LOVE ME, HEAL ME

CHAPTER 03

03 — MEETING THE ARROGANT

I've never been into traveling abroad since when I was a kid. Even if I had Italian descent, my Mom decided to have her life placed in the Philippines, where I was born and grew up.

For the first time, I will have to experience new work, new adventures, and new life, probably in three months span of time. I need to deal with a new patient and recreate another physical rehab plan for his recovery.

The whole 14 hours plane ride is really a pain in the ass. Like, seriously? I could burn my butt just sitting in here. Plus, after we arrived at the airport in Rome, we had another plane ride to Yvann's hidden home. Nakailang idlip na ako dahil maaga ang naging alis namin sa Pilipinas at kulang ako sa pahinga dahil sa paghahanda ng mga dadalhin ko pati ang magiging three months health plan ko sa magiging pasyente ko.

I had a chance to glance outside. Greenfields and fluffy clouds are welcoming views for me. I couldn't help but to smile and enjoy the bliss I am with right now.

Tumingin ako sa relo ko at nakitang ilang minuto nalang at lalapag na kami sa Olbia. Isa itong probinsya dito rin sa Sardinia, Italy at halos apat na oras din ang biyahe sa eroplano.

Mula sa Rome ay sumakay kami ng private plane na pagmamay-ari mismo ni Yvann papunta sa kanyang hidden paradise.

Nawala ang atensyon ko sa labas nang maramdaman ang paggalaw ng katabi ko. Yvann had just woke up, and the first thing he did was to fixed his hair and looked for the time on his watch.

"Ganito ba routine mo bilag mayamang businessman?" Tanong ko agad kahit hindi pa siya nakakabawi mula sa pagtulog.

He looked at me with his lazy eyes. "It is better than the usual because I got long sleep in this travel for about twelve hours in total,"

Nagtaas ako ng kilay sa naging sagot niya. Ganun siya ka busy sa trabaho na ngayon lang siya nakapagpahinga? Hindi na rin ako magtataka kung bakit lumalangoy ito sa pera dahil yung oras ng pahinga ay nagiging oras pa ng trabaho.

He is now a well-known icon in both the business and showbiz industry, so I have more knowledge about his life.

Pero, in all fairness, wala man lang wrinkles or eyebags si pinsan. Gwapo pa rin saka hot saka parang hindi stressed sa buhay kaya nga kanina halos pagkaguluhan ng ibang pasahero sa NAIA at Rome buti nalang to the rescue ang mga mala-John Cena physique na bodyguards niya.

"Mas mabuti na rin pala na therapist ako. Kahit paano chill lang ng very slight yung work, masa-masahe lang tapos bigay rehab plan. Kapag ayaw ni client, edi wag' may initial payment naman na sila so, keri na!" Sambit ko.

Narinig ko pa siyang natawa sa sinabi ko. Totoo naman kasi. Eversince, hindi naman ako nagco-complain sa nangyari sa buhay ko. Atleast, may diploma ako at magandang educational background kaya kahit saan may maganda akong trabaho na makukuha. I still can have everyday to restart and do better para mabuhay kami ni Deshya.

Having a wrecked family, it was hard for me to manage my time going to school, taking good care of my sick mother, help my cousin with her school fees, and carrying my abusive father's mess and infidelity.

Sa murang edad ko dinanas ko na yung mga mala-telenovelang buhay dahil sa pabayang haligi ng aming tahanan. Pinagpalit talaga kami sa kabit niyang kasing-edad ko lang pero mas hindi ko mapapatawad ang ginawa niya sa akin ilang araw matapos niyang itakbo ang inipon kong pera at makitulog sa apartment.

I suddenly felt shivered down my spine. My anger went up to my head as I remember that horrible nightmare he did for his own daughter.

"Zoey!"

Wala sa sariling nabalik ako sa kasalukuyan ng tapikin ako ni Yvann. He looked concerned to me.

"Are you okay? You almost strangled your neck pillow." He said.

That the time when I realized that I am holding the edges of my neck pillow so tightly, I held a deep breath and calmed my inner peace.

"Okay lang ako," Tumingin ako sa labas at nakitang pababa na ang direksyon ng eroplano.

I shouldn't think of that memory as well as that bastard father of mine. Mabuti nalang at nagtatago iyon ngayon pero hindi pa rin ako titigil hangga't hindi siya nahahanap at nagbabayad sa kasalanan niya.

