His name is ... X

< Entry 2.1 - The Plan >

Xandra became our friend. She's on her 3rd year taking up Mass Communication. She's kind but sometimes she's shy but nevertheless, we got along just fine.

Aside from death glares, Gwen no longer bullied me. It's been 3 weeks since that incident on the cafeteria. We were being reported to the school's disciplinary office. But because me and Xandra were the victims and Joeana and Gwen were the ones who wrestled, they will have a 2-weeks community service as their punishment.

"Bestie, Do you want me to wait for you?" I asked Joeana. Xandra left after she received a phone call from her brother telling her to come home early.

"You go first, Bestie. I have something to do on the Golden Harvest's office." Joeana said.

"Ohh, is that so? Alright. I better get going. It's already 6:40 in the evening. You should hurry, mmkay?" I told Joeana while I fixed my hair.

She just nodded as a response. The Golden Harvest was our Campus' School Paper and Joeana is one of the editorial staff.

I walked to the School's parking lot. I have my second hand black Mitsubishi Adventure with me. I bought this with my own money. I worked as an online seller, too. I wanted to buy something from my own pocket. I worked hard for this. And my parents are so proud of me. Although my Momsie always tells me that I shouldn't work because she and Popsie can provide me with everything that I need. Perks of being the only daughter of the Famous shipping magnate Marcus Montreal and the former Ms. Universe, now a well known Psychologist, Filipino-American Adrienna Hera Lawson.

I drove my car towards the direction of a subdivision. Camilla Homes is an exclusive subdivision for rich people, like us. I showed my identification card to the officer-on-duty and he smiled as he opened the gate of the subdivision.

I drove slowly unto the streets. Huge houses were seen left and right. Although Camilla Homes is for rich people, they promote a friendly neighborhood community. The owners of the houses get along really well. And if there's a new neighbor, the owner of the subdivision - who happened to be my Uncle Martin, Popsi's older brother - would throw a welcome party to them and all of the home owners are invited for them to know the new neighbors and to make friends with them.

Last week, I caught a glimpse of Kathryn Bernardo and Liza Soberano, two of the most beautiful faces that I truly adored on show business. Maybe they are also one of the home owners here at the subdivision. Aside from them, many Filipino and foreign celebrities like Bruno Mars and Apl de Ap of the famous band Black-eyed Peas, as well as Politicians and business men and women are homeowners here at Camilla Homes.

I stopped my car in front of a black gate. I horned three times. Eventually the gates opened slowly. I immediately drove to enter. I parked my car in front of the mansion. Mr. Kurt, our valet greeted me. I smiled as I greet him back, handing him the car keys.

The main door opened and I was greeted by the house maids lined up side by side.

"Good evening, Madam. How was your day today?" Mr. Henry, Our butler asked as he took my school bag and books and handed it to one of the house maids.

"My day at school was fine, Mr. Henry. Thank you for asking. How about yours?" I asked him as we walked towards the staircase. "Did Momsie and Popsie called?" I asked again as I climbed the stairs with Mr. Henry following behind me.

"I had a good day, Madam. Your Momsie called. She's asking about you? I told her you were at school. She said she misses you so much and that she would love to call you when you get home.. She will be waiting for your call." said Mr. Henry as he opened the door of my room for me.

"Oh! I would love to! But I will call her after dinner because I'm hungry. Thank you so much, Mr. Henry." I told him as I walked in to my room.

"You're very much welcome, Madam. Do you have any request regarding your dinner for tonight?"

"Uhmmmm.. Yes! I would love to have Adobo please." I said. "And I would really love it if you will all join me for dinner. Pleaseeeee!!" I pleaded.

Henry laughed. "Certainly, Madam. Anything for you." The old man adorably ruffled my hair.

I hugged Mr. Henry and said, "Thank you, Mr. Henry. You're the best!"

Mr. Henry then closed the door after bidding his goodbye.

