CHAPTER 4 NEW LIFE (PART 2)

"Brielle, nak. Gising na." I opened my eyes immediately as Nana woke me up. She caught my still-vulnerable gaze as I looked her.

"Nakarating na ba tayo, Na?" mahinang tanong ko sa kaniya. She then nodded at me.

"Halika na. Baka gutom kana." sumunod naman ako sa kaniya. I neglected to mention that we flew aboard Daddy's private plane earlier. He gave the pilot the instruction to take us securely and safely.

Nang makababa na kami pati na rin ang aming mga bagahe ay agad na sumalubong sa akin ang malakas na hangin. The sky appeared to be fairly clear, and the weather was pleasant.

"Nasaan tayo, Na?" I enquired in shock. I was unable to ask her where we were heading for the duration of the trip. Ngumiti naman siya.

"Ay oo nga pala. Maligayang pagdating sa probinsiya ng Davao del Norte, Brielle."

My lips began to raise, and I was unable to suppress it. I turned to look over. I observed that we were in a sizable area that resembled an abandoned airport runway. Tanging mga puno ng kahoy lamang ang nasa paligid namin. Habang nakita ko naman sa pinakadulo na parang isang daanan na puro malilit na bato at lupa lang ang makikita.

"Sandali lang nak ha. Tatawagan ko muna si Paeng. Sinabi ko naman kasing isang oras lang ang lipad namin eh." kinuha niya ang cellphone niya saka parang may pinindot doon. Napatingin ulit ako sa paligid.

How quickly the time is passing. I thought that the buildings and taxis that would meet us would vanish like bubbles. I'm well aware that I'm going to the province but don't they really have buildings?

"Oh ayan na pala siya," napatingin naman ako kay Nana na ngayon ay nasa paparating na motorcycle with some things attached in its side. Weird, ngayon lang ako nakakita niyan.

"Who's that, Nana?" pang-uusisa ko sa kaniya habang nasa motor with something pa rin ang tingin.

"Asawa ko anak, si Tatay Paeng mo. Ang tawag naman diyan sa nakikita mong sinasakyan niya ay tricycle." napatango naman ako matapos ko iyong marinig. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, tri means three. Does that mean only three can ride there? Damn, I feel like I'm having an headache.

Gusto ko ng umalis mula sa kinatatayuan ko dahil naiinitan na ako. For those who are curious about my current attire and because Dad only sent a few, I raided the closet for joggers and sweatshirts, which I combined with sneakers because I wanted to dress in something sporty. I still stand, at least for my own dignity, in the face of my current circumstances.

"I think we should go, Manang Carmen. Nandito na po ang sundo niyo." The sudden emergence of someone on my side surprised me a little. I turned to see who it was and recognized the pilot. Napabaling din si Nana sa kaniya.

"Oh sya, kayong bahala. Maraming salamat din sa iyo, Cedric. Ingat kayo sa pagbabalik ninyo." nagmano naman si Cedric sa kaniya bago ngumiti. He shifted his sight to me, and I nodded sparingly in return.

"Pasensiya kana, mahal. Nabutasan kasi yung gulong ko kaya pumunta pa ako sa vulcanizing shop." saad ng asawa ni Nana Carmen nang tuluyan na itong nakarating sa harap namin. Niyakap naman siya ni Nana na ginantihan naman niya.

"Sige sige okay lang. Sya nga pala, ito yung alaga ko doon, si Brielle." pakilala ni Nana sa akin. His husband gave me a surprised expression as he stared at me.

"Ito na ba si Aubrielle? Iyong iyakin na dinala mo noon?" He inquired in amazement. Nana laughed and nodded at him. I suddenly felt an abruptly shy.

