Love, Lies and Alibis (Henares Series #1)

Six

Identity

"Gently, woman. You're not in a goddamned race." Voyd coldly instructed.

The weather is warm and nice today. Mataas ang sikat ng araw ngunit hindi ko dama ang init dahil sa mabining dampi ng hangin.

"Dahan-dahan, Señorita..." Abigail, my physical therapist reminded.

The view was spectacular at the back of the rest house. How I wish I had painting materials with me. I could've painted it by now.

Too engrossed with the view, sa sunod kong hakbang ay natapilok ako. Mabuti na lang mahigpit ang kapit ko sa railings. Abigail was also quick enough to prevent me from tripping.

"Fucking watch your steps, Margo!"

Matalim ko siyang tiningnan. We did not talk about last night which is a great relief. Naalala ko pang yakap niya ako hanggang sa nakatulog. But I was alone when I woke up.

"Stop cursing me! Makakatikim ka na talaga sa akin!" I shouted back.

As much as he wanted to help, I firmly refused his offer. Sapat naman na ang alalay sa akin ni Abigail. She was actually stronger than she looks. Halatang sanay siya sa ganitong trabaho.

Halos kalahating oras rin kaming nagtalo sa parteng iyon. In the end, he had no choice but to watch me walk while sitting from the sideline.

Which is the reason why he's so frustrated right now. Nakatutok siya sa bawat galaw ko. At kaunting kamalian ko lang ay pauulanan niya agad ako ng mura.

"Why the need to do this, anyway? I'm here. I can carry you wherever you want to go." Yamot niyang saad.

Seriously? Anong klaseng logic mayroon ang taong ito?

"Because I don't want to be a cripple forever! Kung di mo iyon maintindihan, that's your fucking problem!" Ganting mura ko at nagpatuloy sa paglakad.

Nagrereklamo siya gayong siya mismo ang nag-hire kay Abigail at bumili ng mga equipments na ito. Na ayon sa therapist ko, pina-shipping pa mula States ang mga iyon.

My routine for today is a 20-meter walk on the assistive platform. Hanggang beywang ang railings na siyang kinukunan ko ng suporta sa bawat hakbang. If I can carry myself a bit better, susubukan na namin ang iba pang gait trainers, such as threadmill and balance bike na nasa gym.

"You're gonna be more than a cripple if you'll break your neck forcing your feet to walk."

Matalim ko siyang sinipat. Simpleng gray polo shirt, light brown cargo shorts at walking shoes. Parang siyang turista sa sariling lupa.

"Don't you have any cattle or horse or a land to check unto? Pwede bang magtrabaho ka at nang makapag-concentrate naman ako rito?"

I heard Abigail's suppressed giggles. Pangatlong balik ko na ito. At sa bawat hakbang ko'y may kasamang mura niya.

"Namumula ka na. If you'll stay there a bit longer, iitim ka na talaga." Pananakot niya pa.

Natawa na lang ako. He couldn't get me through his curses and scolding, so he'll bluff and scare me about my skin instead.

Mas okay na ang maitim kaysa pilay. I could just tell anyone that I get myself tanned. Besides, madali lang naman ang magpaputi.

I needed this. Two weeks from now, ay engagement party ni Jaxie sa boyfriend nitong si Braxton. Sa hacienda gaganapin ang party at maraming elitista ng probinsya ang dadalo. I can't afford to be on a wheelchair on that prestige event!

I know Voyd knew that too. Kaya niya ako dinala dito. He knew me too well.

"Rest ka muna, Señorita. Too much stress on your leg is not good."

Nagpatuloy ako sa paghakbang at hindi pinansin si Abigail. Kahit nanginginig na ang mga braso ko ay sige pa rin. Tirik na rin ang araw dahil alas diez na ng umaga. Tumutulo ang pawis ko sa noo at ilong.

I can do this.

"Hey..." Masuyong tawag ni Voyd. "That's enough for now."

Luminga ako at nakitang siya na ang nasa aking tabi, pinipigilan ang braso kong magpatuloy.

"Where's Abigail? We're not yet done here."