CHAPTER 5

MAKARIA LUALHATI SANDOVAL

Where do I begin? From the very time I have ever laid my eyes to him? Anger was all I could feel that time. In my eight year old point of view, I was on the right track. I am correct ; it was his fault why my mother was rushed into the hospital that afternoon. Looking back at those times now that I'm all grown up, it was solely my fault. Everything that happened with myself is the byproducts of the actions and decisions that I've made. It was all on me, but does it have to end up this way? I have learned my lesson and trying so much to make up from those mistakes by staying out of his life but, it ended up in the worst possible way.

The cool breeze of the air swish my hair away. The morning sunlight seeps into my skin as I stood alone in the deserted rooftop. Seven am morning light is giving me enough vitamins as it replenishes back my rosy cheeks, as what everybody else is telling me. I never had the luxury to go out and enjoy this quiet, sunny day all to myself. It's just me, the environment and my thoughts.

My thoughts... Which is all about him and about him always...

"There you are miss! It's time to go back. It's almost time for your breakfast."

I turned to where the voice came from. I smiled and take a step to the direction where I heard her voice. Clutching the cane tightly, I treaded the way slowly like a baby that finally knows how to walk; feeling the surroundings and cautious. Step after step, I walk until I heard a hurried footsteps and a hand immediately hold unto my arm.

"Miss! It's still not good for you to walk on your own!"

"Is that you, Anna Lou?"

"Yes miss! Cecelia's got something to do with her other patients that's why I volunteered to fetch you."

I nodded. I fumble over the walls and felt the cold metal that I assumed is the door.

"We are now ascending downstairs miss. Please hold tight on me and I'll lead you the way."

Doing as I've told, I reach for her arm, groping it tight as I let go the cane. I felt her arms in my waist as she held me close to guide me.

"Okay. Take a step down, just a little further." The clicking of the shoes echoed as we've taken slow steps downwards.

"There's still another two steps until we are down the third floor."

"I'm sorry if you have to go through this. I know how busy you are but here you are." I said. I feel sorry for disturbing her like this. I would feel better if Cecilia is here instead. That woman likes to hang out in the rooftop with me to smoke.

"Oh no. It's nothing miss. I'm glad to help you. I just feel anxious for you. It's quite dangerous for you to stay in the rooftop all by yourself! Why did Cecelia even brought you there if she'll abandon you? Tsk. That woman will surely have a word from me. "

I stop mid step and turned to the direction where I assume is her. Waving my hand frantically, I explain it was rather my fault that I was alone earlier.

" I wanted to be alone that's why she left. It was my request. I just never thought it is you who will be back to fetch me."

"Doctor Villaluz has an emergency and called for Cecelia that's why I'm here. But still miss, I would advise you to not visit the rooftop if you don't have someone watch over you. Besides, tomorrow's the day, right?"

I can feel her huge smile as she said those words. I smiled, feeling happy genuinely for the first time in the last few months.

" Yeah. It'll be tomorrow. "

I felt a small rough hands, clasping mine.

" Everything will soon be fine miss Lualhati. "

Squeezing back, I smiled and heave a sigh.

"Yeah. I hope so too, Anna Lou. I hope so."

"Now for you to have energy, we should head back to your room to eat your breakfast. Doc Sanchez will then check up on you afterwards." Humming a song, Anna Lou and I walk side by side arm in arm. She halt for a moment and so did I. A loud 'ping' resonated and I assume we are now in front of the elevator. I felt a tug and I step inside. Murmurings erupted as I felt a group of people entered the elevator we were in. Anna Lou ushered me in which I presume in the corner.

"He finally has waken up. Thank God! The poor mother will surely be happy upon this news!"

"Ah yes. Have you contacted the mother?"

"No I have not. But I'll do so later. She'll be ecstatic to see her boy finally awake."

"Good morning Aaron! Clyde!"

"Hey, Good morning Anna Lou!"

"Good to see you!"

"Yeah. Good to see you too! Which elevator will you guys be?"

"The ground floor. We need to contact Doc James right away. His patient has finally woken up."

"Wow! That's a great news. Either way, we'll just be right here in the second floor. Bye guys! See you around!"

"Yeah. See you around!"

The elevator stop and a 'ping' ring indicating we are in the right floor. I walk into the direction Anna Lou is guiding me. I can feel the stares of those people throwing at me even if I can't see them. I felt the elevator close as the voices of the people inside muffled until it faded.

"Come now miss, we are on your floor."

I oblige without saying anything and letting Anna Lou lead me to where my designated room is. A heard the door creak open and I felt the coldness of the air conditioning damp my kinda hot skin due to thirty minute long exposure of sunlight in the rooftop.

"Can you please turn off the air con?" I requested as I sit in the bed. Anna Lou let go of my arm and I heard the clicking of her shoes in the corner and the clattering sounds as I felt the coldness of room lessen.

"Do you want me to open the windows for you?"

"Please do so. I wanted to feel some fresh air."

I put my hands in the cane as I look ahead, not seeing anything. Only pure, bottomless pit of darkness.

