Shipwrecked Hearts

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When we were finally at the mansion, Maximo walked me towards my chamber, "I'll appoint a new handmaiden to you later on." Saad niya. Right. Pearl was no longer here, she's with Marco. Maybe if she didn't meet Marco, she wouldn't become a traitor. She'd still be here to attend my selfish needs. She was always specific about everything and she always attends to the things I need without saying a word. It pangs my heart considering I saw her once as a friend. "I'm going, okay?" Pagpapaalam niya dahilan upang bumalik ako sa huwisyo.

"Maximo." Pagtitigil ko sa kan'yang, hinawakan ko siya sa kan'yang braso. He looked at me with his eye—his green eye now covered with eyepatch.

"Yes?"

"Ano ang mangyayari kina Pearl at Marco?"

Ngumiti si Maximo, "considering they became traitors and rebelled against me, I expect them to join up with the Sea Brigands."

"Sea Brigands?"

"Yes, that's another organization of pirates. You sunk one—the Bloody Crackers. Remember?"

I nodded. Naalala ko ang mga piratang sumugod noon. I effortlessly sunk the ship with one firing command. How can I forget? It was my first time. How many pirates were on board that ship that day? How many enemies have I killed?

"Apparently, there are two major underground marine organizations. The first, is our organization, Order of the Pirates, it consists of five hundred pirate crews who swore loyalty to me and my cause. Second, the Sea Brigands, organization of pirates who are against me and wants to overthrow me. They've tried to invade this island several times, but none succeeded. Well, sad for them."

Tumango lang ako habang nakikinig sa kan'yang.

"Ano ang mangyayari kina Marco kung mahuli sila?"

"It will be decided tomorrow." Sagot niya. "But, as tradition goes by, they'd be named for capital punishment, the traditional hanging. That is if they decide to come back again which will be pretty stupid. Right now, they should be deciding to hide. But there is not a place here on Earth where they can hide, not when I am around." Ngumiti si Maximo sa akin, "I'm so proud of you for coming back to me, your loyalty to me is commendable." Maximo said, "I never got the chance to say that, did I?"

I nodded.

"Now that I did, I want you to know that at first, I was only infatuated with you, but right now, I'm sure of it, I'm starting to love you. Argh." Umiwas siya ng tingin sa akin. Meanwhile, I was left speechless. "Alright, I've stalled enough time. I still have to put the money at the treasure vault. Got to go, Starfish." Magsasalita na sana ako nang tumakbo siya paalis.

Sighing, I opened the door of my room and entered.

I killed time by rummaging the jewelries at the drawer. Habang pinipikit ko ang aking mga mata ay naaalala ko ang mga katagang binitawan ni Maximo sa akin. It made my heart skip beats. I know it sounds cliché, but that's how I feel. I can feel the butterflies in my stomach. I just felt so loved and cherished.

Sa gitna ng aking pagmumuni-muni ay may kumatok. "Pasok." Sagot ko naman.

Bumukas ang pinto at bumungad ang isang batang babae, nakasuot siya ng bestida na gaya ni Pearl. She was so little and cute. Nang makita ako ng bata ay walang sabi siyang tumakbo papasok at saka lumapit sa akin. "Ikaw po ba si Ate Kira?" I smiled and nodded. "Ah, ikaw nga!" She nodded. "I'm Mermaid, yes, that's my name. Kuya Alexander said I'll be your handmaiden from now on."

"Really?"

"Yes! I may look like a kid but don't underestimate me, okay?"

I smiled. "Okay. So, where are your parents? Alam ba nila na nandito ka?"