Versailles Series Book 4: The Bodyguard [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 8

=== P A T C H ===

"Does it hurt?"

Nilingon ko si Kiana na nakaupo sa bench press equipment sa outdoor gym. I'm currently doing some boxing exercises with the punching bag.

"If it's your first time. But your knuckles will get used to it."

"Mommy said it's not for ladies."

Pinatigil ko sa paggalaw ang punching bag. "Why?"

"She said women don't punch. Only men should do what you're doing."

"We have female professional boxers, Kiana. And besides, women should at least know how to punch to protect themselves. Do you want to always be a damsel in distress?"

Umiling ito.

"You're still young, that's reasonable. But when you grow older, you will have to learn to  defend yourself when your family can't. I believe women are as strong as men as men are as emotional as women."

"Can you teach me how to do that?"

"I'm not a professional teacher, Kiana. You can enroll in classes for your age."

"How did you know how to punch?"

Napatigil ako. A scene flashed in my mind. No...I won't let that re-surface. Hindi na ako ang batang iyon.

"I...just did." Tahimik kong hiniling na tigilan na ako ni Kiana. It will just open up memories I didn't want to remember.

"Kuya!"

Nilingon ko si Kylo na kapapasok lang sa outdoor gym. He was dressed in an office wear.

"I didn't know we're going somewhere." Sabi ko rito habang inaalis ang bandage sa kamay niya.

"I have a meeting today but I will be attending online."

"Kuya! Sabi mo manonood na tayo ng Mulan ngayon!"

His face turned apologetic all of a sudden. Lumuhod ito para pumantay sa kapatid. "Next time-"

Tumayo si Kiana at tumakbo palayo. Napabuntong-hininga naman si Kylo at dahan-dahang tumayo na rin.

Tinalikuran ko ito at inayos ang mga gamit. I don't want to meddle in their family affairs. Hindi iyon kasama sa trabaho ko.

"Do you have sibling, Patch?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"Are you not in good terms with your family?"

Hinarap ko ito dala ang mga gamit ko. "I don't have a family like yours, Kylo. So don't ask me anymore on the subject."

Iniwan ko na ito para maligo. I have to look for something to keep myself busy. Nang makaligo ay naglakad na ako palabas nang mapadaan ako sa isang kwarto. The door was ajar and I could hear a faint sobbing.

Lumagpas ako sa pinto dahil ayaw kong makialam at hindi ko naman alam kung paano mag-alo ng batang umiiyak.

I was halfway down the stairs when I stopped and turned around.

I don't know what this kid is doing to me.

Bumalik ako at sinilip ang pintuan. Kiana was sobbing while sitting on a bean bag.

"Hey."

Nanatili itong nakaupo habang nakatingala sa akin.

"Why are you crying?"