Two Wives

CAN I help you with that, Miss? " Carding presented to me.

"I'm okay, thank you."

I ignored the weight of the hand carry bag I was carrying while looking up at the two story house in front of me.

"If you still need anything, just call me," he said. Patiently standing at my back.

"I'm okay, Carding," I said.

"Then I will leave first," he said goodbye.

There I turned to him holding the hat in both hands. The line marks on his forehead define how old he is. Plain shirt and black jeans pants, just simple as it is.

"Thank you, Carding." I smiled at him.

I snatched my wallet from the shoulder bag I was carrying and took a thousand.

"Here it is, your fare home and your expenses as well." I reached a ten thousand pesos.

"Oh, ma'am! it's too big, then I'll take the bus home." His hand is against shame.

I glanced at the car parked in the garage. I would not have sent him so that it would not be difficult for him to get back, but it was urgent because I was worried about what I might get here.

I smiled at him, "Its nothing, it's really for you and your family. You'll call when you get to Queensland Island," I said again.

"Oh, thank you again for this." He hesitated for a moment before his lips parted, "What am I going to say to your mother when I get home?"

My lips quivered at his question and thought of a good reason. "Say, I'm just on vacation and have a prior business meeting." I smiled at him.

"Alright. I'll go again. Take care, senorita."

I just nod and looked up again at the two story house I had rented for a month. I started to step to turn the door open.

I first rolled my eyes inside and lowered my hand carry bag on the white tile flooring. The red carpet was on the center of the living room overlaid with the sofa set, while the flat screen TV hung at the wall beside the cool fan. The ceiling is pure white like the walls and some parts of the house. Chandelier is well hung at the front of curved line stair case that gives elegant and simplicity of the house... I traveled along the road to the dining room, where the wooden table and a soft pair of chairs are place on the left side of the room.

I walked towards the kitchen again. Again the simplicity and the elegant appears in the kitchen, very modern yet not old fashion, just right to move properly.

And the best part is the mini-bar counter on the right side of the kitchen. The flute glasses are hung at the top while the wine bottles are at the side. I decided to sit in the high chair and pulled out a brand of wine.

I opened it and immediately guessed the glass for it to smell while rotating in my hands before sneezing. I raised the bottle of wine and I found out how old it is based on its taste.

I remembered my friend said... The more it gets older the more the taste is better. But I do not agree with that. Most wine does not better with age but foremost most wines are made to be enjoyed even when you are alone. We often talk about wine and its different flavors and how you sign it based on the taste when we go out together.

So I thought of calling him. I snatched the cell phone from my pocket and dialed his number. In a few moments he answered.

"Hey, hey, hey! Look who's calling ?!" I heard his grinned on the other line. I slightly shook my head because of his arrogance.

I sipped the glass before answering. "It's not funny, Elwood," I said.

"Come on, Emory, how was your trip?" I heard his softly grinning over the phone.

"Stop pushing it Elwood," I said in a distant voice.

He used to call me by my second name which made me so embarrassing. I am not used to being called by my first name, besides he is the only one who tends to call me that which I am very annoyed with.

"Oh calm damn!" He mock at me and eventually I laugh vigorously.

"Shut up," I said again, I just don't want to hit him.

"Okay back to the topic, how was your trip anyway?"

"I just arrived, drinking a glass of wine and feel the scenery of the house." My voice sounding so bored while my eyes wandered around.

"Hmm, sounds good? Do you want me to come over and accompany you?" he speak in a low baritone voice, a very dead serious voice.

I grabbed my nape and pulled it slightly and closed my eyes. "Maybe some other time, Ellie, I need to take some rest," I utter a slowly word.

"Hmm, much better," he mumbled, releasing a heave deep of sigh at the phone.

"I'll call you when I fix everything here." I answered again in a tired voice.

"Alright, just take good care of yourself, lock the gate especially the door and window." He instructed me.

"Yes, thanks Ellie." I couldn't help but smile at hisn instructions.

"Good girl," he quickly said.

After that I cut the line and completely consumed the wine in the glass. I went upstair and checked the rooms.

Two doors is enough for me, after all I am alone here.

THE FIRST room had a wide space and a calm painted wall which is beige color with the touch of brown. The queen size bed is warm and better.

The couch and the red carpeted floor are well sat perfectly. I put down my shoulder bag to the side table and sat on the bed.

