Chapter 2

My frown went deeper as I glared at the stack of newspapers on the table. That was such a dramatic arrival for me, but I wasn't expecting it'll make such an impact that the press has noticed it.

Plastered on the front page of a local newspaper is a huge yet blurry picture of me in my Jimmy Choo heels, black backless dress and sunglasses while holding the leash of Barin on one hand, walking intently with my head tiltled in an arrogant manner. It was a snap seconds before I reached the waiting SUV and disappeared inside. And the headline read, 'De la Rua heiress found dead 5 years ago is back!'

What foolish people. I didn't bother to read the content because I know it will be just as foolish as the headline. I tossed it back, alerting Barin of the sudden thud. He lifted his head and scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes.

"Let's see, what should we do today, Barin?" I asked out loud.

He stared at me, tilting his head to the side. Napangisi ako at inabot ang cellphone na bayolenteng tumutunog.

"Hello—"

"What do you think are you doing?" he snarled from the other line. I bit my lower lip to keep myself from chuckling when I heard pure anger in his voice. "Why are you all over the newspaper, Savia?"

I stared at my acrylic nails I got done yesterday in a nearby nail spa. It shines beautifully whenever the sunlight slants over it. "I don't know, Attorney. Malay ko bang may nag-aabang pala na press sa kung saan-saan."

"You are today's headlines, Savia! Gusto mo bang makaabot ito kina Valerie?"

"Relax, attorney." The newly-bought coffee maker dinged, and I crossed the small living room to attend to the machine. "Mabuti nga yun eh at nang magsimula na siyang matakot. Imagine her cowering in fear and worry, thinking if that picture is real or not." I tilted my head back and laughed wickedly. "That old lady must have been so stressed by now."

"Don't be so reckless, Savia..." gumaan ang boses ni Attorney. He's back into talking me out of troubles again using his father-like voice. "You could ruin all of our plans if you keep on butting heads with the papparazi."

"Don't worry about it," I carefully poured the coffee into a mug. Nang nakita ni Barin na nasa kusina na ako ay kaagad siyang tumayo at sumunod. He looked up to me, probably asking for food. Grinning, I poked his nose and he stepped back, glaring at me.

"You keep on telling me to not worry about it but I've been worrying about you for five years! My wide and I decided not to have children because we know they would be such headaches and now you're..." he trailed off and sighed. "How do you think I felt when you fled to Russia as soon as you got hold of your grandparent's money? I felt sick like a father whose daughter just eloped with another guy! And when I saw you risking your identity by playing major roles in opera! And when Barin got sick and you called me at three in the morning? Kulang nalang liparin kita sa Russia, Savannah!"

Napanguso ako. Here he goes again.

"Kumusta na nga po pala ang asawa niyo, attorney?" I asked, changing the subject when I remembered his aloof wife. She's also a competent lawyer but they're both working in different fields. While Attorney de Guzman worked on taxes and real estates, his wife Aya deals with crime cases and prosecutions.

He sighed on the other line. "Are you really okay, Savannah?"

I leaned a hip against the counter and sipped on my coffee. I haven't touched my luggage and my clothes are scattered inside my bedroom. I bought this small apartment five months before I'm bound to go home so I have a place to stay when I arrived.

"Yes. Yes, I am."

"Aya is still working with the investigation. She's got a lead, Savannah. And this time, nasisiguro kong may malalaman na tayo."

Painful memories of the past started to hunt me. The fire. The party. When I ran into the woods.

"I'm sure we'll find something out of it, Attorney."

The call ended. I spent a quiet morning with Barin before I decided to go out and do some shopping. Unlike before when I'm so terrified while in public, I could walk with confidence now. I don't need to hide myself with multiple layers of clothes and headwear.

That night, I went to the theatre associated with our company back in Russia. Iris said it would be a good idea to introduce myself to the staff and ballerinas here and tell them about my experience in Russia. All of them are still practicing before they are deployed to St. Petersburg. In a country where ballet isn't much appreciated, I felt like home when I stepped inside the small yet cozy theatre.

