Are you truly fine Makaria? Dont you feel something odd with your eyes or your injuries?" I wanted so much to roll my eyes as I heard my father's question for the nth time now but, didn't do so. Instead, I laugh at my father and shook my head.
"Dad. You heard me, I am okay. I am alright, nothing's wrong with my sight or body. I can even clearly see you now. You have grown some wrinkles and gray hair for the passed months I was in the hospital."
He held my hand and grasp. He look so sullen, worried and at the same time happy as he look at me.
" I just wanted to make sure that you're okay hija. I am just relieved and happy now that you are here with your eyesight now okay. You didn't know how devastated I was after hearing about the incident you were involved in. I'm just happy Makaria... You know, I can't loose you now... "
I held back my tears upon hearing the words of my father. I can feel his sadness. I know that I should be strong and keep myself safe for the sake of my old man. There's only the two of us left since I'm an only child and mother's dead.
" I know dad. I'm sorry if I made you real worried. But let me tell you for the nth time now that I am alright. You can even ask Ben. Dr. Sanchez already signaled for my discharge so I'm good to go. Besides I wanted to leave the hospital so bad dad."
"Hmm. Okay, okay. But maybe I'll just have to ask Dr. Sanchez myself later." I shook my head with my father's stubbornness.
It's been months since I have been to places and even see the world. I can't help but feel awe as I watch outside the car as the trees went passed by like a blur. Now that I can finally see, realization dawned into me that the hospital I was admitted to is a bit secluded. Along the highway are huge trees aligned in the way. Its branches and leaves creates a shadow that protects us from the direct heat of the sun. I rolled down the window of my car and the cold breeze of the air hit my face.
"Ahh. This is so refreshing." I murmured.
"Hmm. Seems like it. John's father personally chosen the hospital you two admitted. The owner of the hospital was a friend of his."
I hum and decided not to answer my father. I close my eyes and laid back in the seat as I savour the feeling of the cool air fanning my face. The constant fanning of the air was like a lullaby cradling me to sleep. Time passed and I feel sleep is dragging my consciousness away and I succumb into the darkness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Makaria? Hija, wake up. We're here. Wake up." The constant soft tap in my cheek made me open my eyes slowly. A bit disoriented, I look around blankly as I recall what had happened. My father's face was the first thing I saw and the memories came rushing in. Oh. I'm finally out of the hospital and now on the way to John's house... Or maybe we had arrive.
I yawn and gently pinch my cheeks to shoo away my sleepiness. My father then step out of the car followed by Ben who was driving a while ago. The door in my side open and an unfamiliar face greeted me. He wore an all black suit just like Ben with an earpiece so I assume he's one of them.
"Thanks." I said and step out of the car. Behind, I saw the third and the last car now park. Men in black suit then step out and went to get my belongings in the compartment.
"Come hija. Let's get inside." I grasp the hand of my father and let him lead the way. I roam my eyes around and my mouth went slightly agape with house or more like a mansion John own. The mansion is a European inspired which gives off some medieval vibe touch with a bit modernization. Since I was asleep for most of the trip, I didn't notice the long driveway and the spacious foyer which is now crowded with maids in queue. I know how rich John and his family is but I never thought his house would look like this. I tasted luxury since I was born but we never actually had this kind of house, most specially that mom and dad like more of a modern house. I stop for a while and just eyed the vast garden in front with a fountain in the middle.
"Makaria? Come. It's too hot in here. You should get inside and rest for a while." I snapped my head and went inside. The maids and everyone else were greeting us with some other guards tailing behind with my things I used in the hospital.
"Hello miss. I am Morrie your handmaiden. I'll assist you with everything that you do."
"Oh. Hello then Morrie. Uh, can you lead me to my room?" I said and I feel quite awkward. It's been ages since I have handmaiden. The last time I had was the moment where my mother was alive and our business was still at its peak.
"Do you want us to serve the lunch miss?" I heard the head maid, Natalia, say.
"Uh. I just want to rest for a while. You can prepare the lunch for my father though."
