Crossing Through A Valiant Heart (ON-GOING)

Chapter 22

"Does it hurt that bad?" When Kobie entered my room, that was the first thing he said in the morning. It felt worse the next day, to be completely honest. But that's probably because the anesthesia is gone. 

"I'm doing well, though," I answered, giving him a short smile. "Where were you last night? Sabi ni Ivy pupunta ka raw ng gabi." I waited all night for him to come but he didn't. He must've been busy.

"O-Oh." he took a chair and sat beside my bed. "Natagalan ako sa police station. Don't worry, they're doing everything for the men to spill the truth. Matigas mga ulo." he sighed.

"It's fine. As long as they're behind the bars, we can do the rest later on." I tried sitting up and he guided me. This was familiar. Ilang beses na ba akong napunta sa clinic o hospital? This is probably the second time.

Speaking of, the man from before tried to kidnap me too. Is this supposed to be connected from before? They almost killed me! He still has connections outside of jail. We have to get rid of all of them. I shouldn't be scared when I know the source now. Well, I did almost die so I should be a little careful.

"I have to talk to someone," I told him. He glanced at me like he's waiting for a name drop. "The psycho." I described. I do remember talking about him to Kobie but I'm not quite sure if he does remember.

"Where is he?"

"Jail. Could you help me out?"

He didn't know what to say. Napaawang ang bibig niya at para bang nagiisip kung ano ba ang dapat niyang gawin. Tumikhim siya at umiwas ng tingin.

"You can't, Rylee. Stay here until you feel better. Ako na lang ang kakausap. I'll relay your message and then we're done-" he looked at me and held my hand.

"But I have to be the one to do it." Matigas kong sabi. "As long as I'm not the one talking to him, he'll keep sending more. He'll kill me the next time." I'm not scared of death but I'm scared of the way I might die. That's horrifying and I can't imagine it.

"Paano kapag napahamak ka? I already feel bad for leaving you behind. Kapag um-oo pa ako sa'yo, baka kung ano pa ang mangyari. Rylee, please?" His eyes say fear and guilt. I hate it when they look at me like that. But I understand.

I'm not in the best condition and I might be harmed again. I can't risk it and I know that I'm just acting tough. But what else do I have? If I don't act strong, it's not like it will do anything. It's better to pretend because eventually, you'll get used to it. That's how I grew my strength.

"I'll stay in for a couple more days but when I feel better, let me talk to him. Papayag ako kapag may gustong sumama basta kakausapin ko siya." I made a deal but it seems like he's still having a hard time thinking of an answer.

Umigting ang panga niya at napa-oo nalang. "I'll go with you." I smiled and was about to touch his face with my hand but he carefully held it and placed it back down. "Stop cupping faces. Don't move a lot, okay."

"You've seen me cup more faces before?" I laughed.