"Naku! Hinihintay po talaga namin kayo, Miss Savia..." the woman who introduced herself as Audrey, the moderator, beamed at me. "Napanuod po namin ang opera at mga performance ninyo. Minsan na din po akong nakapunta sa Mariinsky para makapanuod. Sayang nga lang at wala kayong performance doon na kasama si Barin."

I thanked her and the tour started. A lot of young ballerinas tried to see and talk to me. Some were even asking for a picture and an autograph! Pinasalamatan ko silang lahat. I made sure to make myself available if they need anything.

"You can call me anytime you want. I'm willing to help."

Audrey and the team waved goodbye as I slid inside the car and started the engine. I can't stay long because I forgot to defreeze Barin's food. He's probably uncomfortable in the apartment right now, as we've recently moved in.

I stayed inside the apartment for three days, trying to fix things up. Lumalabas lang ako kapag bumibili ng pagkain o di kaya'y nagpapadeliver na lamang para sa aming dalawa ni Barin.

I'm in the middle of moving my new coffee table when the phone started ringing. My head lifted at the tone while Barin remained undisturbed in his sleep. Pinagpagan ko ang suot na palda at tumayo para sagutin ang tawag.

"Hello?"

"Miss Savannah, si Audrey po ito."

"Oh. Napatawag ka? Is there something wrong?"

Worry filled my chest when I remembered that small theatre. Yesterday's pain had made me vow to myself that I will never let anyone hurt the people I love and care. It's high time that I stand for myself and for the surrounding people otherwise I'm going to lose them again right before my eyes.

"May tumawag po sa amin kanina, Miss Savannah. Nagpakilalang secretary ng isang kompanya. Uh... ang sabi niya po, gusto ng boss niya ng isang exclusive performance mula sa inyo."

"Tell her I don't do exclusive performances..." I said in a dismissive tone, my brows drawing together.

"Yun na nga po ang sinabi ko, na baka hindi kayo komportable sa isang exclusive performance. She then convinced me that if it will make you feel better, you will perform at our theatre. And she offered five million pesos... she said it could increase depending on how the negotiation goes." Audrey took a deep breath from the other line while I was stunned. "Ano pong sasabihin ko sa kaniya, Miss Savannah?"

Fazed, I looked out the window. Who the hell would pay five million pesos to a ballerina just to see her dance? I've worked hard at the Miriinsky theatre but I've never earned a hard five million spot cash on just a single opera.

"Tell her to dismiss it." I said in a firm voice, determined not to give in to it. Malay ko ba kung sino ang may-ari ng kompanyang yan! If he is that desperate, he is scary...

"Sige po, Miss Savannah..."

The call ended and I returned to cleaning my apartment. I thought that conversation is over when a night has passed and I haven't heard anything related to that offer. But the next morning, I woke up to the ringing of my phone.

"Who's this?" I demanded, scowling at the sight of my wrinkled sleepwear as I answered the unregistered number. My head is still in clouds and Barin is no longer sleeping in his area in the room. Inikot ko ang paningin.

"Miss Savannah De la Rua?" a professional, female voice came from the other line.

"Yes, speaking."

"Good morning, Miss Savannah. I'm Diana. I'm sure Miss Audrey has mentioned about an offer of your exclusive performance."

"Yes, and I'm not interested."

"Miss Savannah, we are willing to increase the offer—"

"Listen, it's six in the goddamn morning. Who the hell calls anyone at six and blab about an offer that's too good to be true?" I gritted my teeth and discovered I'm no longer sleepy, but annoyed. "Tell your boss, whoever he is, that I am not interested! I'm not staying long in the country and I've no plan to dance for anyone at the moment!"

"10 million pesos..." she offered calmly.

