Freedom from Seduction (COMPLETED)

Kabanata 11

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True to my words, I took Claire with me when I got back home. Kinakabahan pa rin ako habang papasok ang kotse at nang makatapak na sa hagdanan patungo sa malaking pintuan papasok ng mansyon ay nanginig ang binti ko. I don't like seeing Daddy angry. He looks like a beast ready to devour his prey.

"You're quiet." Puna ni Claire.

"Just do what I told you."

On the way, I gave her instructions. About our sleepover, what we did and what time. So that when Daddy asks, our answers will be the same. Of course I also oriented the driver.

When the big wooden door opened before us, I saw the maids busy preparing for lunch. Pumasok na ako roon, hindi pinapansin si Claire na tuwang tuwa sa nakikita dahil sa kabang nararamdaman.

"Can you adopt me?" She blabbered.

I was too absorbed with the fact of seeing Daddy angry that I couldn't even roll my eyes at her when I saw him. Agad na nagbago ang pananaw ko nang makitang masaya naman ang itsura ni Daddy. Oh well, I guess Mommy did something to calm him. Thanks, Mommy! Now, I don't think I'm still grounded.

"Daddy, Mommy! This is my friend, Claire." Pakilala ko nang makalapit na sakanila.

My Daddy lent a hand which Claire politely accepted. Nginitian naman ni Mommy si Claire at agad na kaming dumiretso sa kainan.

The long table was filled with our usual food every lunch. I heard Claire gasped when she saw how busy the maids were- or probably when she saw our food? I don't know. Everything looks normal.

"Buffet?" She whispered at me.

Kumunot ang noo ko at agad na iniling ang ulo.

"Just eat what you want to eat. If you want to eat merienda with us, you can stay. I love the food during that time of day. Pancakes, waffles, pineapple juice, sliced fruits, hotdogs, and carbonara." I heard her gasp more. "The cooks usually cook more than we can eat because our servants eat after us. My Mother likes offering them food." I shrugged.

"I'm fine being a maid. Paano mag-apply?"

I chuckled and patted her shoulders. Kumunot naman ang noo niya roon.

"I'm serious."

"You're rich. You don't need to."

"Yeah, right. My surname's rich." She said.

Umupo na ako sa tapat ni Mommy, katabi si Daddy at Claire. Helios, my brother, sat beside Mommy, in front of Claire. Masungit lang ito nang magsimulang kumain. I ate too just to get my hands slightly slapped.

"Let's pray." Mommy said.

So we did. After it, we were enjoying the food. Claire, on the other hand, took a lot. I bet if you ask if she has this dish or that, she'll shake her head and say 'It's already in my tummy'.

"We were worried about you, Claire. Where did you spend your night?" Mommy started.

Tumingin ako sakanya at Kay Claire.

"Somewhere near the resort. Thirty minute drive. Nagsleep over lang po kami."

"Just the two of you?" Helios interrupted, looking at me with suspecting eyes.

"Yes."

"And where is that somewhere, Venice?"