His Punishment

by Pia Marie

  They all took their respective seats after that and waited for the cheerleading competition to commence.

  James patiently watched the schools. The sequence of the performance is determined by drawing of lots prior the competition. And their school was drawn last. He saw Rhea below the bleachers where the athletes were seated. He wondered why she was wearing her cheerleading uniform.

  Once they started their routine, he was so shocked to see Rhea still performing at the center. Although she was not doing any of the stunts, he was still surprised she was dancing. He shook his head.

  “Why is she still there?” Christian asked obviously having the same thoughts as he is.

  “I have no idea,” he shrugged frowning.

  “Did you take her to the doctor?”

  “No. But I guess now I should.” James said again still looking intensely at the routine of the cheerleaders. Rhea was the cheer captain, but he didn’t expect her to still take part, considering her condition.

  “I don’t see any baby bump dude!” Christian didn’t fail to notice.

  “Me too! Could it be that she is faking it?” he asked his best friend.

  “Probably! Best to do is go to the doctor with her.”

  “Yeah, I’ll make her do the test in front of me.” James said annoyed.

  The competition was over after a couple more minutes and the board of judges handed the envelope with the winners’ names on it.

  After several drum rolls and cheers from the crowd, the 1st place was announced and it was their cheerleaders.

  James saw how Rhea jumped up and down in excitement and happiness. He could not believe what he is seeing. If she was pregnant indeed, why would she be this energetic?

  He looked at Christian who looked back at him.

  “What the hell was that?” he cornered Rhea before she went inside the wash area.

  “James!” she was happy and she hugged him.

  James removed her arms from his neck. “Answer me.” He sounded pissed.

  “What?” she asked innocently.

  “You did your routine and kept jumping when we were announced.”

  “Yeah! I was happy! Aren’t you?” she asked dumbly.

  “I know you are but you said you’re pregnant!” he accused her.

  “Oh that!”

  “What THAT?! Are you being stupid?” he was really mad. For now, he didn’t care whose baby it was, he cared about THE baby for this matter.

  “I got a medical slip from my doctor telling me I could still dance. My pregnancy is not sensitive, and as if I was the one doing the stunts!” she reasoned out.

  “Are you faking this Rhea?!” he can’t help but feel fooled.

  “Of course not! As if I still want you!” she protested.

  “I want to go to the doctor and have you checked.”

  “Okay. When do you want?”

  “NOW.”

  After Rhea finished dressing up into more appropriate clothes, James met her in the car. He still keeps eyeing her suspiciously.

  “What?” she asked him.

  “If I find out that you’re faking this Rhea, you would wish you were never even born!” he threatened her.

  “As if!” he heard her squeal, now he is completely wondering how he was able to convince himself that he loves this woman!

  “My doctor is from Makati Hospital. Her clinic is until six pm today.”

  James looked at her again with those ice-cold eyes of his. “You think I’d be fooled?”

  Rhea kept silent.

  “We’re going to Christian’s cousin in law. She is an Ob-Gyn.” He continued driving and was surprised she shut up.

  “What? Caught your tongue?” he asked her again smirking.

  “What? You think I’m nervous? You can bring me to all the Ob-Gyns you know! I don’t give a damn!” she exclaimed and crossed her arms across her chest.

  They arrived at the clinic of Christian’s cousin in law and went direct to the point. Dr. Galvez, his best bud’s cousin in law is still young but looks very professional.

  She led Rhea to the separate room to examine her, after like an eternity they were both out and joined him in the doctor’s room.

  “She is pregnant.” Dr. Galvez stated.

  James’ heart sank. He thought he would get the good news this early, but he didn’t.

  “Honestly, I’m not sure if the baby is mine,” he admitted.

  “How dare you!” Rhea slapped his shoulders forcefully.

  “What? You’re a . . .” he didn’t finish his sentence out of respect for the doctor.

