"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 picking the colors that I wanted. I decided to choose a plain one, I don't want too many designs on my clothes though.I was hesitant to put the apparel on the cart that Zadkiro was pushing but he only smiled at me. I didn't want to get many because I was limited from going outside the mansion anyway, but Zadkiro noticed it and started filling the carts with different types of clothes that he saw.He wasn't even sure if it was my size but he didn't seem to care, he just pulled here and grabbed there like the bills were nothing for him."Better," he mumbled when he saw the cart almost unseen because of how bunch the clothes were."I don't need that much," I said while eyeing the cart.He did not answer and walked past me instead. I thought he was going to pay it already but I was wrong when he added more clothes before going to the cashier.I saw how the cashier's eyes widened when he saw all the purchases. If I were her, I'd surely react the same.The cashier asked one employee to help her so Zadkiro stepped aside and waited. I only sighed and went near them before they finished scanning all the clothes."Oh damn." I heard Zadkiro utter as if he saw something while looking at the employee putting the clothes in paper bags one by one.Did he finally come back to his senses and realize that he was going to pay a lot of sum?"How are we going to carry all of those at the parking?" he asked, I don't know if he was talking to me or himself."We have a delivery service for purchases of more than 10,000 pesos Sir," the cashier interfered when he heard what Zadkiro said.His face relaxed like he resolved the biggest problem he encountered that day.I just stood beside Zadkiro and waited for them to pack and scan all the clothes that this guy randomly picked. It took almost fifteen minutes and they had to make the other customers wait in their lines.Zadkiro handed them a black card which they swiped on a machine. Luckily it didn't take that long that's why we immediately left after Zadkiro paid it all.The employees assured us as well that they'll put it inside Zadkiro's car as soon as possible. He only gave the car's color and plate number then that's all, they didn't ask for his car keys. I don't know why, maybe it's an automatic car."Where do you want to go?" Zadkiro asked me while we were walking inside the mall.I am not familiar with the things inside this building because it's been years since I came to a place like this. Maybe we'll just walk around and stop if something catches our attention."I don't know yet," I only answered and roamed my eyes around.He was walking beside me while his hands were in his pocket. I couldn't help but smile and admire him today because of his outfit.He's wearing a simple blue polo and dark pants paired with sneakers. He is wearing his watch and I can't deny that he looks more attractive in light-colored clothes. He looks more younger and harmless.Before Zadkiro could catch me staring at him, I diverted my gaze off him. I didn't expect that my eyes would land on a store that immediately captured my attention.A music store.The walls were made of glass that's why I could see what was inside. There were different types of instruments and almost all sizes were available. Drums, guitars, pianos, and many more."Do you want to go inside?"I looked at Zadkiro. I didn't realize I suddenly stopped walking, maybe he noticed it and saw what was I staring at."Can we?"He smiled. "Why not."He then accompanied me inside the music store. Excitement embraced me as soon as we stepped in the shop's door. The ambiance that the instruments give me is something unexplainable.I love music but I don't think I have a good voice and at the same time, I am not good at playing any type of musical instrument."Good morning Ma'am and Sir, please make yourself comfortable," an employee greeted us with a smile.We only nodded and smiled back.I directly went to the piano section without waiting for Zadkiro. I pressed one of the keys and it made a sound which made me smile."Do you know how to play it?"I looked beside me and saw Zadkiro leaning against the glass wall while watching me from there."No, I wanted to learn how but I don't have anyone to teach me," I honestly said. "How about you? Can you play it?" I asked him.I saw him looking away, trying to avoid my gaze, and cleared his throat."I can, but it's been years. I don't know if I could still play it."My eyes sparked with joy. "Really?! Then can you try playing any song for me?"A piano is a relaxing instrument and it's my favorite of all. It comforts my heart and it's not destructive in the ears."No thanks," he refused."Hey! I am asking nice, even a short one. I wouldn't bash you," I jokingly said and laughed.I won't judge others 'cause I cannot do it. Maybe I'll only laugh at others