My Other Half, My Rival

Chapter 3

“Hello? Earth to Philip!”Claudia shouted.

“Yes, what do you want? Do you want me?”I awkwardly said. Heck!

“Woah! What? I just wanted to remind you about the Student Council Elections, you passed the screening and we are going to have our campaign tomorrow. We have a meeting later at 3pm. See you there!” she said and left.

I could feel my heart beating so fast that it could come out of my chest anytime. I got so nervous when I thought that she could actually hear my heartbeats.

“Dude! You look dumb as heck!” Calyx said, my best friend.

“Shut up! Got to go, I have a meeting.” I told him and ran away.

“Good Afternoon Mr. Zuryete, have you seen Ms. Barcial and Mr. Zalameda?” our adviser asked.

“No Ma'am, I thought they're here.” I replied.

15 minutes have passed and finally Claudia and Kayden arrived. Kayden's one of my friends.

“Is that a character of an aspiring leader? A leader who does not practice punctuality?”

“We're sorry, Miss. I tried to convince Mr. Zalameda to join the Student Council because you told me that we still need another one.” Claudia replied.

“Okay, take your seats.” our adviser said.

As our adviser started talking, I focused my attention on Claudia. She has this cute serious face while listening to our adviser. It makes me fall in love with her even more. Her sharp features and small face suits her short hair with a ponytail which showcases her true beauty.

“Pick your platforms very well. Good bye and Good luck for tomorrow.”

I carried my belongings and went out of the school but suddenly Claudia approached me again.

“Hey! Good luck for tomorrow!” she said and kissed me on my right cheek.

My eyes widen and my heart skipped a beat. I felt so nervous yet so happy. It didn't feel like it was real. I froze and didn't move where I am standing.

What a sweet girl.

25th January '90 11:45 PM Hospital Room

Philip's POV

"WE'RE SORRY Sir, but your child didn't make it." the doctor said.

I felt like it was the end of the world for me. My wife suffered miscarriage for the 5th time and it was all my fault. I want my wife to give birth to my child with a golden spoon in his/her mouth. I pressured myself and even my wife to work harder for the sake of our family's future. I want to prove to my parents that I could live without their support, that I made the right choice on marrying Queenie.

"Phil? Where's our baby?”

I came back to my senses as I heard my wife shouting at me. I didn't notice that she was awake already. I sighed, she looks so tired and sad.

"I'll just go and buy something to eat. I'll be right back. Don't stress yourself, okay?" I told my wife and she replied with a nod.

I got out of her room wearing a depressed face. As I was walking down the hallway, I saw a room full of babies. Little did I know that I was at the Maternity Ward. I saw lots of babies, some of them are crying

and some of them are sleeping.

"When will I see my baby in here?" I asked myself.

After a couple of thoughts, I turned around to where the cafeteria is but I saw someone familiar.

"Phil? Phil Zuryete?" I froze. It was Claudia.

Claudia and I were Highschool Sweethearts. I courted her when we were still in 1st Year High School.

*FLASHBACK*

October 1st 1977, 2:15 PM Hallway

It was my 2nd month at the Amelie Academy and I was a freshman in high school. I already met a lot of people, socialize with sophomores, juniors and seniors. I became a part of circle of friends. I am being attracted to the muse of the pilot section.

She is named Claudia Barcial. She is a scholar, no doubt. She is pretty, smart and somehow kind. A typical high school girl. I don't even know the reason why I was attracted to her.

While I was in the middle of my thoughts, Claudia approached me and said, “Penny for your thoughts?”

I could see in my peripheral vision that my friends are laughing so hard because of my face right now. I can feel the burning sensation on my cheeks and I could really imagine how I look like right now.