Consequences

Consequences 010

Flint’s POV:

“Before we start this party, I would like to use this opportunity to thank my sons, Elias and Edrix Santos who spent their time planning and preparing for this event. Also to each and every single one of you who cleared their schedules and attended this party.”

All of the guests listened as Mr. Santos gave off his speech. I realized that this party isn’t just an ordinary birthday party, as this marks his last day as the chairman of their companies. Lahat ng naririto ay mga naging business partners niya, some of his family members are also here. Kahit na nakikinig ay iginagala ko pa rin ang paningin ko dahil sa hindi malamang dahilan. There’s something off talaga.

Namalayan ko nalang na tapos na siyang magsalita nang magpalakpakan na ang mga guests. Nakisabay na rin ako sa palakpakan nila at nanatiling nakaupo habang ang iba ay nagsi-tayo na at pumunta kung saan-saan. Agad akong na-alarma nang mawala si Edrix sa tabi ko. Napatayo tuloy ako bigla at luminga-linga.

“He’s over there.” Napapitlag ako nang maramdaman ang mainit na hininga ni Elias sa balikat ko. Tumingin muna ako sakaniya bago tumingin sa tinuro niyang direksyon. Doon ko nakita si Edrix na nakikipag-usap sa ilang mga naka formal attire rin na lalaki. I even saw the guy he was talking to earlier, pero nakatalikod nanaman ito saakin kaya hindi ko makita ang mukha.

“Hey, Elias. Who are they?” Tanong ko kay Elias nang hindi inaalis ang tingin. Nang hindi siya sumagot ay doon lang ako lumingon upang tingnan kung may kausap pa ba ako. Nangunot ang noo ko nang makitang nakatitig siya saakin…at nakangisi. “Elias?”

“Hmm?” He hummed, still staring at me. For some reason I felt uncomfortable with the way he smirk. His eyes holds something I can’t put a name on. Despite feeling that way I glared at him.

“Umayos ka. Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan.” Inis na bulong ko. Mukhang natauhan naman siya ron at natawa bago umiling. In a blink of an eye that weird something in his eye disappeared.

“Eto naman. Masyado kang seryoso. Loosen up a bit, will you? This is a party!” He exclaimed and motioned for me to take a seat. Sinamaan ko lang siya ng tingin at naupo. “Hayaan mo si Edrix. No one will harm him. Unfortunately.”

“Tang—“

“Oh magagalit nanaman siya. Joke lang!” Bawi nito at humagalpak nang tawa. Pigil na pigil akong hablutin ang wine glass na nasa harapan ko at ihampas sakaniya. “You know, I’ve been wanting to ask you something for a very long time now.”

“Shoot.”

“Who are you?” My eyebrow automatically raised with his question. If I didn’t know any better I’d think his question is serious. But with the past few weeks that I’ve been around them, I know that’s his dumb question. He knows me as I’m aware he’s done his research about me.

“Flint Haven, Sir.” Seryosong sagot ko nang hindi inaalis ang tingin sakaniya. Muli siyang natawa at umiling-iling na para bang hindi iyon ang sagot na gusto niyang marinig.

“I know you’re Flint Haven. What I mean is, WHO…ARE…YOU?” Muling tanong niya. My head tilted to the side as I poke the inside my cheek with my tongue. This time, ako naman ang natawa sa tanong niya.

“What do you want to know?” I asked.

“Everything. Your age, where you from, your parents. Even when and where you graduated with whatever your course is, and where you went after that. Everything.”

“Well, I don’t give informations to strangers. So, better luck next time.” I said and gave him a smirk. He nodded slowly, sighing. I thought he was gonna drop it as he went silent for a few minutes.

“I know why my father hired you.”

His expression suddenly became serious, but still there’s a glint of playfulness in his eyes as he watches my expression. It was a good thing I mastered how to control my expressions, so I gave him nothing but a blank stare. He leaned towards me and tilted his head.

“I know he thinks I’d harm his son. His beloved youngest.” He says as he threw a glance to where Edrix is. Instead of looking at the same way, I remained staring at him, trying to read whatever he has in mind. His eyes aren’t emotionless, unlike his face. “But, why would I? How could I hurt my best of friends?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Elias. Your father hired me because the previous bodyguard quitted.” Baliwalang sagot ko. He chuckled, finding his amusement with my answer.

“Oh, you don’t have to lie to me, Flint Briella Haven.” He said and turned to look at me. “I know what happened at the camp.”

That was the last straw. I grabbed the knife beside me, but he was quicker. The moment I turned to face him I felt something cold pressed under my chin. I gripped the knife tighter, being careful with my move.

“Tsk. Tsk. Now, now. Take your seat.” He was smiling, but his eyes screams danger. Noon ko lang napansin na ako lang ang nakatayo. He was effortlessly pointing the knife on my neck while still sitting down. Akmang gagalaw ako nang may maramdaman sa tagiliran ko. Awtomatikong nanlamig ang buong katawan ko at bumigat ang aking pag-hinga. “You can’t afford to have another hit here, hmm? So, please, take your seat.”

Mas lalong humigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa patalim na nasa kamay ko bago dahan-dahang umupo muli. He then nodded and placed the knife back to where he took it. But his gun, his gun is isn’t aiming at me anymore, but the safety lock isn’t on either. One wrong move and I’d say bye-bye to this world.

“Let me tell you a story.” He says as he leans back to his chair. I tried to look around, looking for someone that can help me. Pero masyado kaming nasa gilid at hindi abot ng mata ng kahit sino unless intentional na titingin sa lugar namin. Marahas akong nagbuga ng hininga at ibinalik ang tingin ko sa nasa harapan ko. May lumapit saaming waiter na may dala-dalang wines. I wanted to take that chance to stand up and go to the other guests but of course, Elias knew that I’d think of that so he waved his gun at me.

“There was a man. He had two kids. One day, those two kids asked their dad if they can go hiking. The dad, was a single father. His wife died. Cause of death, unknown. So, being the loving father he is, he said yes. The eldest was 11, the youngest only 7 at the time. They went on hiking, only the three of them. They were all so happy as they reached the top. The view was so…calming.”

“And they went home. All lived happily ever after. What do you want?” Gigil na bulong ko. His smile widened, but his eyes showed the opposite. I was forced to keep my mouth shut and continued glaring at him. He then sighed and continued talking.

“The eldest wanted to go home already, but the youngest doesn’t want to. Gregorio, who for some reason also wanted to stay. The eldest didn’t take it in a good way. He thought that maybe, their father loved their youngest more than him. So he starte to get mad, yelling at them both. Poor kid.”

“El—“

“Shut up. I’m not done yet.” He snapped. I harshly blew out a breath. “The youngest wanted to comfort his brother, but the eldest pushed him away. Still, the youngest didn’t give up and tried to hug his brother, but ended up getting hit. That’s when the father stepped in. The eldest kept on hitting his brother until his father pushed them apart. Oh, did I tell you they were on the cliff side?”

Oh, I don’t like where this story is going. I saw him closed his eyes as he continue.