Chapter 21

48: Ain't Revenge But Bad Karma
Alexa is so obsessed, she's so into Davien which is not very healthy anymore. Although Davien didn't end up with Alexa, she still feel happy. Because for her, it's better that Davien stayed alone forever if he doesn't have someone to be with. She succeeded in wrecking her marriage with Avah and she was really the happiest woman when she found out that Avah had left the country and left Davien.
What a goddamn loser ... That's what Alexa always says to Avah in her mind. He is a loser. She didn't even have a hard time believing Avah, it didn't even fight her and that makes it easier for Alexa to succeed.
Now he goes to the studio where he has been working for a long time. The network where she works for was one of the biggest network in Philippines. She's a model and she is endorsing Philippine cosmetics and beauty products. Being a model is the reason why she didn't want to get pregnant when she and Davien were still engaged. She is so obsessed to her curves and always conscious to her body.
Now the management called him. He feels that he will be promoted as a brand ambassador. She's been chasing that position for so long. Apart from the fact that he will be given more endorsements, his publicity on television will be more frequent either nationwide or internationally. Olivia is her co -worker and she secretly envies her because Alexa has been in the network longer but the girl became a brand ambassador even earlier.
"You are half an hour late!" Thanks to Alexa when they were gay boss. Alexa even put on make -up and chose a nice dress so she lasted. 'It's a girl stuff' she said without even realizing that she's risking her career by often being late.
"Calm down, Sir Mandie." Alexa laughed. She sat down in the chair facing the boss's desk. "Are we going to talk about my promotion?" Alexa crossed her legs. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement.
"Alexa, can you hear yourself?" Because of the gay the boss is frank it when speaking. "You think you'll get the promotion with that attitude? The directors are complaining that you are always late! The photographer reported that you do what the fuck that you want and you're literally asking me now about a damn promotion?" The boss's eyes glazed over.
"I make money for them, what are they doing?" Alexa's answer was firm.
Mandie sighed. He really can't stand the model's behavior anymore.
"All of your endorsement pulled out the contract. You're gone, Alexa. You're sinking. And I called for you to say that we're not going to renew the contract."
The girl's eyes widened when she heard the reason why she was called. The shape of his foot also changed.
"No way! You can't do that to me! I've been with the company for a long time! I'm your money maker!" She snapped.
"It used to be, Alexa. You're old and we need something new, someone fresh. You no longer fit in here."
"And you think you can find someone better than me? Hah!"
"We just did, Alexa." Mandie replied. Just on queue their new brand ambassador entered.
She wore a red tight dress and I could see the curve of her very beautiful body. Her lips were shining red, her hair was tied high, her black stiletto heels open toe, lace up strappy look so perfect on her porcelain skin. She's cat-walking like she's a beauty queen. Alexa looks at her feet first, then slowly, her eyes goes up and up until she recognizes who it is.
"Darling, Avah!" As Mandie's face changed. Its smile is so wide. He stood up from sitting on his chair and approached Avah for a kiss. "You look great! I mean, beyond great! You really are meant to be a superstar just like your mother."
Avah smiled at Mandie. Her red lips looks so plump and beautiful.
"Thank you so much for inviting me, Sir Mandie. I don't expect to received a call from you, especially when I just arrived from Nevada." Alexa looked like air because if the two exchanged words, it was as if she was not in the room.
"I need to act fast. When others are full of you coming, they will probably get on their knees to get you. I'm so honored that you accepted my offer."
"Don't worry, sir Mandie. I will be a responsible brand ambassador." Avah replies.
When Alexa heard what position was given to Avah she stood up from the stand.
"Brand ambassador ?! Are you really giving the position to her and not me? Eh what does that know about modeling ?! And what are you wearing Avah? Why don't you go back to church? That's where you fit in. Just pray all day! "
Avah look at Alexa from head to toe. Seizing the same woman who made her life in chaos. Avah twitched the side of her shiny red lips.
"It's you, Ms. Torres!" Avah greeted as if she had just seen Alexa. "That was actually my plan at the very first place but Sir Mandie needed me. How can I reject someone who asked for help?" Avah pouted.
