Lullaby For The Ashes (Del Gallego Series #3)

Chapter 13

Readers will probably wonder why there is such a scene in the next few chapters that aren't aligned in reality. I merely made a mistake when modifying the timeline of this story, and I reasoned that it wouldn't be that awful, perhaps, if I didn't match that date to the true event in the sovereign state? But I am prepared to accept it if it turns into a rock to be thrown at me by some. Anyway, it's good to be back with this long update, and yeah, maogmang pagbasa saindo gabos!

CHAPTER 13: Pictures

THE VERY SAME morning, beyond happiness I felt when Dad and I had a short talk. Nangyari iyon kanina bago siya umalis para mangampanya sa Pamplona at hindi ko inaasahan ang magandang kinahinatnan ng pag-uusap na 'yon.

Pabalik-balik ako sa kwarto at pilit na i-sink in ang lahat.

I heard it correctly, right? Did he say yes to me? He said yes! He really did! Pumayag nga siyang makapaglaro ako sa sunod na taon! Oh, Dios mío! I could hardly contain my happiness after trying to wake myself up assuming that this was just a dream. But hell no! It wasn't! It was true!

My room was filled with my squeal as I jumped in mixed joy and excitement!

Dad finally gave me his blessing. Makakabalik na ako sa paglalaro. I can't believe it!

Mabilis akong lumabas ng kwarto pagkatapos. I rush through the staircase and suddenly wanted to see Cael and tell him what Dad told me recently. I'm excited to know his reaction. I was all smiles when I think of that. Nakasuot ako ng floral dress at naabutan ko si Manang Nery sa sala at sina Glenda.

"Hello po, everyone! Good morning!" I greeted with my beams and the other maids froze on their grounds, seemingly seeing some opening from the heavens.

Si Manang lang ang nakangiting bumati pabalik dahil parang nakatulala lahat sa akin.

"Magandang araw din, Senyorita!" she said while I'm on a hurry. "Saan ka pupunta at bakit ka tumatakbo? Senyorita, dahan-dahan at baka mapano ka!"

I chuckled.

I stopped near the main door and turned to face them with my twinkling eyes. "Just outside, Manang! Don't worry po! I won't go far!" paalam ko bago tumalikod at tumakbo ulit.

Hindi ko na narinig ang sinabi niyang sunod dahil dumiretso na ako sa side yard ng bahay kung saan ko nakita si Cael kanina na kausap ang mga kasamahan niyang sundalo. We even share times of glances when I was on the window, so I remember.

Kaya hindi nga ako nagkamali.

From where I am approaching, I already saw him away, standing with vigor in front of his team. He's conversing with Rasheed, side facing me. The latter was silent. Maybe because I can also feel Cael's neutral expression towards them and that aura of an alpha seemingly commanding a pack.

Nakasuot siya ng fatigue at army green na t-shirt at bagay na bagay iyon sa kanya. He's a striking sight and intimidating at the same time in his uniform. In my memory's eyes, I can already see the reason for his military nickname rouge—his indifferent face and cold eyes—even without yet turning around.

My heart thumped as I smiled.

When I always saw him this way, there's no moment I didn't felt awe. Kasi kapag nagkakausap kami ay sobrang iba niya. He's far from this Captain's impression. I'm shy to admit, but I find him soft, kind, and sweet whenever he's with me. Kapag sina Rasheed naman kausap niya, sobrang istrikto niya at seryoso. I don't know why I'm feeling elated about the treatment he was giving me.

Pakiramdam ko special ako.

My excitement doubled in wanting to know his reaction to my news. Without thinking twice, I already ran towards him and I unconsciously disregarded the presence of everyone there. I only focused my attention on Cael as I called him from afar.