Chapter 41 Consequence

"Are you okay, Dina?", Carlos asked Dina. Dina is still staring blankly at nothing while they were eating ice cream at a different restaurant. Carlos was worried because Dina might change her mind about him and this made him anxious and sad. Dina noticed the evident sadness clearly painted on Carlos's face. "I am okay. I was just surprised. Don't worry… no matter what happens, I will always choose you, Carlos.", Dina assured. Dina remembered Rico, now she understood when Rico told her that he is going to choose her even though he is in love with Alice at that time… because he had given his word to her and he is determined to fulfill his responsibility. Is this how heavy your burden to me was, Rico? I never knew it was this hard because it feels like your heart is crumbling into pieces. You are tying yourself with another even though you are in love with another… I am glad that I have set you free and now you will no longer this kind of pain. It's good that you are now happy with Alice. It's enough that I had made the right decision., Dina thought with pain in her heart. "Even though I know that man is still in your heart, Dina but saying that you would still choose me… it's more than enough to make me happy. Thank you so much.", Carlos sincerely said as he held Dina's hands. "No, Carlos. I am totally over Rico. I was just surprised earlier.", Dina lied because she knows how Carlos is feeling right now… it was the same feeling she had experienced before with Rico. "Dad ice cream! More! more!", Dino chanted. Carlos happily scooped another spoonful for the young kid. "Dina, I'm going to teach again...", Carlos opened a different topic. "I know. That's your passion.", Dina smiled "At Wisdom...", Carlos frankly answered. Dina now realized what Carlos is trying to say. Wisdom is near the Ballestros's residence and Carlos was as if asking her permission if she will be okay if ever they might come across Rico because it might happen one day. Dina assuringly nodded her head. "Then go. Do what you think will be good for us.", Dina smiled, she fully trusts Carlos. "He might see us and... you might see him again.", Carlos was worried. "So?... what's the problem?", Dina replied. Carlos smiled and he is very happy with her answer. 'If you want I can teach there too so that he can both see us together there.", Dina joked. Carlos laughed and went to hug Dina tightly. "Not now. Maybe later. If you want to teach there, you may but not now…yet.", Carlos meaningfully answered but Dina couldn't get what he was trying to imply or why she felt like Carlos is trying to imply something deeper. "Mom, Dad! So sweet! Weee!", Dino cheered happily and cheerfully clapped his hands. "Kiss! Kiss!", Dino added. It was normal as Dino had known Carlos as his dad and they would end up kissing each other on the cheeks. Dina was about to kiss Carlos on his cheek like the usual but Carlos was about to do the same too, he was about to kiss Dina on her cheeks when their kisses met across halfway and they ended kissing each other on the lips. It was just a smack but Dina was so surprised that she immediately moved away. The kiss made Carlos smile. "Yey!", Dino cheered happily. "Wow, that felt really good.", Carlos commented happily as if teasing Dina but for some reason, Dina felt his tone sounded too sad than what he is saying. Maybe Carlos felt that I really couldn't return his feelings for me., Dina thought sadly. ... It has been more than a month already when Carlos had started teaching again at Wisdom and most of the time, Dina and Dino would visit him at school during lunch break to eat their lunch together. Dino is used to eating together with Carlos and most of the time he will ask Dina to see him. For this reason, Carlos decided to have Dina and Dino come to school every day at lunch. Dina hesitated at first because she doesn't want to cause disturbance to Carlos but he insisted and she ended up agreeing. Rico had woken up late today, he is still suffering from his hangover. It has been more than a month already when he began drowning himself in alcohol. It started when Alice told him she saw Dina. He had been constantly drinking but it was just today that he had woken up really late. He decided to stop by the law firm at lunch to check out his paper works. He was still complaining about his headache when he was heading for work. He came across a familiar figure while he was driving, he immediately stepped on the break. She looks different but he is sure it is the woman he knew on his mind. The woman was walking across the road and she was smiling happily. She still looks beautiful, no she had become more beautiful… very