Her accent and the way she speak in English elegantly made Alexa triggered. Alexa gripped on Avah's arms, her eyes glazed. "Why did you come back ?! Ha? Maybe you came back to cause trouble, no?"
Avah smirk and she shakes Alexa's hands off her arms. He brought his own face to Alexa's then whispered, "whatever my reason is, it's non of your business."
When the security guard Mandie called arrived, she immediately picked up Alexa.
"Send that crazy bitch out! Don't come back here, Ms. Torres. You are no longer needed." Mandie said while looking at Avah. "Are you okay? I'm so sorry for the trouble."
"No, it's okay sir. Not a problem to me."
"Let me go! I can get out!" Alexa's struggle. She is a truly scandalous woman. An embarrassing person. "All right! You have the brand ambassador position, Avah! I don't even want it! You, Mandie! You will regret treating me like a trash! More people are waiting for me outside. I was just waiting for you to let me go for you. to others. " The security guards dragged Alexa out of the office, but before she could leave, she shouted first. He said, "you're both useless !!"
When the security guard pushed him, they shouted at him, "don't come back here, madman!"
"I'm definitely not coming back jan! Go to hell assholes!" Alexa caressed her arms that were red from the tightness of the guards' grip. She picked up her cellphone and called the owner of a beauty product. He recently rejected the offer because he said the name of the endorser was too small. She feels proud of herself and she doesn't think that the time will come when she will lose her career.
When the person she contacted answers, she quickly said, "hi! Is your offer about the endorsement still on? I'm bored because I'm here at home."
"I'm sorry, because we saw the bad rate of directors and photographers about you. The deal is off. Don't call us again." Then the phone rang.
He also called other companies he rejected and all of them did not accept him. The phone always puts him down.
Alexa waited for Avah to come out of the building. And when she saw that Mandie had actually delivered her, she got out of her car. He approached it and was about to tweak it when Melanie stopped him. Melanie is also waiting for Avah who she deliberately accompanied because they are going somewhere else. All this time she was watching how the mistress would drive Alexa away, and Melanie enjoyed every second of her suffering.
Melanie slapped Alexa hard left and right causing her to turn her head and hair to cover her face.
"There, Alexa. Awakening. You can thank me later and you are welcome in advance." Melanie raises an eyebrow at the woman who is now simmering in anger.
"Is this some kind of revenge, Avah? What kind of nun are you going to be ?!" Alexa's hill.
Avah raised her perfectly defined eyebrow as she step forward. Alexa didn't know who withdrew from any fight but that time, she stepped backward because of the approach that Avah was making.
"This ain't revenged, Alexa. This is a karma. A bad karma for all the bad things that you've done to hurt me and other people. You are pathetic." Even though Avah's voice was weak, Alexa still felt anger with her every word.
Avah backed away and before Melanie could finally back away, she barked first, "fuck off, whore!" Melanie raised her middle finger and then she flipped her hair before leaving Alexa at her lowest.


49: Match Maker
"You know Alexa, she's really a slave of Satan. So maybe she won't die because even in hell she can't handle her demonic behavior." Melanie sighed when they arrived at the coffee shop she built a year ago.
"Hey, that was harsh." Avah commented. Even though he has changed a lot, he still doesn't want to step on other people. Whatever Alexa is going through now Avah is out there. He didn't think of revenge because he didn't grow up like that. She believes that what Alexa is going through is compensation for all the evil she has done. And she also believed that others charge karma.
"Oh, I've forgotten. You're still a nun." Melanie chuckled. And to forget the bad vibe brought by Alexa's name, she decided to divert the topic. "By the way, when are you planning to tell me that you and Davien have settled? If I haven't watched the news, I'm the only one who won't know. You've been sleeping on me, honey. Are you really my best friend? ? " Mel pouted.
"And about that, I'm so sorry Mel. I was planning to tell you but mom was fast to spread the word. Everything happen so fast. Just like in a blink of eye."
"Double Espresso and Short Macchiato, ma'am." Melanie's employee said when they brought two coffees.
