Chapter 10

I cried all night in bed and woke up with puffy eyes, expecting my mother to be the same.

Hindi ko nakita si Mama dahil abala ako sa pag-aayos para sa birthday party niya mamaya. She sent a stylist for me who gave me a disapproving look after seeing my swollen eyelids.

"Masyado ka pang bata para iyakan ang isang lalaki, Anna." Ani Greta, ang matagal nang nag-aayos sa akin. I've grown comfortable with her that my mother, even though she has moved next town, still contacts her whenever I needed a make-over for some event.

"Hindi po ganun yun..." tahimik kong wika.

My heart throbs in pain as I imagine what would be the scenario later on. My mother would be very sad, celebrating her birthday party and her last day in the mansion. I wanted to go to her room right now and hug her, tell her everything's going to be fine, but I can't even convince myself.

Gusto ko munang ako mismo ang maniwala na magiging maayos lang kaming dalawa. I grew up in a happy family and losing my father to another woman is so shocking to me.

"Well, put on your dress first and I'll start your makeup." She instructed, ignoring the sad tone of my voice.

Tumango ako at sinunod ang gusto niyang mangyari. The sleek, white dress is by Roberto Cavalli. It was a limited-edition dress that I am supposed to wear on my 17th birthday. But since I could no longer see myself celebrating another event in this mansion, I decided to wear it tonight and just leave it here.

My grandparents will be waiting for us after the party. Mama's parents are rich and sophisticated. The way my grandmother held the tiny French tea cup in an elegant manner made me conclude that elegance really runs in the blood. She's just like my mother, only with graying hair and darker shade of lipstick.

I glanced at myself at the full-sized mirror when I stepped out of the bathroom. Greta nodded approvingly after seeing my dress and gestured for me to sit in the faux fur chair to start my makeup.

Una niyang kinulot ang dulo ng buhok ko at nagsimula na siya sa kaniyang obra. She specializes in angelic, glam look that my mother always approves of. Even though it takes hours for her to finish the entire process, the results are always rewarding.

My eyes turned soft with the rosegold eyeshadow and some silver glitters running down the lines of my cat-like eyes. It emphasized my dark orbs. Greta did well popping out my favored features to its best advantage. Cheekbones high and stuffed lips. The soft curl of my hair framed my small face. She clipped some gold star earrings to my ears to finish the angel look.

By the time we were finished, my neck is throbbing in pain. The puffiness of my eyes was hidden expertly by the makeup. I sighed inwardly and hoped that my mother's stylist would do the same for her.

Pagkatapos akong ayusan ni Greta ay bumaba na kami. Housekeepers are swarming around, busy and almost panicking. I couldn't find my father in the crowd, and was glad that he isn't around. I'm not ready to deal with him again.

"A-Anna..."

Nilingon ko si Baste at nakitang nakasuot siya ng suit and tie. A small smile crawled on my lips when I saw how awkward he stood in front of me. Hindi siya sanay sa ganitong mga damit kaya siguro naninibago.

"Nirentahan lang 'to ni Tatay sa kapitbahay namin..." tila nahihiya pa niyang wika.

"Bagay sayo."

Baste flushed and for a moment, stood there panicking and didn't know what to do. To put him at ease, I laid a hand on his shoulder. Nanigas siya at nanlalaki ang mga matang napatingin sa akin.

"Salamat sa lahat ng ginawa mo para sa akin, Baste. I appreciate your loyalty to me and to my family."

"Ayos lang, Anna. Mabubuting tao ang mga De la Rua. Hindi ako magsasawang paglingkuran kayo."

I nodded again and then left with a heavy heart. If we're going to leave, I will surely miss Baste and him being so overprotective of me. I will miss Manang Joji's homemade meals and cookies. I will miss Jessica, who will probably get angry with me when she learns that I'm suddenly leaving.

And Blake...

Hindi ako nakagalaw nang rumehistro sa utak ko ang pinakabatang Sobreval. Blake... I'm going to leave him as well.

I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell him tonight, but if I leave without telling him, he'll probably get disheartened, too.

When the stars started to climb and the dark sky filled the vastness of space, the visitors from all over the town and the neighboring cities finally arrived. They were all dressed extravagantly, as this party is almost like a gala. Sometimes, my mother would get saddened that her birthday party turns into a social event where wealthy and powerful people are flaunting off their riches in the form of the rubies and long gowns and the finest tuxedos.

