Under the Sky of Diamonds | ✔︎

THIRTEEN

I IMMEDIATELY inserted my new phone in my pocket. Hindi ko namalayan na napatayo na pala ako at kusa na pa lang gumalaw ang aking mga paa patungo sa pintuan. When I opened the door, my forehead creased when I saw numerous men wearing black suits. Wala sila rito kanina!

They are scattered all around the area and standing like a post again. Saglit akong natulala at tahimik lamang na nagmasid pero mabilis akong bumalik sa reyalidad nang makarinig ako ng isa na namang pagkabasag ng isang bagay at isang pagtili.

That's Manang Soling!

"What's going on? What's happening?" takot at natataranta kong tanong.

I was about to step a little further when a big muscled hand stopped me on my way and there, I saw two men standing on both sides of my room's door. They were different from my guards a while ago.

Hinawakan ko at sinubukang alisin ang kamay nilang nakaharang sa akin pero hindi iyon matibag-tibag. I was like holding a statue. I tried again but I failed and my patience flee away.

"Ano ba?" I angrily shouted at them.

I couldn't help but to let go of my frustration but my blood ran hotter when they basically ignored my question.

"Anong nangyayari sa baba? Where's Xydrien?" kinakabahan kong tanong.

They ignored my words and kept their mouths shut.

"May bibig naman kayo. Bakit ayaw niyong magsalita?" naiiritang tanong ko sa kanila. Mas lalong kumunot ang aking noo dahil sa nakakabinging katahimikan.

"Do you want me to fire both of you?" I asked using my serious and cold tone and it seems that they were startled with it when I saw their adam's apple move.

After a minute of silence from them, I rolled my eyes. "Gusto niyo ba talagang mawalan ng trabaho?" I keep my voice serious.

The guy on my right cleared his throat and was about to talk when we heard the shattering of glasses. I felt my diaphragm raise up. Agad na nabalot ng kaba ang puso ko.

Was that Xydrien? Is he okay?

Mabilis akong napalingon sa mga lalaking nakasuot ng itim at nakatayo lang na para bang walang nangyayari, para bang hindi nila naririnig ang pagkabasag ng mga gamit sa ibaba.

"Bakit nakatayo lang kayo rito?! Go down! Baka kung ano ng ginagawa ni Xydrien sa baba! Hindi kayo binabayaran para lang tumayo sa harap ng kwarto ko!"

Napaigtad ako nang makarinig ako ng pagkahulog ng isang bagay sa ibaba at umalingawngaw ito sa buong kabahayan.

I can't stay here forever! I can't!

I suddenly felt the strength to shove their hands off and walk a little further until I found myself running towards the staircase. I ignore them calling out for me. Nakarinig ako ng mga mabibigat na yabag na sumusunod sa aking likuran kaya naman mas binilisan ko pa ang aking pagtakbo.

Tumataas ang balahibo ko dahil sa aking naririnig. Pagkabasag. Pagkahulog. Sigaw.

It's Xydrien.

I heard the sound coming from downstairs and when I reached the staircase, I was relieved. I was about to step down when someone pulled me causing me to stop. I snapped my head at the culprit and I saw the man earlier. 'Yong isa sa tatlong bantay ko kanina habang naglilibot ako sa kompaniya ni Xydrien.

"Bitawan mo ako!" I screamed but he just looked at me apologetically before dragging me gently back to my room.

I squiggled, trying to free my body but his grip on me just tightened. I glanced downstairs once again before it finally vanished from my sight. Bigla akong nanlumo at pakiramdam ko gusto ko ng umiyak. I need to see what's happening downstairs.