BOOK 9 - SILENT HEIRESS

Chapter 2

THE LEADER

As I look at the person in front of me.

I feel scared.

Her eyes are deep brown. Staring like giving me so much to carry on. Questions in the mind face me. Why am I here? In this place? Is this right? Did I make the right choice to be with a stranger? Why?

I feel scared.

"What is your name?"

"Hasmina," I said, trying to keep my lips not trembling.

"Follow me."

I followed. We walked inside the big house. Acelus left me, she is with her mother and could not accompany me. Just saying I just need to walk past the gate and someone will meet me here. And so I did, and this woman ahead of me met me outside the door which made me feel nervous.

Maybe, I'm always like this. I am.

If my older brothers would see her, they will quickly ask for her phone number. But that would be impossible. I am too far from them, and they are from me.

"Why not ask my name, Hasmina?"

I swallowed my breath. The thoughts I am thinking are lost in a blink. "I... I... I did not think of it," saying honestly.

We walked through what looked like a big hall to a wide-open door and continued until we reached a long table. As I saw the table, I remembered I had not eaten yet. Acelus is somewhat in a rush and we just had a sandwich on the plane.

Next is the kitchen. My nose found some beef, cheese, onion, and garlic. I just had a small glimpse of the food on the island table when my eyes found another person near where the sink. Maybe the same age as mine. White skin and black hair, wearing a white dress. As we come, a pair of brown eyes meet me with a pleasing smile.

"Kain na tayo." She is pointing at the food.

Three plates were already set at the small table. Though I was feeling hesitant and still scared, I sat on the chair. I was hungry and had no money in my pocket. I need to eat.

"Ako pala si Shinn Lou Camero, ano ang pangalan mo?"

I look at her, her voice is comforting and pleasing, and it lessens my anxiety. I said my name, "Hasmina," without saying my surname. It is heavy remembering I do not have one.

"Alam ko naman, naikwento ka na sa amin ni Acel at ang situation mo."

She shared food on my plate and I almost craved to grab it, but I controlled myself and moved slowly.

"Alam mo ba, from birth hanggang twelve years old ako, wala akong pangalan, nagkaroon lang dahil may nagbigay sa akin."

I stared at her.

"Tawagin mo ako sa pangalan na Shinn, kapag nasa ibang sitwasyon tayo ay Lou naman."

I nodded.

"Tatawagin kita na Hasmina, tapos Min naman sa identification sa mga gawain natin."

I nodded again.

"Kain tayo."

I had almost forgotten, for I just stared at her. She seems to know what I am thinking though I do not speak of it.

We ate silently. The food is so delicious. I tried to be calm. As I am used to where I am, sitting where I am, and eating food I do not know the name of... fears came back to me.

"Hasmina, I will personally train you."

She is the reason why.

"T-train me?"