Ilang saglit ay narinig ko ang matinis na tunog mula sa eroplano kasabay ng pagsasalita ng piloto. Inihanda ko nalang ang sling bag ko saka inayos ang sarili ko.

After a while, we landed safely. Lumabas ako sa eroplano habang nasa unahan ko Yvann. Inalalayan lang ako ng isa sa dalawang flight attendant at ng isa pa niyang bodyguard.

Sinalubong agad kami ng malakas na ihip ng hangin. It was fresh and salty, like how this place screams its beauty.

"This way, Ma'am," One of the bodyguards approached me.

Isang itim na sasakyan ang tumigil sa harapan namin. Kinuha naman ng bodyguard ang maleta ko saka ipinasok doon. Nakita ko pang nag-bow ang driver ng makaharap nito si Yvann.

Hanggang ngayon talaga hindi ako sanay na makita ang mga ganito ka pormal na pagbibigay galang sa mga mayayaman. Siyempre yung sa Pinas naman na typical mayayaman client ko is yung malaki ang bahay at may pool, isang sasakyan at class A Louis Vuitton bag lang. Pero itong si Yvann, literal na ginto ang nakakabit sa pangalan niya. He had tons of bodyguards, a business empire, a showbiz career, living in a castle, had multiple luxury cars, and the grandest home across the globe.

"Another thirty minutes ride going to Porto Cervo," He said. Tumango lang ako at sumakay na rin sa kotse. Hindi ko naman alam kung saan iyon.

It's been my first time here in Italy, so I am not familiar with the places here. Not unlike my cousin, who was born and raised here.

As the ride goes along, I started to be amazed by the beaches. According to my little research earlier, Sardinia is one of the best places in Italy where you can find the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean Sea. Some people call Sardinia the European Caribbean.

Now here in Olbia, Sardinia, I can't wait to explore this beautiful island and fell in love with its peaceful beauty. I saw many lovely bays and crystal clear water. The perfect atmosphere is best for mind relaxation and enjoying the beautiful nature.

"Is this one of your newly acquired properties?" I asked my cousin just to killed the silence in between us.

"No. Actually, this is the first property I bought from my showbiz career." He answered.

I crocked my brow. Trying to figure out something.

"But according to some articles, this one doesn't include in your property. I mean, never ko nakita na may property ka dito sa Sardinia. This place is totally off the media,"

"I did that on purpose. This place is my haven kaya hindi ko pinagbigay alam kahit kanino aside from my sister and you,"

Privacy. I somehow understand his stand. As I have said earlier, he is a filthy rich gentleman, and an actor wherein Paparazzi has its way to invade his personal life. The good way he knows well how to have his privacy without harming the media.

"Disadvantage of being rich and famous, I guess," I said.

Ngumisi lang siya sa akin at binalik sa pagkakapikit ang kanyang mga mata. I didn't bother to continue our conversation since I know he is dead tired.

Binalik ko nalang din ang atensyon ko sa magandang tanawin sa labas. I think, my three month stay here won't be boring and deadly as what I have presume. Pero hindi pa rin nawawala ang kaba sa dibdib ko tuwing sasagi sa isip ko ang magiging pasyente ko dito ay isang lalaki.

There's no way I can go back to the very start since any minute by now, I'll be meeting him. Pinapanalangin ko nalang na sana mabait siya at hindi tulad ng tingin ko sa karamihan ng mga lalaki ngayon. Tanging si Yvann lang ang pinagkakatiwalaan kong lalaki sa mundo.

Kahit naman na sabihing kilala niya ang magiging pasyente ko, hindi pa rin ako pwedeng maging kampante. After all, I will stay here with my patient for three months. Nasabi na sa akin yan ni Yvann noong paalis pa lang kami ng Pilipinas.

He will visit, but so often, that is why he is giving his trust in me to take good care of his friend while doing my job to rehab his legs to able to walk again.

Napunta sa harapan ang aking tingin ng tuluyang huminto ang sinasakyan namin. I saw nothing but a plain bushes at first kaya naman umibis ako sa sasakyan ng pagbuksan ako ng pinto.

If you first look at the place, our spot would consider being a dead end. 2 miles away was the last house I saw earlier. I can't help but look in my cousin's direction as he was scanning the place like it's his first time here.

