His Punishment

by Pia Marie

  “Damn you! If something happens to the baby I will kill you myself!” Miguel shouted at Rhea who was starting to walk back without looking.

  “What baby?” James asked alarmed.

  “Your baby! You idiot!” Miguel yelled at him as he tries to carry Tara from the bed.

  James was dumbfounded for a few seconds. She looked at Rhea who started running away and back to their room.

  “Call an ambulance!” James ordered Miguel and picked Tara up from his arms. He was starting to panic as he sees her crying and holding her belly.

  She clasped her arms on James’ neck as she continued with her cries.

  “Everything will be okay.” He kissed her before going out of the room and rushing to the elevator with Miguel following behind.

  Chapter 18

  “I’m sorry Mr. Aguilar, the baby was not saved. She had excessive bleeding perhaps from the stress and the impact when she landed.” The Doctor apologized to James when he went out of her private area in the emergency room.

  “But doctor . . .” He can’t help but weep for his unborn child.

  “Sorry but there was nothing we could do.” The doctor said sympathetically before lightly tapping him and leaving him in the hallway.

  “James? Tara is looking for you.” Miguel touched his shoulder and saw his tears.

  He can’t help but feel sad for him as well. It wasn’t his child but he knows he would be as devastated if he lost his child too. He patted him on the shoulder and left for the exit.

  James wiped his tears from his face and headed to Tara’s room.

  Flashback

  When they went down the lobby, they were there for five minutes and were not able to wait for the ambulance. Miguel’s eyes caught one of the resort’s limousines parked outside and summoned the driver to take them to the hospital immediately.

  The two guys were both in panic as they see Tara helplessly twitching in pain.

  “Good Lord forgive me, I could kill Rhea if something bad happens.” James keeps murmuring to her ears as he caressed her face sweetly.

  “Can you hurry up a bit more?” Miguel asked the driver.

  “How come you didn’t tell me? I don’t understand. When did you find out?” James was asking Tara a series.

  “I don’t think it’s the right time for that James.” Miguel reminded him of the urgency of the situation and her condition.

  “Sorry,” James looked at her and kissed her lips, “I love you.”

  “James,” she was gripping on his arm as he held her, “I’m sorry.”

  “Shhhh . . . Everything will be alright.” He was trying to assure her something he didn’t have a clue about.

  For almost the entire ride to the hospital, the only words in the car were her apologies and James’ blind reassurance.

  They arrived at the hospital in fifteen minutes and Tara was rushed to one of the private cubicles in the emergency.

  “What happened?” the doctor asked the two guys.

  “She is pregnant doctor. A few minutes ago, she fell forcefully in the bed. She is actually under a lot of stress for a few days already.” Miguel offered to answer as he knew James was weakly clutching on to Tara’s hands as if trying to absorb all the pain she is having.

  “Are you the father?” the doctor asked Miguel.

  James looked up and waited for Miguel to answer. He was thankful for the first time that he was there for him and Tara. He heard what Miguel told the doctor about what happened and he was relieved that Miguel was composed enough to answer truthfully yet covering up for the unnecessary details.

  “No.” Miguel replied meekly.

  “I am.” James called to the doctor.

  “OK. Will both of you wait outside as we take it from here?” the doctor told them.

  “Please don’t be far. We might need you after the examination.” The doctor said as he closed the door behind him.

  The two men stood there helplessly and obviously praying for the best.

  The wait was like an eternity for both of them but in fact they were just there for less than five minutes.

  “James, your phone is ringing.” Miguel looked at him. He was noticeably floating that he didn’t hear.

  “Hello?” James answered.

  “What?!” He exclaimed after hearing the voice from the other line spoke.

  “OK. Is she on her way?” he asked with a frown. Then he hung up and looked as if blood drained from his entire system.

  “What was that?” Miguel asked bothered.

  “Rhea,” he seemed short of breath.

  “Why?” Miguel asked him again.

  “She’s also in pain and the ambulance that was supposed to take Tara is now taking Rhea here.”

  “Oh God! What a day!” Miguel exclaimed.

  The ambulance arrived faster than they did. James saw Rhea in the stretcher crying and twisting in pain. At first he thought she was just faking it to get the attention he gave Tara but seeing her crying as she is being carried inside the emergency washed his doubt.

  He went near her but she pushed him away.

  “Go away!” she screamed at him.

  He looked around and saw the chamber maid on their floor following behind Rhea’s stretcher.

  “Lisa, what happened?” James asked her as she moved to him.

  “Sir, I saw your fiancée on the floor of your room crying when I passed by, I asked her what happened and she told me she tripped and fell on the floor. She was holding on to her stomach and weeping. I told her if she wanted me to take her to the hospital. She just nodded at me and so I asked the clinic for some help with the wheel chair and all. Then when we came down, there was an ambulance waiting so we rushed here.” Lisa explained thoroughly. “Why are you here Sir?”

  “Tara is inside the other cubicle.” He told her.

  “Miss Tara? What happened?” She asked. She was not there when the whole thing happened.