"Ang gandang bata naman nito. Iba talaga ang lahi nila Sir Connor." awkward naman akong napangiti sa kaniya. Lumapit ako ng bahagya para magmano. One of the values Nana taught me as a child is this. She claims it demonstrates respect for elderly people. "Kaawaan ka ng Diyos,"

"Hali kana, nak. Baka mamula na naman iyang balat mo sa sinag ng araw." Inalalayan naman ako ni Nana sa pagsakay sa tricycle. The modest stature at first made me apprehensive to ride. But to my surprise ay nakaupo nga ako ng maayos. The rest of our luggage is placed on the tricycle's upper portion, which also acts as its canopy.

Wala akong imik habang nagsimulang umandar ang tricycle. Ang mata ko ay hindi maalis alis sa paligid. Halos wala ka talagang makikita kundi ang kulay green. I wonder if this an abandoned airport. Pero palagay ko naman ay hindi dahil wala naman akong nakikitang mga buildings. O baka runway lang talaga to ng mga private plane and helicopter na lalanding.

It seemed as though I was going to panic as we approached the very edge of the cement road when the surface of the road instantly became bumpy. As we passed, I caught a glimpse of a little rock surrounded by sand. Napalunok na lamang ako dahil sa kaba.

A few little residences could be seen in the distance as I also peered forward. I never imagined that a modest house like that would exist today. Hindi lang siguro ako sanay dahil halos mga mansions, villas and penthouses ang palagi kong nakikita.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang minuto ang tinagal ng biyahe namin pero natagpuan ko nalang ang sarili kong nakatingin sa harapan ng isang simpleng bahay na medyo may kalakihan. Nagtataka naman akong napatingin kina Nana at sa husband niya.

"Nandito na tayo, 'nak." She stated, as I heard. I shook my head as I exited the tricycle. I sighed and even mentally gasped as soon as I started to feel ache in my ass. Sino ba naman kasi ang hindi makakaramdam ng sakit kapag puro bato ang dinadaanan namin at palaging nadidiin ang bandang puwetan ko sa upuan.

"Clyde! Tulungan mo muna kami dito!" sigaw ng husband ni Nana. Bigla namang lumabas ang isang shirtless na lalaki na may pagka moreno ang ang balat. Its body was still covered in sweat that gleamed. He does indeed have abs. Well, being a model, I'm used to seeing that kind of body.

"Pasensiya na 'tay. Nag work out lang sagli-" napahinto ito sa pagsasalita nang biglang bumaling ang tingin nito sa akin. He turned around and looked at me and I could see the flushed look on his face. "Tay? Sino siya?"

Natatawang umiling si Tatay Paeng sa kaniya. "Basta talaga babae, madali mong mapansin no. Tulungan mo muna itong Inay mo."

Napakamot naman sa batok yung Clyde at agad na lumapit kay Nana saka ito nagmano. "Mano po, Nay. Na miss ko po kayo." nagyakapan naman silang mag ina. When I noticed them in that state, it was as if something had pierced my heart. How I wish I could give my mother a bear hug like that.

"Na miss din kita anak. Nasaan na pala ang mga kapatid mo?" tanong niya sa anak niya. Well, given that he actually owns parts of Nana and Tatay Paeng's character traits, I'm not shocked that he is their son.

"Nandun po sa kabila. Nakikipaglaro sa kapatid ni Art." sagot naman niya.

"Oh, halika sa loob iha. Mukhang napagod ata kayo sa biyahe." anyaya ni Tatay Paeng. I returned him a smile. I'm not very drained. It took just over an hour to finally arrive in here.

Sumunod ako kina Nana at kay Tatay niya na papasok sa loob ng bahay. Naiilang pa ako dahil panay ang sulyap ng anak nila sa akin. I'm not going to dispute my appeal, but hasn't he ever seen a face like this before? Such fortitude, Brielle.

Nang nasa pinto na ako ay nag-aalangan pa ako kung huhubarin ko ba ang sapatos ko o hindi. Nakita ko kasi sila na hinubad ang mga suot na sapatos at tsinelas bago tuluyang pumasok. Gawa sa tiles ang sahig ng bahay nila Nana Carmen.