  “Actually, if you want to do some paternity tests . . . you could do so anytime.” The doctor offered.

  “What?!” Rhea and James both exclaimed.

  “You mean I don’t have to wait for her to give birth?” James inquired.

  “No. That was before. But now, as early as ten weeks, the baby’s DNA can already be extracted.”

  “Would that be accurate?” Rhea asked this time.

  The doctor laughed a bit.

  “Scared?” he asked.

  “Hell No! This is yours! I know it is!”

  “Whatever! Doctor, can you extract samples from us now?” James was too eager to know and prove it’s not his.

  “Oh no. I would have to refer you to the laboratory that will do the tests,” she started writing in her prescription pad.

  “You can go here anytime you’re both ready.” She handed James the paper.

  Rhea peeked through the prescription pad and read the name of the laboratory.

  “Okay. Thanks doctor. We will do this immediately.” James shook hands with her. They left the clinic and James didn’t even wait for Rhea.

  “Can it be done tomorrow? I feel tired today. And you have a game two days from now, so perhaps you might want to do that after the first scheduled game?” she asked as she treaded behind him.

  “I knew you would try to delay this,” he shook his head, “but no. If you don’t want today, then we are going tomorrow. I don’t care if I won’t be able to play in the first game! The truth must be out the soonest time!”

  She didn’t answer.

  “I will pick you up tomorrow at ten in the morning.” He started walking away.

  “Wait! Are you leaving me here?” Rhea shouted as he turned his back on her.

  “Why? Didn’t your doctor say your pregnancy isn’t sensitive? You jumped up and down this morning, taking a cab home won’t be bothersome!” he left her with her jaw dropped in disbelief.

  ***

  “Hi Wifey!” James cheerfully said as he heard Tara receive the call.

  “Hi Hubby!” she replied as blissfully.

  “How’s the opening ceremonies?” she continued.

  “Okay. But I was hoping you’d be here,” he said faking drama.

  “But I told you I can’t come. Work is hectic but I’ve got good news!” she said excitedly.

  “You’re pregnant?” he blurted out.

  “What?” she replied in shock.

  “It would be good news for me! And I know for a fact we never used protection.” He complained.

  She laughed at how childish her hubby is. “Of the two times it happened, I just finished my period so that’s impossible you know.”

  She heard James sigh before he talked again. “Uhm, so what is it?”

  “I’m flying back in a week!” she said excitedly.

  “Really? Til when will you be here?” he was thrilled.

  “That’s the good news . . .”

  “What do you mean?” He asked again.

  “I’m staying in Manila for good. There’s a new business venture and my parents want me to handle it.”

  “Oh my God wifey! Really?” he can’t believe it.

  “Yes. Just got off the phone with my mom. She just told me.”

  “I’m so happy! I’ll see you in a week then every day after that!” his voice sounded like a person who won the lottery.

  “Of cou
rse hubby!”

  “I love you. I love you. I’m so excited to see you!” he was simply ecstatic.

  “I love you too. But I better go, there’s a lot to wrap up in here before I leave.”

  “Okay wifey! I’ll call you later.”

  “Okay hubby! Bye! Start counting the days!”

  “The hell I will! Bye! Take care.” He hung up so happy. First, the paternity will soon be finished. He is really sure it isn’t his. Then Tara’s is coming back . . . home . . . to him . . .

  James’ Point of View

  It has been a week since we had the paternity test. The results are coming out today. Rhea and I agreed to meet at the laboratory as I am coming from a basketball practice.

  We won the first match and the team was all hyped to practice and make sure we don’t lose a single game this season. Christian and I are being offered a contract by one of the most famous teams in the Philippine Basketball Association and we are determined to get a good sum so we are really practicing double.

  I was so restless to get out of the gym, not because of nervousness or anything like that. It was pure excitement. I knew this day would set me free from Rhea.