if I could do better than anyone else, which is impossible. Kidding.He remained standing and I could see that he had no plans of giving it a shot so I went near him. He was curious as to what I was planning to do, I pulled his arm and I saw how he was shocked because of it but did not try removing my hand.I pushed him to sit in front of the piano. He looked at me as if telling me "Are you crazy?", but I only shrugged like an innocent child asking a favor from him."Go on Zadkiro, I just want to hear how good you are at playing this one. It's my favorite instrument and I love hearing its melody but no one plays it for me. Can you be the first one to do it?" I said.Zadkiro closed his eyes and sighed. I was worried that he'd get mad because his face was very serious right now. I am only trying to be jolly because I don't want him to scold me for forcing me to play music for me.He remained still and serious. I didn't hear any words from him and that made me nervous. Maybe I shouldn't force him then, I don't want to upset him."Fine, if you—""No, I'll do it."Slowly, a smile formed on my lips when he started pressing the keys on the piano. He first made sure that all the keys were making a sound before he continued playing a melody.I couldn't stop smiling when I finally heard him play. I closed my eyes and felt the rhythm and sound that he made. I am not familiar with the music that he was playing but it was like a Korean drama OST. I love it!Zadkiro was hesitant in playing it but he was this good! If I had the same talent as him, I'd surely sit in front of the piano for hours.I opened my eyes and watched Zadkiro seriously pressing each key. I don't know if he's just this serious whenever he plays piano but he's so cool.I wanted to sing together with the piano but I don't know what lyrics should I utter. In the end, I only listened carefully and watched Zadkiro show his talent.I thought he'd play it longer but I pouted when he stopped after a few minutes. I wanted more!"You're great! Can you play another for me?" I sweetly said, trying to look cute so he'd agree to my request.The smile on my face disappeared when he suddenly stood up and looked up. He heaved a deep breath like he was trying to control himself and did not answer or look at me.Did I upset him because I forced him to play piano? Should I say sorry?"A-Are you okay?"I thought he was going to snob me but I felt relieved when he looked at me and smiled."No, I'm fine. I'm just surprised I could still do it after many years," he stated."You're good at it. I hope you can teach me someday so I can play for myself."He nodded."I am glad I was the first to play one for you.""Yeah, thank you. You made me happy, we were only supposed to be here to buy clothes for me but you did a favor for me. I wouldn't forget this," I said.The fact that he didn't think about wasting a lot of money to buy things for me is a huge thing already, yet he still agreed to play the piano for me even if he didn't like to do it in the beginning.He was the only person who did something much like this for me considering how we barely knew each other."Are you really like that?"Huh?"What do you mean?" I curiously asked.I looked at myself from head to toe. Yes, I am always been like this, I never changed anything about me. I don't even have the money to improve myself."Do you always appreciate small things like it was a life-changing matter for you?" he asked, clarifying his question a while back.Oh, I get what he means now."Yes, why? Don't you appreciate small things?" I asked back.He inserted his hands in his pocket."Yeah, they're small things, and they're called small for a reason."Wow!"That's not right. We should learn to appreciate small things because that's where big things come from."I don't know if I am wrong or right but I believe that small things should be appreciated more than the bigger ones."Are you going to lecture me again just like what you did when we had a little talk about our roles in life?" he asked, half smirking."Hey I didn't lecture you, I was just trying to explain my side because you asked me about it."He chuckled and looked away. He looks defeated by the way he expresses his reactions.I noticed, that we often have debates about small things that we come into while having a normal conversation. Should we just enroll as a lawyer then?Oh, I forgot. I don't have a college degree. The sad part of becoming an orphan."I'm not going to argue with you then, let's just go and eat. I'm hungry, talking to you is very tiring," he teased and turned his back on me walking to the exit.He really loves teasing me like that. Haist. He should be thankful I have a long patience. Tsk."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
"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 con
"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