Night of Waterfalls (Venom Series #2)

Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Memories

I woke up to the familiar scent of lavender under my nose, it was weird to have that familiarity even with my environment filled with smoke—pollution.

I wouldn't be surprised if I woke up by the loud noises of the neighbors, the cries of a random child, and even the shouting of wives to their husbands. One of the package deals when you pick a cheap place to stay.

"Nasaan na ang nag-aaway na mag-asawa sa itaas? Nakabayad na ba sila ng kuryente on time?"

I pulled the blanket tightly around my body. The softness of it made me feel like I'd wish I wouldn't wake up again in reality. The feeling of easiness under the thick blanket enveloping my skin made me feel like I was still dreaming.

Gusto ko pa sana matulog at higit na mag-illusyon sa nararamdaman ko nang sapilitan ko nang ibangon ang sarili ko.

I got up from the bed groggily as I held my forehead, my eyes were still blurry but I felt like the bulb of my small apartment suddenly brightened. Pinunasan ko ba iyon o nagpalit ako nang hindi ko na maalala?

"Ano ba itong nangyayari sa akin? Nakainom ba ako kagabi? Bakit wala akong maalala?"

The last time I remembered was I was in front of the cashier and I was asking if I could write a promissory note since I couldn't pay for my tuition on time. Tanda ko na may tinanggap akong raket sa bar, not to dance or even entertain the men, taga dala lang talaga ng pagkain pero kailangan talaga magdamit ng sexy.

I blinked twice until everything went clear. I tried to blink again and my eyes widened.

"W-what the hell? Nasaan ako?"

Ilang beses kong tinapik ang pisngi ko ngunit hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala sa nakikita ko.

Why am I inside this huge and elegant room?

I was inside a huge and majestic room. From the bed with a mixture of red and gold cover, with its four-column corners, thin curtains, and small side table. A bookshelf, a huge cabinet, a bigger table filled with some papers, a piano, a delicate ceiling with expensive chandeliers, and a fireplace. There were also huge flower vases and fresh flowers. Most of the items inside the room were made of gold and diamonds.

Bakit wala akong maalala na pumasok ako sa loob ng kuwartong ito?

Ilang beses kong tinapik ang sentido ko habang nagmamadali na akong bumaba sa kama. At isang hakbang ko pa lang ay natumba na ako sa sahig na may makapal na carpet.

I fell down on my stomach. I cursed when I felt the pain under my chin. Halos hindi ko na mabangon ang sarili ko.

I tried to remember what happened last night. Naging desperada na ba talaga ako at pumayag na ako sa trabahong iyon? That I'd sell my body for money? I knew how I wanted to graduate on time and I'd do everything to pay for my education, pero hindi pa ako umabot sa ganoon.

"Gaga!" Paulit-ulit kong kinatok ang sentido ko habang pilit akong bumabangon sa pagkakadapa ko.

Hinayaan ko muna ang sarili kong umupo sa sahig at sumandal ako sa kama. At mas lalong napasinghap ako nang may mapansin akong salamin sa harapan ko.

"Is this wig?"

Ilang beses kong hinila ang mahaba at kulot kong buhok, at napadaing ako sa sakit nang hindi iyon mahila. Isa pa, kailanman ay hindi ko nakita ang sarili ko na nakasuot ng ganitong kasuotan.

It was like I'd been transported to the past with this white Victorian dress as a sleepwear. "W-what's really going on? Ang kati naman nito sa leeg."

Pilit kong tinatanggal iyong ruffles sa leeg ko na nakakasakal.