Maybe I'll peek into a room later, because my view is already fixed on the window. The fresh air coming from the sea shore made me flinch. It also reminds me of someone.

Someone I couldn't forget, someone I love... but all of it can destroy me enough, but even so I prefer to be close to it, cause 'I know somewhere deep in my heart he is shouting and begging for me. I cut off my gaze out the window and started to lie down to sleep.

"Emory!" that voice that kept coming back to my mind.

I looked where the voice was coming from but I could only see the pounding of the angry wave.

"Hezekiah?!" I shouted back.

But no one answered, I held on tightly to the railing where I was on one of the ships and the rain was pouring down heavily.

They immediately multiplied and became chaotic which I was very worried about.

I heard a loud siren. "The ship is going to sink!" shouts of rushing people.

But I stood still in the middle of the ship. My body wasn't moved even though I was being hit by confused people.

"Emory!" I looked up at the man who slapped one of my arms. "The ship is sinking, we need to get out of here." His voice is full of determination especially when he pulls me to wrestle with many people.

I could hardly see where I was going because of the crowd, add that it was late at night and very dark.

"Don't panic! Rescuers will be coming any moment now!" Stopped by a uniformed man where he guarded the safety vest distributed one by one by some of his colleagues.

"What are you saying don't panic?! We'll all die here if you won't give us safety vest!" shout the man from behind us.

I closed my eyes tightly because of the heavy downpour in my eyes. But I felt Hezekiah's grip on me so I looked up.

"Its okay dear, just stay here don't leave." His lip fell on me which I gladly accepted.

After that and when I looked at him, I realized that he was also talking to the person who provided the safety vest.

I clasped my palms as the crowd became more and more agitated as the ship moved violently. So it can no longer control the people who break the glass to get the safety vest.

"Dear," I whispered as he seemed to be covered by the thick man in front of me. I could do nothing but say a prayer and close my eyes emphatically.

Due to the continuous movement of the ship, I was out of balance and tossed, I couldn't stand anymore because of the stampede that was taking place. I felt people stepping on my toe and hand so I shouted.

I wanted to lose consciousness because my knees hit different parts of my body. But I still tried to get stronger and shouted.

"Hezekiah!" I shouted out loud like it was my last breath, my tears were dripping due to extreme fear.

At that point someone pulled my hand upright and hugged me tightly.

"Its alright, I'm here Dear," he said as she hugged me tightly, I don't know what else I could cry about at these times.

"I'm afraid, dear, that something bad might happen to us," I whispered so he pressed his palms to my two cheeks and stared into my eyes.

"Trust me, I won't let that happen, okay?"

I nodded at him, inevitably shaking my lips because of the force of the rain and the cold it brought.

"Here, wear it." Without saying a word he hugged me with the life vest he tied tightly to my body

"W-how about you?" I shouted loudly for him to be heard. I noticed that he was not wearing a life vest like me.

"I'm okay baby," he whispered and lightly patted my wet hair before looking around.

I was stunned by the anxiety that enveloped me, "No!" I shouted and tried to take off my clothes but he held me tightly.

"No! Wear that and don't take it off! Don't worry about me I can swim." He still got me to smile despite everything.

"But..." I stubbornly said.

"Let's go, let's find some boat." He held my hand tightly again to wrestle with the crowd.

We reached the end of the ship where the others wearing life vests were already arguing. Some fall deliberately because of the hustle and bustle of people.

I looked at the group of people scrambling on the boat, while some were still fighting just to get first.

I sighed heavily, A heavy sigh was also released by Hezekiah next to me as we watched what was happening.

"Dear," I whispered after a long moment. Holding his arm tightly.

"We need to find a boat. It's hard to go with the waves. The storm is even stronger!" he shouted next to me with the view below.

I glanced behind us as the ship turned a little and could capsize at any moment.

"Zekiah, we need to find a life vest for you first, so we can jump," I said.

But he did not answer.

"Zekiah?!" I called.

"No more life vest, Dear, but its okay. We can make it right?" He was still determined to speak.

But I was not comfortable with what he said or with my answer.

"Promise me one thing! No matter what happens, don't give up," he said in a baritone voice.

I nodded as tears welled up in my eyes.

"I love you..." he said softly.

"I love you too," I answered quickly. He planted a quick kiss and hug me tightly.