  Tara was supposed to be flying in yesterday but something came up so she’s coming today. I am going to pick her up in the landing strip after claiming the paternity test result. I am so energized to drive and eager to see the results favorable. I am now 100% sure myself that the baby isn’t mine. The test results should prove my assumptions.

  I arrived at the laboratory ten minutes ahead of my agreed meeting time with Rhea. I parked the car and I was swiftly walking to the reception area when I heard her voice call to me. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one early.

  “Excited?” she asked holding me by the arm.

  I instinctively removed her arm from mine.

  “Of course, this is going to be a good day.” I smiled. I know that no one can piss me off today.

  “Me too!” she smiled like the devil herself.

  We walked quietly but briskly to the reception, unable to hide my eagerness.

  “We came to claim the paternity results under James Ervine Aguilar.” I told the lady.

  “Please wait a minute, we will retrieve your files.”

  I looked back and found a seat. I looked for Rhea and she was outside on her mobile phone.

  I waited impatiently. I wanted the results in my hand quick. I’m too excited to meet Tara at the landing strip and share with her the good news.

  “Mr. Aguilar?” the receptionist called me again.

  “Yes?” I stood up and approached her.

  “The doctor will discuss the results to you and . . .” she looked down at the paper, “Ms. Rhea Bernardo.”

  “Okay, I will just call her.” I went to the door outside where I saw Rhea a while ago.

  “Yes I will pay him later!!!” she screamed at the other line.

  I frowned at her voice. I’m starting to hate everything about her.

  “Yes. I’m still with James. I will settle this after we talk to him.” I heard her still fuming on the phone.

  “Rhea,” I called to her.

  She hung up the phone immediately when she saw me. She didn’t even tell the person she’s talking to that she’s hanging up. I frowned at her lack of etiquette.

  “Why?” she asked me nervously.

  “They called us to talk to the doctor who will discuss the results.” I told her and went inside without waiting for her or acting like a gentleman as to open her door for her.

  We were guided to the doctor’s clinic on the second floor of the building.

  We proceeded inside slowly.

  We saw the doctor and he smiled at us. He was a handsome young doctor from my observation. He looked more like an actor than a doctor actually.

  “Good morning. I am Dr. Tan. Please take a seat.” He pointed at the seats in front of his desk.

  “How are you doing?” He tried to bring a light conversation as he saw Rhea and I are not talking to each other. We were like crime suspects waiting for his verdict.

  “We’re good Doctor.” she said in her cheerleader voice.

  I looked at her puzzled, a while back she was so irate and now she is so bubbly.

  “So, what can I say?” he asked again.

  I sat there very silently. I suddenly felt nervous from his stare. He handed us each a copy of the paternity result.

  “Congratulations Mr. Aguilar,” he shook my hand.

  “Which means?” I asked my eyes narrowing of tension.

  “The results were positive. You’ll be a father soon.”

  I nearly fell off my seat. I looked at the paper in my hand. I felt myself stop breathing. Why did I even breathe back? Oh good Lord, take me now.

  “Thank you doctor. You see we had this little misunderstanding so I don’t blame him for having to get this test and all, but I know he knows it’s his actually.” Rhea’s voice was buzzing like a bee. It stings my ears. I looked one more time at the paper in my hand. It says the same as the doctor proclaimed.

  I can’t believe what I just heard. I looked at the original copy of the result that he read from. This might be some typographical error or something! This can’t be happening. This is impossible!

  I blinked like over a dozen times to see that I am not hallucinating of what I am seeing. POSITIVE it said in bold green all capitalized letters.

  I closed my eyes. I don’t know. I feel like having a heart attack. Or I wish I was having one.

  I sank back to the chair and gripped on it too tight I could have broken its legs. I was staring at Rhea. I don’t want this girl. I looked at her stomach that still didn’t show any signs of baby bump.

  I sighed deeply trying to suppress the heavy pumping of my blood from my heart. I stood up without saying a word to either one of them. There was no excuse for my behavior, but I am not in my right state of mind after that horrifying news.