Nauna nang maglakad ang dalawa niyang bodyguard habang nakabuntot lang kami sa likod. Isang pathway ang dinadaanan namin ngayon at sa dulo ay may nakikita akong isang malaking contemporary style wooden gate.

I can see palm trees perfectly lines on both sides serving as tree soldiers that protect from the sun rays.

"May pa mystery effect talaga itong lugar mo no?" Hindi ko maiwasang hindi sabihin iyon.

"Tatawagin ko pa ba tong hidden paradise ko kung agad na makikita ng tao?" Pambabara niya sa akin.

"Ay kaloka! Malay ko ba?" Saka ko siya inirapan. Sana hindi ko nalang pala sinabi iyon. Ako pa nagmukhang bobo.

We stopped right in front of the gate. Yvann stepped forward then the gate automatically opened. Nice! Contemporary and high technology combination at its finest.

Nanlaki nalang ang mata ko nang makita ang nasa loob. Hindi lang ito basta isang bahay bakasyunan kundi isang napakalawak na beach villa.

Agad kaming sinalubong ng isang babae na tingin ko ay ka-edad ni Yvann at isang matandang lalaki. Binati nila kami saka bumaling sa pinsan konat nag-bow. Tinawag pa nilang Lord Yvannsleir ito.

"Siamo lieti che tu visiti di nuovo la tua casa qui Lord Yvannsleir," (We are pleased that you visit your home, here again, Lord Yvannsleir,) The old man said.

Yvann just nodded and smiled back quickly. He took off his aviator and took a glance at me. I just shrugged my shoulder.

"By the way, this is Zoey, my cousin and the one who's going to help Lyam on his therapy," Pakilala niya sa akin.

Ngumiti naman ako sa dalawa. "Piacere di conoscervi entrambi." (Nice to meet you both.)

"Benvenuti in Paradiso Speranza, Lady Zoey." (Welcome to Paradiso Speranza, Lady Zoey.) The young lady welcomed me.

Oh my god! Don't tell me about the three months magsasalita ako ng Italyano rito? Diyos ko! Hindi ko alam saan aabot itong galing ko sa lenggwaheng Italyano.

"Zoey, this is Xerma and Juancho, and they are the caretaker of this whole Villa." Pakilala naman ni Yvann sa dalawa. Tumango lang ako saka ngumiti.

Ilang saglit ay nag-aya na siya na pumasok sa loob. Kinuha ni Juancho ang maleta ko habang kinakausap naman ni pinsan ang babaeng katiwala.

"Come è lui?" (How is he?)

"Ganun pa rin po, Sir..."

Nagulat naman ako ng magsalita yung babae ng Tagalog. Parang nabuhayan ako ng loob dahil hindi ako magmumukhang hilaw na Italyana sa pamamalagi ko rito.

As we made it through the main door, I had the chance to specify my description of this wonderful place.

It is exactly the masterpiece of iconic, visionary and modernist architecture I ever saw. This private oasis surrounded on three sides by the sea - to create a home with total privacy and harmony is the heart of the whole Porto Cervo.

While my cousin is busy talking with Xerma, I had a chance to chitchat with Mang Juancho, who I thank for speaking fluently in Filipino. According to him, Paradiso Speranza is over 1.6 kilometres of protected coastline with a walking path, three beaches and a private dock, framed against the breathtaking backdrop of La Maddalena Archipelago and the Mediterranean Sea. He even pointed to me to the two famous ocean territories of Italy.

The beach villa has been integrated into the landscape and blends perfectly into the natural surroundings not to be perceived from the sea. The grand main villa where we are right now and its detached guest house, overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Porto Cervo, offers ultimate comfort in a tranquil retreat far from the care of the world.

This private estate that Yvann has is totally superb. Its scale, design, detail finishes, and amenities have no rival.

"Stay here. I'm going to talk to him about your arrival. Make yourself comfortable in my simple abode," Then he smirked.

I saw him went into the left wing of the Villa. Napili ko munang magpunta sa malaking slide panel kung saan sa labas ay makikita ko ang tanawin nang malawak na karagat ng Porto Cervo. Masarap magkape dito sa umaga lalo na at may malawak na lawn at wooden benches at pergola kaya hindi magiging masyadong mainit sa parteng ito.