different from the woman in his memories. The woman is now wearing a skirt and her happy smile seems to be painted on her face naturally while on his memories, that woman was acting boyish, wearing boyish clothing, she was thin and was always frowning. Rico stared intently at the beautiful lady across the street and without any second thoughts, he got off his car. He wanted to ask her many questions. "Dad!", a young child with the woman suddenly shouted. The young kid ran towards a man who he also recognized. He knew the man who this kid calls his dad… it was Carlos Tan. And the woman he had been observing earlier was no other else but… Dina. However, who is this child? Why is he calling Carlos his dad? "Mom! Hurry! Dad and Dino hungry already!", the child yelled as if answering Rico's unuttered question on his mind. So this was the result of your betrayal! You are all happy while I was left behind in pain and suffering! How dare you mock me like this!, Rico thought will full of hatred towards the family across the street. He vowed to make them pay and to never forgive Dina. He will make sure that they will regret what they have done to him. He will become an evil villain in Dina's life… he will make sure that her happy smiles now for this man will change into tears. He wanted to make her cry and beg in front of him… this is the consequence. Because to Rico, them going back here means they're ready to suffer. ###Chapter 42 Losing His Passion It has been a few days already and he hadn't had a single good night's sleep. He keeps on recalling the scene he saw at Wisdom. He had been constantly thinking of plans and ways how to destroy the image of that happy family… He won't allow Dina and Carlos to become happy. All that is on Rico's mind is how to make them both feel the feeling of desperation… the feeling he had been holding on to for him to survive. Yes, he is desperate to get revenge. 'What?!", Carlos blurted angrily. 'I am very sorry Mr. Tan, no matter how effective as a teacher you are, we still need to abide by the moral rules of this school. We just couldn't ignore the complaint we had received. We are aware that you had brought us big contributions and achievements to this school and it's true that we will definitely suffer a big loss without you. We know that you and Mrs. Ballestros knew each other for a long time already since she had been a teacher in this school too for quite some time. We are aware that you are both close to one another but we can't just ignore those complaints. It's really hard for my part to fire you.", the school head explained. 'What they're saying is not true. I can explain! It's not like what it seems to be…", Carlos trailed off and sighed instead. He and Dina are in a very complicated situation especially with Dino using his surname. It's hard to explain and it will also be very difficult for people to believe it. "I believe you, Mr. Tan. I believe there are no immorality issues between you and Mrs. Ballestros. But I hope you understand that the school needs to make a move before this issue gets out of hand that would compromise the image of this school. I hope you will understand.", the school head explained sincerely. Carlos nodded with a heavy heart, he sighed once again as he realized that there is nothing more they could do since their decision is final already. 'I understand. Thank you.", Carlos sighed sadly, feeling defeated. 'Thank you, Mr. Tan, for serving this school.", the school head added before Carlos left the office. Carlos is very dismayed with what happened because teaching has always been his passion. Although he knows that even without being employed as a teacher, he can still make a living because he has enough savings to start up a business… it still saddens him because he really does love teaching and he is upset because there is nothing he could do to defend his passion especially that he is cherishing every moment he has today. When Carlos arrived home, he doesn't know how to tell this sad news to Dina. He is worried of how she would react. 'Dina…", Carlos started. 'Hmn?", Dina answered acknowledging Carlos's presence. 'Do you want to start up a business?", Carlos said. Dina suddenly laughed and it made Carlos wondered. 'Why?", Carlos was curious. 'It's because you sounded like those people, you know those into networking schemes. Do you want to become rich in an instant? Are you ready to become a millionaire?", Dina joked while imitating impressions from networking people. Carlos laughed but he is still feeling down. Dina noticed this. 'Is there something bothering you?", Dina asked. 