IN LOVE WITH A VILLAIN | CHONI

-5-

"Lester," Toni called, shaking her cousin's shoulder. "Lester, wake up. Come on."

The boy then stirred to his right and opened his eyes, trying to identify the person seated on his bed.

"Lester, it's me. It's Toni." She smiled, holding her tears back. "Hey."

"Toni?" he recalled and once recognized, he sat up and reached for a hug. "Where have you been? We were worried." 

"I'm sorry," she whispered, caressing the younger boy's back. "Look," she pulled away, wiping his tears, "I'm so sorry I was gone for like two days, but you won't understand if I'll explain it to you right now."

"Why? I clearly don't understand. Why would you leave us like that?" he asserted weakly.

"I didn't. Someone took me and... I have to work for her from now on."

"Like kidnapped you? Then why are you here? I mean—how did you escape?"

She exhaled. "It's a long story. For now, be strong for your sister while I find a way to visit you guys regularly." She finger-combed his curly hair from his forehead to the side. "I hope you understand that I'll be missing in action for... I don't know how long."

"So, you're leaving again?" he asked, his voice cracking a little. "Like, right now?"

She nodded. "I'm sorry. I'll try to figure things out and I promise, I'll visit. I can't risk your lives because I love you. Megan too."

"I love you too, but can't you stay? Please?" he pleaded. "We need you here."

Toni shook her head. "I'm sorry." She sighed. "Uh... let me put it this way. Let say, my father has enemies before and now, I have to make it up to them, so they won't hurt you."

He furrowed his eyebrows. "Why would they hurt me? Megan? Or even you? If uncle did anything, then why are you going to pay them back?"

She weakly smiled. "That's how life works. We can't go against people that's a lot more compelling than us."

He looked down.

"Are you mad? I promise, I'll try to do my best, so I can see you everyday."

"But it's not gonna be the same, Toni. We'll miss you."

She frowned, exhaling. "I—" She stopped talking when she heard the front door open. From upstairs, she could hear the creaking of the wood. "Shh, keep quiet."

"Toni, that must be—"

"Shhh." She silenced him with an index finger. She stood up from the bed and silently grabbed a pair of scissors from Lester's study table. "Don't follow me, okay? Stay here."