The Crimson Curse

Chapter Three

Chapter Three: Groomed to fit in their world

"Your Ballet class is moved to 4pm to 6pm, and the Stallion riding will be tomorrow at 8am." Kayla continues to tell me my schedule as we walk through Thampton Mall.

"Your Archery class is re-scheduled pero wala pa dito"

There are a lot of people today, siguro dahil Sunday. My Ballet class is always scheduled at Sunday, na move lang ngayon dahil dito. Damon wants me to shop, so I will.

"I really don't see why we have to shop here kung mas marami namang shop sa labas, and all of them are branded mind you..." I trailed my eyes, I don't get uncomfortable around people. Being a Castellan means getting exposed to the public's eyes.

"And I'd rather shop at that old bookstore at West side,"

Napangiwi si Kayla sa sinabi ko. "We're not allowed at West side, Miss."

She continued browsing through her iPad for my schedule. Damon made sure I'm informed, inaayos rin ito ni Kayla dahil nakuha ko na ang class schedule ko. Maayos talaga siya sa lahat ng bagay, I think that's why Dame hired. May OCD ata itong si Kayla.

I remembered the time when Lyndon and I wandered to West for a stroll, hindi ito katulad ng East at North... It was completely different. I love different. Damon said it was dangerous so I got a mouthful from him and Brandon. Puro mga Apartments kasi ang naroon and suburban houses, para sa mga taong mas mababa na sa middle class. Unlike East na puro Hotels, Condominiums, and Mansions.

"Oh, there's a new update!" Kayla said when her iPad beeped for an incoming email. "You're scheduled to travel with Master Lyndon to Rome this Wednesday"

My forehead creased. "What for?"

"Wala sinabi eh, it came from Master Dominic's secretary" Lumiko si Kayla sa isang shop na kilala dahil sa mga printed t-shirts nito.

"T-shirts?" I chuckle. "You want me to wear t-shirts?"

"For your sleepwear, Miss. We'll shop for you school clothes outside later" she gave me a sheepish smile.

Kayla and I, with all the bodyguards, went home at 3:30. Si Kayla na ang inatasan kong ayusin ang lahat ng gamit ko as I changed into my ballet clothes.

Damon wanted me to learn Ballet, I've been dancing since I was thirteen. Other girls I know dances Ballet too. Apparently it was a 'must' for rich teenage girls. I also know how to play Piano, Cello, and Violin. Classical, yes. He said it's in the blood, hindi naman ako nag reklamo. I like playing classical instruments and dancing, but it's not my passion.

It's like I'm groomed to be a Castellan. To fit in their world.

I'm really complaining because I owe everything to Damon Castellan.

Sabay kaming naglakad ni Kayla patungo sa studio, nasa loob lang naman ito ng mansion. Everything I do right now are all because of Damon. But as I said, I don't always oblige. I have a rebel streak and he knows it.

Kayla left nang pumasok na ako. Wala pa si Benjhie.

Classical music was playing, siguro ay pumasok na si Kayla dito habang nagbibihis ako para ihanda ang lahat. The lights were dimmed, it gave out a different vibe.

So peaceful...

Huminga ako ng malalim before staring at myself in then mirrored walls.

I suddenly wondered kung ano ba ang hilig ko dati. Did I love art back then or ngayon lang? Did I dance ballet back then kaya hindi na ako nahihirapan ngayon or I'm just flexible?