"Understood. Please rest well miss. Just call Morrie for your needs."
"Thanks Natalie."
"Dad I want to rest right away. I'll just have my lunch later. You should eat ahead and take your meds okay?" I said and went upstairs as Morrie lead the way.
"Okay hija. Ben? What time will John be home later?"
The conversation and noises downstairs slowly fades as Morrie and I ascend the elegant staircases of the mansion. Huge chandelier hang above the ceiling in the middle as it shines. Paintings after paintings are displayed in the hallway as we tread the way. I can't really help but look around and feed my eyes with the luxurious things inside this mansion. It's been a while...
"Here's your room miss." Morrie's voice cut me off my trance and pulled me back to the reality.
"Ah. Yes. Thank you Morrie." She slight bowed and open the door for me. The room is spacious like the one who planned this house is totally extravagant in giving this specific room a space. In the middle of the room situated the four poster bed with canopy curtains all over the bed. My mouth went wide as I truly love the bed. I look at Morrie, stunned.
"I hope you like it miss. We personally decorated this room for you." Her dimples so deep as she smiled sweetly at me. I returned her smile with a big one as I eyed the elegant bed and the black canopy curtains.
"Wow. It's great. I love it. Thank you."
"That's good to hear miss. Nero will be here shortly to take your things in here. You can press for the intercom if you wanted to call me."
"Thanks Morrie."
"I'll take my leave miss." I nodded and went straight to the bed. I laid in the bed and close my eyes. I have sleep almost on the way here but I don't feel like to mingle with other people yet. I just wanted some peaceful afternoon and think things through now that I am in the good condition. Hmmm. The biggest option I have is to go back to work. Even if I was the daughter of the late owner of the company, I still need to work hard to keep the position I have in the company. Due to the accident, the manager might spare me. And... I know that I need John's permission first specially that I am under his roof.
"Haaaa. I'll just have to properly rest and plan everything here on out." I told myself and slide inside the comfort of the bed. Lying in the soft bed lulled me leisurely to sleep. I felt all my muscles relax against the comfy bed as I inhale the sweet smell of essential oil. I've never been this relax for the past years. I close my eyes and succumb to the darkness that was once my companion for months.
"What do you mean mother is in the hospital? What is she doing in there?" I ask total flabbergasted with the news. They must be kidding! Why go to the hospital? They must be mistaken! She's in the police station and reported me missing! Not in the hospital!
" Miss this isn't the time for talk. We need you to get in your home as Mr. Sandoval is waiting for you. Robert, drive the car to the mansion." The loud bang and impact of the door closing made me blink and shut up for the whole ride. I have a lot of questions running in my head and I wanted them to be answered right away but seeing everybody so serious stop me. The silence and tension inside the car is so palpable one can slice it with a knife. The car came into halt and immediately, I open the car door myself before the guards could do so. I run passed the startled guards and some maids. As I went nearer the portico of our house, I can see the restless figure of my father as he went to and fro. Some of the maids were outside too as I think they wanted my father to calm down.
"Miss Makaria! Sir, miss Makaria is here!" the screeching voice of one of the maids cut through the silence and tension. Abruptly, my father stop and look at my direction. His face now contorted from worried sick to relief. He take a deep breath and slowly walk to me. I, on the other hand, take more big steps and jump right into my father. I felt him shaking a bit as he embrace me.
"Thank God you're safe little girl. Thank God! Don't you ever make us worry like that! Do you understand?"
I nodded and for some reason my eyes were wet.
"I'm so sorry dad. I won't do it again." I said sincerely. He pat my back and release me from his arms. He leveled his eyes on me and spoke.
"I'm so glad you're safe hija. Now that you're here, go to your room and change okay? I need to do something important. I'll have manang to serve you the dinner okay? You don't have to wait for me in the dinner. Maybe I'll be late tonight." I nodded in agreement but something is still bothering me.
