Chasing Dreams (Book 2)

Ninety Three

One year ago...

Election day.

Bernard: Tonight is your succession day, hija. Don Leon will introduce you to public as his heir. Congratulations in advance.

Samantha: Tito, I have a favor to ask.

Bernard: Sure, may problema ba?

Samantha: Can you help me... e-escape?

Bernard: Escape from what?

Samantha: I need to get away from here. Someone's trying to... k-kill me.

Bernard: Sinong gustong pumatay sayo? Alam ba to ni Don Leon?

Samantha: I don't know. It doesn't matter.

Bernardo: It's important na malaman natin.

Samantha: Not now. We have to act fast. You have to send me somewhere faraway this instant.

Bernardo: Saan ka pupunta?

Samantha: Sa Batanes or kahit saan, basta wag lang dito. I don't want to be here.

Bernard: Sigurado ka ba?

Samantha: Yes. I can trust you, r-right?

Bernard: Oo naman, hija. Para sa nag-iisa kong pamangkin, I'll do anything to help you.

Bernardo: I already spoke to someone in my office. Tonight, two hours before the succession ceremony starts, may maghihintay sayo na Piston-aircraft sa rooftop. The pilot will take you wherever you want to go.

Samantha: Thank you, tito.

Bernard: Make sure that you leave the house discreetly. Take my car, ihahatid ka ng driver ko.

Samantha: Sobrang thank you po talaga.

Bernard: Just be safe and update me, okay?

Samantha: I'm sorry but... no. I'd rather cut all my connections with you.

Bernard: Are you sure about this, hija?

Samantha: Yes, it's for the better. I'll leave my phone, my car and my cards. Wala akong dadalhin na kahit ano.

Bernardo: What if you need help? Paano mo kami tatawagan if wala kaming contact sayo?

Samantha: Don't worry, I'll be fine. And please, don't tell anyone.

Bernard: I won't, I promise. Mag-ingat ka.

(Engine beeping erratically)

Pilot: Mayday! Mayday!