Name: Paul Hastings Oballah

James Carlos was a happily married man to a beautiful damsel by the name of Benilda. They were blessed with two kids; a boy and a girl aged 4 and 5 respectively. They were both in pre-elementary school. Their ten year old marriage was a blissful and promising one, but one mistake costed them a downfall of their ten years investment.

Living in the province of Pampanga in Luzon island, the Philippines, their main source of income was from selling rice. Rice is one of the cash crops in Pampanga.

They were famous for their rice which was considered one of the best quality in the region. Business was booming but sometimes, it would be too bad that they would just close shop.

On a good day, they would earn between 12,000 to 20,000 pesos thus affording good meals like pork sisig and tabang talanka (crab meat). But when business was bad, they could only survive on rice and fried fish or even sleep hungry.

“Business is booming today, love,” said James Carlos.

“Why don’t we open a branch in Manila? We could benefit from the sales profit,” suggested Benilda.

“That’s a good idea! Why didn’t I think of this in the first place? But, love, I’ve never been to Manila,” said James Carlos.

“A good challenge is worth the try,” she said.

“You are heaven sent, you know that, right?” He said.

“I know, love,” she said.

“God knows what I’d end up if it weren’t for you and your wonderful ideas. Salamat po (thanks), wifey,” he said.

“Salamat, hubby,” she replied.

“For what?” He asked.

“For being the best husband in the world,” she said.

“You make me blush,” he said smiling.

The next day, James Carlos boarded the early bus leaving for Metropolitan Manila or simply, Metro Manila as locals call it. He bid his family farewell and with one last wave of goodbye, the bus left, leaving a trail of dust behind. James Carlos marveled at the beautiful scenery of the countryside.

Inside, the bus was overcrowded as usual, as there were many travellers who were headed to the city. One hour passed, and the journey seemed to take forever.

James Carlos was struggling not to sleep, as it only remained one hour thirty minutes inorder to reach Manila. If he did, he would miss his destination and end up in some other place.

An hour passed, and he could see Manila from a distance. The Metrobank Center, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Manila, shimmered and glittered under the blazing sun. People were strolling about looking for their daily meal.

All was well until James Carlos alighted from the vehicle. In a blink of an eye, his luggage was already stolen. He looked shocked, confused and worried as it was his first time in Manila. He tried to ask for help from passers-by but none would want to help him. Except for one very beautiful lady.

The pretty lady happened to observe James Carlos from a distant, she got out of her car and walked towards him. She looked dashing and elegant in her red dress that revealed too much flesh. She was an epitome of beauty; with her pale flawless skin and wavy natural brown hair.

“Hey handsome, why is a cute guy like you standing under the hot sun?” Asked the lady.

“Excuse me?” He said. He was slightly taken aback by the woman’s sudden approach.

“You look lost, is everything okay?” Asked the lady.

“Actually, I’m new here and I’ve just been robbed of my luggage,” he replied.

“So sorry, handsome. Is there anything I can do to help?” She asked.

“No, I’m fine, ma’am,” he assured her.

“You’re not fine, I insist, let me help you,” she said.

“Salamat, but I have to take my leave,” he said.

“Wait! Do you have any relatives or friends here in Manila?” She asked.

“No, I’m new here,” he said.

“What about a place to stay?” She asked.

“No, but I’ll find one,” he said.

“You need a place to stay, I live a few blocks from here,” she said.

“No, ma’am, I…”

“I insist, and please, don’t call me ma’am, call me Ruby Scarlet Guzman or just Ruby. And you are?” She asked, extending her hand in greeting.

“James Carlos Ortega. Nice to meet you ma’am, I mean, Ruby,” he said shaking her hands.

“So, let’s go?” Ruby inquired.

“After you,” he said.

The thought of sleeping in the cold street gave James Carlos the chills. He didn’t have any choice but to accept the woman’s offer.

Ruby’s house was located in one of the nicest neighborhoods, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Unlike the ghetto slums in Manila, security was tight. Security guards, policemen and even a few vigilante youths were on patrol, ready for action.

A few people walked down the driveway, one particular lady was so engraved in her phone, that she forgot an incoming vehicle heading towards her. It was Ruby’s car. Luckily, she applied emergency breaks just in time.

“Watch the road, you moron!” Roared Ruby.

They finally arrived at Ruby’s apartment, James Carlos was busy admiring the house.

“Nice house and neighborhood too,” he said.

“Salamat. Come on in, make yourself at home,” she said.

“Salamat po,” he said.