"Pwede mo namang ipasok ang sapatos mo sa loob, Miss Ganda." lihim akong napangiwi sa sinabi ng anak ni Nana Carmen. Hinarap ko siya at nginitian ng pilit. Naihubad ko na rin ang sapatos ko at nilagay sa... wala ba silang shoe rack dito?

"Ako na ang bahala sa sapatos mo, Ganda." I appeared doubtful as I regarded him. I was unsure whether or not to offer it to him. Baka kasi madumihan lang yun pero wala naman akong karapatang magreklamo dahil naisip kong dito na ako titira simula ngayon at sila ang may ari nitong bahay. Sa huli, ay binigay ko rin sa kaniya ang sapatos ko.

My gaze jumped everywhere. I've never seen a simple house better than this one. The environment is really pristine and airy. The living area has two sofas and a glass table in front of them. Katapat naman ng mga sofa ang isang malaking kabinet na may mga sliding glass door na ang laman ay- what the? A kitchen utensils? A mini-sized flatscreen TV is located in the cabinet's centre. A wall with hanging medals and certificates is on my side.

"Upo ka muna, nak. Ito, mag juice ka muna." napatingin naman ako kay Nana na may dalang isang baso na may lamang kulay orange na juice. Right, kanina pa ako nauuhaw.

Sinunod ko naman ang utos niya na umupo. Pagka abot niya ng juice sa akin ay agad ko itong ininom. Napapikit pa ako dahil sa lamig niyon na humagod sa lalamunan ko.

Nana left me alone for a while as she stated she would call her two other children first. Even though Nana Carmen's family is small, the joy and love they share are clearly evident. Walang araw na hindi ko iniisip si mommy pati na rin ang mga sisters ko. Unlike other families, we are not entirely whole, but I still genuinely love them. Naiisip ko nga kung ano kaya ang mga buhay nila ngayon? Masaya kaya sila?

They are still wanted as of right now. We continue to have complete trust in their continuing existence. Naputol lang ang pag-iisip ko nang niyaya ako ni Nana sa kitchen nila para mag lunch na daw.

Tahimik lang ang buong hapagkainan habang ako naman ay naiilang at hindi maiwasang mamula dahil sa kanina pa ako tinititigan na parang sinusuri ng dalawang anak ni Nana Carmen. "Nay, sino po siya?"

The momentary enveloping silence was finally shattered. After pausing her food, Nana Carmen turned her attention to the kids. "Cara, Alexander, gusto kong ipakilala sa inyo si Ate Brielle. Dito na muna siya sa atin titira." namilog naman ang mata ng mga ito matapos iyong narinig.

"Wow, talaga nay?"

"Ang ganda naman niya 'nay,"

Bigla namang uminit ang pisnge ko. Although I'm used to receiving compliments from others, hearing it from a child is really different.

"Opo, kaya maging mabait kayo sa kaniya."

"Nay barbie ba siya?"

"Porener ba siya nay?"

Kita ko naman ang paghagikhik nina Tatay Paeng, Nana at dinagdagan pa ni Clyde. Gusto ko na talagang magpalamon sa lupa dahil sa hiya.

"Pasensiya kana sa kambal, Brielle. Ganiyan lang talaga sila, makukulit." nahihiya naman akong ngumiti sa kaniya.

"It's okay, Na." nagpatuloy na kami sa pagkain kinalaunan. We enjoyed our lunch. Nana prepared adobong chicken, so I received additional rice. This is my preferred dish. I'm not a heavy eater pero kapag ito ang ulam na lulutuin ni Nana ay napaparami ako ng kain. But kinabukasan naman ay agad akong pumupunta sa gym para mag exercise. I need to burn those calories na nacontain ko and at the same time ay kinakailangan ko ring panatilihing fit ang katawan ko. That's one of my rules for healthy lifestyle.

