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

Chapter 23: Uneasy

Author's Note: Let's see what happens in Davao. 😊

*Not proofread.

—
(Davao)

It's almost midnight when they arrived in Davao. She's used to a foreign place—being away from her parents and her twin brother for almost 6-years when she studied abroad. Not to mention her travel back and forth to the US, when her parents were still separated.

At the age of 5, she started traveling to the US with her brother. Staying abroad for 3-6 months or whenever possible, and then back to PH to stay with her Dad.

There were even times when she reaches her teenage years that she went to the US alone. She loves traveling. But, when was the last time she's been here in Davao? That was ages ago. Sinama siya ng Tita Nikki niya at ng buong pamilya nito on a vacation to Samal Island with Siegfried. She had a great time in Davao. The people were warm. And she loves Durian and Pomelo. She would love to enjoy Davao again in a different circumstance—not like this one now that she doesn't even know what will happen tomorrow.

Paglapag nila sa Davao, may naka abang ng sasakyan sa baba. Agad siyang hinawakan sa kamay at inakay ni JD sa passenger seat. JD started driving, and soon after 20 minutes or so, they've arrived at a condo building.

She can see in her peripheral how JD's eyes are were quick in scanning every corner na madaanan nila. A few meters away from them are the security details.

"We're here...Come..."

He said and turned off the engine of the car and went out to open her car door area.

"Thank you..."

She uttered when she reaches his hand. She was about to pull her hand when they're walking towards the elevator, but JD pulled it back and held it even tighter. She looks at the man, and he was staring back at her. Nakakunot ang noo, pero para saan? Does he really intend to hold her hand hanggang sa condo unit nito?

"You don't want me to hold your hand?"

"I am fine. I mean, JD...I am not a child. I can walk. It's okay."

"I insist."

He answered and focus his stare now at the guard who's smiling at him.

"Sir JD! Kumusta Sir? Dugay naka wala kabalik dani Sir ah..."

"Manong Tim! Maayong gabii, Nong. Lagi na busy jud. By the way, naay security maglibot dani, or basin ubanan ka. Pasagdi lang sila Nong ha."

"Walay problema Sir, gitawag nana sa taas ganina. Nag-expect naku na muabot ka."

"Salamat Nong ha, saka sa mi."

"Sige, Sir JD. Maayong gabii, aw buntag na di i. Maayong buntag pud nimu Ma'am."

Napakunot noo siya. Anong ibig sabihin nun? He looked at JD, and he saw his playful smile. She abruptly looked at Manong Tim and smiled at him, and nod. Kung ano man ang ibig sabihin nun. It's just better to smile nalang.

They began to walk to the elevator, JD still holding her hand. She saw him push the number 8 button. There was silence between them as the elevator made its ascent.

"Have you been here in Davao before, Athena?"

"Ahmmm yeah, teenager pa lang ako nun. Kami ni Siegfried. We were invited by my Aunt for a short vacation in Samal Island. It's beautiful there..."

She said enthusiastically, remembering how happy they were and how loud they were sharing their stories to their parents when they got back in Manila.