Crimson Temptation

KABANATA 3

After the incident, Avena was prohibited from coming to the mansion, with Mr. Antonio personally conveying the message. The resentment on my dad's and stepmom's faces was palpable. Surprisingly, they also detected something unsettling about that girl. To add to the chaos, I was unaware that Luke, Riler, and Skyler had complained to my stepmom about Avena bullying me. Those troublemakers, despite my warning to keep quiet, they still went ahead and tattled.

"Why didn't you inform me, Shion? You're aware that I dislike it when you hide things from me, especially regarding bullying! I don't want you to sink into depression because that girl is harassing you!" He expressed, his anger evident.

"I prefer to avoid conflicts... That's why I opted to conceal it, considering you're always exhausted, Dad... I don't want to burden you with more issues." I explained while seated on the sofa, sensing the tense atmosphere.

"Eh sana nagsumbong ka nalang sa stepmom mo..." Saad nyang parang naeestress. Hindi na ako umimik at naghintay nalamang kumalma si dad.

"The audacity..." Gigil ni dad. "Matthew... Thank you so much for protecting my son, kung wala ka ay parang mas malala pa and sasapitin ng anak ko sa babaeng yun, thank you so much." Sabi ni dad habang hinihingal ng kunti.

"Don't concern yourself, Mr. Villavicencio, someone like Avena, with that kind of demeanor and grace, doesn't belong in this family." Uncle Matthew remarked as we locked eyes, and he was the one who tended to my wound, it's awkward to think about, but I'll genuinely express my gratitude to him later...

"That's it for today, Shion, come here, I'll walk you to your room, inform your dad if anything still hurts, alright? Don't hesitate..." He said as he gently took my hand to lead me. I bid everyone goodnight before we departed, and after Dad escorted me and bid me goodnight, I headed straight to the bathroom to shower, even if I get wet, I need to bathe... After showering, I cleaned my wound once more, it's already 10:48 at night... Is Uncle Matthew still awake?

Nagdalawang isip man na lumabas, gusto ko talaga syang makita ngayun... At magpasalamat. Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang pinto sa aking kwarto para lumabas.

Ang tahimik ng paligid... Sinirado ko ito at naglakad na ng maingat patungo sa silid ni tito Matthew... Pagdating na pagdating ko doon ay mahina akong kumatok sa kanyang pinto... At... Bigla naman iyong bumukas... Wow dekoryente ba itong pintuan nya?

There I saw him, standing before me in a black silky night robe was Uncle Matthew, positioned by his large bed. As he stood there, my knees weakened, questioning why I hesitated now about continuing or abandoning my goal upon seeing him.

"Shion...?" His gaze fixed on me, as if sensing that I had doubts coming in, sensing my uncertainty about approaching. I don't know... I just felt it.

"I... I..." I faltered. "Come in, Shion... Don't stand there..." He gestured for me to enter and sat on the edge of his bed. I stepped inside and closed the door softly, torn between whether to walk towards him or stay where I was standing...

"Come closer..." Dagdag pa nya, sa mga nanginginig kong mga tuhod hindi ko alam kong magagawa ko pang humakabang palapit sa kanya, sa ganda ng tanawin sa harapan ko, ay tila hindi ko na kayang igalaw pa ang mga paa ko, sa suot niyang silky robe, halatang-halata talaga ang matipuno nitong katawan... At sa kalaki laki nyang yan ay pakiramdam kong malaki rin ang-ibig kong sabihin malaki talaga siya at matangkad pa, exposed pa ang dibdib nito, naalala ko tuloy yung moment na nabaun ang mukha ko don... My face burned as I tried to compose myself... Nakalimutan kong sinabi nyang come closer kanina... Kaya lumapit ako ng kaunti sa kanya...

"What brings you here?" Tanong nya habang nakatingin sa akin. His gaze makes me want to hide... "I... I just... Want to say thank you... Tito Matthew... I... owe you one."
Sabi ko, ano kaya ang pwede kong gawin para mabayaran siya...