Paradise in Hell

Ten

I was looking at myself in the mirror and zipping up my dress. It's a maxi dress with puff sleeves.  All of the clothes in the closet are dresses, even my sleepwear is satin nightgowns. I always look like going somewhere kahit na buong araw lang naman ako sa kwarto.

I looked at my right leg. The wound has healed but leaves a scar. If I were in my normal life, I would definitely have this removed so I wouldn't be reminded by that night. Sa tuwing naalala ko ang nangyari noong gabi na iyon, kinikilabutan pa rin ako.

I rubbed my skin and took a deep breath.

I examined my face, next. Thank God that I do not have any pimples or impurities despite not having a proper skincare routine.

I slouched on my chair and sighed.

I miss going to derma and salon. My skin is getting dry and sluggish. My hair too is not shiny as before.  It's also time for my dental check up. Ahh! Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang magiging itsura ko kapag hindi na ako nakaalis dito.

In the middle of my frustrations, I heard knocks on the door. I turned and waited for the person to open it.

"Iya! Let's go." Andria beamed as soon as she entered my room. I simply looked at her. "Halika na. Ipapakilala kita sa mga kasamahan ko." And she even grabbed my hand.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" I asked.

"Sa kitchen."

Nabigla pa ako sa sagot niya.
"Pwede na ako pumunta sa kitchen?"

"Yes!" She nodded in enthusiasm. A smile curved up on my face. I hurriedly put on my sandals and followed her out. We passed through the guards but we ignored them.

"Gunaydin!" Andria said as we walked inside the place I was caught eating desserts late at night. I didn't understand the word pero hindi ko nalang pinansin. I smiled cheerfully at everyone who was looking at us. All of them were females and they had bright smiles on their faces.

"Good morning!" They greeted.

One girl walked to me. "Ikaw si Apphia?" Sabi niya na sa tingin ko ay halos ka edad ko lang din. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at tumango. "Ako si Amy. Nice to meet you."

"Hello, Amy. " I offered my hand. The other girls also began taking their steps going to me.

"My name is Rose." She extended her hand and I gladly accepted and shook. Her rosy cheeks fit her name well.

"I am Janine. I am the cook together with Lily."

"Hello, Janine. I'm happy to meet you. Ang sarap ng mga pagkain na pineprepare niyo ni Lily." And I glanced at Lily who was smiling at me. The rest of the girls also introduced themselves and I tried my best to remember all their names.

"Naiku-kwento ka na sa amin ni Andria and we really couldn't wait to meet you." Sabi pa ni Amy habang nakaupo na kami. They were back on doing their works while chatting with me.

"Totoo 'yan. Gustong gusto ka na nga sana namin puntahan sa kwarto mo kaya lang palaging may nakabantay doon." Sabi rin ni Rose. Mas lumawak ang ngiti ko.

"I didn't know na may iba pa palang mga tao dito na makakasundo ko. Masaya na ako na nakilala at naging close ko si Andria pero mas masaya ako ngayon kasi marami na ang kaibigan ko dito."  Tumingin ako sa kanilang lahat at ganoon din sila sa akin. "Sobrang boring sa loob ng kwarto. Maghapon lang ako nakatingin sa labas ng bintana. Hindi naman nagbabago ang nakikita ko." Nagiging madaldal na ako habang kausap sila.

"Ngayon hindi ka na mabo bored dahil nandito na kami. Mgakukwentuhan tayo hanggat gusto mo." Sagot ni Amy sabay tawa. Ganoon din kami.

"Wala naman napunta na guard dito maliban sa dalawa na nasa labas ng kwarto mo. This floor is ours." Sabi rin ni Rose.