Chapter 03

Andree PoV

"YOU HAVE TO GO." I saw Sara talked to a young girl.

I went this far to see them--Sara and that young girl to confirm something that bugs my head.

She doesn't look like her. She even dressed too different from her-- to plain and poor for her taste. Halata din sa pinong kilos ng batang babae na hindi eto pareho kay Sara. She's too stiff and nice to be someone associated with Sara.

Sara hates a porcelain type of woman. A woman who can be easily caged and dictated. A woman who knows nothing but being protected. I saw how she hated princess-type women and how she bullied them, but this one it's different.

I made a quick scan on the rugged looking girl. Sara's smile were too genuine and she didn't even mind people were staring at her. She loves attention but as of this moment, I can't see her flaunting herself. She's too focused on the rugged doll in front of her.

"Can I visit you again?" The rugged doll's voice were too sweet and too soft. Boses na ayaw na ayaw ni Sara--she hates vulnerable girls, pero ngayon mukhang gustong-gusto nya pang marinig.

"Yup. You'll live with me someday. Aayusin ko lang ang mga papers mo." Sara promised.

I never saw her this state. Fragile. She's too far from being fragile. Iba nga siguro ang nagagawa ng tao dahil sa pagmamahal.

"Ate Sara, maraming salamat. Kahit kapatid mo lang ako sa ama, tinuring mo pa rin akong tunay na kapatid."

"You're my baby sister, remember that. Gaya ng pangako ko, simula ngayon ako ng bahala sa pag-aaral mo." Sara promised.

She did need a lot of money. Kaya binubulabog niya na naman si Azure na pagkaisahan ako. She need to save for her sister's studies. She need to keep her mother's lifestyle.

Azure doesn't know Sara had a sister to feed and to send to school. Azure didn't know Sara doesn't want to know more about her whereabouts aside from getting alliance on bullying me. Ang hindi alam ni Sara, sakin lumalapit si Azure para isumbong ang mga plano niya.

Azure doesn't want to mess around. Not when my family secretly supporting her and her little sister. She doesn't want to ruin their future because of her cousin's selfishness.. But it wasn't all about selfishness to Sara now.

Sara changed by love.

Kinuha ko ang phone ko sa bag na nasa tabi ko at tinawagan ang isang kakilala habang pinapanood ang paalaman ng magkapatid.

"Do you know some Sara Graham?" Tanong ko sa kabilang linya.

"Yes Miss Andree. Why did you ask?" Tanong ng nasa kabilang linya.

"I saw her awhile ago and I remembered about my friend who told me she's a good actress and a good model. Isa-suggest ko lang sana sa bagong commercial nyo." I fake a gasp. "Oh, I forgot my screening nga pala kayo ng mga models."

"It's okay, Miss Andree, I'll talk to the management."

"Nako, wag na. Baka may napili na kayo. I bet magaling nga yun."

"No, Miss Andree. You're suggestions were far too good for us."

We talked about it and I kept on saying they don't have to follow my suggestions. In fact I am looking forward that they'll do as I wanted.

Someone pushed their horns and it means a perfect timing to end the call.

"I'm sorry but I have to hang up. I'm lining up for my toll fee." Paalam ko. Lies. Lies. Lies.

She bid goodbye formally.

Pinagmasdan ko lang sina Sara at nakita kong may sinagot siyang tawag. I know it's the agency and gave a good offer based on her reaction.

I watch and made my way home when I confirmed the good news she's receiving.

Tumunog ang phone ko at nakita ko yung text ni Azure.

From: Azure

Sara texted this:

I'll hunt Andree wherever she is.

I don't think she'll let you pass.

No, she'll be very busy building her career than bugging me. But if she will, I don't mind at all.

I made my reply fast.

To: Azure

I can handle her. Thanks.

I hit send and made my way to GC HQ.

"Identity, Ma'am." Magalang na tanong ng guard.

"LMV's Queen." Sagot ko sa guard.

"Welcome home, Queen." He replied in return.

"Thank you." I went in.

Paglabas ko ng kotse inilibot ko muna ang mata sa tahimik na bulwagan. Tahimik, ibig sabihin nasa kanya-kanyang bahay ang mga tao dito.

