Drowning Emotions (Isla Series #5)

23

"I'm home."

When I stepped out of the elevator, I saw Aqeila in the sala watching cartoons on the flatscreen while drinking milk. I just got discharged from the hospital.

"Shh, I'm watching." She shoved me off.

Napataas ang kilay ko. Mukhang hindi niya natunugan na ako ang dumating. Binati ko si Dad, na kakalabas lang sa kusina, umiinom ng tubig.

"I added guards for you." Iyon ang bungad niya.

"It's not necessary, Dad. They won't shoot me again." I was so sure of it.

"They will try," he contradicted.

Umiling ako. "This is the only big case I'm handling right now. They won't shoot me. Unless they really want to go to jail in a snap because of their blatant move." I raised my index finger.

"Still. I'm just making sure."

I shrugged and sat near the stairs to take off my heels. "Qeila, Momma's home," I tried again, this time using a sweet tone to get her attention.

Napalingon kaagad siya, namimilog pa ang mata. She quickly placed the glass on the floor before running towards me.

"Momma, are you real?" Tinusok niya ang bibig ko gamit ang maliit niyang daliri. Kinagat ko naman ang daliri niya. She squealed excitedly and gave me a tight embrace. "Momma!"

"Of course, I'm real, little girl." I laughed and move away my arm that was wearing a sling before hugging her back. Dalawang araw lang ako sa hospital but I really really missed her! Hindi talaga ako sanay na malayo sa kaniya.

Bumitaw siya sa yakap bago tumabi sa akin sa stairs. She leaned her head on my lap. I stifle my smile. Nagpapalambing 'to.

"Stai bene, Ma?"

I smiled at her question. For sure, Dad made her understand why I cannot come home immediately so she didn't rant about it now.

"Yes, Momma's okay. Don't worry, amore." I kissed the top of her head before peering at her face, only to see her pouting slightly. "How about you? Are you okay? Why are you pouting?"

"I missed you," she admitted, giggling.

Hinalikan ko ang pisngi niya nang paulit-ulit. "I love you." Mas humagikgik siya. She got up and hugged me again by the neck, making me laugh along with her.

Such a clingy baby!

While I was cooking her favorite pasta, nagke-kwento siya sa akin tungkol sa cartoons niya, nakayakap pa sa binti ko. Nahihirapan tuloy akong maglakad para kumuha ng ingredients pero pinabayaan ko lang siya dahil naglalambing ito. I wanted to carry her but my arm was aching, so I decided otherwise.

I left the penthouse before Kie awoke the next morning. Going out was actually traumatic, but I had no choice. I need to meet with Cali about the Valmorida case. Manu was in a coma, so the decision was in her hands.

I was driving normally with one hand. There were four black cars guarding me. Dalawa lang iyan dati.

"Bagal naman." I pressed the horn because the Bentley in front of me was driving so slow.

My bodyguard on the left slowed down to allow me to change lanes. My eyes widened when the Bentley also attempted to switch at the same time as me. I stepped on the break for a brief moment before overtaking the Bentley.

"Be careful! Lousy driver!" sigaw ko, kahit na alam kong hindi niya maririnig.

Nainis ako nang nag-park din ang Bentley sa tabi ko sa hospital. I went down holding a lot of folders and my arm had a sling on, so I used my back to close the door. Inayos ko kaagad ang silk vest ko nang sumabit iyon sa may slacks.