Stay Away
Early in the morning, I woke up even though I was awake because of what happened last night. I don’t know where I went after that happened. I drowned so much in alcohol that I don’t remember.
Rising earlier than the rooster crows. I opened the window to let in the cold breeze. It feels like the holiday season even though the ber months started in two weeks.
“Good morning, Miss,” Manang Evy just woke up. She was from the comfort room of the kitchen.
I am currently brewing tea while sitting at the counter. I was grounded on my last month here in El Preve. I can’t go out unless they let me but that seems vague.
“Good morning too, Manang Evy,” I said.
Time passed and I spent it talking to Cade on the video call while they weren’t home yet Mama.
I laugh while talking to him. He told many stories about what he did all day. He mentioned that Siege had visited him. I never thought that boy would be close to him.
“It will be later. Mother and I are just going somewhere,” he said then turned off the call as I smiled.
He mentioned that they were going to Gurabo town but he did not say what the reason was. I remember an old man approaching me there to ask for more food. I was surprised because he recognized me even though my face was covered.
I went to the balcony. I didn’t notice Cade’s conversation with me lasted until the afternoon. I took a half bath for a while and then looked at our family staff. I really didn’t run away. There is a guard at the front and back of the house.
Today is Mang Ben’s birthday but he decided not to take a day off. So I came up with a good plan.
I almost stumbled because of my quick scrubbing to greet the food delivery. Letty helped me with the food and our family chef was surprised because of my order but in the end, he did not object.
He baked a cake like I said.
“Hey, let’s eat!” I called to the guards outside. But they don’t seem to hear anything.
A few cases of wine arrived which I put inside.
“Let’s just have a little drink! Just relax!” I will drink with them and that’s the plan.
“Happy birthday! Happy birthday to you!” We sang together as Mang Ben blew his cake.
The old man kissed his wife on the cheek. We even laughed because of it.
“Let’s eat! Let’s have a drink!” I said first because they were still thinking.
Maybe Mama and Papa won’t be angry because of this celebration. Then they may come home late at night so this simple banquet might probably been ended before they come home.
As the drink deepened and stayed longer, Cade texted me.
He went up to the back gate of the house and there, I met him. The giggles of those inside were heard in the pool area.
“Happy monthsary,” I don’t remember that now so I was embarrassed to accept the old box.
I took his hand and we went to the hut. I would have opened what he gave me but he stopped me.
“I don’t have a gift. I’m sorry I don’t remember.” I bit my lower lip.
He laughed and looked at me and then touched my lips.
“You’re too busy with things. Maybe it’s not important that you remember as long as you love me, that’s more important..”
He took out the cellphone and browsed.
“Can I dance with you?” He raised his own hand.
I accepted his hand and he touched my waist as a local song started to play.
He sang along to our every accompaniment to the music. Our feet seem to have a mind of their own because it automatically swing.
His eyes first captivated me for a moment. He rested my head on his chest. Hopefully, this moment won’t end which shouldn’t have been a steal. It should have been us without any hindrance.
He kissed me on the forehead and then on the lips.
“I guess the scene here is too good?” I let go of holding Cade. It was Mama holding a fan. She raised one eyebrow as sge boldly stared at Cade’s hand holding mine.
“I’m sorry---” Papa interrupted what Cade wanted to say.
“No sorry sorry! Your face is too thick and even here in my house, you stepped on it!”
Our housemates were curious while the guards held Cade tightly.
“Follow me, Perouzé!” said Mama in the high tone of her voice.
I quickly followed as the housemates bowed as we passed the place where they were.
“You’re going to stay away from Cade because there’s nothing you can do and if you don’t---” I couldn’t help myself.
“And if not then what, Ma? We’re the ones in arrears with them! They’re the ones who was robbed! We’re the ones who stole!”
I felt the pain of her palm touch my cheek. I held it and held back the warning tears from dripping.
“Cade will die or you will stay away from him? They can’t do anything, daughter. You know that. They will die of their mania. Do you think I don’t know who’s going to do that? Maybe he’s just spying here to gather evidence!”
My blood boiled at what she said.
“You are really a thief. But don’t hurt him. I will do what you want but as soon as I find out something bad happened to him… just forget that I am your daughter!” I said boldly.
The door slammed shut while Papa, a newcomer, seemed unaware of what had happened because of the expression in his eyes.
He immediately approached Mama with a sigh of relief.
“She inherited what she inherited,” said Mama who was in trouble and then hugged Papa.
“There’s nothing we can do about it, Leonora. She is just like your sister.”
My forehead creased at what he said.
Letty met me waiting at the door of my room.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you right away. Donya Leonora was in a hurry,” she played with her hand while not looking directly at me.
“What are you? That’s okay. And please, look straight at me. You’re not at fault. All right, Letty. Go back downstairs now. I will just rest.”
I lazily closed the door and just as I was sitting, there was a knock. It was Papa who didn’t wait for my permission to enter.
“You will go home to Laguna in a few days. Arrow will take you with Mang Ben.”
I didn’t say a word as I stood watching the whole rice field.
“Your cellphone.” I was hesitant to give that up.
“There’s no need, Papa. I will take care of everything. If you don’t want me to talk to Cade, I’ll give it to you. I’ll take care of everything.”
The lump clotted in my throat, trying to suppress my own emotions. My knees are tender because of the words I have uttered.
“Rest now,” he said.
When he turned the lock, I sat down. I could not resist the softening of my knee. I cried when I saw Cade calling me. I shivered then turned off the call.
I spent the whole night crying until I fell asleep.