DOWN IN THE DUMPS

Chapter 2

Yohan is excellent in finding people and I testify for that. Absolutely, his skill is incomparable from the authority. He can even establish an organization which aims to find people.

“Surprised?” He said in the most annoying way. Sinong hindi ma-susurprise sa ginawa niya? Kahit pa ata nawawalang butones ay mahahanap niya.

I think his skill is a red flag because it feels like he's stalking me. I don't think a sane person would do what he did — roaming around when curfew's on. But apparently his not a sane person and he's the Vice Mayor's son.

Binitawan niya ang braso ko at nabigyan ako ng pagkakataong umatras ng kaunti mula sa kanya. Yohan is unpredictable. He can be childish and evil at the same time. And I hate to see it.

“Not surprised, Yo. Sa utak mo namang ‘yan, kalkyulado ko na ang mga kilos mo,” pambabara ko sa anumang gusto niyang idugtong sa sinabi niya kanina.

Although he's evil, his nature is really predictable which is his weakness. He doesn't know how to make his moves create positive result. Mas lalong hindi niya alam na kung saan lang siya dapat lumugar.

I let out an offensive smirk. “Your way of attacking is pretty thug-like. Like an extra character in a movie whose way of dealing is very cliché. Wala ka bang pride?”

Matapos kong magsalita ay muling kumulog ng ilang beses at sinamahan pa ng kidlat. The drizzle still continued but anytime soon ay iiyak na talaga ng todo ang langit. Sana ay umalis na ang Yohan na ‘to para makauwi na ako.

“Axis, you can’t beat me,” he bragged as if we’re playing some games.

I really want to kick his face real hard para tulog kaagad. The tension between us is enough to awaken the sleeping dogs in this dog pound but I managed to remain calm as I don’t want to satisfy this asshole in front of me. Bahala siyang ma-stress na awayin ako ‘cause I won’t give in.

“Beat where? Wala akong maalala na sinalihan na school activities ha. Tamad ako pagdating d’yan.” I joked, trying to ease the air and insult him at the same time.

Inilagay ko sa likod ang dalawa kong kamay at naglakad-lakad sa quadrangle ng dog pound. Sumunod naman sa akin si Yohan na para bang buntot.

Ano bang makukuha niya mula sa ‘kin? Gusto ba niya akong jowain?

Huminto si Yohan ng marating ko ang pintuan ng entrance ng dog pound. May sticker pa rito na nakadikit na nagsasabing, Only Employees Allowed.

“Stop acting so brave and righteous Ax, hindi bagay sa ‘yo.”

I scoffed at his statement. “Kung sorry pa ang hinihingi mo, maiintindihan ko. Kaya nga nagtanong ako kung saan kita pwedeng talunin pero iba naman ang sinagot mo. We speak the same language yet we always have miscommunication.” I told him kasi na-frufrustrate na rin ako sa pinaggagawa niya.

“Why would I ask for your sorry? Sa tingin mo ba darating ako sa puntong ito kung sorry lang ang hinihingi ko sa‘yo?” Yohan took a step closer to me. His forehead creased which made me creased my forehead too.

“You’re so enthusiastic in hunting me Yo. Ano ka? Bounty hunter?” I teased him while walking forward to intimidate him. Ngayon ay naging malapit na kami sa isa't isa. If ever he'll do something bad to me, hindi ako matatakot kasi may CCTV naman dito.

Yup, I’m depending my life on the CCTVs. Sana lang ay may nagmomonitor ngayon at marecognize si Yohan.

“Sad to say, I'm not a bounty hunter because you're worthless,” his strident tone exposed that my intimidation was a success. The confidence in his face is slowly fading, thanks to my attacks although I still can’t guarantee my safety from him. Lalo na’t mabibigat din ang mga salitang binibitawan niya para sa akin at baka hindi ko na rin mapigilan pang sumabog. “See? I'm hunting someone who's not even worth a cent.”