ATHENA (Book 2: Siegfried & Athena) (On-Going)

Chapter 21: Silence

Author's Note: Not proofread

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When he was summoned by Tito RJ at the study room to talk about 'some important things', wala siyang balak sabihin pa dito ang nararamdaman niya para kay Athena, but Tito RJ was so straightforward when it comes to Athena—He should come clean or he'll never trust him when it comes to his daughter.

Eversince he saw again the Enchantress walang segundo na hindi ito sumasagi sa isip niya. He is full of her in thoughts that he was even surprised how the feelings becomes so overwhelmingly huge.

He thought it was just a crush and it will just vanish as time flies—and the only remnants remained was her picture of her in his wallet, piled at the back—natabunan na in short. Hindi niya pala yun natanggal or shall he say hindi niya tinanggal hanggang sa dumaan na ang ilang taon at andun pa pala yun, until he met her again recently that it reminded him about the picture and just like that—the feeling has slowly resurfaced.

He knows right then and there na hindi na ito simpleng crush. He had relationships then, but never did he felt this certainty towards someone else.

This time he is brave enough to express and do whatever he can to win her yes and the first step is to tell her parents about it. Though, there aren't much words coming from the patriarch, yet, there is this underlying agreement—a silent warning from the piercing stare that penetrates to his soul—it's as if saying; "I am ready to die for her, so, make no mistake, JD." and that is only the patriarch we are talking, ibang usapan pa ang lalaking kapatid.

When he vowed to her father that he'll do everything to protect her—he never thought that a few hours after that, he is here proving her family especially the patriarch that he will do everything for her. He won't allow anyone to hurt her. Not under his watch.

The plan has been in placed. One more week and Athena will be in Mindanao—away from the people who wanted to do her harm, pero hindi niya aakalain na napakabilis ng pangyayari at heto sila ngayon papunta ng Pampanga. A private plane is already waiting for them to depart. Hindi sila pwedeng dumaan sa NAIA, it will be risky. Nakikita na niya sa likuran ang dalawang sasakyan—their secuirty details, making sure they will get to the airport without any problem.

Naka alert na ang lahat and even in Mindanao. They will land in Davao and not in Cagayan de Oro as expected. Papalipasin muna nila ng ilang araw bago sila pupunta ng Bukidnon.

He has a small hiding place in Davao Oriental. He will bring Athena there. It's a land facing the beach he acquired a few years back. Walang nakakaalam ng lugar na yun, not even his own family.

Ang alam lang nila pag gusto niyang mapag isa at mag unwind, nasa Davao siya. His family also owns a beach house in Samal Island, yun ang alam ng lahat na andon siya pag nasa Davao siya or could be sa bahay nila sa Davao. But, no—he has his own place—5 hours away from the city.

They're nearing the tarmac and he's glad he could give a feeling of comfort and safety to Athena by just holding her hand. Mula kanina, hindi na niya binitawan ang kamay ng dalaga, wala itong kibo the whole duration ng byahe nila and he allowed her to be lost in her thoughts. Alam niyang nag aalala ang dalaga, alam niyang kinakabahan ito at alam niyang vulnerable ito ngayon sa bilis ng mga pangyayari.

His phone rings at hindi man niya gustong bitawan ang kamay ng dalaga, he need to, para makausap ang nasa kabilang linya. He saw Siegfried's name.

"Bro?"

"JD..."

"Tito?"

"Yes... 104, last 3 digits of the car's plate number, follow that, and it will bring you to the tarmac—"

"Yeah. I already saw it Tito—"

"Is that my Dad? Can I talk to him please?"

Athena said pleading to him, eyes were clouded again with tears. His heart aches for her...

"Tito?"

"Give the phone to my daughter, please..."

He looked at Athena and nod, then, gave the phone to her.

"Daddy?"

Her voice breaking and her tears uncontrollably falling.

"Princess...don't cry. Everything will be fine, okay? I wish I could hug you now, love, but kunting tiis lang, okay? I will see you soon, sweetheart. I love you so much, Athena..."

"Daddy...I am scared..."

"I know sweetheart. I know...but always remember, Daddy will always protect you, okay? Be brave for Daddy...I will see you soon, love."

"I love you, Daddy, please tell Mommy I love her too, please promise me Daddy, you'll see me soon? Please..."

"I promise. I need to hang up, love. JD will keep you safe for now. I love you..."

"I love you Daddy..."

She gave back the phone to him at humagulgol ito ng iyak. Gustohin man niyang yakapin ito, but they're nearing the runway area at nakikita na niya ang private plane na sasakyan nila papuntang Davao.

A few minutes later, he's opening the door on Athena's side. Dumungaw siya dito. She's still crying.

"We're here. Let's go?"

He extended his hand to her. She looked at him with a tearstained-face. She nods and clasp her hand to him. He squeeze it tightly, reassuring her again that it will be fine.

"Thank you..." she whispered.

He looked at her in the eye and smiled at her. He hugged her tight and he's glad, she hugged him back. He placed her under his arms and hold her more tighter while he throws the car key to the security details.

Without words spoken, he ushered Athena inside the plane. Put her seatbelt on and gave her a bottle of water.

"Drink this..."

"Thank you."

A few minutes later, they were flying and he's watching Athena on the other side of the plane seat. She's watching outside her window, noticing the evening lights below. Soon, he saw again her tears falling from her beautiful face.

I wish I could ease the worries in you, babe, but all I could do now is to hold your hand and I promise not to let go...

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Author's Note: Muse is back for this particular fanfic, so, expect more updates! Thank you for reading! 😊🙏🏻💚