Chapter 36: Ice and Fire
Linda was so aggressive that she wouldn't let me touch her or even get near her. Every time I would try to approach her, she would make a loud annoying sound and would hostilely kick her feet like a baby throwing tantrums. Even the owner was struggling to tame her— a horse I found worse than a cat.
"Don't we have another horse on standby?" Jackson, the director of this shoot, asked his staff. "We are wasting so much time here. Lady Nathalia looked bored now. Come on!"
Everyone was frantic because of a damn horse.
I wasn't bored, maybe annoyed that my prop for this shoot was acting up. But then, it was not the first time this had happened to me. Back in the Mansion, I had a horse, a gift by my brother Oscar, which took me a week just to tame. What could I do? They were intimidated by me. We were never on good terms until now.
"I will do the work!" I exhaled, taking off my cowgirl hat and loosening the bandana around my neck.
We were shooting a commercial for fine wine, and with the director being extra, instead of just sitting in a cold room and casually faking sipping the drink, he wanted me to ride a horse on a ranch while drinking it in a red cowgirl attire.
Linda was calmer now with the owner. Pero nung lumapit ako ay nagsimula na naman siyang mag-inarte. I knew she could smell the fine wine blood in me, but did she really think I would dare to drink her blood?
"I don't know what's happening to her," the owner said, looking embarrassed. "Linda has always been gentle and calm around people. This is not the first time she had a photo shoot."
Right. Around people.
"I think I can tame her," I smiled, caressing her body, causing her to act up even more. "Can you leave us alone first, please? I want her to get comfortable with me."
"Are you sure?" he asked, hesitant.
"I got this."
He sighed and left.
Nung kami na lang ni Linda ay hinawakan ko ang kanyang ulo. She was resisting at first, but when I locked my burning eyes with her, she finally stopped moving.
"Good girl, Linda," I whispered, gently stroking her head.
"Finally!" Jackson exclaimed when she noticed me with a tamed horse. "I didn't know you are also good with animals, Miss Nathalia. You are really exceptional."
I just smiled at him. A recycled compliment wouldn't eliminate the fact that this shoot was taking too long, and my patience was stretching over the limit.
"We will start in five minutes!"
The make up artists approached me for the final touch before the shoot. Saka niya maingat na sinuot sa ulo ko ang cowgirl hat. Pinahawak niya sa akin ang salamin para ma-check ko ang sarili.
Inayos niya ang necklace ko na nakatago sa bandana. Ilang beses niya akong pinilit na hubarin 'yon dahil baka mahagip sa camera, pero ang hindi niya alam ay walang makukuha ang camera kung huhubarin ko ito.
"Faith. Is she ready?" tanong ni Jackson sa nag-aayos sa akin. Unlike to his other staff, he was gentle to her. Halos masigawan na nga niya lahat ng staff niya pero lang kay Faith.
Faith nodded. "She's good now."
"Nathalia!" Lumapit sa akin si Hestia na yakap si Lilly. She was wearing red polka dot clothes I customized for her. "I almost lost her again. She's so fast!"
I arched a brow. "Don't even, Hestia."
"I know!" she rolled her eyes. "I have my eyes on her. I didn't know taking care of a cat was much more challenging than posing on camera. Tapos wala pa akong sahod."
Nakangiting hinaplos ko ang ulo ni Lilly. Pagkatapos niyang dumating sa akin isang linggo na ang nakalipas ay si Hestia na ang nagbantay sa kanya. I bring her to my work, and since Hestia was on her job break, she would always look after her for me.
It's been a week since he left.
"Sige na. Bring her inside the tent. It's cold in here," sabi ko. "Also, change her clothes. There's also a mini-fridge inside. May gatas doon."
Hestia winced. "How about me?"
Tinawag na ako ng director para magsimula sa shoot. Tinalikuran ko na si Hestia na umangal pa. May mga nagtangkang umalalay sa akin paakyat sa kabayo, pero nagkusa akong mag-isang sumakay.
"Ready?" tanong ni Jackson.
I sighed and accepted the wine glass on his hand. Wala akong planong inumin 'to lalo na't hindi ko alam kung ilang oras na itong nakasalin sa baso sa tagal ba naming magsimula. Padadampihin ko lang ito sa labi ko.
"I'm ready," I sighed.
I just wanted this done because I have another meeting after this. I had been looking forward to this for a few days now.
"We are rolling!" Jackson announced.
I was all set and already had a smile on my face, pero nagtaka ako nung wala akong narinig na action. Paglingon ko ay nagkakagulo sila sa camera.
"What the hell is happening? Is your camera broken?"
"That's impossible. The horse is in it."
"Wait. Why is Nathalia not appearing?"