'Seriously… do you want to start up a business?", Carlos insisted. Dina didn't answer and she just stared intently at his eyes. Carlos knew that he couldn't escape forever especially when Dina is looking at him like this… he must tell the truth. Carlos sighed. 'The truth is… I was fired and there's a possibility, though I hope it won't happen… that I might lose my teaching license.", Carlos sighed heavily. "What?! WHY?!", Dina exclaimed in worry. Worry is painted all over Dina's face and it pained Carlos to see Dina being like this. He doesn't want to be the cause of her worries but on the other side, his heartfelt happiness for a bit because this made him feel that he is someone important enough for Dina to be worried. "You don't have to worry about it. I chose this and I am somehow, expecting this possibility but not this soon.", Carlos said sincerely. 'Tell me what really happened?", Dina probed. "I was fired because of immorality issues… that I was taking somebody else's wife and worst, making her pregnant.", Carlos sadly said while looking intently at Dina. Dina was taken aback… she and Dino was the reason why Carlos is sad now. "I... I'm sorry Carlos.", is all that Dina could say. She felt guilty. Carlos did nothing wrong, he is not at any fault… she brought this misfortune upon him. 'No, don't be. Just as I have said, I chose this. Though I'm a bit disappointed, it doesn't matter because I am happy already to be with you and Dino. For me, that fact alone is enough.", Carlos truthfully said and Dina felt his sincerity. Despite what Carlos had said, Dina still feels guilty about what happened to him because of wrong accusations against him… and yet Carlos handled the situation responsibly. 'Carlos… Can't we just go back to Canada?", Dina said hoping to ease Carlos's sadness. 'No…" 'But we're much okay there…" 'You must trust me, Dina." 'But—' 'I am happy with you here.", Carlos ended Dina's hesitation. 'I'm sorry Dina.", Carlos added. 'You don't have to say sorry to me, Carlos. I'm the one who must apologize because we had become your burden.", Dina said still feeling guilty. 'You and Dino will never become a burden to me because I love you both.", Carlos smiled and gently touched Dina's cheek. Dina let out a deep sigh… then gave Carlos her sweetest smile. "Okay… how about an ice cream shop? I think in this place where summer is almost typically all year round, ice cream is very in demand. Then during vacation breaks, we could open a sports clinic, how about basketball? Then we could also…", Dina simultaneously opened up her ideas and suggestions but Carlos could no longer put his focus on what she was saying, instead, he just stared at her beautiful face contently. You really know how to cheer me up, Dina. I am so thankful you are here by my side. Just endure a little more…, Carlos sadly thought. 'So what do you think?", Dina suddenly asked Carlos about his opinion about her suggestions. Carlos just gave her a smile as a response. 'I think? What I have on my mind now is… you're so pretty Dina. I love you.", Carlos lovingly declared. Dina pinched his arms which only made him laugh happily. 'You're so annoying! I thought you were serious when you asked me about business and that's why I answered you seriously too. Now that I am telling you my suggestions then you're not taking me seriously anymore.", Dina frowned. Carlos laughed, he knows that he is truly happy but he could still the heaviness in his heart. He doesn't want Dina to disappear, he doesn't want her to leave him because he wants and loves to be by her side so so bad… that's why, before he could no longer hold his tears, he suddenly stood up. 'Ice cream shop is a nice idea since Dino loves ice cream that much. He would definitely love your idea.", Carlos said with a smile. Dina smiled too but seeing her smiling so beautifully only made his heart broke into pieces and he is fully aware that if he would stare at her longer, he might end up crying. "I need some rest.", Carlos suddenly said and he hurriedly went inside his room. Dina wondered why Carlos's mood had shifted so suddenly. Whatever reason Carlos might have, Dina chose to understand her beloved best friend. Maybe what happened to him today is a big blow to his ego. Aside from basketball, he really loves teaching. It's his passion. If there is only something that I could do for him so I could ease his sadness…, Dina thought with guilt. ###Chapter 43 Planned Coincidence After few days of looking, Carlos and Dina had finally found the best location for their ice cream shop. They had also a good talk with the owner and they were all excited. However, on the day of signing the rental agreement as they were about to renovate the area, the owner suddenly backed out. The owner insisted to return their down payment. Dina was anxious and she immediately called Carlos. 