I am left alone in my room. I sighed as I walked to my bed. I sat on the mattress. My parents are in Europe. Europe has always been the place where I used to find comfort. I grew up there. But then, when Popsie, decided to come back here in the Philippines because he is planning to expand his shipping business here. Together with Momsie, we visited Popsie's country of origin for a vacation. At first, I was irritated because it was very hot! I needed time to adjust.

But then, I eventually got used to the climate and started loving the new environment. I instantly loved the food, especially the Adobo and Pork Sisig. I am also fascinated because of the way Filipinos treat their visitors. It is heart warming. It's true that Filipinos are very hospitable and kind.

My vacation lasted over 3 months, eventually I decided to stay here for good. My parents agreed, so they bought this mansion for me to stay while they went back to Europe. Popsie would come and visit me occasionally because of the business he's starting to build here.

I tend to go back to Europe after I graduate but I would love to come back here in the Philippines to stay for good.

I stood up and went to the shower to take a bath. After that, I put on my house dress and went down the stairs to the dining room. There, I found the housemaids standing in one corner, waiting for me.

I sat on my chair and looked at Mr. Henry, puzzled. "What's wrong, Mr. Henry? Aren't you going to join me for dinner?"

"Yes, we will join you for dinner but we waited for you first, Madam." Mr. Henry said.

"Oh! I'm sorry it took me long to get dressed. Come! Sit down. Will you please call Mr. Arnold, Mr. Fernan and Mr. Roger?" I requested. Mr. Arnold was our driver, while Mr. Fernan and Mr. Roger were the security guards.

"Of course, Madam." Mr Henry said as he walked out of the dining room. Minutes later, he came back along with the three that I mentioned.

"We just locked the gates, Madam. But we should hurry back to our post." Mr. Fernan said, shyly scratching the back of his head.

"Oh! Well then, what are we waiting for? Let us pray and eat." I said enthusiastically. We prayed first before we started eating dinner.

I joined in on their conversation. I laughed as Mr. Roger keeps on joking. He's always been the joker. Then, they would tell me how kind and humble I am. They would tell me that my beautiful face fits my personality. They said I am beautiful, inside and out. I shyly smiled at them.

After eating, I immediately stood up to get some water.

"Madam, just sit down and I will be the one to get you some water." Mr. Henry politely said.

"Oh no, Mr. Henry. Thank you! I just get it myself. Just continue eating." I said softly as I made my way to the kitchen.

After I drunk the water I put the glass into the kitchen sink but it slipped off my hands and crashed on to the floor.

"Madam! Are you alright? Are you hurt? What happened?" Mr. Henry came rushing. Behind him were the house maids. A worried expression was evident on their faces. Mr. Henry walked closer to me and pulled me gently away from the broken shards. He checked my arms, hands and feet frantically. When he didn't see any cuts, he sighed in relief.

"I'm good, Mr. Henry. It just slipped off my hands. I'm sorry to alarm you." I said, trying to reassure the old man.

"It's okay, Madam. Come sit down again. Elena, will you please sweep off the shards of glass?" Mr. Henry requested Elena, one of the housemaids, as he guided me back to my chair. Elena obliged and went to get the broom and the dustpan.

"Mr. Henry, I feel nervous all of a sudden." I said. Voicing out my feelings.

Suddenly, my phone started ringing. I fetched it inside my pocket and looked at the screen. I saw Joeana's name registered on my screen. I swiped it to answer my best friend's call.

"Hello, bestie?"

"Hello, good evening. Is this Venus?" the man on the other line said.

"Yes, how may I help you?"

I listened very carefully. After the caller finished talking, I can barely move. My hands were shaking. I put my hand on my mouth as I fought back the sobs. I wickedly stood up and walk but then my knees became wobbly so I lost my balance and fell onto the floor, butt first.

Mr. Henry eventually walked closer to me and comfort me.

"Madam, what's wrong? Are you alright? What did that caller told you?" asked Mr. Henry worriedly. I didn't pay attention to what he's saying. The only thing that keeps on repeating in my mind was the words I heard from the caller.

"My name's Jace. I'm Joeana's brother. Please come here at Tetangco General Hospital. Joeana is in a critical condition. She's been comatosed........."