CASA VALLE #1: Trapped by the Wind

Kabanata 3

KABANATA 3

Macy

I learned something about him today that I never heard from anyone before. Not just learned—I witnessed him playing the flute. While listening to him, I figured that he's not just looks and brains, he also has a talent. A complete package, indeed.

But I had to cut the thoughts immediately. Wala namang kwenta ang impormasyon. Hindi ko naman magagamit ito para patayin siya. Alangan naman na i-torture ko siya habang tumutugtog siya ng flute.

"Were you listening the whole time?" He finally asked when he noticed me standing on the side.

"I am sorry, Mayor. I didn't mean to." Yumuko ako saka pumanhik sa may porch ng cabin kung nasaan siya nakatayo.

The cabin is in the middle of their hacienda and their hacienda is connected to all the hacienda's of the Valle Clan. Mula sa aerial view ay makikita mo kung gaano ito kalawak dahil konektado rin ang lupain nila sa iba pang bayan.

Even though they're not into politics, kinatatakutan pa rin sila dahil sa yaman nila. And if all of them ran in any position in the government, they will surely win.

Iyon naman ang nangyari kay Mayor Silas. Simson clan didn't expect that he would run so they lost their seat in the capital city. What more kung tumakbo siya sa mas mataas na posisyon? Baka nagpatayan na sila lalo na't mula pa noon ay ang Simson na ang namumuno.

Valle and Simson were once friends. It ended when my parents died.

"It's okay." He smiled. "You'll hear more of that everyday."

"Yeah. You're great."

"It's just a hobby not everyone knows about." He responded. Napansin ko na nakatingin siya sa basket na dala ko.

"Ah, I am sorry, Mayor. Here's your breakfast. Your mother told me to bring it because you eat your breakfast here." Inilagay ko sa loob ng kahon ang flute niya saka inayos ang table bago ko ilapag ang basket.

"I'll do it," he said.

"No. It is my job."

"It is not your job to feed me, Miss Decano. If you want it included in your job description, then kailangan mo akong subuan."

I choked. Napaubo ako nang wala sa oras. I didn't expect that. Ganito ba talaga siya? Lahat sila ay sinasabing seryoso siya pero mukha namang may tinatago rin siyang humor—corny nga lang.

"Uh. No, Mayor," I said, acting innocent again kahit na sa loob ko ay kumukulo na ang dugo ko.

Ang hirap magpanggap. Gusto ko na nga siyang saksakin.

"You can do it." Kunwari ay nahiya pa ako.

Umupo siya. Hinanda niya ang lahat ng laman ng basket sa lamesa. Paano kaya kung lagyan ko ng lason ang pagkain niya?

"Let's eat," yaya niya.

"Huh?" Napataas ang kilay ko. "It's your breakfast, Mayor. Kakain na lang po ako—"

"It's for the two of us." He said, tapping the vacant chair near him. "Didn't they inform you about how I do not like wasting my time? And since you fill in Matthew's position as my personal assistant, you need to eat with me while you're telling me the agenda for the whole day. It also includes you telling me things you hear from people, problems, concerns, suggestions, and anything."

"Ah, yes, Mayor. Oo nga po pala. Sorry po." Pilit akong ngumiti sabay labas ng phone ko kung nasaan nakasulat ang schedule ni Mayor.

Alam ko naman. This is just my way of testing his patience...at marami pang susunod. I want to see his limits.