When Love and Hate Collide [Completed]

Chapter 8: Trust and Risk

ARANYA

"I don't need your help. You're one of them." I tried to sound tough between my draining voice and energy as I glare at him while still lying on the grassy floor.

Tama si tita Precious. I can't trust him fully. After what I heard awhile ago, I think it is already enough for me to listen to her and stay away from him at all cost.

I just saw how his devil almost came out from his body as he scare those ladies away. Parang may kung anong demonyo na nagtatago sa loob ng katawan ni Seth na bigla niya na lang pinakawalan.

Just to save you.

Pero heto't nakikipagtalo pa rin ang puso ko sa aking isipan. There is still something in me that keeps on believing in him. There is still a part of me that thinks he's kind and gentle.

He acted so kind and protective when I met him. Is that even possible that he faked it all? Parang hindi ko naman maramdaman na inuuto niya lang ako.

Or maybe I was just too blinded by his face? By his sweet assuring lies? I don't know. I just don't know what to believe anymore.

"I see. You're afraid of me." His voice sounds emotionless but there is something in his face that tells me he was sad.

"You slapped that woman---"

"She tried to kill you! What am I suppose to do? Cheer her up?"

I got shock when his voice suddenly raised but when he realized it, he tried to take a deep breath with his jaw and his knuckles clenched before exhaling.

"Ara, I am no saint. But I don't want you to get hurt because of me. Yes, I'm one of them but I'm not with them." He tried to sound kind but I can still feel his anger trying to come out of his throat.

He's controlling his madness really hard but his fists can't hide it. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang matindi niyang pagpipigil na habulin ang mga babaeng umalis at tuluyang saktan ang mga ito. I can also see his feet trembling in too much anticipation to walk near me.

Too much self-control.

"If you don't trust me then don't. Just let me help you right now. You look so weak and vulnerable." Pagmamakaawa nito habang pilit pa ring pinipigilan ang sarili na lumapit sa akin at mapasensyang hinihintay ang pagpayag ko. "Please?"

I don't know what to say but I am aware that whatever my decision is, it will also affect my thoughts about him.

But I still feel weak. I'm in pain and tired. Hindi ko kayang gumalaw nang mag-isa at kailangan ko talaga nang tulong.

I have no choice.

"J-Just don't hurt me." I begged as I let my guard down and let my tears fall.
I can't take it anymore. I need help. I can't stay alone here and wait for another threat to my life.

"I will never hurt you, Ara." He sounded like the same assuring man I know as he immediately run to me and then slowly wrapping his arms around my body. "Its okay. I'm here."

I started crying like a helpless baby in his chest as he try to caress my cheeks gently and then wipe my tears with his thumb before finally carrying me up.

"I'll never let anyone hurt you."

***

"Drink it Ara. You need to regain your strength."

Agad akong dinala ni Seth sa infirmary para magamot ang iba kong mga galos sa katawan. He did not leave me there and he even offered to take care of me while I rest.