"Sure thing miss." I paid close attention to the sounds she's making. Imagining what is the real scenario happening as Anna Lou open the windows of this rooms. The rustle of the window pane as it was forcefully open; the blow of the wind as fresh air finally entered my room and the fluttering of the curtains as the wild wind strike with force.

"Ah! It's so good to feel some fresh air! Other from the same air circulating with the air conditioning on. Now, I'll just have to call for the service and you'll have your breakfast then, miss."

"Thank you Anna Lou. I am deeply sorry if you have to do this for me. I wasn't your patient to begin with yet here you are." I said, feeling guilty for being such a burden.

"Please don't say that Miss! It is my job to help and assist you! I'm a nurse for Pete's sake so don't feel sorry for my part. I should be the one feeling sorry for you. You've been through a lot for the last few months. It's been hard and I'm glad I could help you in every possible way. "

I felt her rough hands, grasping mine as she say those words. I felt her sincerity, and even if I can't see her, I know she's true to her words. I couldn't been grateful for having such accommodating and kind nurses that have help me since I've been admitted here.

Our talk was then interrupted as the creak of the door was then seconded by the loud, cheerful voice of Cecelia.

"Good morning! Here's your breakfast Lualhati! Oh. Anna Lou? Thank you for filling up my post for her. I am so grateful for you my friend!" I heard the sound of tray as it is place in the table with the hurried footsteps of Cecilia. I felt her hand in my head as she gently caress my hair.

" I guess I need to go then? I still have another rounds to be done with. Bye Cecelia, Bye miss Makaria! And oh wait! Cecilia! Don't ever let miss Makaria alone in the rooftop! That was so reckless of you!"

"Yes yes. I know. It was the first time though that I wasn't able to get back to her immediately. That moment earlier will surely be the last time because tomorrow's the day!" I can feel the energy and happiness surging out of Cecelia's system. It was contagious as it infected me to smile even more.

" Thank you Anna Lou " we said in unison earning us a laugh from Anna Lou.

" You two got the same vibes eh? Anyways, I wish for your fast recovery miss Makaria!"

The door then now close, leaving me alone with Cecelia. For almost a year of being admitted in this hospital, Cecilia has been my personal nurse then. She help me get back to my feet, slowly as reality hit me real hard.

I was in denial at first. Too devastated with everything that had happened that I almost snap out of my sanity. It wasn't easy but with her help, I started to smile and look forward again.

"Now, let me feed you your breakfast Lualhati. Say ahh"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I burp earning a chuckle from Cecilia. I cover my mouth with my hand, a bit embarrassed with a loud burp I just released.

"I can see that you enjoyed your breakfast Lualhati. That's great! Keep that up and you'll be back in shape. Now that you have eaten, let me check your vital signs and you can rest."

"Okay. Thank you Cecilia."

"Doc Sanchez will be here in a minute to follow up your condition too. Do you want to just stay in the bed or sit beside the window? I'll arrange it for you."

"I wanted to sit near the window. The air is refreshing and it's too boring to just lie down in the bed all day. My wounds and injuries are half way healed anyways."

"Just as you say. Wait for a while okay?"

After a moment of rustling and clattering, Cecelia guided me to the chair nearby. I settled comfortably and nestled my head in the comfort of the pillow arranged. I inhaled deeply the air blowing freely.

'This is so refreshing.' I thought contentedly. This is such rare moments I have never done in the past. Just sitting down, feeling the air, not racking my brain up for something.

"Now that you've settled comfortably. I need to go to do my rounds. Just press this button to call if something happens, okay?"

"Okay."

Silence ensued as Cecelia finally left the room. Now that I'm alone, nothing and no one can distract me, my thoughts went to that black haired man I felt so guilty and indebted with.

"Yes dad I'm on my way home. I'm just stuck here in the Custodio road, it's rush hour so I'm having a hard time to find some taxi to take me to the bus station. Don't worry I'm in the most crowded part of the road. I would still be safe even if I'm alone... No! That isn't necessary. I know how much of a busy man Johnson is. Besides he's on a meeting now so he can't fetch me. Yes. We've talk on the phone earlier. Yes. Bye, I love you. "

I put my phone away and stash it in my bag. I look around to find a taxi or suv. I need to go home now. I look at my watch which says eight o'clock in the evening. The road is jam-packed and very traffic. The loud honking of the vehicles running past me is deafening. A lot of employees that just got off from their work is here hunting for some vehicle to ride, just like me. I never thought I would experience this...kind of life.

I grow up in a lavish lifestyle and was raise with a silver spoon. I was used to people working for me, doing something for my sake. I was used to getting all of the things that I wanted, even if it was just out of whim. How ironic my situation now that it was the other way around. If my mother wasn't sick few years ago, our company wouldn't have to go declare bankruptcy. All of their hardships and sacrifices were gone in a puff of a smoke, leaving us only our mansion but we eventually sold it due to its high expenses we cannot sustain anymore. The most painful part is... Along the material things that vanished which my mother founded, is she herself vanished from our grasp. She died with the thought of us will still live a happy and lavish life she had always wanted. In the end, it was only father and I. It is only in ourselves we can depend on, not on the people who promised and cherish with us on the times of abundance and happiness.

