Taste of your Warmth

Kabanata 27

Touched

The storm in me is different. Because, I was all alone sailing in the midst of the ocean. It was all darkness, I couldn't see anything. As the thunder roared, it provided a faint light that guided me through the chaos.

It became a light I never knew was possible, guiding my path. It became the reason why I am still fighting. For my father. For my family.

For myself.

"You look so hot!" sigaw ni Isabel at mabilis nag tipa sa kaniyang celllphone, siguradong tatawagin ang tatlo upang ipakita ako.

I appreciate Isabel's presence here. Even though she disagrees with what I will do, she remains supportive. Siya pa ang nagdala ng dress mismo sa condo ko, na ngayon ay suot suot ko na.

I didn't hire an assistant to dress me, nor did I hire a makeup artist or hairstylist. Ayaw ko ng mag abala pa sa event na ito, kaya't ako at si Isabel nalang ang gumawa ng lahat. Why put in so much effort? I didn't dress up to impress that family. I’m only attending the event for the auction. Kaya't kahit anong ayos ko, ay ayos na sa akin.

My first encounter with that family was far from pleasant. Ang tanging iniisip ko lang sa ngayon ay hindi nila ako makilala sa ganoong paraan. I want them to see me differently, to know me as the child of my father, driven by a pursuit for justice on his behalf.

"How did the chef know about us?"

Napahinto ako sa paglalakad at mariin na napapikit. Mabilis nagbago ang nararamdaman ko, at napalitan ng matinding kaba.

"My name is not even on the list of reservations.." His brows were now furrowed, reminding me of his son.

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my nerves, but the knot in my stomach only tightened. They are all now looking at me, waiting for an answer.

"Uh... though internet, Sir..." I felt like a kitten, trying to figure out an answer. I couldn't simply say I knew him based on what I knew. "...I-I am a fan of your.. work, particularly the buildings produced... by VVE." I almost vomit on my lies.

Sabay sabay napalitan ng kaginahawaan ang mukha nila, while the two brothers remained their serious face, much like Kalixon, as if they were not convinced.

"Pasensya ka na, he is so praning on his safety." Kassandra chuckled. "Excuse me.." she said before answering her phone.

Kalixto smiled at me. Mabilis akong nag iwas ng tingin. I couldn't look at the family that long, so I focused on the food instead, forcing myself to keep smiling

"Wow, thank you for that." He extended his hand. "What's your name again, chef?" His voice sent shivers down my spine, triggering my emotions and reigniting the rage I felt toward them.. especially him.

"Kuya.." Kassandra said to her phone.

"Amelia." Mabilis kong tinanggap ang kamay niya, at mabilis din binitawan ito.

"Where are you? We're already here at Celeste, we're all waiting for you."

I'm sure that Kalixon is who Kassandra is talking to on her phone right now.

"Excuse me.. thank you again for dining.."

Mabilis ang lakad ko paalis at kahit na naka uniporme pa ako ay dumaretso na ako sa kotse upang makaalis sa lugar na iyon. I cried a lot while I was driving that day. It came to the point that my vision became unclear because of the tears. Kinailangan ko pang huminto upang magpahinga sa gitna ng daan dahil patuloy na kumakawala ang mga luha na nagsisiunahan sa pagbagsak. It was the first time I had seen them, and I wasn't prepared, much like when I first saw Kalixon. Masakit pala talaga. Masakit parin talaga. At sa tingin ko, habang buhay itong masakit.