Chained Memories

Chapter 24

Pace

Bullets of cold sweats dropped on my neck as my heart contorted in pain. It felt like I was trapped inside a trance because of what my brother had just revealed.

"I–I was calling you yesterday but you weren't answering my calls..." mahinang aniya.

It's because I purposely ignored you, Dave. Hindi ko matanggap na nakaya niyo akong pagka-isahan that's why I did that... not knowing that Abuelo's life would be put at risk.

"K-Kumusta na siya? Is he fine? Was it serious?" Nag-aalalang tanong ko.

Dave shook his head. "He's fine. He did not want to be confine in a hospital though. He's just in the mansion. Doctor Zamora says it was just a mild attack kaya hinayaan na lamang namin siya sa gusto niya. He needs rest for now."

Wala sa sarili akong nagkulong sa kwarto.

I was blaming myself. If it wasn't because of me, hindi siya aatakehin ng kanyang sakit. His heart is weak. We all know that.

Too much emotion is risky for him kaya hangga't maaari ay hindi siya dapat mabigla o magalit ng sobra.

And what I did last night was too much for him. I should know better.

I'm sorry... abuelo...

Kinabukasan, an unexpected visitor came to our house. Hindi ko alam kung ano ba ang dapat kong maramdaman knowing the situation we have right now.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Hera." Malawak ang ngiti na saad ng babaeng nasa harap ko.

Dave's arm were draped against her small waist, a possessive stance we usually see in every lovers.

"Likewise, Miss Aliyah del Riondo." I offered my hand to her. Dave stared at me and sighed.

She awkwardly laugh. "Indeed, you are too formal, Hera." I took that as a compliment. "Aliyah na lang, I hope you remember we've already talked before."

I nodded. How could I forget that? Iyon 'yung mga panahon na nagsimulang maging iba ang kinikilos ni Dave.

"Anyway, we'll gonna visit Abuelo today. I would also like to grab this moment to introduce my girlfriend to our family. Would you like to come with us?" Dave said.

His timing were bad, though. How come he would do something like this knowing the fact that our family were in the middle of a chaotic situation?

When I look at his eyes, he already knew what was my answer.

Right after they left, I found myself standing outside the gigantic and elegantly looking metal gate of the Buensalios'.

Honestly, hindi ko alam kung bakit narito ako.  I guess being alone in our house suffocates me now. What happens to my grandfather couldn't get off my mind and I don't know what's with me but going here felt like a breather in my system.

The striking sunray of 2 o'clock was hot. Ramdam ko ang pagbuo ng butil ng pawis sa aking noo at leeg.

I was about to knock but the small door opened revealing a young maid. May hawak siyang garbage bag.

Mula sa kunot na noo ay unti-unting lumaki ang mata at napasinghap siya.

"M-Miss!" nauutal na aniya. "Ikaw nga!" She squealed as she point her finger on me. "Ikaw po yung girlfriend ni Sir Leo diba? Tuloy po kayo Miss, jusmiyo mas maganda ka pala sa personal!" Halos magkandaugaga siya. Hawak pa rin niya ang itim na garbage bag habang nakatitig sa akin.

I didn't know what to say knowing our real situation. Mabuti na lamang ay dumating iyong matandang babae at sinaway siya sa kanyang ginagawa. I think she's what they called 'mayordoma' in this house.