Hidden Heiress

Chapter 9

Allyson Catherine Evangeline

"Hi, Allyson." A very warm smile welcomed me as I open the door. She's happily waving her hand in front of me, and I can't help my brows to knot out of confusion.

"Good morning ma'am." I gave her a slight smile. Mas niluwagan ko ang pagkakabukas sa pinto ng makita ko siyang sinisilip ang kabuuan ng apartment ko.

"I already told you, just call me Ninang." She's pouting her lips as she step inside my house. Marahan itong umupo sa pang-isahang sofa saka ito nag-angat ng tingin at nakangiti na nang lingunin niya ako.

"And because you never call me Ninang, I'll give you a punishment." Tumayo ito saka naglakad palapit sa'kin. Nagtatakang tingin ang ibinigay ko sa kaniya ng hawakan niya ako sa magkabilang balikat saka marahang inikot.

"Go change. I'll wait you here." Lilingon pa sana ako pero hindi niya ako hinayaan. She pushed me slightly, signalling me to walk. So I did. Bago ko isarado ang pinto ay tinignan ko muna siya. She's now sitting again, at malawak ang ngiting nakatingin sa direksyon ko.

"Take your time, my pretty goddaughter." Last words she said before I close the door of my room. Nagpakawala muna ako ng malalim na buntong hininga saka kinuha ang tuwalya at pumasok sa banyo.

I wonder why Mrs. Carter visit me without notice. I mean, it's not that I don't like her around, it's just that, it's too awkward.... for me.

Simula ng maiwan akong mag-isa, hindi sila nag-alinlangang tulungan ako. They should supposed to give me a condo, but I refused, I rent a small apartment instead. They also gave me a scholarship when I declined their offer to pay for my tuition fees.

"You're really pretty, Allyson. Kahit anong suotin mo talaga babagay lahat. Manang mana ka kay Ninang." She then clung her arms to mine. Pagkalabas ko kasi ng kuwarto ay siya namang mabilis nitong pagtayo at umangkla agad sa braso ko.

I'm just wearing a fitted jeans paired with a large shirt and a sneakers. Mas magmumukha pa nga akong katulong kapag itinabi sa kaniya. She's wearing a branded dress, match with those precious jewelries that she have.

"Up we go." Parang bata siyang itinuro ang harapan gamit ang kaniyang kamay. I chuckled about her actions. She's too cute. Parang wala pa siyang anak sa lagay nito, para lang siyang nasa late twenties.

"Mang Ben, to the mall." Pinauna niya akong pumasok sa kotse, kaya kahit nag-aalinlangan ay sumunod na lang ako sa gusto niya.

"This will be fun, Allyson."

And yeah, I thought so too. The 'fun' thing she said is like this. We almost entered all the shops, at lahat ng pinapasukan naming store ay may hawak na kami paglabas.

It should not be 'fun', it should be 'tired'.

After our shopping thingy, we decided to stop at a fancy Italian restaurant, still inside the mall. Patingin tingin lang ako sa paligid habang abala pa si Mrs. Carter sa katawagan nito.

"Allyson?" Bumalik ang tingin ko kay Mrs, Carter ng tawagin niya ang pangalan ko.

"Gusto mo bang kumain na muna? Or hintayin na lang natin sina Ninong mo para sabay na tayo?" I chose to wait Ninong para naman kasabay namin siyang kumain. At nakakahiya naman kapag mauuna na akong kakain hindi naman ako ang magbabayad.

"Oh, just in time. Hi hon, hi sweety." Mr. Carter and I exchanged a warm smile. He then mess my hair before he sat upfront. Naramdaman ko ding may umupo sa katabi kong upuan, but I never tilt my head to see him. I became stiff. Na siya atang naramdaman ng mag-asawa.

"How's school, Allyson? I heard you aced the examination last week, and you also topped in your class." I awkwardly smile on what he said.

"Do you have something on mind? Gaya ng kung anong gusto mong bilhin? Just tell me anything." Awtomatikong lumipat ang tingin ko sa katabi. But he's just playing the hem of the tablecloth, na para bang walang paki-alam sa paligid nito.