DM #3: Sage Madriaga

Kabanata 37

Kabanata 37

Purpose

Matagal akong nakatulog at kahit inaantok pa nang sumapit ang umaga, napilitan akong bumangon dahil sa schedule. I'm still sitting at the middle of my bed when my phone rings for a call. I took it lazily on the bedside table and answered it immediately.

"Hello,"

"Good morning, Nathalia." boses ni Venus sa kabilang linya.

"Morning,"

"I'm calling because I thought you're not up yet."

"Hmm. I just woke up,"

We talked a little bit more before I ended the call. I stood up to finally take a bath and get ready for the contract signing. I wore a plain sleeveless sweetheart ruched tank top paired with fitted blue jeans. I matched it with a nude stiletto and a vintage Chanel handbag. To finish the look, I tied my hair in a high ponytail.

I felt like I'm in a good mood because of the contentment I have with my outfit today. It's not hard to find clothes that will suit me, it's just that sometimes I'm just too picky, especially in choosing the colors that will suit to my everyday mood.

I did a simple make up look before I decided to leave my condo. I'm already inside the lift when someone calls through my phone. I took my phone out and read the name of the caller.

It's Kuya Dean. Agad akong dinalaw ng kaba.

"Hello,"

"I know what happened." seryosong bungad niya.

Napapikit ako. I felt a little bit scared with his tone. Kung pinayagan man ako ni Kuya Declan na mag-club, baka hindi siya. Mas lalo akong kinabahan sa isiping baka sa kanya lang ako sasabit.

I felt so nervous that I started to tell him what happened unconsciously. Lahat ng detalye na nangyari ay sinabi ko, maliban na lang sa pagsama ko kay Sage. Baka kapag binanggit ko iyon, mas lalo lamang siyang magagalit.

Nakarating na ako nang parking lot at nakapasok na sa sariling sasakyan, siya pa rin ang kausap ko. I told him every details I can spill. 

May kaba akong nagkekwento dahil sa iilang detalye na ayaw kong malaman niya kahit posibleng may alam na rin siya tungkol kay Sage. Takot na takot akong magkamali sa sinasabi.

I know that I should be at least thankful because only the both of them are the people that I need to talk to. I should be grateful because they kept this as a secret between us. Baka kapag nalaman ito nila Papa at Mama, siguradong hindi na ako makakalabas pa kapag gabi. Doon pa lang sa dalawa, siguradong sabit na ako.

"I didn't know it will happen and...I learned my lesson already. I will be more aware with my surroundings, especially when I'm inside the club. I will not drink any alcohols from anyone. If I will drink, ako mismo ang mag-oorder." sabi ko, halos mangako.

Hindi siya nagsalita kaya akala ko naputol ang tawag. Doon ko lang naiproseso na may tahimik siyang kausap. I listened to it and immediately recognize the soft and calm voice of Ate Selene from the background. I can't hear their voices clearly but I'm sure she's defending me to my brother!

Sa gitna ng kaba, nagawa kong makahinga ng maluwag. Maybe this is the advantage of having the wives of my brothers as my friends. They're always there to support and protect me wherever I need it.

Ginhawa sa akin nang marinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga ng kapatid ko, tila pagsuko, hindi para sa akin kung 'di para kay Ate Selene.

"From now on, tell me what are you up to. Especially when you're going out at night. If you fail to update me, I will fucking track your location and drag you home. Do you understand?" he said strictly with so much emphasis in every sentence.