  I don’t know how I got out of the building. I was still clutching on the paper that said it. I was still staring blankly on my steering wheel. I was trying to calm my breathing down but it just won’t. I don’t smoke but at the moment, I think I could smoke a pack in five minutes.

  I remembered Tara when she once smoked because of me. Then I remembered I was supposed to pick her up. I drove to the landing strip. I knew she was already waiting for me.

  I kept glancing at the results while I was driving, hoping it would suddenly turn into NEGATIVE but it doesn’t. I tried slapping my face a couple times but it just hurt me convincing me I’m not having some stupid nightmare.

  When I arrived at the landing strip, I waited in the car still my breathing heavy.

  In a few minutes, I saw Tara got out of the building in front of the landing strip, waving at me happily. I felt sad instantly. I don’t know how to tell her the devastating news.

  I was not able to go down the car and get her. I was so fixed in my car seat hanging on tightly to the wheel. My knees felt wobbly all of sudden. My faith and strength lost all together when I saw the woman whom I wanted to share my future with.

  Good thing she was only helping herself with her tiny back pack. I suspected she sent her luggage with the driver who picked up their private pilot.

  “Hubby!” she kissed me as soon as she got in the car by herself. She closed her door and turned back to me again.

  I just looked at her blankly.

  “I missed you!” she enveloped me in her arms then moved in her seat, she kissed me passionately as I held her with my right arm.

  She twisted in her seat to give me a tighter embrace.

  “Oh sorry,” she saw she crumpled the blasted paper that will destroy both of us.

  She took it and read silently then stared straight at the road ahead us and unconsciously dropping the result in the floor near her feet.

  I cried. For the first time in my adult life, I cried.

  I arrived home and saw my dad reading the paper in the patio. He looked up when he sensed
me coming. He took his beer bottle and smiled at me.

  “Dad, I need work.” I blurted out to him as I sat in front of his seat.

  “Okay . . . You need a drink son.” He sensed my tension and offered his beer to me and I took it. It didn’t take a minute to finish the almost filled bottle.

  “What’s bothering you?” he knew from my facial expressions and my sudden thirst for alcohol as a sign of trouble.

  “I know you wanted to be a professional basketball player. I never said no to your passion, so what’s happening now? Why are you changing plans?” he continued to ask.

  On the ride home from the landing strip, Tara and I didn’t utter a word to each other. It made me think of my future and my baby’s future. Never even for a second that Rhea came to the picture. I was never known for irresponsibility, and at the ride home, I can’t help but focus on my future obligation.

  I know if I would choose being a basketball player, I would get a hefty amount, but I know that when I get older, I would be jobless. I knew that I need a more stable source of income to sustain my baby’s growth and afford a better future for him or her.

  Luckily, I found my dad when I arrived. He was the first person I know I had to talk to about my situation. I knew I had to start working in our company and establish a more secure career.

  “Dad, Rhea’s pregnant.”

  “Are you sure?” he had mixed emotions showing in his eyes. I am just 22 and he knows Rhea and I have broken up months back.

  “Yes dad.” I handed him the test that would confirm everything.

  He patted me on the shoulders. “You know you are most welcome to work in our company. I am proud that you have come to realize that you have to be responsible for this. What’s your plan?” my dad has always been calm. He supported me in everything I do.

  “I don’t know dad. I don’t want to marry her and be tied to her for the rest of my life. You see, I love another girl. If this happened to her, I wouldn’t think twice of marrying her.”

  “But son, you know Rhea’s father. I don’t think he would let you not marry his daughter once he finds out.” My dad’s voice hinted panic.

  “I know dad. I’m scared. I’m scared for my life, but I really don’t want her.”

  “You know, your mom had you the same age as you are. I married her because I know you need a father, you need me. Though I was really young and wanted to see more of the world, I still decided to get married. I knew my son’s life would be better if he had a complete family.”