Chapter 9 Anew
1577 Words
After a hard conversation with his father, Lucio took a flight in a private chopper on his way to Manila. It was his first time being away from his family. He traveled alone since his father was on a business trip abroad. He left the mansion without a word with Keila. He knew she was avoiding him. She couldn't look him straight in the eyes. While in flight, he was silently watching the view from below. The beautiful islets from the Province of Siquijor up to their destination. According to Alexander, someone was waiting for him once he stepped foot in Manila. She will be his servant while living in the new environment. They arrived in Manila at nine in the evening.
"You should go over there, Young Master! We will send your luggage to your car," the pilot said.
"Copy that, thanks!" he replied politely and started to walk out of the helipad.
"Over here, Young Master!" the middle-aged woman called.
He slowly approached her and she introduced herself.
"My name is Kris! I will be your assistant. I'll accompany you and be at your service," she said as she initiated the conversation.
"Nice to meet you, Kris! Where are we heading?" he answered.
"To your new place, Young Master. Your father made one of the condominium units available for you. He specifically ordered it for everyone. Let's go!" she replied.
She looks bubbly and has a happy soul. She always smiles. He begins to like this new helper he has with him. She led the way to the car park. They were just on time when they reached the car because his belongings were already waiting for him. They helped each other arrange their luggage to fit into the compartment and made sure that everything was set before leaving them. Kris is also his driver. He wondered how much his father paid for her services because she looked skilled and talented.
"If you don't mind, how long have you been working for my father?" he asked her.
"Almost ten years. You were just a cute baby the last time I saw you," she said, smiling.
"Wow! I don't recall if I ever met you. Anyway, thanks in advance for taking the responsibility for me," he honestly answered.
"You don't have to because we are paid by your father to do the job. I will tour you around starting tomorrow. I will accompany you to your new school, and for sure, in no time you will get the hang of the kind of life you will have here in the polluted city of Manila. Just enjoy your youthful glow!" her long message while focused on driving.
"Sure!" he said, while trying to become familiar with the new place.
He is a smart man, and he knew he could easily adjust. He is looking out the car window and is quite amazed by the picture of the city. He has been watching movies and documentaries, so it's no longer new to him the reality of city life. It's just a bit surprising that the feeling is completely different when you are in the actual location.
"How's life in Siquijor?" Kris asked.
"Good," he answered briefly, with no interest in going deeper into the details.
Kris did not bother to ask for more because she felt like the mood was changing.
She stopped in an open diner for their dinner.
"Let's have our dinner first, you must be hungry!" she murmured.
They had their supper in a short while, and then she drove back on their way to his building. They arrive at their destination safely. She brought him to one of the fanciest buildings. It is located in Makati, the business heart of the Region. The building has fifty levels, and Lucio occupies the entire top floor. Kris introduced him to the security personnel and the front desk on duty.
"Let me show you around!" she advised.
She tours him around his unit. It has three rooms with a comfort room in each one of them. One large living room, a study room, gym, and entertainment deck with minibar. It also has a pool outside where he can also welcome his guests.
"Nice place," he said in a comment.
"Of course, Master asked to customize this place before he decided to bring you here in Manila. I am glad you like it," she answered.
"Yeah, I do. Thanks again," he replied wearily.
"I am sure you are tired. Tomorrow I'll tour you around the city and to your school. Get some rest," Kris said bidding goodbye.
"Goodnight Kris!" he bids goodbye for a while.
Kris is living in the quarter's area for their security personnel on the ground floor. So, she will be accessible at any time when he needs her services.
Lucio found himself asleep alone far away from his home place.
"Good morning!" Kris greeted him.
She is the only person who has the duplicate of his keys to the entire unit.
"You came in too early," he complained while stretching.
He realized he was half-n***d so he took his towel and cover his bareness.
"I had to so I can prepare your meals. Did I disturb you?" she asked.
"It's alright. I am going to take a shower first," he advised.
She has done cooking when Lucio got out of the shower. He can smell the good food yet being served.
"Smells delicious," he said as he sat down in the dining room.
"Go eat. I'm gonna wait for you in the car park." She informed her master.
"No. Please join me. I am living this life alone from now on, can you bear leaving me behind? I just need someone to accompany me," he said boyishly.
"Okay, I get you. Let's have our breakfast together," Kris replied and get seated in front of Lucio.
They ate together and in a few minutes they went down to the ground floor.
"Let's go first to the boardroom so you'll meet everyone in this building. They should be aware that the young Master is here," Kris advised him as they walk through the said room.
Everyone is in the room and waiting for his arrival.
"Good morning everybody! Sorry for the delay however this will be very quick. Let me just introduce the Young Master, the only son of Mr. Moreau. His name is Lucio," Kris made an announcement and introduce him to the crowd.
Everyone greeted Lucio with a welcoming smile.
"Starting today, he will be residing in this building. I hope everyone will attend to all his needs and that is Master Alexander's order." She continued and no one made any visible questions or negative reactions.
"Thank you, everyone! That is all, let us all go back to work," Kris ended the short meeting.
"Thanks!" he grinned.
"Don't thank me. Thank your father," Kris insisted.
She led the way to the car and began to drive out of the parking lot. She started talking while Lucio is just listening and would take a glimpse of the places that this lady is trying to present to him.
"Don't worry. It's easier to become familiar with all these places," he speaks up.
"Great!" she answered happily.
"I can get lost and find my way home and out," he bluffed and laughed.
"You are a spoiler, but don't do that. It may put you in danger and the master won't be pleased," she said in contradiction.
"I know but it can happen. I can learn quickly the hard way. No worries, I'll be safe," he replied with so much confidence.
His assistant Kris can't believe how sturdy he can be sometimes.
"Welcome to your new school! I am confident that you will love it here," she claimed.
He looked around and he find the place kinda boring. It is enclosed with heightened security walls. That is his first impression. Kris joined him in the Dean's office. According to his assistant, the Dean is just one of his father's brightest connections. That is why he did not have a difficult time entering his school. It was an exclusive school for boys. He wanted to feel annoyed because everything and everyone he has is all because of his father. He sometimes wanted to move and grow without his father's guidance and power. The talk with the Dean and the tour went smoothly. They drive back to their building early and it's starting to kill him.
"Dad! I don't think I can live this kind of routine daily. You wanted me to become strong and independent, but I feel like a prisoner," he complained when his father called him up.
He doesn't want to be called anytime by his children. Alexander wanted to do things according to his wants and will.
"Have patience. For now, that will be your daily routine. You should feel lucky because you are always protected and well provided for," his father reasoned.
"Until when will I have to live this hell kind of life?" he pursued his complaints.
"Until I said so. Just show me that you are a good follower, okay? You will be fine, trust me," final words from Alexander.
He can't do anything but accept the challenge his father decided. He will just wait for the right time that he can work on his own. He just needs to enjoy his life as a Moreau who has all the privileges on earth.
- Writer
