Been Hunting Home | Suarez III

Chapter 4

"Let's talk about house rules."

Kanina pa naglalakad sa harap ko ang basang-basa na lalaki sa uniporme. The pilot uniform looks good on him. Ang tangkad at katawan niya ay perpekto sa trabaho. Ni hindi ko maiisip na hindi siya kumakain bago umalis. Mukha kasing ang lakas niyang tao.

"Don't touch my things unless I permitted you to."

Ngumunguya ako ng tinapay na ibinigay niya kanina sa akin habang nakikinig.

"Always respect my personal space, especially when I'm working. In return, I will respect yours."

Kahit ang tuta na binalot ko sa tuwalya na ipinahiram ng lalaki ay tila nakikinig sa kaniya.

"Never forget to knock ten times before entering a room.

"Keep the house clean at all times.

"Don't let a stranger in. Kahit sabihin pa nito na kilala niya ako o may kailangan siya sa akin."

I nodded at his continuous reminders. Abala ako sa pagkain para sumagot pa.

"And most importantly, pets are not allowed." Minatahan niya ang tuta sa pagitan ng aking mga bisig.

I hugged the dog tighter. "Ano ang gusto mong gawin ko sa tuta, señor?"

"Where did you find him?"

"Sa kalye."

"Bring it back there. Someone might own it."

"At paano kung wala? Ano ang mangyayari kay Khali?"

"Khali? Napangalanan mo na?"

I nodded. "That's why I can't discard him anymore. I already named him which means I'm his mother. If you're going to throw him out of your house, I'll leave too. Khali is my son."

Napapikit ang lalaki. "I'm allergic to their fur."

"Pero ano na lang ang mangyayari sa kaniya kung ibabalik ko siya sa lansangan?"

His lips parted. Hindi niya malaman ang nararapat gawin.

"Hindi ka ba naaawa sa tuta?" I blinked my eyes softly.

"Which puppy are you talking about?"

"The puppy." I glanced at Khali.

"There are two puppies here."

Huh! Did he include me? Should I be offended or flattered?

"Both." I titled my head to the side.

"No," malamig niyang sagot. Humalukipkip siya at tumingala sa itaas, nag-iisip.

He's really throwing us out? I can't sleep at street with this weather. Ayaw kong umuwi nang walang buhay sa Espanya. "Should we leave?"

"Fine."

Naibagsak ko sa hita ang kamay na may hawak pang mamon sa desisyon niya. We were ready to leave when he interrupted.

"You can keep him here but make sure he's not gonna make a mess."

Pinigilan kong mangiti at bumalik sa upuan. "I can keep Khali?"

"You're responsible for that puppy. I will hold you accountable for his actions . . . Since you are his mother, right?"

"Sí," masigla kong sagot.

"And!" Humirit pa siya. "Last rule, you should help abuela with the chores while I'm at work. I will give you four weeks to find a job and a place to stay in."

I thought he was going to adopt us forever. Adelina, you expected too much.

"Anything beyond that help will be an exploitation of my mercy. After that given period, you will leave my house no matter what. Understand?"