Kung kasing yaman lang ako ng pinsan ko, mas pipiliin kong dito nalang tumira hanggang tumanda. This is a suitable place to relax and unwind. Also, this place is beneficial for my new patient to his recovery if only he'll cooperate. Swerte niya dahil presko ang hangin, malayo sa ingay ng magulong siyudad, at nakakabighaning kariktan ng mga tanawin sa paligid.

"I gave her three months to help you, just give it a try."

I heard my cousin from somewhere behind. I automatically shifted my phase to look for him. Tingin ko ay kausap niya ang kaibigan niyang magiging kliyente ko.

"I'd like a week to think about it," Another man answered.

From the deep of his voice, I knew he is not into my cousin's idea of having me as his therapist. Neither am I.

Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa utak ko at hinanap ko sila. Sana talaga ay hindi ako maligaw dahil sa laki ng bahay na ito.

"I think it is not the best option right now,"

"What do you mean?"

I saw two men inside the mini lounge facing the vast Mediterranean sea from where I am standing. I tried to hide from the back of the sliding door, which is made of embossed glass with a tall Yucca plant beside it.

There was a load of silence inside the lounge. After a short while, I saw the guy in his wheelchair turned around, facing the right direction.

"She's in the living area as of this moment," Yvann told him.

The next thing I heard was a string of mad obscenities in pure Italian language.

"You must be kidding me!" He said as if trying to calm himself for the fact that maybe my cousin was joking.

Sana nga joke lang ito dahil kung malapit lang ang Pilipinas baka kanina pa ako umalis dito. Marinig ko pa lang na ganyan siya mag-react sa pagdating ko dito alam ko na sa sarili ko na hindi magiging madali ang trabaho ko rito.

"I'm not. Sinabay ko na siya dito matapos kong maayos ang dapat kung ayusin sa Pilipinas."

I saw how raged race through his face like a fast-acting poison. Natahimik naman ang pinsan ko matapos niyang sabihin iyon at seryosong inaaral ang mukha ng kausap niya.

"How could you make this decision without my permission? Am I that impotent and useless? A little child who couldn't make any sensible decision?" My client is now roaring in so much frustration and anger.

Napaismid naman ako. Ilang beses na ba akong nakakita ng ganitong eksena sa mga nauna kong kliyente noon. Natural lang naman na manliit sila sa sarili nila dahil na rin sa pisikal na pagbabago sa kanilang buhay na nakaapekto naman sa kanilang emosyonal na pag-iisip.

"Hindi sa ganun yun'! I know you won't even agree to it. That is why I immediately went to the Philippines to personally asked for my cousin's help for you to be able to walk again the soon as possible!" Paliwanag pa ng pinsan ko.

"Fvck that reason, Yvann!"

I saw my cousin massage his temple. I guess he is also having a hard time convincing this immature friend to help himself recover from his injury.

"Just cool yourself Lyam, she'll hear you!" He said in an undertone.

"Wala akong pakialam kung marinig pa niya ang usapan na'to! This is total bullshit!"

Napaatras pa ako dahil sa gulat ng pagkakasigaw niya. Galit na galit akala mo naman parang gusto ko dito. Kung alam lang ng lalaking ito kung gaano ko kaayaw na tanggapin ang pagiging therapist niya baka pasalamatan pa ako nito.

"I don't need a fvcking babysitter here!"

And I don't need to deal with an immature bastard like you Sir! Gusto kong isigaw yung sa kanya. Hindi ko pa nga siya tuluyang nakikilala o nakakaharap ay talagang nag-iinit na ang ulo ko sa kanya.

"You're not a baby, to begin with, dude." May oras pa itong pinsan ko para asarin ang damuhong niyang kaibigan.

"Asshole!" Then he turns his gaze again into the wide view in front.

"Look, I am just trying to help you since you don't want to help yourself. Akala ko ba gusto mong makuha yung hustisya diyan sa nangyari sa'yo?"

"Para sa akin o mas para sa'yo?" This time, the man looked seriously at Yvann then he smirked.

Doon ko sinulyapan ang pinsan ako at nakita kung paano naging blanko ang mukha nito.

"You thank the Almighty God for the favour he gave you to have the justice for them, and that is when I met this accident that ended myself on this wheelchair."

Hustisya? Kaninong hustisya ang pinaglalaban ng pinsan ko?

I started to get more curious about the intense conversation they had right now. The silence went dead when I heard my cousin talking again.

