He shook his head. “Nothing is impossible if you really want to get it done. I’m willing to pay anyone who would take me to the bus station going to Manila. The amount is not an issue. Is there a man around here who can accompany me…”
Esmeralda got furious at once and poked his chest. “I won’t let you do that. I can’t let you put my neighbor or anyone in danger because of your selfishness. Even if money is involved.”
“Hey! I said I am willing to offer money…”
"Your money will never compensate the lives of the people you are taking with you. You'll make them face flood, landslide, and other dangers along the way? They have families, too. There are other people depending on them. Don't ever think that your life is more important than theirs just because you're rich. You're all human. I saved you. I let you in and took care of you. We are still accountable for whatever happens to you. But if you insist on leaving, go ahead. But you're not taking anyone from my neighbors. I won't allow it."
Their gazes fought. She did not care if he would get mad at her. His dominant behavior won’t affect her. This was her territory. She was the boss. She was on the right side. She would do everything to protect the people under her care—even someone who was as hardheaded as Richard.
The fire in his eyes was still burning. It was as if he was torn between staying at the barrio or insisting on leaving despite the risk. Esmeralda could not understand his resistance. What's in Manila that was more important than his own life?
“I’m sorry.”
Esmeralda’s lips parted. “A-are you saying something?”
"I am sorry," he said and sat on the bed weakly. He caught his nape and glanced at the ceiling. "I'm not used to this. I'm used to working all the time. I am used to checking up on everyone. My job is important, but that does not mean that I don't think other people's lives are less important than mine, nor I think I can buy everything."
"And you're not Superman to think that you can overcome everything, including natural calamities."
His eyes dimmed as he lowered his head. "I-it's just hard to feel helpless. I don't have anything. Even the clothes I wear are not mine. I don't even have a single cent in my pocket."
She nodded sympathetically. “This will only be for a few days. Endure it for now. The roads will be cleared. Soon you’re going home.”
He slowly reverted his gaze on her. “Can I stay here for a while?” he asked anxiously.
Esmeralda nodded. “O-of course. I promise that you can stay here as long as needed. Until you’re ready to return to Manila.”
For the first time that day, she saw him smiled. “Thank you, Esmeralda.” He held her hand and planted a kiss at the back of it. “I owe you a lot. If only I could do something to make up to all of you here.”
Esmeralda flinched at the sharp heat that crept up to her body. She pulled her hand. She could still feel the touch of his lips against her skin.
“Take care of yourself. Get some strength.” Stop seducing me further. She turned her back and fixed the food that was still covered. “That’s why I’m asking you to eat. You haven’t touched your breakfast. It’s gone cold.”
“I’ll eat that,” he said. “Don’t worry. I’ll eat it outside.”
She could fight her attraction toward him. It will eventually pass. She had nothing to worry about until it’s finally time for him to leave.
“HOW COOL! Is that real, Brother? Can you play with the waves just like in the story I read?” Esmeralda heard Mary Rose asked in an impressed tone. She was one of the kids surrounding Richard in the living room.
It was already eight-thirty in the evening, and she needed to put Jeremy to bed. But they were still enjoying Richard's stories. When the kids asked him after supper, she thought he would act arrogant and stay in his room instead. At first, she thought he was not comfortable around kids, and he had no patience, especially for the naughty ones. But now, he enjoyed telling stories to them. It was about the places he had been to and the different sports he had played. She had no idea which one was true or not. She knew he was well-off, but did he really go to all the places she had only read in books?
"I told you I watched it on a huge TV back in Brother Aiden's house. You just don't believe me that someone could play on top of a wave. It's called 'surfing.'"
“What else can you do aside from playing with the wave?” Buboy asked.
“Flying is my favorite,” Richard said.
"Fly in an airplane or maybe skydiving. I've seen that one. Brother Aiden took me at a show," Jeremy said, who was not impressed with Richard's stories. It was as if he was competing with him by the things Aiden had shown him.
"No. I can actually fly without crashing or dropping from an airplane. I am wearing what they call a 'wingsuit.' I can fly like a bird or a flying squirrel."