First Rain Of Summer | COMPLETED

Six

THERESE'S POV

April 29, 2016, the day I'll be going to Madam Eula's house. It's been two days since the last time I encountered Xavier. I'm hoping not to see him everywhere because I haven't apologized to him yet.

Not that I don't want to, it's just I'm not used to it. It's hard for me to utter that word. Especially when I sincerely sorry for what I've done. Hindi ko rin madalas naririnig ang salitang iyon kapag ang isang tao may ginawang kasalanan sa 'kin.

Saying sorry feels like I have this huge lump in my throat.

Pumunta ako ng garahe para kunin ang aking sasakyan. Mabuti na lang talaga at malaki 'tong parking lot nila Kai. Anim na kotse ang kasya, including mine.

I asked someone for Madam Eula's address, or let's say I bribed someone. I'm invading her privacy but I'm so desperate to meet her. I'll just pretend I'm looking for a friend, and that's Xavier, who happened to live in her house.

Yes, I'll use him for my hidden agenda. Frankly, I don't know he lives there. Pakialam ko naman doon. Ang gusto ko lang ma-acknowledge ako ni Madam Eula.

I drove with just the right speed and luckily, maaga akong nakarating sa exclusive village, 8:36 a.m. I know this village and I have a visitor pass. My Mom lives here, together with her new family but I'm not here to see her; I have no plan to meet her today.

"Good morning, ma'am." Bati ng guard sa 'kin.

Pinakita ko sa kaniya ang visitor pass ko kaya pinapasok na niya ako. Nasa dulo pa ang bahay ni Madam Eula kaya nagpasikot-sikot ako. I'm not so familiar with the streets here because Mom's house is just two blocks away from the village's entrance.

Ilan minuto rin ako nagpaikot-ikot para mahanap ang block and her house number. I smirked when I spotted it. Alright, here we go.

I parked my car in front of a huge dark green gate. Kinuha ko muna ang isang bote ng wine at ang brown na paper bag bago ako bumaba at nagbabasakali na maabutan si Madam Eula. I have no idea about her schedule and ironic, I drove all the way here with all the uncertainty.

I'm amazed by her wall that I gasped. Her wall is filled with bougainvillea and it looks like it's infinite as I couldn't see the end of the wall. The bougainvillea has different colors that complement each other; light pink, peach, red, and yellow.

I want to have a home like this. Home. Perhaps, I need to work hard to have a place to call my own home.

Pumunta ako sa tapat ng doorbell and pressed it. I heard a voice from the two-way security intercom.

"Sino po sila?"

I could hear an accent from the lady, an accent belonging to Illonggo.

"Good morning," masiglang bati ko to show her that I have no ill intention. "Is Madam-" I paused and shook my head. I should pretend she's not what I'm looking for.

"Xavier. I'm looking for Xavier Vincent Easton. I'm his f-friend."

I found myself stuttering. What the hell is wrong with you, Therese? Get a grip! This is your only chance! Don't mess up.

"Ganoon po ba, saglit lang po."

I waited patiently for about a minute and I heard a rattle from inside. I think the helper is opening the gate. I grin, this is it! I can finally meet her.

Ngumiti ako nang napakalapad pambungad sa kung sino man ang bumukas ng gate. But my smile escalated right away when I saw him, Xavier. Why the fuck is he here? He's not my pakay rito.