"Did I tell you to sit down?"
I looked at Zadkiro's eyes.He was comfortably sitting in the bed with a glass of beer in his hand while watching me stand in front of him for too long.I am doing nothing but standing rigidly in front of him for hours, my knees begin to tremble and I am sweating already. I could do this for one whole day but today, I couldn't because my wound hasn't healed yet.When he left the room, I thought he would give me time to think and cool my head off but I was wrong when he returned holding an empty glass and a bottle of expensive brandy.Zadkiro demanded me to stand here in my place and did not allow me to sit or rest. He told me that it was a punishment for shouting and disrespecting him earlier.I know I shouldn't be doing this but I felt guilty about what I did. I should've not shouted at him even if he did it first because I only leveled my attitude to his."I'm tired, let me rest even for five minutes, please?" I begged.I might collapse if I continue without a rest. I know this is easy for the others but my condition just can't."No, one more hour and thirty-seven minutes then you can go back to bed," he heartlessly replied.I bowed my head and sat on the cold floor. I'm too tired, even if I want to do as he says, my body does not cooperate."My knees are too weak, can you spare me just this once? I'll not do it again." I looked up and caught his eyes.Zadkiro placed the empty glass on the side table beside the bed and finally went up. He closed the distance between us and crouched in front to level himself to me."Do you know what am I, Sereia?" he gently asked.Of course, I do."You're a human."He chuckled. I creased my forehead in confusion. Was I supposed to keep quiet and listen to him?"That's an obvious fact, love. What I mean is my work, my role in this world."I don't know. He does look like a person with a wealthy life but I can't guess what his work was, but his role? Maybe I could answer that."I don't know what kind of job you do, but everyone has a role in the world Zadkiro."He raised his left eyebrow to me."You think so? Even these bad ones?"I smiled, a genuine one. Mother Superior taught this to me when I was young and I would be happy to share it with Zadkiro."Yes, even the bad ones. You know a person isn't born bad, they grow up as a bad person. Evil persons have reasons why they become the villain of the world. People hate them too much but they don't realize, they won't be called a good person without bad people."He only stared at me like he was listening so I continued talking."Nobody is born perfect Zadkiro, we all commit mistakes, but sadly, there are people who repeatedly experience cruelty that's why they decided to become bad to protect themselves from the pain that other causes them. Going back to what we're talking about, bad people have a role. I couldn't tell what exactly it is but God would not allow anyone to hurt his child except for a reason that only he knows."I didn't remove my gaze from him. I've never done this. At the orphanage, I always listened and never had the chance to share words like this, and honestly, it feels great. It feels different and brings satisfaction.He sighed and looked away after a long silence. Maybe he got awkward."Stand up, rest and I'll get you some food," he eventually said and stood up.I was delighted when he finally decided to end my punishment. I also got hungry all of a sudden when he mentioned food that's why I immediately pulled up.I hissed and held my wound when I felt it sting because of my sudden action. Zadkiro pulled my elbow when he saw what I did."What the fuck? You can't just move like that, your stitches haven't gone better yet," he scolded me and checked on my body, seeing if I bleed or not."I-I'm fine," I lied. "Can I request food?" I asked trying to change the topic.He tsked and let go of my arms."What is it?" he asked in an irritated tone."Can I have ice cream for dessert?"He only nodded without saying a word and left. I heard the door click as well, a sign that he locked it making sure that I wouldn't get out.I walked through the bed and sat there.I looked outside this room and noticed that it was already dark. When Zadkiro returned with his drink, he pressed something on his watch then something on the windows opened up. That made me see the outside world. I was amazed because this room was