Heiress (Hanazono Series #2)

Heiress 5: Soft Spot

Jace’s POV

“Change. Han and Go on offense, Jang and Delta o defense.” The instructor said after two minutes.

The heiresses are good at fighting.

Delta Ethan couldn’t even hit Chelsea while Irene and Jess are on the same level. They were able to block all the attacks thrown.

I looked at Lavalee. I didn’t think she or her friend apart from Irene would really enroll at a subject like this but I guess you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.

She may look like a classy spoiled brat heiress on the outside but she has this adventurous attitude.

I saw how she claps her hand while watching Jess and Irene.

Wait.

She’s giving them a beat.

Jess and Irene are moving by Lavalee’s claps.

“Enough. Very good.” The instructor said and Lavalee stood up and went to her friends.

They tapped her shoulders and smiled at her then Chelsea shook her head.

“Han, Jang, Go, you’ve exceeded my expectations, Delta you did great. All in all, all four of you got 10 points.” The instructor said and wrote something on his class record

Lavalee walked to the middle and placed the two mats together.

“Good luck!” Jess and Irene shouted and she flipped her hair before stretching herself.

I went in front and faced her. She’s smiling then Chelsea tossed something.

“Kamsa, Tal!” she shouted and tied her hair up.

Oh. A hair tie.

“Kan on defense, Stantiago you’re on offense.” The instructor said and I attacked her lightly.

I can’t attack her full force. She’s still a girl.

“Is that all you’ve got?” she asked and raised her head

Bakit ba gusto nilang lakasan namin?

It’s as if she really wants to get hurt.

“Don’t go easy!” Jess and Irene shouted and started clapping and I saw how Lavalee’s foot moved.

I tried to match her speed and tried to grab her arms but she blocked it and backflipped to get away from me.

Paano nila nakakayang makasabay?

“s**t! Ang cool!”

“Babae ba talaga yan?”

“Cool!”

She even placed her hands on her waist then rolled her eyes.

“Don’t hold back!” she said and I aimed to put her down but she was able to block it again.

I tried to go faster but still light force but she manage to match me.

How could she?

I was trained under military training. Imposibleng matapatan ng simpleng martial arts training yun.

“Hoy Santiago! Lakasan mo!” Irene even shouted

I attacked Lavalee stronger this time but she was able to hold my fist.

“Kan, Offense! Santiago Defense!” the instructor said

I took my hand back but I was surprised when she did a backflip. If I didn’t step back she could have hit me on the face.

She ran to me and I blocked her attack.

It was light but too strong for a girl like her.

She tried to punch me but I dodge it but it was just a trick.

She puched me in the stomach and then she kicked my hips with her foot straight.

I tried to dodge but again it was just a faint to trick me. She kneeled my stomach and held my arm then threw me to the ground.

“s**t! Ang lakas naman niya.”

“Babae ba talaga siya?”

“Cool!”

“Sizzling hot chick!”

She jumped and made weird slices on my shoulder and nape when she landed.

I blocked it but a little later I felt my body being numbed.

“Enough.” The instructor said and I slowly walked back to our seat.

“Ilagay mo toh sa mga hinampas ni Lav kanina.” Sabi ni Chelsea at inabutan ako ng mga pain reliever patches

“I advise na ilagay mo na yan. You’ll feel the effect after a minute.” Sabi ni Lavalee at kinuha yung patches kay Chelsea at siya na mismo yung naglagay sakin.

“How much force did you apply?” tanong ni Jess

“Slight lang noh. I don’t want to kill him.” Sagot ni Lavalee

“Miss Lavalee bakit mo ginawa yung mga parang slices? Wala namang epekto?” Lt. Asked

“You think so? I’ll do it to you.” Lavalee said and pulled Lieutenant’s left arms and did those weird slices too.

“It’ll take affect once the bell rang.” She said and listened to the instructor who explained some basics.

After a while, the bell rang for lunch and Lieutenant started to groaned while holding the arm that Lavalee attacked.

“Namanhid na noh?” Chelsea asked and placed the painkilling patches on his arms

“Those weird slices are nerve numbing techniques. Lavalee attacked the critical nerve points that are responsible for the sense of touch of the arms, though it will take effect after quite a while.” Irene said and I looked at Lavalee unbelievingly

How can she do that?

She took her bag and I went to the lockers to change into my uniform then we went out and waited for them.

“Jeez. You’re acting like our boyfriend or something.” Sabi ni Jess

“Parang si Bryle?” tanong ni Lavalee at nagtawanan sila habang napabusangot si Jess

“Whatever! Go na Lav. Talk to the teacher na.” Sabi ni Jess at itinulak si Lavalee

Sinundan ko si Lavalee habang humiwalay naman yung iba sa amin.