Pagkatapos ng pananghalian ay nagpahinga muna ako saglit sa sala. Nana also showed me the arrangement of the room I would be staying in for the duration of my stay. Compared to my own bedroom at home, that is only about one-fourth the size. I stopped complaining since I was fine with it as well. May isang kama na sakto lang para sa isang tao.

Nana said that if not for Daddy, their home would not be as it is. He occasionally comes here when Nana is granted a month-long or week-long break. They were abruptly removed from the wooden home because Dad asked to his chaff to renovate thks house. Gusto pa nga ni Dad na ipa two story house ang bahay nila kaso tinanggihan at hindi na raw ito tinanggap ni Nana. Napangiti pa nga ako habang pinakikinggan ang kwentong iyon ni Nana sa akin kanina.

Nang sumapit ang 1:30 pm ay napagdesisyunan kong matulog muna. Unfortunately, walang aircon sa kwartong ito. But according to Nana, if you open the window, that won't be a problem. I can say that the atmosphere outside contributed to my weariness and put me to sleep right away.

Naging mayapa at masarap ang pagtulog na kung saan ay nagawa akong paggisingin nang alas tres ng hapon. Additionally, I observed that the sun was beginning to turn a little orange, indicating that it was already afternoon. I got up from where I was lying and decided to go out.

Medyo nanibago pa ako nang mapansin na ang katahimikan na bumabalot sa loob ng bahay. Pumunta ako sa kusina para hanapin si Nana pero kahit na anino niya ay hindi ko mahagilap roon.

"Hello? Nana? Where are you?" I barely yell. I reasoned that she might simply be inside the house where I couldn't see her. But there was still no response after a short while.

Tumungo ako sa pintuan sa may sala para lumabas. Nang akmang pipihitin ko na sana ang siradura ng pinto ay agad akong napaigtad nang bigla itong bumukas. Clyde approached me with a transparent plastic bag filled with mangoes.

"Gising kana pala," gulat na saad niya. I smiled at him and nodded. "Ahh... umalis nga pala sila Inay. Bumili lang sa palengke ng uulamin natin mamayang gabi." dagdag pa niya.

Saglit naman akong hindi nakakibo. I don't like to contemplate that there are now only the two of us left in the house, but I have respect in Nana's son. I initially assumed he was wonderful when we first met because of the expressions he utilized.

"It's all right," sagot ko. As soon as he got inside, he headed directly for the kitchen. I briefly went outside and took a look around. You can see Nana's house's front area, which is covered with flowers, right outside. Pinagigitnaaan ng mga ito ang daanan papasok sa balkonahe na kung saan ay siyang kinatatayuan ko ngayon.

Nasa ganoon akong sitwasyon nang biglang may tumikhim sa may bandang likuran ko. Lumingon naman ako at nakita si Clyde na may hawak na pinggan na kung saan ay puno ito ng sliced mangoes.

"Umm, Miss Brielle. Baka gusto mo ng mangga." nanatili lang akong nakatitig sa platong hawak niya. I'm still not sure if I'll take him up on his offer. I can't help but wonder if he's just trying to poison me. Nagmumukha na yata akong judgemental sa lagay na 'to. "Walang lason iyan. Masarap at matamis yan."

Wala na akong nagawa kundi tumango at kinalauna'y kumuha na rin. Even more unexpectedly, I moaned with delight. It's so sweet. We also devoured the mangoes he had sliced a couple of minutes later. Actually parang ako nga lang ang nakakain at nakaubos ng lahat ng iyon eh. I even offered him kung gusto niya kahit siya ang nagdala but he just declined it.

"Uh, Miss Brielle. Gusto mong sumama sa akin?" He queried me as I was applying lip balm and using my phone's mirroring screen.

Oh yes, I almost forgot to say. Despite of Dad's banning me for bringing my make ups, phones and other things ay nagawa ko pa rin ang mga ito na dalhin. I guess I could say that I'm a woman who persists and doesn't respond when my subconscious is pushed to the limit.