technologically designed.While waiting for my food, I couldn't stop thinking about the argument we just had.Zadkiro mentioned my parents as he knows them very well like he knows me from my past until now. I don't want to expect but his words, and his emotions, they're all telling me that he could help me find my parents.I wanted to ask him but I didn't have the chance when he punished me.Zadkiro is truly a mystery. What does he know about me that he could talk that confidently?Maybe I should adequately talk to him and have a calm conversation. He isn't rude anyway, he seems like a good person unless I'll shout or swear at him.On the other hand, maybe I should say sorry about what I said to him. He does not deserve that, nobody does. I was too harsh and I didn't consider his feelings, maybe that's why he gave me a punishment.I didn't wait that long and he came back with a tray of food in his hand. I secretly smiled as well when I saw three flavors of ice cream in different bowls. Food does change mood that easily.He placed the tray of food on the bed near me. I was not familiar with the food he served me but the aroma was so delicious that it made me want to munch them at once."I prepared a lot, I know you'll need it to recover your strength," he said and sat in front of me at the edge of the bed.I took the fork and spoon, I started eating and I was not wrong, the food was amazing. I don't want to compare but at the orphanage, kids cannot afford to eat such appetizing food.I smiled when I remembered how I once dreamed of having a high-paying job to buy food for the children there. It is hard growing up without being able to taste these simple things in life.I gazed at Zadkiro after filling my mouth. He was seriously looking at the floor with his forehead wrinkled. Why does this man always have that problematic expression?I took the lemonade from the tray and drank to push the food into my mouth. I cleared my throat as well to get Zadkiro's attention.I didn't fail when he looked at me."Uhm, about what happened last time..." I bit my lip and lowered my head, I am shy but I think this is the right thing to do. "I-I want to apologize for what I've said, I know I was too harsh and insensitive which surely insulted you."I waited for his response but he remained quiet so I continued."I was just scared because of what your brother did to me. You know I've been at the orphanage since I was seven and I never experienced that dangerous situation, not until now. I also need to find someone and that's the reason why I escaped there," I honestly vocalized."You're looking for your parents who abandoned you," Zadkiro said, not a guess but sounded like he was telling it to me.I was still surprised how he knew these things about me. As far as I know, the sisters at the orphanage don't disclose private pieces of information about the kids unless they're going to be adopted."They did not abandon me Zadkiro, I know they have reasons, and I am willing to sacrifice everything just to see them again."I saw him shake his head in disappointment."You're stupid, do you know that?""If I am to be called stupid just because I want to stand on my love for my parents, then I would certainly take it."He tsked and stood up, I panicked that he might leave me again without letting me finish what I wanted to say that's why I rushed towards him. I held his hand to stop him from going anywhere."Zadkiro, please listen to me. You can shout at me, scold me, call me anything you want but please, let me finish," I begged.He is the only hope that I see now. I don't know if I have relatives and I have no friends outside the orphanage, I have no one to help me except Zadkiro."Stop expecting nothing Sereia, just learn how to move on and leave your past behind," he harshly said.No. I won't do that."You know something about my parents, don't you?" I bravely asked.He wouldn't say those if he didn't know anything concerning my mom and dad, and I've told him a lot of things about me but I never saw him getting surprised about it."I don't, I only know a few things about you 'cause I investigated you before bringing you here," he responded.That answers my question, it is exactly the reason why he knows a lot of things involving me.I held his hand tighter and I saw that he looked down to see what I was doing. I had no plan on holding his hand this long but I