My Guard for Life

Chapter 12

As I prepared myself na mag-out na sa coffee shop at ten in the evening, Ate Avi called me. I went cold all over and got scared suddenly when I saw her name. Naalala kong wala nga pala akong maibibigay na good news sa kanya. I failed her.

Nanginginig ako sa kaba nang sagutin ang tawag. Umupo ako saglit sa isa sa mga lamesa. There are no customers na at this hour. Nag-out na rin ang mga empleyado. Si Chelsey na lang at ako ang naiwan. I hugged my small black bag.

"Hi, Ate," medyo kinakabahan kong pagbati.

"Hi, Dae. What is this news that Pierre will go on a date with that bitch tomorrow?"

I stopped breathing for a second. It made me sick that Pierre is serious on this one.

"Dae, I thought you handled it? What happened?" she voiced out, disappointed.

Alam ko namang madi-disappoint siya. I didn't expect lang na sobra akong masasaktan. Growing up, I looked up to Ate Avi. I always wanted to give her satisfaction and make her proud. She believes in me. Now, she's not.

"Sorry, Ate Avi. I couldn't stop him. We fought, and he even told me I shouldn't drag myself into his mess. Hinayaan ko na lang."

I heard Ate Avi's protest. "That's not what he told me! Why are you both so complicated?"

I rubbed my temples. "Sorry, Ate."

"Come on. Let's drink this shit. Ipasusundo kita sa driver ko. I'm in a private bar."

I nodded and ended the call. Naghintay ako nang matagal bago pa makita ang pagtigil ng sasakyan na tinutukoy ni Ate Avi. I didn't have the time to change my clothes. I'm wearing a cropped top and high-waisted pants. I'm sure manliliit ako sa tabi ni Ate Avi mamaya. Bahala na nga.

The private bar that Ate Avi is at is far away from the coffee shop. It's in Quezon City! Mas malayo pa rin ang cottage ni Kuya Renz, I think it's in Rizal.

The private bar is exclusive for celebrities and known individuals in the country. I was shocked na papasok ako sa building na 'to na hindi naman ako kabilang.

The bouncer asked my name. Mukhang sinabihan na sila ni Ate Avi dahil pagkatapos ay pinayagan na rin akong pumasok. Ate Avi's bodyguard was waiting for me beside the bouncer. This is my second time na na-meet ko siya. Ate Avi's bodyguard is tall and huge. He's perfect dahil kailangan talaga ni Ate Avi ng bodyguard in the industry she's working in.

"This way," he instructed.

Pumasok kami sa isang VIP room where Ate Avi is. Tumayo si Ate Avi para salubungin ako.

"Hi, Ate."

She smiled and kissed my cheeks before mag-excuse to talk sa bodyguard niya.

I watched the two in the doorway. Naupo na lang ako sa sofa habang naghihintay. There's wine on the glass table. The room is not spacious nor small for VIPs. It's simple but elegant. The walls are black, making the room mysterious yet exciting. The sofa I'm sitting on is comfortable and huge. Walang tinipid sa room na 'to.

"Just guard outside, Aidan. I'll tell you when we're done. We're not going to get wasted, anyway," may halong inis na tugon ni Ate Avi sa bodyguard.

Her bodyguard was intently staring at her, not wanting to follow her order. That amused me. I didn't know na medyo close rin pala si Ate Avi sa bodyguard niya na tipong hindi siya gustong sundin. I found myself smiling as I watched the two. Why am I seeing Pierre and me in them?

Nang sundin na si Ate Avi ng bodyguard niya ay saglit itong tumingin sa akin. Umalis na rin pagkatapos sabihin na doon lang daw siya sa labas. Ate Avi shut the door, annoyed.