"Thanks." Avah smiled to the waitress. She used to be a waitress so she wanted to reciprocate with a smile for her hard work. The she grabbed her double espresso and sipped it. "How are you for the past two years?"
"Normal. No excitement. But look at you, you changed a lot. But of course for the better."
"I just learned to dress and speak English. Over all, it's still me. The Avah you know from yesterday." Avah let out a small laughter. "You and Hirro? What's new with you?"
The mention of his name bring loneliness to Melanie's eyes. "I think we are both happy on our own lives." The friend asked.
"What? You mean you're already separated?" Avah asked in surprise.
"No. We didn't separate because nothing really happened to us. He just gave up pursuing me. But it's okay! I'm okay. That's really how life is. Someone will leave, and then someone will get in. Vice versa. "
Suddenly the ambiance at their table darkened. Avah can tell that Melanie was really hurt by what happened to the two of them and Hirro.
"Is there really no chance?" Avah held Melanie's hand and then gave it a light massage.
"Don't be like that, Avah! You're making me cry, eh." Mel tried to smile but later on ended up crying and laughing all at once.
Melanie and Hirro tried. But they have different habits. Hirro wanted to enjoy his bachelor life, Melanie was still afraid to enter into another relationship. Until they are confused and one day they both wake up as if they no longer know each other. There's so many things happened. Avah felt a little sorry for her friend because she was alone when it happened. So to entertain herself, Melanie just set up a business, which is a coffee shop that is so far profitable.
Avah invited Melanie to their outing this coming weekend. It's a family outing on both sides with Davien. He didn't tell Melanie that it was a family outing because he might not have gone yet because he might be led by shame.
* * *
By 9:00 sharp in the morning, Melanie arrived at Avah and Davien's house. He only took a taxi because until now he was still saving to buy a car. Melanie was even surprised because when she arrived there she and Noah were the only ones waiting. He will be going on a family outing.
The family greeted her and welcomed her warmly. They were all ready to leave. Only Noah is really missing. Noah lives on his own, while their father Nicholas is accepted back by Divina. Yes, they are old for the second time but they don't want to hurt themselves if this is what their hearts are screaming for.
Davien and Noah weren't so close but the tension between them was gone. Fortunately, Noah was not able to admit to Avah his attraction back then. Coincidentally they would definitely need three. Until now that secret was only between their siblings and they both decided to bury it along with their horrible past.
"You didn't tell me it was a family outing! I feel like I'm a cat. I can't go anymore?" Melanie whispered to Avah.
They were talking at the porch where all their luggage was ready. Davien suddenly appear at Avah's side. He hugged her from her back and he rested his chin on his wife's shoulder.
"What's the conversation about?" Davien groaned.
"Nothing. Just some sort of girl stuffs." Avah answered equally sweet.
The two kissed in front of Melanie who she denied.
"Get a room, you two. I'm having a goosebumps." Melanie said in horror. They are too sweet. He can't.
Avah and Davien chuckled. Exactly, a car stopped in front of their open gate. It was Noah. He blew his horn before getting out of the car.
It's been two years and the first and last time he met Melanie was when he invited her to his condo unit. Noah had moved permanently so he suddenly disappeared from the condominium.
"Mom! Dad! Aunt Cindy, Big Brother Noah is here!" Daniela shouted at the adults in the living room and talking.
Noah walk towards Avah and Davien. He's been handsome ever since but it seems like it's only now that Melanie will appreciate it. How come only Hirro was handsome in his eyes before so he couldn't see what Noah had.
"Avah, it's so great to see you back!" Noah gave Avah a sisterly hug and then he acknowledged Davien calling him, "bro!"
"Sup. What took you so long?" Davien asked. He doesn't let go of Avah's waist.
"I had a flat wheel. I fixed it first." Noah's reason. Then Noah look at Melanie. "Who is she?"
It was only then that Melanie realized. She didn't notice that she's checking him out.
Checking him out? No ah! You're really stupid Melanie. Checking out, checking out. Can't you just be starstruck? Melanie undergoes a conversation with her inner-self. But in all fairness, Davien's race is really handsome and beautiful. She admitted later on.
