Solandis 1: Flame of Desire

25 ~ HIGHLANDS (SPG)

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

VALESKA kept on checking her phone if Rashid already texted her, but none. It was the first time she's going somewhere without him and she suddenly wasn't use to it. Nasanay na siya sa presensya ng binata kaya naman hindi siya komportable na magkalayo sila.

A warm hand covered hers, that made her sigh.

"I know that feeling. I've been there, Leigh."

She felt a bit embarrassed that her full attention wasn't on Rashid's mother who's sitting right next to her. They are on their way to Tagaytay and the travel is faster than usual. Dahil na rin medyo malalim na ang gabi kaya wala ng traffic sa daan.

"I am so used being with him and to go back home without him is bothering me, Tita."

"My son is gonna be fine. He knows exactly what he's doing. Uuwi rin 'yon mamaya."

Ang isa pang bagay na nagbibigay alalahanin sa kanya ay ang katotohanan na may kaguluhan ngang nangyayari sa lokasyon na iniwan nila.

Her friends updated each others on their group chat. On the way na rin pabalik sa hotel ang mga ito at nakasagap ng balita tungkol sa auction. She just couldn't really focus yet with those messages because she's too occupied thinking about Rashid.

"Does it mean he wouldn't leave the place without making sure that everything is settled?"

"Yes, dear. He wouldn't leave unfinished business. Besides, his people is part of the security. Kaya talagang hindi sila aalis nang hindi maayos ang lahat."

Valeska took another deep sigh. She's worried but she needs to trust him. She's just hoping that he would be safe. That's all that she wanted.

"You're lucky that you met my son when he's already freed from danger. I could still remember all my worries and sleepless nights during his time in Military. That was the most stressing chapter of my life, I guess."

That caught her interest. She's aware that Rashid served in Military. But to hear that from his own mother made her more curious.

"My grandfather is a U.S. war veteran. He inspired Rashid so much that when my son told me that he wanted to be in Military, I was terrified. His first tour was in Iraq, Leigh. I swear, I got my anxiety because of that."

"H-He served in the USA?"

"Yes. He didn't tell you?"

"I didn't ask him."

"Well, after his third tour, he finally decided to moved here. Then, he continued his military career here."

"He was in the army?"

"He was. It was such a relieved for me when he went back here. I know, he wanted to continue serving in the USA, but he probably got tired of me or he pitied me because I got really sick thinking about him—away from me, and in a war zone."

That would be her nightmare too. If ever she met Rashid during his time in Military. Siguradong hindi tatagal ang relasyon nila. Hindi niya rin kakayanin isipin na ang taong mahal niya ay walang katiyakan na babalik sa kanya ng buhay at humihinga.

"I am thankful that I met him after his service, Tita. I'd have anxiety too thinking about him."

Hinawakan pa nito lalo ang mga kamay niyang nasa kanyang kandungan.

"I am not sure if I'd be grateful that my son didn't meet you during your darkest days, dear. He wouldn't think twice getting the justice by his hands just for you and that would be bloody."

Imagine, Rashid Montecarlo's wrath when he only sees red because he wanted revenge for the people who have hurt her. And that is something... she didn't want to happen, too. She doesn't want his hands to be tainted by evils' blood.