IMPERIUM: The Reverie

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

House of Augustus

 

“Welcome to your new home sis” naka-ismid na sabi ni kuya at iniabot sa akin ang badge ko.

Inilibot ko ang tingon ko sa paligid. The house is built entirely of marble. There are 3 steps on a long stair case before one can get to the door. Nauna ng umakyat si kuya.

“Seems like Mr. Facundo got your stuffs settled.” Sabi ni kuya habang nakatingin sa mga maleta ko. “Hindi nga lang niya naipasok. Afterall, wala naman siyang susi dito although he has dad’s badge I presume kaya siya nakapasok.” Hinila niya ang dalawa kong maleta. Nakita kong nakapatong ang classical CDs na dala ko sa isa pang maleta. Nang tuluyan nang mabuksan ni kuya ang pintuan ay pumasok na ako pagkatapos niya.

He threw his keys on a bowl to his left. Nakita ko pang may mga picture frame duon at nang lumapit ako ay napagtanto kong larawan iyon ni Daddy at ni Tita Melinia. Maingat kong inilagay duon ang picture frame ni mommy sa tabi ng larawan ni daddy. I smiled when I noticed how it perfectly fits.

“Last door on your right, upstairs - that will be your room.” Sabi ni kuya at pasalampak na umupo sa mahabang sofa. Tumingala siya at pumikit ng mariin. Napaupo na rin ako sa tabi niya at tumitig sa malaking flat screen TV na nasa harapan.

I’m here. I’m finally here mom. I heaved a heavy sigh as I remember my mother again.

“How’s dad?” narinig kong sabi ni Kuya at napalingon ako sa kanya. He must’ve missed our father.

“He’s been fine. Lagi pa ring kasama ni papou at inuubos ang oras sa pagpapayaman.”  I snorted.  Dad’s been my grandfather’s right hand ever since I could remember. The old man doesn’t trust anybody but my dad and aunt Melinia. While my dad handles half of the empire, my aunt takes care of the other half but all crucial decisions are still made by the head of our family – Gregod Osmo Augustus, my grandfather. 

My brother nodded at my answer. “And papou?”

Shrugging my shoulder, I replied, “Still the same I presume. Old and stringent. “

My brother chuckled at my response. “Madalas pa rin ba kayong magsagutan?”

“Well I can’t avoid that, can’t I? You know I hate it when somebody tells me what to do. Even Raia complained before I left. Papou’s been getting a hold of her. You know, having her followed and all. That old chap’s paranoid as shit.” I shook my head in disbelief.

Nuong ako ang pinasundan ni papou sa mga body guards, binugbog ko ang ang mga ito sa inis. They didn’t fight back because they knew they’ll be in big trouble when my grandfather learns I got a bruise or even a slight scar. My cousin Raia’s different from me. She is so weak and fragile. Siya yung tipong kakailanganing protektahan ng isang tagapagtanggol, hindi ako.

“You know Raia needs someone to protect her.”

“That’s because she’s weak. She’s not like me.”

Umayos sa pagkakaupo si kuya at seryoso akong tiningnan.

“I know you are very brave Zeffi. Pero sa lugar na ito, hindi masyadong maganda ang sobrang tapang.”

“Mom told me before that when I get here, bravery will be my best friend”

I think my brother’s just too kind. Besides, hindi rin siya kasing tapang ko. He’s brave yes, but not brave enough to face my nightmares.