I tried to feel my neck, and as though holy lightning hit me, I immediately jumped off the horse and spilled the wine on the camera. Everyone gasped and was shocked at what I had done.
"This is taking so long," I said, losing my composure in front of everyone.
I don't fucking care anymore.
"I-I'm sorry—"
I shook my head. "I am done here."
Nilapitan ko si Faith na gaya ng iba ay gulat sa ginawa ko. Nakita kong hawak niya ang kwintas. Nakangiting hinablot ko sa kanya 'yon saka siya tinitigan gamit ang mga nagliliyab kong mata.
I didn't hold it back this time, for I willingly showed her the vicious devil residing behind my bloody red eyes. The fury, displeasure, and betrayal she made me feel— she had seen it all in just a matter of seconds.
"Well done..." I whispered, leaving her speechless for the rest of her life.
Pumasok ako sa tent. Pahiga pa lang sana si Hestia sa sofa nung mapatayo ulit siya. Nagmadali kong sinuot ang kwintas ko saka binuhat si Lilly na umiinom pa ng gatas.
"W-what happened?" she asked.
"Let's go."
Palabas na kami ng tent nung pumasok si Jackson. He even begged for me to stay, I just passed on him like he was not even there. Nakatingin sa amin ang lahat habang paalis kami ng set.
What a fucking bitch.
Sumakay kami ng sasakyan ko at kung hindi pa agad nakasakay si Hestia ay malamang naiwan na siya dahil sa pagmamadali ko. Halos madurog ko ang manibela sa higpit ng pagkakahawak ko rito. Madulas ang daan pero hindi 'yon naging dahilan para bagalan ko ang pagmamaneho.
I just wanted to get as far as away from here. I wanted to forget her face because every time I would recall it in my head, the dissatisfaction of just leaving her unscathed would not let me think in peace.
"N-Nathalia..."
Lilly meowed in the backseat, something she rarely does. As if she could feel me and as if she knew how I almost left that place in a bloodbath.
"Holy shit, Nathalia!" Hestia gasped loud when we almost hit the car in front of us. But I managed to turn the wheels and passed it without a scratch.
I immidiately pulled over the car when I noticed that Lilly fell on the seat from the back. Mabilis akong lumabas ng sasakyan para umikot sa likod. Yumuko ako para kunin si Lilly sa ibaba.
"Hey. I'm sorry..." I whispered as I could feel my throat dry. "Are you hurt?"
The thought that my rage could damage her, too, brought me a moment of peace. I didn't know how much Lilly meant to me until now. I also think she was the most precious possession I have now.
"Jesus. What was that?" Hestia huffed.
I swallowed and hugged Lilly on my chest.
"I will drive," sabi ni Hestia.
Nakayakap lang ako kay Lilly buong byahe. She finally stopped meowing. Kinabahan tuloy ako dahil baka nasaktan siya o napilayan dahil sa pagkahulog.
"We need to go to the nearest vet," I said.
"No. She's fine."
"She's hurt—"
"Because you were driving insane!" Tumaas din ang boses ni Hestia. "For fucking sake, Nathalia. Napansin kong nitong mga nakalipas na araw ay masyadong mainit ang ulo mo. You are always pissed off. Every single mistake makes you frustrated. What was that just now? You know damn well that a car accident wouldn't harm us in any way, but Lilly..."
That shut my mouth. Guilty, as I was. I just didn't say anything and just hugged Lilly tighter. I think this was the tightest I have held on to something for a long time now.
"You need some air," kalmadong sabi ni Hestia. "I know I am a vampire, but I am not insane to experiment on how far my immortality can save me and let myself be involved in a car accident."
"Just drive!"
"Huh. You are starting again."
"Just drive..."
She drove us to a frozen seaside.
I put Lilly on a leash and made her wear her small shoes, so she could walk in the snow without going too far. The only good thing about the frozen beach was you wouldn't expect many foolish people to enjoy it. We were all alone here.
Hestia sighed. "Maybe I needed this, too. Taking care of Lilly has been stressful for me. Hindi ko alam kung paano siya natagalan ni Krist—" Tumikhim siya. "But she's cute. I will give her that."
I was just looking down at Lilly as she was enjoying walking. She looked so elegant and expensive with clothes on. Although her outfit looked unfitting for this place, she still pulled it off. Makapal naman ang damit niya kaya hindi siya gaanong lalamigin. Wala rin naman akong planong magtagal dito.
"Do you want to say something?" Hestia asked in a sarcastic tone. "Bakit hindi mo tinuloy ang shoot? What really happened this time, Nathalia?"
"Some bitch decided to be a bitch," I gritted my teeth.
"Well, you already said that before," she reminded me. "Remember the photoshoot two days ago? Nakalimutan lang ng designer na itaas ang zipper ng suot mo ay nag walk out ka na."
