The Other Woman

The most painful thing that could happen to anyone would probably be breaking up with the one you love.

One afternoon, I received an SMS from a dear friend, Dannie, who just broke up with her boyfriend for three years, Robert. Though I have met him only once, I can honestly say that Robert loves my friend, probably loves my friend more than my friend’s love for him. I was really saddened by the news and was dispirited the rest of the day.

What could’ve gone wrong? Why did something so good, so great has to come to this? They were the perfect couple and the idea of them breaking up is just unthinkable. I don’t want to believe what I just heard. And a friend’s instinct tells me that my friend needs someone to talk to, so I invited her for a date. She could be hurting and I can help her by just being a friend. She agreed to meet with me. So goes her story:

“Ours is a long – distance relationship. Robert is based in Baguio and I’m here in Manila pursuing a nursing degree. We see each other once or twice a month and constantly check up on each other thru texts and phone calls. Everything is going fine. The relationship is smooth sailing more than can I ask for. So I thought…

I started receiving hate business cards. I just shrugged these off coz I don’t have enemies that I know of. Besides, I seldom get into fights or any arguments for that matter. It’s just not me. Then, there were some text messages from an unknown sender. I initially thought that some guy’s just fooling around with me. Not long afterwards did this ‘mystery texter’ claimed that she’s Robert’s other woman and that they’re already living together.

I wasted no time calling this ‘other woman’, and just to make sure that no one is just pulling some bad jokes on me. She’s saying some things to prove that she’s telling the truth and for me to let go of Robert for her benefit. She also confessed that Robert knows nothing of her attempts at communicating with me. She was specifically instructed by my boyfriend not to involve me one way or another to their affair. It’s Robert’s problem and she has a hands – off policy towards me. She made me promised me not to say anything to Robert.

I was nauseated after that call. I can hardly breathe. I was gasping for air as if holding on for dear life. I found myself leaning against the wall for support. I felt numb and don’t know what to think – and what to do.

I wanted to confront Robert right then and there, but I was afraid hearing the truth from him. What if she’s telling the truth? What if Robert’s been laughing and fooling around behind my back all this time? I don’t wanna find out. Not yet. Not now.

I spent sleepless nights thinking these things over. The ghost of that phone call kept haunting me 24/7. Thoughts of them together are like venom consuming my very existence. Is she prettier than me? Am I not as good as she is in bed? Did she have the things Robert wanted me to have but I don’t. Thousands of questions but with no definite answers.

I had to do something before I lost my dwindling sanity. I have to confront with the truth sooner or late, might as well do it now.

I paid him a surprise visit. I had to travel all the way to Baguio just to see for myself.

What I saw and found out will haunt me for the rest of my life. Every thing the girl’s been telling me is true. But I’m in for something more. Something more than I could absorb and believe. She’s seven months pregnant!”

to be continued...