The movie still hasn’t started. I closed my eyes and gave a hearty yawn. I almost fell asleep when I felt his phone vibrate violently. The name Michelle was blinking. Who’s Michelle? I thought to myself. Even before I could press accept, the phone stopped vibrating and displayed 1 missed call. The message icon was also blinking – meaning Michael’s inbox was full. I had to delete old messages to pave way for incoming texts. So I did. Five messages came in immediately, all of which were from “Michelle.” Without hesitation, I opened them one by one.

Ha?! What do u mean i shouldn’t text u yet? We need to talk ryt now! where r u?

Can I text you na?

Text me if coast is clear.

R u still with her?

I felt my heart do a somersault in complete confusion. What did the messages mean? Who was that HER Michael was still with? I felt cold sweat forming around my forehead and nose. I took a deep breath. So I pretended to be Michael and replied casually to the text messages. She replied in a matter of seconds.

O, why r u txting me so much? is there a problem? how r u?

Hi Mike!!! What’s new? Why just reply now? I’ve been waiting for u to msg me! R u with Shayne?

I thought I was just stabbed right in the chest when I saw my name in Michelle’s text message, but I continued replying with Michael’s phone.

yup, i just bought some food. I left Shayne inside the theater. why?

Why u didnt left her yet hihihi! Love, r we still gonna go out tomorrow?

Ah? i dnt know, its up to u. where r we going tomorrow?

Remember we’re going to Laguna thats what u said?

I said that? Oh yeah I promised you that. Eh whats ur plan?

What? ur the one who’s planning it! Why u throw the question back at me? Did u already forgot ? It’s our 4 months tomorrow! We should have a wonderful out of town! Swimming for sure and then dinner. U know what im talking abt, love!

I lay motionless. The movie began. I felt my head spin violently – my vision was now blurred because of the big teardrops gathering in my eyes. But I blinked them away and replied as fast as I could. I knew Michael was on his way back to the cinema any minute now.

Ok ok tell her that’s what we’re going to do. The time fly so fast love that we’re 4 months tomorrow.Hihiihih ok so that’s our plan tomorrow ok.Tell me what u think love?

Hmmm.. bring your car tomorrow ok! Call me when u get home tonight so we can talk ha? Love you lots! Mwah mwah! (smiley face)

I tried to reply I love you too, but the phone displayed Check Operator Services.

The whole world must’ve stopped before my very eyes. There was nothing more I could feel except for the tears rolling down my cheeks and the freeze that was now killing me inch by inch. I stared at the big screen while my thoughts drifted away. I couldn’t find the right words to describe how I felt that moment. Images of another girl and my Baby deeply in love with each other flashed in my head.

And all this time, I was sharing Michael with someone else. That all this time, there was another woman whom he had his right arm around. The tears were all coming out now. I know people around me were already staring, but I was no longer thinking rational. Emptiness devoured me that instant.

From a distance I noticed a familiar face walking up the stairs towards my seat. I cleared my throat, cleaned my face, and took several deep breaths. Michael was on his way to our seats at the center bunk.

I love you, Baby! Michael kissed me on the nose. I’m sorry baby! It took me so long! There’s alot of people waiting in line thats why it took me so long so sorry baby. He put down the plastic bags and held my hand tight. He kissed me softly on the lips and whispered passionately, I love you Shayne! I love you Baby ko.

I didn’t have the strength to answer back.

He went on. oh i remember, starting tomorrow, we have a fieldwork. So I will be back by next week.I’m not sure where the site is so maybe there’s no phone coverage or signal.But I’ll try texting you whenever I can, ok? I love you, Baby ko!

I wanted to shout at him, scream at the top of my lungs, but no sound came out. I couldn’t make myself say anything. I turned mute. my body was as numb as ever.

Oh? Still no I love you too? U should always say I love you too! He laughed.

I felt something vibrating on my lap again. It was Michael’s phone – another text message. Michael saw it blinking and immediately read the message at a distance. But I was able to read what it said:

When did u start learning to txt in a small letters? (smiley face) And also why u called me honey and why not love? Is it new now? (smiley face)

There was a long, long awkward pause. I thought the world has just stopped revolving.

My lips were sealed and the tears were already flowing freely – I could no longer control them. Michael looked straight at me, with his jaw half open. His eyes were round and bigger than usual, full of questions and fear. We just stared at each other, not knowing what to say. I felt the whole world sink and disappear, leaving only the two of us alone in the dark.

After a few seconds of silence that felt like forever, I swallowed the big lump in my throat with all my strength and bitterly whispered.

I love you too, Baby ko.