A strong force bump into me,leaving me slump butt first in the ground. A man in hoody run past me hurriedly without even saying sorry. I caress my arm the man hit. It was now all red and painful. A hand reached out into me. I eyed the hand and the woman who offered.

"Are you okay?" Hesitantly, I reached her hand and she help me to stand up. I shake off the dust and dirt that clung into my skirt.

"Thank you. Yes. I'm okay, just a little bit shaken." The woman nodded and smiled which I returned. If this just happened in the past, I would surely sue that man but things are different now. I'm not the socialite anymore, I'm now a struggling employee in our once company. The new owner who is one of my father's close friend and associate in the company left a room for me to work. I don't know if he just wanted to in spite me or he's just really helpful. Nonetheless, I badly needed the job, not the other way around.

"Tsk. People nowadays don't have the heart to even say sorry on the simplest thing they did. Anyways, be careful okay? I'll to ahead now."

The woman then left as she went inside the car waiting for her. She reminded me of my mother. If she's still alive, maybe, she is as old as the woman who helped me. I reached for the necklace which is the last memorabilia I had from my mother who gifted this at my eighteen birthday.

The cold chains of the necklace was not in the place as I fumble on my now empty neck. Impossible! Where did I lost it? Dread spread throughout my stomach as I confirmed that the necklace is gone. Totally gone! I check for a mirror for the second time and indeed the gold chain necklace was gone.

"Where is it?!" I frantically said as I look for my back, getting me some onlookers but I didn't pay attention. The most important thing now is to find the necklace. I can't just lost that! An idea pop up my mind and with long strides I went to the way the man in hoody went. I am sure he snatch up my necklace! Of all people he can bump with, it was me he choose! Tears started to stream down my cheeks. The chilliness of the night is adding more cold in my hands and body ; I can feel the hair in my neck stand up. I need to find it asap!

I run into the corner as I saw the man run through to narrow lane. This is my first time to wander here and I don't know the way around here but no matter what, I need the necklace back. I stop dead on my tracks as I saw the man with his back on me. It was a deserted lot with only a faint light illuminating. I gulp the fright I felt and spoke.

"You have my necklace, don't you?" I spoke calmly, not giving away how I afraid I am as of the moment.

"My my. What are talking about miss?" The man now turned to me, looking manic as he rake his eyes up and down. All I could feel is pure disgust I wanted so much to puke. I step back. I wandered too far from the crowd and I don't know anyone here.

"You bump into me earlier and snatch my necklace. Give it back. It's important to me." I said as I stand on what I had decided. I can't back out now. The necklace is all I wanted. He take a step forward which made me step backwards. I don't like where this is heading but I'll take the chances to take back the necklace.

" Oh? What a bold accusation you have there miss. Now now, why don't we talk this out first?" I jump back as he grabbed my arm and pushed me in the lot. My body started to shake and tremble. I was slump back in the ground as I tried to look for a scape. I tried to stand but he immediately jump on top of me as he pinned my arms down. I flail my legs around, tried kicking him out but he's quite strong.

"Will you behave for a while? Hmm?" His breath stink with smoke and liquor which is making me nauseated. He is disgusting. I can feel his rough, calloused hand in my ankle up my legs. My heart is pumping loudly. Tears tinted my cheeks as he continued with his assault.

" AHHHHHHHH HELP HMMMM-" I shouted with all my might. I hope someone will be here by chance. Just.. I wanted to be out of here.

"Shut up bitch or else-"

I tried to bite off his hand that is covering my mouth which he withdraw immediately. For a spilt second, I take in a deep breath and open my mouth to shout once more but in a blink, the man assaulting me is now on the other side of the lot and there was a man on tooe of him. I saw the knife in the man's hand as it glinted through the darkness. With my body tremendously shaking, I hide away from the darkness.

I just wanted to take my necklace back... Why does it have to turn out like this?

"Put your hands above your head, Now!"

Everything went passed by like a blur as I sit in the dark corner. I feel so disgusted with the man. I can feel those filthy hands roaming around my legs and all I wanted to do is rip it off; cleanse off my whole body until I feel clean again.

I felt something comfy landed my back but I step back.

"Get.. Get away from me..."

I wanted to be alone.

" I won't do anything to you more so, touch you. I just want to lend you my jacket, the night's getting chiller. So, if you please put the jacket on."

I look up closely to the man in front. I can't totally make out his whole appearance but, he voice sounded so familiar. Then reality struck into me as I figured out who he was. That... That's impossible! Of all people?! Testing my hypothesis, I took his jackeb and the familiar scent of perfume attack my nostrils. I close my eyes tightly. If he is who I think he is then, he didn't change his perfume at all. It was still the Armani perfume I recommended for him to use. With wobbling legs, I tried to stand up and to my surprise, I I almost fell to the ground if it weren't for the string arms holding me up. Eye to eye, my hypothesis now proved. In the beck of my head I scream...

LORENZO NIKOLAI BOROMEO?!