Lead Me To You

Kabanata IX

Mansion

Monica

Naupo si Francis sa kanyang swivel chair at humarap sa akin. Hindi ko pa rin maalis ang aking mapagtanong na ekspresyon dahil naguguluhan pa rin ako sa mga nangyayari.

Am I being fooled right now?

"I don't really need another assistant," I heard him said.

"Why did you want to hire me then?" It was a half meant question and a half meant statement.

"It is for your safety-"

"There! Here we go again! You wanted to keep me? Then what? To hide me again for someone who wants me dead? And then you will also get in trouble because of me or worst you will also die!"

Is this really my fate? Their fate?

Whoever comes near me, they always end up dying.

At hindi ko na kayang mayroon na namang mawawala nang dahil sa akin. My cousin's life is also in danger because of me. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari at kung ano ang isusunod na patibong ng kung sino mang gusto akong patayin.

"We are just worried about you. Your cousin is concerned since the explosion." He said.

Please, I want them to understand.

"Why are you so worried about me? I've got nothing now. They can kill me anytime." Kaysa sa madamay pa sila.

"Huwag mong sasabihin ang ganyang pananalita, Monica!" Narinig kong entrado ng pinsan ko.

Ayaw ko nang pahabain pa ang komosyon na ito. Na kahit ano namang gawin ko ay hindi pa rin ako masusunod.

"I am responsible for your security, Monica. Kahit wala na si Don Massimo ay hindi ko pa rin bibitawan ang pangako kong ako ang magbabantay sayo."

"If they really want to kill me, matagal na nilang ginawa kahit nasa Italy pa ako."

"Stop! You will work here not because we hired you. You will be here everyday, hindi ka aalis hangga't hindi kita hinahatid o sinusundo. Kung nasaan si Francis ay kasama ka niya. Hindi ka niya bibigyan ng mabigat na trabaho." Paliwanag ng pinsan ko.

"Will I get paid?"

If I'm going to be here, at the working hours and tailing Francis, at least they need to pay. I am jobless and broke.

"How much do you want?" Francis asked.

"Are you seriously asking me?" Tanong ko. 

I can't believe it.

"Yes. I need to know how much salary you want for a month."

"Well, beside on the favors I asked you to do. Just enough to support my needs every month."

"How luxurious you want your life to be?"

What?

"I am not a material centered woman! Enough is enough." I hissed.

"Just wanted to know because I know and I witnessed how luxurious your lifestyle was in Italy."

It was because of Paris, my husband. He always wanted to eat outside or spend time with me outdoors. Playing sports, shopping, he also includes me in his business trips so I got the chance to roam around when he's not busy. But it was not because of my luxurious life.

"Makinig ka na muna sa akin, Monica." Lumapit sa akin si Mateo at kinulong ang aking mga pisngi gamit ang kanyang mga palad. "I need to ensure your safety as a promise to your father. And don't say that I do not care about you. I do. And I am your only relative left that you can rely on."