"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 him. "I am willing to cooperate, just ask me anything and I'll answer honestly."I know this is dangerous and it's a huge risk dealing with these types of mean but no one in this world would be willing to help me like they do.I don't know why Zadkiro is keeping me but I'm sure his reason is deep that he eventually agreed to my unexpected offer."I'll leave you with Santiago first Sereia, I need to do something then I'll be back. You can ask him anything and be comfortable with his company," Zadkiro interfered while looking at his wristwatch."Thank you," was my only response.He looked at me for about five seconds and left the room without a word. I guess he is very busy because I caught him looking at his phone and wristwatch many times."Should we start?"My attention diverted to Santiago. He was smiling at me while sitting comfortably on the couch in front.He looks friendly and I can see that Zadkiro trusts him so much that he assigned him to be here and help me with my concern."Yes."As soon as I said those words, Santiago fixed himself and looked at me seriously."Firstly, I want to know how did you end up in that orphanage? I hope you don't mind but Sir Zadkiro informed me about it."I reminisced about my past for a second, I wanted to make sure I wouldn't miss to tell any information."I was seven at that time, my parents said they wanted to have bonding with me since they got busy for the whole month because of work. I can't recall where exactly we went but I know there were a lot of people, it was noisy, and the music was loud. We were walking to watch a dance competition that night but they suddenly disappeared. I was left there... alone. I remember I was brought to the police station but I think nobody claimed me that's why they decided to put me in the orphanage."Santiago was silently listening to me. He was attentive to every word that I was spilling. I felt like a patient and he was my psychologist this time, but having the chance to talk about my past freely feels so good."Do you know what job your parents do?" he asked.I was curious because I said a lot of things but that's what he mentioned first.What do they do? They wake up early in the morning and return in the afternoon when it is nearly dark, but they never tell me, or they tell me but I forget."I'm sorry I have no idea."He nodded to my answer."I see, were they good parents to you? You seem to love them so much that you still want to see them after you were left alone for how many years?"Of course, they were. All my life they gave me everything that I need, not only material things but love as well. The warmth of their love is still in my heart and it is my fuel that makes me keep on going."No words can explain how good they were to me. You know what Santiago, even in the next life, I'd still wish that they would become my parents. I am so lucky that God gave them to me," I said full of emotions."How old are you now? And how many years did you live in that orphanage?""I am nineteen now, and I've been there for twelve years. I escaped as soon as I turned nineteen because once I reach twenty and I am still there, I'd be left with no choice but to become like the sisters there," I jokingly said even if it is true.Santiago chuckled and shook his head."Why? Are they strict to you? That's a good opportunity for you, you'd surely secure a place in heaven," he said.I don't think being a nun is the only way to secure your place above. You could still have one in another way and not all people who serve the Lord would go up. It is not always actions, sometimes, it's the intentions."We better move on."He only laughed and changed the topic right after he noticed the silence that I created."Okay then, can you tell me anything that you could remember about your parents? Their name, age, old address? Anything, it's important because we might find a lead using it."Name, right? Their names."My father's name is Oliver Villamor and my mother's name is Kleva Villamor. I don't know their age and address but my father is half Filipino and half Spanish. Both of them have no relatives, that's what I know because I never met any cousins or even siblings of them."Weird, I only realize now. I've never asked them before because I wasn't interested, I was just a child back then."Copy, I'll try to coordinate with our men and ask if they could trace anyone by that name. Do you have pictures of them by the way?"I shook my head to say no."I'm sorry I didn't have any.""That's okay Ma'am, the details are a big help. We'll stop here for now and I'll ask Sir Zadkiro if we could meet again if ever I need to ask you something."Santiago stood up so did I. He bowed at me but I spoke up just before he could take a single step."I-Is there a chance we could get a lead today?" I nervously asked.He sighed and looked down. Only by looking at the way he reacted, I know it won't be possible."I don't want to give you false hope Ma'am, but don't stress yourself too much because we'll do our very best. Don't think about it and enjoy yourself for today."I only nodded as he exited the room. Now, it is only me again, I was left in the same room where Zadkiro used to lock me. Luckily the lights weren't dim this time, it was fully open.I sighed and looked around me.Santiago is right, I need to relax and trust them. I'd only torture myself hoping and hoping every second.There were only a few things here, there were no games or musical instruments that I could use to spend my time.Maybe