Where the Thunder Bows Its Head [BL] (Passion Series #1)

KAPITULO 2

[Friends]

If I spoke about it, what would I say? That it was awkward? Or I felt something strange? I honestly have no idea. The only thing I know is there's something about him.

Somehow, he has traces of loneliness. Of isolation.

It's very easy to fathom. I seem to always notice it in people's eyes. The loneliness in it. I saw it in Kuya Romulo. I saw it in Ate Valerie and Ate Andra. I saw it in a lot of orphans.

I saw it in mine back in the orphanage, whenever I looked in the mirror.

Ano naman kaya ang ikalulumbay niya? Or maybe I'm wrong?

I don't think rich people get lonely.

But even after all of that, I don't know why I didn't like his presence. I didn't like his stance and his arrogant demeanor. He seems playful, yes, but I don't know if I freaked out or not in front of him. Siguro, nag-alala lang ako para kina Mama.

I sound insane, I know. But back in the orphanage, I was referred to as a troublemaker. I'm the type of kid who prefers to play when everybody's praying. I have lost the sense of smile. They say I'm disrespectful when I'm just saying what's on my mind. Things like that. So the thought of causing trouble to my newly established relationship with my adopters frightened me to the core.

And he's an heir. A successor of a billion-dollar corporation. A blooming scion. The power's in him. What if he's mean or he's evil? Has nothing else to do and somehow tries to set me up or something? To bring peril to my new family? He can ruin me with just a snap of his finger.

I'm overthinking, yes, pero wala namang mawawala kung iiwas nalang ako. It's a risk. He's a risk.

"Kinausap ka?"

Hindi ko sinasadyang maikwento ang tungkol doon nang nasa daan na kami pauwi ni Mama. Hapon na at nakasakay ulit kami sa golf cart. Papa is usually at some of the barn right now or if he's not, he's probably observing the poultry or the different plantations.

I looked away.

"What if he's cruel?"

Narinig ko ang mahina niyang tawa. Inayos niya ang buhok ko at pinunasan ang pawis ko gamit ang palagi niyang dalang panyo. Kakagaling lang namin sa taniman malapit sa talampas kung saan madalas kumuha si Mama ng gulay para sa niluluto niya. I helped her retrieving some of the vegetables, but I was thinking about what just happened the whole time.

Kani-kanina lang, sumasang-ayon pa ako sa inasal ko. Pero ngayon, nag-iisip na naman ulit ako. What if he didn't like my attitude? He asked me to stay but I walked out in front of his face. Hindi kaya mas lalong nagalit 'yon?

"Hindi naman 'yon suplado, Yohan. 'Wag kang masyadong mag-alala."

Tumingin agad ako sa kanya.

"You know him?"

Bumalik ang tingin ni Mama sa trail. Her lips protrude while she thinks.

"Hindi naman. Pero tahimik lang 'yon. Palaging mag-isa, bukod sa mga bodyguards niya. Mahilig din mangabayo at maglibot-libot sa buong Hacienda. Madalas doon sa may batis malapit sa lupain ng mga Esquivel."

I do remember his bodyguards who kept their close distance. And he was with a horse. Niyaya pa nga akong sumama at maglibot.

Hindi kaya masyado ko siyang hinusgahan?

But still. I go back to how it wouldn't hurt me if I just stayed away from him. Or any other heir of the family.

Mama shaked her head as she looks at me. Bahagya niyang pinisil ang pisngi ko, gigil at nakangiti na.