It was there that the ship shook so hard that we almost stumbled, if it had not grabbed the railings we might have fallen into the water at the same time.

"Come on! We need to jump!"

I cried out when I saw that the people were already jumping. Even the life boat didn't seem to be mapped to me even to ride there because they were already pushing even to the bottom.

"No, I can't," I said, terrified of the possible outcome.

"Yes you can baby or else we are going to die!" he told me out loud.

"No, please lets find some life vest for you!" I looked around again, but like us almost everyone left there was purely wearing no life best.

Trembling I peeked below, the waves strong, some forced to swim while some were drowning. I couldn't bear to look at some floating corpse because it wasn't wearing life best.

No, I can't bear to see Hezekiah floating and lifeless, no! I shook my head one after another.

"Come on, we have no time Emory!" It calls my name out loud.

But I still can't answer when a man pulls me. "Give me you vest if you don't have plan to jump!" Someone strongly pull on what I'm wearing.

I cried out in shock. But Hezekiah struck it hard and threatened him.

"Don't you dare touched my wife!" he clutch the man from me and followed by a blow so he fell to the floor.

He turned to me and held my hand tightly.

"Jump!" he shuot so my eyes widened in fear. I also noticed the resurrection of the man who was ready to approach us.

"I said jump, now!" I glanced at him and without saying a word I climbed the railing, he did the same and held my hand tightly.

"Stop thinking, I'm just here for you!" he smiled at me so my heart pounded and I blinked emphatically.

"Haah!" I got up violently with my forehead wet with sweat, tears also gradually fell in my eyes which I immediately wiped with both palms.

Dream... Everything is just a dream.

"Hezekiah," I said in a low voice.

KISS

"I'LL PICK you up tomorrow." His voice directly behind me, radiates through me.

I swallowed and blinked emphatically. I couldn't even answer. I was not even able to open the door and remained tight on the doorknob.

"You don't have to, I'll just take a taxi." Eventually I got to say.

I turn the door handle to open, but he extend his hand to pushed the door close.

"I insist, I'll pick you up as Alessandra said." His breath producing a soft sound on my ears.

He's so close behind me, I can't even make a move. I gripped the door handle much tighter.

At any time, I feel like I want to give up and tell him not to leave and he's just stay here with me. But it is the happy image of Alessandra that struggles to control my conscience. She didn't know anything, we were just constant victims.

I let out a violent breath as I let go of the doorhandle and had the courage to face him.

"I can do it myself, I can even use my car," I lifted up my chin, to show that I had made a decision. This is not the right time for me to send my emotions.

His eyes lowered slightly, exerting more strength at the door. "I said, I will pick you up tomorrow morning," he said in baritone voice.

My lips hitched with disgust, "You just choose to pick me up because Alessandra said so?"

"What do you mean?" His eyes flashed with amusement.

I couldn't help but gasped. He just bowed even more so that our eyes would line up.

"Your wife–" I couldn't continue what I was supposed to say because of his critical look.

"What about her?" he softly asked and remained calm in front of me.

"You love her so you need follow everything she wants even if you don't want to..." I whispered, ignoring the hurt that sliced ​​inside me, even myself didn't notice my tone had a hint of jealousy.

"Tell me what I don't like about what she ordered?" His mouth twisted, before smiling nonchalantly.

I bit my bottom lip, not knowing what to say so I chose to avert my gaze.

"Tell me, Meredith." He commanded. The amusement in his eyes seemed to brighten, it remained in front of me while one hand still held the door.

"It's getting late, maybe it's good if you go home, I disturbed your time too much," I said with my shaking voice.

I gathered the strength to step my feet away from the door but I leaned even harder on it when he raised one hand to lock me up eventually.

"I will do that later," he said with a soft tone voice.

I stiffen my spine, even my knees are tremble. I don't understand why we ended up like this. This cannot be done. He is married, even though I am his real wife it is still not right because I am still strangers in front of him.

I couldn't help but meet his gaze. His pitch-black eyes shiver in my spine.

"Please, Gabriel, go home. " I bravely untied his arm so I could get out of him, but he pushed me aggressively at the door.

"Why is it so hard to stay away from you?" he whispered, his face flushed a deep shade of red, seemingly unacceptable to what was said.

I blink in the odd response. I pursed my lips tightly. It seems that my brain still can't absorb what he said.

