The Heiress' Revenge (SPG)

Kabanata 7

I let him in. I’m not sure why. For sure, kuya will be mad at me that’s why I’m inside the bathroom hiding and trembling. That small talk made me trust him for a moment and now I’m no longer sure about this. I realised it was a dumb move. When I made sure I locked the bathroom, I pulled out the telephone I snuck in whilst he was checking around the house, I dialled Kuya Daevan’s number. I’m panicking. What have I done?

What if he’s dangerous? Stupid!

“Hello? Kuya…” I said when he picked up the phone on the first ring.

“What is it? Are you okay?” We made a deal that I can only call him or my parents when it’s an emergency.

Well, I think this is…

“I…” scared to tell him.

“You what?” His voice was a bit bothered, but I can sense he’s alarm.

“I let someone in.”

“What the f**k, what?” He response through lungs. Halos lumabas ang dumi ng tainga ko sa kabila dahil sa lakas ng pagkakasabi niya. “Are you serious? Who? Did you call the police? Why?”

“Si Aga Damien, kuya. You know my former boss?” I said in a whisper. I took a short check on the door.

What if he’s eavesdropping from outside.

I didn’t hear a response. Maybe he realised that it wasn’t a life-threatening emergency since I called him first. We made a deal. If it’s a life-threatening emergency, I will call the police first. If not that bad like someone found me or I need money for food, I would to call him.

“Hello!” I demanded an answer.

“I know he’s coming, I’m sorry I was too preoccupied to inform you.” He said.

“You what?” Repeated his word.

“I’m sorry. Don’t worry, he won’t harm you. He won’t stay there for too long. Gusto lang daw niya makausap. He wants to check on you as well. I think we can trust him. He’s cooperating with us. I think you already heard, he was there with you, at that party, and a victim.” Paliwanag ni kuya.

Ako naman ngayon ang natulala at hindi na makapagsalita.

Kuya knows and trust that man. I suddenly remembered my former GM’s warning that night. To be careful of Aga. I remembered we were so careful of him that night. Later, we loosen up because we wanted to enjoy the party and beside Clarence was there. Kuya now is saying to trust him which contradicts my memory about Aga at that party. What if he was the perpetrator? Kaya bigla kong pinagsisihan ang pagpapasok sa kaniya. I panicked, okay? What if he’s just acting? To get my attention and do his deed whilst no one is looking. What if my r*pist wasn’t done with me that time? It was just fortunate I woke up and was saved. I don’t know anymore. Kahit sino naman iisipin din ‘yon. Can we really trust him?

“If you’re not comfortable, tell him to leave. Or I can call him.” Napansin ni kuya ang hindi ko pagresponde.

“It’s fine.” I don’t know why I said that.

Napasagot ako nang hindi nag-iisip. Iniisip ko pa talaga kung mapagkakatiwalaan ba siya. Sa totoo lang, nawala ang takot ko sa kaniya bigla. As if I was assured. I just hope this is right.

“I’ll deal with it. Total ako naman ang nagpapasok. Just assure me, he can be trusted.” I said.

“I won’t tell him where you are if I don’t trust him.”

“Okay, then. Thanks for your late information. I must go back…” sabi ko nalang na may lamang sarkastiko.

Ang totoo, nanatili ako sa banyo ng ilan pang minuto. Hindi ko kasi mapigilang kabahan. Nakalma man ako na hindi dapat matakot sa kaniya, kinabahan naman ako sa ibang bagay. He was my former boss. I’m a bit uncomfortable. No’ng isang linggo pa’y inis na inis ako sa kaniya. Naiinis ako sa pambabae niya at sa hotel niya pa dinadala. Nakikita nang lahat at marahil alam niyang pinag-uusapan siya. Maging ang GM niya, may nasasabi ring hindi maganda tungkol sa kaniya.

One more breathing and I’m out.

Inhale…

Exhale…

Another one. Inhale…

Exhale. Gosh! I can’t calm down. Lakas ng pintig ng puso ko. Hindi ko mapigilan ang kaba ko. Para akong mahihimatay sa kinatatayuan ko. Nakahawak lang ako sa doorknob at pinapalakas lang ang loob.

