Chapter 37: Karma
A week has passed since the last time I talked with Kathlysse. I remember leaving the restaurant with a heavy feeling and a puzzled mind, but as always, my sparkly burgundy ego saved me from going further than what had been decided.
He's not part of my business now.
"It's a wrap, folks!"
I gently ascended from the pool, and one of the staff hurriedly lent me a wet towel. She helped me wrap the towel around my body as I roamed my eyes around. Napangiti ako nung makita sina Hestia at Lilly sa kabilang dulo ng pool. Lilly was also swimming!
On my way to them, a couple of staff approached and congrats me on another successful photoshoot. Some even asked for a picture and autograph, which I gladly gave them. They have been so nice and gentle to me.
"I have already worked with you twice now, and I still get starstruck by your timeless beauty," one said while I was signing her magazine. "You don't get old. I envy you. But if I could ask for one thing, I wouldn't ask to look like you. I would just want to be friends with you."
I just laughed and thanked her.
My life has always been open to anyone who dares to have a glimpse of me. Despite my miserable, dark, and bloodbath past, I never completely shut myself to the possibility that someone, aside from Hestia, could still walk with me in my fast-paced life.
I walk without looking back and give without holding back.
Sa wakas ay narating ko na rin sina Hestia at Lilly. Inalis ko ang towel sa katawan ko saka muling bumaba sa swimming pool. Hinila ko sa akin si Lilly.
"She loves swimming!" ani Hestia. "Sa tuwing inaahon ko siya ay tatalon siya uli pabalik. I don't even know how she learned to swim. That cat always surprises me!"
I guided Lilly as she swam adorably. Her tiny legs, moving under the water to keep her floating and moving, her wet white fur that makes her look tinier, and her round eyes. She's just the most adorable creature ever!
"You are doing good, Lilly..." I praised her.
"Nathalia..." Napalingon ako sa nagsalita. Hando was staring intently at me. "I think you have some explanations to do. I will wait for you in the dressing room."
"Oh, you are back!" ani Hestia.
"I will wait," sabi lang nito.
Hando turned his back and walked away. I just shrugged and spent another couple of minutes in the pool. Nung mukhang pagod na si Lilly ay dinala na siya ni Hestia sa sasakyan. Naroon ang kanyang mga damit. Ako naman ay sinundan si Hando sa dressing room.
I walked into the dressing room and found Hando drinking wine on the couch. Nagsalin din ako ng alak sa baso saka humarap sa kanya. I waited for him to say something as I really had no clue what this was about.
"So..." He raised a brow, hinting me to say something.
I sipped on my drink. "Which one?"
This week has been hectic but also chaotic at the same time. Sa dami ng nangyari ay hindi ko alam kung saan doon ang dapat kong ipaliwanag sa kanya.
"The woman," he said, and I immediately understood it. "Maiintindihan ko pa kung bigla ka na lang nag walk out doon sa set. You always do that anyway. It could have been better if you just really left. But the woman..."
"Patay na ba?"
"Nathalia!" He raised his voice and glared at me. "The woman can barely talk. Tulala lang daw ito ayon sa nabalitaan ko. Tell me... what did you do?"
