Paradise in Hell

Four

I was staring blankly at the green scenery outside the locked window for I didn't know how long. I couldn't see any house or building, so I presumed that I am in a faraway place. I closed my eyes and sighed. Hindi na ako makaiyak dahil wala ng luha ang gustong lumabas mula sa mga mata ko. Hindi ko na rin ang alam ang nararamdaman ko. Pinanghihinaan na ako ng loob.

Paano ako makaaalis sa lugar na hindi ko alam kung nasaan?

My shoulders fell after I took another deep breath.

I heard knocks on the door, but I didn't bother myself to stand nor move from my position. Hinintay ko lang magbukas ang pinto at magsalita kung sino man ang papasok.

"Miss..." It came from the woman who gave me the stuff a while ago. I released a breath in relief that the person was not one of those men.

Pinilit ko na lumingon sa kanya.She was staring at me, but immediately looked away when I met her gaze. "Aayusan ko na po kayo." She said, bowing her head.

"Did they kidnap you?" I asked, fixing my eyes at her. She raised her head and I was able to see her whole face. She looked pale and skinny. Her cheekbones were prominent. She has round eyes that looked tired like she hasn't gotten enough sleep for a month. My heart softened for her. "Pinilit ka rin ba nila na dalhin dito?" I asked, anew. I could feel that being here is also against her will.

She slowly moved her head, up and down while having her eyes on the floor again. Naiinis ako. Nagagalit ako. Napaka sama nila. How could they take people away from their own lives and lock them inside this hell? Sino sila para gawin iyon? Ilang mga tao pa ang nandito dahil pinilit sila?

"Let's get out of here. Tulungan mo ako. Umalis tayo dito." Sabi ko. Napansin ko na napaisip siya pero agad din umiling.

"Aayusan na kita." Tanging sabi niya. She placed the things she was holding on the bed, then grabbed the vacant chair.

"Andria, right?" I said. She nodded. "Ilang araw ka na rito?" Matagal siya kung sumagot sa mga tanong ko. Halata na pinagiisipan niya ang bawat salita na sasabihin niya.

"I've been here for almost a year." She whispered. Napaawang ang labi ko. Isang taon? Halos isang taon na siya sa impreyno na ito?

"Umalis tayo dito. Tumakas tayo. Gumawa tayo ng plano. I know there's a way out here." Nakatingin ako sa kanya pero ang mga mata niya ay nasa mga gamit na dala niya. "Andria, please. Magtulungan tayo. Ayoko dito at alam ko na ganoon ka rin." I pleaded, holding her hands. She looked at me. Different emotions can be seen in her eyes, but she feels helpless and scared no matter how badly she wants to leave this misery.

She glanced down at our fingers again then took a heavy breath. Saglit siya na tumingin muli sa akin pero hindi na sumagot pa. Kinuha niya lamang ang mga kamay niya mula sa pagkakahawak ko at isa isang inilabas ang mga bagay na dala niya.

I looked at the things and noticed makeups and tools. There were foundations, concealer, eyeshadow pallet, eyeliner, lipstick, and more.

My brows furrowed and my eyes shot back at her.

"Ano'ng gagawin mo?"

"Napagutusan ako na ayusan ka." Malumanay niyang sagot. Mas nagsalubong ang mga kilay ko.

"Bakit naman ako dapat magayos?"

"They will see you tonight." Her answer made my heart pound faster inside my chest.

"Sino sila?" Hindi siya sumagot. "Bakit nila ako kailangan makita?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi ko alam."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. Why do I need to look presentable just because I was going to meet them? Hindi kaya? Kinilabutan ako sa mga naiisip ko.