos repeatedly said to himself and like a blind person trying to find Dina to nowhere. Rico is this what you feel when you were trying to find Dina at the airport?! I'm sorry… I didn't know it was this hard! I'm sorry but please don't take Dina away from me! Please! Please!, Carlos was praying on his mind when he saw Dina waiting in line at the ticket booth. Carlos felt like a thorn was plucked out from his flesh because… now, he has given yet another chance. He really wanted to be with Dina despite her situation… no matter what it takes, no matter what it would cost him. 'DINA!", Carlos yelled and went on to hugged Dina tightly. 'Carlos?", Dina was surprised to see Carlos at the airport. 'What are you doing here?", Dina asked and went to avoid Carlos's embrace. 'Never threaten me like this again, okay?", Carlos said as he hugged Dina back again. Dina was wondering but he let Carlos be, it was evident on his face that he is extremely worried for her. "Dina… marry me.", Carlos blurted. Dina was shocked and he pushed Carlos away from her. "H-huh?! What are you saying? I'm already married, you know that.", Dina answered. "In our country, yes… but here, you aren't. Marry me here, Dina so that your child will have someone to call his father. Marry me even though you don't love me but for the sake of your baby. Yes, I may be crazy and martyr but I am willing to accept your child, Dina… Just don't leave me. Please stay with me.", Carlos begged. At that moment, Dina had realized how great Carlos's love for her is… he was willing to take the responsibility as a father for a baby he's fully aware of, not his' just for the woman he loves. He was willing to tie himself for Dina even though he knows that she doesn't love him. 'You are really such a good man, Carlos… but I can't do that to you. I don't want to tie you down and deny you of your possibility to be happy with another woman. I won't marry you because I love you and I want you to see true happiness with the right woman… to a woman who knows to love you back. I am not that woman, Carlos.", Dina answered sadly and frankly. She was sad because she knows that her words will hurt Carlos again… but she needs to be honest with him. Carlos knew that Dina is going to reject him and he was willing to accept it. 'I know you'll say that… but I was still hoping.", Carlos answered as he smiled bitterly. Dina smiled sadly in return. 'That's why even if you won't marry me, it's still okay for me, Dina… just stay beside me. I won't let you raise your kid alone. I won't let you be alone.", Carlos said sincerely as he extended his hand as if he was waiting for Dina to take his hand. Dina was having second thoughts to accept it but when she looked at Carlos's begging face… she felt guilty. "Please… Don't. Go. Stay.", Carlos continued to beg and in desperation, he even knelt on his knee. He caught everyone's attention, not only Dina's. Dina was shocked when Carlos knelt down on his knee, she looked around her and she saw everyone was already staring at them. 'How sweet!", a woman commented. 'He must be proposing to his girlfriend!", another one said while smiling ear to ear. The crowd is getting bigger. Everyone was curious to see them, wanting to witness Carlos's sweet gesture and what her reaction would be. Dina wanted to decline but when she looked back to see Carlos, she saw his desperation… it pains her to see Carlos like this. Yes, Dina... I am very desperate. So desperate., Carlos thought, unknowingly, his tears suddenly fell. He never begged someone so much in his life like this. He doesn't want to lose his given chance to be with Dina. He regretted so much how he suggested Dina to abort an innocent life inside her womb. He vowed to himself that he will love the baby the same way he had loved Dina. 'I love you so much, Dina and because that baby is a part of you… I will love that baby just like my own.", Carlos continues to cry. Dina was so touched by his words and she also doesn't want to embarrass Carlos like this just because of her. She hurriedly went over to accept his hand. Everyone around them immediately clapped and cheered for them. They really thought that Dina had accepted a marriage proposal. They were holding each other's hand while walking out of the airport. The crowd continued to cheer them happily, without knowing the truth behind Carlos's romantic gesture. Dina and Carlos were both silent when they went inside his car. "Dina, thank you... for staying.", Carlos broke their silence. 'No! No! I must be the one who must be thankful because you had accepted me and my baby.",Dina was embarrassed with Carlos's thank you. Carlos didn't answer but he was silent as if he was lost in deep thoughts. 'Dina, you should stop teaching. I can work for you and your baby---" 'No! I don't want to be too dependent on you---" 'But you need to. You can't handle a stressful job, Dina. You must take care of your body, for your baby's sake.", Carlos said, cutting off Dina's words. Dina wasn't able to answer because Carlos was right. Now Dina is feeling awkward because their topic is not just about themselves anymore… but also the baby. 'Thank you, Carlos.", Dina sincerely answered. Carlos touched Dina's soft cheek. 