Nang gabi kung saan ay ang pagtulong sa akin ni Lorena na mag impake ng mga gamit na dadalhin ko ay pasikreto niya palang nilagay ang cellphone ko nang hindi ko alam na tinapon ko na dati.

I saw a small box at the very bottom of my suitcase while I was currently taking items out of it so I could organize it. When I opened it, I was astonished to see my old, thrown-away iPhone 13. As a result, I shall put along with using this more as Dad had stated he had confiscated my gadgets. I even discovered a letter throughout the search that claimed to be from Lorena.

Yesterday, Daddy gave his personnel the order to collect all of the accessories, money, and even my credit cards. The moment I heard it, I nearly lost control of my anger. But since I wasn't at home when it happened, of course it was too late. At that moment, all I could manage to do in front of Dad was cry and beg.

Nagpapasalamat talaga ako dahil sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyari ay binibigyan pa rin ako ng tiwala ni Lorena. I have considered of her as a sister simula nang dumating siya sa amin para magtrabaho. Even though there was a significant personality and attitude gap between us at initially, we eventually got along.

"Saan ka pupunta?" I queried inquisitively before facing him. I observed his uncluttered swallowing and a hint of amusement in him. I simply flashed a smile para hindi siya mailang.

"I-i-ipapasiyal sana m-muna kita kung gusto mo. B-baka kasi nabuburyo kana dito sa bahay. Iyon ay kung gusto m-mo. Pero kung hindi, o-okay lang naman." paliwanag niya sa akin habang hindi makatingin ng diretso sa mukha ko. Nagpakawala naman ako ng mahinang tawa.

"Is there something in my face that's bothering you?" He quickly turned to face me and shook his head.

"W-wala p-po, Miss-"

"How old are you na ba Clyde?" putol ko sa sasabihin niya.

"18 na ako," kaswal nitong sagot. Tumango tango naman ako. Gulat man ako ay hindi ko iyon pinahalata sa kaniya. Since we first met this morning, I completely believed we were the same age. I believed he was exercising out due of his somewhat large frame especially his muscles. Moreover, I cannot deny that he will soon surpass me in height. I think mga 8-10 inches na lang ang idadagdag ay malalampasan na niya ako.

"It seems that I'm even older than you. Just call me ate Brielle. Miss Brielle is so formal for me. Besides, I'm 24 kaya tamang tama lang din na tawagin mo akong ate diba?" nanlaki naman ang mga mata niyang tumitig sa akin.

"Talaga? Hindi kaba nagbibiro?" gulat pa ring tanong niya.

"I'm not kidding, Clyde." When he heard that, his shoulders sagged momentarily, but they were soon replaced by a beaming expression as though he had an odd concept.

"Okay lang yun. Age doesn't matter naman diba?" nakangusong saad niya saka kumindat sa akin. Napangiwi naman ako sa sinabi niya at umiling.

"You're unbelievable. Tara na aalis na tayo. Diba sabi mo ipapasiyal mo ako?" pang iiba ko sa usapin namin. He seemed to come to his senses and scratched his head.

"Oo nga pala," saad niya saka iniwan muna ako saglit. He smiled as he swiftly shut the door and came back to where I was standing.

"Let's go," pag-aanyaya ko sa kaniya pero agad ako nitong pinigilan at awkward na tumingin sa akin.

"Hindi kaba magpapalit? Masiyado naman kasing pang lakad yang suot mo." nahihiyang tanong niya. Sinuri ko rin ang sarili ko matapos niya iyong sabihin. I'm currently wearing simple long sleeve cardigan crop top and high waisted denim pants. Sinuot ko rin ang GG Low Top Sneaker.

I think I've had three outfit changes today. One morning before we left the penthouse, after arriving here at Nana's house and after I woke up from a more than two hours sleep. To be honest, I really don't like na pinapatagal ang suot kong damit.