"Bumalik naman ako at tinapos ang photoshoot," pagrarason ko. "But the bitch this time crossed the line. I already told her not to take off my necklace, pero inalis niya pa rin nang hindi sinasabi sa akin."
"Holy— did she really do that?"
Huminto ako para buhatin si Lilly. Matagal na siyang naglalakad sa yelo at baka nilalamig na siya. Napangiti ako nung makitang nakatitig siya sa akin.
"Did you enjoy it?" I giggled. "Let's play."
Lumayo muna ako kay Hestia para makipaglaro kay Lilly. Pinakawalan ko siya sa tali para malaya siyang makatakbo. Wala kaming ginawa kung hindi ang tumakbo sa niyebe. Nung huminto siya at hiningal ay humiga ako sa tabi niya.
My smile went wider when she laid down beside me.
I was looking at the sky when it started to snow again.
"Let's go, Lilly. Baka magkasakit ka na."
Nilapitan namin si Hestia na napapailing lang sa amin habang nanunuod.
"You are still wearing your cowgirl outfit. Are you aware of that?" she asked, shaking her head. "Mas bagay mong maging catgirl kaysa cowgirl."
"Catgirl sounds childish. Why not cat lady?" I laughed.
Patakbo kaming pumasok sa sasakyan. Hinubad ko agad ang damit ni Lilly para palitan. Lagi akong may dalang extra na damit para sa kanya.
Hestia drove us to her apartment. Hindi na ako bumalik pa sa penthouse ko kahit na sinabi na sa 'kin ni Hando na malinis na 'yon. I don't feel like living there anymore.
I took a shower because I have a meeting in an hour. Nagluto ng hot soup si Hestia na pinagsaluhan namin. Si Lilly naman ay tulog na sa kwarto ko. Hando has been calling me nonstop, but I refused to answer his calls. He would just interrogate me about what happened earlier.
"May lakad ka pa?" tanong ni Hestia.
Humigop ako ng sabaw bago tumango.
"Wait..." She dropped her spoon to look at me intently. Nakatitig lang siya sa akin nang ilang segundo na parang binabasa ako. "About that woman?"
"What about her?" I took a sip of my wine. It didn't taste good.
I've never had a proper wine in a few days now. Kung hindi masarap ay walang lasa naman. But I always make sure to drink fresh blood to sustain my need. Madalas akong exposed sa araw ngayon. Matagal ko ring sinusuot ang kwintas.
"Nothing..." she shook her head. "I noticed that you haven't slept for a few days now. Minsan ay nahuli pa kitang nagsusukat ng dress sa gitna ng gabi."
I rolled my eyes. "A few days of being restless is nothing to me, Lady Hestia. I didn't sleep for an entire year before. This is nothing new to me."
"Yeah. That was because something bothered you for an entire year at that time." She also rolled her eyes at me. "I wonder how long it would last this time?"
I just shrugged.
"How about the unnecessary fitting of your dresses in the middle of the night?" She arched her brows. "Hindi mo rin naman 'yon sinusuot sa mga photoshoot mo."
I just chuckled. "I'm just preparing."
"Preparing for what?"
Hindi na ako sumagot.
Nag-ayos na rin ako pagkatapos. This meeting was not part of my job, and obviously, I was not going on a photo shoot. But I dressed up like I was about to attend a premiere night.
I wore my necklace. I don't want to scare Kathlysse if she ever decides to take a picture with me again. She looks up to me, after all. I've always been the star in her dark and tragic life.
"Are you sure you are not going on a photoshoot?" Hestia asked me reluctantly because of my get-up. "I doubt it. That red spaghetti strap dress was screaming for a show."
"Lilly will wake up in a few minutes. Be sure to feed her," I said, ignoring her deduction about my dress.
"Wait..." Umikot siya sa likod ko para ayusin ang strap ng dress ko. "Be careful, Nathalia. I know you are up to something."
Not really.
I drove to a familiar luxurious restaurant. Kumain na rin ako dati rito. Sa pagkakaalam ko rin ay isang bampira ang nagmamay-ari nito.
My entrance interrupted the silence of diners. As soon as I started walking toward Kathlysse, waving at me at a table for three, cameras everywhere started to catch every step I took.
"Hey!" She stood to greet me.
I felt her stiffen when I kissed her cheek.
"How have you been?" I asked, casually taking a seat. Yumuko ako para ipatong sa hita ko ang pouch ko at para na rin maitago ang ngisi ko.
Nagbalik naman sa kanya-kanyang gawi ang mga kumakain na kanina ay kinukuhanan ako ng picture. Gano'n pa man ay maya't maya ang pagsulyap nila sa table namin.