'Maybe it's a good thing that you have your baby now, Dina… now, it's easier to convince you of doing things for your baby's sake. That's why, starting today, stop being depressed with Rico. You need to be healthy because this body is no longer yours only… someone tiny is now going to share your body with you.", Carlos advised Dina. Dina nodded and unknowingly, she already shed a tear because she is so grateful how her best friend didn't abandon her despite her difficult situation. 'Don't cry. I'll be her no matter what happens.", Carlos added as he wiped Dina's tears. Dina smiled as she prayed that one day she will learn how to love Carlos too. ###Chapter 38 An Unexpected Surprise Months passed and it was already Dina's due month and never ever, not even once, she had ever felt that Carlos had neglected her and the baby inside her. 'Aww… come on, Dina… please, please agree…", Carlos begged like a kid. "Carlos, no. How will you be able to find a woman who will make you happy if they will think you're already tied with responsibilities with my child?", Dina answered. 'Dina, just think it's for the baby's sake. People will be curious why the baby's surname is different from you if you insist to follow his last name to his father. They will tease him. The baby is a boy, unlike girls in which they tend to follow their husband's surname when they marry. What will happen if your baby's wife will ask about it?", Carlos tried to convince Dina to allow the baby to name after his surname instead of Rico's. 'You're thinking ahead too fast, best. Now, why are we talking about my baby's marriage?", Dina laughed. 'Of course, Carlos even though Rico and I had long been gone as a couple and we haven't seen each other nor have communication even with his parents, it is still the baby's right to be named after his father.", Dina added, unconvinced with what Carlos had just explained. 'But----" 'And that's final.", Dina ended their conversation. Carlos wasn't able to do anything anymore. Once Dina had set her mind onto it, it's most likely impossible to change it. Carlos sighed in defeat. He had become attached with the baby as if he is really the child's father. It all started when Dina allowed him to touch her buldging tummy and the baby suddenly kicked. Carlos was so moved by the living being inside her, he almost couldn't believe it, treating what he had just witnessed as a miracle. And from that day on, he had been bugging Dina almost every day to have the child recognize him as his real father. Carlos had been taking care of Dina, he had been tolerating her with her pregnancy, mood swing, and cravings. He will always give Dina whatever she wanted, sometimes Dina is annoyed and blames him for her weight gain. 'I hate you Carlos! Look! I have gotten so fat because of you! How could you even like this body! There are lots of cute girls there who are single, prettier, and sexier---" 'Stop it. Stop being insecure. You're not fat, you're just pregnant.", Carlos assured Dina to eliminate her insecurities. 'This is all your fault! I look like an elephant!", Dina frowned. Carlos laughed. Dina looks very different now compared to the first day they had arrived here. She had gotten fat indeed, it's a fact they can't deny because of her pregnancy but for Carlos, Dina is still the most beautiful woman in his eyes especially now that she had become lovely. Although she had been frantically complaining about her weight and figure, her eyes have a certain sparkle which makes her even more beautiful… she looks really happy, maybe she's excited to see the baby. Carlos is so happy to see Dina like this, she's blooming, a different kind of bloom brought by her pregnancy. He is contented with his life seeing Dina like this every day. "I am not making you fat, Dina… but my baby.", Carlos smiled as he caressed her tummy. Dina was moved whenever she sees him doing his best for her and her baby's sake as if he was really the baby's real dad. Suddenly, Dina was shocked when she felt a gush of water inside her. 'Carlos… I think…", Dina said as she felt pain. 'Aww!!! Awwwwww!!!!", Dina shrieked. Carlos was wide-eyed when he realized what is about to happen. "W-What? Is the baby coming out already?", Carlos in panic. Dina couldn't answer in pain and had nodded tons of times instead. 'Okay wait here.", Carlos trying to calm both Dina and himself. He hurriedly ran inside the house to gather the things they had prepared in advance in case Dina would be giving birth. Then he calmly went to get his car key and assisted Dina in the car. He drove as fast as he could while continuously honking to indicate their emergency situation. "Excuse me, sir. Your relationship with the patient is...?", A nurse went to Carlos when they arrived at the hospital. She also gave her some forms. 'Ah... her partner. I'm her partner.", Carlos answered. "I see, you're the father. So can you please sign these papers?", The nurse replied. 'Sure.", Carlos went over to received the papers. He hurriedly notes down the details pertaining to Dina when he suddenly went across the baby's information section. 'Baby's name…", Carlos read and thought for a little while. Dina wanted to name the child after his father, Rico Ballestros but Carlos wanted what is best for the baby's future. 'Baby's name… Dino Tan.", Carlos decided. Dina had successfully given birth to a healthy baby boy but Carlos had kept what he has done a secret to her. He thought that Dina might get angry for he has done a thing against her will and he doesn't want to stress her as she just had given birth… but he is also ready to face her anger… and to persuade her once again. When Carlos had laid his eyes on the baby, he fell in love, he was so happy to see his son. He doesn't even know how to properly hold a baby but he begged and insisted Dina. He was so happy and got teary-eyed when he held the baby in his arms. 