I went inside and look for someone's room. Walang katok-katok na pumasok ako kaya naabutan ko ang nanlalaking mata ni Light Mathieu na nagbibihis pa lang.

I look the door and made my way to his sofa and I can feel his eyes on me.

"Andree! Nagbibihis pa ako!" He hissed at me while looking for a shirt.

Actually, pang-itaas na lang naman yung isusuot nya dapat.

"Why? I've seen you in that state." Sagot ko at pumikit. I felt drained.

"Not like this. Pano kapag kalalabas ko lang ng banyo?!" He's really pissed off of what I did but I just shrugged.

"No worries, di ka naman makikita sa labas." Nasa gilid kasi ang pintuan ng banyo kaya pagbukas mo ng pintuan ng kwarto niya, bubungad sa'yo ang sofa niya.

"That's not what I mean, Jashielle!" He's still hissing at me. He's really completely pissed on what I did.

"Okay fine, I know I should have at least knock. I'm just too tired to wait for you to open the door." Sagot ko at humilig sa back rest ng sofa. I can feel the comfort it give but not enough to tame the restlessness I feel inside.

I am actually drained for the whole week. All because Alissa's trying to take my family one by one and I have to take them off from her radar. She's getting smarter and I have difficulty on dealing her with my terms and pace. Everything keeps on getting faster. Nahihirapan na akong pigilan siya.

"Where have you been?" Tanong niya na agad tumabi sa akin.

He knew some of my escapades. Some, not all.

"Usual, fixing some fashion shows." Sagot ko at inihilig ang ulo sa balikat niya.

He knew some of my escapades, yes, but not about hiding my family and what Alissa wants from me particularly.

"Di ba sabi ng Lola mo kaya naman nilang i-organize yun?" Kunot-noong na tanong niya.

"Lola's too old to stressed out and Mom's too busy to do it. Ayoko namang ipasa ang stressful preparation. They've been working on that stage for too long." Sagot ko.

Although the preparation of the fashion show's already polished months ago. Actually hindi naman yun stressful para sa'kin. I already completed and perfected that stage but I still have to act like I am all fussing over that event. Minsan kailangan ko ding i-divert ang rason ng pagod ko. I can use it as an alibi.

"How is it? Gusto mong tumulong din ako?" Masuyong tanong niya.

Tulong. He's always been someone I can count on.

"You always secure the area, that's a big help for me." Nakangiting sagot ko.

Minimal or big event, the GC provides the best security with Light Mathieu as my personal bodyguard.

"I always do that." He said as he gently run his fingers on my face.

"Hmm..." I acted like I am thinking about what he could do. "What about cuddle me to sleep?" Lambing ko sa kanya.

Kumunot ang noo niya at napatingin sa labas ng bintana.

"It's just 10 am in the morning, Andree."

"But I am drained already." I whined.

He just stared at me for awhile then gently carry me to his bed. Maingat na ibinaba niya ako sa gitna ng kama niya saka siya tumabi sa'kin. I am lying on my back while he's lying on his side to face me.

"Ilang araw kang walang tulog?" Mahinang tanong niya.

"I've been sleeping--"

"You don't need to lie, Queen."

I sighed and confess. Lying to him is useless. He knew me too much. I can keep a secret but lying is very difficult for me when it comes to him.

"I haven't sleep well for a week and I didn't sleep lately." Sagot ko.

He know I have sleeping problems. I can't sleep at night. I can't have a good night sleep.

Maingat na inangat niyang ang ulo ko at pinaunan sa matipunong braso niya at mas hinapit pa ako palapit sa kanya.

He kissed the side of my head and I gently turn to his neck and breathe in his calming scent. Having him this close-- almost breathing him calms my whole system.

"Sleep, my Queen." Masuyong bulong niya.

"Thank you, my Ace." Sagot ko at pumikit.

I can feel his gently pat on my back to lull me to sleep.

Light is always been my Ace. My best card, my last card. He's my King too and I would do everything to fix his way. Hindi ako makakapayag na may humadlang sa plano ko para sa kanya.

"Mathieu--"

"Sleep. Saka na tayo mag-uusap. I'll stay here until you wake up. Sleep, Queen."

