Chapter 8: Escaped
I've been hell-bent on pushing my capabilities just to hold Nightfall Clan's position at the top. Everyone doubted me, but I had proved them all wrong. This time, I wanted to do something for myself.
I just couldn't fathom that to put myself first, I had to trust an enemy. Hindi pa gano'n kalaki ang tiwala ko kay Brienne. But she knew better than to trick me.
I lit up a cigarette as I waited for Callum to come back. Siya kasi ang inatasan kong sumuri sa lugar kung saan ko pansamantalang itatago si Brienne kapag naitakas ko na siya.
Humawak ako sa railing ng balkonahe habang humihithit ng sigarilyo. Bumalik sa utak ko ang usapan namin kahapon ni Lord Reggar. The Seniors came up with a decision without consulting me beforehand. It's ironic how it only became an issue when I did it. Pero kapag sila ay ayos lang.
"The place is not in very good shape right now." Sumulpot sa tabi ko si Callum. "It needs a minor renovation. If you would let me, I can do it tonight. Sigurado naman akong matatapos ko ito bago pumutok ang araw bukas."
I nodded. "Ayokong may makaalam nito. Not even Braun."
Siya naman ang tumango. Pumasok siya sa loob ng kwarto ko. Pagkabalik niya ay may hawak na siyang baso ng alak. Tumabi siya sa akin at tumunghay sa malayo.
"Sigurado ka ba sa desisyon mo?" tanong niya.
I shrugged as I puffed smoke from my mouth.
"What will happen after? Patatakasin mo siya?" sunod na tanong niya.
"I gave her my words," simple kong tugon.
He sighed. "I hope you are aware that you are risking so much here, Lord Oscar. Hindi palalampasin ng mga Seniors kapag nalaman nilang pinalaya mo ang kalaban."
I'm very much aware of the worst things that can happen. That's why as much as possible, I want to do it quickly and without anyone noticing it. I have a backup plan if ever, but it will be easier if no one knows.
"Napag-isipan mo na ba?" tanong niya pa. "We are dead serious, Lord Oscar. Lalo na ako. If you want another member of the Seniors, I know how to handle a responsibility."
I chuckled. "Don't you find it funny?"
"What?"
"Dati ay magkasama lang tayo sa pagsasanay. Tapos ngayon ay andito na tayo. I am already the leader, and you want to become a Senior."
Napangiti at napailing na lang din siya.
"I'm really glad you came back," I whispered.
"Hindi rin naman ako magtatagal dito," aniya na ikinalingon ko. Sinimot niya ang laman ng baso bago humarap sa akin. "Gusto ko lang malinawan sa mga bagay-bagay kaya bumalik ako. Ngayon ay malinaw na sa akin ang lahat. You didn't betray me. In fact, you even saved me."
"I saved us," I corrected him.
"I should have left by now," aniya pa. "Pero hindi naman pwedeng iwan na lang kita basta. I can see you struggling. At dahil may pinagsamahan naman tayo, I want to help you. I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance, but please know that I still want to."
I nodded. "I appreciate it."
There was a brief period of silence between us. Dati pa ay malimit nang baggitin ni Callum na wala siyang planong manatili sa lugar na ito buong buhay niya. I'm happy that he's one step ahead of accomplishing it.
"Where are you planning to go after here?" I questioned. Namatay na ang usok sa sigarilyo ko kaya nilagay ko na ito sa ashtray.
He shrugged. "Hindi ko pa alam, eh. Basta sa malayo."
