Hiding Her (R18)

Chapter 1

Antonette's POV

If I will describe my life in one word, it will be luxury.

All I see are expensive stuffs. From head to toe, I wear them all. My father is really giving me the life everyone would dream off. And here I am, burning his money.

“Lady Antonette?” I came back to my senses when the saleslady called.

“Ahmm, yes?” I forgot what she was talking about.

“Ibabalot ko na po ba ito Lady Antonette? Or eto pong kulay pink?” tanong n'ya. She's holding the shoes I was selecting to buy.

Pang ilang bili ng sapatos ko naba 'to? pang 27? I think I already checked every store inside the mall, and I'm not even exaggerating. In one day I bought 26 shoes, and it's gonna be 27 now.

“Sawa na ako sa pink, give me that green one, I'll buy it.” Nagmadali ang saleslady nang sinabi kong kukunin ko na ang green na sapatos.

And if you're wondering why they know my name, that's because I'm not just rich but also famous. Well, the billionaires life is written in magazines and showed on tv, even my life. People are always curious, even the media.

The saleslady got back immediately with a paper bag. I stood up and grabbed the paper bag then handed her my credit card. I thanked her for her service, she was so patience throughout the hours.

When I'm done I got out. I saw my bodyguards holding the other paper bags. It was so many that I need their help to carry them all. Ibinigay ko ang dala ko sakanila, sila na ang bahalang ilagay yon sa kotse.

The sun is still up, if I go home now I'll just get bored. It's sunday, I should enjoy more.

“Lady Antonette, aalis na po ba tayo?” I shook my head at Alisa, my personal maid.

“Gusto ko pa maglibot. Hintayin n'yo nalang ako, hindi ako magtatagal,” ngumiti ako at tumalikod.

She heard her called me but I didn't looked back. I just remembered I want to buy a phone case, I haven't both one in years. My current phone case is old now, I'd been using it for five years. Buying one will surely satisfy me now, then I can go home. Hmm, the shop is in the third floor and a little bit far. Better go there now.

Naglakad na ako. While looking around I can feel that someone is staring at me, all the people seems to look at me but what I felt is kinda strange. Oh well, hindi ko naman mapigilan ang ibang tao. They seem to fantasies me. I should've brought atleast one guard with me. Anyway, I will just be quick.

Pagpasok ko sa tindahan ay namili na ako agad. Wow! ang gaganda, at madaming pagpipilian. My Mom is the first one who both me a phone case, next is my Dad. I like gadgets, my phone is my favorite. This is a limited edition after all. Ako naman ngayon ang pipili ng case nito, hindi ko naman itatapon ang lumang phone case ko. I'll display them. My Mom died years ago, and I want everything she gave me displayed in my room. That's the only thing that will remind me of her. I smiled bitterly.

And why did I get so dramatic? I shooked my head. I was only trying to buy a phone case.

Dinampot ko na agad ang napili ko. It's a color yellow phone case with diamonds. Looks expensive. I love it!

I immediately went to the cashier to pay. While I was waiting, I felt chills on my body. That feeling again, someone's watching me. I looked around. Seems normal in my area, but I kinda don't feel comfortable now.

The lady infront of the machine handed me my paper bag that has the case inside. I thanked her and left.

“Salamat Ma'am, balik po kayo.” Tumango nalang ako sa saleslady na nagbabantay sa exit.

When I got out the store I suddenly felt that I need to pee. Seriously? Hmm, maybe this is the reason why I suddenly felt uneasy? Right! I need go to the restroom.

NANG MATAPOS ako sa dapat kong gawin bumalik na ako sa parking lot kung saan naka park ang kotseng sinasakyan ko. I didn't take too long so I hope I didn't bore them.

I was about to step my foot to the entrance of the parking lot when a paper suddenly fell infront of me.

“Ano 'to?” my forehead creased.

Pinulot ko ang papel. It's a little plain white paper, nothing special in it.

Wait?!

Lumaki ang mga mata ko nang mabasa ang nakasulat.

“It's nice to see that you're having fun, but how will that fun last? Haha, we'll kill you, not now but soon.” I gulped. The letter is printed in red color.

Hindi to basta lang nahulog sa harap ko. Sinadya tong ihulog! And this is no ordinary letter.

It's a death threat!