  He did not answer but instead asked her to call Tara’s parents.

  “OK Sir. I will call the admin immediately.” She turned around but looked back again quickly. “By the way Sir, the clinic called the number listed in case of emergency on Madam Rhea’s cellphone and they were able to talk to her father. He is arriving today.” She informed him before she left to call admin for Tara’s parents.

  James wanted to slam his head on the thick cemented hospital walls. First, Tara is in pain then Rhea is in pain. Soon enough, he will be in pain when Rhea’s father arrives.

  “James?” Miguel interrupted his thoughts.

  “I know you don’t smoke, but would you consider lighting a cigarette and try releasing that tension? I can watch over the two for now. Just don’t take too long.” He reminded James.

  “Thanks Miguel, now I know why Tara talked good about you. I think I need a quick walk and yes, maybe a cigarette.” For the first time he recognized the comfort that he is extended with.

  He went out for a walk and a cigarette.

  He is confused, worried, nervous and at loss all at the same time.

  First he didn’t how Tara was pregnant. She took the test in his bathroom and he saw the result. He had to know what really happened. He is completely sure the baby is his but he can’t understand why she didn’t tell him. He remembers himself saying he would marry her that very minute if she was pregnant. Now he wonders, did Tara not want to marry him that’s why she hid her condition?

  Whatever her reason may be, he still feels happy that they will have a child. He suddenly felt excited of imagining training his own son how to play the ball. He smiled as his daydreaming gets wild. He was too far as to think it would be a boy. He was just that excited.

  Then he remembered there’s Rhea. Though he hates her, he feels responsible for the child. He is not as excited as with Tara’s baby, but he knew he would love Rhea’s baby just the same.

  His two babies are in danger. That rang back in his head and it sent him jitters. He felt helpless that he can’t do anything about
it. He wanted both of his children to be alive and well.

  He lit the cigarette he bought from the convenience store then he saw a mobile police patrol moving in front of him and he remembered Rhea’s father. He sure would die sooner than his babies once he gets here. That was his thought.

  “Sir James.” Lisa was walking towards him. “Sorry but Sir Miguel asked me to come and get you. The doctor would like to talk to you.”

  On the way back to the hospital, he was informed by Lisa that both his parents and Tara’s are at Singapore checking the Casino Operations there. He was used to his parents being always away on their business trips but at this moment he wished they lived like normal people. He needed them now more than ever.

  His heart pounded on his chest like a drill. He smoked one more time and threw it. This was it. He knew and he just can’t help but pray.

  End of flashback

  He was trying so hard to control his emotions. Tara needed him to be strong for her and he will be her wall. As hard as it seems, he tried to act a firm and solid man as he entered her private room.

  He was surprised she wasn’t crying. He felt relieved that she is being strong for them too. He moved towards her and sat beside her in the bed. He kissed her on the forehead before she spoke.

  “I’m sorry.” She said as she stroked his hair.

  “It’s not your fault.” He held her soft hands so tightly.

  “I hope Rhea will be able all right.” She told him with sympathy in her eyes.

  “I sure hope.” He didn’t feel like talking to her about Rhea at the moment. He knew it was painful for her to lose the baby.

  “What did she say?” she kept asking about Rhea.

  “I haven’t checked on her yet.” He admitted as he wondered why she was acting so cool.

  “What! She needs you now James.” She let go of James and his hands.

  “But we need each other more.” He hugged her as tears are slowly building up in his eyes. He hugged her because he wanted to and in order to cover up his weakness as he felt his tears starting to trickle down his face.

  “Did the doctor tell you?” she was trying to get him off her body.

  “Yes. I’m sorry for our baby. If there was only anything I . . .” he wasn’t able to speak after that because his tears were beyond his control already.

  “Wait! I didn’t lose it.” She told him frowning.

  “What?” he asked as he stood up and wiped his tears.

  “Rhea did,” she said softly, “I’m sorry you lost your baby.”

  “Oh God Tara!” he hugged her back again and then he kissed her sweetly in the lips not being conscious anymore of his tears.

  He was just so happy and he felt ecstatic when he felt her kissing him back.

  “Now would you tell me what happened?” James wanted to know how she was able to keep it a secret.

  “You mean when I had the test?” she asked mischievously.

  “Everything!” he was trying to scold her but he can’t help that his happiness shows in his eyes. They’re having a baby and he felt he had the world.

  “It’s not my fault you bought three tests.” She teased him.

  “What did you do?” he asked impatiently.

  “I was not really thinking I was pregnant. I mean, I had my period. So I was just so carefree. But the moment I did the test I was scared. You said you would marry me as soon as you find out I am pregnant. I got scared for you. Knowing who Rhea’s dad did that. So I took the test still praying that I am not.” She started to tell him.

  “I would give you my life you should know that by now.” He kissed her.

  “But I don’t want that to happen. I would rather see you with another girl than not see you ever.” She kissed him back.

  “I love you wifey. My wifey.” He embraced her so tight.

  “I love you too.” She smiled and closed her eyes loving the way she felt his body so close to her. She missed him terribly.