Dad enlarged my room to include three walk-in wardrobes because I can typically wear three to five outfits a day. The size of Nana's home is comparable to that of my room. Dad didn't prohibit me from bringing my favorite, pricey, almost entirely branded clothes either. I also forgot to say na nasa mahigit tatlong malalaking luggage ang nadala ko. Paano nga ba nagkasiya iyon sa tricycle ni Tatay Paeng? I don't really know, maybe his tricycle has a superpower.

"Oh, it's okay Clyde. Besides ganito na talaga ako magdamit. Ayoko lang na hinuhusgahan dahil sa uri ng pananamit ko." aniko sa kaniya. He let out a sighed as if there was nothing more he could do.

"Sige na nga. Pasalamat ka maganda ka." narinig ko pang mayroon itong binulong na ikinunot ng noo ko.

"I'm sorry, what did you say? I don't hear it loudly." tanging iling lamang ang itinugon nito sa akin. We noticed people as soon as we exited their house's gate. Some of them stare at me with such unsettling expressions. Does anyone here recognizes me? Pero mukha rin malabo because even Clyde don't know me too well. There have been as many chances for me to appear as a guest on different television channels. Some of them serve to advertise the brands I promote.

Dinala ko na rin ang Bottega Veneta Mini Arco Intrecciato Leather Tote na may lamang Iphone, lip moisturizer and some facial stuff in case na madudumihan ang mukha ko. My face is very sensitive to some dirt that might attach in it and looking at this place ay talaga namang nakakawalang tiwala dahil sa puro alikabok at duming nakikita ko sa paligid.

Bago kami umalis kanina ay sinabi ko pa kay Clyde na tricycle na lang gamitin namin. Handa naman akong tiisin ang pananakit ng puwet ko sa tuwing aandar iyon. Kaso sinabi niya na malapit lang daw talaga ang pupuntahan namin at sayang daw ang gas. Gusto niyang ipakilala ako sa kaibigan niya.

"Do we still seem far off? Naiilang na ako sa mga tingin na ipinupukol ng mga tao sa akin." umiling iling lang siya at tumawa. Napairap naman ako sa reaksyon binigay niya.

"Bakit ka pa kasi magsuot niyan?" natatawang tanong niya. Hindi ko siya pinansin bagkus ay ipinulupot ko ang isa kong kamay sa kaliwang braso niya. Naramdam kong napaigtad ito dahil sa ginawa. I noticed redness on both of his cheeks when I turned to face him directly. Maya maya lamang ay napahinto kami bigla sa paglalakad.

"What's the matter?" I asked, arching my eyebrow at him. He then swallowed.

"Anong ginagawa mo?" he whispered.

"Holding your hand?" patanong na sagot ko. "Come one, Clyde. Sumasakit na ang paa ko." dagdag ko.

He stated we weren't traveling too far, but I estimate we have already walked 500 meters. Wala naman akong nagawa at nagpatuloy ulit sa paglalakad.

"Oy CJ! Sino yang kasama mo? Girlfriend mo ba 'yan?" napalingon naman kami ni Clyde sa pinanggalingan ng boses na iyon. We noticed an elderly man who was adoringly looking at us.

"Tay Yosef naman. Kaibigan ko lang po!" balik na sigaw ni Clyde sa kaniya ngunit patuloy pa rin kami sa paglalakad. Tumawa lang iyong si Tay Yosef sa amin.

Ilang sandali pa ang lumipas at sa wakas ay nakarating na rin kami. Napatingin ako sa hinintuan naming bahay. Kagaya rin ito sa bahay ni Nana Carmen na maliit at modern small house. I withdrew my hands mula sa pagkakahawak sa braso niya.

Nagulat pa ako nang basta basta nalang na pumasok si Clyde sa gate. Is there no doorbell here? It's like a trespassing kasi ang ginagawa niya ngayon.

