Chapter 56: Chapter 56

Someone knocked on the door while I was occupied folding Ethan's garments. I looked at Ethan, who turned off the television and then went to the door to unlock it. I look sideways to his spot, surveying who will be our visitor for today.

"Hello, Ajax!"

I froze on my spot when I heard that familiar high-pitched tone. I stopped what I was doing then stood up, over-looking where their area. I crossed the distance from the door to see Criselda holding a container in her palm, motioning it to Ethan to take it. I was about to chime in when I abruptly stopped in my tracks, holding on for something to see.

"We were concerned because you haven't gotten out of the room for almost a week now. So, I'm here to bring something for you to eat for lunch." she gave him her sweetest smile. Her nose wrinkled, her eyes blazed so dazzlingly, and her shoulders were shaking narrowly in an appealing way.

I anticipated for Ethan's answer. I can't see his expression in this spot, so I can't tell much. He didn't say anything for almost a minute, staring at Criselda's face. I gulped, and suddenly, my heart started to pulsate so swiftly and clangorous.

"Sorry, I can't accept that."

"W-what? Why?" Criselda's face turned into a frown, and her eyes got tearful. She looked so broken when Ethan declined her offer. I gasped when she took his hand, trying to give her gift to him.

"But, I made this for you! I spent hours, Ajax." she was anguished, and a tear escaped streaming down her cheeks. She was about to encircle her arms around his torso when Ethan pushed her away, making her stumble on her feet and then drop to the ground.

"I said I can't accept that! Why are you so fucking persistent?!" Ethan roared in resentment, shooing her like a creature he strumbled on the lane. Criselda was stunned to let out a word. Dread was evident in her eyes as she limped away from him, terrified he might do something that would hurt her.

"Ethan."

They both stopped when I walked between them. His eyebrows met, almost in a thin line. Before I could step forward toward Criselda, he thwarted my way.

"What are you doing?" he was confused about what I was doing. I smiled at him and then caressed his arms, holding my elbow.

"Ethan, it's okay. I will handle this," I assured him, motioning him to take a step back. He clicks his tongue, battling with me in a staring contest before letting out a sigh and then moving to the side, giving me access. I thanked him and then leaned my body to reach out for Criselda, looking the other way.

"Why are you helping me?" she muttered quietly before slapping my hand just about I was to reach it. I heard Ethan snarl behind me. I glanced at him from my bear, only to show him my glare. He stopped immediately and then just went inside, assumably going to play with Bobby.

"I'm sorry for what happened last time. It wasn't my intention to hurt you." I told her, dismissing the idea that she slapped my hands. This time, she let me help her stand up because she was wearing high heels, which it's hard for her to stand on her own. She brushed off some dust particles from her tight clothes before scowling at me.

"Yeah, right. I thought I was going to die there for a second." Criselda tsked, then rolled her eyes. I scratched my arms, embarrassed when I recollected how damaging I was. I looked at her and then offered my hand.

"I know I was out of control out there. That is why I wanted to extend this thing to you to set things right." I sighed, then closed my eyes for a minute.

"I was just scared you might steal my husband away from me-"

"I can't do that."

I quickly raised my face to observe her countenance. She looked at the ground but smiled, probably thinking of something.

"I had a husband before, but he died of cancer. He somehow resembles your husband, Ajax." she chuckled, then raised her head to meet my eye.

"You seriously think I can steal him away from you? Yeah, I could, but I can see how he looks at you. It's impossible for any woman, heck, even the most notable gorgeous woman, he wouldn't set an eye to. Look, I'm saying here that I'm just doing this because I saw my late husband in him."

I was speechless, and somehow I felt bad for her. I can see the despair in her eyes whenever she mentions her late spouse. I crossed the gap between us. She was dumbfounded when I squeezed her between my arms. I know she wanted to push me away because her hands flinched, but she just let me in the end.

"I understand, Criselda. Sometimes, we are no longer aware of what we are doing due to extreme misery, especially when drifting through our emotions. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I hope somehow you have comprehended to love yourself after mourning."

I caressed her soft hair, "My husband is different from yours. They may look alike, but I know yours have remarkable qualities. You fell in love with his soul, not with his look."

She was quiet for a moment, and then I felt her shoulders shaking. That's when I realized she was crying on my shoulder. Her arms encircled my body then she wailed her despair out. I didn't say anything. I know Ethan heard us, but he didn't interrupt our momentum. I saw some of our neighbors walk by, watching us with confusing eyes. Even some of the units beside us opened the door to see what was happening.

"Just let it all out," I whispered to her, signaling our neighbors it was alright, and they didn't need to inquire into what was going on.

We stood there for almost five minutes before she completely cooled down. She was sniffing and controlling her sobs, but she calmed down now. Unlike earlier, she nearly collapsed.

"I'll go now, but please accept this offer. Not for him, but also for you," she said, pertaining to Ethan, whom I felt took a peek here.

"Thank you." I smiled at her and then took the container from her. She turned around. Her back was to my front, and then she walked away. Before she could leave, she looked at me sideways.

"That's my peace offering, and uh...tell your husband I'm sorry for everything. I'm just always like that, but I can't steal him. Those things are out of my league." then she left, leaving me in front of our door.

"Did she leave already?" I heard Ethan go out, carrying Bobby in his hand. I didn't answer his question. I gradually looked down at the dish I was holding. I couldn't help to grin. So this is how it feels to resolve an issue with someone who understands you and will forgive you despite the misconception.

"Ethan, someone is knocking on the door. Can you open it for me?" I yelled from the bathroom because I was cleaning Bobby. He barked and then wagged his body, causing a lowkey storm. I closed my eyes and then gently stroked his head.

"Who's a good boy?"

Bobby barked cheerfully, then hopped on my lap, trying to drag me on his bath. I scolded him.

"Okay!" I heard Ethan scream back before doing what I told him.

Our life here in the new city is as typical as ever. However, my relationship with Criselda grew. Unexpectedly, she often goes to our flat to have some girl's night out. I didn't expect her to visit me here again.

Well, she's easy to be with. She's not what I expected her to be. She may act flirtatious to my husband, but she taunts him, unlike before.

"Oh, it's you again." I heard Ethan murmur disapprovingly when he opened the door. He sounded so bored when he saw her.

"Hello, Ajax. Where's your wife? I'm going to  tell her something."

"Why don't you tell it to me so I can deliver the message to her directly."

I heard Criselda laugh incredulously, then say.

"No. We're going out." then I heard a grunt as if someone was pushed away from the entryway. A series of footsteps followed it.

"Bessy, where the fuck are you?"

"Hey, I didn't tell you to go in here!" Ethan protested, but he couldn't do anything about it anymore.

"I'm in here!" I yelled, then rinsed off Bobby. When he stepped out of the bathroom, Criselda popped in.

"Hey, girl. What's up?" she asked, then gently moved out of the way to let Bobby go to Ethan.

"I'm fine-"

"Wait, hold on right there. I remember why I'm here. We're going out to the mall." she said before I could even tell her about my day.

"Oh, I don't think-"

"WHAT?!" before I could wrap up my sentence, Ethan roared and then stomped on the ground, making the floor move slightly, causing a tremor.

Uh-oh.