His Girl Friday 2

Chapter 2: The Stepsister

Chapter 2: The Stepsister

Ara: So I just talked to Apollo...

Leila: AGAD-AGAD???

Everly: If not for the pictures, I would still think you're pranking us

Ara: If only...

Leila: You should've waited for us

Everly: I'll check with my parents if they can make space for you

Ara: No need. I'm staying at Casa Arcangel

Everly: WHAT

Leila: WHY

***

A wave of nostalgia hit me as soon as I saw the exterior of Casa Arcangel, the dilapidated exterior of Casa Arcangel.

What the hell happened to this place?

I thanked the security guard who offered me a black umbrella and held it up over my head. Looking up, I still couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing. The once grand doorway I used to sneak out of is now only partially opened with its doors looking a little worse for wear. With the black umbrella in my hand, I walked up the steps and marveled at the shell of the home I used to live in.

I turned around and looked at the surroundings. The barn where the horses were kept were in good condition, same with the new fence posts around the hacienda. The fields have also never been greener, the perfect contrast to the blue skies above.

Looking back at Casa Arcangel, I couldn't help but feel sad, dread, but mostly guilt. What had happened to this place after Leila and I left? I know I shouldn't feel all these emotions over a place I swore to never come back to... but I just couldn't help but grieve the place where I learned to fall in love.

What happened to Tito Eric and mom?

What happened to Apollo... and Maya?

"Miss Ara?"

Napalingon ako sa direksyon ng boses na tumawag sa akin. Isang babae na mukhang mas bata pa sa akin. Nakasuot ito ng salamin, itim na blazer sa ibaba ng itim nitong shirt, blue jeans, at puting rubber shoes.

"Oh, hi," malamyang bati ko rito.

"Hi, I am Sir Apollo's assistant, Mary Ann," muli nito bati sa akin at pagpapakilala. "Sir Apollo said you're going to stay here at Casa Arcangel?"

I nodded. "Yes, he insisted that I stay here," I answered distractedly. God, why is she wearing a fitted blazer in this sweltering heat?

"Oh, okay," sabi nito bago tuluyang naglakad papasok ng Casa. "Your room is this way—"

I followed her while closing the umbrella. "No, that's fine. I know where my room is."

Tumigil rin siya at ngumiti sa akin. "Oh, no. Miss Ara, bilin ni Sir Apollo na samahan ko kayo sa guest room niyo."

My brows instantly furrowed hearing her words. "Guest room?"

"Yes." She looked at me, as if wondering where I think I should room.

Of course, this girl doesn't know who I am. "I thought I was staying in my old room, at the right wing of Casa Arcangel."

"In your old room?" she asked, clearly confused and annoyed at me. "I'm sorry, pero binilin po ni Sir Apollo na sa guest room po kayo tutuloy, sa may left wing po."

"Okay..." Why? Did he get my old room renovated into something else? An art room? Maya's extension of her closet? That's probably it. Maybe it's overflowing with pastel cardigans and other preppy shit.