I should request to Zadkiro.I stood up and went near the window. I could see the outside of this house again because Zadkiro did not close the metal folds.From here, I saw Zadkiro's men outside having fun. They were a bit far but I could still see what they were playing, darts.We have those in the orphanage but the plastic once because the sisters were afraid we might hurt other children. I was never good at it, Devika and I used to play that and whoever loses will treat the winner. I missed her.What if I play with Zadkiro's men? Besides, I think it is better to have a closure with them if I am going to stay with Zadkiro.I'm just worried, what if they point their gun at me like they did to Zandrous? I hope not. I am not an enemy. I can't even fight and I am a helpless lady.I should put my fear aside, not because they are a mafia means they are as bad as I think. Maybe we only misunderstood their character because of their job? Zadkiro and Santiago were both mafias but they're kind, maybe their men are kind as well.Okay then, I'll play with them.I ran towards the door excitedly, knowing that Santiago hadn't locked it when he went out.As I opened the door, I jolted when I saw two men holding a gun standing strictly in front of the door of this room."Oh my! U-Uh... Hi?"They did not answer. Were they robots and were disguised as humans to scare me? But no, they look like a real person."Uhm, I am just wondering if I could play darts. I saw the men outside and I wanted to join them. Would it be okay?"I was very careful with every word that I was saying, I didn't want to insult them because I didn't want to upset them.One of the men pressed something in his ear, there was a black thing with a wire and I saw something red on it, lighting.I was silent while looking at them, I thought they wouldn't speak but I gleamed when one of them answered."We're going with you Ma'am," one of them said.Okay!One man was leading the way while the other one was tailing me. I don't find it uncomfortable being with them because they don't look at me intimidatingly. They only look dreadful because of their gun but nothing else.It took us almost five minutes until we reached the first floor. I can't recall the directions properly because the house was like a maze to me. If I went downstairs all by myself, it would surely take a whole day before I could arrive.We went out through the sliding door and there we were welcomed by the noisy men whom I was gawking upstairs a while ago.There was a long white table on the left side where guns were placed and on the right side, there was a circular table where some men were playing card games.They all went silent when they noticed my presence. I instantly got uncomfortable because of their serious expressions. I don't know what I should do or say.What if they hate me and will try to shoot me? Or worse they'd make me a target instead of the darts board?I paced backward when all of them suddenly stood up like well-trained military and lined up in front of us."Good morning Maam!" they greeted in unison.I looked behind me because I thought they were referring to someone but I saw no one."They were talking to you Ma'am," one of the men who accompanied me whispered.Me? Then why do they need to line up like that? That's... scary."Y-You don't need to do that. I was just here because I wanted to learn how to play darts," I shyly stated.I hope they won't laugh at me. I'm not a sharpshooter and I don't think I could play real darts. I only want to learn and maybe they could help me."We'll gladly help you, Ma'am," one of them replied like a robot.I sighed. They're too serious, they're making me nervous."Why don't we act naturally? I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you but y-you're too stiff? You don't need to do that. I just want to play."They looked at each other. I can see they're having a second thought, luckily, the man beside me spoke up, the one who was guiding me earlier."Sir Zadkiro gave us the permission, but he doesn't want to see any scratches," he stated.I didn't know what he meant and who was he speaking to but the man's face lit up. They returned to what they were doing earlier and the men who were having darts came near us."Hello there Ma'am, it would be nice to play darts with you," a guy said genuinely and handed me one of the darts.I accepted it and smiled because of the sudden change in their actions. Now, they look like normal people to me, not a mafia which Zadkiro introduced to me."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
"I'm sorry for dragging you into this foolishness. Tomorrow morning, I'll return you to the orpha—" "No!" Zadkiro furrowed his forehead when I unexpectedly cut him off, not allowing him to finish what he was saying. He stared at me with concern and difficulty as he saw how I opposed the idea of returning to the orphanage. He was staring at me as if he was waiting for an explanation of why I burst out like that. "Please no, I-I already left there..." I said in a low tone. If I needed to plead then I would do it. I don't want to go back there anymore! He doesn't have an idea what he is talking about. Zadkiro gaped at me and was still disturbed. He was speechless for a minute and was examining me before he slowly shook his head and spoke out. "I've already chatted to Mother Fatima, the head of the orphanage, she told me you were missing. They didn't know you left, you have no idea how anxious they are right now," he stated in a firm tone. I swallowed greedily to calm my ner