My life before was just like my name, Haven. Everything was peaceful, everything went my way, and I had everything that I needed. If I wanted something, I'd have it in a snap. I didn't need to move, make an effort, or work for it. I just needed my d...
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CHAPTER 9: MY FAVORITE MOVIE SNACK
HAVEN'S POV
"Are you okay?"
I didn't notice Rosa joined me in the laundry room. I didn't necessarily need anything here but this was the nearest place where I could hide myself after the talk I had with Allessio. Our intensely long conversation that shifted from anger, frustration, and another kind of frustration that starts with the letter "S".
I pointed at the door with shaking fingers. "H-He... he can speak Tagalog!"
"Allessio? Of course. I'm Filipino and the nanny he had when he was a child was also one." She gave me a kind smile before surprising the hell out of me. "Marami ring kaibigan na pinoy ang ama niya sa Pilipinas."
My mouth dropped open. Not once did Rosa speak Tagalog in front of me. I was so sure she was Spanish or something when she told me that her surname is López. That's like one of the most Spanish-sounding surnames I ever heard. I forgot the fact that Spanish surnames are like the norm in the Philippines, which was colonized by Spaniards for three hundred and thirty-three years.
Not only is she Filipino and Allessio's nanny, but Allessio's father also has Filipino friends which was what she told me when she suddenly shifted to Tagalog.
"But why didn't you speak to me in Tagalog?" I asked her.
"I thought you were more comfortable speaking in English. That wasn't surprising to me considering you look like you've come from a rich family. Besides, those men will be more comfortable if we speak a language that they could understand."
I get her point. It's better to avoid raising suspicion.
I found myself staring at the older woman and a gentle smile spread on her lips. "Are you angry at him because of whatever he said to you? That's why you're avoiding him?"
So I was really that obvious, huh? "I... umm—"
She shook her head while clicking her tongue. "That boy could be a bit playful."
"Are we talking about the same person? That man don't even smile. I don't think he even laughs the normal way. The way he does it sounds like he's about to snap and tear someone into pieces."
Instead of looking bothered at my description, the older woman just laughed as if she found the way I talk about Allessio hilarious. "Believe me. I've known him for years and he really likes joking around. He just has a different humor than most people." She pressed a button on the washing machine before she turned to me and pat me on the shoulder. "Try to find it in you to forgive him. His parents told me that he's a receptive polyglot. He can't speak Tagalog, but he can understand it."
I gaped at her. "A polyglot? He understand more languages?"
"I think he understands Spanish, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, French, and German."