like the feeling."Can you tell me why you abducted me? And please, give me an honest answer," I said in a low voice.I didn't want to look at his eyes because he might see that I was hoping he did it to save me from the sorrow, just like what he said when were arguing.I realized just now that it feels great when a person wants to protect you from the pain. You felt loved and it's something I'd wish to feel from my parents.Zadkiro slowly removed my hands from him, I thought I pissed him but I was surprised when he unexpectedly pulled my body for a hug. Once again, that unfamiliar feeling invaded my soul."I told you already, I am protecting you. This is not the right time to tell you everything but I promise I don't have any bad intentions towards you. You can trust me Sereia," he answered in a calm voice.I closed my eyes and felt his hug. It's been twelve years but I can still remember how my mother used to hug me like this whenever I was feeling heavy.I don't want to take it any longer, I want to be with them already. I want to feel my parents' warm love.I gently pulled away from Zadkiro's hug and stared directly into his eyes. He seemed confused but I pulled myself together to look at him this close.I already started taking risks and there was no way I could take back my decisions, maybe this was my fate and I was destined to make a lot of sacrifices before I could reach my rainbow.I know it's too early to trust, but for my mom and dad, there's no such word as early or late for me."Let's have a deal Zadkiro. I will live here and do everything as you say but help me find my parents."That silenced him. It was an unimaginable move for me, and I am also surprised that I could do this thing."You don't know what you're saying, and even without that deal, you're staying here whether you like it or not."Even without the deal? He's turning off my offer. Didn't his investigation tell him that I am a hard-headed person?"No Zadkiro, you will accept my offer whether you like it or not," I imitated him.I saw how he simply shook his head and smirked. I know I was being too fierce but I should do this or else he would think I was just going to be his puppy who would wave its tail for him."I like that side of yours Sereia."He's teasing me."Don't try to change the topic Zadkiro, and I'll take that as a yes so you would help me find my parents, no more reasons, period.""This is my right hand, Sereia. He is Santiago Govenn. He's been working for me ever since I entered this world and he could help us with your problem," Zadkiro introduced the familiar man to me. Santiago smiled at me and offered his hand for a handshake and I didn't think twice about accepting it.I did not ask further what Zadkiro meant by saying 'since he entered this world', he informed me a while ago what job he does... he's a mafia, however, I did not feel any fear in my body. I shouldn't fear him if I want to make a deal with him. "He could find my parents for me, am I right?" I asked full of hope. Zadkiro and Santiago shared a meaningful stare that I couldn't guess. I only gulped and hoped they'd say yes and wouldn't disappoint me. "I won't say no, but I won't say yes either Ma'am. We still need to gather information about them so we can start investigating. But before that, is it okay if I'll ask you things about them? I hope you don't mind?" Santiago said. I smiled at hi
"That was nice! A little more practice and you'll master it!" Hance, one of Zadkiro's men said after we sat down to take a rest after playing darts for almost two hours. I had a great time playing with them, they included me in their game and I really felt belonged. They did not make me feel awkward and I enjoyed it. "Thank you, I was not good at it but you taught me well," I responded. In the short time that we had a bond, I doubted if they were trully a mafia. They're very jolly and I couldn't sense danger in them. Some of them even introduced themselves to me like I was just a newfound friend. "Do you want some drinks, Ma'am?" Calvin asked. He was one of the two men who were at the room's door a while ago, the one who had the black thing on his ears. "No, I'm fine. I haven't finished my juice yet," I replied. I looked around and eyed every person here in this place. At a glance, I admit I was afraid and if I wasn't bored, I wouldn't have the courage to join them in playing.
