Linked Souls

Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Falling

Isang araw bago sumapit ang Sabado, isang marangyang sasakyan ang huminto sa harap ng bahay namin. At first, I thought, it just stopped there for some reasons. And yeah, I was right. It stopped there for a reason and that's to pick me up.

"Order from Lord Severo," said the driver in a monotone attitude.

I was just about to go to work but I didn't know I would have another schedule. Sumakay ako sa marangyang sasakyan. Halos bumilog ang mga mata ko sa ganda at bango ng loob. Everything was in black and I could tell just by its sight that it was worth more than I could ever earn in my whole life.

I looked at the driver. Diretso lang ang tingi nito sa kalsada. Nakasuot pa ang shades niya.

"Do you know what's this for?" I asked.

In the back of my mind, I had a hint of what's this for.

"I don't know," simpleng sagot nito.

Napairap ako. Ang cold magsalita, parang robot na naka-program lang para sunduin ako at hindi para sagutin ang mga tanong ko.

I cleared my throat and tried to question again. "Are we going to the mansion?"

"Yes," he responded.

That's it.

I knew it. It could be the preparation for tomorrow. Damn. Right. The event will be tomorrow. Ilang araw kong hindi ito inisip. Bizarrely, I am feeling thrilled.

After the skyscrapers, we are now passing the green field. I remember the first time I arrived at the mansion of the Cardinals. Wala ako gaanong maalala na detalye. I was beyond upset and muddled at that time.

But If I remember a thing, this is the wide field on the way to the mansion. Ito lang ang tumatak sa alaala ko. Ang hapon na hinatid ako ni Brix pauwi.

I breathed. It's been days since Brix disappeared. It's not like I miss him. Nakakapanibago lang na walang biglang sumusulpot sa harapan ko at pagbabantaan ako gamit ang mga salitang mapanakit.

Sa hindi kalayuan ay natanaw ko ang mga higanteng pader at ang main gate na kulay black. May mga lalaking nagbabantay roon. Magkakasing-katawan lang sila at pare-parehong may shades.

Malayo pa kami pero nakakamangha na ang laki ng mansion.

I suddenly felt uncomfortable. I am not expecting Nath or Brix to be there. Wala akong ibang kilala sa loob maliban kay Mr. Billy. I just hope Oscar or Celeste will be there.

Binuksan ang dalawang higanteng tarangkahan nang tumapat kami sa harapan. I was welcomed by the wide space filled with bushes and pine trees. Gano'n pa man ay natanaw na ang malaking mansion sa hindi kalayuan.

"Stop here," utos ko.

Without asking, the driver stopped the car. Hindi ako nag-atubiling lumabas agad ng sasakyan. Napasinghap pa ako nang malanghap ang malamig at sariwang hangin. Kulisap lamang at ang makina ng sasakyan ang naririnig ko.

Nilapitan ko ang mga malalabong na halaman at pinaragasa ang kamay ko sa mga 'yon habang naglalakad. Tinitingala ko rin ang mga pine trees. It seemed like I was in a maze and I didn't want to find the way out.

"This is huge," I murmured.

"Yes."

Humarap ako sa likod ko. Nakasunod pala sa akin ang driver. Diretso lang ang tingin nito at matikas ang pagkakatayo. Mas pinapapatotohan niya tuloy ang hinala kong robot lang siya.

Anyway... I continued to walk on the pathway filled with bushes. The floor was made of granite stones. Everything here was screaming calmness and peace.