"I said I'm not interested—"

"You can donate the money to the theatre if you want. I know you've visited the place, and a lot of aspiring ballerinas are practicing there. The theatre clearly lacks facilities and desperately needs a bigger stage to accommodate the growing number of ballerinas. If you dance, we'll deposit the money right after under the theatre's name. They'll have budget to fix the theatre."

Natahimik ako sa sinabi niya. I've thought about this last night but haven't really pondered on it. I am very wary of this company and the desperation of this particular 'boss' to see me dance.

Taking a deep breath, I sat straighter in my bed.

"Who is your boss, Diana?"

I barely listened to her after our conversation. As soon as I've ended the call, Barin quietly went inside the room and lay on the floor.

The corner of my lips lifted into a smirk.

"Ready for a new opera, Barin?"

Kinabukasan ay maaga kaagad akong nagpunta sa theatre. Audrey is ecstatic to meet me. I can't tell how many times she expressed her gratitude and thanked me for doing this opera.

"Malaking tulong po talaga ito, Miss Savannah. Hulog ka ng langit sa amin!"

I laughed it off and then proceeded to the dressing room. Ours in Mariinsky is thrice bigger than this room, I noted, as I stepped inside a mess of whites and pinks. Naupo ako at sinimulan na ang makeup ko. During my performances, I never relied to the makeup artists and stylists. I learned to do my own makeup independently, as I hated having to rely on others for what I need. Highlighting my best features and choosing the best pallete to apply is fun. I've experimented with my makeup looks until I'm satisfied and from then on, some of my co-ballerinas would ask me for makeup tips.

Habang nag-aapply ako ng mascara ay pumasok ulit si Audrey sa dressing room. Malaki ang ngiti niyang dala ang tutu dress na susuotin ko. I glanced at it appreciatively, admiring how delicate the design of this tutu dress. It's very simple yet elegant.

"Thank you, Audrey."

She chatted with me for a while before she left and I was alone again. I slipped into my tights and the tiny tutu dress. Pinagmasdan ko ang sarili sa salamin.

"Hmm. A tiara would do good..." I murmured to myself, casually picking up a tiara at the vanity table and then pinning it on top of my head.

Nang matapos ay lumabas na ako at sinalubong ng isang staff na nag-escort sa akin patungo sa stage. I met the production team earlier and they were all ecstatic to work with me.

At the backstage, Barin and I did some stretches. In a few minutes, we will start. Sumilip ako sa walang katao-taong podium. I wonder where he'd sit to watch me? This is a small stage but the emptiness made it look bigger. Audrey appeared in the backstage, still smiling widely.

"We'll be watching from the technical room..."

I nodded and then waited for the cue. As soon as the music started, I pirouetted my way into the stage, keeping my eyes on the empty seats and then taking a slow, graceful bow.

Nang mag-angat ako ng tingin ay nakita ko ang gumagalaw na anino sa pinakadulong upuan. My heart thudded in suspicion but I ignored it.

Slowly, I lifted my right leg and then started dancing to the rhythm. The shadow sat at the farthest chair, hidden in the dark as the music intensified and I continued dancing.

The tension is thick, and I am unsettled for unknown reasons. As I danced and turned, I could feel my heart exploding. The heavy weight of his stare is starting to penetrate me. It must be my arrogance or pride, that pushed me to leave a good impression to my only audience.

While I am spinning, Barin appeared. I passed my leg behind my body to perform a fouette that took almost three years before I perfected it. Barin followed my lead, and soon, we were both moving in harmony.

The music picked up, dropped, and then intensified as we were doing our climax moves. The empty seats vanished in my vision and the only thing I'm seeing right now is the dark, seated shadow staring intensely at me.

I always do my best when I'm performing but I know this time it's different. I'm performing with barely no audience and yet, I'm giving it my all. The tutu dress flashed, pulsed, and winked in the light with my quick yet graceful moves.

