Chapter 3: Control
I was busy taking selfies when Hando stormed in the room. Isang madilim na tingin ang pinukol niya sa akin kaya alam kong hindi naging maganda ang pag-uusap nila ni Kristan.
"That guy just went through transition," he told me as if I didn't know. "Hindi pa niya kayang kontrolin ang sarili and you have the guts to take him as your personal guard?"
I scrolled through the selfies I just took. Matagal na rin simula nung nag-post ako ng selfie sa social media. My fans are dying for content.
"Nathalia Cardinal!" My manager's voice roared.
"That's the reason you are here. Fix him," I said without growing a glimpse at him.
"W-what?"
I smiled after I posted the picture. I just watched the reactions go wild but didn't bother scrolling through the comments. The last time I did, I read something horrible comments and it ruined my entire week. That's why I avoid reading topics about myself as much as possible. Unless Hando sends me one which is always about the media praising me. I love it.
"Drop him now," Hando sighed. "I will find you a better one. I promise that."
"Nah."
I put my phone down as I stood up.
"How can he protect you if he can't even control himself!" he blurted out. "This is ridiculous, Miss Cardinal. He even looks like a kid!"
I smirked at him. "My eyes beg to differ. Where's he?"
Nilagpasan ko siya saka na lumabas ng kwarto. Naabutan ko si Kristan sa sala at nakatingin na naman sa labas ng malaking bintana.
"How are you?" I asked.
I heard him sigh.
"The smell of his blood was so inviting. I couldn't stop myself." Humarap siya sa akin. Isang tipid ang ngiti sa kanyang labi. "I'm really sorry."
I nodded. "My manager will fix it."
Napakamot sa batok si Kristan. "I'm really sorry, Hando. Pangakong hindi na ito mauulit pa."
"Hindi ka maaaring umalis dito nang ganyan." Napailing pa si Hando saka bumuntonghininga. "You need to learn to control yourself first."
Bumaling ako sa wall clock. I think I have a scheduled event later.
I turned to Hando. "I can go there myself."
Kumunot ang noo niya. "What do you mean?"
"I have a photoshoot later. Ikaw na muna ang magbantay rito kay Kristan."
He gawked at me. "No, you are not saying that."
"Kailangan may maiwan rito para magbantay—"
"That's not my job!" sigaw niya sa akin.
"I am fine here alone," Kristan said. "Hindi na ako lalabas."
"Okay..." I smiled.
"W-what?" Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Hando. "Maiiwan siya ritong mag-isa? Tapos kapag may nangyari na namang hindi maganda ay ako ang guguluhin ninyo?"
I frowned. "Stay here, then."
Saka na ako pumasok sa kwarto ko. Naabutan kong umiilaw ang cell phone kong pinatong ko sa night stand. Sa malayo pa lang ay nakita ko na ang pangalan ng tumatawag.
I sighed as I answered the call.
"Is that true? That you are back?" Dylan asked over the phone.
