Forbidden, Yet Allowed (Griyego #1)

Chapter 4

FYA - Payment

I couldn't process what Rio have concluded. I refuse to actually acknowledge what he thought of.

"No, Rio, it couldn't be." Umiiling-iling ako.

He sighed. "Hindi naman kasi imposible, Afia. Both of them wore the exact same clothes, and if I happened not to know Auntie, I would've also mistaken her as Tita Nevaeh."

Napalunok ako at napapikit na lamang ang mga mata. My heart is pounding really hard. I wanted to cry, but I shouldn't. I badly wanted to disagree with my cousin, but I can't help to somehow understand his point. All the more I wanted to refuse about it because if they did mistaken Mama as Tita Nevaeh, not only that Tita Nevaeh's life could have been in danger, what would happened to Mama now?

"I-I don't... I don't want to believe your conclusion, Rio. Just no," I said with finality as my eyes were only fixed in front.

"I know there's still no certainty, but what if I'm right?" He said and glanced at me.

Slowly, I looked at him with tears on the side of my eyes. "Then, what could have they possibly done to my mother when they found out they mistakenly took her?"

Nanlaki sandali ang mga mata ni Rio nang mapagtanto niya rin ang sinabi ko. Lalo na't nakikita niyang naiiyak na ako.

"A-Ano sa tingin mo ang ginawa nila kay Mama?" I couldn't contain the tears as I let it fall.

He let out a heavy sighed as he pulled me into a hug. I'm worried. I'm so worried and scared for her. Nag-aalala rin ako para kay Tita Nevaeh kung sakali mang tama ang hinala ni Rio, pero alam kong hindi hahayaan ni Tito Russel na meron mangyaring masama kay Tita. But my mother... she's alone. She's all by herself with those evil beings.

When morning came, I just found myself waking up from my bed. Mukhang nakatulog ako sa pagod sa kakaiyak. Rio probably carried me here from the living room. At hanggang ngayon, hindi pa rin mawala sa isip ko ang sinabi ni Rio. Panibagong araw, pero ang utak ko ay ganoon pa rin.

"Hey, are you heading out?" Rio asked when I stepped out from my room.

Tumango naman ako sa kanya. "I'll be meeting up with Tita Nevaeh."

Lumapit naman siya sa akin. "I wouldn't say I couldn't be possibly right with what I've told you last night, but I am also thinking that Auntie is enduring it all. She's fine, but bearing with everything."

I faint a smile to him. I'm hoping also that Rio's right about Mama still being safe, even if she had to endure what she is facing now.

"Kaya tara na. Kain na! I cooked your favorite cereal!" He enthusiastically said and went behind me to push me towards the dining table.

"Parang bobo. Kailan pa niluto ang cereal?" Komento ko at naglakad na rin naman patungo sa hapag.

"Hmp!" He crossed his arms.

"I was trying to make you laugh, pero imbes na matawa ka ata sa kunwaring pagkakamali ko, nainsulto pa ako." He rolled his eyes.

Napataas naman ang isa kong kilay.

He hissed. "Why did I even expect?"

Lihim na lamang akong napangiti at nagpasalamat dahil may pinsan akong maasahan na katulad niya.

Umupo naman na ako at may cereal nga na madalas kong kainin but there also bacon and eggs that were cooked by him. Tutusok na sana ako roon sa bacon nang mag vibrate ang cellphone ko sa taas ng lamesa. Sandali ko naman kinuha ito habang si Rio naman tumusok kaagad ng apat na bacon para sa kanya.