The Gift of Tears (Casa Fuego Series #2)

Chapter 2

A kid's cries

Naiiyak kong tinitigan ang aking sariling repleksyon mula sa pahabang salamin na nakadikit na wooden cabinet. My undereyes are dark from lack of sleep. I cried the whole night and in result, my eyes are puffy.

The sunlight from the window illuminated the whole space of this tiny house. The white curtains were being blown by the cold wind of the early morning in Batanes. I could hear the waves as it meets the land all the way from here.

Slowly, things are finally sinking in. I still can't get over the fact that the business I was so confident I will inherit someday is bankrupt. We are being chased by a group of syndicate and somehow... I ended up in a place I am not familiar with. Naiintindihan ko kung bakit ito ginagawa ni Mommy at ni Uncle Bon but I am too overwhelmed with the news I just learned yesterday.

Para akong pabiglang hinila sa isang bangin, nawawalan ng balanse at malapit nang mahulog.

No matter how much I try to console myself that I will be safe here, I am still terrified. I never really had a good relationship with my Mother but I will never survive without her. And lastly... if their operation fails, I will end up marrying the de Guzman heir.

The thought disgusts me and as much as I don't want to admit... it terrifies me.

My problems are all rushing on my way. I never even had any idea we were bankrupt and we are on the watchlist of a damn syndicate! Ang mga problema ko ay parang late delivery ng aking Chanel bag na ngayon lang dumating at nagdagsaan!

Inikot ko ang aking sarili at pinagmasdan ang suot ko. I am wearing a floral white spaghetti strap sundress with a high slit in my left legs. I partnered it with a black strappy sandals. I almost rolled my eyes. I can pull out any outfit with grace but the confidence just boosts differently when you are wearing your type of clothes. I have always been the designer city outfits and totally not this floral girly one.

Pairap akong umiwas ng tingin at sumalampak sa dulo ng aking kama. Tamad akong naupo doon habang nakatulala sa tanawin sa labas ng aking malapad na bintana.

Mornings in Batanes is very soothing and calm. It almost as if touches your soul and heal your worries. I watched the waves turn white as they meet the sand and stones. The green and healthy grass covering the brown hills complemented the harsh ocean.

I still can't believe all of these are happening to my life. I feel like I was culture shocked and I don't think I'd love this place right away.

I don't want to go banana here!

Huminga ako ng malalim at kinalma ang aking sarili. I tapped my chest repeatedly while exhaling.

Whenever I am problematic, I should just remind myself that my come back will be explosive and that means I have to look pretty!

I feel like I aged years and years in just a span of two days!

"Ma'am Avy?!" rinig kong sigaw sa labas.

Napapikit ako ng mariin at hinilot ang aking ilong. Kanina pa sila nagtatawag at kanina ko pa sinabing kailangan ko pang matulog.

"Handa na po ang almusal! Halika na po kayo at baka magdagsaan na ang mga customer na nanunuluyan ngayon!"

My eyes widened when I noticed she's trying to open the door. I didn't want to go out because my eyes are still puffing but it seems like I have no other choice. I wouldn't anyone bugging the whole day just so I will eat. I groaned and stood up.

"Lalabas na po ako! I'll be right there!" hindi nakatakas ang inis sa aking boses.

"Ay! Sige po, Ma'am!" humagikhik si Manang Susan.