KATALINA
We had two more lectures before we could call it a day, but I was in no condition to stay in school. Emilia led me to her car and drove me to her place.
Having already said too much, I came clean.
Amidst tears and hiccups, I told her everything that was happening between Huracio and me. I told her how my Mum wanted me to steal from him, and what she just told me.
She was shocked and said nothing for a long time. We just sat there, in her living room, staring into space.
“Huracio is Mafia? You mean he is Mafia and you didn’t tell me?” Emilia gasp, breaking the silence.
Are you kidding me?
My jaws dropped, and I blinked at her in shock, not knowing what to say.
Of all that I said, that was all she grasped?
She stood up, and started pacing around her living room. Her face was pale from fear. She has express total disregard for Huracio several times. She was thinking about how he could have easily gotten rid of her and she wouldn’t even know how she died. Then, I remembered what he did to Amber and felt that Emilia was right to be scared. In fact, I also got worried instantly.
“He was the one who put Amber in the wheelchair ” I added in a trembling voice.
“No way!” She gasped. “Why would he do that?”
“She met us at the mall and was disrespectful. He got her beaten up and showed me the clip. He threatened to do the same to you if I disobey him or tell you anything. That’s why I have been lying to you all this time. So, Emilia,…” I walked up to her and grabbed her arm earnestly. Needing her to believe me, I gazed intently into her eyes. “Huracio must not know that you know. He is a bastard. He will hurt you.”
Tears slipped down my cheeks as guilt and regrets overwhelmed me. I have tried all I could to shield her from this. But in a moment of utter despair, I dragged her into my mess, putting her life in danger.
“He said that? He said he would put me in a wheelchair?” She asked in a trembling voice. The fear in her eyes deepened, and she held my hands tightly.
“I am sorry, Emmy. I didn’t mean to. Just pretend that you don’t know, okay?”
“Okay, Kata.” She huffed and silently dragged me in and we hugged.
“I am so sorry, I didn’t want this to happen.” I cried, soaking her shirt with my tears.
She continuously patted my back until I calmed down, then led me to the bedroom.
“You should try to calm down, Kata. There is so much to do. You need to calm down.”
She gave me a cup of warm milk and sat down beside me.
“What am I going to do, Emmy? Mum said Dad is not my Dad. What does she mean? What should I do?” I trembled and gasped.
“Maybe she was lying.”
“No, she wasn’t. I know when she is lying. Her eyes gets shifty, and she gets restless. She wasn’t like that today. She looked tired and angry. I think she is scared too. She said she is in danger. The file is the only thing that can safe her.”
“First things first. Let’s figure out how to get the files.”
“I don’t know if I can get into the houses. I don’t have the keys.”
“Who has them?”
“I don’t know. Maybe Rosa.”
“Just tell her you want to go pick something up at the villa.”
“But I didn’t leave anything behind.”
“Does she know that?” Emilia asked, sounding impatient.
Realizing I was being slow again, I lowered my head and picked at my fingernails.
“No.”
“Good. Take a nap for now. When you wake up, dinner will be ready. When you get home tonight, ask her for the keys. After lectures tomorrow, we will go and search the villa.”
“What if she doesn’t have it?”
“We have till Thursday, don’t we? ” Emilia spread her hands and I nodded. “We will figure something out. Now, try to rest. You look like you haven’t slept for weeks.”
Between worrying about mother and Huracio’s, I haven’t had a good sleep in days. The warm milk and the pill she gave me worked wonders, and when I woke up, it was dark outside. The house smelt like a pastry factory, and my stomach was grumbling.
I got out of bed, washed up and went to search for Emilia. She was in her kitchen, drunk and passed out.
Looking around, I started feeling guilty again. The Kitchen was in disarray. Baking things were scattered around the small space, and freshly baked breads were laid out on the island along with five sets of steaming dishes.
We already baked what we needed for the week on Saturday, so, she didn’t need these fresh breads. The five dishes she cooked were too much for two people. The only reason Emilia would go into a cooking trip is anxiety. She was probably overthinking about Huracio and Amber.
Checking the time, it was almost 8 pm. I woke Emilia up and got her into the bathroom. Luckily for me, she is good with her liquor. She doesn’t get antsy when drunk. She was docile and obedient when I asked her to go under the shower. I then helped her to wash up, got her in a pajamas, and tucked her in bed. I packed up all the food and put them away. I then cleaned up the kitchen before leaving. I wanted to stay, but Huracio wouldn’t want that.
The first thing I did when I got home was to go knock on Rosa’s door.
“Miss,” she greeted with a slight bow, holding her hands to her back.
“I need the keys to the villa. I want to go pick some things.”
“There are people there, Young miss. They will let you in.” She replied solemnly.
“Hm.” I snorted and walked off.
The next was a Friday and we had just two lectures in the morning. Once it was over, Stone drove Emilia and I to the Villa.
Emilia had never been to this place before. When she saw it, she was thrown. The villa was a sprawling, white edifice. It looks stunning at first glance.
While she stayed downstairs, I hurried to Huracio’s old study, but the door was locked. Feeling stumped and frustrated, sat down by the door, gazing at nothing. He never locks his study back when we lived here. Why did he lock it after we left?
After a bit, I stood up and sluggishly approached the stairs case. Getting there, I looked downstairs to see Emilia focused on her phone, typing away.
“It is locked, Emilia.” I called out.
“Have you tried his bedroom? You should check every plausible place.”
“He doesn’t bring his work into the bedroom.” I argued.
“Just do it.” She insisted.
Taking a deep breathe, I headed for the master bedroom.
The moment I stepped into the room, my tumultuous heart started calming down. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It smelled so good and soothing. It smelled of cigar and Huracio’s cologne. It smelled like home.
I opened my eyes and took the sight in. This room felt more homely than my new house. I had no idea I was this attached to it.
Darting my eyes around, I saw nothing out of place. The room was dust free, and ready to use.
Sighing, I walked in and started checking the bedside drawers… Nothing.
I turned to the closet. Huracio’s things were to the left, while my side of it was empty. I started opening his wardrobes and drawers…Nothing.
Giving up, I headed for the door when I remembered the red room.
I entered it and instantly saw an emerald file carelessly tossed on the massage bed.
That color. It is the main color code of the logo Mum gave to me. I brought the carefully folded piece of paper from my back pocket. I unfolded it and approached the bench.
The logo was the same with what I had in hand.
My heart lurched in excitement.
I found it!