He's a Dangerous Man

Chapter One - The Start

"Don't question my decisions Khalil. I know what is best for your sister" my dad said angrily. Kuya Khalil, my brother, is talking to him. Nandito lang ako sa labas ng study room at nakikinig sa kanila. I am already tired of talking and begging to my father.

"And you think this is the best for her? Dad what's gotten into you? Bakit kailangan mong pigilan ang gusto ni Carleigh! She's already 25 years old. She's capable of deciding what she wants to do with her life!" Nagtitimping wika ni kuya.

"You are out of this Khalil Samuel" This time, dad's tone is calmer than earlier.

"This is my sister we are talking about dad. I swear, mom will not be happy seeing what you are doing to her daughter, your daugther and my sister!" Her brother said. At maya maya ay biglang bumukas ang pintuan kung saan ako nakasandal. Agad akong lumayo at tumingin kay kuya.

"Kuya?"

Umiling ito at malungkot na ngumiti.

"Kuya Khalil! I don't want to get married" I am already crying. Kailan pa ako nagsimulang magmakaawa kay dad? It's been a week already. And he's really persistent in getting me engaged.

"I'll do my best sis. Don't worry. I will help you"

He said and I hugged him. "Thank you kuya"

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"What are you planning to do?" he asked nang pumasok sya sa kwarto ko and saw me packing my things. 

"I'll get out of here kuya. I need to escape." I said seriously at nagpatuloy sa pag eempake. Dad is planning to announce the engagement tomorrow night. And I won't let that happen. I know this is too childish, but this is the only way I could think of.

"Saan ka pupunta Carleigh? Mahahanap at mahahanap ka ni dad."

"Kay Manang Teresa, sa resthouse nya sa Batangas. Dad won't find me there. And I also informed Manang about this. Kuya I need your help. I need you to get me some fake papers. I'll be needing those to hide my identity. And help me escape tomorrow morning, before the sun rises" I pleaded. I am desperate.

"Are you sure about this?" He asked, his voice is full of concern.

Tumango ako.

He sighed.

"Alright. I'll also get you a new phone tonight. But be sure to contact me once in a while. I'll do my best to cover for you."

"Thank you kuya." I hugged him and he hugged me back.

"I'll miss you sis. Please take care" Kumalas na ito sa pagkakayakap at ginulo ang buhok ko.

"Yes kuya, you too."

I need to do this, for myself, for my sanity, for my freedom.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong gumising. Kuya already deactivated all the cctv cameras sa dadaanan ko.

I climbed sa mataas na bakod ng bahay and tumalon papunta sa kabilang parte.  I was able to get out nang hindi namamalayan ng mga bodyguards.

For the last time, I looked at our house.

"I am sorry dad." Bulong ko sa hangin and wiped my tears.

Starting this day, I am no longer Carleigh Samantha Saavedra. I will live a new life as Leigh Alcantara. I'll use Manang Teresa's surname for the mean time.

Tumalikod na ako at nagsimulang maglakad palayo. I won't turn back. I won't.

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Pagdating ko sa rest house ni Manang Teresa ay agad nya akong sinalubong ng yakap.