I don't have to be told twice. The moment I closed my eyes I drift off to sleep that quick. The sleep I've been chasing for a long time came by that fast.

"WHERE AM I?" Mahinang tanong ko ng mapansing wala ako sa silid ni Mathieu.

I saw waters all around me and the echo of the dropping waters. I am surrounded by waters but I am completely dry.

"Andree." A voice called me. Crying for help. "Andree."

"Sino ka?" Tanong ko sa boses. Hindi ko alam kong babae o lalaki ba yung tumawag sa'kin.

"Andree.." The voice cried again.

I am still looking around, searching where the voice could be. It's so near but I can't see anyone around me.

"Andree."

I heard a knock below me. I turn to it and my eyes grow wide when I stare at the face of the one who cried for help knocking the clear glass. He's drowning. Gasping for his dear life.

"MATHIEU!" I scream out loud when his eyelids slowly droop and fear quickly overwhelms me. "Mathieu!" I cried out loud trying to break the glass below me but it won't even budge. "Hold on, please." Pakiusap ko sa kanya.

I keep chanting his name, calling him..

"ANDREE!" A loud voice called me out again. I can feel myself shaking. "Andree, wake up!"

Wake up?

I suddenly felt something dawn on me. Wake up?

I gasped for air and open my eyes. Namulatan ko si Mathieu na nakatunghay sa'kin at bakas ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya.

"Mathieu." I can't deny the relief washing over me knowing he's alright.

"Shh. It's only a dream." He soothes me.

Dream. I tried to let it sink on me. A dream?

A tear escaped my eyes until I broke down when I realized something... If only it was a bad dream. Just a nightmare that haunts me at night.. But it wasn't.

"Hey, I'll let you cry." Alo niya.

I rarely cried... No one ever saw me shed a tear except him. Not only because I don't want to show my weakness. Not only because I don't want people to judge, but because I don't deserve to feel anything because of what I did.

Everything is all my fault and sadness should be my only friend. I don't deserve anything but pain.

'Ayoko na.'

How many times does my mind screams that two words since I manipulated everything? But I have to stand up and be strong. Make my decision right by living on it every day of my waking life. I don't want to fail because it only means everything I cherish will come to ruin.

"Everything will be alright, Andree. You made sure of that, okay?" Alo niya sa'kin.

Tumango lang ako. I made sure everything will be alright in expense of other people's sacrifices.

We just stay there the whole day, him trying to calm me down. Anxiety's over taking me again and I never said a word on it. Pero alam kong nararamdaman ni Mathieu lalo na kapag hawak niya ang kamay ko.

My hand felt cold and shaky against his warm firm hold.

"Do you want to stay here or I'll drive you home?"

Umiling ako. "No, can I stay here? Bukas na ako uuwi." I replied weakly.

Tumango siya at pinisil ang kamay ko. "Ako na ba magpapaalam sa parents mo?"

"Yes, please?"

Kinuha niya yung phone niya sa side table at tinawagan ang Dad ko.

"Hello Tito Justin... Yes po, kasama ko po si Andree... Yes po, she's okay... I called to tell you that she'll be staying at the HQ. Yes po, I'll be in-charge... Thank you po."

And their conversation ends. Di ko na kailangang itanong kung anong sabi ni Dad. He trusted Mathieu like his own son. At hindi lang eto ang unang pagkakataon na inaatake ako ng takot at tumakbo sa kanya.

"Your Dad agreed." Balita neto. "You should at least eat something in return, Andree. Napapansin na ng Dad mo ang pananamlay mo."

Tumango lang ako at yumakap sa kanya.

"I don't want to pry, Andree but you seriously should tell me what's going on."

"Don't worry, Love. You'll be the first one to know what's going on. But please for now, let me rest."

Tumango siya at hinaplos ang buhok ko. "Let's go and get something to eat."

Tumango lang ako at nauna na siyang tumayo saka ako inalalayan. We went to the kitchen to cook something to eat.

Mathieu's also trained in the kitchen and he's the best cook for me.

He's serving me a decent meal when I took the ring in my pocket. Inilabas ko yun at pinakita sa kanya.

"A ring with my insignia?" Pansin niya. He's Light Mathieu Vittori, his symbol is a fiery crown.

