Chapter 7

• There was a silence between Japen and me. The faint chirping of crickets and the distant hum of car engines filled the air. I didn't speak in front of Japen, even though I knew he was staring at me.
• Maybe he wanted to ask me what happened earlier. Why was I shouting? Why did I look traumatized? That was it, right? Such a generic question. Unfortunately, I didn't anticipate what was on Japen's mind.
• "Did that person do something to you?" he asked.
• I looked at him. At first, I didn't understand what he was asking, but then it dawned on me. "Are you suspecting Anthony?"
• He blinked and looked away. That's when I knew something wasn't right with him. He seemed distant, disoriented. This wasn't the Japen I knew. He shouldn't be avoiding eye contact at this point. "Are you okay?" I asked.
• He clenched his fist and then looked back into my eyes. "Your father asked me to take you to the mansion, but earlier he said not to bring you to Naga. Instead, he said I should take you to San Fernando."
• I blinked at what he said. San Fernando? My eyes widened. "You know how much I hate going there."
• "I know, Azora. But I have no choice. I'm just following your father's orders."
• "And why the sudden change of mind?" I asked, squinting at him.
• He sighed. "Your father said he has something to finish tonight. Something you shouldn't see or know about, so it's better to take you to San Fernando."
• I became suspicious of what he said. Surely, Dad had important matters to attend to, but he wouldn't keep his own daughter away from home. Really. I just hope he didn't freeze my account.
• I looked away and stared at the moon in the distance. We must have been sitting under the moon for hours, and after a few minutes, I decided to head home. There was nothing I could do if Dad didn't want me to stay at the mansion tonight.
• As we drove quietly, observing the city lights outside the window, thoughts of last night suddenly crossed my mind again. I thought that staying in San Fernando might give me a breath of fresh air. I didn't want to see Dad yet.
• My attention was caught by an announcement on a Supermall billboard. It was about Anthony's death. The billboard offered condolences and prayers for Anthony. After that, another announcement scrolled on the billboard.
• But Anthony's picture on that billboard stayed in my mind throughout the drive. I didn't even notice when we left Talisay Municipality. The car was heading further south, and soon we entered Naga Municipality.
• I could see the familiar glow of city lights through the car window. I let out a sigh. I was born and raised in this place, and sometimes the picturesque scenery felt strange and surreal.
• "Since Dad's in Bohol, you can use his bed if you want."
• I looked at Japen again and smirked. "A sofa will do."
• "We don't have a sofa, just bamboo chairs." Japen smiled teasingly. "If you don't like Dad's room, you can use my bed."
• I frowned at his words. He had a bed? I didn't expect that. Well, not that I expected him to sleep on the floor, but... "Are there any other options?" I asked.
• Because I really didn't want to sleep in Mang Selyo's bed. Besides being uncomfortable to think about, I just didn't want to. I wasn't comfortable with it.
• "There's none," said Japen, turning the steering wheel with a grin. My eyes widened as my lips were about to touch the car's window. It just turned so quickly that I was almost thrown to the side.
• "Be careful!" I yelled at Japen.
• He didn't pay attention to my scream. Instead, he laughed. Tsk.
• We drove for several minutes along the highway. It was already past seven in the evening, but since we weren't in Cebu City, the traffic wasn't too heavy. I could still see the private road leading to the mansion. We passed it, so I didn't know how I felt during those hours.
• After a few minutes, the car left Naga and entered the municipality of San Fernando. But as far as I know, Japen's house was still at the far end. A few kilometers from the border between San Fernando and Carcar. So we spent a few more minutes on the road before finally reaching a small corner.
• Japen entered the car and soon stopped at a house. It was just one floor, made of wood and metal. The house was small but big for Japen and Mang Selyo.
• I opened the car door and stepped out before Japen could even open it for me. I didn't like being treated like a princess anyway.
• I looked at the house in front of me. The gate, which Japen was now opening, had been closed. There were no lights inside the house, so I was sure Mang Selyo wasn't really there. He's been a widower for a long time, so he and his son Japen are the only ones living in that house. I just don't know why Mang Selyo was in Bohol.
• "Come in, Azora." Japen glanced back at me before walking into the house.
• I followed him. It was a bit chilly outside due to the surrounding plants. I couldn't make out the exact types of plants on the side, but I knew they were vegetables.
• As I entered, I squinted when Japen suddenly turned on the lights. The bright light dazzled me, and I raised my hand to shield my eyes.
• "Come to the room, Azora."
• Japen turned away and walked towards where I guessed the room was. But I couldn't move my feet, especially after I heard what he said.
• His words sparked a different thought in my mind.