ENEMY'S PROPERTY | ES:2

Kabanata 27

Hello! Somehow feeling better now. Thank you for always patiently waiting for my updates. Forever grateful po. ❤️

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ENEMY'S PROPERTY
Kabanata 27
''Friends''

Although Carlos didn't have to worry about anything, I still felt the need to tell him everything. I explained to Carlos why I was with Hector. I explained it through text, though, because Hector had already driven away.

Carlos is definitely the possessive type, there's no denying that. I don't want him to misunderstand anything or think negatively. Surprisingly, he didn't seem angry earlier. In fact, his expression showed how remarkably calm he was. Pero iyon na nga eh, mukhang kalmadong-kalmado siya. With his personality, it's something really out of the ordinary.

Lorenzo:

Alright. I understand.

My forehead involuntarily creased upon reading his response to my lengthy message.

That's it? He understands? Not that I want him to burst out . . . but . . . Well . . . I guess this is a good thing, then? He's matured, thus, he probably really understands.

Huminga na lamang ako nang malalim.

Nakarating din kami sa unang barangay. My Lolo was indeed already there. Marami ring tao sa covered court kung saan gaganapin ang maikling programa. May mga taga-kapitolyo rin doon na naging abala sa kung ano-ano kaya sinubukan kong lumapit at nagtanong kung ano ang mga maaaring maitulong ko.

Initially, it felt like they were treating me like royalty, possibly because they knew I was the governor's granddaughter. As a result, I put in my best effort for every task. Hindi naman nila ako kailangang itrato nang ganon dahil doon, at isa pa nandito ako para tumulong.

Nang may nagsalita na sa harapan, nasa tabi na lamang kami para makinig din. There will be an orientation session first, which will be followed by the training. Napagalaman ko ring bawat Sabado pala ay may pupunta rito para magturo ng mga paraan na pwedeng pagkakitaan o gawing hanapbuhay gamit din ang mga bagay na makikita lamang sa kanilang barangay o sa buong Santa Monica.

A few minutes before the break, Hector handed me my drink. I muttered my thanks and started drinking. As I took a sip, I noticed that my grandfather's staff hadn't taken their break yet, not even for a water break. Aside from the food we bought at the cafe, Lolo's team had prepared snacks and water for all. Agad akong lumapit doon.

''Ako na, Anya,'' boses ni Hector sa aking likod. ''Magbibigay ka ng tubig?''

''Ah, oo sana.''

Tumango siya at ngumiti. ''Bubuhatin ko na lang at sasama ako sa'yo para hindi ka rin mahirapan magpabalik-balik.''

I couldn't say anything else but express my gratitude as Hector immediately lifted a box of water bottles. It was surely heavy, so I didn't prolong the process of handing them out, either.

A smile formed on my lips as I politely uttered, "Tubig po."

''Ay, thank you, Anya!''

''Ako na niyan, iha. Magpahinga na muna kayo saglit,'' ani ng isang babae, si Ate Mercy, isang social worker na kasama rin namin.

''Hindi na po, Ma'am. Okay lang po dahil nakapagpahinga naman na po kami.''

She smiled at me warmly. Hinawakan niya ako sa braso at marahang hinaplos iyon. Hindi naman na niya ako pinigilan sa pag-abot ng mga tubig.

We stayed there the entire morning, and we would also have our lunch there. After that, we would proceed to another barangay to do the same.

Nang matapos ang buong programa ay may inihanda ring packed lunches sa lahat ng dumalo. Ramdam at kita ko ang pagiging kuryoso sa'kin habang namimigay ako ng pagkain. The adults would look at me openly. Minsan ay tinatanong din nila kung sino ako.