where the wind rises

06

Max is now inside his bag carrier that I bought yesterday with Nikolas. I watch him get excited inside while Alistair is carrying his bag. Ate Willow walks in front of his bodyguard before looking back at Max. She smiled at Max before giving him some treats.

"Give it to him later when we're inside the car. Watch where you're going, please." Alistair, her bodyguard, said. Nalukot ang mukha ni ate at wala naman nagawa kung hindi sumunod.

"Ako na lang sana bumuhat kay Max. Bodyguard siya, hindi dog caretaker." Napansin ko ang pagnguso onti ni Nikolas na nagpahalakhak sa akin.

"He volunteered to, don't worry. Gusto kasi ni ate Willow na sa kotse nila isasakay si Max." Kibit balikat ko. Hindi siya umimik at sumimangot na lang.

"Yung SUV mo pala na nasa Roro ay bukas pa darating." I informed him while walking towards the car lolo lend for us.

"I see. That's fine, as long as makarating sila ng matiwasay rito." Naroon kasi ang tauhan ni lolo na magdadala rito.

Nakarating kami sa palacio baroque at sobrang tuwa ko nang makita ang paghanga sa mukha ni Nikolas.

I thought I wouldn't be able to show him this majestic and wonderful place. His eyes were fixated on the barn and farm animals. Nakita rin namin si ate Lux na nakasakay kay Vesper. I squealed before running to her.

"Ate Lux!" Halos malaglag siya roon kay Vesper sa gulat, buti na lang ay nasalo ito ng lalaki na katabi niya.

Who's he? Tumaas ang kilay ko dahil hinayaan siya ni ate Lux na hawakan sa beywang...

"Flora!" She screamed and hugged me. Nakasunod sa amin sina ate Willow at ate Lily.

"I missed you, my girls." She mumbled under her breath while hugging us three.

"We missed you more! How are you here?"

"How's your preparation for the tournament?" Sunod-sunod kami ng tanong dahil excited. I noticed Nikolas and the guy who held ate Lux talking to each other like close friends.

"I'll answer your questions, but first, let's get inside the palace. It's hot out here." Ate Lux smiled at us. Pinabalik niya sa ranch sina Vesper habang kami ay pabalik na sa palasyo baroque.

Si Max naman ay ibinigay muna namin sa caretaker ng farm animals. I'll get him tomorrow so I can introduce him to lolo and ate Lux.

The maids served our merienda while we're hanging out at the opium den. I just learned from ate that doc Alfaro was the one who referred Nikolas to lolo. They need a veterenarian for the mares and farm animals, Nikolas is perfect for the job!

"The maids will show you your room for the rest of your stay here, Dr. Wyatt. I hope it's to your liking." Ate Lux smiled at him and he smiled back before bowing.

"I'm sure it will be. Thank you." Nikolas chuckled. Hinayaan na namin sila ni doc Alfaro umakyat para makapagpahinga.

"I want to ride Vesper!" I jumped lightly while walking to our rooms.

"I'll probably stay in my room to rest then study." Ate Willow said while yawning. Alistair is behind her, holding both their luggage.

"We'll call you for dinner later na lang." Ate Lily says. "Ako naman baka pumunta sa resort natin. I need to talk to lolo personally." She added while checking her phone.

"Pahatid ka sa driver ko, ate Lily. He's free, I don't have anything to do today." Sabi ko pa habang nakangiti.

"Sure! I'll call him later. Pahinga na kayo, my babies." Ate Lily kissed me on the forehead before hugging ate Lux and ate Willow.