Chapter 5 Note's reveal
1037 Words
SADIE’S POV
Maria read the note aloud, her voice dripping with mock drama. “‘Eat me, taste me! Kunnes tapaamme taas Rakkauuteni.’” She shrieked, eyes wide. "Whoa, really, cousin?"
A strange shiver traced its way down my spine. The Finnish words, though I didn't understand them, resonated with an unsettling intimacy. What did that even mean? My foot slammed on the brake before I could even process it. The van lurched violently, throwing us forward. I gasped, my hands flying to the steering wheel, clutching it so tightly my knuckles turned bone-white. My breath hitched in my throat, a knot of anxiety tightening in my chest.
"Are you okay, Maria?" I choked out, my voice barely audible. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the sudden silence.
“I’m fine, thank God,” she said, patting her chest dramatically. “My soul almost left my body!” She let out a nervous giggle, but I couldn't find anything funny about the situation.
Nakahinga Ako ng maluwag dahil Wala kaming nakasalubong at nasa patag kami na daan. Thank God we were on an empty stretch of road. I took a shaky breath, relief washing over me in a dizzying wave. "What does that even say?" I asked, my voice still trembling, gesturing towards the note with a trembling hand.
Maria grinned, holding the note just out of my reach, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Kunnes tapaamme taas Rakkauuteni – Markku," she read, her voice laced with amusement. "Someone's got a secret admirer!" she teased, nudging me playfully. "And don't think I didn't understand the Finnish – International Languages, remember? Finnish was my specialty." She winked. "It means, 'Until we meet again, my love!'"
A burning blush crept up my neck, flooding my cheeks with heat. My love. My stomach lurched, a mixture of excitement and dread swirling within me. Markku. The name echoed in my mind, sending a strange tremor through my body. I tried to scoff, to brush it off with a casual indifference, but a traitorous flutter of… something… took flight in my chest. No. It couldn't be he's presumptuous…DAKILANG MANYAK! and yet…. I bit my lip, my pulse quickening.
“Oh my god, you're blushing, cousin!” Maria squealed, her squeal echoing in the small space of the van. “Who is this Finn guy, huh?” she pressed, batting her eyelashes playfully.
"Don't know what you're talking about," I mumbled, my gaze fixed on the road ahead, willing my racing heart to slow down. I prayed she wouldn't notice the tremor in my hands as I gripped the steering wheel. Just get me out of here.
“Oh, alright! Looking forward to the good news, then,” she said, feigning defeat.
“We’re here,” I announced, relief flooding me as we pulled up to the imposing gates of the dela Cerna villa. “I won’t come in, it’s getting late,” I added, my voice tight. And I can’t bear another second of this conversation.
“Okay, just make sure to tell me all about you and your Finn guy!” Maria called out, still teasing as she hopped out of the van.
I rolled my eyes. “Whatever!”
“Bye-bye, cousin! Drive safe!”
“Bye, Maria,” I replied, waving back. As I watched her enter the villa, I muttered to myself, “Why didn’t I throw those notes away?” A wave of nausea washed over me as I pictured Markku's smug face.
Oh, please! You didn’t throw them away because a tiny part of you was flattered, my inner self taunted. Shut up!, I argued back. But admit it, those notes, especially now that you know what they say… they kind of made you feel… special. I shuddered. Ugh! No way! I’m disgusted by that creep!.
At the farmhouse…
Aunt Macy’s cheerful face greeted me at the door. Her warm hand rested on my arm, concern etched in her eyes. “Are you alone, sweetheart?” she asked softly.
“Yes, Aunt Macy,” I replied, the exhaustion of the day catching up with me.
“Ah,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. I saw a flicker of something unsaid in her eyes, but I was too tired to pry. Tomorrow, I thought. I'll talk to her tomorrow and give her the pasalubong (gift).
“Have you eaten? Annie cook your favorite pork adobo,” she offered.
“No, thank you, Aunt Macy. I’ve already eaten. Maria treated me to dinner,” I explained, stifling a yawn. “I’ll just head to bed. I’m too tired to talk properly right now.”
“I can see that. Go ahead and rest, Sadie. You look exhausted,” Aunt Macy said, her hand squeezing my arm gently.
“Okay, Aunt Macy. Good night,” I said. She nodded, her eyes filled with a warmth that always made me feel safe and loved.
Exhaustion claimed me the moment my head hit the pillow, and I drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The next day…
A sharp ray of sunlight pierced through a gap of the window panes, landing directly on my eyelids. I groaned and buried deeper into the pillow. The sun, however, was relentless. Finally, with a sigh, I opened my eyes, blinking against the brightness. My hand reached for my phone. 10 AM! My heart skipped a beat. I overslept!. Then, confusion clouded my thoughts as I looked down at myself. I was already in my pajamas. Relief washed over me, and I sank back into the soft mattress.
"Aunt Macy," I whispered, a smile gracing my lips. I ran my hand over the soft cotton of my pajamas, imagining her gentle hands helping me change. She always knew when I was too tired to even think about it. I don't know what I would do without her and Nanay Annie, I thought, a wave of gratitude washing over me. They took care of me with such tenderness, it was as if I were made of porcelain. That's why I always slept so soundly here, wrapped in their love and care. Just pure, blissful sleep.
HAPPY READING ♥️
_TAGAILOCOSNAK
- Writer