Kaya mo ‘to, Gab. Just trust your kuya. Well, it’s not about that. It’s just something else.

When I got the chance to open, I tried my freaking best to look calm and not be bothered. Ilang minute kaya akong nakatayo lang sa pinto? Did I look stupid? What did he think I was doing?

That I was pooping? Shocks! That is so… nakakahiya.

My eyes immediately found him scrolling his phone on the couch. I am hoping he won’t notice anything. I was missing for a while, what should I say? My heart skipped a beat when he looked at my direction. Naglalakad ako patungo sa kaniya at hindi nagpapahalatang mahihimatay na.

“I… I’m sorry. Uhm… my tummy was upset.” WHAT THE f**k?!

Way to go, Gab! Galing ng palusot mo!

When I realised what I just said, I stopped walking towards him. My tummy was what? It’s like admitting you did poop. Lowkey version lang? His facial expression didn’t change. Didn’t faze a bit. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin na walang ekspresyon. Nagpipigil lang ba siyang matawa?

The tension is messed up.

“Uhm… it’s getting dark, shall we continue tomorrow?” Palusot ko.

Pinapasok ko pero ito ngayon, pinapaalis ko. Kinagat niya ang ilalim labi na tila nag-iisip ito. Aba! Bakit pa siya mag-iisip? If I say, he should go, then he should. There’s nothing mathematical to think about. I changed my mind, and this is my place so he should leave.

“Do you often visit the resort?” He asked.

Kumunot ang noo ko. What is this extra question here? Wait, did he mean that private resort my brother just acquired?

“Paano mo nalaman?” A question, after a question.

Nagulat ako dahil alam niya ang resort na ito. Doon ba siya manunuluyan sa gabing ito? Did kuya allow his entrance?

“I own that resort already. You should visit as often; it is safe for you to go.” Aniya.

Teka! There’s some kind of confusion here. It was acquired by my brother days ago. Why is he claiming now that he owns it? Marami na yata akong hindi alam nitong mga nakaraan. Kuya has been keeping secrets from me. I went closer to him and rested my hand to the side of the single couch.

“Kuya bought it.”

“He can’t.” He firmly said.

“How come?” Are we poor? Is he getting poor?

“That will raise suspicion. Kaya ako nandito para mag-survey sa area nito, well it’s mine now. I have to make sure it’s safe for you. We agreed on this. Ako ang bibili para hindi lumapit dito ang hinala ng mga tao.”

Ako naman ngayon ang napaisip. Bakit siya pa? How did he gain kuya Daevan’s trust? Hindi dahil sa biktima lang din siya sa nangyari ‘di ba? It’s just creepy to think. Totoo rin naman ang sinabi niya. Hindi dapat magpadalos-dalos si kuya sa pagbili ng mga ari-arian na malapit sa akin.

“Why are you doing this?” I confidently asked.

“I want to protect you.” He said straightforwardly.

Natameme ako. May kung anong enerhiyang nagwawala sa sistema ko. Lahat sila nagsipuntahan sa tiyan ko at naging bulaklak. Inaamin kong may kung anong kakaiba akong naramdaman sa narinig.

What the heck!? Marahan akong umiling.

I’m just probably shocked. Overwhelmed with his generosity.

“Do you do this to your employees? Even former?” I asked, with a hint of attack.

“No. Why would I do that? May HR naman ang kompanya ko.” Another straightforward attack.

Literal na nahulog ang panga ko sa sinabi niyang ‘yon. Kung ano ang laman ng utak ng lalaking ito ay hindi ko alam. Grabe ba naman umatake ng mga salita. He must be a good-natured person. He knows what to say. He knows how to attack women with his words. No wonder marami siyang babaeng nadadala sa hotel. Maliit lang ang alam ko sa kaniya pero kasing edad lang sila ng kuya ko. He’s self-made. Not that he’s poor but unlike his other siblings na nasa politics or alagad ng gobyerno dahil sa magulang niyang nasa gobyerno, siya lang ang naiiba. He owns 3-stars hotels around Metro Manila and provinces but he’s not as big as my parents.

At babaero siya, sa dami ba naman ng babaeng dinadala sa hotel, masasabi kong womaniser siya. Kung bakit sa hotel na kung ako nag-ta-trabaho niya dinadala ang mga ito, hindi na sakop iyan ng aking radar.

