Athaliah's Redemption (Ortega Series 1)

Kabanata 23

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XXIII - Video

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The car's windows were totally shattered. My head was spinning but I didn't want to close my eyes. I tried looking around. It was dark but I can still see because of some light coming from outside. I blinked a few times to stay awake. I should stay awake.

"Athaliah.."

I saw Assunta beside me. my eyes widened in shock. No... this is not...

I looked behind and saw Addessa lying unconsciously. I shook my head as I closed my eyes tightly. I don't want to see this. I don't want to witness this again and again.

"Athaliah, anak..."

Napabalikwas ako ng bangon dahil sa pagyugyog sa akin ni Mommy. She looked at me with worried eyes. I saw Dady who was siting on the shotgun glance behind to look at me as well.

I took deep breaths. Nanaginip na naman ako. It doesn't happen frequently anymore but today is another exception.

"We're already here," Mommy said as she fixed my hair.

I looked out the window and saw that the car stopped in front of a familiar villa. I have already been here before and I quite enjoyed those times. But, I feel different this time. Seeing the villa of the Gondi family here in Rome brought fear inside of me.

"I'll stay here, Mommy. Kayo nalang po ni Daddy ang pumasok sa loob."

Hinaplos ni Mommy ang likod ko. "Don't you want to see Assunta?"

Sasagot na sana ako nang may magsalita mula sa pintuan papasok sa bahay ng mga Gondi. It was Assunta's father.

"Domenico!" he said from afar, catching our attention inside the car.

My father opened the door on his side and got out to meet his approaching friend and his wife following him behind.

Daddy looked back at us. His eyes particularly fixed on mine. He smiled encouragingly. Binuksan ng driver ang pintuan ng backseat. Unang lumabas si Mommy. Napalunok ako bago sumunod sa kanya.

I settled my gaze on the ground to avoid the gazes of the Florimond and Claude Gondi. My parents exchanged pleasantries with them.

"Ciao, cara!" bati ng mama ni Assunta at naramdaman ko ang kanyang paglapit sa akin.

I felt a bit relieved when I heard her soothing voice. She kissed my cheek and hugged me loosely. Inangat niya ang tingin ko sa kanya gamit ang kanyang isang kamay. I offered her a small smile.

"Still beautiful, cara. It's been so long," sabi niya sa akin.

Tanging pilit na ngiti lamang ang naigawad ko sa kanya. Mabuti nalang at hindi na siya nagtanong pa at bumaling na sa mga magulang ko.

"We should go inside."

Nag-uusap na sina Daddy at ang tatay ni Assunta habang ganoon rin sina Mommy at ang mama niya. Magpapaiwan na sana ako sa labas pero inabot ni Mommy ang aking kamay. Pinisil niya iyon na para bang sinasabing nandoon lang sila ni Daddy para sa akin.

We were led inside the Gondi family's drawing room. I was fidgeting as I sat down on one of the elaborate sofa chairs. Huminga ako ng malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili. Nobody really talked or opened up about the accident. They were just busy talking about our family's precision machinery business and how it is becoming recognized in the global market. I should feel more relieved now.

Ilang minuto ring tungkol sa business ang pinag-uusapan nila bago lumipat ang usapan nina Mommy sa ibang bagay. Their topic went to arts and design while my father and Zio Florimond still talked about business.