The crowd is starting to get bigger that the housekeepers have to accommodate some of the guests at the big rose garden outside. I could see Shanna and her older sister, but didn't bother to talk to them. Gusto kong tawagan si Jess at kausapin siya sa balak naming pag-alis ni Mama ngayong gabi.

"Anna!"

I turned and saw Cristophe Sobreval, together with his four sons—Gabriel, Reuben, Dexter, and Blake. My heart warmed at the soft, friendly smile on his face as I run into him and hugged him. He's like a second father to me. Now that my own father is ruining our family, I could only find the warmth of a father's hug in his.

"Dalagang-dalaga ka na..." he chuckled. "Where's your father?"

"Hindi ko pa po nakikita." Pag-amin ko. I glanced at Blake, and was bothered by the way he stares at me. He picked up a tall wine glass from a passing waiter and took a gulp without breaking his stare. Ang iba niyang mga kapatid ay abala sa pagsuyod ng tingin sa buong mansion.

"Don't tell me he's still at work? It's your mother's birthday! Dapat ay wala na siya sa trabaho, ngayon. Ever since he hired that talented strategist, I noticed remarkable progress of the hacienda."

My heart sank at the bottom of my pit upon the mention of Valerie's existence. Blake, noticing my dilemma, immediately cleared his throat to get the attention of his father.

"Dad, I think I saw Tito Simone outside with some of his friends. Why don't we talk a little walk to get some fresh air?"

"Oh, okay—"

Naputol ang pagsasalita niya at napatingin sa hagdanan. Bigla ding tumahimik ang lahat kaya pati ako ay na-intriga. I turned and was shocked when I saw my mother, carefully walking down the stairs.

The classical music playing in the background had made her entrance more dramatic. Napa-awang ang bibig ko. This isn't what I was expecting to see tonight.

Anastasia De la Rua looked as if she aged 10 years younger in her deep red velvet gown. She looked very tall and lean in the mermaid dress that was tailored just for her, showing a good yet sophisticated amount of cleavage.

Her long brown hair, which I envied ever since I was young, was coiffed delicate with little rubies dotting around that sparkles every time it hits the light. Mama is the lady in red right now. From the Burmese ruby pulsating at the delicate hollow of her throat, the long, red nails, and the suede heels, she looked as if she stepped out of an old Italian movie.

The most noticeable thing about her, aside from her unusual glow tonight, is the fact that she's no longer wearing the wedding band on her delicate fingers.

"Simone is a lucky man." Cristophe Sobreval commented, watching my mother with the unmistakable male appreciation. "Hindi nagbago si Anna noon hanggang ngayon. She's still as beautiful as ever."

I wanted to gently correct him that my father is not lucky. Mama is not a martyr woman who'd tolerate his wrongdoings. In fact, she's made a move that would eventually destroy Papa's reputation right after this party.

"Anastasia..." nilapitan ng Dad ni Blake si Mama nang tuluyan na siyang nakababa sa grand staircase. Nagkatinginan kaming dalawa ni Blake. "It's so rare to see a haciendera with a face of a filmstar in this sleepy town of La Union. You're such a refresher."

"Thank you, Cristophe. I'm glad you're here."

"I couldn't say no to Mrs. De la Rua..." he kidded.

My mother smiled gently, patted his shoulder using her long nails and stared at him in the eyes.

"I prefer to be called Miss Villafuerte from now on, Cris."

Shock registered across his face, as well as the guests who were near and have heard what she said. Mama didn't seem to mind it. She knows she's beautiful and the power that she holds right now is undefeatable. She walked to me and held the tip of my curl with her hands.

"You looked beautiful tonight, Savannah." She said gently, kissing my cheeks. "I hope you enjoy the party, sweetie."

I pulled a sad smile and we shared a look for a moment before she left me to entertain more guests. Pinagmasdan ko ang sariling ina. She carries herself so well and she's laughing with some of the guests. Women are staring at her with envy and some men are even trying to advance on her, taking advantage that my father is not around.

"Anna..."

Napaigtad ako nang gumapang ang init mula sa maugat na kamay ni Blake sa balikat ko. I turned to him and flushed when I realized how stupid I must've looked next to my mother.

Anastasia is Aphrodite and I'm just a servant.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded and gestured towards the rose garden. I should tell him now before we go. Tatawagan ko nalang si Jessica mamaya.

"Pwede ba tayong mag-usap?"

He nodded again, still looking serious. Two of his brothers greeted me, and I flushed again in embarrassment. I'm not used to being showered by the holy attention of the Sobrevals. Gabriel has gone somewhere to answer a call while Cristophe is still left dumbfounded by what my mother said.

