CHAPTER 27 Wind Blows
AS SOON AS I entered my car, my cellphone rang. But before I could answer it, the call ended.
I put the handbag on the shotgun seat before starting the engine, but my cellphone rang again.
I took it quickly to answer, but I did not move when I saw Lawrence’s name come out.
My pounding heart is almost choking me. The familiar pain hit my nerve unexpectedly.
I stared at my phone for a beat second, not knowing if the call would be answered or not.
I drew out a breath and decided to turn off my phone. I want him out of my system, and I can only do that when I can completely avoid him.
I drove quietly home, but my forehead furrowed when I saw the familiar car parked opposite our house.
I was in the car for a few more minutes while staring at the car in front of me.
“This can’t be happening . . .” I shook my head repeatedly.
I crouched down on the steering wheel and tried to calm my submissive heart.
Eventually, I mustered up the courage and decided to walk inside.
“Good evening, Ma’am!” The housemate smiled broadly at me.
“Good evening.” I smiled at her and slowly walked towards the door. I hesitated for a moment when I heard loud laughter and stories in the living room.
“Margaux!” Mother called my name.
They turned their heads in my direction so I could do nothing but come to kiss them on the cheek before facing them.
“I missed you so much, daughter,” she said in a crack voice. I feel like she just suppresses the emotion.
“I missed you too, Mom,” I utterly said and hugged it tightly.
“I’m really happy because you did not reject my request tonight.”
“Mom, just says it, and I will be here for you.” I smiled at her and caressed her shoulder.
“Oh, before I forgot, I have a gift for you.” I lifted the paper bag, which she quickly reached.
She excitedly opens the gift. I was also not surprised by her reaction. She got surprised even though there is a hint of something I can give to her.
“Thank you so much, Margaux,” she delightfully said and kiss my cheek tenderly.
“Love you, Mom,” I countered.
“Ah, hija, I invited Mr. Saavedra to join us here tonight,” Dad interrupted.
I nodded. Instead of glancing at him, I walked towards the dining room.
“What did Manang cook for tonight?” I said casually.
I also sat down first at the dining. Daddy relaxes his back in the center while Mommy is on the right in front of me.
Lawrence is seated beside Mom, so I have no choice but to avoid looking at him.
I remained quiet the whole time, and I thank Dad for bringing the topic to the table. As usual, the theme is about business and the upcoming anniversary of the hotel.
I just quietly listen to them. I honestly have no intention of joining the conversation. I tossed my food lazily and rested my back against the chair.
“How about you, hija? Any suggestions regarding the upcoming event?” Dad asked me.
I immediately looked up at them.
“I’m sorry?” I weakly said.
It was not clear to Dad what I said. I felt like my brain was floating.
“You look tired, hija. Do you want to rest? I already prepared your room,” Mommy told me.
I know how frustrated they are with what I have shown. But I can’t really act normally now. Lawrence is in front of me. How dare him to laughed and talk to my parents like nothing happened between us?
So, I decided to lower the cutlery I was holding and stand up.
“I’m sorry. I was really tired after a long day. I just need some rest. Please, excuse me.”
I no longer waited for them to speak. I kissed Dad and Mom goodnight, and again, I didn’t even look at Lawrence.
***
I WENT STRAIGHT to bed. I also could not change my clothes because I felt tired. About an hour later, I thought I could sleep, but drowsiness did not visit me.
Why he’s fucking running through my head? I do not understand myself. I also do not understand my heart as it continues to dominate. I shut my eyes firmly, trying to find the right place to sleep.
But I’m lying wide awake, tossing and turning on my bed. So, in the end, I just decided to go down and head to the kitchen to get some cold water.
Carrying a glass of water, I decided to go to the back of the house to feel some fresh air, where the oval shape swimming pool is.
I smiled widely. Suddenly I thought of soaking in water. Maybe I can sleep well tonight if I jump in the cold water. I didn’t think twice. I took off my clothes until the only thing left was my bikini.
I was stuck in the cold water. I feel like I have lost the weight of my head. I feel refreshed and pristine. Even my private thoughts instantly vanished.
I swam happily. I went back to the pool for a while before I thought of diving to the bottom. I spent a few minutes soaking my body in cold water when I felt something fall on the other end of the pool.
I hurried up to pick it up, but I could only see bubbles and water waves.
“Who’s that?!” I shouted.
I waited for it to come up, but a few minutes later, there was still no indication that it was coming up out of the water.
“Hello! Who’s there?!” I shouted again.
Feeling scared, I quickly looked around. It is impossible for Mom or Dad to jump into the water at night, even for the maids and the helpers.
I was confused when I felt the water wave in my direction. I was about to swim to get up when someone suddenly pulled my waist, causing me to sink under the water.
I was panicking. I also struggled hard because of the iron-like arms that hugged me. I could hardly breathe because of fear.
I thought my breath would last underwater as I used to, but my air seemed to be short of anxiety and fear.
Until a big hand wrapped around my waist tightly. Before I could move, one of his hands covered my back. Everything happened so fast. We are still under the water. My pulse is beating fast. My air pressure is about to run out.
And before I pulled away, he had slammed his lips to mine. I hardly had a moment to react because I nearly knocked all my winds from my lungs.
He gave me an air to breathe, causing me to have a chance to push it away. I took the opportunity to get away from it and quickly get out of the water.
But before I could get away, he caught me again. He pulled me closer to him, wrapping his arms around me. My eyes widened when I met the man in front of me.
“Lawrence?! What the fuck are you doing here?!”
I pushed him away with all my might, but his embrace was too strong, and I sunk into the warmth of his body.