When Hestia Falls in Love

Chapter 26: Half Alive

Chapter 26

Half Alive

***

"MADAME, can I pack swimsuits, ba? Kasi you know, panahon na rin para i-flex ko 'tong bikini bod ko no?"

I heaved a sigh as I watched my executive assistant show me his clothes that he'd likely wear if ever we'd be having a vacation in a tropical area. Those clotes are tailored for the summer season, which doesn't really sit well with me.

"Pedi, we're approaching winter. Magyeyelo ka sa lamig 'pag nagswimsuit ka."

"Ngee, we don't know pa naman kung saan ang bakasyon mo. Madame, wala kayang winter sa Pilipinas,"

Napailing ako. There's no way I'm going back to the Philippines. Okay, na ako na nakikita si Berry sa screen ng cell phone ko.

"We're not going to the Philippines."

Nabagsak ni Peridae ang hawak niyang boardshorts sa kama niya bago lumundag palapit sa screen, kung makalundag ito parang hindi nakasuit and nakaslacks.

"Oh noes, Madame, why naman?"

"Hindi ko alam, just pack your bags. Ako na bahala sa tickets natin, and yes, bring your swimsuits if you want."

His lips curled up for a smile as glimmered filled his eyes, I couldn't help but make a face.

"Okay, your dinner is there na ha; last stretch natin tomorrow sa work."

I smiled at him. At this age, hindi pa rin ako marunong magluto. Well, kaya ko naman ang mga simpleng dishes lang like prito and salad, but anything else hindi talga, so Pedi always makes sure that I have foods delivered to my villa located at the main branch of Shells and Sparkles.

"Magcelebrate tayo sa send off Madame," Pedi suggested a bit later as he started to fold his shorts.

I just signaled him to do whatever he wants.

"It's up to you. I'll hung up now."

"Okay," he replied

I stared longer at my cell phone screen when the call ended. I am a homebuddy; I grew up as one. So I've always felt safe and content when I'm alone in my room—but that was before, ngayon parang mas malungkot ang mga gabi ko.

Imbes na peace and comfort ang mahanap ko, anxiety ang pumupuno sa akin.

Ganoon pa rin naman ang aesthetics ng kwarto ko—bohemian, only that the pictures and poems in scrolls that used to hang on my walls are now absent. Walang mem entry ang mga Hyahs na nagpapaalala sa akin na if I want to talk to someone, they'll be a phone call away.

I have a guitar and a ukulele that sit well on the corner, but I just can't feel my soul reaching out to them; I just feel tired and lonely.

With a heavy heart, I tried to lie down on my bed and thinking about how life's been for me lately, but my moment was interrupted by a series of knocks.

I looked at my clock; it's already 9PM Sino ang pupunta sa oras na ito?

I grabbed my baseball bat na binigay sa akin noon ni Kye as I stepped towards the door to open it. I looked at the peep hole because I had not checked the security cameras.

My heart is thumping fast as I take a peek and I was relieved noong nakita ko ang mukha ni Kye sa pinto he's already arrived.

"Oh god, Kye!"

I told him as soon as I opened the door. He immediately hugged me.

"What's with the baseball bat?" He asked me as his hands lowered to my waist. I put the bat down as I put my hands in his arms; nakatingala ako kay Kye dahil matangkad siya nang kaunti sa akin.