BOOK 1 | Start the War

Arc 1 | Ch. 5: I Finally Found You

Start the War

Chapter 005

Before leaving the car, Cheska was asked to wear something to cover her eyes and head. At dahil wala naman siyang dala at hindi siya nasabihan, Lorenzo let her borrow his sunglasses and hat. Ibalik na lang daw niya iyon matapos ang araw. It's not like she's going to steal it anyway. She's not into sunglasses and hats. Does he really think she's going to steal his hundred-dollar belongings? That's offensive.

One of his friends opened the door for her. Ng magtama ang kanilang tingin, he immediately gave her a sweet smile. She remembers that guy. He has the softest face among them and he seems the most approachable one. She can tell it from his smiles. At sa pagkakatanda niya, when she accepted Lorenzo's offer, siya lang ang nagdiwang—though she still can't see the essence of that celebration.

"Oh, I'm Alex by the way. I'm thankful for your cooperation." nilahad niya ang kamay. "At the same time, humihingi na ako ng tawad kung napipilitan ka man. I didn't know what has gotten into his mind."

Tinanggap niya iyon kaya nakalabas na siya ng kotse. Lorenzo gave his car keys to someone. Malamang ay siya ang maglalagay noon sa parking lot. Napatingala siya para tignan kung nasaan na sila. They're right in front of the casino's entrance. She feels like she's in Las Vegas though she has never been there.

Uncountable amount of bodyguards with heavily built bodies can be found anywhere. Right where she's standing, she can see lots of people wearing the same attire as hers and as Lorenzo's and his friends. She can tell at a glance what kind of power they have. They wouldn't be there in the first place if they're not as rich as Lorenzo.

"Unang beses mo pa lang ba sa ganitong lugar?" Alex asked making her realize he's still right beside her. He immediately noticed the awe in her eyes as she roamed it around everywhere. That's the common reaction of first-timers.

"Ah yes," she nodded repeatedly. "I'm still underage."

"Lorenzo!" he called, surprised by what he heard. He turned to him with his knitted brows. "She's still—"

"I know. Don't shout. They'll hear you."

"Wow..." iyon na lang ang lumabas sa bibig ni Alex. "Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala sa lalaking iyon. I understand he hates missing opportunities pero idamay ang bata?"

"Hindi naman ako ganoon kabata. I'm just seventeen."

"Malapit na rin pala. When are you turning 18?"

"February 14."

"Oooh, Valentines!"

Nginitian niya lang iyon at saka naglakad na papalapit sa kaniyang mga kaibigan. Biglang bumilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso dahil hindi pa naman niya nakakausap ang mga iyon maliban kay Alex. Aside from him, all of them seem...unapproachable. Tila kakainin siya ng buhay. Most importantly the guy who talked to her—he's almost like Lorenzo.

Kenneth's jaw clenched as she laid his eyes on Cheska who's giving them shy smiles. Agad siyang umiwas ng tingin ng tignan siya neto. He's the first one to walk away na sinundan nila Ralph at Xander.

They're silent as they take their walk. May iilang napapalingon sa kanilang gawi. She assumes they know who are the guys she's with. Sana lang ay hindi na niya makuha pa ang kanilang atensyon dahil lang sa kasama niya ang mga ito.

Her eyes started to roam once again all over the place. She can't believe what she's seeing. It's far from the world on the outside. It's like she's in a different world or on a different planet. Wherever she lays her eyes, money is everywhere. The place is dazzling because of the interior which she believes are all made from gold and the chandeliers? They are all extensive. It's like the brilliance will turn her blind if she looks at them without any protection in her eyes.