" But dad, mom's still not here. Caesar said she's in the hospital. What is she doing in there? I need to see her now to apologize. I didn't mean to do that to her. " I said guiltily as I thought of my mom. No matter the scolding I could get because of my stunt, I just want her here now. For a split second, my father's eyes went flew behind and glared but maybe it was just my vision playing at me. He then look at me and reassuringly ruffled my hair.
"I'll take care of everything sweety. Go now to manang and rest. Mommy's okay."
"Okay then dad."
One of the maids ushered me to go inside. I look back at dad now talking to the guards. With reluctance, I let the maid take me wherever she wants.
"Let's tuck you to bed miss. It's ten o'clock in the evening, you need to sleep now." My personal nanny, manang Gloria, close the fairytale book she's reading for a while now. I refuse to sleep because daddy nor mommy is back yet. They didn't even join me for the dinner tonight. I've been asking manang about my parent's whereabouts but even her didn't know anything.
"I'm not sleepy manang. Besides, I'm waiting for daddy and mommy to come home." I said firmly on what I decided. But every stroke of manang's fingers in my hair made me want to sleep.
"Eh? You're not sleepy? But seems like your eyelids wanted to close and rest Makaria. Come on now, you need to sleep hija. Tomorrow, your daddy and mommy will be here. Do you want them to know that you didn't sleep early?" I pouted my lips as she said those words.
" Fine. I'm gonna sleep now manang." I said and close my eyes. A kiss brush against my forehead. I heard manang open the door and after a click, the lights went out; only the light from the lampshade illuminates my whole room. Sensing that I'm all alone now, my plan now started to roll. I let the time pass by while I keep myself busy to shoo away the sleepiness started to creep in. I wanted to see mommy and daddy now. I'm already eight years old yet both mom and dad do not want me to own a personal phone. Geez. If only I have a phone I can call daddy now. I sigh. My eyelids started close in several times and my eyes started to burn. The silence and darkness of my room makes me want to succumb into the realm of sleep; throughout the silence, a honk resonated in the quiet house followed by the sound of engine. In a snap, I went to the windows and notice a car park outside the portico. The headlights and dim lights are making me hard to figure out the person who got out of the car. The bulky figure of the person lead me to thinking that maybe dad’s already home. Without second thoughts, I went out of my room and descend downstairs to welcome him myself. The lights in the sala were turned off except those lamps near the door. I’m in the fifth step when the door open and the man was briskly walking in the stairway not noticing me at all.
“Dad? “ I called.
“Makaria? Why are you still up?” Upon hearing dad’s voice, I descended the stairs fast, leaping at least two step at a time. He catch me and frowned.
“ It’s way past your bedtime sweety. Why are you still up?” Even of I’m already eight years old, dad would always treat me like a baby. He lifted me up in his arms and started to ascend upstairs.
“Well, you didn’t come back so I waited for you and mommy. Where is she dad? Is she mad at me? “ I ask as I lay my head against my daddy’s arms. I felt him caressing my hair. He stop and open the door, which is my room for sure.
“You didn’t have to do that Makaria. Come on now, let’stuck you to bed and sleep, okay?” He put me down and instead of laying in the bed, I stood in the middle and cast a questioning look at my daddy. I put my hands in the waist and ask.
“Dad, you didn’t answer your question. I’ve never seen mom with you. “ He sigh, looking so tired and defeated. He look at me and straighten the crumples of my night wear. He ushered me to sleep and I stood firm but to no avail.
“Dad-“ I protest but he cut me off.
“Makaria, let’s talk about this tomorrow. Rest now. “ He uttered with all seriousness. Dad’s a bit carefree to me that’s why I am certified a Daddy’s girl. But hearing him say those words with seriousness and restraint is all new to me. I wanted to push what I want but did not do so. I nodded silently and lay in the bed. Daddy cover me with the bedsheets till my neck and kiss my forehead.
“Sleep well princess. “ He then left the room silently without so much explanation. Leaving me alone with my haywire thoughts of what could’ve happen to my mom.
