Chapter 10.1

1344 Words
"The lock was broken. And don't you ever think of fixing it. If dad finds out, he'll ask you why. And you wouldn't want him interrogating you for sure." His answer was quick as if reading what’s going through my mind. "Tell me, why can’t you sleep? You were fine on the first day of your stay here." Once again, my eyes widened to the darkness. That only means, he’s been watching me from the balcony since then I usually walked out of the bathroom with either the bathrobe or the towel to cover my body because I dressed inside the walk-in closet. That’s a good thing I dressed inside that room, then. I heave a sigh because of it, but it's still not a complete relief imagining someone watching me.  "This was your mom's room. I just learned from Ate Ime after dinner.” "Auntie Ime," he corrected. "That's how I call her."  I ignored him. That’s how his dad addressed Manang Imelda and that’s how I will call her as well as Mr. Montevalles’s 'fake' wife.  "You're afraid of ghosts? My mom's ghost?" I have an urge to smile at that. At least, he’s recognizing his mom as his real mom, in contrast with what his father wants him to do. Manang Imekda also said I can’t just ask them about Señorito's mother. But it doesn’t look like a big deal to the Señorito. I wonder what really happened to his mom and to this family before they became this creepy. I gently closed my eyes. "If you came here after seeing me having a hard time sleeping, you can go back to your room now. I can sleep now. "Sneaking in here makes me realize how hard-headed you are," he commented. Doesn’t he know I won’t feel comfortable having him here? What if someone sees us here first thing in the morning? Or is he even thinking about all the possibilities?  His head is much more stubborn than mine. I’m sure of that. No matter what I say, he wouldn’t just leave. Unless of course I screamed and woke up everyone in this household. And that's another nightmare for me. "Fine,” I said, giving up. “I’ll let you sleep here tonight. But you need to promise not to kiss me again." "I’m not a kid, Tara. Even Yohan won’t oblige to your order. And besides, I already told you I'm not going to kiss you tonight." It's because Yohan is your son and he might act after you. But I think, despite that snobbish attitude of his son, Yohan is still a good kid. He’s just rugged.  "Is that all? Your condition? He asked when I was not able to answer. He was about to wrap his arm around me but I stopped it. "And behave," I added. "I know you are no longer a kid…” But you're still acting like a kid. "But I want to believe you won’t do any bad things here.” He tsked and got his arm back from my hold, and placed it on the bed and between our bodies. From my peripheral vision, I saw him looking away. His face is no longer on me to watch me.  I sighed deeply. Staring blankly to the ceiling, I forced myself to sleep. It's not an easy thing to do. Especially because I’m not used to having someone sleep with me in bed. Even when I was a kid, I’m used to being alone. But it's still fine. At least, I have someone now so I won’t go all crazy with the thought of the woman who used to occupy this room. I wonder if the previous ‘mistresses’ before me also used this room?  But my anxiety of someone knowing about this never once did fade. I can’t imagine what Mr. Montevalles would do once he finds this out. I will be dead meat. I’m used to waking up before the sun rises. But I used extra effort to wake up a little earlier with the intention of throwing Señorito out of this room. But he’s already gone. I glanced at the digital clock resting on the nightstand. It says it’s only four o’clock in the morning. From the parted curtains I can see it's still dark outside.  I rolled on the bed with my stomach and closed my eyes. I’m thinking it’s all just a dream. But his manly scent reamined on the bed sheets and comforter. It was a reminder that it’s not a  dream or my imagination.   I inhaled it and let it took over my senses until I fell asleep again. When I opened my eyes again, the strike of sunlight directly touched my face. I immediately ignored my sleepy eyes and sat upright so suddenly I felt dizzy. The clock is at nine o'clock now. I was nervous because of it What if Mr. Montevalles’s look at me at the dining table? I quickened my pace to prepare myself. I left the room after doing my thing in the bathroom. In the hallway, I saw Manang Imelda holding the familiar bag of Cyril. She came from one of the rooms at the end of the hall. "You’re awake!" she said after seeing me. "You were a little late today?” I shyly smiled at her. I walked alongside her down the stairs.  "It's fine. You don’t have to worry. Barron understands. He’s glad about your concern for Yohan.” "Hmm?" "Barron was looking for you earlier. I was worried that he might hurt you again. Though he won’t really do that while Yohan and Cyril are here. But the kid told us you were with him last night and tucked him to his bed." She gave me a sweet reassuring smile. "You're so thoughtful and sweet, dear. I’m also glad for your concern for this family.” Concern Is that what I really have for this family? Why does it so easy for them to feel comfortable with me and to trust me to have a concern about them? Do they still don’t understand how all these changes in my life are all so sudden for me?  And that kid Yohan. He saved me from being hit by Mr. Montevalles. Literally saved. Because if he didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be waking up late on the bed because of Mr. Montevalles waking me up with his beatings. But...yes, I was there in his bedroom. But I didn’t stay longer. He’s not the reason I woke up late. It's because of Señorito, his father. "Here, Tara.” Ate Imelda held out to Cyril her signature bag. She stood from the sofa and accepted it from the old lady. "Thanks, Auntie," she answered with a smile. "Tara, you're awake! I was about to leave." I looked up at her from head to toe. She looks so sophisticated wearing a black top that shows a little of her cleavage, black slacks, and black shoes. Her hair was in a high pony. "I’m sorry I woke up late,” I said, though confused as to why she looked dressed. "I understand. I will have to ask you for a favor. Can you take care of Yohan?" "O-Oh?” Is she leaving already? “O-Of course! I will take care of him.” She made a step closer to me. She touched my arm and made a gentle squeeze. "You're so nice. I really apologize for the trouble. The truth is, I don't understand why Yves wants Yohan to stay here if he can go with me abroad. Just like we have been doing then. But it seems like Yohan is comfortable with you so it's all fine to me." I smiled at her, unable to answer because I don’t know how I should answer that. Manang Imelda and I led her to the foyer of the mansion. After she took off with her car, the old lady told me Mr. Montevalles and Yves had left already. For work, just like usual.
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