Chin loved that spot, the cliff 2000 feet high that gave a spectacular view of the ocean and the island. Its peaceful atmosphere and the breath-taking beauty of nature gave him comfort to think whenever he was troubled or distressed. And Malia believed that’s where she’ll find him. She parked her car at the cove and began the trek. She was extra cautious as she knew the first trimester was critical and she must not exert herself. She touched her tummy to comfort the baby. I’m so sorry for the climb, baby, but we need to find daddy.
Her heart pounded louder as she took each step higher to the cliff. She wanted to say the right words, to do the right thing that would somehow right everything that went wrong in Chin’s world without revealing she already knew about his dismissal. She wanted him to be the one to tell her in his own way.
Chin’s finely formed muscular back slowly came into view. The chilly winds blowing his dark hair, his sun bronzed skin beautiful against the pale blue sky of the horizon, Malia felt her heart soar. She found her nervousness dissipating and turning into joyful anticipation. How will he react about the baby? Will he jump for joy? Will he engulf her in his strong arms or lift her up and whirl her around in pure delight?
Even before she spoke, he knew Malia was there. They possess a strong connection that told him whenever she was near. He loved her so much that her lithe steps, her gentle breathing, her sweet scent of lavender, and even the swishing sound of her dress against her legs were imbibed in his system.
Even her silence was a communication. He knew that she knew that he just lost his badge. Even from a distance he could feel her love for him but he felt so ashamed, he had no idea how to face her… if only the ground would open up and devour him, then he wouldn’t have to face her.
He felt her slender arms wrap around his abdomen, her soft cheek leaning on his muscular back as she gave him a tight embrace. An embrace that told him she would never let go. Her touch brought tears to his eyes that he didn’t want her to see. He hardened his heart so as not to return her touch.
“We must never see each other again,” said Chin, in a cold, detach manner.
She suddenly faced him, her face horrified at his words, words she never thought she would ever hear.
“You can’t mean that!” she cried before burying her face in his chest as she embraced him tighter.
Chin had to restrain himself from touching her, his hands kept on almost touching her back to comfort her as she cried in his arms but just before their skin touch, he would pull his hand away. This was killing him. For every tear she shed, his heart bled tenfold but he needed to stand his ground.
She must tell him about the baby. The baby would change his mind. She knew it would.
“You don’t understand, I’m…” she cried but he cut her off by shaking her shoulders to face him.
“No! You don’t understand, Malia. You have no future with me. I have nothing to offer you…I am nothing!” he yelled forcefully.
Malia cried harder and hugged him tighter but Chin struggled to take her arms off him as tears started trickling down his cheeks.
“Please Chin, don’t do this. I love you,” she pleaded earnestly.
Chin managed to escape her embrace and held her shoulders to face him. For a moment he just stared at her beautiful face, memorizing every contour, every mole and every freckle she had so he could always carry it in his heart.
“I love you, Malia, more than you’ll ever know, more than I ever thought possible to love another human being…and that’s why I’m letting you go. You are better off without me.”
Malia said nothing. Her heart was breaking, she was struggling to breath. It’s as if the whole world was closing down on her. She needed air.She wanted to protest further but felt helpless.
Chin continued in a softer tone but no less firmer.
“You are a respected doctor in this community. I don’t want your life tarnished with the stigma of a dirty cop for a husband. I love you too much to disgrace you.”
Chin turned away from her and started walking away.
“I never doubted your innocence,” she said.
“I know,” said Chin without turning back.
Malia kept crying out his name and how much she loved him but Chin knew that if he glanced back, he would never go… he would never leave and so he kept walking, even as his heart bled with every step he took.
For a while Malia stood at the cliff, looking out into the horizon, sorting out her thought, relishing the peace before she finally wiped her eyes and touched her stomach.
I will never cry again. I will be strong and brave for my baby. For Chin’s baby…
