Scorned Innocence (Scorned Trilogy #1) ✔

Six

"Mga besh! Have you seen the viral news in Boulevard WatchStop?" I heard several girls murmured on their seats at the Study Hallway just outside the library.

I was busy catching up on my school works when I accidentally heard their conversations.

"Oh my gosh! May girlfriend na si Papi Jacob naten!" The other girl hissed, most probably in disbelief and annoyance.

My forehead creased and I returned my attention to my Psychological Testing book.

I was reviewing about projective tests and their interpretations when they disrupted my thoughts.

Frustrated, I stood up and gathered my things. I will transfer to the other side of this library where there is minimal noise and where students actually care about studying than their mouths.

"Shocks! Hindi ba si Palermo yan? Si Amira?" I halted in my tracks when I heard my sister's name being mentioned by one of them.

"Gaga! Hindi! Si Amaris yan! Classmate ko yun sa Social Dance eh!", their other friend commented.

"Shunga! Long hair oh! Si Amara yan!", one of them answered and I got conscious with my look.

I hurried to an empty table away from their scrutinizing glances.

This is trouble! My sisters are going to kill me!

I tried to focus my attention back to my textbook when I felt a movement from my right side.

On another table was Jacob whose head was bent low on it. In his college uniform, he looked so weak and tired and was snoring loudly on his seat.

I rolled my eyes and brought my things to with me to sit across from him.

Once, I had covered his figure with my built, I tapped his arm lightly hoping he will wake up to my taps.

But, to no avail.

I couldn't help but to ruffle his head when my fingers caught a lump of his hair.

Jacob grunted as if he was in pain and I got curious and from his hair, my hand fell to his forehead.

It was only then that I realized that Jacob is burning hot!

"Jake? Hey, Jacob. Are you okay? Ang init mo! " I exclaimed and he just groaned in response.

He moved his head to the side and even bent down low as if to shy away the pain.

I stood up and touched his neck. He really has a fever!

"Hey, get up. I have a Biogesic here. Sit up. Inom ka muna. Then, I'll get you home.", I said and rummaged inside my bag to searxh for my mini-first aid kit.

Once I had got it, I also took out my half-filled mineral bottle.

I gently lifted his head and with his half-opened eyelids, he opened his mouth and I slid in the medicine and have him drink the water I have with me.

"Good heavens! Bakit pumasok ka pa? Masama na pala ang pakiramdam mo!" I scolded in a whisper.

"I- I just wanted to see you, today, Amara." Jacob managed to say in between coughs when he got to his senses.

For a moment, I was surprised by his response but I decided to ignore it and helped him arrange his things.

Good thing, he's wearing his varsity jacket to keep himself warm.

"Do you have your phone with you? Tatawagan ko driver mo to pick you up so you can go home and rest." I said, ignoring his words.

Jacob coughed again and wheezed.
"Sorry. Naabala pa ata kita." He chuckled lightly despite his condition.

"Look, you are in no shape to drive. Come on, akin na phone mo para matawagan ko na si Manong." I insisted but he shook his head.

"I left it at my condo. It's on top of my table." He managed to say.

I sighed. I have no choice but to book as a taxi.

"Fifteen minutes.", I said and looked at him. "Kaya mo pa maghintay? Nasa area na yung grab naten."

"Damn. It's so nice hearing your words." He muttered under his breath.

He bent his head on the table again to rest his eyes.

"Can you wake me up when the car arrives? I'm so beat." He asked in a muffled voice.

"Sure. Just rest." I said and pulled out my phone again to text my sisters that I will be late tonight.

We're lucky we were dismissed earlier today. A faculty meeting was scheduled this afternoon so we were able to catch up on things.

Minutes later, my phone beeped and a text coming from the grab driver popped on my phone saying he's already outside our building.

"Can you walk? Andyan na yung grab." I asked.

Jacob nodded and stretched his arms before he stood up. His knees seemed to wobble so I rushed to his aid.

In the end, I draped my arm over his waist as we walked towards the exit door of the library.

Sa wakas, umalis na din ang mga tsismosa.

There were only a few students left in the building and some can even notice us and still, whispers can be heard from them.

"It feels nice being close like this." Jacob murmured and a lopsided smile escaped his lips. "Sana pala palagi akong maysakit."

"Shut up, Zelstra. Walk faster. Nakakangalay kaya." I said sarcastically and he laughed.

Finally, after about fifteen minutes, we reached the car. Jacob told him his address in the condo and an hour later, the driver helped me bring him to his room.

"Alright. You can manage yourself, right?" I asked when I watched him sat on his bed.

He nodded and smiled. "Thanks, Amara."

"Okay. Bye." I said and was about to head out his room when I thought of checking his fridge for his food later when he wakes up.

Sadly, I found none.

"Mukhang mag-aalaga ata ako ngayon ha." I thought aloud staring at the nearly empty fridge.