Don’t care even…

“Am I special then?” I asked, I tried to smirk, but I failed.

Dati pa lang, may kung anong kakaiba sa kaniya kapag nagkakatagpo ang landa namin sa trabaho.

“Next question please.” He smiled.

Hindi ko sinuklian ang ngiti niya. We’re not friends and I don’t want to treat him as that. He’s still a threat to me. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya pinagkakatiwalaan ni kuya. He can be involved to the scandal, just to I don’t know act like a victim? Maybe he’s just twisting the story. We don’t know, so I won’t trust him… yet.

His smile faded. Nagkibit-balikat at diretsahang tumayo. Napatalon ako sa ginawa niya at napaayos ng tayo.

“I heard many things about you, you’re not as friendly as they all say.” He sounded dissatisfied. “Accommodating and the life of the crowd? You seem to be restricted and challenging to me.”

Was that sarcasm?

What? Pinagsasabi ng taong ‘to? He’s frustrating me. Anong koneksyon nito sa pinag-uusapan namin.

Gusto ko pa sanang makipagtalo at tanungin kung paano niya nasabing ‘hindi ako friendly’. He knew what I went through. He appeared out of nowhere, then I’m expected to treat him as accommodating as I can be? May saltik ba ang lalaking ito? Kaya mas dapat hindi ko siya pagkatiwalaan. Hindi ko alam kung anong plano niya sa akin at paano niya nakuha ang loob ng kuya ko.

“You may leave.” Nasabi ko nalang.

I’m getting upset. He needs to go when I’m still as ‘accommodating’.

“I’ll make us breakfast tomorrow, punta ka lang sa resort. Any time you want.”

“I can make my own,” sabi ko pa.

“Don’t be too hard on me, Gab. I’m your bodyguard s***h alalay now. You can use me however you want. Free of charge,” he winked after.

May saltik nga ang lalaking ito. He’s unpredictable…

“Why are you doing this?”

“That’s your assignment. If you want clues, visit the resort tomorrow, I’ll give you some clues.” Aniya.

Ginawa ba namang Blue’s Clues!

Hindi ko na dinagdagan pa. Hinayaan ko nalang siyang tumungo sa pintuan. He stopped and started checking my doorknob and its locking system. When I think he’s satisfied, he exited without looking back. That’s when I knew he really left.

Huminga ako ng malalim. There was a long tension between us both. I was holding my dear chest as I am reaching for the couch to sit. Kakaiba…

It’s strange. Instead of fear, it’s something else, I’m like comforted.

“For days na nandito lang ako nakakulong, hindi ko pa kailanman naramdaman ang ganitong comfort.” Nasabi ko sa sarili.

I shouldn’t fully trust him, but if he’s here to guard me, I feel like I’ll be okay.

Silence lingered for a moment. I’m not liking it. I’m not used to it…

Hindi ako sanay at parang hindi ako masasanay. Kailangan ko itong pagtiisan hanggang sa matapos ang lahat. Huminga ako ng malalim. The silence is making me cold at times like this.

Ngayon ko pa namalayang kanina ko pa hawak ang telepono. I’ve been wanting to call one person these past few days, but I didn’t want to disobey Kuya Daevan’s advice. Kaya lang nang malamang si Kuya Daevan ang nagbigay kay Aga ng mga impormasyong pamilya lang ang nakakaalam, bakit hindi ko pwedeng gawin ito? Bakit hindi pa sa taong mas komportable ako. Na alam kong aalagaan ako at hindi hahayaang masaktan ako ng kung sino.

Bakit sa lahat ng tao, bakit hindi si Clarence ang pinapunta niya sa akin?

I miss him so bad. I want to call him and just let him know my address so he can head here. Siya ang gusto kong bantayan ako. Hindi ang kung sino man. I understand kuya’s point but I’m starting to question his capacity to protect me and his decisions.

I’m starting to press Clarence’s mobile number.

I just want to talk to him.

I wonder what is he doing right now? Does he still miss me? Kami pa rin ba? Mahal pa ba niya ako? Gusto kong kumustahin ang magulang niya. Si Clarissa na nasa rehab. Galit ba siya sa akin dahil nadamay sila ng kapatid niya? What if sigawan niya ako o pagalitan sa hindi pagsunod kay kuya.

