OFFSTAGE (Suspire Series #2)

Kabanata 7

Mamayang hapon ay darating na ang mga katawan nina Ate Lissa, Kuya Brandon at Billy. Iniisip ko palang na makitang wala na silang buhay parang hindi ko yatah kaya.

Pinatawag ako ni Mama sa mansion kaya kailangan kong pumunta. Dumiretso ako sa kusina kung saan naroon si Aubry at Eros. Namamaga pa rin ang mata ni Aubry kaiiyak kahapon. She seemed to be worn out. She had a melancholy expression on her face. Namumutla rin siya. She managed to give me a small smile as she saw me going in their direction.

"Alis na ako," paalam ko. "Handa ka na ba mamaya?" I asked carefully. She simply gave me a consoling nod. Natawagan ko na rin si Zoe kagabi at kinuwento ang nangyari kaya hindi muna ako makakapasok sa boutique.

Tiningnan ko si Eros at tinanguan lang niya ako. I'm grateful she's accompanied by Eros. That's exactly what she needs. I got into my car and drove down a deserted lane. In front of the tall gate, I parked my Mercedes. Because I knew this will be quick, I didn't bother entering it within the front yard.

Akala ko sasalubong na naman sa pisngi ko ang mabigat na palad ni Mama. However, as I went closer to the mansion. I noticed her in the house's backyard. Nakaupo siya kaharap ang swimming pool.

Her head twisted to see if there was anyone behind her; it was me. "Sit," she orders. Tahimik akong sumunod at umupo sa tabi niya. May isang table lang na namamagitan sa amin. Under the table, I noticed a white folder. She slid the packet toward me with her hands. I was perplexed when I stared at her. "Sign the papers," utos niya.

"What is this?"

She sighed, as though answering my question was a difficult task. She remained silent. I skimmed the printed material briefly. When I saw the term transfer, I scowled. Hindi ako makapaniwalang napatingin kay Mama pagkatapos kong binasa ang ilang mga nakalagay sa folder.

She wants to take over my assets and transfer it in her name. Ibig sabihin lahat ng mga dapat na para sa akin ay mapupunta sa kaniya. "Nakausap ko si Mr. Miller," she spoke out about my Dad's former secretary. Si Mr. Miller ang kasalukuyang pinagkakatiwalaan ko na magpatakbo ng mga hotels and properties na nakapangalan sa akin. "Sign the papers," she states one more.

Mahalaga lang talaga sa kaniya ang kumpanya at pera. Hindi bale nang walang matira sa akin basta may makuha siya. Kilala ko si Mama. She hasn't given me a penny since. Para bang pinagdadamutan niya ako lagi ng mga bagay na kailangan ko naman talaga. At responsibilidad niyang ibigay sa akin.

I knew that if I signed these foolish papers, all my father had worked so hard for would be for nothing. I don't trust my stepfather and even Lester to lead the business.

"No," matapang na sagot ko. I didn't show any fear as she narrowed her eyes like a knife poised to pierce my chest. "Those properties are owned in my name. So it's entirely mine," I made my argument.

She laughed as if I had said something amusing. Napapikit ako nang bigla niyang ibuhos sa akin ang laman ng basong hawak niya. My skin was scorched and hurt by the hot tea. Because of the brown stain, my white dress was ruined.

"You have no right to say that! I already forgave you for hiding it away from me. Now, handover my company," she yelled as if I was too far away from her.

Yes. Malayo naman talaga...ang loob namin sa isa't isa.

"It was Dad's company," I corrected her. "I'm not sorry for keeping it from you, so I don't need your forgiveness. When I tell you the truth, I'm sure this will be the first thing you do," walang emosyong sumbat ko. "At ngayon ginagawa mo na nga," I added.

Kahit kailan walang magandang nangyari sa akin sa mansion na 'to. Puro sigawan. Sermon. Masasakit na salita. Hindi ko alam kung masasabi ko bang sanay na ako dahil bakit kahit paulit-ulit nang nangyayari sumasakit pa rin ang dibdib ko.