This is How We End (Published under Pop Fiction)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I couldn't rid of the uneasy feeling gnawing at the pits of my stomach as I was escorted inside the limousine. Nigel was kind enough to wait for me. I told him I'd shower and get dressed. Ilang beses ko na siyang pinapasok pero ayaw naman niya. Nagtalo na kami't lahat-lahat, ayaw niya pa rin akong pakinggan. In the end, he was left standing under the heat of the sun while I showered quickly inside.

I did my best to speed up my moves. Throwing in a mid-calf skirt and a black turtle neck, I went out with a shawl wrapped around my covered throat. Nigel is still standing and staring straight ahead, ignoring the scorching heat and the discomfort that it must have brought him.

Hindi ko maiwasang hindi mapabuntong-hininga. He opened the door for me quietly and I slipped inside. When I was settled, I saw him pull out an expensive-looking white hanky from his breast pockets and started dabbing it on his neck and forehead.

"We've prepared some drinks and magazines for you, in case you get bored in the middle of the road."

My gaze dropped to the bottle of white wine resting at a small table carefully tucked inside, accompanied with a flute and some Vogue magazines as well. The white wine is very tempting. It sparkled and swayed gently in the fingers of sunlight that had managed to streamed through the vehicle's window.

"Uhm... it's really not necessary." I chuckled awkwardly. For years of being part of the foundation, I've learned to live humbly. Now I don't know how or where to place myself. All these luxurious items are overwhelming me.

"My boss wants to make sure that you receive optimal comfort when I came to fetch you. And I must see to all your needs. I'll give you privacy while we're driving. Please press the intercom if you need something."

I was about to protest but he'd already slammed the door gently to my face. Napakurap ako. I saw his silhouette moved swiftly towards the driver's seat until he disappeared from my line of sight. I can't see him through the smoked privacy screen that separated the two of us.

Mayamaya pa ay naramdaman ko nang umandar ang sasakyan. I tried to relax but every time I do, pumapasok ang imahe ni Zeus sa isipan ko. My stomach would again, turn into knots and my breathing will hitch. Napapikit ako ng mata. I am very tempted to take the wine that was offered but I stopped myself. Instead, I reached for the magazines and flipped it open.

I stared at the long-legged models. They look so beautiful and powerful and elegant. I bet they are rich enough to buy whatever they want. But not rich enough to turn heads to the indigenous children who clearly need some help for their education.

Isang bumuntong-hininga ulit ang tumakas sa bibig ko. I closed the magazine and gazed at the window. I've seen several pictures of Zeus with girls that look like these models from the magazines. Even prettier, perhaps. Siguro ay ganito talaga ang tipo ng mga babae ni Zeus? The ones he can be comfortable to face the camera with.

Biglang kumirot ang puso ko. Siguro nga ay ganun talaga...

Ipinikit ko nang mariin ang mga mata ko, pinipilit na kumbinsihin ang sarili na mag-uusap lang kaming dalawa ni Zeus ngayon. Wala ng iba pa. I don't think he'll want something from me. My gaze dropped to the oversized shoulder bag I brought where I placed Mufasa inside. Nibbling my lower lips, I reached for it and stroked the soft material of the toy. Maybe he wants this back, too?

Groaning out loud, I stuffed it back inside. Kung anu-ano na ang iniisip ko at masyado na din akong kinakabahan. Nigel said that the ride will not take more than an hour. My hands started trembling. Hindi pa nga kami nagkikita pero para na akong mahihimatay.