"Makikipaghiwalay na ang Mama mo kay Tito Simone?"

I stared at the bushes, pregnant with roses in deep red. Marahan akong tumango. The air is cold here, and we could still hear the paint classical music playing in the background.

He sighed loudly. I dragged my gaze away from the enticing roses to stare at his face. How strong his face looks tonight, under the mercy of the faint moonlight. And his villain eyes that would hold dirty promises to girls. A portal to paradise.

Blood flushed to my cheeks when I realized that I am fantasizing about him! Again! iniling ko ang ulo at suminghap.

"Something wrong, Anna?"

I glanced at him worriedly. Paano ko sasabihin sa kaniya? It's not about how I tell him that we're going away. It's about how I tell him that I wanted to stay with him and to never go away.

But my fairytale life here in La Union is over.

"We're leaving, Blake..." I breathed as hot tears swam in my eyes.

Unti-unting kumunot ang noo niya at pinagmasdan ako lalo. Blake searched for my face, cupped my chin with his thumb and pointing finger, and made me look him in the eyes.

"You're what...?"

"Aalis na kami ni Mama sa mansion pagkatapos ng party." Naiiyak kong wika. "Hindi na kami titira dito."

"Then... then where are you going?"

"We're going to live somewhere far. At my grandparent's place. Hindi sinabi ni Mama sa akin kung saan kami pupunta. She wanted me to trust her. Susunduin kami ni Lolo at Lola. And then.... I don't know where we're going to live, Blake. Ilo-ilo... Tagaytay... Cebu... they have properties everywhere."

Blake cursed to himself. Biglang nawalan ng buhay ang mga mata niya. I suddenly felt guilty, staring at him right now.

"Are you really going to leave? You can still live here, Anna! Just away from your father."

"Nirerespeto ko ang desisyon ni Mama, Blake, na hindi na niya gustong makita pa ang Papa ko."

"Pero paano ka?" he insisted. "You still need a father."

"I don't need a father who doesn't know how to be one. All I need is Mama."

"Anna..." bahagya niyang niyugyog ang mga balikat ko. "Please don't talk like that. He's still your father. You're too young to be carrying hatred in your heart."

"Sinaktan niya kami, Blake..."

"What did I tell you, Anna? I told you to protect your heart at all costs."

"This is what I'm doing!" I exploded, hot tears streaming down my face. "I'm protecting my heart from my father who decided to hurt me by his own will."

"You're not protecting your heart. You're just running away."

"You don't understand me!" I jabbed an angry finger at his chest. "Palibhasa, nasa iyo na ang lahat! Your father spoils you so much and you're being adored by many. You never have to beg anyone to love you, Blake. And you just don't understand me!" I screamed.

"Anna, I'm sorry. I just wanted to—"

"No! Shut up and don't talk to me ever again!" I shouted angrily, before walking away and ignoring his calls.

Hinihingal akong bumalik sa mansion at tumutulo pa ang luha. Nakasalubong ko si Baste, na kaagad na nawala ang ngiti sa mukha nang makita niyang umiiyak ako.

"Anna, anong nangyari?"

Hindi ako sumagot. But he saw Blake trailing me behind, calling out my name. Biglang nandilim ang tingin niya at inilapag ang hawak na baso. Nagulat nalang ako nang bigla niyang sinugod si Blake at walang pag-aalinlangang sinuntok sa panga.

I shrieked. Blake is shocked and managed to dodge the second punch while Baste is an untamed beast.

"Gago ka! Diba sinabi ko sa iyo na huwag na huwag mong paiiyakin si Anna?!" galit niyang singhal.

"Baste!" I shouted, and immediately went to the two boys tackling to the ground.

"I don't want to hurt her!"

"Eh bakit pinaiyak mo? Ha?"

"This is none of your fucking business—"

I tried to pull Baste and drag him away because he's no match for Blake. This Sobreval is built strong and he's got strong punches. He's pissed right now and instead of dodging, he's punching him back as well.

"Ano ba! Tama na!" naiiyak ko ng sigaw sa kanila. No one is around to help me. If Jess is here, she'd know what to do. "Blake... Baste..."

They were cursing each other now. Naaawa na ako kay Baste na ngayo'y wala nang laban kay Blake. I pleaded the two hot-headed boys to stop but they both ignore me.

"Sebastian."

Cold fear rippled through my spine when I heard the strong, authoritative female voice. I don't need to turn and see that my mother is here.

"Blake."