"It's a win-win situation for the both of us. Hindi ba't gusto mo rin namang mawala sa landas mo ang pinsan mong iyon nang masolo mo na rin si Blythe?"

By the atmosphere it gives, I know they are talking about something deep and confidential. I suddenly feel guilty by eavesdropping on them kaya naman umatras na ako at nag-isip.

"This is nothing to do with Blythe-"

"Yes, it does! She suffered from depression because she taught you were truly dead. Until now, she is carrying that guilt because your parents are blaming her for what happened to you, and your cousin is still lurking on her. Now tell me, hindi pa rin ba damay si Blythe dito? Baka nakakalimutan mong siya ang puno't dulo ng lahat kung bakit ka binalak patayin ni Lorenzo!"

I almost dropped my jaw as my cousin spilled that tea on an old teacup. That was an unexpected blow of revelation from Yvann. Ngayon ko lang nalaman ang tungkol diyan at hindi ko maiwasang matakot.

Talaga bang tama ang naging desisyon ko na patulan itong trabaho na ito?

"You better bring that woman back to where she came from..." Rinig kong sabi nalang ng lalaki.

"She's staying here for three months as what written on her contract,"

Sumulyap ako ulit sa kanila at nakita kong seryoso sila ulit na nag-uusap. Siguro hanggang dito nalang ang pakikinig ko sa usapan nila. I might get karma from eavesdropping on their conversation beyond my limit.

"Besides, I paid her up-front. It was part of her stipulation under the company she is working for. Sayang naman yung effort ko na kumbinsihin siya na tulungan kang gumaling kung hindi mo susubukan diba?" My cousin added.

The guy flicked his eyes in upward derision. "Akala ko ba matalino ka? Why it seems this woman fooled you? This is just a money grab-"

"Pinsan ko ang babaeng pinag-uusapan natin dito Lyam so if I were you, I'll slow down from talking bullshits here. I almost lost hope convincing her to accept this proposal, and this what you'll say against her?"

"Kahit pamilya mo pa yan, you can't guarantee that they are trustworthy!"

Naikuyom ko ang kamao ko sa sinabi niya. Somehow, I agree with what he said since I experienced how betrayal from a family almost ruined my life. Pero hindi ko matanggap na huhusgahan niya akong mukhang pera dahil sa pagtanggap ko sa alok ni Yvann sa akin na maging therapist at tagabantay niya.

Hindi ko kailan pinag-isipan na perahan ang sarili kong pinsan at ang pamilya nito. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa mga Montenegro para makagawa ng isang bagay na ikasisira ko sa kanila.

"Do not compare my family ties with yours.  Zoey is the best therapist from her company. She was highly trained and recommended by her own boss," Yvann defended me, which made me calm for a while.

I heard the guy gave a scoffing grunt. "I'm not going to show myself in front of everybody like a freaking clown with this wheelchair! You better had another plan on how to put Lorenzo in hell for a lifetime."

He was really determined not to accept my cousin's help through me to walk again. Masyadong ma pride ang isang ito maliban sa pagiging isang dakilang immature.

"No more plan B for us, Lyam. You are going to show yourself to the court with or without that wheelchair. They will reopen the trial for your case any time soon, so you better gather your brain cells and think straight. Swallowed your pride for the meantime!"

Tumayo naman ang pinsan ko at hinarap siya kaya mabilis akonh umalis sa pinagkukublian ko at bumalik na lang doon sa leaving area.

As I made a comfy sit on the sofa, I tightened my grip on my sling bag with my fingers turned into an ice-cold despite the summer temperature. I can't hear any shouting though I understood enough to know that Mr. Alferez was not happy about me being here, which was ironic since I wasn't happy at all about being here too.

Pero sa ngayon, isang kaba ang biglang lumukob sa akin kasabay ng takot na sumisibol sa dibdib ko.

Because I am going to be left alone here in this huge Villa with a man I never met before. Hindi tuloy maiwasang hindi manindig ang balahibo ko kasabay ng pagbilis ng t***k ng puso ko.

I heard the sliding door opened and there I saw my cousin walking towards me with a grim look on his face.

"He is waiting for you inside the bar lounge."

I could feel the stickiness of my perspiration between my shoulder blades and on my palms. My stomach was crawling with prickly feet of panic, and I had to press my knees together to stop them from knocking against each other.

I gathered myself and held a deep breath. Wala nang atrasan ito.

"I guess it's time to meet my arrogant patient."