Luca

Prologue

Prologue

A SOOTHING afternoon in the attic of our mansion. I am reading a fantastic book while lying down on a huge round window. It's nice to have a read, up here, because I got a sight from the view down there. That's not all, the blow of fresh air is soothing on my skin and it's giving me calmness. 

“Hmm.” I really love this book; however, I am already at the denouement. I will surely love this book and will certainly miss this. I am not the type of re-reading a novel no matter how good that is because I thought that reading a book for the second time will never be the same as the feeling of discovering a new book. That blissful moment

Napatingin ako sa gilid nang makarinig ng mga huni ng ibon. Nakita ko ang mga ito na dumapo sa branch ng punong katabi lamang ng bintanang ito. Ininat ko ang kanan kong braso upang abutin ang isa sa mga ito.

“Hello, there.” My eyes dazzle when a blue jay jump on my palm. I snickered as I bring it closer to my face. “Quite a colorful bird you are, aren't you?” I smiled. “And a bit tiny too.”

I am pretty living my solitary life when I heard a moving steering wheel in front of the mansion. The sudden car buzz made the birds startle and fly away. I got a bit sad because I wouldn't see them again. In spite of that, I felt excitement as to the fact that my parents are already here.

I closed my book first before I carefully rose from laying my back. I hold to the side of the window frame before I set my foot above the oakwood table leaning beside the wall where the window is. I made the table and chair as a staircase to my landing.
I delicately placed the book on the table before I leave the attic using the doorway. Since my parents kicked my Nanny out of our house, I became very low-spirited and lonely. That's why I made this attic my hobby room and one sweet time place. I am guessing because of my loneliness, I became attentive on winning my parents attention despite the fact that they dismiss my Nanny.

Bumaba ako ng hagdan upang salubungin sila sa foyer. Siguradong nasa baba na ang mga tagapagsilbi para salubungin din ang kanilang amo. Saktong pagbaba ko ay siya naman na pagbukas ng dalawang pinto. Nakahanda na ang ngiti ko nang pumasok sila ngunit unti-unti itong napalitan ng pagtataka nang makitang may kasama silang batang lalaki at mukhang napakasaya pa nila habang nakatingin at nakikipag-usap dito. This is a strange sight. What's happening?

Nang malapit na sila sa aking gawi ay nagtanong ako, “Papa? Mama? Who is that child?”

Their attention suddenly diverted and I felt like a scared cat when Mama's sharp eyes gaze at me. I hate to think about this but, she never fail to frighten me with the tiniest of things. My mother, she is so beautiful; she is so classy... but why do she hate me? I felt like she's piercing through my soul and telling–I could be compared to a dust.

“And what is it to you?” her voice boom like a blast. I saw from my peripheral vision how the house servants closed their eyes and comfort each other. They are scared too, they are the very witness on how Mama hurt other people in this mansion.

I wanted to cry; however, I still tried, “B-Because I care? After all, I am your daughter...”

I hitched my breath when the very same expression when something doesn't go to her taste, passed her face.

“Viviana, not this time.” I was relieved when Papa interrupted. In spite of not being close to me, he still has a way to save me from Mama's wrath. He face me, “Fabiola, meet your new brother, Luca,” pagpapakilala niya sa batang  lalaki.

My lips parted and for a moment, I forgot to mutter a word, neither the thoughts—I forgot to think.

“Hi, sister!” The kid gave me a daring smile and joyfully wave his hand. Also, I saw how his eyes sparkle as it gaze at me.