'You did a good job, Dina… we've got the most adorable baby in the world.", Carlos commented and went over to kiss Dina on her forehead to soothe her from the pain in giving birth. After few days, the doctor had allowed them to go home already but was instructed to return after a week to check the baby's status again. 'Dina… I'm sorry.", Carlos premised when they had arrived home. 'Sorry for what?" 'Because… ' 'Because?", Dina was a bit annoyed why Carlos couldn't tell what he wanted to say in one go. 'Because I named the baby after my surname… I'm sorry!", Carlos said, feeling nervous. Dina stared at Carlos and looked at her watch. "Get out.", Dina replied. 'Dina, I'm sorry, I know you're angry but—' 'I said get out! Go!", Dina insisted. 'But, Dina…let's talk it out first." 'I'll breastfeed the baby! You shouldn't be inside my room, okay?" 'Wh-what?", Carlos became confused. 'Carlos, you had been bugging me about that for months. Of course, I know you'll do that ever since you had become super attached with my baby. That's why I forgave you already. Now, go out. The baby's hungry already. Remember, I need to feed him every two hours.", Dina explained as she raised and pointed her wristwatch. Carlos gave her a big smile. 'Uh, Dina maybe you need some help?", Carlos insisted at the door. 'Shut up! Don't put malice on my breastfeeding. Go out already.", Dina answered. 'No, no what I mean is… about taking care of Baby Dino. I know you intend to fully breastfeed him and it would be tiring to feed him every two hours. It would be for your benefit to pump your breastmilk so that I could feed him whenever you wanted to take a rest. I could take care of Baby Dino for you.", Carlos explained. Dina wasn't able to answer. Carlos feel sad, maybe he wasn't convincing enough and he was about to "Thank you, Carlos.", Dina suddenly said. It was low but Carlos clearly heard it. Carlos couldn't explain the happiness he feels every time he felt Dina needed him, it's as if his life became useful because of her… and now, for their baby as well. Dina and Carlos had been alternately taking care of the baby. Carlos had taken the role of the baby's father and he had been keeping both mother and son safe and stable without asking anything in return. Seeing both Dina and the baby is enough for Carlos. He is happy they are here with him. When the baby had turned 6 months, he learned to call Carlos Dad, even though Dina had been constantly correcting Dino to call him Uncle but Carlos still insisted to just let the baby be. He had really declared himself as the baby's father. They had been living contentedly like these. It was so blissful that years had gone by unnoticed… and now Dino is now already three years old. Carlos couldn't ask for more, he is already satisfied with the life he has now with Dina and Dino. 'Carlos… thank you.", Dina suddenly said when she was alone with Carlos. They were watching Dino happily playing at the playground. 'No, Dina. I thank you.", Carlos smiled and held her hand. Usually, Dina would avoid it but at that time, she just let him be. 'Don't you have any plans to marry at all? You're making me guilty. You are not able to move on from me because we are here.", Dina said, feeling worried. "Move on? Why would I? And yes, I do have plans to marry… but the woman I wanted to marry doesn't want to.", Carlos smiled and gave Dina a meaningful stare. Dina understood, it was her of course. 'So… is your proposal that time at the airport still valid?", Dina asked in return. Carlos was confused as to why Dina had become open when it comes to this topic, usually, she declines and rejects the idea of her marrying him. 'Of course, it will be valid forever until she says yes.", Carlos answered, he felt his heart was pounding loudly. 'Well then… I accept.", Dina smiled. Carlos was so surprised, he couldn't believe it. "Dina, you can't go back against your word. Are you certain that---' 'Yes. I mean, you have no plans to move on… I may not love you as much as you love me but I felt it…WE, Dino and I felt it. And I am happy and thankful. I will marry you but is it okay if I will marry you for that reason---" 'I will survive that way! As long as you won't withdraw from this!", Carlos said happily and he hugged Dina tightly. Dina responded and he hugged Carlos back. He was so surprised as he felt Dina in his arms, he never knew it felt so good like this and he didn't notice that tears already fell from his eyes. He never knew happiness could be this happy. 'You have no idea how happy I am today Dina! I feel like I am now ready to die!", teary-eyed Carlos exclaimed with joy and couldn't stop himself from giving Dina tons of soft kisses on her cheeks. "I'm happy to know you're happy... and me too but let's not talk about dying, for goodness sake!", Dina joked and laughed. Carlos laughed happily too. Carlos was extremely delighted, he was contented as long as he was by Dina's side. He became happier when little Dino came. Everything was already perfect, he was already satisfied being a helpful bystander for them… but what Dina had just said… no words could explain how happy he is today. He was extremely elated with Dina's unexpected surprise.