Tumingala ako. Walang tao sa taas, mukang umalis na. Nalukot ko ang papel sa kamay ko. I was right, someone is watching me since I came back inside the mall. What should I do with this?

Sasabihin ko ba agad kay Dad? No! father will be worried. I will keep this to myself for now. This might be a prank, people had been eyeing me all the time. Must be my fans who are jealous at me, this is just a petty little issue.

I heave a sigh and walk calmly back to my car.

“Lady Antonette, kamusta po? Nabili n'yo naba lahat ng gusto n'yo?” Alisa came and took the bag I was holding.

Napatitig ako sakanya habang nilalagay n'ya ang peper bag sa likod ng sasakyan. Agad din akong napailing. She's my maid for 8 years, why would I suspect her.

Tumingin ako sa mga guards ko sa loob. I shook my head again. Hindi ko na muna iisipin ang letter. Kinalma ko ang sarili ko.

“Lady Antonette?” I was startled when Alisa tapped my shoulder.

“Goodness Alisa, you almost gave me a heart attack,” I said and held my chest.

“Nako! Sorry po Lady Antonette. Kanina pa po kasi kayo parang wala sa sarili,” she apologized.

“Ahm ganon ba? Haha don't mind me. Akala ko kasi may nakalimutan akong bilhin. Anyway, let's go.” Sumakay na ako at agad na nila pinaandar ang sasakyan.

Tahimik lang ako sa buong byahe. I don't know. I'm always excited to talk about what I bought. Alisa and my guards will also chitchat with me as we travel back to our mansion. I bet Alisa is looking at me, worried. I have to keep... atleast say something. Like the usual me.

“I bought a phone case,” I broke the silence.

“I remember my Mom buying me my first phone case. Dad may bought me a very expensive phone, but Mom made it special.” Si Dad lang naman ang mayaman sa kanilang dalawa ni Mom eh.

Ni minsan hindi s'ya inabuso ni Mom. That's why she always buy me stuffs that's a little cheaper. My Mom is a great women.

“Kaya po pala tahimik kayo. Naalala n'yo po siguro si Madam Mara,” sabi ng isa sa bodyguard ko na naka upo sa tabi ng driver ko.

I nodded. It's not that tho, but I needed something to talk about. I want to divert my attention to the letter that I got. However, I do miss Mom, it wasn't a lie.

“Don't worry about me, I'm all good. I'm a little... Well uneasy... Uhm I mean lost in my thoughts.” Napakamot ako ng ulo nang mahinang tumawa si Alisa.

“Wag na po kayong malungkot. Nasa itaas lang si Madam Mara, laging binabantayan kayo.” Sana nga si Mom ang nagbabantay sakin, pero hindi eh... Iba.

I person that I don't know.

Nakauwi na kami at binuhat na nila ang mga gamit na binili ko. Except the phone case tho. I used it just now. Uminom muna ako ng tubig, nakalimutan kong hindi ako uminom ng tubig kanina. That's why I'm feeling dry.

“Nakauwi kana pala anak. How was your day?” I almost spitted the water in my mouth when he came.

The place was quiet until he entered.

“Dad don't scare me like that,” he tilted his head, he's like examining me.

Uhm, do I look a bit off today?

“Is there something to be scared of?” Agad akong umiling.

“No, by the way my day is fine. I bought 27 pairs of shoes, and one phone case.” I shown him my expensive phone case.

“Don't worry I'm keeping the phone case you and Mom gave. I just... I always wanted a new one,” I smiled, he nodded and said it looks amazing for a phone case.

Well, I have taste.

“You want to eat? There's still food in the fridge, do you want me to order food? or I'll cook for you?” umiling ako. Gusto ko nalang magpahinga.

“No thanks Dad, I know you have something else to do.” I giggled. He's busy, he's wearing a suit right now. That means he's going somewhere, it's okay if I just go up to my room.

Dad is always busy everyday, even in weekends.

“Are you sure?” I nodded again.

“Yes Dad,” I gave an assuring smile.

Pero kahit na nakangiti ako ay mahigpit ang pagkahawak ko sa papel sa bulsa ko.

“Alright, see you later,” he kissed my forehead and left.

I went up, got inside my room and placed down the letter on the table.

I clenched my fist when I read the text again. I'm uneasy about this, but I'm angry as well. Who ever wrote this to me shall pay, hah! Not now but soon.