"You already met her before, my friend, Melanie. She live on the condominium where you stayed." Introduce Avah.
"Really? Shame on me for not remembering such beauty. Hi, Noah." Melanie didn't know why she was suddenly embarrassed. Is it because Noah indirectly said he was beautiful or because he smiled at him?
"I know your name, we already met. There's no need for formality." Melanie refused Noah's hand.
Because that's also where he and Avah came from, the attraction between the two didn't get through Davien's eyes. Adn then a plan formed on his mind.
After locking all the possible entrances and exits of their house, everyone boarded his car.
Avah, of course ride with Davien. While Nicholas was driving the Toyota Corolla ALT15 in which Jacintha, Daniela and Divina were riding.
"Melanie to Noah you ride." Davien said.
"H-ha? Can you just go with me?" Melanie replied.
"Yes, we're loose." Adapted by Avah.
"Don't worry, miss. I don't bite. I only bite woman of my picking, you are not my type." Noah's proud promise.
"Hah!" Melanie was just blown away by Davien's brother's arrogance. Noah smiled at Mel like he's trying to tease her while Melanie shot Noah a deadly stare. "Fine! Let's do this!" Melanie pulled out her mini luggage and got into Noah"s car.
Avah and Davien were caught because they were the ones who closed their gate.
"I hope you just put Mel here," Mejo said sadly in her husband's voice.
"Trust me, babe. Melanie and Noah will thank me later. Besides, I want you to be single. It's like killing two birds in one stone." Davien winked at Avah then he stole one quick kiss from her lips before they follow the two cars ahead of them.

50: Starting All Over Again
The whole family stayed at Siargao for one whole week. Siargao is one of the pride islands of the Philippines because of its beauty and its tear -shaped island. At that time they had no other thought but to relax and feel the very fresh air and listen to the strong pounding of the waves.
There's no work to be worried about, there's no Alexa who always ruins everything because she doesn't have the ability yet. Because he is a shopaholic, he has not saved any money. No one accepts him anymore because of his bad reputation. Until she ended up selling her condo unit, her car, her jewelries and until she sank into debt. He also couldn't contact his friend Charlotte because she seemed to be hiding and avoiding him.
Everything he thought was his friend suddenly disappeared like an exploding bubble. It"s strange that destiny actually reciprocates.
They had a great time vacationing in Siargao. Avah has tried almost every water sports game with Davien. They went kayaking, skiing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and many more that they are yet to discover.
Even Divina and Nicholas seemed to go back to being teenagers in sweetness when they always talked and looked at each other. Daniela and Jacintha on the other hand are very fond of roaming around taking pictures and buying remembrances like shirt, key chain and other stuffs. Noah and Melanie, on the other hand, are always fighting like dogs and cats. A fight with a mixture of flirting. Noah always initiates the argument and every time Melanie gets angry she will stare at him with a goofy smile on her lips. Without even noticing, their attraction to each other is gradually growing.
About Avah and Davien, they are inseparable. They were together in everything, in eating, walking around, even in the chair they could not be separated.
There is also no media following them. They then feel as if they are in paradise without knowing the word problem.
In the evening the couple does not participate in family activities. They would rather lock themselves in their cabin and just made love whole night until dawn. Even though they"ve been doing intercourse every night for three weeks they really can"t avoid it. They fill two years of bereavement.
It was only the eighth night that they left the room. They all are circling around a bonfire. No one knew that Noah could play the guitar. Every time Melanie looks at him, she can't help but be stunned by it. He look so damn hot and handsome while playing guitar. Everyone is just jamming. A perfect, relaxing and calm ambiance for all. A quite night. All they could hear was the pounding of the waves, the wind pounding their skins and the sound of the guitar Noah had just rented.
"It's so relaxing ..." Avah mumbled as she was inside her husband's arms and watching Noah play the guitar.
"Yeah ... there's no heavenly more than this." Davien said and kissed Avah's forehead.
