Chapter 20: LIKE A PRISONER
It's weekend now, and I'm feeling bored being locked up inside this massive mansion. It would be better if there were classes in school because it allows me to go out and interact with people, hindi katulad ng ganito na wala akong ibang magawa kung hindi magkulong sa kwarto at mag-scroll sa Facebook.
I rolled over in bed and decided to get up when my stomach started rumbling. I didn't bother to dress up. Nakasuot lang ako ng white spaghetti strap shirt and cotton shorts as I left my room. My eyebrow raised when I didn't see Dominic waiting outside my room. Perhaps it was because it was Saturday and it was expected that I would remain inside the house.
Nagkaroon na ng schedule ang dalawa ni Emerson sa pagbabantay sa akin because it is not possible for both of them to be on duty to watch over me for 24 hours straight. Dahil of course, they also need to rest and sleep. Dominic is assigned for the morning shift, while Emerson takes the night shift. Dominic accompanies me to school and clocks out at 7 pm.
As I descended the stairs, some of Baba's men who were walking around had to do a double-take when they saw me. However, it didn't bother me because I was used to the attention, and it felt completely natural for people to stare at me. I walked straight into the kitchen where I found Mana Senya washing the cups used by the bodyguards for drinking coffee.
Hazel's birthday is just around the corner. And until now, I still don't know how I'll be able to attend the party since bantay-sarado ako. Kahit pagsho-shopping sa mall nga ay hindi ko pa din magawa ulit kahit may bodyguards na kasama. I thought that after a few days, Baba would realize that there was no longer a threat to my life and would loosen up on my security, but it turned out, he didn't.
Luckily, Hazel and I can still plan and prepare for her birthday during our free time and through online chat. It was a challenge, but not to the extent that it became a hindrance. Regardless of what may happen, I'll make sure that I will be able to attend her debut. I will be there.
Niyaya ko si Mana Senya na sabayan ako sa pagkain after she finished what she was doing pero sinabi niyang sasamahan na lang niya ako because she already had eaten with Ate Susan.
"Ang daya niyo naman, Mana. Hindi niyo manlang ako inintay ni Ate Susan na mag-almusal. You know I don't like eating alone," I said with my lips pouted.
"Aba, sino ba naman kasing nagsabi sa'yong tanghali ka na bumangon?" saad ni Ate Susan na kapapasok lang galing sa dirty kitchen. "Ano, magpapakagutom kami para sa'yo? Gold ka ba para intayin?"
"P'wede mo naman akong tawagin sa room ko, but hindi mo ginawa. Just tell me if you don't want to eat with me," I replied, pouting even more. Ngumisi sa akin si Ate Susan.
"Ayaw kitang kasabay kumain. Tapos?"
Bumusangot ako at kunwari'y inis na tumayo from the counter stool. "Mana Senya, I'll be right at the dining area. I want green tea and french avocado toast, please."
"Ay, hala, asar talo. Ginusto mo yan, bat ka gagalet?" Ate Susan teased, but I just ignored her. I felt her gaze following me, so I looked back and then rolled my eyes at her before finally going to the dining area.
"H'wag mo na ngang asarin si Mia. Alam mo namang masama ang loob niyan at bukod sa bantay sarado na nga ay hindi pa makalabas," I heard Mana Senya scolding Ate Susan.
My attention shifted when I heard heavy footsteps coming near. It seems like the person was in a rush. Pinagtaasan ko ng kilay si Dominic nang makitang nakakunot na ang noo nito habang papasok sa dining area as our eyes met. Problema nito?
He didn't say anything and just remained standing by the entrance of the dining area, where he usually stands when I am eating. Mana Senya smiled at him when she noticed him as she preparing my breakfast on the table.
