Chapter 3

“Jewel!” said the man behind her. She turned around and her eyes widened upon seeing a familiar face.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Jewel, I apologize if I startled you but you have to be careful.”

“Please stop mentioning my name and just tell me why you’re here,” Jewel said, desperate for his answer.

“But you’re using that name now.”

“I know Gilbert but nobody knows about it yet.”

“Alright, I apologize for mentioning it. Well, your father sent out his men to search for you. I’m sure the first place that they will look out for is the airport.”

“But why would he do that? I thought I’m already free the moment I agree to what he wants.”

“Your father loves competition, don’t ever forget that. The more you resist, the more he’s willing to use his assets to hunt you down. Winner takes it all and he always wants to be the winner.”

“I’m such a fool to believe his words!” Intense anger covered Jewel’s body as she screamed. “I’ll meet my mother first then I’ll think of a plan to avoid his men.”

“Calm down, Jewel! Don’t make a scene! With the current situation, it’s too dangerous. We don’t want any media to get involved or it would be difficult for you to escape. As of now, go to the nearest terminal exit. My men are out there waiting for you. I have a plan.”

“But my mum is waiting for me, Gilbert. I want to see her!” Jewel was breathing heavily as she searched her bag for her phone.

“I know. But you have to be safe first. Look at me, Jewel! Hey, listen! I’ll go meet your mother and I’ll also get your luggage. You’ll be staying in one of my mountain lodge for now; you’ll meet your mother there.”

“Why should I trust you?”

“Because you have no choice right now and you only have 20 minutes left to make a choice. Your safety first, it’s a must.”

“You know what Gilbert; I really hate it when someone can't stay out of anyone’s business! I’m not asking for your help. What matters to me right now is my mother’s safety.”

“I’m not doing this for you, Jewel.”

“So why would you risk your life to help me then?”

“It looks like someone couldn’t stay out of anyone’s business too. Just do what I say if you don’t want Theodore’s men to drag you back to The Base.”

“I will keep you on track, Gilbert. If only my mum wasn't waiting for me. . .”

“Cut the crap, Jewel and GO! Go now, don’t dare look back!”

Jewel ran while tears formed in the corner of her eyes. She went to the nearest exit while Gilbert went to the opposite direction. Her heart was racing inside her chest and knowing about the current situation, it made her weak on her knees. She couldn’t believe that her father is searching for her after all the sacrifices and pain she has to go through. All she wanted was her freedom; she thought she was already free but she felt like an injured bird being lured back into the trap. She was hoping not to fall into the trap again. Her father has always been harsh on her. He was guiding and disciplining her at a young age; showing no mercy whenever she makes mistakes.

“Why do you have to lock me up, dad?” Little Jewel asked. “I’m scared, it’s so dark in here and I’m all alone.”

“Because I love you so much, my princess. You have to be here for a while. Daddy will open the door for you later.”

“But what if there’s a monster?”

“Gilbert will be outside; he will guard your door while you reflect on your mistakes.”

“But I didn’t mean to do it, dad. Angie runs faster, that's why she won the race. I still won second place though. Please forgive me, dad. I’ll do my best next time,” Jewel sobbed.

“Chances don’t come twice, sweetie. There’s no next time.”

“Do you really love me, dad? Why do you have to do this?”

“Of course, I do. But always remember this, love hurts, it always does. If it doesn’t hurt, it isn’t love.”

Jewel escaped to forget her life with her family except for someone who showed her what real love is, her mother. She could be feisty sometimes but she has a soft heart for her children. Jewel was almost at the exit when a suspicious guy started following her. She doubled her pace so he wouldn’t catch up with her steps. Jewel ran to the exit, the guy opened the gate when he recognized her face with the help of a picture in his hand. She was catching her breath when she was already out. She took out a bottle of water from her backpack for a drink. A vibration from her jean’s pocket startled her and a cloud of hesitations covered her mind upon seeing an unregistered number. But her instinct moved her to press the answer button.

“Are you out now?”

