Meet KATE BARTOLOME 2 [On Going]

48: IT'S ME

AUTHOR'S POV

Araw na ng libing ni Kelsey, and Kate didn't show herself up ever since that day. Everyone is looking and hoping that Kate would show up. But in the end she didn't.

Naiwan naman si James at nanatiling nakatayo at nakatitig sa lapida ni Kelsey.

"Just leave it to me, Kelsey. So, you don't have to be worry." Malumanay na wika ni James at bahagya itong umupo atsaka ipinatong ang kaniyang palad sa lapida nito.

"You may rest."

~•••~

Kumatok naman si Austine sa kwarto ni Kate pagkauwi nito "Kate? You there?" Nag-antay naman si Austine na may sumagot pero walang sumagot kaya naman ay binuksan niya ang pintuan at nakita niyang nakahiga patalikod si Kate. And Austine know that she's awake.

Umupo naman si Austine sa gilid ng kama ni Kate at inilagay ang blazer nito sa kama banda sa paanan ni Kate.

"Everyone was looking for you. Why didn't you come?"

Kate remain silent. Austine sighed as he knew that she wasn't going to answer him. Because ever since that day she would not reply or talk to everyone.

Napatingin naman si Austine sa side table ni Kate kung saan nakalagay ang inihandang pagkain para sakaniya.

"Kate, you need to eat. Paano ka gagaling niyan?" Austine said, concerned. Muling nagpakawala ng hangin si Austine at tinignan ang walang expression na mukha ni Kate.

*Phone Rings*

Napatingin naman si Austine sa side table ni Kate at nakita niya ang phone nito na may tumatawag. Nilingon naman niya muna si Kate na walang pakealam sa tumatawag bago niya ito kunin.

Nakita naman niya ang caller na si Stanley. Napakunot naman ang noo ni Austine at sinagot ito.

"What do you want from my daughter?" Bungad naman ni Austine kay Stanley.

"Mr. Bartolome? Perfect timing. I have important business with you, so.. can I come over to your house?" Deretsong wika ni Stanley sakaniya.

"Alam mong hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa din ako nagtitiwala sayo."

"I understand that. This is about Eugene trying to join force with the mafia." Stanley seriously said..

Napahigpit naman ang hawak ni Austine sa phone ni Kate at nilingon ang kaniyang anak. Napapikit naman ito ng mariin at nagpakawala ng hangin.

He still don't want to trust this guy but he doesn't have any choice anymore. Hindi na niya kayang makitang maging miserable si Kate. Kahit na noong una nilang pagkikita ay sinabi niya kay Stanley tungkol kay Eugene.

"Fine, I'll text you the adress.."

"Okay, see yo-"

"But, one wrong move, I assure you that you will never get out of here alive." Austine deadly serious to what he said and ended the call.

Nilingon naman niya si Kate at nagulat itong nakatingin sa kaniya. "Kate?"

Hindi naman nagsalita si Kate at inalis ang kaniyang tingin sa kaniyang ama. Napabuntong hininga naman si Austine.