What if ma-disappoint ko siya?

I immediately pressed the cancelled button and throw the phone beside me, frustrated and urging to cry, I’m getting disappointed with myself.

I carry on my evening quietly. I would eat my dinner, either ordered or I make my own. Maliligo at maghahanda nang matulog. When I lay in bed, that is when uncertainty takes over. Until when? Of course, I’m not hiding forever here but until when? What if my r*pists will remain at large? What if they find me here?

Natutulog akong hindi mahimbing. Nagigising ako ng madaling araw dahil sa malabong bangungot. May gabing hindi ako nakakatulog sa takot. I’m left unattended here as if I’m a thing.

No one can save me.

Now, I have someone around. I still feel unsafe, but hopefully Aga is not the kind of person. For me to survive tonight, I must trust him.

I closed my eyes.

Lord may there be light after this darkness.

Another day came. I’m starting to realise that silence is deafening. I heard no manang waking me up, or mum nagging how late I am to school. No alarm clock to remind me I must go to work. No kisses on the cheek from kuya or dad. Natulala ako sa kisame buong umaga.

For the first time in days, I slept well.

I spent the rest of the morning making my bed and went to do my morning thing.

I’m a morning person when I have had my normal life. Ngayon ko lang ulit naramdaman ang ‘normal’ kong ginawa sa umaga. When I finished changing, I grab all the stuff I was supposed to bring to the beach until Aga came.

I don’t want to think now if he ruined it or not.

“Pupunta lang ako para sa sinasabi niyang clues. That’s it…” sabi ko pa sa sarili bago ko buksan ang main door.

Tinamaan agad ako ng mainit na araw. Yung tinutulugan kong kwarto ay nakaharap sa mga kakahuyan kaya hindi masyadong pumapasok ang init. Hindi ko alam na tirik na pala ang araw.

I will have to reapply my sunscreen.

Inayos ko muna ang hat ko para hindi masyadong tumama sa mukha ko at nagsimula nang maglakad. I can’t say I’m too late for breakfast but I’m getting early for lunch. I can’t tell. Hindi ko na halos alam ang oras. Para nalang akong robot ngayon.

Kahit na tirik ang araw, iniihip pa rin ng hangin ang direksyon ko. I was struggling with making sure my hat is in-tack whilst my stuff won’t fall. I’m wearing a floral dress and just a bikini underneath. It’s not like my first time but ever since that scandal happened, I’m kind of feeling restricted.

Mukhang tama nga si Aga sa sinabi niya kahapon.

Nagpatuloy akong sumusulong patungo sa resort kahit na nahihirapan hanggang sa narinig kong may lalaking nagsasalita sa may malayo.

“Are you okay?” Anang boses lalaki.

Napaangat ako ng tingin at tumutungo ito sa akin na may hawak na payong. It’s freaking Aga Damien! Ang singkit niyang mata ay hirap na tanawin ako. Naka-putting beach polo ito pero naka-unbutton ito, flexing his abs.

What a view!

I’m wearing my sunnies, so he won’t know I’m eyeing on his abs. It’s not something I’ve seen the first time. I mean, Clarence work-out too. Why am I comparing them now?

“Good morning!” Bati niya nang makalapit at tinapat sa ulo ko ang payong na dala.

“Morning…” tipid kong sagot.

“’Di ba maganda ang gising mo? Busangot ka na naman.” He made a statement as if I asked him.

Kailan pa naging masaya ang umaga ko? I’m stuck here for I don’t know when. Of course, I’m not happy. If he’s just trying to lighten up the mood, it is not helping at all. I feel s**t every day.

Nagpatuloy lang kami sa paglalakad at nakasimangot pa rin ako. I always felt like I was a people’s pleaser, but these past few days, I’m becoming cranky at small things. I get grumpy at people and being ungrateful. Why can’t I appreciate that this person made me safe last night? If he was really here to guard me.

He’s here to guard me even if I still feel suspicious about it. Yeah, that sound ungrateful, Gab.