“Gilbert? Is this you?”

“Yeah, it’s me. I assumed you’re already out?”

“Yes, I am. But there was someone out there who started following me when I was near the exit.”

“I already told you, you’re not safe in the airport. A black van will stop in front of you 5 minutes from now. Don’t look back when you see it.”

“Okay, cool because I’m feeling so tired now. How did you know my number anyway? I haven’t given it to anyone.”

“How? One word, connection.”

Gilbert hung up and a black van suddenly appeared in front of her. She didn’t look back while getting inside of it as instructed. She sat near the window, turning her sight outside with a clench fist. She was worried and scared for her mother‘s safety. She‘s willing to do anything for the sake of her mother until her last breath. She let out a sigh then she saw a glimpse of a fascinating view which made her heart skip a beat.

*********

“Is this all you got?” Amanda asked her brother. She closed the trunk and turned to Andy. “You‘re such a light traveler,” she said. Andy opened the car‘s door while saying, “You know me. I hate packing and unpacking.”

“If you‘re that lazy, you better look for someone who would love to pack and unpack for you.”

“Just because I hate doing it doesn‘t mean that I‘m not going to do it.”

“That‘s only a suggestion and you‘ve been single for ages. When will you even look for someone to share your happiness with?”

“I‘m not rushing things to happen, you know. You don‘t force relationships, you just let it happen.”

“Yeah, just let things fall on your feet," Carter said. "But to be honest with you, once you encounter it, you‘ll be eager to grasp it even if you don‘t really understand it at first.”

“Exactly! Take it from the expert, Andy. Just look at us now, we‘re happily married because we made it happen. It‘s just a matter of choice, you have your choices if you‘ll let it in or you‘ll let it pass by you,” she said.

“I’ve already learned my lesson after what happened to me and you know who. I just can’t trust anyone right now.” Andy didn‘t say much but what he said made them silent for a while and then they changed the subject.

It wasn’t a long journey since Carter grew up in the place; he knows the routes too well. They reached their destination just in time for supper prepared by Amanda’s in-laws.

“How’s the journey, Andy? I heard this is your first time traveling alone?” Carter’s dad asked.

“It’s quite alright, I survived. Though I had panic attacks, I was able to cope up. I’m grateful that someone never hesitated to help me, she saved me. Not just once but twice.” Andy’s eyes glimmered as he shared what happened.

“Oh! What an elegant person! I’m sure her parents raised her well,” Carter’s mum said.

“I think so too,” Andy answered.

“What’s her name? We should invite her for tea,” Amanda suggested.

“But I don’t know her name,” Andy confessed.

“That’s a shame, why didn't you ask for her name?” Carter asked.

“It’s a long story and I don’t think you’ll understand,” Andy sighed as he finished his supper.

“Don’t miss the chance the next time you bump into her, kid. Chances don’t come twice,” Emil said. His wife glared at her. “What? I’m just saying what my previous employer used to say,” he added. Carter was about to say something when Amanda touched his hand and he looked at her in confusion. “Later,” she said.

After a delicious supper together; they waved goodbye to Carter’s parents who live in a different town. Carter has gone to finish a report in the study room while Andy and Amanda decide to stay for a cup of coffee. Andy volunteered to do the dishes.

“What is it like living with Carter?” Andy asked.

“It‘s fun”, Amanda replied. She studied Andy‘s face and his curiosity made her laugh. “How come it‘s fun?”

“Well, we’re the exact opposite. I’m a morning person while he's nocturnal. I hate hot weather while he loves it.”

Andy shook his head saying, “But you still love him anyway. Who would even think of moving here without prior notice to everyone?”

“That’s right, I love him. I hope he feels the same. It’s quite difficult at first; our marriage is like a roller coaster ride. Sometimes it‘s fun, most of the time, it‘s not. I made a lot of adjustments. Well, we both do anyway.” Amanda’s face changed when she took a sip of her coffee. ”Ugghhh, that‘s disgusting. I don‘t really like it when my coffee gets cold. You see? Just like this coffee, I‘ll throw this right away but Carter will still drink this. He thinks it’s such a waste to be thrown,” she said.