Nearing the end, I slowly spinned around with Barin by my side and then bowed gently. Hingal na hingal na ako. If I am in Russia right now, I would be receiving a round of applause at this moment and the cheers of the people.

But all I could hear right now is the firm clap of hands from the shadow watching over me.

I slowly straightened my back, and the shadow moved, still clapping his hands. Slowly, he rose and then descended the carperted stairs at the center aisle, still clapping while keeping his gaze at me.

The pain of seeing his face as he stepped into the light was alive. Alive and powerful and mighty that it almost made me fall. I stood there, knees trembling, heart pounding, as he took his time walking towards me.

His strong, intelligent face is the same. The face I thought was gone forever. And the face of the only man who had betrayed me. I couldn't even move when my instincts are telling me to jump off the stage and give him the punch he deserved.

Hungrily, I ran my gaze from his face half hidden from the shadows to his lean and athletic body. He must be spending his time in the gym instead of his office. The air surrounding him would make any woman tremble and melt, but not me. God, not me. I've learned the hard way not to trust this man anymore, as I do not trust anyone right now but myself. The pain of what he did to me is still fresh, still burning, and clawing its way into my chest to declare its presence.

Tumigil na siya sa pagpalakpak nang marating na niya ang dulo ng stage. Tiningnan ko siya pailalim. My guarded eyes showed no emotion, and I fought the urge to curl my hands into fists. Nakatingin lang ako sa kaniya, pilit na sinusuklian ang intensidad ng mga titig niya. I want him to know that he could no longer intimidate me. I'm no longer the good girl Anna he could left and abandon after he's done with me.

I wanted to laugh in bitterness. During the five years I stayed in Russia, I almost died thinking every night his reasons for doing what he did to me. And then it dawned on me that I don't need to think about it anymore. If he's going to offer reasons right now, he should've done it five years ago! My hatred just piled up and his ten million pesos could never pay for it!

"So, you tricked me into dancing for you, waving ten million in my face and refusing to reveal your identity until the performance? Such an effort, Blake..." my voice dripped with sarcasm and bitterness. He would be very wise and very observant if he could hear the hurt in my voice. I refuse to show him how affected I still am of what happened because greedy as he is, he'll take advantage of it.

"Anna..." there was silent plead in his voice, and I was struck. I was expecting him to be arrogant and self-centered so I could hate him more. I wasn't expecting him to act as hurt as I am right now.

Bumuntong hininga ako. Annoyingly, I pulled the pink cord and let my hair fall loose. Inis ko ring kinuha ang suot na tiara. I tossed both of it aside.

I smiled sarcastically at him. "It's good to see you again, Blake. Now that I've danced for you, please make sure to deposit money as soon as possible. I'm done for the day." I announced, and glanced at Barin. I hated how he feels so comfortable with him around, unaware of the hurt this guy has caused me over the last five years.

"Anna!" he took three long strides and jumped into the stage, grabbing my arm. Irita ko siyang binalingan. I made sure my eyes are showing how angry I am at him as he stared at me. "Mag-usap tayo..."

"There's nothing to talk about." I said in a frosty tone.

"Anna, please..." he shut his eyes closed, as if he's really hurting right now. "I'm going insane. I need to talk to you."

When Audrey sensed the tension between the two of us, she stepped out of the technical room with a worried expression. I quickly signaled and assured her that I'm fine, before turning to Blake with fiery eyes.

"Blake, wala nang dapat pag-usapan. Limang taon na ang nakakalipas. Tapos na tayo."

"I know I made a mistake—"

"Please, Blake..." I said calmly, taking a deep breath and trying to stop the shaking of my hands. Naiiyak ko siyang tiningnan. The stricken look on my face weakened him as he stared at me. "Leave me alone."

A moment passed and he's still holding my arm. After a while, to both our relief, he finally let go of my arm slowly. As soon as I'm free, I quickly strode towards the backstage and disappeared.