"Davien, when are you going to give us grandchild?" Nicholas asked. They're still in the process of fixing their father-son relationship but because Davien is getting used to his father's presence, he has also learned to forgive. Avah was one of the reasons how Davien forgave the father. He will be forever grateful for his wife.
"That's why, hija. Even with my grandson I want to make up for it." Jacintha groaned.
"I'm the godmother! I volunteered." Melanie squealed, so that she could turn her focus not only to Noah.
"We're working on it, guys. You just have to wait maybe a little longer. I will try my hardest to get my wife pregnant." Davien cheated on Avah so he received a pinch on the side. "Ouch!" He complained to his wife.
"Maybe I volunteered to be the godfather too. I can bear to be Melanie's partner in his baptismal day." Noah remarked and he finished the song.
Melanie look at him. With Noah's hard scratching and teasing, he fell even more into it. Maybe his decision not to give his heart to Hirro was right because Noah was meant to take care of it.
After an hour of talking, they went to his cabin. Davien let Avah get in first because he stayed outside to answer the call from work. After the call, he gets in. After closing the door, Davien took off his clothes because their clothes were full of sand.
Avah has a little gift for her husband. He took it out of his bag. It is wrapped in small cardboard. Davien hadn't even worn a T-shirt when Avah wrapped her hand around her husband's handsome body.
A sweet smile escaped his lips. For him, it was as if he was still floating in the air with great joy. There will always be a rainbow after the rain.
"Avah, I'm dirty and sweaty." Davien said that until now he has turned his back on his wife.
"I don't care. I don't love you because you were clean. I love you because you are Davien." Avah whispered.
Davien removed his wife's hand from his naked body and faced it. His beam is way too big for his face. His eyes are glowing with too much love.
"And I love you because you are Avah." Davien bowed and hugged his wife tightly. "
They remained huddled for several minutes. No one speaks. They can only hear their breath. Then Avah said, "I have a gift for you."
Davien stepped away slightly to look at Avah with her gentle face.
"What is it?" Avah handed over the small box and Davien accepted it. He stare at it first. "What's on it?"
"See for yourself." Big smile Avah said.
"I was wondering why I suddenly feel nervous." He admitted after a soft chuckle. "Did you buy it? You shouldn't have bothered buying me gifts, Avah. You are enough." Davien hugged his wife and gave her a kiss that was overflowing and full of love.
When their lips parted they stared at each other. Their eyes speak how much they love each other.
"Open it." Avah whispered still staring into her husband's beautiful eyes.
"It's not a mini annulment paper right?" Davien was still cheating.
"Just open it." He ordered again.
Davien takes his hands off Avah and he breaks the wrapper of the small box. She looks like a necklace. When the wrapper broke he opened the box. She was exposed to a pregnancy test with two red stripes. Davien stood frozen. He was suddenly stunned by his wife's gift. He couldn't speak, he couldn't move because of the excitement and shock.
"Does this mean ..."
"Congratulations. You'll be a daddy again. I'm three weeks pregnant." Avah's tearful interview.
While holding the pregnancy test, she quickly pulled her husband closer and hugged her very tightly. The same feeling he felt when he knew what Avah was carrying two and a half years ago came back. He will be a father again. And this time, he will protect Avah and the baby at all cost.
"I'm going to be a daddy, Avah! I'm going to be a daddy again!" He couldn't believe the announcement of her pregnancy that they had been joking about lately.
"Yeah ... you will." Avah cried on her husband's arm.
"I love you so much. Baby Angelo must be so glad that he will be the older brother." Davien mumbled.
He move a little farther from her. They we're both lost on the depth of their eyes. Avah tiptoed and then she hooked her tiny arms around his nape to support herself in claiming his lips. They kissed passionately, they explore their tongue on each other's mouth. When they escaped from each other's lips Davien whispered. He said, "The baby is only three weeks old. He's not sure he'll be affected, is he?"
Avah nodded nervously because those lines of Davien were familiar. And so ... they did it.
They made love whole night as if it was their first. As if they're still in the stage of discovering what's their both body can offer.
They will start all over again. Both with their baby in heaven and with the developing fetus on Avah's womb.