La Cometa 1892

Chapter 13

"We have to bring her back," Dyo muttered firmly. 

Juliette lowered her head. "But I don't want to go back." Selene moved close to her and caressed her back. 

"Halika muna sa loob," tumango si Juliette kay Selene. Tahimik lang itong pumasok sa loob at inilibot ang mata sa paligid. 

Pinaupo ito ni Selene sa sofa at binigyan ng tubig. Tinanggap naman ito ni Juliette at dahan dahang ininom. 

Kanina pa nito sinusundan si Dyo, at tiyak na wala pang laman ang tiyan nito. Hindi niya naman ito mapagtuunan ng pansin dahil hindi pa rin tumitigil ang tatlo sa labas.

"I'm sorry," ani ni Juliette.

"It's okay. Pero dito ka muna, ha?" The girl nodded. 

Bumalik ulit sa labas si Selene upang pigilan ang tatlo sa pag-aaway. Sa lakas ng kanilang boses ay posibleng labasin sila ng mga tao sa Soluna.

"Calm down," ani ni Endy. "Hayaan mo na muna si Juliette rito." 

Dyo shook his head. He's determined to bring Juliette back to the orphanage after seeing her. But the three wants otherwise. Hindi man nila kilala si Juliette, pero mukhang may rason ang bata kung bakit siya umalis doon. At nararamdaman nila iyon. 

They were so eager to let her stay but Dyo also looked determined. They want his approval because, after all, he's the owner of the house. Pero ayaw nitong pumayag kaya nauwi sila sa pagtatalo. 

"Dyo, it's too late," ani ni Selene. "Let's decide about this tomorrow. Let Juliette sleep here." 

"She's right, Dyo. Please," Aelia pleaded. 

"Fine." Dyo sighed in defeat. "But I'll bring her back tomorrow." 

Napailing na lang sila at pumasok na rin sa loob ng bahay. 

Selene and Endy started attending Juliette, but she still looks diffident and shy.

At habang kumakain sila ay kinakausap nila ito upang gumaan ang pakiramdam nito sa kanila. And the girl found herself slowly getting comfortable with their presence.