One of His Concubines

CHAPTER 11

“Elowen, Honey, come here.” Nakatingala ako sa malaking manor. May malawak itong front yard.  May mga puno ring nakatanim sa tabi ng border ng manor.

Ipinasok na ni Dad si Yven sa loob kasama si Grey nahuli kaming pumasok ni Mom. May dumaan sa akin na malakas na hangin. Bigla kong naalala ang manor na ito. Unti-unti kong naalala ang memories ni Elowen.

Elowen had no close friends here except her family because she was a timid person and wants to adventure all the time. Mom, was hands on to me and Grey. Hindi niya hinahayaang mga maid lagi ang nag-aalaga sa amin.

Siguro ay marami ang nagbago dahil sampong taon na ang nakalipas. Napatingin ako sa madilim na langit. There was a stars shining in the cold night. Kahit gabi na ay maliwanag pa ring nakikita ang buong manor because of the flash of light coming from the full moon. Which is really beautiful.

“Honey!” Napatingin ako kay Mom na kanina pa ako hinihintay sa entrance ng mansion.

“Coming, Mom!” I walked towards her. Sabay kaming pumasok sa mansion. Napakunot-noo ako ng makitang maraming mga tao sa main hall. Gulat silang napatingin sa akin. May na miss ba ako?

Kahit naguguluhan ako ay sumunod ako kay Mom na papunta sa harap ng mga tao. Nando'n din si Dad na seryoso ang mukha. Ang wala ay si Grey. Saan siya nagpunya? Nasaan ang anak ko? Are they the workers of the house of Hartlay?

“So you're all here because I have a important announcement,” his baritone voice broke the silence. What announcement? Dad signaled me to come to her. I cluelessly looked at Mom. She's in teary eyed state and wiped her tears that already fell in his cheeks. Tumango siya sa akin para lumapit kay Dad. What's really happening! I'm clueless.

Pagkalapit ko kay Dad ay humarap ako sa mga tao na may pagtataka at gulat sa mga mata nila. I bowed a little. I don't know what to do.

“Ten years ago. We lost our daughter. We only found her black shoes in the middle of the forest. We didn't have idea what happened to her. Was he abducted or k-killed by— after ten years we found her with our grandson. Treat our daughter and grandson like how you treat us.” the crowd suddenly roared. There was smile in their face that made me stunned. Some in the middle aged were teary eyed. Bakit ganyan ang reaction nila?

“I hope this news will be stay here in this household until our daughter made her public appearance.”

After the announcement, Mom escorted me to my old room where was my son.

“I'm sorry, honey. We didn't renovate your because we want you to be the one who will ask us to renovate it. We know how you love your things. We still maintain the cleanliness for the past ten years,” they really treasure, Elowen.

“If you want, honey. We can renovate your room tomorrow. But it's okay to you to temporary transfer in the guest room?” she added. I chuckled.

“Mom, it's not so fast?” Natigilan ito sa aking sinabi at nagbuntong hininga.

“I'm sorry, your Mom is just a bit exited.” Nakaramdam ako ng guilt after seeing her expression.

“Okay, the renovation will start tomorrow.” bumalik ang saya sa mukha niya. Atleast I made her happy.

“Oh, we're already in front of your room. I think your brother is still there. He didn't leave Yven alone.” Napatingin ako sa pintong kulay pink na may doorknob na kulay gold. Hinawakan ko ang doorknob at pinihit ito. Binuksan ko ang pinto ng dahan-dahan dahil natutulog si Yven.

“Rest well my daughter, call a maid if you need anything.”

“I'll remember that, Mom.” tatalikod na sana ito nang tawagin ko.