(Orville POV)
"Orville!" Selina called as she ran and gave me a hug.
"Long time no see, cuz!" I said as I was basically towering over her short stature.
"What brings you here?"
"It's Sofia's birthday next week and I want to make her special day memorable. I was hoping to have a 'La La land' themed birthday party here in your hotel since it's her favorite movie. I already talked to the event planner and here's her number so you guys can coordinate with each other." I said as I handed her the calling card.
"Sure! Did you settle everything with the planner already?"
"Yes, I did. I already told her about my daughter's favorite colors, decorations, the music, the cake that she would love. Everything's settled. She just needs to relay everything to you since you're the manager so you both can agree on the time schedule and everything else that needs to be solved."
"Alright, no problem. We'll make it happen."
"Thanks a lot. Kindly update me if there's any trouble."
"Sure, would you like to see the function room so you have an idea how convenient it can be for your daughter and if there's anything you would like to suggest?"
"I would love to."
--
"Maybe the band should be over there in the corner and the buffet table will be at the very right near the band, what do you think, hon?" Eloise suggested.
"It's fine." I said indifferently, not able to enjoy because of her presence.
"Alright, we will take note of that." The event planner said. I looked at my three kids to see them running around the function room, playing tag and so unaware of the stress we are under. They never fail to make me smile, even at their most mischievous moments.
"They are so big already, Orville. Last time I saw them, they were just this short." Selina said.
"Yep, time flies so fast."
"Is there anything else you want to request, ma'am? Sir?"
"None, anymore. Maybe we'll just see the final outcome very early on the day of Sofia's birthday so we can see for ourselves if there's anything that needs to be corrected."
"Noted, sir. I'll see you next week then." The event planner then walked away with her folder but not before being bumped by Harry who was chasing Sofia around.
"Ow!" She said as she dropped her stuff.
"Harry, Sofia, watch it!" Eloise said.
"No, it's fine, ma'am! Just be careful next time, sweeties!" She said before picking up her pen and papers that are scattered around. Harry and Sofia, being the dear that they are, helped her fix her stuff before getting ready to leave.
"Are you guys available for tea? Come on, let's catch up for a bit. " Selina asked the both of us.
"Um…Sure, why not?" Eloise said in an awkward tone.
"I'm cool with it, no worries."
"Alright then."
--
The conversation with Eloise and Selina has been going smooth and honestly, it's not as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was actually fun looking back at our good old days.
It was going well until….Ari barged in. I was struck dumb by the fact that she found out we are here. I cannot believe it. This woman definitely knows how to get in my nerves.
"Hey Orville! Hey Eloise!"
"Ari!" Eloise greeted as she stood up to give her so called friend who had been having sex with her husband a kiss.
"Hey Eloise! What's happening here?"
"We're just catching up with Orville's cousin here. You should join us."
"With all due respect but this is more of a family discussion." I said.
"Hush now, Orville. There's no problem if Ari joins us. By the way, this is Selina, the manager of the Scarlett hotel where Sofia's birthday is going to take place."
"Nice to meet you!" Selina said as they both shook hands.
"Nice to meet you too." Ari said as her maleficent eyes are glued on me.
"You know if you're free, you can come. More guests for Sofia, she'll love it." Eloise insisted.
I shook my head at Eloise before storming out of the hotel lobby. This is so messed up, I cannot stand it. I took out a stick of cigarette from my pack and lit it with my Brass Venetian Zippo windproof lighter.
As I began smoking, I also started wondering how long we can keep these secrets from ourselves. Should I confront Eloise about her being impregnated by another man? Should I just admit to her that I have been cheating on her with different women? We're like an unstable teenage couple who retaliates at one another, it's pathetic.
"Hey!"
I don't even have to look. I just know that it's Ari.
I turned around to give her a dismayed look.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing, I simply told them that I just have to take an important call but I did it to be with you here."
"Have you lost your mind? What the hell is this? Are you stalking me now, huh?"
"Well, you haven't been answering my calls and texts so I asked Harold where you are so I can come here."
"You shouldn't have come and don't even dare coming to my daughter's birthday."
"But your cheating wife invited me though."
"Listen, I never loved you so stop wasting your time and get the hell away from me. Spare yourself the agony."
"Do you have a new whore now?"
"None of your business."
"Just remember one thing, Orville. You're mine and sooner or later, you'll just have to accept it or deal with it." She said before strutting away with her heels clacking.
"Keep on dreaming!"
--
I was reading a magazine while lying on our bed when my wife came out of the restroom wearing a red nightgown. She then stood in front of me as if she was about to say something.
I raised my brow in confusion.
"What are you doing?"
"Orville, I have something to tell you." She smiled.
"Mm?" I groaned, quite uninterested of what her news is.
"I am pregnant. You're going to be a father." She announced in glee, which made me snicker.
"Well, congratulations to you and Gillian." I told her. Yes, I did. She was in a huge disbelief for a while but she managed to snap out of it and still argue with her usual lies.
"What did you say? What absurdity and paranoia is this now, Orville?"
"I said congrats to you and Gillian. Now, will you shut up and let me read in peace?"
"I get that I messed up badly but to make that serious accusation, it's so cruel, Orville."
"Ugh, are you going to pretend again? Fine, to shut you up and make this unproductive conversation short, I overheard you and Gillian speaking during the party. You even threatened to abort that baby because you're afraid that he might not leave you alone. Am I right?"
Eloise was looking at me, expressionless before bowing her head down in shame and guilt.
"It's okay. Just so you know, I have been sleeping with different women as well."
She then turned her eyes on me as quickly as possible. She was looking at me in a "How could you?" look. It seems as if she couldn't fathom how I could do something like that. She was lost for words and it felt good to see her feel what I have been feeling for a long time.
She's the reason why my life is miserable. She's the reason why I have been having flings. She's the reason why our relationship is hitting rock bottom right now. She ruined our family. It's her fault. She turned me into this.
"Orville, what have we become?" She cried.
"I warned you, didn't I? I pretend, I play dumb and I play dirty if I have to."