"What the hell is going on with you, Ana? Do you want to die because of that man?!"
"Hija, you can nicely talk to your sister. Why are you always shouting?"
"Papa, she is too much! If the hospital didn't call us, we never knew that she'd been here in the country for almost a year. It's good that the parents of that bastard sent her here safely. What if they are just the same as that son of a b! tch?"
"Still, we need to understand her, Hija. She has been through a lot."
She can hear her father and sister. They are arguing because of her. But those words are nothing to her. Because that scenario is still popping into her head, she almost died three months ago from a bullet in Ellysa. Still, she didn't leave the place because she told herself that she could endure anything just for him. But what she cannot forget is her friend Melanie perished right under her eyes. And she was dead because of her. In the BURGER STAND, they switched their position when the riding in tandem had his move.
"Hey, Anastasia! Where are you going? Come back here!" They called her in unison.
But she wants to end up the torture that is hunting her soul. It's better for everyone if she dies.
Then...
"HEY, lady! What the hell are you doing? Don't you know that you are in the middle of the road?"
"Why did you stop me? I want to die now!"
"F*ck! If you want to die, not me! I don't want to harm anyone!"
"Then leave me alone here! Go away! Go... I don't want to burden anyone's life anymore!"
She knows what he's saying. She's in very good condition. She just wanted to end up her life.
"Shut up! As I've said, if you want to die, don't include anyone in your foolishness. Now, before you can cause more commotion here, come, and I'll take you home."
She that, her saviour said as he took her to the brand new car.
AFTER SOMETIMES...
"She's alright now, Sir. Thank you for saving her." Liza complimented.
"Drop the formality, Miss Liza---"
"Excuse me; I'm already married. So don't call Miss. Just Liza." She interrupted him.
"It's okay, Liza. By the way, my name is Maximo Deogracia. Since I'm late, can I stay for a while? Anastasia is sleeping now, but I want to wait until she wakes up. She told me something that I want to ask," he answered.
By that time, the old man, Anastasia's father, who's silently listening around the corner, speaks.
"If I'm not mistaken, you are an engineer and working in DPWH in the city. Why would an educated and professional like will be interested in my daughter's word?" he asked curiously.
"I don't know, but I was wondering why she wanted to end up her life. About your question, I'm indeed working in DPWH. Don't worry, Uncle. I'm just doing this for her to open up her mind. Everyone in this world has gone through a lot of pain. By the way, instead of waiting for her to wake up, I'll be back this afternoon. I'm leaving for now, Uncle."
"Liza, take care of her."
He bid his goodbyes respectfully before he left.
"WHAT do you think of Maximo, Papa?"
"As of now, I cannot say anything about him, Liza. But I'm hoping that he is just interested in your sister's words."
"That's it, Papa. That's what I mean. It's true that he just saved Anastasia, but the way he looks at her is a different issue. By the way, I'm going back to our house now. Just call me when you need anything or Anastasia. I'll be here together with my kids tonight."
The old man didn't answer, but he nodded. He also waited for Liza to be out of his sight before letting go of his deep sigh.
'The spark in his eyes tells that it's not just because of Anastasia's words. At my age, I know that there's something about it,' he blubbered silently.
As the days go on!
"Okay, fine! If my gratitude is what you want, thank you. But you are not funny anymore." Anastasia smirked.
"Why, Ana---"
"Don't call me that way, Maximo! Just go home and never come back here!"
She furiously interrupted him. She's not angry, but she wants to cover herself. The way he calls her name makes her remember her past life, especially in Tarlac—where she lost everything, including her dignity.
"That's your name, Ana---"
"I told you not to call me that way! Now, if you still want to be friends with me, stop that now or else I will never see you again!"
She stood up and tried to walk away. But in just a few steps, Maximo manages to stop her. That name means a lot to her. Lester's treacherousness echoing on her upon hearing the word. It pains so much to her to recall each and every day.
"Okay, I'm sorry, Tacy. Yes, I will call you that way because that's what you want. Since that, you don't want to be called by your name Ana. Hopefully, we can continue our friendship," he said.
"Sure, Max. But I will tell you now, if you have another plan in getting close to me, forget it now. Because I don't to get involve in any relationship now. So it's better for you to stop if you have an ulterior motives." She sighed as she said those words.
She was not just born yesterday not to know or understand what's his inner intention. Based on her previous relationship with Lester, he started that way as well. It's started with a friendship. And she's just a woman who falls for him.
"ARE you sure of that, Hija?" Anastasia's father asked.
"Yes, Papa. I want to try my luck again in the neighbourhood. My friend and I applied at the burger stand, and they called us yesterday stating that we were accepted. And we need to report tomorrow," she answered.
"For me, it's alright since you have an experience in a burger and. But I'm worried that you might face another---"
"Papa, I know what you mean. But that's the reason why I'm going to the other City to have some work. I want to help you in so many ways. I don't you be in hard time again. Because I want to escape from him. As you can see, he is coming here daily." It's shameful, but she cuts her father's word.
"That's it, Hija. I'm just worried about your safety. It's not for me but for you. I don't want you to be hurt again." He let out a deep sigh.
Her father is right. She will avoid Maximo while she still has a chance. Because if she doesn't, she's afraid that she will be in the same situation as her past as well.