“You know back in Pampanga, where I live, whenever it gets too hot, we use hardcover paperback as fan,” he said, noticing the air-con.

“Really?” Said Ruby, amid laughter.

When a woman likes a man, she would tend to laugh the loudest even if the joke is not funny, Ruby did just that. James Carlos would crack a few dumb jokes and still send Ruby literally writhing on the floor with nonstop ‘laughter’.

“Would you like a drink?” Asked Ruby.

“Yes, sure,” he said.

They drank to their heart’s desire and got wasted. They couldn’t even stand up, just stayed there cuddling and snuggling. They then got carried away and they made love on the sofa without a care in the world. The temptations of the flesh became too much for James Carlos, who for a moment, forgot he had a wife and two kids back at home.

The next morning, James Carlos was the first one to wake up. He realized what he had done and quickly grabbed his clothes, dressed up and left the house. Ruby lost her balance and fell to the floor, still in her birthday suit, she continued sleeping like nobody’s business.

On the way, James Carlos was still experiencing hangovers and stopped by a mobile food vendor to grab some hot chicken soup. He decided to go look for a job in the city come rain, come sunshine. With his sheer determination, he got a job as a waiter and later got promoted.

Several months passed and James Carlos was able to earn enough money to rent a house and start a business. From time to time, he would call his family to know how they were doing. He had never heard from Ruby again.

Just as he promised, before leaving the province, his rice business became a success. He earned a nationwide recognition as the best rice seller not only in Manila, but in the whole of Luzon island.

Life was good for James Carlos. He could finally afford a car! Before, he couldn’t even afford a bicycle. He also made a wise decision to invite his family over to Manila to live with him for good.

“Pack up your things, love. Meet me up at the city junction,” he said excitedly.

That day, he went to pick up his family, he was so excited to see them again. He hugged his family so tight not wanting to let go. Soon after, they were on the way to his apartment, their new home. The kids immediately fell in love with their father’s new home.

Trouble in paradise began when Ruby traced James Carlos’ whereabouts, leading her search to his residence. She began tormenting him, threatening to reveal her true identity and their past to his wife. Days after days, Ruby would pay James Carlos’ family a visit, disguised as his work associate. She almost earned the trust of Benilda and her kids who considered her as their aunt.

James Carlos had no other option but to continue with their secret relationship. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. What could he have done? What would you do if you were in his shoes? His shoes are literally too big or too tight to fit.

Ruby became pregnant, she called James Carlos over the phone to break the news to him. His knees felt wobbly, he couldn’t believe his ears. He wanted Ruby to abort the baby but she adamantly refused. She even went ahead and threatened him that she would reveal her pregnancy to his wife.

James Carlos was at a loss, he hurriedly packed up his staff and forced his family to move out with him.

“C’mon, we’re moving out to Singapore,” he said.

“I don’t want to go to Singapore! I like it here!” Shouted his son.

“I’m sorry but we can’t stay here, son. Hurry up, we need to leave, now!” He said.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Benilda asked.

“Everything is fine, love. Just work,” he said.

“Work? You want us to move out in the middle of the night all because of work?!” She shouted.

“Ssh! The kids! The neighbors!” He said.

“Don’t shush me! I can’t believe you’re doing this. Wait, are you cheating on me Carlos?” Asked his wife, eyes blazing.

“What do you mean? Where the hell did you get such ideas? C’mon! I’m not cheating on you, okay?” He said.

“You better! ‘Cause if I find out you’re cheating on me, I’ll take the kids with me and leave you for good!” She said.

The last word literally hit him so hard in the gut. That night, he couldn’t sleep. He kept looking at his phone for fear of Ruby calling him in the middle of the night. Early the following morning, as he was about to leave with his family, Ruby together with two policemen were already outside waiting.

“He’s the one, officers. He forced me to abort his baby! Arrest him!” She said.

“What?” Asked Benilda.

“Wait! What have I done wrong officers?” He asked.

“Mr. James Carlos Ortega, you’re under arrest for attempted abortion on one Miss Ruby Scarlet Guzman. You have the right to remain silent, for everything you say, will be used against you in the court of law! Now move!” The police said.

They handcuffed James Carlos infront of his bewildered wife and crying children. They then hurled him inside the vehicle like some bag of rice. They then sped off, leaving Benilda shocked and confused. She came to an abrupt decision and left with the kids.

At the trial, the judge ruled in favor of Ruby, granting her the right to own half of James Carlos’ properties. Furthermore, he was found guilty and given a life sentence without a possibility of parole.

Wakas (The End).

Thanks for reading!