Upon hearing her, the two boys slowly stopped and untangled from one another. Pareho silang hinihingal. Pumutok pa ang labi ni Baste and a huge bruise is starting to form on Blake's clenched jaw.

"What are you boys doing, punching at each other on my birthday?"

Umiiyak kong nilingon si Mama. "Mama, sorry po. Hindi ko po sila napigilan..."

She held out a finger to me and then walked towards the two of them. Parehong masasama ang tingin nila sa isa't isa.

"What's all this about?"

"I'm sorry, Tita. It's all my fault. Ako yung nakakatanda. Dapat hindi ko na pinatulan si Baste." Hinging paumanhin agad ni Blake.

"Sorry po, Ma'am. Nadala lang po ako sa galit..." halos lumuhod na si Baste sa kahihiyan.

Mama sighed. Para siyang in ani Blake at Baste na pagagalitan sila dahil sa kasalanang ginawa.

"You're both wasting your time fighting when you could tell Anna what you really feel before she leaves."

We were both taken aback by what she said. Lalo na si Baste. Nag-angat siya ng tingin at gulat akong pinagmasdan.

"Aalis ka?"

"We're leaving tonight. Are you sure you're going to spend the remaining hours with Anna in a senseless fight? Blake and Baste, my daughter deserves to know."

Hindi na sila makatingin dalawa sa akin. Confusion took over me. I turned to my mother.

"Mama, what are you talking about?"

She just smiled gently at me and kissed my forehead.

"Sweetie, you're so lucky. You've got two boys who are willing to shed some blood for you. Talk to them properly, okay? We're leaving in an hour."

And with that, my mother left. For the first few minutes, walang gumalaw o umimik sa aming tatlo. Baste wiped the blood in his lips.

"Aalis ka pala, hindi mo man lang sinabi sa akin." pagak siyang tumawa.

"Baste..." guilt spread in my chest upon the sight of him, hurting because of me.

"Pasensiya na, Anna. Na-disturbo ko pa yata kayo. May sasabihin pa tong si Blake sa iyo. Una na ako."

"Baste!"

Hindi na niya ako nilingon pa. He walked fast and disappeared inside the mansion. A headache is starting to form in my temple. Nilingon kong muli si Blake.

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier, Anna." He said in a quiet voice. I didn't know that the dominant Sobreval can sound this vulnerable right now. "I just don't want you to leave."

Napa-awang ang bibig ko sa narinig. And here I thought he just doesn't understand me and what I feel.

"But now it's clear to me. Kailangan mo at ng Mama mo ng distansiya mula dito. Mula sa Papa mo. And I'm not going to stop you or even make you feel guilty for leaving. You deserve a new life, Anna."

"Blake..."

"Just..." suminghap siya. Garalgal na ngayon ang boses niya. He's not one to falter, but I guess all the restraint and patience he'd been practicing for years had gone with the wind. "Just remember that when you come back, I'll always be here, okay?"

Hindi ako nakasagot kaagad. He didn't wait for my answer. He took a step and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"Hihintayin kita, Savannah..." he whispered before walking away with a bruise on his face.

I stared at his retreating figure, my heart breaking into a million pieces. I know that even though we're miles away, he's the only one who can keep my fire burning. 

Ilang minuto din akong nagtagal sa kinatatayuan. I can't seem to absorb everything that has ever happened in just one night. Pagod akong naglakad pabalik at nakita ang Papa. He pretended that I didn't exist and continued talking to his friends. He's probably mad at me.

When I reached the grand parlor, the guests are gathering when they saw my mother walking towards the center. She smiled at all the guests, and in a firm, strong voice, spoke to them.

"Thank you for coming to my birthday party. You all made my last birthday party here special. I am leaving this town and won't be back for a long time due to personal reasons only my soon-to-be ex-husband can explain."

I could hear the crowd gasping, and there was a sudden hush of whispers as the news spread among the guests.

"Well, I hope you all live a good life. My stay here in La Union has been wonderful until Simone decided to ruin everything. I hope to see you all again."

She stepped down the platform and scanned the crowd, until she found me. isang matamis na ngiti ang ibinigay ni Mama sa akin at nilapitan ako. All eyes are staring at us now.

"Come on, sweetie. Lolo and Lola are waiting outside."

I nodded and with a heavy heart, gripped her hand tightly as we headed outside. A black-tinted SUV is already waiting for us outside the gates. Pinagbuksan kami ng driver.

I blinked back my tears and with one last regretful look, glanced at my own little castle before I climbed inside the vehicle.