'What shall we do, Carlos? It's such a pity not to get this location. I really like this place.", Dina said on the phone. 'Try to persuade the owner first, Dina. You go ahead first. I'll be on my way, I'll just fetch Dino at the nursery first.", Carlos said. 'Okay. Take care.", Dina answered. 'Thank you and… I love you too.", Carlos answered back. Every time they finish their conversation on the phone, Carlos tends to say 'I love you TOO". He puts emphasis on the word TOO, because he is aware that Dina would never answer his 'I love you" to her. That's why he is doing this as if Dina had said those three words to him first and he is just answering back her love words by saying 'I love you TOO". Dina didn't waste time anymore and she immediately looked for the owner. The owner frankly told her the reason why they backed out. 'I am sorry, iha. Someone offered me thrice the price you paid. I need the money and that amount is a big deal to me. After all, we hadn't signed any contract yet so what we had talked about is not yet valid. I apologize again and I hope you understand.", the owner said. 'But we were here first and we talked about it already, right?", Dina pleaded. 'That's why I am saying sorry, iha.", is what the owner could only say and continue to decline their money as payment for the place. 'Maybe we could still talk about it… maybe we could add a little of the original price---' 'Ehem!", someone cleared his throat behind them so loudly. Dina immediately looked at the person and she was shocked to see who it was. 'Ah… this is such a nice place. A very good place for my law firm.", he said. 'R-Rico… what are you doing here?", Dina and she could feel her heart beating so fast. She's nervous and at the same time conscious. Rico had become even more handsome after more than three years of not seeing him. Her man had become more handsome as ever. 'So, ma'am shall we sign the contract now?", Rico said to the owner, disregarding Dina as if he didn't even notice her. 'It was you? Did you offer her triple its original price? Why?", Dina said angrily. She was annoyed but she still couldn't conclude that Rico was doing this on purpose or was it just pure coincidence since it was their first meeting after more than three years since she had left him. She felt pained in her heart when Rico is acting like she is nothing. You are indeed nothing for Rico, Dina because he is now happy with Alice, a part of Dina's mind had answered. She was a bit sad but she is also aware that she needs to be strong when facing this kind of emotion. Rico didn't answer Dina. She was just staring at her husband intently when suddenly Rico went to face her too. She felt as if she was melting with his stare and she wanted to hide but she couldn't find a place to hide. 'Oh! Who do we have here?", Rico exclaimed as if he was surprised to see Dina. Rico went closer to Dina and she pushed backward with his intimidating presence and confidence. 'Hi, Dina! It's been a long time!", Rico said gladly and offered his hand as if he wants to shake hands with her. Dina was surprised and was hesitant to accept his hand but since he seems to be happy to see her, she was forced to accept it even though it hurts her feelings to see him as if he had already gotten over her completely… treating her as if she was just a part of his past, an acquaintance. After accepting his and, Dina was once again surprised when Rico hugged her suddenly. She felt this warm feeling again… the warmth of Rico's embrace, she totally missed this so much and this feeling made her close her eyes as if continue feeling this warm sensation brought by Rico's sudden embrace. She was about to hug him back too when Rico suddenly pushed her and tapped her on her shoulders. Dina immediately opened her eyes and was feeling lost for a moment. 'Hello, Rico.", is what all Dina could only say when the warm sensation was abruptly cut off. 'You look different and I wasn't able to recognize you immediately. You know, you were boyish before. With this feminity in you, I guess Carlos was successful in getting your feminine side.", Rico smiled but behind his smile, Dina felt that he was being sarcastic. 'By the way, speaking of Carlos. Where is he?", Rico asked and went to look at the surroundings as if he was trying to find Carlos. 'He is fetching Dino.", Dina answered hesitantly. 'Dino?", Rico asked in return as if it was just nothing. 'My… my son." , Dina answered and was still hesitant to give more details about Dino. "Oh... Congratulations! To both of you, Dina and Carlos.", Rico said happily but he doesn't seem to be surprised. 