THE STORY OF O

THE STORY OF O
pen and ink on paper
11"x 17"

I. The story of O

"Do you love her?"

"Of course"

"How much do you love her?"

"What do you mean? I don't understand."

"I mean, do you love her enough to give up this secret life you have? Your hidden affairs with men?"

Silence…

II. The story of J

"Alam mo dre, it's in my nature eh. I don't admire men. I want to have sex with them. Paminsan-minsan lang naman ito eh, di ba? (It only happens sometimes, right?) Besides, I still go home to my wife and daughter. I keep them well-provided for."

III. The story of A

"It was very painful. In all honesty, I did love her. But the marriage was doomed from the start. I married her family. Her dad made the smallest decisions in the house I built for her. Telling her I'm gay was simply the icing on the cake."

"I have already asked for her forgiveness. I just do hope she'd learn to forgive me someday."

"And your daughter? How about her?"

"I just hope someday, she'll find me. I just pray that someday, I get to meet her."

III. The story of M

"Wow, you're going to give birth soon. I'm pretty sure you're quite excited."

"Yes, I am."

It's that unmistakable glint of expectation in her eyes that betrays her joy. I see that in every soon-to-be mother I get to speak with.

"How's your husband?"

"Oh, he's pretty much excited too. I married the most wonderful guy. He's always there. He's even fussier about my pregnancy than I am. He's with his best friend R, buying clothes for the baby. They're like brothers, always together. Sometimes I think my husband is closer to him than I am."