The Heir's Retribution

CHAPTER 26

Chapter 26: WE ARE FRIENDS 

"Kamusta ka, anak?" Concern was evident on Mana Senya's face as she asked the question.

"Ano bang nangyayari? Okay lang ba kayo d'yan?" Ate Susan also asked, who was sitting beside Mana Senya.

"Yes, we're fine naman po dito. How about you?" 

I bit my lower lip as I stared at their worried and confused faces on the screen. After having breakfast this morning, I suddenly missed the feeling of waking up to Mana Senya's cooking and Ate Susan's nagging. I want to hear their voices. 

"Are you comfortable and safe where you're staying?" I added as the wave of longing for them washed over me, and I felt tears welling up. The familiar warmth of their presence was something I craved deeply. Seeing them okay brought a sense of relief, but the distance between us made my heart ache even more.

"Oo, naman, nak. Safe kami dito," Mana Senya said, taking a deep breath.  "H'wag mo kami alalahin ng Ate Susan mo. Pinadagdagan na din ni Mr. Liu ang mga nagbabantay sa'min."

"Grabe talaga yung kaba ko nung sinabing nawawala ka daw, gabing-gabi na." As she spoke, Ate Susan's eyes flashed with irritation and worry, her voice rising in indignation. "Sira ulo ka, bat ka tumakas? Tapos nagulat na lang ako na pinapalipat na kami ng location." 

On the night we were ambushed, Dominic immediately alerted the security at the main house. This swift action allowed Mana Senya and Ate Susan to leave before our assailants could consider attacking the main house. They are now staying at one of our family's houses in the province, far from the city where we had previously been staying. 

"Ano bang nangyayari? Nasaan ka? Napanood namin sa balita na may tatlong abandonadong sasakyan ang natagpuan sa gitna ng highway. Puro tama daw ng mga bala at bakas ng dugo sa kalsada!" sunod-sunod na saad ni Ate Susan.

"Jusko, panginoon, alalang-alala ako sa'yo nang mapanood ko yun, anak. Akala ko kung ano na ang nangyari sa inyo," Mana Senya added, crossing herself in prayer.

"We're also in the province, but this is not one of our family properties. It was my first time here, so I'm not even exactly sure where we are. There are security personnel everywhere to ensure my safety, so don't worry about me," I said, taking a deep breath and biting the inside of my cheek. 

"I also want to apologize for sneaking out. I got tired of always following Baba's orders without understanding the reasons behind them. I really thought he was just overreacting. I didn't realize there was a real threat to our lives. I'm sorry po," I continued, looking down at my wrist in shame.

I saw Mana Senya's eyes soften as she looked at me from the corner of my eye. 

"Hindi mo kailangang humingi ng tawad sa'min. anak. Hindi mo naman kasalanan ang nangyari. Ang mahalaga para sa akin ay ligtas at nasa maayos na kalagayan ka."

I nodded my head and let out a slow breath, trying to compose myself as I struggled to hold back tears. For the past few days, I had been in this room, staring at the blue ocean view, and I was beginning to realize how selfish I'd been before. At ngayon, the guilt is slowly consuming me.

"Honestly, I don't really know what was going on anymore. I tried asking Baba about the situation, but he deliberately avoided answering me. I just don't understand why he can't trust me with the truth," I said, my voice trembling with frustration.

"Siguradong may sapat na rason si Mr. Liu sa hindi pagtatago ng katutuhanan sa'yo. Mahal na mahal ka ng tatay mo," Mana Senya said, trying to soften the blow. "Baka ayaw ka lang niyang mag-alala o--" 

I shook my head repeatedly, causing Mana Senya to stop talking. 

"You don't have to make excuses for him, Mana. Yung sama ng loob na nararamdaman ko towards Baba, he deserves that."