Leigh Roseia, her little sister's insignia is a crowned roses.

Crown since they're also part of the royal bloods.

"It's for you." I gave it to him. I already gave other's rings and he's actually the last one I made.

Binaba niya ang hawak na plato sa harap ko at tinanggap ang singsing.

"I know you made some tricks on this one, Andree." He said as he hold my hand and his ring.

"Tatanggapin mo ba?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

He stared at me for a long time and nodded.

"What's the trick?" Tanong niya habang tinitingnan ang singsing.

"Only one woman can wear that ring." I started. "Whoever it is, she will be your lifetime partner."

Tumango lang ulit siya. "And?"

"And many will try but only one woman can fit that one."

"Should I be careful?"

"Careful not to lose the ring. The ring knows it's rightful owner. This is my gift, Mathieu."

"Alam mo ba kung sino ang babaeng para sa'kin?"

I shook my head. Actually hindi ko naman alam talaga. It just struck me to do it.  The children of the guardian circle family will receive them all. Men receives rings while the women receive a man's bracelet.

"Well, I do know." Sagot niya. "Gusto mong malaman?"

I just stared at him. I know he know something I don't. He can even see what I don't see.

"No need." I replied after a while and smiled at him. I won't cheat, not on this one. "I'll know along the way."

"Why take the long road when I can give you a short cut?" Panunubok niya.

My smile didn't fade. "Tempting but not now, I guess." Sagot ko lang sa kanya.

He shrugged. "Your loss."

"Not now." Diin ko sa kanya.

Tumango lang siya at di na nangulit.

"Alright, now eat, Andree."

Sinimulan ko ng kumain.

"Kumusta naman si Leigh?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang kumakain.

"Ang kulit pa din. Gusto niyang sumali sa sparring namin ni Kaien."

Tumango lang ako. "Bakit di mo na lang hayaan?"

"I'm not good in teaching her. Muntik-muntikan ko nga siyang maitulak dahil sa kakulitan niya."

"Mind you, babae na yan at nag-iisang kapatid mo pa."

"That's why I am wondering how you manage your brothers and sister."

I shrugged. "Si Vinn at Sheia yung pinakamakulit sa kanila. But they can be tame. Nandyan naman kasi si Jarren."

"Kaya si Jarren na ang sumasakit ang ulo sa kakulitan nila?"

"Di lang naman siya kundi pati si Shiro. You know how he hates noise. And Sheia and Vinn in one room means chaos. Kaya ayun, pati si Jade at Ryd nakikigulo na rin sa kanila."

"Kaya gustong-gustong tumambay ni Leigh doon."

"Leigh's always welcome to join the chaos." Nakangiting sagot ko. "Alam mo bang nung isang araw lang sumali pa siyang mag-vandal kina Ryd?"

"She didn't say a word about that."

"Of course, alam niya kasing na-grounded ng one week si Ryd dahil dun."

"Hmm.. So why did they do that?"

"Ryd's admirer again. Nalaman niya kasi kung sino yung paparazzi niya at ginawang negosyo ang stolen pictures niya."

"And vandal fix his frustration?"

"Yup. The girl was an artist and seeing her house with vandal means war for her."

"Pumapatol na pala sa babae si Raiden."

"Ewan ko. But I heard that girl's motto: share your blessings and earn more." She laugh a little. "Imagine how brilliant she is? Kinukunan niya na ng picture si Ryd, binenta niya pa para i-share ang blessings."

"Ang taba ng utak. I don't know someone who wants to share her crush."

"That would be the woman. I could rate her A+."

"That would be degrading for Ryd's part."

"Yeah, but he found his match."

We just talk about our siblings' misery smoothly. Lumaki kaming magkasama kaya alam na namin ang bawat isa. Andree grow up with me and we're closer than her siblings. Bagay na alam na rin ng mga magulang namin.

We just talk the whole day and watch movies together until Mom called.

"Yes, Mom?" Sagot ko sa tawag niya.

"Andyan ba si Andree?" Tanong niya.

I look at Andree who's busy watching the tv while munching grapes.

"Opo."

"Tell her to call Roseia."

"What about Leigh, Mom?" Kunot-noong tanong ko. What did that brat did?

