The Widow

Scene 8 - A man who would protect

Scene 8 – A man who would protect

Pagkalabas ni Clara sa O’Hare Airport ay dumiretso siya sa pilahan ng mga taxi, binigay niya yung address ng bahay at tinulungan siya ng driver sa mga maleta niya. Pagkaupo palang niya sa likod ng taxi ay ipinikit na niya ang mga mata niya.

Alam niyang dapat tumitingin siya sa labas at pagmasdan ang bagong buhay niya pero sobra siyang napagod sa byahe niya at isa pa, she’d have a lifetime appreciating the beauty of this new life of hers.

Kalahating oras ang nakalipas ay nakarating na siya sa bahay, binigay niya sa cab driver yung bayad at pati tip bago siya bumaba ng sasakyan. Nilabas ng driver yung mga maleta niya pagkatapos ay umalis na rin ito.

Clara gaped at the house she was standing in front of, surely this wasn’t the house Ian was thinking of buying but then again, it was Ian. He was extravagant and this house was a monstrosity. She didn’t want to know how much this cost him.

“Miss Dela Merced?”

She turned her head around, “Yes?”

“I’m Sheryl Coates, Mr. Areballo’s real estate agent. He called to inform me of your arrival. Come I’ll show you the house.” And she led Clara inside the house.

The inside blew Clara’s mind. God, it was breathtaking, it was just beautiful, the house was bare, Clara could still imagine the perfection it would be when it’s fully furnished and decorated.

Suddenly, she felt home.

“Mr. Areballo also informed me that you’d be looking for houses, I’ve come up with the lists and tomorrow, once you’ve refreshed, I’ll show you the houses.” Sheryl said as they toured the house.

Clara fell more in love with the house as they continued the tour, she could just imagine everything. Then she remembered this wasn’t her house, this was Ian’s. And surely, she couldn’t afford this.

“I have prepared the kitchen and master’s bedroom.” Sheryl informed her.

When they reached the master’s bedroom, she had to ask, “How much is this house worth?”

“Nine point five.”

She gaped, if she converted that into Pesos that would be almost half a billion. God, she didn’t have that kind of money. Ian, of course had it. So it was no wonder he’d bought it, she just wondered why. He certainly didn’t seem like he’d move here.

“Wow.” She looked at the master’s bedroom, it was as expected: perfect. “So, this houses you’ll show me, I need to know their price range and also I’d like to tell you, I don’t need houses like this. What I require is a house in a great community.”

Sheryl nodded, “Of course. Mr. Areballo insisted though that I only show you properties here in Highland Park. However, I can assure you that Highland Pak is a great community.”