Searing Burst of Rage (Fireheart 2)

ACCORD

DISCLAIMER:

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, local institutions/organizations, or events is entirely coincidental.

***

Her...

The cold wind of Buenacarte made me shiver as it walloped through my skin. I fixed my hair and held the hem of my dress to keep it from blowing away.

Today's the first time getting back home since the day I left to study. Honestly, I am not supposed to go back here this early... but I have to.

I pulled out my bandana inside my designer handbag to tie my hair. I clang my bangs behind my ear as it started to irritate me from veiling over my face.

Pumasok ako ng airport to get my luggage and to meet the driver that my father sent for me. Naging madali lang ang paghanap ko sa driver since his holding up a placard with my name written on it.

"Good evening, Ms. Chantrea," he greeted.

"Don't be too formal, just call me Chantrea or Trea."

Tumango sya at agad kinuha ang dala kong maleta galing sa pagkakahawak ko. Sumunod ako sa kanya hanggang sa makarating kami ng parking. Pinagbuksan nya ako ng pinto sa backseat kaya agad akong pumasok at umupo. I'm tired and sleepy, hindi ako nakatulog sa byahe.

"Are we going to go straight to the house? Or am I meeting my father somewhere for dinner?" tanong ko sa driver nang makapasok. Ang alam ko ay sobrang busy ng Papa ko. "Wait, what's your name?"

"I'll drive you home straight. I'm Artemis."

"Artemis? Isn't that the goddess' name? You are a man," I wondered.

Tumawa ito. "Tama ka. But it doesn't sound feminine so it's alright."

Nagkibit-balikat ako at sumandal sa kinauupuan. Sa tagal ng hindi ako nakabalik dito ay hindi na pamilyar sa akin ang mga nadadaanang infrastraktura.

"Nasa bahay ba si Papa?" tanong ko.

"May mahalagang lakad ang Papa mo. He's meeting a client."

Napangiwi ako sa narinig. Akala ko pa naman ay inaabangan nya ang pag-uwi ko kasi sa wakas ay magkikita kami. Gabi na pero nagtatrabaho pa rin sya. He should also rest!

"I guess he's not going home early. Can you drop me off at my cousin's house instead? I'll spend my night there," I requested.

"Bago kita ipagdrive doon. Kailangan mo pang makuha ang permiso ng Don," he answered, talking about my father.

"It's not like I'm going to a strange house. It's my cousin's, there's nothing to be worried about," I pointed out.

"Ang mahalaga ay alam nya kung nasaan ka. It's better that you call him."

Masyado namang strikto ang driver na ito. He's only a driver. Why is he demanding me around?

Nanghiram ako ng cellphone nya kasi hindi pa nakaset sa bagong sim dito sa Pilipinas ang akin. Tama naman syang kailangan malaman ng Papa kung nasaan ako.

Nang mahanap ko ang pangalan ni Papa sa contacts ay agad ko itong pina-ring.

"Papa!" nagtatampong sabi ko dahil hindi sinagot sa unang ring.

"My lovely daughter! Have you arrived?"

"May lakad ka raw," I pouted. "So, I'm going to Charlotte's."