THEY BETRAYED ME

2.3/8

One week later, Kath made up her mind to visit the hotel where Allison was checked in. Upon entering the lobby, she walked to the counter and asked the assistant, "Is there someone checked in under the name Allison McKellar?"

The assistant looked at the computer and nodded. "Yes, ma'am. But she’s out at the moment."

Kath sighed, a bit frustrated. "Alright, I’ll wait," she said, taking a seat in the lounge area.

Two hours passed, and still, there was no sign of Allison. Kath stood up and approached the counter again. "I’ll come back later," she said, leaving the hotel. Feeling slightly irritated and hungry, she stopped at a nearby restaurant to grab a quick meal.

After eating, Kath started her walk home. As she made her way through the quiet street, a large, expensive-looking motorcycle pulled up beside her. The rider removed their helmet, revealing someone who looked strikingly familiar.

Kath squinted, recognizing the features immediately. "Allison?" she muttered under her breath.

Allison turned to her and asked, "Excuse me, miss, are you alright?"

Kath quickly regained her composure. "No, I’m fine," she replied casually.

Allison gave a slight smile. "Oh, it's you again," she said, recognizing Kath from their previous encounter.

Kath nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "Yeah, actually, I’ve been waiting to talk to you. If it’s possible?"

Allison raised an eyebrow and, after a brief pause, responded, "Yea, well, I apologize for earlier. Sure, what is it?"

Tahimik na tumingin si Kath kay Allison, sinusuri ang bawat galaw at reaksyon nito. "I know this might sound strange, but I have some questions about you," ani ni Kath, mabigat ang tono.

"About me? Go on," tugon ni Allison, bahagyang ngumiti pero halatang may pag-aalinlangan.

"Well, unang-una, there's something bothering me. I did some digging, and it seems na halos wala kang kaibigan dito, despite your status and wealth. Paano nangyari 'yon?"

Napatigil si Allison at tila napaisip, bago sumagot ng malamig, "People come and go, Mayora. Some prefer to keep their distance. Maybe I do, too."

Kath nodded, pero hindi pa rin nakukumbinsi. "Fair enough. But... there's more to this. Hindi lang tungkol sa mga kaibigan o kakilala mo. There's something about you, and I feel like I need to understand it."

Napatingin si Allison sa malayo, bago tumugon, "Alright, Mayor Kath. If you think I can give you the answers you're looking for, we can talk. But I can't promise that you'll like everything you’ll find out."

"That’s a risk I’m willing to take," sagot ni Kath.

Ngumiti si Allison at inilahad ang kamay, "How about we take this conversation inside the restaurant? It’s more comfortable there."

Tumango si Kath at sumunod kay Allison papasok sa loob ng restaurant. Pagkaupo nila, isang waiter ang agad na lumapit para kunin ang kanilang order. Matapos mag-order, nagsalita si Kath, walang patumpik-tumpik.

"Let’s get straight to the point. I had a private investigator look into your background," sabi ni Kath, diretsong tumingin kay Allison. "Alam kong ikaw si Allison McKellar, pero ang hindi ko maintindihan ay bakit parang walang nakakakilala sa’yo nang malapitan."

Tumawa si Allison nang bahagya, pero halatang may tensyon. "So, you did your homework, huh? Well, to be honest, I’ve always been a private person. Hindi ako mahilig makihalubilo, especially sa mga taong hindi ko lubos na kilala."