Run, Zhian (EL VICENTE SERIES #2) COMPLETED

Kabanata 12

"Are you sure about this, Sir? Hindi ba parang mali.." I heard his assistant from the dining area said.

Huminto ako sa paglalakad nang marinig ko iyon. I moved on the side, just enough to hide myself. I woke up late today, I was just about to have my breakfast and also I have a schedule today for one of Issa's gimik.

My father laughed, "Just do what I said. Ako ang bahala sayo, Curtis. Ngayon ka pa ba hindi magtitiwala sa akin?"

"This is not right—"

"Miss," napatalon ako sa tawag sa likod ko.

My eyes widened when I saw Julius at the back, my father's trusted bodyguard. Kumunot ang noo niya, tila nagtataka kung bakit ako nagtatago roon. My father didn't notice and they still continued talking.

Tumikhim ako. "I'm having breakfast. Bakit?"

He didn't talk and proceeded to my father to announce my arrival. Tumigil sa pag-uusap ang dalawa. I sighed and smiled at my father. Lumapit ako at humalik sa kaniya na madalas ko gawin. Tumikhim si Curtis na nag-iiwas sa akin ng tingin.

"Good morning, Dad.." I said.

He smiled a bit. "How's school, hija? I hope your study session with your friends resulted something."

Kumilos kaagad si Manang. Both Curtis and Julius left us on the dining. I started putting some food on my plate, just to have something my eyes can focus on and not his eyes. Napaisip din ako sa tanong niya.. I mean, I don't study with Issa but I am studying with Dylan.

Ngumisi ako, "Of course, Dad."

"Well, if that happens then.. you should celebrate it, Zhianela."

Tumigil ako saglit. His tone of voice is calm. I think he's in a good mood today. I don't want to consider anything with their conversations with his assistant.

"Really, Dad?"

"Of course. Go shopping and treat your friends.."

Kumunot ang noo ko, hindi makapaniwala sa gusto niyang sabihin. I mean, this is the first time he's going to push me to go out! Masaya ako pero napapaisip din ako kung bakit niya ito ginagawa. Usually, he'll just going to let me out in special events like my birthday. Iyon lang!

"About that, Dad.." ngumuso ako. "I have some plans later. Can I go out with Issa?"

Tumigil siya saglit at inayos ang salamin niya na suot. Pinagsalikop ang kamay at malalim na bumuntong hininga.

"Its okay. Bring your driver with you."

"Talaga?" bulalas ko.

He chuckled. "Just don't do anything stupid in public. I'm leaving later and I can't join you dinner but go home before night, Zhianela. You still have your curfew."

I was so happy. Tumalon talon ako habang binabalita kay Issa sa tawag iyon. I was smiling even when I was picking a decent dress tonight. Ang lakad namin ngayon ay kila Clyvan, the band is going to have their practice and they invited us over. Syempre, pumayag kaagad si Issa! After that, we planned that we'd go to the mall to shop just like what my father wants.

I wore a spaghetti strapped yellow floral dress, a sandal and grabbed my phone. Nagpahatid ako kay Manong kila Issa gaya ng madalas kong gawin at sinabihan na magpapasundo na lang pauwi. He agreed and went home.

Dylan : Are you coming?

I bit my lips while waiting for Issa to be done. Nagtipa ako ng mensahe.