EP.12
1296 Words
"What happened, Laura? Why I am here? I remember I was in the garden," usisa ni Audrey sa helper nang magising.
"Your stranger neighbor brought you here, he told me that you passed out. He was worried that something might happen to you, he carried you home. That's why you're already in your bed when you woke up." sagot ni Laura.
"That's odd," sagot niya. Ang natatandaan niya ay lumabas siya ng bahay para makahinga nang maluwag. She just had a coffee that Dylan gave her.
"Next time, be careful with yourself. At least now, someone saw you and bring you back. What if it's the murderer? You might ended up like Veronica." pananakot ng ginang.
Napatingin siya sa ginang at yumuko. "I guess, the killer will never hurt me..." aniya.
"How sure are you? There's a devil inside that killer, he or she was possessed when committing a crime, don't let your guard down during this time. It's totally dangerous!" saway nito sa kanya.
"Let's not talk about it, my head feels like its gonna split in two. Can you cook some congee rice for me?" lambing niya.
"Sure! While I'm cooking, get back to rest, okay? You needed it more than anyone else in this house," anito.
Laura tuck her to bed once again before leaving. She tried to close her eyes but her brain wouldn't let her. If she could just forget everything in life, she will do it without a doubt.
Samantala, gising na rin si Austin at kaagad na dumiretso sa kusina nang makita na naroon si Laura. Kaagad itong naghanap ng makakain para malamnan ang sikmura.
"Why are you cooking congee?" tanong ng binata.
"Audrey asked for it, I guess she is not feeling well right now."
"Why? Is there something wrong?"
"You didn't know?" takang tanong ni Laura.
"If I know I won't bother asking you in the first place," pilosopong sagot ng binata.
"Oh, I'm sorry, my bad!" hinging paumanhin ni Laura.
"So, what happen?"
"Mrs. Wang died last night. Her lifeless body was found early this morning by the staff."
"Who would do such a heinous crime like that in our condominium? Are they trying to ruined my dad's reputation?"
"Nobody know the reason, and we're all puzzled just like you."
"They didn't find the culprit?"
"Unfortunately, the cctv from the place where Mrs. Wang was found was not working at that time or was not installed yet. I don't know the real reason, I didn't asked your mom about it."
"We must find who did that to Cyla's mom. It's unfair if we don't." ani Austin. "Where's mom and dad?"
"I believe they're both working right now."
"Working? Are you kidding me? Someone died and they're still working?"
"Your dad's secretary will take care of everything and also your mom."
"Oh my God! This is unbelievable! How about the authorities?"
"Your parents won't let them get involve with what happen. I think your dad talked to Mr. Wang already to keep things in private. Or else, everything will fall like an iceberg in Antarctica. As a businessman, your dad won't let that happen. Not on his watch to say the least."
Hindi na kumibo pa si Austin sa sinabi ng helper. Bagkus ay bumalik na ito sa sariling kuwarto. He felt sick on his stomach hearing where his dad stands regarding the death of his tenants. He should be more responsible for what happened because this is his place in the first place.
But for Apollo, business and profit comes first before anything else.
"Eddie, did you take care of everything? How is it going?" usisa ni Apollo sa tauhan.
"Mr. Wang agreed with your plans and promise to cooperate in one condition," sagot nito.
"Condition? What is that?"
"He wants you to give him all the evidence that you had regarding his affair. Plus, he wants you to make him as one of the shareholder of your company."
"So, he has a price already. Seems like everyone in this world is cheap."
"To keep his mouth close, actually it's pretty expensive. He's not worth of every cent that he asking."
"My name, legacy and business is at risk and the future of my children, too. I think, I'm gonna give it a go."
"What if he threatens you every time and won't stop asking?"
"I won't let that happen. Let's give him what he wants right now. Veronica just died and we should be more careful, one wrong move and we're all done."
"Okay. Mr. Cheng."
Nasa masinsinan silang pag-uusap ng dumating si Carla. Galing ito sa pamilya ni Veronica na nasa Keelung pa nakatira.
"Is everything okay?" tanong ni Apollo.
"Her parents are weak and won't be a problem. They're both old and unaware of what they have to do. I think Stephen talk to them already and they will follow their son-in-law's words."
"Make sure to give them money too. Wee have to make sure that they won't be a problem, always remember that a small hole can destroy a ship when unattended."
"Yes, Mr. Cheng, rest assured that I will do what you want."
"Okay, you can all leave me. I want to call my wife for now." aniya.
Tahimik naman na nagsilabas ang dalawa kaya kaagad niyang tinawagan ang kabiyak.
"Are you busy right now?" ani Apollo.
"I'll drop everything just for you, Apollo." sagot ni Sinica.
"How's the kids?"
"They're at home, Laura was there to tend the triplets, why?"
"I'm afraid they'll get taunted with Veronica's death by other people."
"I won't let that happen," ani Sinica.
"Tell the tutor to stop teaching the kids. For the meantime, don't let the outsider came to our crib. Only residents is allowed in that area for the time being."
"You can't do that, Agatha is a model, did you forgot?"
"Tell her to halt all of her schedule. They're not allowed to leave my house at this time."
"You can't put them to your cage, Apollo. I know you're just protecting our kids, but that's too much."
"Then, what do you want me to do? Cyla is one of your daughter's friend, if she cause trouble or damage to Agatha, do you think she can handle that?"
"I'll take care of Cyla, if that is your problem." ani Sinica. Pinutol na ni Sinica ang tawag mula sa asawa at tumingin sa kanyang harapan. Kapagkakuwa'y sumilay ang tusong ngiti mula sa mga labi nito.
"I heard you want to be a model," ani Sinica. Sinipsip nito ang tsaa habang mainit pa. Nakatitig sa dalagang namumugto pa ang mga mata.
"I-i d-do..." kandautal na sagot ng dalaga.
"Well, I can help you,"
Biglang nagliwanag ang mukha ni Cyla pagkarinig sa sinabi niya.
"R-really?"
"Of course, actually, your momm asked me to help you before she died."
Biglang lumungkot ulit ang mukha ni Cyla pagkarinig sa sinabi ng ginang.
"Don't be too sad, let's just say that we're fulfilling your mom's final wish. I will make sure, that you're gonna be a model soon."
Waring nag aalangan pa ang dalaga sa sinabi niya. "What is the catch," tanong nito.
Napatikwas ang kilay ni Sinica sa narinig. "I want your silence over your mom's death. I believe, it's not too much to ask."
Nagtagis ang mga bagang ng dalaga sa narinig. Pero batid nito na wala siyang laban sa kaharap kaya mas pinili ng dalaga ang magpakumbaba. She has to act smart, to gain something in the future.
"If you're going to help me with my dreams, then it's a deal."
"Good job. You're a smart kid!" masiglang wika ni Sinica, sabay lahad ng kanang kamay.
Cyla accept her hands and with a smile and said, "From now on, please take good care of me."
- Writer