"Pick the clothes that are comfortable for you, I could suggest but it might not be your fashion," Zadkiro said after I asked him what clothes should I pick. He brought me to the mall today and said we'll buy clothes for me because there were only a few pairs for me to wear at his mansion. I am glad he trusted me now and invited me to come to this place. I don't know where were my clothes that I have from the orphanage, maybe I left them on the road where they grabbed me or they threw them away. We have no bodyguard today because he said he wanted to make me feel free even for once. I didn't say it verbally but I appreciate how he value the freedom and happiness that I wanted. "What about long sleeves and jogging pants?" I asked. That's what I usually wear but I still want to ask his opinion since it is his money that we're going to use to pay for my needs. "Okay then, grab as many as you want. We don't know when we'll be back here again." I only nodded at him and started picki
"Come out come out little Sereia, Mommy wants to hug you now." I covered my mouth in able not to create any sound while trying to fit myself in this cabinet. I was shaking and sweaty because of fear. I don't understand why Mommy was holding a knife with blood on it and was trying to attack me using it. She isn't like this, she was lovely and she used to make me feel loved. What happened to her? I peeked through the small hole in the cabinet and I saw her smiling like a devil while sitting on my bed. Mommy was playing with the knife in her hand like she was being possessed. "I only want to hug my baby Sereia. Why is she hiding from me?" she said talking to herself. I wanted to run towards her and hug her but I know she's not in her normal self. Maybe I should just wait for my Daddy and ask for help. I'm sure he'll be here anytime soon. "Na ah ah, now where are you Sereia! Show yourself or Mommy's gonna be mad at you?" She looked around and I almost jolted when her eyes stopped i
"How stupid could you be?! Your task was the simplest among every mission that a mafia could do! Why did the fuck did you fail?" I haven't reached the ground floor of this mansion yet but I can already hear Zadkiro's loud voice coming downstairs. I was planning to get a drink for myself since the weather was a bit cold but I did not expect to hear Zadkiro's thundering voice, he seemed to be scolding his men. That's what I guess because I could see a lot of men in black inside the house. I used to see them outside and if ever I saw them inside, they were not this many. Perhaps Zadkiro gathered them 'cause something happened and that's what made him upset. I continued walking on the stairs until I could finally see what was happening. Zadkiro was panting while his hands were resting on his waist. He looks mad and frustrated at the same time while his men are silently looking down. Some noticed my presence but no one made a reaction about it. They all look worried and problematic
"Aish! Why do I need to wash all of these? Don't you have a washing machine? My hands are reddish already," I complained and looked at Santiago. He was sitting beside me with his legs crossed while cleaning his nails with that pink liquid and white cloth. Zadkiro assigned him to look after me and make sure I did all the laundry before dawn. This is my punishment and it was against my will because I don't own any of these clothes. All of this was bedsheets, dark clothes that I don't know who owns, and pillowcases. I don't know how long I've been handwashing these but I am already tired and my hands are starting to get swollen. "We do have a washing machine, but Sir Zadkiro told me not to allow you to use it," he nonchalantly answered. "How heartless," I mumbled and continued doing my work. Maybe I could finish this tomorrow if Zadkiro finishes it, I won't mind. I think it's better than doing nothing. "By the way Santiago, can I ask you a question?" I started a conversation betwe
"Are you crazy Sereia? You don't know what world is waiting for you outside this orphanage. You better put back your belongings before someone else sees you," Devika said in a moderate tone. She is watching me pack my things, attempting to stop me from leaving this place, the place where I stayed for how many years, in the middle of the night. "I'm old enough Devika, I'm already nineteen years old and I am fully aware of what I'm doing," I replied and closed the zipper of the black duffle bag. I need to hurry and leave before the mother superior wakes up and finds out about my plan. I couldn't get caught or else there will be no chance left for me. I've been preparing for this for a long time and I must succeed tonight no matter what happens. "You're out of your mind. What makes you think a better world is waiting for you outside? There are bad people there waiting to commit a crime to relieve themselves. You have no idea what the real world is, just stay here," Devika sermon
"What are you talking about? M-My family? You know my parents?" I asked. My voice was full of hope. I've never felt this way before and it's so overwhelming. I stepped closer to him, demanding an answer at the sudden mention of my 'family.' He furrowed his eyebrows after seeing my reaction, not expecting me to react that way. He seemed stunned but I did not ask further so we won't lose the direction of the conversation. That doesn't matter to me now, all I want to discern is if he knows something about my parents. "I'm not buying your lies and actings, Sereia Villamor." He strode closer, towering over me. "Just tell me where your parents are and I'll let you go, safe and sound." I eyed him full of turmoil. Why does he persist in asking me where my parents are? If I knew, he wouldn't have to ask me multiple times. I wasn't able to answer him because I didn't have an answer to give in the first place. Why don't he listen to me? I slowly shook my head. I don't think we're ha