Where the Wind Blows

Kabanata 11

Kabanata 11

"Gaga ka. Anong mayroon at nakita ka raw na hinatak ni señorito Nathan palabas ng mansyon?" tanong ni Precy habang tinutulungan ko siyang maglinis sa scullery.

Wala naman kasi si Nathan ngayon dahil nagkayayaan pa sila ng kanyang mga kaibigan. Their circle of friends wanted to celebrate Nathan's birthday today. Hindi raw kasi nila siya nakasama nang matagal kagabi.

I tried so hard not to look at her even I can feel her leery stares on me. Nagpatuloy na lamang ako sa pagpupunas at nag-aktong hindi malaking bagay ang kanyang tanong.

"Wala lang iyon. Just don't mind it. Gusto niya lang talagang tumakas kagabi lalo pa't hindi naman pala siya big fan ng mga parties kaya niya ako hinatak."

"Umamin ka nga sa akin. Ano ba talagang mayroon sa inyo ni señorito?" she asked with her stern voice. I looked at her and I saw her eyes narrowing at me.

"There's nothing going on in between us. Amo ko siya at personal maid niya ako. Iyon lang. Don't overthink things," I said and I continue on cleaning.

I heard her sigh as she continues on cleaning as well. My mind is being brought back to the scene that took place yesternight.

I can still feel Nathan's warm arms that embrace me. Even the coldness of the wind didn't bother me because he shield me from it. The softness of his voice keeps on replaying in my mind.

He smiled at me as he broke our hug. I averted my gaze from him and played with my fingers.

"P-pasensya na kung 'yan lang ang nakaya kong ibigay sa'yo. Wala pa kasi akong sapat na pera para ibili ka ng regalo at ginahol na rin ako sa oras upang maigawa pa kita ng regalo."

"You don't have to apologize to me. This alone is enough as long as it came from you."

Napatingin ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang mataman niyang tingin sa akin. Agad akong nag-iwas muli ng tingin nang dahil sa hindi ko kayang salubungin ang intensidad ng kanyang mga mata. Those eyes that are indeed powerful and gentle at the same time.

"Ahh... Eh... Kailangan na siguro nating bumalik sa party at baka hinahanap ka na ng pamilya at mga bisita mo."

"Can we stay here for a little more time?" tanong niya at napatango naman ako nang marahan sa sinabi niya. This is his day and I should at least grant his simple request from me.

We stood there looking at the calm sea as the stillness of the night embraces the place. I can hear the sound of the tender wind as my long hair dances with it. I took a  quick glance on the man who is beside me, and just like me, he is also appreciating the tranquility of the place.

I never thought that a simple handwritten letter can make him smile, but now I know better. He appreciates every little things and I am happy for that.

I smiled and gently shook my head in order for me to continue on cleaning. Hindi ko na dapat pa iniisip 'yon. I couldn't understand myself but I couldn't brush that short moment of ours off my mind.

"Ang gwapo talaga ni señorito kagabi. Para siyang isang tunay na prinsipe. Idagdag mo pa na mas naging makisig siya sa suot at ayos niya," Precy said dreamily and then she turned her head on me. "Di ba tama ako, Lia?"

I tried so hard not to meet her eyes. Hindi ko alam pero hindi ako komportable sa naging tanong niya.

"Ah... Oo naman. He is indeed handsome."

Nakita ko siyang tumango galing sa peripheral vision ko. "Ang yaman talaga ng mga Rivas, ano? Pang-ilang party na rin naman nila 'yon na nasilayan ko pero hindi pa rin ako nasanay. Ang bongga talaga. Tapos iyong mga dumalong mga bisita, ang gagara ng damit. Siguro ang sarap maging mayaman. Hindi na kailangan magbanat ng buto para may makain sa araw-araw. Laging may ibang taong nakaalalay sa kada gagawin mo. Lahat ng gugustuhin mo ay madaling ibigay sa'yo ng mundo."