Hindi ko na natanong ang kuya. I want to but I’m breaking our deal if I do. Hindi naman siguro ako pinababayaan ng pamilya ko. I’m probably just frustrated being locked away.

“Is there breakfast for me?” Pag-iiba ko ng tanong.

“Uh huh… kanina pa ako naghihintay sa ‘yo, but who am I to complaint? You’re a Villa Rama and a Montenegro. It could benefit me in the future.” He said.

Ha? Anong konek?

I’m offended with his statements. Anong mayro’n sa pagiging Villa Rama at pagiging Montenegro ko? He just mentioned, he could benefit in guarding me. That’s a big red flag!

Kumunot ang noo ko at tumigil sa paglalakad. Napatigil din agad siya, nagulat sa pagtigil ko.

“Oh, come on, princess. I’m just joking. Masyado ka kasing seryoso, umaga pa. now, I got your attention,” Sabi niya pa.

“Lalo mong sinisira ang umaga ko.” Pero nagpatuloy pa rin ako sa paglakad.

“Sulky.” Mahina niyang sabi.

“Ano?” I fired.

“Wala! Tara na, yung breakfast mo baka lamunin na ng dagat.” Pabiro niyang sabi.

Umirap nalang ako para mapigilan ang sarili ko. I’m irritated at him but he’s kinda entertaining.

I stopped myself from smiling. He’s cute, I mean ang sloppy ng jokes niya. I’ll ignore his statements, baka nga iritado lang ako sa lahat ng bagay at sensitive masyado.

I’m trying my best to be as serious right now. Pasulyap-sulyap ako sa kaniya habang siya ay focus sa pagpapayong sa akin. At this view, I can see his full features. He’s a Chinese-Filipino. Matangkad, matangos ang ilong, makapal ang kilay at singkit ang mata. He has natural black wild hair and twinkling black eyes. I felt he’s a good-natured person. This is the first time I see him close.

I knew he’s good looking in general. I mean, look at him, girls would love this strip immediately when they see him. He doesn’t have to impress, he’s a full meal. Plus, a businessman. He can show-off with his money, looks and power.

Although a Chinese descendant, nasa public service at medical ang pamilya niya. Stereotype ng mga tao, nasa business sila. He’s probably self-made.

That’s impressive.

“Are you enjoying the view?” He looked down to check on me.

Did he catch me describing his whole-ass face? Mabilis akong napatingin ng diretso sa daan. I cleared my throat in embarrassment. I’m not yet prepared to blush. Namumula pa naman ako kapag nahihiya.

“No! I’m just…” think wisely, Gab. H’wag stupida! “I’m just looking at the umbrella. I like the color.”

Crap! Another second-hand embarrassment.

He chuckled, “I didn’t know you like black.”

“Ewan ko sayo!” Marahan ko siyang tinulak palayo sa akin.

Mabilis na naglakad papasok sa resort. Umiinit na ang pisngi ko dahil sa kahihiyan. He caught me just like that. Pinahalata ko lang na wala akong hiya.

“It’s okay, you can stare at me all day, Tayo lang naman ang nandito. Baka nga magkagustuhan pa tayo eventually.” Panunuya niya.

Tumatawa itong sumusunod lang sa akin.

“Well, for me…” he stopped.

Hindi ko na gustong marinig pa ang sasabihin niya kaya pinagpatuloy ko lang ang pagtakbo hanggang sa nakapasok na kami. Bukas ang malaking gate nito na may nakapaskil na ‘PRIVATE PROPERTY! NO TRESSPASSING! CCTV working”. Wala pa iyan no’ng isang araw. Siya siguro ang naglagay.

Agad akong sinalubong ng hangin. Tumigil ang mundo ko at niyakap ang ihip ng hangin sa katawan. It’s my therapy. The vast ocean helps me in keeping my sanity these days.

I missed my therapy session yesterday, I felt like I’m complete again.

Pagkapasok sa gate, may mga punong-kahoy na masisilungan. Sa bandang kaliwa naman ay isang maliit na bahay na tiyak kong tinutuluyan ni Aga ngayon. Napansin kong bukas ang mga bintana nito at kitang wala masyadong laman ang loob nito. Yesterday was probably his first visit.

“Bumili ng lupa at bahay pero hindi man lang nag-survey.” Komento ko.