Pyromania

13th Chapter: Masterpiece

13th Chapter

Mercedes Ian Irving

We took a cab and along the way he won’t speak to me. Diretso ang tingin nito but even so, he wouldn’t let go of my hand. Huminto ang cab sa tapat ng Stellestine Towers. This is one of the most prestigious condominium in the country, isa sa pagmamay ari ng mga Celestial, ang pamilya na founder rin ng TCU. Ev must have a fortune from his savings to afford this kind of luxury.

“We won’t stay. Kukunin ko lang ang susi ni Bronx at ihahatid na kita sainyo. I called Mr. Irving at pumayag siya.” He said before walking away, leaving me sa lobby.

I stood there waiting for him to come back. I’ve seen lots of palace like condominiums and hotels but the pristine vibes that this one gives amazed me.

Naghintay ako sa lounge area ng lobby, and suddenly, isang grupo ng kalalakihan ang sunod sunod na pumasok sa glass door ng condo, tingin ko’y nasa higit sampu ang mga iyon. Some looks familiar. Di ko maclassify kung bodyguards ba sila dahil sa di unipormeng suot ng mga ito although they act like one.

“I love this condo! Should we buy it?!” matinis na sabi ng isang babaeng kakapasok lang din. Her hair is short, and dyed blond, nakangisi ito na parang laging may pinagtitripan she’s short but oozing with confidence as she walks with that 5 inch platinum heels. As for her clothes, it is a Paris Hilton inspired sparkly silver short dress na halos luwa ang dibdib na part.

I was about to look away pero natigilan nang masulyapan ko ang kasama nito, medyo nahuhuli sa kanyang likod. And she’s with someone…

“What do you think Heather? I’m sure Banjo will gladly buy it for you! Right Banj?”

“I don’t need this, Samia. Iba ang gusto ko.” She answered coldly,

Nagpatuloy sila sa paglalakad dala ang isang batalyon ng lalaking sunud sunuran sa kanila. She is different. Iba sa Heather na kilala ko nung mga bata pa kami. She looks regal, matured and sophisticated. Pero hindi ko inaasahan ang ganito mula sa kanya. She was being guarded by government securities before, now, it was replaced by mysterious and cold looking guys. What an upgrade Heather. And to think na kasama niya ito kahit saan siya magpunta, mukha siyang anak ng sindikato kung nagkataon.

Nang paalis sila ay siya namang saktong pagdating ni Everest. Magkasalubong ang landas nito and I can’t help but notice the look she gives to Everest, the blond girl even winked flirtatiously at him. But Everest doesn’t seem to care. Which is a good thing. But my frown remained, I feel uneasy at di ko alam kung bakit.

“Sorry, natagalan ako.” He apologized, sinuri ko siya ng tingin. Why is he so good looking ba kasi? At pansin ko di na ganong tan ang kulay niya, mukhang bumabalik sa natural na kulay ang balat nito. It makes him look innocent, and harmless.

He changed his clothes too I notice, nakablack na adidas pull overs ito at black shorts, then white adidas shoes.  Bumalik ang tingin ko sa mukha niya, agad naman itong sumimangot sakin, habang ako naman ay pilit na binlangko ang mukha sa nakitang injuries nito. There’s a black eye forming already at ang labi naman niya ay namamaga na. Muli kong tinignan ang mga kamay niya, umaasa na sugatan rin iyon bilang ebidensya na nagantihan rin niya ng suntok kung sino man ang gumawa nito sa kanya pero bigo ako.

I took deep breath, trying to collect myself.

“So. Who ruined my dearest masterpiece? Do I know the bastard?” tanong ko habang nakatuon ang atensyon sa phone.

I heard him choke on that. At nang lingunin ko ay nagpipigil siya ng ngiti, nag-iiwas ng tingin. But I’m serious! What’s wrong with this guy?!

“I’m your dearest masterpiece, huh?” he said, biting his lower lip.