"Are you fûcking seducing me?!" he accused with indignant tone of voice.

My knees were shaking, I didn't expect that to come out of his mouth. I never thought to do this to him.

"I have no intentions of seducing you!" Panic flashed across my eyes. I adjusted when we thought he would release me but it came even closer to me.

"It's not the job of a sensible woman to let a man into her house even though she's the only one here?" His words pierce my heart much like lighting on a pitch dark night.

My lashes fall down, I feel the weakness of my knees, he lowered his head down and looked straight into my eyes.

"Are you trying to play with me?" he asked confidently, "Or you wanted to be in my bed?" His lips twisted a bit.

"What?!" Heat rushes over my body. I pushed him with all my might, but I couldn't even map him backwards. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. I felt like I was being attacked by thunder and flames.

"Is that how you think of me?!" I shot him a disgusted glance.

"What if I say yes?" His voice held no emotions, no signs of remorse.

I slap him hard on the face. His cheek turns red immediately, fierce gazed seemed as if they were trying to tear me apart.

"What exactly does that mean?" His voice was laced with sarcasm, he didn't seem to bear the force of my slap, he still locked me behind the door.

The aching pain grew stronger by the moment. I said nothing, my lips almost bled from my hard bite on it.

"Is that your way of seducing me?" His pupil flashed with a trace of slight anticipation.

Surrender the eyes I looked down. I wanted to get mad at him and scold him for everything, but I couldn't. I'm afraid of what might happen.

I shook my head, No, he wasn't Hezekiah. He wasn't the person I loved before. I couldn't recognize him anymore, the man I used to know was gone.

I have no choice now but to go with the flow, drift wherever it takes me.

I raised my head in an alluring manner and a bit of coquette.

"Men always like new things, they will not be loyal to only one woman." a sweet, lovely voice spilled into my mouth.

Obviously he stunned by what I said. His expression turned gloomy as he took a deep breath.

"I'd hope you referring that to your husband, Instead mine." A smirked grew over his face.

Each word seemingly cutting me deeper. I was the one who couldn't speak because of what he said. My knees trembling violently, two hand digging into a fist, leaving my eyes red.

"My husband is not like that," I said defensively, I was agitated by my heart. If earlier I was ready to stand by what I said, now I was like a paper that is slowly folded.

"If so, where is he? He should be here with you..." His voice rough and low rumble.

My lips quivered. Emotions flashed across my face. Even if I stop, my tears will continue to flow.

He leans back and look at me for a second...

"Fuck!" He curse, hand goes to my jaw, and he drags my gaze to his.

My back flattened against the door and lowered my head down defeatedly and I held hostage by his gaze. Those who were staring at me were full of questions.

I heard the tension of his jaw as my two cheeks sank, He let out another violent sigh before gently wiping away my tears.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything." His voice now softened and comforting.

I bit my bottom lip and looked away, I couldn't bear his presence any longer. Even more so his hot breath hitting my cheek.

"I'm sorry, If I scared you away?" he said gently, caressing my both cheek.

"Please leave me alone," full of emotion I said. I bravely grabbed both of his hands to remove it from me.

Instantly the icy coldness arose in my heart when we finally break even.

He stood still for a second, I hesitantly looked up at him. The swirls of emotions I saw there, made me gasp.

Before I could ponder about it further, he yanked me to him and covered my mouth with his in a hungry kiss. It was very sloppy kiss with the strong scent of old wine being exchange in.

My knees seem to be tender. Damn, my entire body had been taken over by the overwhelming feeling of desire. I moved my hand to the back of his head, apparently that's where I gained strength.

He lowered himself to deepen the kiss, I feel his hands settle on my waist and lingering there.

I moan, a low and sexy sound... And suddenly he drew away, and I am breathing hard. I splayed my hands against his chest, intending to push him away, but instead I left it there. His breathing quickened as I did.

"Meredith..." he whispered, forehead rested on mine. I shut my eyes with anticipation.

My heart seemed to explode at any moment, I couldn't breathe properly. I know it's wrong, but my heart says I'm right.

Hezekiah... I whispered silently.

"I am at my limit..." he huskily said, before I was kissed again, I was about to surrender myself everything to him, to my husband, but the successive ringing of his cellphone aroused both of us.

"Alessandra is calling!" he exclaimed.