"Your sister dragged Sheia somewhere. Ang sabi gagala lang daw. When I check, she's in some province and it's freaking 12 hour drive from here!"

That brat.

"I'll tell Andree, Mom."

"Yes, please. If Andree can't convince them to go home, I'll go and tell Yshi."

"Yes, Mom, I'll call you back later."

Nagpaalam naman si Mommy at bumalik na ako sa pwesto ko--sa tabi ni Andree.

"Leigh took Sheia to some province."

"Anong ginagawa nila dun?"

"Gagala daw. I'm sure umaatake na naman ang boredom ng dalawang yun at namundok."

Mountain climbing can only drain their energies and could tame their raging boredom. Kaya lang ang layo naman ng napagtripan nilang dalawa.

"How far?"

"12 hour drive."

"Sinong kakausapin?"

"Roseia."

Tumango lang siya at kinuha ang phone ko saka tinawagan si Leigh.

"Hello, Kuya!" Hyper na sagot nung nasa kabilang linya.

"Leigh Roseia Heart, what do you think are you doing?"

Saglit lang at biglang natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya.

"A-Ate Andree?" Kinakabahang tanong ni Leigh.

"Get back here and don't trick your Mom again. Now."

"W-We're on our way." Nagmamadaling sagot niya. "Sheia, we're leaving!"

Yun lang at pinatay na ni Leigh ang tawag.

I look at Andree's calm face. My Mom clearly doesn't know that calling Andree's attention to discipline our youngsters were the worst scenario they could ever face. Andree was Tita Yshi and Tito Justin's short cut.

"Call Tita Reine they're on their way." Aniya at binalik sakin ang phone ko.

Tinanggap ko lang at tinawagan si Mommy.

"Mom, Leigh and Sheia were on their way." I said on the other line.

"Okay. Give my thanks to Andree."

"You're welcome, Tita!" Sagot ni Andree dahil naka-loud speak naman kami.

.. .. ..

A N D R E E

I FINALLY got a full rest. Thanks to Mathieu.

After Leigh and Sheia got home safely, Mathieu force me to sleep again. He wants me to make a full rest and I did.

"Leaving?" Tanong niya ng makita akong nag-aayos na.

"Yup, got work to do." Sagot ko habang inaayos ang pagsusuot ng sapatos.

"Di ka ba papasok?"

"Nope. I have a place in mind to go."

Pagkaalis ko sa HQ, naghanap ulit ako ng mga taong makakatulong sa mga plano ko.

"Hi." I greeted to the bartender who just need at me in response. "Do you serve some juice?"

"Plain juice?"

"Yes, please." Sagot ko at umupo sa harap niya. "I'm kind of bored and alone, do you mind if I'll talk to you?"

"Customer po namin kayo."

"Carmella, right?"

Di na siya nagulat sa pagbigkas ko sa pangalan niya dahil sa suot niyang name plate.

"My name's Emerald." I introduce myself.

"A pleasure to meet you Ms. Emerald."

"Pleasure's all mine." Sagot ko at ngumiti sa kanya. "Gano ka nga pala katagal nagta-trabaho dito? If you don't mind me asking."

"No, not at all." Aniya at binigay na ang order ko.

"Thanks." I muttered as I took my glass of juice.

She nodded and continue. "Probably five years or so."

"Really? That's quite long." I fake my concern. "So you must be loyal to this company."

"Loyal kung wala kang ibang mapuntahan." She replied nonchalantly.

"What does it mean-- I mean, you don't need to answer that."

Tumango lang siya. "Are you a journalist or what?"

"Journalist? Me? Nope. Just a little curious." Sagot ko. "A bartender who's not loyal but last for five years."

"Alam mo na ba yun bago mo ako kinausap?"

"Nope." I lied. Of course I did a background check before talking to her. I have another information to know than what I read. "Anyway, I have a friend before who works here. Di ko lang alam kung naabutan mo ba siya."

"Anong pangalan niya?"

"Zacha." I replied.

"I know her."

I silently smile. Now that's what I need.

"I haven't seen her for a long while. Do you mind if I ask about her?"

"Oh, no. Not at all."

Now that's what I want.