NOCTURNAL – THE MAN HIDING IN THE SHADOW
Today is Saturday and the day that I’ve been anticipating for the whole week. Aliah will be here later tonight so I couldn’t help but to be excited. This will be the second time for someone to visit our home because Xylem was the first one and well Aiden was with her that time but never mind. I can’t wait to see Aliah again.
“Ate Ria, do you need some help with that?” I was silently staring at her for a while now while she was trying to open the sausage can using a sharp knife.
She shook her head and chuckled. “Naku! Huwag na, Brooke! Kayang-kaya ko na ito! Ako pa ba?” She smiled at me but I can see her struggle with the can.
“Are you sure, though? Wala naman po akong ginagawa kaya baka gusto niyo pong tulunga-“
“Ay!” I gasped when she suddenly smack the can on the island counter. What is it now?
Her big eyes widened. I watched how she went from left to right, gripping her hair as if something bad has happened.
“What’s going on, Ate Ria?” I’m totally confused right now and she needs to chill.
I was about to stand up when she blocked me using the paper that she was holding in her right hand.
“Nakalimutan kong kunin ‘yung pinatahing gown ng Mommy mo kila Madam Sassa! Naku! Papagalitan ako ng Mommy mo nito!” She cried.
My forehead knitted as I slowly went back to my previous seat. “Why would she need a gown? Besides, she’s not even here, Ate Ria. There’s no need for you to panic.” I immediately lose my interest after hearing what she said.
I suppose Mr. Martinez’s employee will be picking up that gown here for her.
Umiling siya at kaagad na niligpit ang kutsilyo at sausage can na kanina niya pa sinusubukang buksan.
“May pupunta raw kasi ditong empleyado ni Mr. Martinez mamaya para kunin ‘yung gown na ipinatahi ng Mommy mo. Naku talaga. Sa lahat ng pwede kong makalimutan, bakit iyon pa? Malayo-layo pa naman dito ang bahay nila Madam Sassa tapos hindi pa kita nalulutuan ng lunch.” She sounded hopeless.
Ate Ria had it rough because of my Mom. Jeez. Mas naging close ko na nga si Ate Ria kaysa sa kaniya na kadugo ko.
“I’ll pick it up for you, Ate Ria. Saan ba ‘yun kukunin?” I suggested and then stood up to fix my now crumpled black shirt and denim shorts.
“Huh?! Huwag na Brooke at baka maligaw ka pa.”
I shrugged my shoulders. “I won’t if you give me the direction.”
“Sure ka, huh? Baka pagalitan ako ni Ate Felicity nito. Inuutusan ko ang unica hija niya.” I laughed at what she said.
“That won’t happen. Please let me help you. I’m bored and I also want to go out.” Pleading isn’t my thing but Ate Ria made me do it over a simple matter.
I grinned when I hear her sighed in defeat. “O, sige na nga. Mapilit ka eh. Isusulat ko muna sa papel ang address ng boutique niya. Malapit lang iyon sa cafe nila Yvenne kaya hindi ka naman siguro maliligaw.” Napakamot-ulo ako sa sinabi niya.
“I won’t get lost, Ate Ria. Stop saying that. Hindi na ako bata para maligaw.” Natawa siya sa sinabi ko habang sinusulat sa maliit na papel ang address na pupuntahan ko.
Tumungo ako at tahimik na binasa ang kaniyang sinusulat. Malapit iyon sa dating tinitirhan ni Felix. What a coincidence.
Nag-ayos siya ng tayo at iniabot sa akin ang papel. “Ayan. Mag-iingat ka, Brooke ha. Huwag kang makikipag-usap sa mga tambay sa kalye. Laganap pa naman ngayon ang mga lasinggero dahil ber months na.” I have no idea what she’s talking about but I just nodded my head in response.
BINABASA MO ANG
Nocturnal (Ability Series #1)
Teen FictionMoving in a rural place after growing up in the city did not bother Brooke Ishizaki- an asexual teenager aged sixteen. She wants nothing but to start a new life in a place unfamiliar yet cozy and safe. The idea of it interests her, actually. She wis...