“Bakit mo kakausapin yung teacher?” tanong ko

“Huh? Nakasunod ka parin? Nothing will happen to me here I’m safe.” Sabi niya

Suddenly, two daggers passed right in front of Lavalee. She sighed before catching it.

“Hey! Your dagger slipped.” She said and threw the dagger back hitting a guys sleeve, pinning his sleeve to the wall.

“Is that your definition of safe?” I asked with a raised brow

“As you can see, Mr. Scott, I can defend myself perfectly.” She said and flipped her hair then we went to the faculty’s room

“Mrs. Baldemero?” she asked once she stepped inside the faculty room.

“Ah. Ms. Kan, Mr. Scott.” Our teacher who distributed the waiver earlier said

What did she say? Mr. Scott? She knew?

“About what you said earlier, can I be an exemption?” Lavalee asked making me look at her

“That would be unfair to your classmates, Miss Kan.” Our teacher calmy said so Lavalee sat on the chair in front of the teacher’s desk

“I don’t want to use this to have exemptions but I think I need to.” She said and sighed and pulled her phone out.

Later on she talked to someone over the phone in a different language then a man arrived.

“Mr. Buenaventura.” Mrs. Baldemero said and bowed then signalled us to bow

“Mrs. Baldemero, this young lady here is my closest friend’s eldest daughter and I am allowing her in that camping trip.” The man said

“Yes, Mr. Dean.” Mrs. Baldemero said and we left.

When we exited the faculty Lavalee bowed to the man.

“You don’t have to do that, Lavalee. We did promise your mother and father that we will watch over the five of you.” The man said and Lavalee hugged him

“Kamsahabnida, Tito.” Lavalee said

“No worries. I’m glad to help you fulfill your parents’ wishes.” He said and ruffled Lavalee’s hair before leaving

*RING *RING

Her phone rang and I walked beside her.

“Don’t worry, Nii-sama, I didn’t use our family name. Though I did ask Tito Zairo, the dean for help.” She said and seemed relieved after hearing something

“Jinjja?! You gotta be kidding me, Nii-sama. Oh yeah. Bye! I love you *chuckles Yes, Nii-sama. I love you.” She said and hid her phone

“Tara na.” She said and we arrived inside the classroom.

“Oh, Kan, Santiago the two of you are late so you’ll be partners, everybody else has a group.” The professor said and we sat on our chairs.

“Your activity is to build a company model using recycling materials. You will also pass a paper where the initial capital, the construction cost for the materials and what kind of company it would be is written. I want it to be realistic.” Our professor said and sat on her desk

Lavalee faced me then showed me a sketch.

“This is how I think the company would look like. Since you are a police officer I think it would be better if we build a company that both of has background on. Take this for instance, I have a background on hotel and management same with recruitment while you have one for defense, and protection so I’m thinking of a security agency or such things that has anything with martial arts and defense.” She said

“You’re lucky to have her as partner. She knows many things about business.” Jess said and snickered

“I know right, girl!” she said and flipped her hair

After classes, we went to the mall and they went to the national bookstore.

“Paabot.” Sabi ni Lavalee habang itinuturo yung nasa mataas na shelf

I got confused when I saw that it was a hairclip set for kids.

“For your baby girl?” tanong ni Irene

“Hindi, kay Nii-sama ko ibibigay.” Inirapan ni Lavalee si Irene at inilagay sa cart  namin yung hairclip set.

We bought five pieces of ½ illustration board, 20 glue sticks and 2 glue guns then she took three metalic foils and rulers, colored pens and decorative markers.

She also bought a clear nail polish and three sets of paint.

“What are those for?” I asked when she was holding a roll of ribbons and gift wrappers.

“I’m going to wrap my gifts.” She said and we paid all the things we bought.

I drove after her car until we reach her house.

Inilapag niya sa sala yung mga pinamili namin tapos umakyat na siya.

I went to our room here in the mansion. I changed into casual clothes then went out.

“What? But – Dongsaeng! Unfair!” Lavalee was walking back and forth then I saw that her friend and my comrades are just watching her.

She was speaking fast in a language I can’t decipher. I don’t know if it was Japanese or Korean or both or other language.

“Chelsea! Trace where the call came from. He must’ve at least left his tracker open.” She ordered Chelsea and opened they opened their laptops on the table

“Lavalee, who are you referring to? Kent’s the person you last called according your PC.” Chelsea asked confused then Lavalee seemed to have realized something

“Chert! Shiru! Those brat!” she sighed heavily then the maid handed her a glass of water.

“Thank you manang.” She smiled sweetly and sat beside Chelsea

“So they tricked you again?” Irene asked

“Remind me to scold them. I was really terrified I thought they really got kidnapped.” She said and turned to us

“Tara na.” She said lightly and took our materials and spread it on the floor

“What should we do?” She aked while facing her laptop

“Let’s do that. Your suggestion about the security agency thingy.” I said

“Okay.” She’s still breathing heavily

“Ayos ka lang?” I asked and she nodded.

