"THEN, you want to be here with those young perverts? I know you don't know where you're going now, and you're most likely lost your way, and you're scared alone with those evil strangers,” he said.
I hate how he was right. He's right that I'm scared now. Just because I'm in the countryside doesn't mean there are no threats like in the city, like those young boys with perverted looks. There are so many of them, and sexual harassment is my nightmare.
"You're right, where are you taking me anyway?"
I'll just choose the lesser evil. I know that at least he won't do anything bad to me. We have common friends, people we know. He should be afraid to harm me.
"Well, to the manor, I prepared some food there, you can actually visit that place," he casually said.
He started walking in a certain direction. It turns out we're heading to his car. It's not a fancy car, it looks like the typical car you'd see in farmlands. We got in, and I felt like it might become an issue. But I didn't think about it for now. The last thing I wanted was to get out of that freaking hell place.
He started the engine and drove his car. He drives well as usual, but if he were to be reckless, I would go crazy. I didn't pay attention to him for now; doing so would only lead to disastrous conversation. I know myself well enough. If I tried to converse with him, it would end up in badmouthing.
We passed by several agricultural lands. There were cornfields, rice fields, sugarcane, and more. There were also grazing areas for animals. This is what the countryside looks like.
I was momentarily distracted from my deep thoughts when we arrived at the entrance of their mansion. I knew and I was aware of what a mansion was supposed to look like. It's like old house, but this one looks so modern. The design is beautiful, and the house was three times the size of our previous house in Claybourne.
I think I needed to research more about how wealthy Lopez's clan was. Maybe I don't know that I'm dealing with a big fish. But that's the last thing on my mind. Besides, I don't want to add to my parents' problems.
I've gone through a phase where I was a headache for my parents, and I don't want that to happen again. I got out of his car. Was I expecting him to open the door for me? I couldn’t sense any chivalry from this man; maybe he even had a grudge against me.
We entered the house; the last time we were here, I didn't appreciate the place much. I remembered having a party at his grandmother’s place.
"Follow me," he said in his authoritative voice. He's so bossy as always. It's as if he's paying all of us.
I quietly followed him inside; I couldn’t do anything about it. I hoped I see Andrew now. Maybe he can give me a ride so I can go home and escape from his cousin's servant, who is so damn grumpy.
Lost in thought, I bumped into Logan from behind. I even touched my face. I thought I bounced back from a wall. Why is his back so hard and sturdy? There doesn't seem to be a gym around here.
"Watch your way," he said.
He seemed irritated by what he did. Is it his problem? If he doesn't want me here, why insist on bringing me here? It's just common sense.
“If you don't like someone, you should find a way to avoid seeing them,” I told him but he just snorted.
We arrived at their dining area. Last time, we ate outside, in the garden of the hacienda during his grandmother’s birthday. So, it would be my first time seeing their luxurious dining area.
I took a seat in front of an abundance of food. I'm almost salivating, but I'm afraid the person in front of me might think I'm too greedy.
"You can eat," he said.
I nodded and started putting some dishes on the table.
"Why didn't you invite my other friends? Is what you're going to say so important that we have to have such a private setup?" I asked him.
"Yeah, I want to talk about the last time you almost drowned at that waterfall."
I raised an eyebrow and stopped slicing the steak.
"Can't we just forget that?" I asked him because it is very sensitive for me to be asked about things related to that incident.
"No, I know I'm at fault for what happened, and I want to make it up to you. Name your price," he said, causing me to gape at him.
Does he really think that my life can be bought? He is so egoistic! I stood up from my seat.
"You know what, do me a damn favor. I don't want to see your face, I don't want to see you ever again. If you think you can pay for my life as if it were just a piece of clothing you buy from a shop, then stop."
He really knows how to piss me off.
"Hey, that's not what I meant to say."
But he dropped the bomb, and surprise, I will not take this lightly.
"You know what, we will never get along... I'm leaving, hopefully, I'll find someone outside who can give me a ride and escape from your cousin's servant, who's such a grump."
I was about to leave the kitchen when I accidentally bumped into a vase. For a moment, time seemed to slow down.
"What the!" Logan shouted as we both stared at the broken vase.
I, on the other hand, seemed dumbfounded by the stupidity I just did. What is this now? I looked at Logan. He looked mad and shocked at what happened. I didn't mean to do it!
"I-I did not mean it," I said almost in a whisper.
"Of course, you don't! But even so, you still broke it. Do you know how much that cost?! I know you can't pay it because your family has a huge debt!" he shouted at me.
I was suddenly speechless and tears started to flow.
"Do you think this is amusing? I wish I hadn't come with you. I've been experiencing nothing but misfortune with you. And now you're insulting me? What did I do to you that I deserve this?"
I quickly wiped away my tears. I looked at him angrily.
"I'll pay for this vase, even if I have to struggle, but I don't want to see you ever again. Because I do not deserve to be treated this way."
He sighed. "Okay, sorry, I shouldn't have scolded you. I know it was an accident..." he said as if he was in trouble. "Here's the thing, you need to be a helper at the hacienda for five months, and then, the vase will be considered paid. What do you think?”
I couldn't say anything. That is a way better deal. If my mom finds out, it will be the end for me, for sure. I just sat down on a chair, and he called someone to clean up what I broke. I just want to rest on my bed and have peace of mind. I didn't imagine that I would run into trouble again.
"To cut this straight to the point, I will serve you for a few months and then I'm off?" I clarified everything. It's already hard enough.
He nodded. "Yeah."
I had no choice but to agree with him. I just want to end this conversation and start the day anew. It's good that he offered to take me home. I didn't say a word until I reached our house. Alice and Christian were also there.
"Krystal, where did you go? Aunt and I were worried about you, we almost went to the barangay," Alice greeted me.
I shrugged. "I'll tell you later, I'll go see Mom first."
I walked into the house. Mom immediately hugged me. She seemed relieved. I made her worry, and I feel guilty for that.
"Where did you go, my child? We thought something happened to you or you got lost. You made us worried," Mom said to me.
"I am so sorry, Mom. I was invited by Mr. Logan Lopez for a talk about his proposal," I said as I sat down next to the table.
Mom furrowed her brows. "What kind of proposal?" I hope this lie won't be counted.
"Well, a proposal to be his assistant for a few months. It's interesting because there are many benefits, and it will also give me early experience for my future as an accountant," I said.
"Child, you don't have to work. Your dad and I are responsible for you, you shouldn't worry about money. You don't need to tire yourself."
I shook my head. "Mom, this is not just about the money. I suddenly felt the desire to grow, I want to become something more."
Mom hugged me. I could feel her motherly warmth.
"I am genuinely proud of you. You're growing up, your dad and I know that you're no longer the baby girl we used to take care of." I am so sorry, Mom.
Because I don't want to add more lies to what I've said, I decided to say goodbye.
"I'll go upstairs for now, Mom. I've already eaten dinner."
"You must be tired, take your rest."
Life has been so tiring lately. As I went upstairs, I quickly lay down. Since I stepped foot in Clayland, misfortune has been relentless. I didn't deserve these things, but trouble still seems to chase after me.
I have no one to blame but Logan. After our conversation, I didn’t want to see even his shadow but I was trapped! Damn him!