The next morning, the sun shine so brightly outside making everything glow and bloom; too far from the gloomy atmosphere as I sit in the dining table all alone. I eyed the food in front but I don’t really have an appetite. This morning didn’t start right. I thought dad will woke me up and we’ll eat breakfast together just like our usual mornings; dad even went straight to the company and mom is yet at home. Not really feeling like to eat, I set aside the plate and started to head back in my room when manang notice me.
“Oh? You don’t like the food Makaria? Do you want me to prepare another?”
I shook my head and proceed. I did all my routines from taking a bath down picking the clothes I’ll wear for the day. My plans for today was supposedly hanging out in my friend’s place all day but I don’t feel like going out. Instead, I wore my indoor clothes, grabbed a book and slump in the bed. The door open and manang's head popped pop but I heed no attention.
“Oh? I thought you’ll visit Beatrice today hija? You didn’t even touched your breakfast. “
“ I just don’t feel like doing anything manang. “ I murmur. My eyes scanning the lines after lines of the book not really comprehending any words.
“Is it because your father wasn’t there when you woke up? Or is it because of yesterday’s? “
I dragged my eyes from the book to manang. She look at me warmly, her eyes shining as she knew the very reason why I was sulking. I pouted and nodded as a response.
“Oh. Hija, I know how bad you feel right now knowing that your mom and dad isn’t here but know that they love you. They’re might be busy right now you know, with business and whatnot. Despite of that, I’m here with you, will that suffice for now? Come, don’t let yourself starve. And I did tell you that it’s bad to make the food wait, right? “ Realizing that manang’s right, I set aside the book and let her lead me back in the dining area.
“ Are you done?” Manang ask as she sees me putting away my plate. I dab a tissue in my side lips as I felt a grease left.
“Yes manang. I’m full. “
The maids in standby cleared the table away and I stood up to head back in my room.
“ That’s good then. You should wash up then. Sir Sandoval will pick you up later. “
My eyes went wide and my down disposition suddenly rocketed up. Excitement surged all throughout my system upon hearing the words from manang.
“Really? Where are we going then manang? Why didn’t you tell me daddy called?” I said hastily. Not really waiting for her answer, I run in the staircases to prepare myself. Gosh, I’m so excited!
The loud honk outside signal me to go downstairs. I happily descended in the staircases and jump at the sight of my daddy.
“Dad!” I called, my chest pumping up and down due to the excitement. My dad whom usually clad in ties and suit, now wearing a casual clothes.
“Here there sweety. Have you had your breakfast?”
I nodded and twirl in front of him making the dress I’m wearing float in the air for seconds. He smiled at me and take my hand.
“ Let’s go see mommy sweety. “
He sat beside me inside the car while Caesar sit in the driver’s seat. The engine roared into life and driving out of the mansion.
“Eh? Where are we going exactly dad? “ Daddy took my hands and caress. He smiled at me.
“Mommy’s in the hospital Makaria. She was admitted yesterday due to… heart attack. So we’ll visit mommy today. “
My once high spirits went down in a split second. Daddy’s words left my mouth open.
“Is mommy sick? Why… is she in the hospital? Will she di-“
“No Makaria. Mommy’s fine. She’ll be alright. We’ll just wait for her to recover from the shock and she’ll be back okay? “ With daddy’s words, I was reassured that everything’s fine.
“Okay dad. “
As I step inside the room, I saw mommy lying in the bed with those tubes connecting on her. She’s not moving at all. I walk slowly until I reach her side.
“Mommy? Wake up. We need to go home now. “ I murmur and grasp her hand, cold against mine. I look at dad worried, not knowing what to do.
“Makaria, don’t disturb mommy. She’s resting. Come now. Let’s go home. We’ll be back tomorrow. “
I look at daddy’s hand reaching out and look back at my mom’s lying figure. She looks so pale with the hospital gown, without all of her usual clothing and make up. Her chest heaving up and down reassure me that she’s okay. Maybe, she’s just resting there.
“She can rest in our home though. “ I pouted. I don’t want to leave her.
“Of course she can. She’ll be home the moment she’ll wake up. You’ll visit Beatrice later today right? I’ll drive you to her house and pick you up around four, okay? I still need to attend the office. “
“We’ll be leaving mom dad? She’ll be lonely here!”