“Lav.” Jess walked towards her and handed a gum

“Forget about it. Maybe he didn’t mean it.” Jess said and patted Lavalee’s back

“I know. It’s just that the thought still sent shivers.” Lavalee replied

She focused on doing our activity while chewing her gum.

I remained silent and helped her cut the metalic foils and the containers.

I can’t believe how she was able to turn the carton of cereals and containers of laundry powder into a company model with just paint and metallic foils.

She was also the one to make the paper. The only help I gave was holding things in place and sticking it with glue.

Irene’s POV

It was already night but I knew Lavalee is still awake. She’s crying like the usual.

She’s been like this since they became orphans.

Masakit naman talaga na mawalan eh. Umiyak rin ako noon nung nawala ang parents nila.

My phone rang so I answered it without checking the caller ID which I shouldn’t have done. Kung nandito si Mama yun pa siguro ang una-unang sumagot.

Ang first love niya ang tumatawag eh.

[So you’re here, eh? Wala kang planong magpakita sakin?] I sighed before answering

“Where did you know that? Sigurado kang tama?” I asked carefully not letting him know where I exactly am.

Chelsea and Lav made sure that our phones are untraceable and at times like this it is very helpful.

Sana lang talaga hindi niya alam na nandito ako.

[You think I wouldn’t know? You’re carrying my name in case you forgot, young lady.] I rolled at my eyes because of what he said

Carrying his name his face! Maraming Lee sa mundo.

“I told you, if you don’t want me to carry it you can just pull those strings and strip me off from your great name.” I said sarcastically

Nakakainis! Bakit ba kasi niya kailangan pang ipaalala.

[Bianca! Where did you learn to talk back to me like that? Is that how Irina raise you? I should’ve taken you from the start.] he said and I scoffed

Take me back? Parang kaya nga naman niya gawin yun noon.

“But you didn’t because I would make your wife sad knowing that you have an illegitimate daughter who’s older than your children with her.” I said and I heard him fell silent

Looks like I pushed some sensitive buttons eh? Alam naman na totoo yung sinasabi ko. Hindi ako yung tipo na mananakit gamit ang salita lang na walang basehan.

[Bianca, you are aware – “That I was a mistake? Yeah right. Rub it in my face! I don’t hella care about your damn name. I never wanted to be a Lee, anyway!” I cut him off

Kaya ayokong may nakakausap na matandang Lee eh! Ipinapaalala at ipinapamukha lang sakin ang pagiging bastarda ko.

Mga bwiset.

[You know that’s not true. I love you and I never kept you a secret. I just want you to be a – “A good daughter? You have Riley! You have Thunder! Make them do what you want but you can’t control me.” I said angrily

Alam ko naman kasi eh!

Para sa kanya failure ako kasi nga daredevil ako pero pakialam niya ba kung paano ako kumilos.

Di naman siya ang nagpalaki sa akin.

[Bianca Irene, listen to me. I don’t know what kind of lies your mother had fed you but I never saw you as a failure. I just want the best for you.] he said

“Then stop bothering me and worrying as if you really care. I know you don’t I’m just an obligation because I am the first born.” I said coldly

[Hindi yun ang ibig kong sabihin, I want the best for you because you are my child. I just want to make sure that when I die hindi ka –” I cut him off again because I don’t like how this conversation is going

“Don’t worry I don’t care even if you give all your assets to Thunder and Riley! I’ll work hard for mine and for the record I’m making my own money.” I said and hanged up

I sighed before walking back to my room but I saw Lavalee standing there staring at me intently. Mukhang narinig na naman niya.

“Lav...” my voice trailed and she smiled at me and nodded

She walked towards me and hugged me. Tulad ng dati.

“It’s fine, Irene. Everything will be alright.” She said and smiled at me.

“Want to talk about it over ice cream?” she offered and I shook my head

“It’s late.” I said but she chuckled

“Ah I know, I’ll sleep in your room nalang.” She said and pulled me to my room

She went to my bed and I sat beside her. I hugged my knees while sitting on the bed

“Iyak ka na.” She said and we chuckled

“Ginaya mo pa ako sa’yo.” I said and she smiled

“I think you need this.” She said and hugged me but then she kissed my cheek

“Lav!” I groaned and pushed face while wiping my cheek

“See? The maldita Irene is back.” She said cheering

“Noisy.” I said and laid on my bed.

Nagkumot na ako at naramdaman kong tumabi sakin si Lavalee tapos pinaglaruan niya yung buhok ko.