“He has a point though, you shouldn‘t waste a thing. Just heat it up in the microwave,” Andy said

“Are you taking his side now? How dare you, I‘m your sister,” she responded.

“I‘m not taking any side, I‘m just stating facts,” Andy said with a smirk.

“You‘re just like Carter, you‘re always careful when you answer.” Andy laughed.

“Looks like you found your nemesis,” he said.

“There‘s an ambiguous feeling of being ecstatic when it comes to romance but once you know the person, your views about him will change.”

“That‘s true, it must be hard for you when you‘re both lawyers though I‘m excited to witness an argument and imagine I’m in a court hearing.”

“Just wait and you’ll see more of it.”

Amanda took the cup of coffee into the kitchen and when she was just about to throw it in the sink, Andy declared his protest. “Don’t you dare!” he shouted. “Don’t do that, just give it to me. I’ll have it without a doubt.”

“Carter? Is that you?” Amanda said, sarcastically. “I can’t believe it; my baby brother is turning into a real man now. Alright then, suit yourself and feel at home. Here, you can have it. I’ll be staying in the study room with Carter. If you need anything, just knock three times.”

“As if I’ll do that,” Andy answered while smiling.

“Whatever. Have fun with the dishes!” Amanda said then she was gone.

Andy was left all alone in the kitchen; his head was occupied by the presence of the person he met in the airport. He wasn’t sure why he keeps thinking of her. He doesn’t even know her name so why does he bother thinking about her? There’s a small window just above the kitchen sink, Andy takes a peek outside of the window while washing the glasses. The area where his sister lives isn’t crowded and most of the houses in the neighborhood don’t have fences or gates. Is it really safe to live here?

“What are you looking at?” a voice behind Andy asked.

“Gosh! Man! You startled me! I almost broke this glass.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. I just want a glass of water.” Carter said then he laughed. “If you could only see yourself, I bet you’ll laugh too.”

“Please don’t do that again, I almost fainted.”

“I promise not to startle you again. But why do you keep on looking outside? Is there something bothering you?”

“Is it really safe living here? I noticed you don’t have fences or gates here.”

Carter peeks outside of the window. “See that man watering his plants?”

“Yeah and why does he water the plants at this time?”

“His wife passed away weeks ago. He’s doing his best to make himself occupied so he doesn’t think about her more often. He used to ask the same question but as time went by, he realized that you don’t have to have fences or gates to feel protected. As long as you’re with the people you love, you’ll always feel protected.”

“That’s sad and it makes sense to me. Maybe I’ll get used to it too. What’s his name by the way?”

“Alfonso. He’s a retired businessman. You can visit him sometime.”

“Eh? I don’t really talk to people. I feel awkward starting a conversation with strangers.”

Carter patted Andy’s back. “Just try it for once. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

“Do you think I can do it alone?” Andy asks, biting his lip; he does it when he is nervous.

“You survived traveling alone. I’m sure you’ll be able to do it soon.”

“I hope so but I’m not rushing it. Is there any mountain camp here? Do they still offer skiing?”

“There’s a lot here but there’s one I know a few kilometers away from here. Why? Are you planning to go ski?”

“Well, I want to but my sister may not approve of it. My family restricts me from doing any activities all by myself.”

“I understand how badly they wanted to protect you but sometimes it’s over the top. You’re not a kid anymore. Go have fun! I’ll contact Ben; he’s one of my trusted clients. He can take you there.”

“What about my sister? She’ll get mad at me if I keep this a secret.”

“Don’t worry; I’ll mention it to Amanda later.”

“Thank you, I owe you this one.”

Andy was incredibly happy and quite worried about going to the mountain lodge. He was going skiing for the first time without his friends. But there’s one thing Andy wants to try, to have fun peacefully without depending too much on anyone; there’s no time for him to feel sorry or guilty for doing what he wants this time.

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