“Nope. I’ll be here all day okay? Come now. “
On our way, I was looking outside when notice that it wasn’t the way leading to Beatrice’s house. The car pull over. Caesar went outside and open the door in my father’s side.
“Wait here okay. Don’t go outside. I’ll need to settle things first. “
Dad went out accompanied by Caesar and others. I look outside and saw the prominent letters posted in the upper part of the building. In bold letters painted in blue says “ POLICE DEPARTMENT”
What is daddy doing inside that building? Instead of waiting, I hastily went outside and keep up with daddy who’s now inside.
“Miss! You’re not allowed to go anywhere! “
Didn’t paying attention, I reached the door and went straight in corridor like I know the place. I look around and saw a desk with a policeman. The policeman look at me puzzled.
“What are you here little girl? This isn’t the playground. How can I help you with? “
“ She’s Mr. Sandoval’s daughter. “ The bodyguard chasing after me answered instead. The policeman nodded.
“He’s inside. Just go straight. He’s asking for the boy. “
“Okay. Come now miss. I’ll take you back inside the car. Your father specifically told you to stay inside the car.”
He hold my arm but I wiggle out his hold and headed straight in the direction the policeman told us. The place is quite narrow but clean. I stop near the door and hide behind the huge vase. I heard my daddy talking to someone not familiar.
“ How’s the investigation inspector? Did he really snatch away my wife’s belongings? The only thing that’s missing is her wallet.”
I hide behind the vase, truly clueless on what they were talking about.
“We have found out that he isn’t in fact the one who stole it sir. According to the cctv footage, he’s the one who actually help catch the thief. But, there’s no other follow up videos after they run off the main Street into the squatter’s area where we found the bag.
“So, the real culprit is still loose out there. Regarding the part where my wife collapse, what happened? “
“Right after the man snatch away the bag, Mrs. Sandoval shouted for some help. The bodyguards with her were not in the area because minutes before the robbery, the cctv caught your daughter running off somewhere and the guards run after her, leaving your wife vulnerable for robbery. Realizing the moment, the thief then strike, making Mrs. Sandoval shock with the sudden attack then collapsed. “
Silence reign for a moment. I peek over to see what they were doing. My dad keep mum like he is processing what the man said.
“Bring him here. I wanna talk to him.” The man nodded and walk away for a second. The moment he was back, he’s with a boy. Rug, dirty and smelly. Even in the distance where I hide, I can smell the foul odor. Without the second thought I dash into his direction and slap him hard. My hand throb making his face tilt an inches away. Looking the red hue in his cheek, I felt satisfied.
“This is all your fault! You scumbag! If it weren't for you my mother wouldn't be in the hospital now! I hate you! Daddy will make sure you'll rot in jail." I spit the words with all of my hatred. I imagine mommy lying in the cold, dirty and totally indecent ground is making me mad I can feel my tears at bay. The boy was totally shock until he recovered. His eyes widen; shock, disdain and anger mirrored his eyes. His head snapped at me, looking at me with murder look, ready to fight back when his eyes slowly soften. His hot glare turned to real shock making it wide more than it was before. I glared at him, while he look at me lost. His mouth opened while his eyes repeatedly swipe up and down my figure. I open my mouth to snapped at him when my body was dragged away by some strong hands. I flail my arms but to no avail.
“Makaria?! What was that?! “ The thunderous voice stopped me at once. He had never raise his voice at me. And… just because of that boy?! I look at my daddy, disbelief on what he did.
“Really… dad?”
“We’ll talk at home. Let’s go. “ He stated firmly like I was at fault. I look back at the estranged boy. He stood there hands bound, mouth agape and eyes wide. His eyes, looking so dark now lacks the heated anger he thrown at me before; replace by a soft look which made no sense at all.
Author's note: Hello dear readers! If you are reading this, I just wanted to say thank you for supporting me! How's the story so far? Don't hesitate to comment down your thoughts! I would love to hear them all. Keep safe! Lovelots