“You miss them.” I concluded and I heard her agree

“Me too. Especially Autumn.” I said and she chuckled

“You’re both strong enough to live without your parents guiding you.” She said and caressed my hair softly

“What’s going to happen to her anyway? I found out that Tita Aubrey adopted a girl.” I said and faced her

She sighed before speaking.

“Don’t tell Autumn, let her find out herself. It’s been only 4 years since she lost her.” Lav said staring into nothing

“Will you get your revenge?” I asked and she shook her head then chuckled

“Nii-sama doesn’t want me to. We want to set a good example to the three but I think it’s no use. Icey’s already planning it along with the girls. Though their plan is still unclear, I can already picture them having their revenge.” She replied then placed her hand over my eyes.

“Sleep na.” She said and I shook my head

“Ginawa mo naman akong si Freia na masunurin sa’yo.” I said and she smiled playfully and stood up then turned my lights off.

“Night, Irene. Sweet dreams.” She said and went out of my room.

FLASHBACK...

“What are you doing?” a girl with weird colored eyes asked me.

Para naman siyang cosplayer eh. Auburn ang mata tapos ganun din ang kulay ng buhok.

“You don’t care.” Sabi ko at sinuntok ang lalaking kaharap ko

“Yan lang ba ang kaya mo? Mahina ka talagang bata ka.” He said so I punched his jaw

“Can I join?” she asked and then jumped on the man’s back and pressed something making the man lose conciousness.

Tumayo siya at nagpagpag ng kamay na parang walang nangyari.

“Hi! I’m Lavalee, call me Lav.” She said and offered her hand

“Irene.” I said and she pulled me

“Where are we going?” tanong ko sa kanya

“To our hideout. From now on we are a gang.” She said and chuckled

“A g**g?” I asked and she nodded while smiling

“Yes!” she said and we went to a room.

“This will be your room and the other one would be mine.” She said then gave me a key.

“Koi! I’ll introduce you to my family!” she said gleefully

Wait. Ano?

Bago pa ako makahindi ay nahila niya na ako sa isang itim na sasakyan at nagbyahe na kami papunta sa kanila.

END OF FLASHBACK...

That day I had a new family. Tita Lyrae and Tito Arkin treated me as their own and whenever Mom isn’t around I run to them but of course at some times they need to go to different places, Lavalee would just call me.

Si Lavalee rin ang kasama ko noong nangyari yung insidenteng nagpabago ng buhay ko.

FLASHBACK...

“MAMA!!!”  iyak ko nang makitang nasusunog ang apartment na nilipatan namin.

“Stay here, kid.” Sabi nung kapitbahay namin at hinila ako

“No! My Mama!” I screamed and tried to go but a group of men took me and carried me.

Nagising nalang ako na nasa isang kwarto.

“Nasaan si Mama?” tanong ko sa lalaking nakaupo sa upuan

“Bianca, ang laki mo na.” He said and touched my head na tinampal ko

“Nasaan ang Mama ko?” sabi ko

“Nasa ospital si Irina.” Sabi niya

“Sino ka?” tanong ko at nakita kong nagulat siya

“I see. Di pala ako ipinakilala ni Irina sayo. Ako si Tyrone, ang Papa mo.” Sabi niya na nagpalaki ng mata ko.

May biglang pumasok na maid na ipinagpasalamat ko dahil nabaling ang atensyon niya at kasunod nun ay pumasok si Lavalee.

“Irene! Oh my gosh!  I thought you were hurt.” Sabi niya at niyakap ako

“Lavalee...” Halos mawalan ako nang boses habang nakatingin parin sa lalaking nagpakilala bilang Papa ko.

“Mr. Lee, why did you take Irene here?” tanong ni Lavalee sa lalaking di ko kilala

“She’s my daughter.” Sagot niya kaya napabalikbalik ang tingin ni Lavalee sa amin

“Eh? But Irene said..” napatingin siya sakin ng nagtataka tapos nanlaki ang mata

“So’ka. Mr. Lee let her adjust first, please.” Sabi ni Lavalee sa lalaki at hinigit ako paalis ng lugar na yun.

Salamat naman. Di ko kilala ang lalaking yun.

“Thank you, Lavalee.” Sabi ko habang nasa kotse nila kami

“No problem. Best friend kita, right?” she said and smiled then hugged me

END OF FLASHBACK...

I thank Lavalee for doing that back then.

Hindi ko agad natanggap idagdag pa na ang unang sinabi pagkatapos niya akong ipakilala sa mga kamag-anak niya ay hindi daw nila alam na may mas matanda pa kay Thunder na anak nila ni Rhea.

It was painful to know that I am an illegitimate child, sa tagalog, bastarda, anak sa labas.

Just like that I fell asleep while reminiscing the memories of my childhood. A childhood I wouldn’t like my future child to experience.