The Sinister's Web

Chapter 6

"Red, you're already safe."

My heart still racing. Hindi ko magawang magsalita dahil sariwa pa sa isipan ko ang nangyari kanina. For the first time, I witnessed how those bad people captured us.

It was so terrible to think that I didn't afford to help the students. And felt selfish for saving only myself.

"I should've come earlier, I‘m sorry."

Saka lang ako natauhan nang sabihin iyon ni Gray. He's driving and he keeps on saying sorry.

Napalunok ako. "T-thank you, Gray."

Ngayon lang ako nakaramdam ng panginginig dahil basang basa na ako. I hugged myself for awhile hanggang sa huminto ang sasakyan sa harap ng isang malaki at magandang bahay.

Gray led me inside, and I couldn't help but be in awe of the elegance that surrounded me. The house is a reflection of Gray's refined taste and sophisticated upbringing.

"Make yourself at home, Red," he said, gesturing towards a cozy sitting area. "I'll get us something to drink."

Tumango ako bilang pag sang ayon. Kasabay ng pag alis niya ang pagtawag niya sa isang hindi gaanong matandang babae.

"Manang?" His voice echoed.
Lumabas mula sa kusina ang tinawag niyang manang. "Oh anak, andyan ka na pala."

"Manang could you get us towels, please?" Pakiusap ni Gray na agad namang sinunod ni Manang.

I settled into the comfortable couch, taking in the surroundings.

The living room was adorned with classic paintings and antique furniture, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.

Pinalupot ko sa sarili ang towel nang iniabot sa akin ito ni Manang. "Salamat po"
Ilang sandali pa ako tinitigan ni manang. Naiilang ako kaya napayuko ako. Siguro napansin niyang nanginginig ako.

Ilang sandali pa'y dumating si Gray dala ang tasang may tubig na wala sa sarili kong tinanggap.

"Sige maiwan ko muna kayo ah? Ipagluluto ko kayo." Paalam ni Manang.

"That's Manang Fina, kasambahay namin since I was kid," pakilala ni Gray kay Manang.

I smiled bitterly.

I just realized that I kinda envyed him. He has manang he can talk to. Sa bahay kasi, kami lang ni Tita Natalie tas madalas pa siyang wala dahil sa work niya.

"Come with me," utos ni Gray.

Sumunod ako sa kanya patungo sa ikalawang palapag ng kanilang bahay.

While walking, I took a moment to take in my surroundings, admiring the subtle beauty of Gray's house.

I feel like at home, safe and sheltered. Hindi namin 'to bahay pero ang gaan ng pakiramdam ko rito. Para akong matagal nang nanirahan rito.

The next moment I saw myself inside Gray's room, wearing his shirt. Pinahiram niya ako ng damit, nakakahiya man ay tinanggap ko na.

"Salamat," nhihiya kong sabi.

Pumasok siya sa comfort room para magbihis.

I sank on Gray's comfortable bed and started admiring his room. I couldn't help but to adore his minimlist room painted after his name, Gray.

Malinis at maaliwalas ito. It's light and dark gray colors are scrutinized. 'Di ko maiwasang magtaka bakit wala siyang childhood picture with his mom.  Picture niya lang with his dad ang nakapatong sa bedside table niya.