Broken Strings
Chapter 15

WRIGHT AGONCILLO

My hands were folded as I walked closer to my car. I was disgusted with myself because I could do nothing. I’m the wrong one. I’m the one to blame. I was the scared one. I couldn’t bear the pain in my fist because of hitting the wall earlier, it was even more painful to see that my family was happy with that doctor. I just can’t get close to them because it might get messy.

I opened my car and quickly got in there. I gripped the steering wheel tightly. What do I need to do for my family to forgive me?

I looked at a church I passed by. I manipulated my car and turned there. I haven’t talked to Him in years. So maybe my life is like this because I have forgotten Him.

I got out of the car, I immediately put on my dark glasses so no one would recognize me. I can’t pray properly if there are so many around me. I entered through its large door.

I saw the priest bow in the middle of the altar. We are the only two people here.

I approached him. I removed my shades to pay homage. “Father.”

“Oh, son, what can be served—” His eyes narrowed, and he adjusted his glasses. “Wait. Are you Wright Agoncillo?”

I put my index finger in front of my l*p as if saying ‘don’t say it louder.’

Father nodded and smiled. “Ah. What can I serve you, son?”

“I want to confess, Father,” I said politely.

“Come on, let’s go to the confession.”

I followed him. He entered through a confessional door. I also opened another door and entered there. I sat in the chair placed in the corner. It’s a little small inside and it’s warm. But I didn’t take it anymore, it was time for me to ask Him for help.

“What will you confess, son?” Initiation of Father. I can only hear his voice. I couldn’t see him because there was a thin screen blocking the two of us.

Where should I start?

“I met a woman seven years ago. I flirted with her not because I love her but because I want to show my ex-girlfriend that I’ve moved on. Yes, I used her.” Every word I utter is like rain pouring down memories. “We’ve been together for a few months. One day, I heard that my ex broke up with her boyfriend. I went to Cebu to confirm that. She came back to me and I accepted her again. I came back to Manila to break up with the woman I used as a rebound.”

Pause for a moment as I start to feel heavier.

“You may continue, son.” Father encouraged me.

“But she said, she’s pregnant and the child was mine.” My voice is difficult. It was as if I could see Melissa in front of me again. The pain in her eyes because she could not accept my decision. I closed my eyes and tears trickled down my cheeks. “I said, abort the child because I can’t afford it and I’m not ready to be a father. I’ll give her money for an abortion because it costs less than raising a child.”

I leaned my head against the screen. I swallowed several times to calm myself down. I feel like, at these times, I’m going to have a breakdown.

“Why was that your decision, son?” Said Father. “Are you afraid of responsibility?”

“Not on responsibility, Father.” One hand combed my hair. “I’m afraid of the child’s future.”

“Why?”

“When I returned to Manila, Mama told me that our company was sinking. And it was unstoppable because the investors started to pull out all their shares, they said they no longer trusted Papa to bring the company back to life. Little by little, Dad was able to lose all our land to gambling. Almost every day some bankers came to our house. ” I remember the times when Mama cried because of what Papa was doing in her life, in our lives. “I don’t know what future I can give the child. I don’t want to see him begging, I don’t want to see him thin because we have nothing to eat, I don’t want to see him sleeping under the bridge or the side of the road. I’m afraid he’ll blame me when the time comes. “

“You have to overcome fear, son,” Father said softly to me. “Did you ask the Lord for help?”

“That’s another one of my sins, Father.” I looked up. “I forgot about Him and paid more attention to the future. I need to rebuild our company. We left the country to avoid scandal. We changed our lives there; we met our band in America. I was able to save money to rebuild. of new business.”

“It took us three years before we finally got up. I tried to go home to the Philippines to meet her, but life is cruel. Papa got sick; Mama didn’t want to let me go home because Papa needed me there. Papa fought Cancer for four years before he finally died.” I added.

“What happened to your son?” He asked gently.

A sad smile drew to my lips as I remembered the first time I saw Reid. He looks like me when I was that old. And when he looked into my eyes, it was as if my b***d was suddenly boiling. There is some force pushing me to embrace him.

“He is alive, Father. He is now six years old.” The back of my palm wiped the tear on my cheek. “My sin is so great, Father. Can He still forgive me?”

“Son…” he said. “No matter how great our sin, He will forgive us. God’s love for us is eternal. Surrender to Him, son. He has forgiven you.”

“Thank you very much.” I took a deep breath. I felt relieved when all my suffering was released.

We went out to the confession room. I snatched the handkerchief from my pants pocket and wiped the sweat that had appeared on my forehead and neck. I smiled and held out my hand to Father and waved to him. He placed his other hand on my head.

“Son, do what you think is right. Go home and fix your family, then God will guide you.” It says softly.

I stood up straight and nodded at it. “Thank you very much, Father.”

It smiled. “If you have problems, don’t forget Him again. He will help you.”

“Yes.” I agreed.

I said goodbye and thanked him before leaving the church. I opened my car and immediately went inside.

Do what you think is right.

I had to make way for Melissa to listen to me. I should fix our relationship first. After her, then I will focus on Reid. My child.

I hope it’s not too late.

I put on my dark glasses again before stopping the car in front of the building where I was staying. When I came down, my media was greeted by a crowd. Fortunately, the hotel security personnel arrived.

“Why did you come back, Wright? Is it true that you and your humoured girlfriend are engaged?”

“Sir, do you plan to stay here for good?”

My mouth remained shut. My life is private so reporters get more and more lost in asking questions, they might be lucky enough before I answer some of their questions.

“Someone saw you entered the church this afternoon. Have you decided to marry Ms Claire Dela Rosa there?”

“Some humour says that Ms Claire’s dating someone secretly, are you aware of it? Is she two-timing you? Are you two already broke up?”

I quickly handed my car key to the valet. Security personnel block aggressive media who want to seek an answer.

Gradually the noise and flash of the camera disappeared as the elevator door closed. I pressed the Tenth-Floor button. I wasn’t the only one inside, I had two women with me.

One has green highlights in the hair and the other has brownish hair.

Their cheeks blushed when I smiled.

“Wright Agoncillo, oh my gosh! I can die in peace now!” She said with heavy breathing. She even fanned himself with his hand.

“Uh… Hi.”

“Wright!” I was even surprised when the woman with green highlights hugged me. She released a cellphone. “Let’s take a selfie.”

“Sure.” I smiled sweetly at her.

“Me too. Please?” The other woman said while using her puppy eyes.

I pinned her hair to her ear. She blushed even more. “No problem.”

After a few shots, I was so thankful when the elevator door to the Tenth Floor opened. I immediately walked over to my bachelor’s Pad.

I want to rest. I want to have peace of mind.

To my surprise when I turned the doorknob it opened. Did I forget to lock it again? The lights on my pad are on. But I remember that I turned off all the lights before leaving.

I saw a figure lying on the sofa as it hugged the pillow.

I sighed and massaged the bridge of my nose. “Claire…”