Moonville Series 1: Secret Lovers

The following day, Alice, Benjie, Ricky, and Glory met at Raul's office in TGH. The latter also acted as the mediator of the discussion that is about to happen.

"I guess this is something that nobody among us thought could happen; but we're all here now to settle things, something that we should have done a long time ago. Well, at least we're doing it now. For the kids. And for all of us." "I think I should talk first, since I'm the one who started all these," said Alice. "I'm the reason why Ricky and I broke up back then, and I am also the reason why until now, we still haven't moved on. Because until now, I still haven't moved on." Benjie held his wife's hand. Alice looked at him, and Benjie smiled at her. Alice smiled back.

"I guess I'm just really that person who never forgets that easily. Especially since I was very hurt back then. I hated the whole Quinto clan. Even the Gonzalez who became our family friend at first, when I found out that Miguel is the husband of Minerva Quinto, I avoided them. I guess, I really overacted. And now my children are suffering because of me."

"We can't really blame you," Ricky said to Alice. "I understand why you felt that way to my parents and siblings. I know our relationship was not easy because of how they treated you. And I'm sorry for that."

"Never mind that. I guess that's how it really is. They don't like me for you, and we can't do anything about that. My fault was, I kept a grudge against them. Even those who didn't do anything were dragged into that hate. That's what I regret the most."

Alice's tears welled up. "I'm very sorry... I'm very sorry because I held onto the past for more than twenty years. Even though I did not do anything bad to you, I hated you in my heart. And that was wrong, very wrong because even God was able to forgive. Who am I to not do that, too?"

Alice looked at Glory. "Gloria, I'm sorry. I know you didn't do any wrong. I was jealous of you without you doing anything. Your friendship with Ricky was pure, but I didn't believe."

"I understand. You love Ricky that's why you were jealous," Glory said. "But I swear, Alice, we fell in love when you were not together anymore. When you're still his girlfriend, I was just his friend."

"I know, and I'm sorry." Alice then looked at Ricky. "Ricardo... I'm sorry..." She cried completely. "I wasn't a good girlfriend. I gave you a hard time courting me, then when we became official, I was very possessive and jealous. I guess your family just treated me how I should have been treated."

"Don't say that," Ricky said to Alice. "Everyone becomes possessive and jealous with their loved ones at one point. I guess, the relationship never ran smoothly because from the beginning until the end, you like Benjie. He really is your love." "But I swear, I loved you back then. I will not accept you if I didn't."

"But your love for Benjie is stronger."

"I

I guess so." Alice bowed down.

"I understand," said Ricky. "I believe that we really have that one great love in our life. You found yours, with Benjie. And I found mine." Ricky held his wife's hand, then kissed it.

Glory smiled at her husband. Even Alice smiled at what Ricky did.

"I hope you can forgive me," Alice said again. "Let's just leave in the past whatever happened to us back then. I know I don't have the right to say that, because I was the one who really did not move on. But finally, I learned to let go and I'm moving on right now. That's why, I really hope you can forgive me."

"We already did," Glory said. "We have forgiven you for so long, we just cannot tell you because we don't know how we can approach you for us to reconcile."

"But now, we know that we're really okay," Ricky said.

"Yes, that's for sure," Alice said. "I'm really good now, promise!"

Ricky smiled. His tone also lightened. "That's good, because our reunion in high school is approaching."

Alice laughed at what Ricky said. "You're right. At least I don't have a reason to not go there."

"We can go there together," Ricky said. "With Glory and Benjie."

"Of course." Alice smiled.

"I'm not coming," Benjie suddenly said. "I'll just meet those girls who had a crush on me before."

"Benj, you really are smug, huh?" Raul said.

"I'm just telling the truth. I was the school heartthrob back then. Look at Alice. Until now I am still her crush." "Correction, you're not my crush anymore," Alice told her husband.

"That's not true..." Benjie said.

"You're not my crush because now, you're my love." She then embraced him.

"I really don't know what potion you used with Alice that's why she's very in love with you," Raul said to Benjie.

"That's just pure charm and sex appeal."

Everyone laughed at what Benjie said.

"So proud!" Alice joked. "Good thing I love you very much. Please don't doubt me again, okay? Don't doubt my love ever again."

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"I know. And I'm sorry," Benjie said in a serious tone. "I won't doubt your love for me again."

"Thank you."

Benjie and Alice embraced again.

"So, are we all good now?" Raul asked.

"Of course," said Ricky whose arm is now wrapped around his wife's shoulder.

Alice went to Glory and embraced her. "Thanks, Glory."

"Thank you, too," Glory said with a smile.

Alice then hugged Ricky. "Thanks, Ricky. Thanks for everything."

"Thank you as well," said Ricky. "I'm happy that we're okay now. At least I know my son's future in laws are kind."

"Wait! My Alex is still a baby, okay?" Benjie said. "She can't get married yet."

"Don't worry, Benjie," Ricky said. "Richard is going to be a doctor. He won't get married anytime soon."

"Good! I like that," Benjie said.

Ricky shook hands with Benjie. "Benjie." He smiled.

Benjie smiled back. "Thank you, Ricky." He then looked at Gloria. "Glory."

"Thank you, too," said Gloria.

Benjie then looked at Raul. "Angel can't get married yet as well."

"Don't worry," Raul said. "Bryan is afraid of you. He won't elope with your daughter."

"Good!" Benjie said again.

Everyone laughed.

"You're very embarrassing!" Alice told her husband.

"I just want to clarify everything," Benjie said.

"Your husband is really very wise, Alice," said Raul.

"I should be! I have two daughters, you know."

"Speaking of which. Can Richard come and visit Alex now?" Ricky asked Alice and Benjie.

"Sure," said Alice. "I think that's just what Alex needs to recover."

"Your daughter got your jealous personality," Benjie said to Alice.

"Right. Of all the things she can get from me."

"Well, she already got her good looks from me, so she just inherited your character."

"Benjie, let's end this discussion now," Raul said. "I can't take your smugness anymore."

"I'm just telling the truth! Alex got her good looks from me, that is why Richard did not help but fall for her."

"Alice, I really admire your patience," Raul said. "I am thinking of making you a statue for being an enduring wife." "And I'll also make one for Helen," Benjie added.

Alice, Glory and Ricky all laughed at Raul at Benjie's banter.

"But Kuya, I'm glad that you and Benjie are okay now," Glory said to Raul.

Raul grinned. "I'm glad, too."

The five of them decided to go to Alex's room to tell her the good news.