Sweet Nemesis

Chapter 6

#OLASweetNemesis

Chapter 6
Tears

I craned my neck while massaging my nape simultaneously as I descended the stairs. Maaga akong nakatulog, pero maaga rin akong nagising. My body still felt heavy. I wanted to sleep longer, but I'd rather work and clock off early. Maybe I could contact my friends for wine or something. Pwede rin akong magpa-spa at massage para mawala ang lamig sa katawan.

Right. I should do that instead! I need to pamper myself!

"Morning."

A soft gasp escaped between my lips as I went inside the kitchen. I found Keno drinking his brewed coffee in the breakfast nook. It was only six-thirty in the morning. Maaga ito sa usual na pasok ko sa opisina, yet he was already there.

"Mornin'..." nag-aalangan kong bati pabalik habang papalapit sa nook.

Nakahain na rin doon ang breakfast na niluto para sa akin. It was a simple menu—fried eggs, bacon, and toasted bread. May nakatabing Kewpie garlic butter spread sa gilid na gustong-gusto kong inilalagay sa tinapay.

I quietly sat across from him. Lumapit agad ang aming katulong para ilapag sa lamesa ang iced coffee kong nakalagay sa tumbler. I usually don't finish my morning coffee at home dahil nagmamadali akong kumain lagi ng breakfast. Kaya naman dinadala ko ito para inumin sa biyahe na minsan ay umaabot din hanggang opisina.

"Thank you," tipid kong sabi sa katulong bago muling humarap kay Keno.

He resumed reading today's newspaper. Malapit na maubos ang iniinom niyang kape. Ang ibig sabihin no'n ay kanina pa siya nandito.

"Uhm..." I cleared my throat to get his attention.

Tumigil sa pagbabasa si Keno saka nag–angat ng tingin sa akin. "Do you need anything?"

Ngumuso ako at umiling. "May itatanong lang..."

"What's that?"

"Well, uhm... anong oras ka dumating dito?" tanong ko.

"Five-thirty."

"Five-thirty?" My eyes widened. Ang aga naman! "Anong oras ka umuwi kagabi? You were still here around ten. Nakita kita sa baba."

"Why?" he asked with a suspicious gaze. "Are you planning to sneak out?"

"Sneak out?" I echoed.

Keno dropped the newspaper on the table and leaned forward. "Gusto mo malaman kung anong oras ako umaalis para makatakas ka sa gabi, is that it?"

"Saan mo naman nakuha 'yan? I'm not gonna sneak out!" I couldn't help but get offended.

Is this what I get for being concerned about his health? I'm just worried! Why the fuck am I suddenly being accused without any grounds?

"The security here told me stories of you sneaking out a couple of times. Tinatakasan mo ang mga bodyguard mo para lumabas ng gabi," sabi niya.

"That's because they are trying to keep me confined here at home after work. Ginagawa nila akong bata, when I'm clearly an adult already," I reasoned. "It sucked to have them around. Parang hawak na nila ang buhay ko. It was suffocating. I had to escape. That was the only way for me to have fun and live my life the way I wanted."

Keno went still and quiet. He wasn't expecting that I would vent my raw emotions so early in the morning. However, I felt offended for being accused. I just had to defend myself and tell him my reasons. Hindi naman ako tumatakas noon dahil gusto ko lang o matigas ang ulo ko. It wasn't for the thrill. I was genuinely and desperately trying to chase my freedom.