Should I Stay or Leave? novel Chapter 12

But as the days went on, he can't seem to find time for Kamiah. He doesn't want to reply to her messages because he feels guilty for treating her like that. His newfound friends told him it is okay as long as it is not his mother. Kamiah should not hope that much because they are not married. They also told him he is young, so he must enjoy and explore all options. He can't commit to Kamiah right away. It is true in some sense, but he also cannot let her go.

A month before his probation, the company hired a new receptionist. She is half-Filipina and half- American like him. Her name is Catrina Fiona Adwell. They worked together in several shifts and share a lot of interest. She also reminded him of Kamiah. There are similarities in the facial features, even with some qualities, but Catrina is more outgoing and outspoken.

They started as friends and would talk after work since they are staying in the same building. With her, Acwell felt Kamiah was some sort of bothersome to him. He thought there is someone almost like her and near him why does he have to put any effort into her. Soon, the friendly talk is developing into something more. Acwell got drawn to her. Not that he loves her but because she is the one near to him. Catrina was not shy to show an indirect way of her feelings to him. Acwell could confirm she had fallen for him.

They ended up having an affair. The first two days it was good. Then the succeeding days, it is becoming hell for Acwell. He is finally seeing her true colors. She is insecure and likes to argue if she doesn't get what she wants or if teased and she doesn't like it. They kept arguing for a lot of reasons and some are just petty things.

On the fifth day of their relationship, they argued in the morning about Kamiah. No matter how much he told her that they are not talking to each other, she would not believe him. It's because Kamiah is still calling and sending him messages. He can't tell her that Kamiah doesn't know, and he can't let go of Kamiah yet. That night, he came home drank, and he tried to fix their relationship. He wanted to make up because he doesn't want that their fight will affect their working relationship. However, that night ended with them sleeping together. A night that until now he regrets.

They did not fight on the sixth day, but on the seventh day, they did. It was Kamiah's birthday. Catrina discovered that he called her. That was the moment that Acwell decided they must end their relationship. It is not a healthy one because all they do is argue. Talking to Kamiah made him realize what he was doing wrong, and being with Catrina was a total mistake. He stopped going to bars and did as he promised, call Kamiah three times a week.

Two weeks after, Catrina came knocking on his door. When he opened the door, she immediately said, "We need to talk it's something important."

"What is it, Catrina? If you came here to just argue with me again, I don't have time for it. I'm tired, let's end this like you always say," Acwell answered.

Then she unlocks her phone and showed him a picture. "Look," she said.

He saw a pregnancy test with two lines on it. "What is it?" he asked.

"It's a pregnancy test. I took the test this morning because my period is already delayed. I'm pregnant."

Acwell's break is almost up and so the flashbacks have to be paused. He knows he will think about it again later.

Last night, Catrina saw Acwell for the first after almost three years. This happened when she went to a nearby grocery store that is beside a restaurant. She was stepping out of the cab when he saw him going inside the cab in front. She froze as she watches the cab, drove away, and whispered, "Acwell." Then, her heart aches with longing as she had some flashbacks.

When she got inside the grocery store, that is when she saw his reply to her messages.

"That's good. Take care of her."

Reading that and seeing him earlier made her lose focus that she did her groceries fast. Her mind won't stop forming questions. It bothered her until she reached home. She asked herself, "Acwell, why you did not answer? I called several times, but not once did you pick up when you are just having dinner. What is more important than checking on your daughter who was just discharged from the hospital? Were you with someone? Your reply is not satisfactory to me."