Where the Wind Blows

Kabanata 15

Kabanata 15

"What are you talking about?" he asked with questioning eyes.

I sighed before I focus my attention to him. "Gusto ko sanang humingi ng tawad dahil nagawa kong magsinungaling tungkol sa pagkatao ko. I just did what I have to do in order to survive."

Umiling siya na parang hindi pa rin niya naiintindihan ang nangyayari. "Lia, ano ba ito?"

"Thalia, señorito. That's my real name. I never intended to lie but I just needed to because if not, chances are my parents will find me."

"Your parents," he said. "Why are you running away from them? May nagawa ba silang masama sa'yo? Are they bad people?"

Agad akong umiling. I don't want him to think ill about my parents. Even if I am not in good terms with them, I still don't want to tarnish their reputation. They still did well in taking care of me even if some of their decisions hurted me.

"They love me. I know. Pero... hindi nila pinapakinggan ang boses ko. Gusto nila akong ipakasal sa lalakeng ni minsa'y hindi ko pa nakilala nang dahil sa negosyo. I don't want that."

I saw his jaw tightened. Nagtagal pa ang tingin ko roon.

"Kaya ninais mo na lang takasan ang buhay mo?" tanong niya at tumango naman ako bilang pagsagot.

"So... what's the deal? Payapa ka naman nang nabubuhay dito sa Costa Estrella. Why do you seem so problematic these past few days?"

"My parents own Casa Soriano."

"You mean, the well-known chain of hotels and resorts in the country?"

I nodded once again.

"Your family is hella rich but here you are, serving ours."

I shook my head instantly because of his statement.

Mayaman man ang pamilya ko pero nasisiguro kong mas mayaman pa rin ang mga Rivas. They are the richest here in Costa Estrella and even in the whole country, their businesses are indeed big.

"Hindi naman kami ganoon kayaman."

He smirked at me and then shook his head slowly. "Still the same. The ever humble Lia."

"Totoo. Sigurado naman akong mas mayaman ang pamilya niyo," determinado kong saad at nakita ko pa siyang natawa nang bahagya.

I am sure that my cheeks are now painted with the color of an apple. Natanggal ko ang tingin sa kanya at kung maaari lamang ay nais ko na ring itago ang mukha ko.

"Now, what's the problem? Tell me at baka may maitulong ako."

"Nabalitaan ko kanila Precy na nagbabalak pala ang magulang ko na magtayo ng hotel dito sa Costa Estralla," I said and I can feel that my hands are shaking a bit. Tinanggal ko na lamang ang isip doon upang makapagsalita pa ako. "Natatakot ako na kapag natuloy iyon ay baka tuluyan na nila akong matunton. I don't want to go with them."

I felt his hand that touch with mine which make it stopped from trembling. I move my head up in order to look into him once more.

I don't know what happened but his touch is enough to calm me. It's like that through it, he is assuring me that everything will be fine. Nararamdaman ko rin ang hangin na humahampas sa aking balat at dahilan nang pagsayaw nang bahagya ng aking buhok.

"Don't be afraid. I am here. I will help you."

His voice sounds like music to my ears. I couldn't help it but my eyes and attention are only fixed to the man that is in front of me.