Sullies of Haunted Yesterday (Casa Fuego Series #4)

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One thing about maturing and *hopefully* improving in my craft is that I tend to find fault in how I've created my works from years ago. I read the first version of this story and thought that Eros and Emeraude deserved a better narration from me. Likewise with Nathaniel and Devall's story, as well as the two preceding stories in the series.

For so long, I contemplated whether or not it was worth it to edit and revise my old works when I have tons of new stories waiting to be written, and have so little time. But doing so brought this story closer to my heart. I have reflected in this story in more ways than I expected. This story is love letter to myself. And for that, I'm glad I made that decision.

Here ends the book of Eros and Emeraude. Thank you for reading all the way here. Thank you for being patient. See you on the next installment!

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Looking at the surface, Emeraude is quiet and simple. She won't talk if you don't talk to her. She won't even look at you even when you're already beside her. It should be easy to understand that she's simply a snob.

But then, I begin to realize... that she's actually so complex... always so guarded up... that she occupies my mind the whole time, trying to find out just why she dislikes me so much.

Kagaya ngayong gabi, at ang napakaraming beses na naramdaman kong ayaw na ayaw niya akong makita... o malapit sa kaniya.

"Sige po, Senyorito. Nakatago naman po ang mga booklet para sa mga naangkat nitong mga nakaraang taon."

Tumango ako. May gusto akong tignan at pag-aralan na rin. Hinintay ko ang mga booklet na sinasabi ng empleyado habang kinukuha niya iyon sa cabinet. Tahimik ang opisina at hindi kalayuan ang plantasyon... kaya napatingin ako roon nang may narinig na humahalakhak.

The voice sounded familiar. It sounded like Emy. But she doesn't chuckle that often, or even at all, that I didn't immediately believe what I heard... not until I saw her sitting on a bench in front of the flower field, looking down on her phone.

"Senyorito, ito na po ang mga booklet..."

Tango na lang ang naigawad ko sa kaniya, ni hindi na ako nakapagpasalamat dahil nadidistract ako sa mga halakhak ni Emy.

"Saglit lang. Dito muna ang mga ito," nilapag ko ang mga booklet sa lamesa malapit sa may pintuan.

Kunot-noong tumingin sa akin ang empleyado, siguro'y nagtataka kung bakit ko iniwan ang mga 'yon bago lumabas. I was curious what got Emy chuckling like that. It's like music to my ears, making me smile small as I walked through the lawn. But then, when I neared, I suddenly turned careful. I was scared of upsetting her and driving her farther away from me.

"You alone?"

Gulat siya nang napalingon sa akin. Ang ngiti sa kaniyang mga mata ay agad naglaho. She's guarded up again. And I noticed that she becomes more distant whenever I'm around. She may be a snob at times, but she doesn't go as far as shutting other people off. Pero sa akin, pakiramdam ko, oo.

"Oo," she said coldly.

"Nagpaiwan ka rito?"

"Oo."

I licked my lips. I am always walking on eggshells around her. She's efficient in making me feel like I'm not welcomed, yet I can't stay away from her. I could count on my fingers how many times she made me feel unwanted, and even ridiculous, but I still want to be near her... talk to her... and hear her chuckle likes this... because of me.

"Maybe I should start listing down questions you can't answer with yes or no, huh?" I tried to sound playful, but irritation immediately registered on her face.