"Art! Nandito na kami!" I was startled when he screamed out of nowhere. A boy was then suddenly thrown out the door afterwards. I think he's gay. I visibly see it dahil medyo may kaputian at medyo may pagkamahaba ang buhok. My gay radar is always on you know. He is feminine, and his figure could not be more leaner, if I had to characterize him. To be perfectly honest, he is a handsome boy. He'll undoubtedly pass for an androgynous model.

"Clyde? Anong gina- ah?" Immediately, the Art-named boy's attention turned to me. He briefly lost his composure and covered his mouth.

"Hoy, Art! Anong tinutunganga mo diyan?!" naiinis na saad ni Clyde. Napailing na lamang ako saka humakbang papalapit sa kanila.

"Art right? I'm Aubrielle." pagpapakilala ko sa sarili nang makalapit sa kaniya. Nanatili pa rin ito sa ganoong posisyon. I successfully brought him back to his senses by snapping a finger in front of his face. I couldn't help but giggle when I noticed him blinking a few times and you could clearly see the amazement and delight on his face.

"C-clyde, t-totoo ba t-talaga 'to?" nauutal niyang tanong. Rinig ko namang bumuntong hininga si Clyde at hindi ito sinagot.

"Papasukin mo muna kami," saad niya kay Art at katulad kanina ay wala rin itong pasabing pumasok sa loob.

"Pumasok kana muna sa loob, M-miss Aubrielle- Kyahh!!" His abrupt scream stunned me, and he sprinted inside like a crazy person. I did what he told to finally enter inside.

Their spotless living space ang bumungad sa akin. Just like Nana's house. I took off my Valentino 55mm Gradient Round Sunglasses and draped them in my top while I sat in a sofa.

"Magandang hapon, Miss Aubrielle. Juice ka po muna." napadako naman ang tingin ko kay Art at sa alok niyang juice. Ngumiti naman ako sa kaniya at tinanggap ang hawak niya. I took a sip on it at halos mamilog na ang mata ko dahil sa nalasahang flavor ng juice.

"Masarap po ba?" kita ko ang medyo nate-tense niyang mukha na halos hindi na makatingin ng diretso sa akin. Mabilis naman akong napatango. Lemon juice is really one of my favorite flavor kapag nagtitimpla.

Later, Clyde came out of the kitchen while he was currently carrying a bread.

"Eto ate, Brielle oh. Tinapay baka gusto mo hehe." Clyde offered me a sandwich na nakalagay sa pinggan. Tinanggihan ko naman ito. I'm not fond of eating sandwiches and bread.

"Nah, Thank you. I'm really full." I said while trying to smile. He nodded and didn't bother me anymore.

"Miss Brielle, pwede po bang magtanong?" He suddenly inquired habang wala pa ring tigil sa kakatitig sa akin. Napataas naman ako ng kilay.

"You're already asking," I asked boredly. I could hear Clyde chuckling as he scratched his head.

"Ah, Ang full name niyo po ba is Aubrielle Kale Fedorov?" He asked me, appearing uncertain. I gave him a narrowed-eyed stare.

"Y-yes, why?" bigla namang lumaki ang mata nito dahil sa gulat na para bang hindi siya makapaniwala.

"Oh my gosh! Legit nga! Fan na fan niyo po ako, huhu!" histerikal na saad niya. Smiles immediately flashed on my lips.

Napatawa ako out of amusement while looking at him. "Really?"

"Yes po. Gusto niyo po ng proof? Well, ang one of the highest and big time model of Western Horizon Model's, Inc., ang 5th fashion week na pinuntahan niyo ay ginanap sa 5th Apollo Theater, ang favorite food niyo po ay adobo, your fave. music is positions by Ariana Grande, you spend 1 and half hours sa gym to workout, your favorite color is light red violet, you like hot shower, you visited Paris 27 times, you have 5 flings- wala pang nakaseryosong relationships, nadapa ka during 2022 Berline Fashion Week dahil natanggal yu-"

"Stop!" namumulang saad ko sa kaniya habang nakataas ang isang kamay. He promptly ceased speaking. "Please stop, I'm so persuaded you're definitely my fan."

