Luca

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

“FABIOLA, Luca, what's taking you both silly child, long in here? Come now and get out from this carriage,” said Nanny Rosie's voice outside the carriage. Us on the other hand are hastening to don our attire. Due to the moment, we didn't even notice that we were already here on the Glacial Waterway. This was called 'Glacial' for the reason that even in other season, this waterway is always frozen because of the cold area of the city it was located.

“J-Just a moment!” ang aking tanging tugon.

Luca help me to clip the back of my blouse while rush is evident from his movements. Tagaktak pareho ang aming pawis sa buong katawan at maging ako ay hapong-hapo pa sa pangyayari. Ngunit kasalanan naman namin kung bakit dito ba naman namin... Mabuti na lamang ay mayroong kurtina sa bintana ng karwahe na ito kaya malaya kaming hindi magkaundagagang bihisan ang isa't isa—napatili ako nang kamuntikan nang bumukas ang kurtina ngunit nagpapasalamat ako sa bilis ng galaw ni Luca sapagaka't maagap niya ito napigilan. Kay bilis at bigat ng aking paghinga nang magkatitigan kami dahil muli siyang napalapit sa akin dahil sa likod ko ang kurtina na kamuntikan nang bumukas. Kung tuluyan nangyari iyon ay lalantad ang isang kagimbal-gimbal na pangyayari na hindi nila aasahang mangyayari sa loob mismo ng karwaheng ito.

Two knocks made us back to our senses so I immediately help him wear his last coat. “Are you all right inside? What is happening in there? Why were you both taking so long to come out?” this time, Miss Edinburgh's voice could be heard outside.

“We were just finding my expensive necklace—” I tapped the flat cap on his head for the last time. “Oh, there you are!” Agad kong binuksan ang pinto.

I stopped on my track when three of them greeted the door of the carriage. At their back could be seen the servants that will assist us for this day. It's like the atmosphere became heavy and awkward. I didn't notice that I didn't move from my spot and just had a staring contest with them.

They are prepared and waiting in all probability with their poise. They are holding their own skating shoes and wearing their toque hats or either wide-brimmed hats. On their other hand hold their muffs that matched their winter attire. A muff was a popular accessory for women to keep their hands warm while ice skating or during cold weather.

“What are you still doing? We don't want to wait before the frozen pond melt,” Miss Edinburgh said laughingly and Nanny Rosie and Charlotte respond with the same laughter.

My cheeks heated up despite the cold winter. Wala na akong nagawa pa at tuluyan nang bumaba sa baitang ng karwahe. Subalit bago pa ako makatayo nang matagal sa aking puwesto ay kamuntikan na akong matumba. Muntik nang mapasigaw sila Miss Edinburgh at Nanny Rosie habang isang nag-aalalang reaksyon naman ang bumalatay sa mukha ni Charlotte. Dapat ay agad nila akong sasaluhin, maging ng mga tagapagsilbi, ngunit isang matangkad na rebulto mula sa aking likod ang nauna sa kanila. Nakababa na pala siya. As I turn my head to Luca, I saw the deep concern on his face while holding me. Imbes na mabahala sa aking sariling kalagayan ay mas lalong namula ang aking mga pisngi nang maaalala ang dahilan kung bakit bahagyang nanginginig ang aking mga binti.

Nanny Rosie made me face her by holding my face. “Are you alright, Fabiola? Masama ba ang iyong pakiramdam? Namumula ka, anak. Do you have a fever? Do you want to go back to the mansion and rest?” sunod-sunod niyang tanong. I appreciate my Nanny Rosie's concern but I'm certainly alright. Not just the uncomfortable feeling... down there.

“N-Nanny Rosie, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me. I think I just had a sudden body unbalance because of the snowy ground we step on.”

“But you're blushing.”

Lalong namula ang aking pisngi. Agad na sana akong huhugot ng panibagong dahilan ngunit naunahan ako ni Luca, “Mama Rosie, it's winter. See?” Iminuwestra niya ang paligid.