Forty

Isiaah Jacinto’s point of view

I really love her. And every day, I seem to be tested by that love.

You just don’t know how nervous I am because of Maeluthe’s impending birth. It’s like there is always burning fire at my feet.

And with each day that passed, Mae did nothing but force me to do funny things. She needs it, and I also want to make the woman laugh, so I do everything too.

In fact, she is not always pregnant. We should just treasure the moment that we have. That’s what I love to always imprint on my mind.

But I never thought it would be so difficult!

“Isiaah!” That loud shout rang out from the room, so I could almost fly the distance of them just to get to Maeluthe.

“Ah, fuck! The pain is too much!”

With so much panic, I looked at the woman’s situation then was struck by intense tremors due to nervousness. I immediately typed on my cellphone to call an ambulance as well as Andrei.

The woman continued to moan. At least I couldn’t stop myself from crying because of fear and pity for her.

“Mae, I’m sorry. . .” I said, then tried to support the woman. “I will try to lift you. Come on.”

Maeluthe did not follow what I said. I chose to wait until it was ready to move, but I only received a loud laugh from her.

“It’s a prank!” she shouted as if she was just joking with her colleagues. “You should’ve seen your face!”

This isn’t the first time she’s done that thing. In fact, this is the seventh time. And in the seven times, she joked I no doubt believed her.

Maybe I was already full with all her jokes and pranks, so without hesitation, I threw my cellphone that I was holding somewhere.

I’m fine with everything she does, and I’m not going to complain there. But how can she make a joke about our child even though I knew it was very dangerous then? This is just too much.

I haven’t been able to sleep well for a few nights because I’m so nervous due to the woman’s situation, then with her, it’s all like a game.

I can’t even dare to see her in pain.

I quietly left that room and went straight to the veranda. I was straightforward, and I wanted to ventilate.

I can’t reprimand her because I already know what will happen. I also can’t stop her from doing what she wants because that will cause her tears.

I sighed repeatedly. I couldn’t even understand why she had to do that to someone to laugh at.

Anger just attacked my system. Maybe I can’t take it anymore because everything is in my mind at the same time.

I quickly grabbed my car key and exited the house. It’s up to me wherever I go. I just need to clean up my thoughts. I don’t want to face her that I’m still so angry.

“Come on!”

I quietly greeted MJ and headed straight into the hotel he owned.

“What’s with the long face? Now you’re like that again, huh?” He asked continuously.

I went straight to the hotel bar, and MJ immediately followed me. Still not stuck with curiosity. “Are you going to drink at noon? Where’s Miss Legson?”

I just kept quiet, just sipping a glass of Tequila.

“I don’t understand anything else, J.”

I noticed MJ suddenly sitting on the side. He also took a glass and poured a drink. “You made it, Kuys. You have just a few days to wait, and then you can meet your child—just a little patience. You are having the same difficulty. You guys should make things. . . calm and clear?”

I can’t count the sigh I made today. “It’s even harder than what I expected. I just went out to cool myself down. I don’t want her to see me angry.”

“But it’s still not good to leave her alone at home, especially in situations like this–”

I frowned and turned to him. “Seriously, whose side are you, MJ?” I joked.

The man was just about to speak when he suddenly stopped when a cellphone rang in his pocket. He quickly picked it up and answered as I continued to drink.

“Yes, Kuya. He’s with me. Why?”

When MJ handed over the cellphone, I didn’t feel like taking it. “Hello?” I said softly.

“Where the fuck are you, Isiaah?” my friend growled at me. I didn’t have to think about who. It was Andrei.

“I don’t know–”

“You’ve got to be kidding me, man! Maeluthe’s screaming in so much pain right now, and you’re drinking?” Andrei exclaimed.

“What do you mean she’s screaming in so much—”

“Get your ass in here, you rascal! She’s on her labor!”

I feel, at that moment, I had the power to fly. It was as if my brain suddenly went blank, and I just realized that I was in the hospital next to Baste and Andrei.

Soon, my mommy and dad also arrived, both fighting with their fear and nervousness.

“I don’t know why Maeluthe called me. I don’t even know what to do–”

“Where were you, really?” Baste replied while looking at me.

The only thing I can do today is sigh. “You don’t want to know how bad it is, Sebastian.”

“Isiaah. Isiaah, how’s Mae?” Mommy asked anxiously.

I’m so thankful that even though I wasn’t able to answer the question, Andrei was there with me.

“Tita, Maeluthe’s on her labor now, and any moment we will see Isiaah Jacinto Jr.”

Immediately, my jaw dropped at what I heard. My concern for my girlfriend only subsided. “What? W-What — I mean, Isiaah? Junior?”

Daddy laughed and patted me on the shoulder. “The name will suit your child better.”

Isiaah Jacinto. . . Jr? “What? No!”

Everyone laughed, especially Baste, who mentioned the name several more times.

“What’s this, Ma? You know how much I hate that name! I don’t want my child to feel the same way!” I scolded my mother, but like the previous reactions, mommy just shrugged.

“Why?” Baste squeaked. “Don’t you think it’s too sweet? Maeluthe will follow your name for your first baby. You should be crying out of happiness.”

I didn’t answer them anymore, and I just dropped my ass on the chair there.

So, life must be this hard, right? I just messed up my hair in extreme frustration.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always hated my name. They often call me, ‘I-si-ya’, which I really hate. Maybe it’s also because of the map as a teenager, I always blame my mom for having that kind of spelling. The reason was the carelessness of the nurses in the hospital when I was born. It should be ‘Isaiah’.

I just don’t want to make my child suffer the same way as I am, but I actually think it’s cool.

Isiaah Jacinto Jr.

Soon, I will see my baby. I could see his face, small hands and feet, and the whole child.

Son. . . he’s my child.

My child is already here.

Maeluthe is still unconscious and is allowed to rest, but I can hold our child. Carefully, I hugged and caressed his small face, which made me burst into small tears.

“Hi, little pal. Daddy has been waiting for you for a long time. You won’t believe what I did while you were still inside your Mommy’s stomach. I know you’ll laugh at me, too. But come to think of it, I wish I could hear you laugh already,” I continued talking to the child as if he was able to understand and hear everything I was saying.

I wiped my tears from my cheeks when I saw Baste, Andrei, Mommy, and Daddy huddled outside that room.

The pleasure I feel now is unmatched. Here it is. Everyone, I already got the reward.

“It’s all worth it, bud. . . all worth it.”