"A-ay, sorry." sagot niya. Napabuntong hininga naman ako. Pati ba naman yung incident na nangyari sa katatapos lang na fashion show na ginanap sa Germany. Due to the terrible heels I was wearing there, I felt really ashamed. Of course, I didn't let that stop me from ramming because I was still poised and sure that I had been able to model every piece of clothing.

"Model po kayo?!" gulat na tanong ni Clyde. Napabaling naman ang atensyon namin sa kaniya.

"Well, yes." I respond spontaneously.

"Pwede po ba kayong hawakan, Miss Brielle?" nakangiting tanong ni Art na parang sabik na sabik pa. I nodded and laughed out at the same time. I'm not being malicious because I already know he's gay. And I must admit, I adore them all.

"Infairness, maputi at makinis ang ferson."

We continued to chat until I and Clydr decided to go home. Ayoko ko pa ngang sumama sa kaniya dahil sa nawiwili na ako sa mga usapan namin ni Art or AZ dahil sabi niya yun daw ang itatawag ko sa kaniya. He is really happy-go-lucky and loves to talk, which reminds me a lot of Andrew. He instantly flush in my head, and I realized how much I had missed that gay.

When we arrived at our house, we saw Tatay Paeng was carrying a rooster chicken. As though it were his child, he even caressed its head. Sabi ni Clyde ay pang sabong daw ito ni Tatay. Naguluhan pa nga ako dahil I don't know what the hell sabong is. When I realized what that meant, it seemed similar to placing a wager in a game of chance.

Adobong chicken was prepared by Nana that evening. We had dinner and enjoyed ourselves at the table. I have never before in my entire life had a boisterous, joyful supper. Minsan lang kasi kami magkita ni Dad sa bahay kaya pinapasabay ko nalang sila Nana sa akin.

I chatted to the twins after dinner. They brought up their desire to visit Disney Land in the middle of our talk. Something in it really touched my heart after I heard it. Even back then, I recalled having my two sisters with them. If the past hadn't rifted us, I wonder if would we be the same. Kaya sinabi ko sa kanila na balang araw ay dadalhin ko sila sa lugar na sinasabi nila. I even offer them na lilibutin namin ang buong mundo pero natawa lang ako sa sagot nila na baka mapagod daw sila.

Masayang natapos ang buong araw. It appeared as though the sunset happened right after sunrise. When I heard noises coming from outside that night, I was still a little frightened. Nana said that it's just a cricket na kung saan ay nag-iingay tuwing gabi. I've seen a cricket before- in the internet but it is my first time hearing their sound.

I felt as though I was going to cry because of the numerous insects that were attacking me. I resisted donning a mosquito net because I believed it would simply disrupt my sleep. But later, I asked Clyde to hang my bed with it. Isinabit niya itaas ng kama ko. Bago tuluyang lumabas ng kwarto ay nagbilin pa ito ni ipitin ko raw ang kulambo sa ilalim ng bed sheet ko para hindi pumasok ang lamok. I even sweated while doing that.

Nang makahiga ay kaagad akong tumingin sa kisame. I merely remained motionless, like what had happened and where I was still resonated in my mind. Because there is no service, I am unable to use my phone either. I only noticed a single tear starting to fall from my eyes. Kahit na wala pang isang araw ang pananatili ko rito ay hindi pa rin ako komportable.

I miss Dad as well as my friends. I don't want this life, but I have no other option. How I wish that tomorrow willbe my final day here when I wake up. Gayunpaman, ay nakatulog pa rin ako ng mahimbing. Pero siyempre, bago ako natulog ay naglagay muna ako ng Concentrate Serum. I always do this to keep my face healthy. I am so thankful that Lorena never really forgot my babies.

I go through my nightly routine and then cuddle my narwhal plush toy, Bashful, before going to sleep. Then I finally rest soundly.