"I'm good now." She sat back in her seat, giving me that usual angel smile. "I was really flattered that you invited me for dinner. This feels like a wish come true to me."
Nakangiti rin ako sa kanya. Pasimple kong sinulyapan ang bakanteng upuan sa tabi ko.
"Should we take our order now? Are you with someone?" tanong niya.
"I'm alone. And you?"
"Actually..." she smiled even more.
A guy sat down beside me.
"I'm with Kristan. Do you remember him?"
I turned my head to the guy sitting beside him. No matter how hard I tried not to pay so much attention to his details, I couldn't help but notice the slight change in his fixed hair and how he wore his clothes. He looked different, but not really. An asshole in formal attire was still an asshole.
I shook my head. "I don't."
"He's the man who saved me. You already met him in the hospital," Kath laughed sophisticatedly. "It's understandable that you don't remember him. But yeah, he is working for me as my personal guard."
I knew he was working for her, but knowing he was working as her personal guard made me feel even more betrayed. I once offered him this job, but he declined it. He refused it just to stoop this low.
"I am Kristan," he introduced himself to me with courtesy. "Lady Kathlysse loves to talk about you."
He then smiled.
He smiled, making me feel like he didn't recognize me... at all. Alam kong nagpapanggap lang din siya gaya ko. I just hate that he made it look easy but effective.
I sipped on my drink and tried not to break the glass.
Kathlysse and I had a conversation while eating. Pasimple kong sinusulyapan si Kristan na nagbabasa lang ng isang libro. Hindi siya umimik buong oras.
"Can I leave you for a moment? Restroom," Kathlysse excused herself.
"Sure," I responded.
Nung kami na lang ni Kristan ay hinarap ko siya. Nakatutok pa rin ang atensyon niya sa libro.
I cleared my throat. "A little change in your fashion wouldn't wash off how horrible of a man you are, Mr. Admiral. Not to be salty, but I am scared for Kathlysse. If I was replaceable, I wonder how long would you last with her?"
Finally, he dropped his book. He looked at me with confusion.
"I'm sorry?" he asked.
I smirked. "She's not here. Don't pressure yourself."
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about."
That triggered a part of me. Binaba ko sa lamesa ang wine glass bago ko pa man 'to mabasag sa kamay ko. Tumikhim ako at kinalma ang sarili.
"I don't even remember how I saved her," he mumbled. "I just remember talking to her and giving me this job. I was clueless, but I played along. Do you really know me?"
My jaw dropped. Then, I remember his confession that he easily forgets things. Ibig bang sabihin nito na hindi niya talaga ako naaalala?
"Do you know me, Miss Nathalia?" he asked again.
Before I could even talk again, Kathlysse came back from the rest room. Nakangiti pa rin siya na parang hindi napapagod na gawin 'yon. I wonder if she rolls her eyes whenever she turns her back on me?
"Are you okay, Kristan?" Kath asked.
"I will just go to the restroom," sabi ko.
Nagmadali akong tumayo para makapunta sa rest room. Maraming bagay ang umiikot sa utak ko sa mga sandaling ito at alam kong pabalik na naman ako sa dati.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror.
"Wala ka na dapat pakialam sa kanya," sabi ko sa sarili. "Kilalang kilala ka niya noong mga panahong mas pinili niyang umalis, bakit mo siya tutulungang ngayong hindi ka niya maalala?"
No. He cut his connection with me when he left that night.
But... I brought him here. I brought him this life. Kung may mas nakakakilala sa kanya, alam kong ako lang 'yon. Ako lang ang may kilala kung sino siya at kung ano ang makakasama sa kanya.
Wait... did he also forget that he was a vampire?
No. That was impossible. Paano siya makakatagal nang hindi umiinom ng dugo? Paano niya nalalabanan ang pananabik sa tuwing nauuhaw?
I shook my head. I don't care. I should not care.
Nag-ayos ako ng sarili bago bumalik. Wala na si Kristan. Ayon kay Kathlysse ay masama raw ang pakiramdam nito kaya nauna nang umalis.
"You are his job. He was not supposed to leave you here," I said.
"It's fine, though. I think he's really sick. I already asked him once if I could take him to a doctor—"
"No!" I blurted out of nowhere. "I mean... if he doesn't feel like going to a doctor, you should just let him suffer alone. You are his responsibility and not the other way around."
"I'm just worried..." Lumungkot ang mukha ni Kathlysse. "If he's not sick, he would lock himself inside his room. Did you see him? He looked pale."
That just means he's resisting to drink. Kapag pinagpatuloy niya ito ay maaaring mapahamak siya. Sa pagkakaalam ko pa ay laging kasama ni Kath si Kristan sa labas.
A thirsty vampire would get burned under the scorching sun.
Kristan is in danger, and he is not aware yet.