Shroud of Misery (Amour Series #1) - COMPLETED

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

"Are you done packing?" Nick asked me a countless of times.

I sighed and glared at him. "Not yet, Nick. Now, will you please get out of my room so I can pack my things in peace?"

He just shrugged. Umalis siya sa pagkakasandal sa hamba ng aking pintuan. Minsan talaga napakakulit ni Nick. Minsan naman mature siya kumilos. Depende talaga sa mood niya kung paano siya aasta.

I quietly fold my clothes and put it in my suitcase. I think that's all I have to bring. I already packed my other stuff yesterday. Mamimili na lang siguro ako sa Pinas ng ibang gamit pagkarating namin doon.

I pulled my suitcase out of my room. I saw Tita Nancy, Nick, and Aling Delia talking at our dining room. Nang magtama ang paningin namin ni Nick ay agad siyang tumayo.

"Oh, ayan na pala siya!" si Tita Nancy na nakapansin din sa akin.

"We're so late," Nick said while getting my suitcase.

Anong late ang pinagsasabi nito? We are seriously four hours early ahead of our flight when we get to the airport. Masyado lang talagang taranta 'tong si Nick.

I rolled my eyes at him. Narinig ko ang pagtawa ni Nick pero hindi ko na siya pinansin. I went to Tita Nancy and Aling Delia to give them both a hug.

"Take care, my dear niece. Call us when you get there, okay?" Tita Nancy smiled at us. Inilagay niya ang tikwas ng aking buhok sa aking tainga.

"At huwag mo ng alalahanin ang restaurant mo rito dahil ako ng bahala roon," si Aling Delia.

"Maraming salamat po sa inyo. Mamimiss ko po kayo nang sobra," niyakap ko silang muli.

Then, I heard Nick calling my name. "Nyla, let's go! The taxi's waiting for us!" He hurriedly went to his Mom to give her a kiss on the cheek and he nods at Aling Delia.

"Nick, mag-iingat kayo! Alagaan mong mabuti si Nyla!" habol ni Tita Nancy.

I waved them goodbye and quickly ran to Nick's direction. He guided me by holding the small of my back. Nang sasakay na kami sa taxi, hinarangan niya ng kanyang kamay ang pillar ng kotse para hindi ako mauntog.

I looked through the car window as we headed to the airport. I'm going to miss the view of Paris. I'm going to miss the buildings, apartments, the people, the smell of food, and the peace it gave me. 

Isinandal ko ang aking ulo sa balikat ni Nick at nag-isip-isip. What will happen to me when I arrive at my home country? What if I see them... or even him? What if Sir Gilbert finds me immediately? 

A hand slipped over mine and squeezed it. Napabalik ako sa ulirat nang maramdamang si Nick 'yon. I didn't know that I was trembling immensely.

"Are you sure you wanted to go? We can ask the driver to bring us back home," he said softly.

I shook my head. "Hindi na. Saka para saan pa ang pagmamadali mo sa akin kung babalik tayo 'di ba?" I chuckled to ease up the atmosphere.

Nick also chuckled. "Okay. We will be staying at my condo in Manila. My housekeeper already prepared a room for you to stay."

"Hmm... thank you."

A few hours by now, I will be back home. To the place where my fears will consume me... but I won't let it.

Not anymore.

***

We stopped at a luxurious building where Nick's condo unit is located. I stared at it with awe because it was so big. I didn't know Nick has so many condo units here!