'But--- Actually… Uh, Thank… you.", Dina wanted to explain about Dino but at the same time, she doesn't want to disturb his happy life with Alice. So, she decided to just have Rico think that Dino is Carlos's son. 'By the way, why are you here?", Rico suddenly changed their topic. 'The truth is Carlos and I really wanted to rent this place and turn it into an ice cream shop. We already paid the down payment and I thought everything is already okay but to my surprise, someone had offered this place triple its price. I guess it was you.", Dina explained. 'Oh, so you mean you were the first to bid? I am very sorry, Dina. I didn't know… but I can't give up this place either. I am very eager to have this.", Rico answered as if he was saddened by this conflict, however, Dina is still confused whether Rico was being real or was just faking it. 'But this place is too far from your----' 'My prospect clients are in here.", Rico abruptly answered. 'Dina.", Carlos said, he had just arrived along with Dino. "Carlos.", Dina acknowledging his presence but was still surprised by their awkward situation. Carlos was also surprised to see that Dina wasn't alone… she was with Rico. "Rico.", Carlos said anxiously. It seems like his blood had escaped his body when he saw the man. I am not ready yet!, Carlos thought. It seems like the heavens are already preparing ways for Rico and Dina to meet already. 'Oh! Carlos! Long time no see.", Rico smiled and went over him to offer his hand. Just like Dina, Carlos was hesitant in accepting his warm greetings but he still chose to cordially accept his hand. Rico squeezed Carlos's hand tightly. However, Carlos's just let him be and chose not to stoop down to Rico's pettiness. He is aware of his faults and sins against him and maybe he is now being asked now to pay for it already. "Dad? Who is that man?", Dino curiously asked as he points at Rico. Rico was distracted, the child's voice made him stop from squeezing Carlos's hands. He let his hand go and went over to look at the child. Rico smiled at the child while both Dina and Carlos were taken aback and weren't sure what to answer. 'I am your Mom and Dad's friend. My name is Rico.", Rico answered. Dino nodded happily. 'You've got a nice name. I remember my Mom called that name before in her sleep. When I asked her, she just told me it was a nice name. I also think your name is nice too.", Dino blabbered. Dina blushed and Carlos was surprised to see how talkative Dino is in front of Rico. 'Well, your Mom must have been dreaming of something good. By the way, what is your name?", Rico asked, changing their topic about him, shifting it to the child instead. He ignored what the child had just said about Dina mentioning his name in her sleep. 'My name is Dino Tan. She is my Mom at he is my Dad. They both love me and I love them too.", Dino answered cheerfully. Rico smiled bitterly. 'What a happy family you have.", Rico commented. 'W-what are you doing here?", Carlos interrupted the father and son. 'Me? I am just the man who got this contract to this place. It was unexpected but I'm very sorry because I really need this place and I just can't give it up for you.", Rico said while looking as if he was really sad about their situation. Dina and Carlos weren't able to answer but both of them were disappointed. 'I thought you're Mom and Dad's friend. Why can't you give up then?", Dino suddenly blurted out. Rico stared intently at the child's eyes, it was obvious with Rico's stares that he admired the witty child. 'Why can't I give up? because… it's complicated.", Rico's answer was deep in meaning. 'Dino, you shouldn't get involve with the adults, okay?", Dina reprimanded her son. Dino nodded in agreement. 'I am sorry Mom.", the child humbly answered. 'You're both fortunate to have such a smart son.", Rico commented. Carlos and Dina just both stared at each other and weren't able to answer what Rico had just said. 'I think we have no other choice. We'll just go and find another place to rent.", Carlos finally acknowledged in defeat. He knows that there's nothing more they can do if Rico really wants the place. "If you would excuse us. We have to go.", Carlos added and hurriedly held Dina's hands pulling her away from this man. They didn't wait for Rico to answer, Carlos just wanted to take his family away from Rico's presence… he felt threatened for some reason and he was scared. 'Bye-bye!", Dino waved his arms to Rico while they were getting farther away from him. Rico just stared while Dina is getting farther away from him, his chest feels heavy to see her getting away because until now… she still sees her as his wife.