CHAPTER FOURTEEN

KATRINA had a determined smile as she walked out of the Gray Mansion. Her mind automatically went to planning how she could have Nathan's attention and affection within the remaining days. I told him I'll give my all, and so I'll give my all.

As she formulated her plans, a certain man was waiting for her outside the mansion, and due to being swallowed by her thoughts, Kai wasn't able to notice him until he finally made a move to block her path.

Kai immediately raised her head and was about to glare at that man when she noticed that it was just Gio, still eating Frutos. What is he doing here?

Tinaasan naman siya ng lalake ng kilay na para bang gulat na gulat ito. "Woah. Buo kang nakalabas ng tiger's den."

Kai grinned at him. "That's because I'm so great."

Inipit ni Gio ang Frutos sa braso niya saka ito nag-slow clap. "Teach how to Dougie, Spider girl."

Napailing na lang si Kai saka mahinang natawa. Halos nawala na sa isip niya ang tungkol sa pananakit at pamamahiya na ginawa ni Dave. I feel like I was reborn and that I should not waste this second life anymore. "Hay, this is weird, but I'm happy, wanna me to buy you candies?" normal na normal niyang tanong kay Gio.

Nagtataka man ay agad nagningning ang mga mata ng lalake nang marinig ang salitang iyon. "I won't say no to candies. So let's go!" Sabay silang naglakad papunta sa convenience store nang muling umimik si Gio. "Teka nga, inakit mo 'ko ng candy, ikwento mo muna kaya kung anong nangyari sa 'yo," anito na ikinangisi ni Kai.

Of course, she had no plans to expose herself to everyone just yet. Baka mas lalong masira ang plano niya wala nang maging choice si Mr. Hagen kundi ang palayasin siya ng RV. "Mr. Hagen was kind enough to let me go. He did not inform me of the punishment that I'll receive but he did say he'll think of something," she flawlessly lied. Well, for sure, there'll be something in his mind so he won't kick me out just yet—

"Ms. Kai!" Napalingon naman agad ang babae nang marinig ang pangalan niya. She then saw the vocalist of Lights Out jogging in her direction. "Wait." He stopped in front of her and Gio before staring at her with worry. "How are you? Are you hurt? Hindi kita naabutan sa bahay ni Vynz. Dinala ka na raw ni Brian sa bahay niya. Ayos ka lang ba? Ako na ang magso-sorry sa ginawa ni Kuya." Sunod-sunod ang mga sinasabi ni Chris kaya naman nang matapos itong magsalita ay napahinga ito nang malalim.

Kai tilted her head a little to the side. "Sir Dave is your older brother?" Tumango naman ang lalake. "Oh right, he did embarrass me in front of Nathan," she mumbled to herself but both of the guys heard her, making them shake their heads. Kai took a deep breath before looking seriously straight into Chris' eyes. "I know I was at fault, I did break some rules—"

"You mean a lot," sabay na sabi nila Gio at Chris na ikinasama ng tingin ni Kai sa dalawa.

"As I was saying, I broke the rules and I deserved to be punished, but your brother was too much," Katrina took a deep breath in, "I never thought I'd see myself in that kind of humiliating situation."

Nagbaba naman ng tingin si Chris saka akmang magso-sorry na naman nang maramdaman niya ang pag-vibrate ng phone niya kasabay ng pagtunog ng phone naman ni Gio. Maliban doon ay may isa pang lalakeng nasa likuran na rin pala ni Chris at nakatingin kay Kai. "Miss Graciadas, I have already thought of the consequences of your actions, so if you please, kindly follow me as I have gathered the boys in the basketball court once again." Iniumang pa ni Brian ang mga kamay saka nauna nang naglakad sa kanilang tatlo.

Si Gio naman na siyang ganap na chismoso ay agad na tumabi at umakbay kay Brian. "Bro, I'm curious. It doesn't seem that you'll let her act go naman and not that I want her gone, but humor me, why isn't she fired yet?" Alam kasi ni Gio na hindi nangto-tolerate ng ganoong ugali ang may-ari ng village. He has heard of a couple of maids who were also roaming around the village and basically, fangirling over some of them, most especially over Chris, that were fired the next day. And so this scene really piqued Gio's attention.

Brian just patted Gio's arm — the one hanging over his shoulder — and smiled mysteriously. "Just wanting to have a little change in this boring village."

Gio, as well as the eavesdropper, Chris, were both confused by this response. Sanay naman na talaga sila sa ugali niya na kung anong maisip ni Brian ang siyang gagawin niya, pero hindi pa rin talaga nila maiwasang maguluhan. All they could do was watch and wait on what this owner of their village has prepared for them.

As soon as the four of them arrived at the court, six pairs of eyes landed on them. Kai felt the heaviness of the atmosphere filling up the covered basketball court. Her eyes were then fixated on the guy that embarrassed her. "Since everyone saw what happened this morning, I see fit that everyone is involved, hmm?" panimula ni Brian. "I'll be deducting 20% of Miss Graciadas' salary and she'll be apologizing to everyone, for causing trouble." Iminuwestra nito ang kamay na para bang sinesenyasan na si Kai sa dapat niyang gawin.

Huminga naman nang malalim ang babae saka bahagyang yumuko. "I apologize for causing trouble. I wasn't following the rules and was irresponsible. I accept the deduction of my salary as punishment. Again, I'm sorry, Mr. Hagen. I'm sorry, everyone," litanya ni Kai. Truth be told, she really does not feel sorry at all, but she had to do so, since it was the only way that Mr. Hagen had given her.

"As for you, Mr. Dave Holmgren, apologize to Ms. Graciadas. I would not like to tolerate such actions and words even if she broke a rule. It was too much for a punishment," seryosong ani ng lalake.

Kai raised her head to see Dave walking towards her. He saw her close his eyes and take a deep breath in before opening his eyes as if he had already calmed down. He stared at her as he spoke the words, "I'm sorry."

The lady had to hold back her eyes from rolling or glaring at the guy and instead, just showed a small smile. "I apologize as well, Mr. Holmgren."

He only nodded at her before walking back to where he was standing before. Brian then spoke again. "As for you, Mr. Javier," he shook his head, "Whatever. You'll settle this both on your own anyway." He even waved his hand.

When Brian went to the vending machine, everyone thought the sudden meeting was over so they planned to leave but the owner only wanted a drink before announcing the second part of Kai's punishment which made three people almost stop breathing.

"Ah right. As an addition to the punishment, I would tell the HR to make Ms. Graciadas clean the RV Hall every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday."

Other than Kai, who was annoyed for making her do more cleaning duties, Vynzent and Levi could not help but also feel annoyed. Why? Because Nathan is always in the RV Hall during those specific days.

H | Z

Peace be with you, readers, sa late update. Huehehe.