  “Then, how come it was negative?” he asked after realizing she didn’t finish her story.

  “The first and real one was positive. I was so scared after dropping the sample in the basin, the whole test became pink and I almost fainted. Then slowly, it showed two lines. I was so happy at first but then I thought about your safety and I cried. You were so excited, I could hear it from your voice from the bathroom when you called to me. I had to think quickly.” She smiled at him.

  “Hell yeah I was excited. I was thrilled to take you to the nearest Municipal Office the following day. I couldn’t wait to marry you.” He affirmed her thoughts the day she took the test.

  “That’s what I thought. So I used a few drops of water on the second test and hid the first one. It would definitely show negative.” She blushed at her own silly trick.

  “You! I’m so glad Miguel slipped you know. For the first time, I was fond of him.” He confessed.

  “He’s a good person. You should get to know him better.” She attested.

  “I sure will give him the chance now. But he must know it’s time to back off.” He said half-threatening.

  They heard Miguel enter the room when he cleared his throat.

  “I’m sorry James, but Rhea’s father just arrived. He’s at the helipad of the hospital. I think you better see Rhea before he does.” He showed concern.

  “OK.” He stood up. “Please keep an eye on her.” He told Miguel. He kissed Tara and her stomach before he left.

  “I love you.” He turned to look at Tara before he closed the door behind him.

  ***

  “Rhea.” he didn’t bother to tap on her door. He just went straight to her bed and found her staring outside her window.

  “James.” She smiled faintly.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked sitting on the chair beside her bed.

  “I’m not okay James. I need you.” She cried and held on James’ arms.

  “I’m here now. I will always be your friend Rhea,” he told her as he smiled.

  “No! You can’t do this to me!” she was protesting.

  He remained silent.

  “You have to marry me or I will tell my father you were trying to run from your obligation.” She threatened him.

  “You know that’s not true! I was even willing to marry you when I found out you were pregnant!” he defended himself.

  “But you still got me pregnant!” she said pressuring him.

  “You know I don’t love you anymore.” He didn’t think if it would offend her or not.

  “Rhea!” they both looked at the guy standing in the door. It was General Alejandro Bernardo III, Rhea’s dad.

  “Good evening sir.” James stood up as he saw him.

  “Hi James.” He nodded at him.

  “Dad! I lost the baby.” Rhea cried as her father hugged and kissed her.

  “It’s okay honey. Everything will be fine.” He was sweetly rubbing her back as she continued sobbing.

  “But daddy, James doesn’t want to marry me after I lost the baby.” She acted like a child.

  General Bernardo looked at James who squirmed as if being crushed to the floor because of nervousness.

  “He got his girlfriend pregnant and now he wants to marry her instead. But what about me daddy? I need him.” She kept on persuading her father.

  “James can I talk to you?” her father walked to him.

  He slightly nodded and followed him in the hallway.

  “Do you still love my daughter?” he asked direct to the point when they stopped at the secluded area at the back of the nurse’s station.

  “Sir . . . we broke up about three months ago.” He told her dad. He was so itching to tell him why they broke up but he decided to keep it to himself. He didn’t find it necessary.

  “I know about that. What I am asking is if you still love her?”

  “Uhm . . . I already have a girlfriend sir.” He was finding it hard to directly tell him.

  “My question is direct James and I need a direct answe
r.” The General’s voice was not faltering.

  “No sir.” He looked down as he can’t face the fury of his ex’s father.

  “Did you know how old the baby was?” he asked James.

  “About three and a half months now. When Rhea told me she was already two and a half months pregnant.” He mentally calculated.

  “No James. The baby is just three months old, from the report by the doctor here at the hospital.” He handed the documents supporting his claim.

  James was astonished. He didn’t know what to say to her dad.

  “You are not the father of the baby.” He smiled at him.

  “But sir, we had a paternity test done. It was positive.”

  “That is what they led you to believe.” He irked at the thought of what his daughter has done.

  “Sir,” James heard a guy in military uniform behind him.

  He looked around and saw that the man looked familiar. He was not sure where he met him but he was a handsome young man enough to be considered an actor.

  “James, meet Colonel Patrick Tan De Silva.” Rhea’s dad introduced them.

  The guy shook hands with James and looked down.

  “He is the father of Rhea’s child. He told me last week about Rhea and him and how they fixed the test result.” He looked disappointed.

  “I am sorry sir but it was Rhea’s idea to keep it from you.” The guy in uniform threw an apologetic look at him as well.

  “Dr. Tan?” James suddenly remembered. The handsome young doctor who looked like an actor.

  “Amazing how some people can do so much with power.” Rhea’s dad spoke.

  “I know you have feared me for the longest time, Aguilar. Even when you were still Rhea’s boyfriend. But you must know I will never do anything in my authority to hurt people and threaten them. I don’t know why you even agreed to marry my daughter when you didn’t love her anymore.” He said with dignity.

  “I was willing to do it for the baby sir.” He admitted.

  “Was that all?” he was smiling widely.

  “I . . . was . . . afraid of you.” He stammered at his confession.