Crossroads [SC SERIES #1]

Kabanata 20: Prisoner of Rules

[Klare's POV]

"Stop!" I shouted but they weren't listening. They tried to touch my arm but I dodge their hands.

"Huwag ka nang magpakipot. 'Di ka naman malulugi eh." Ngisi ng isa sa mga ito. He looks like a mad man that hasn't eaten for days.

"Don't touch me!" I glared at them... but it was no use.

I keep shouting and tried to get away but my both hands were held tightly. For my eighteen years, I haven't cried like this before... I realized that i'm really not powerful. If it wasn't for my last name, I would have been thrown in the streets.

My lips trembled in fear and disgust. I groaned when my back hits the wall real hard. I fell on the ground and I felt aggressive hands in different places of my body. I'm so weak... i've always been. No wonder everyone in the family hates me.

My eyes felt so heavy and tired because of the tears that I shed. Malapit ko nang ipikit ang mga mata ko nung bigla na lang ako makarinig ng sigawan. I was so speechless and things happened fast.

The two men that harassed me was already unconscious on the ground and the other one... my eyes widened when I saw Mr. Aguilar on top of the man. He threw punches after one. I couldn't even count how many punches he gave the man. The man is already unconscious and his face cannot be identified because it was covered with dripping blood.

"Mr. Aguilar, please stop it." Hinawakan ko ang braso niya at agad naman siyang natigilan. Tahimik siyang tumayo at hinubad ang uniform niya bago pinasuot sa akin kaya tanging puting sando lang ang kanyang suot-suot.

He looked at me from head to toe and his jaw clenched that made me gulped.

"Let's get in the car." My heart jumped when he spoke... his voice is quite dangerous that made me tremble. Before we left, Mr. Aguilar gave the man he was beating earlier a heavy stamped on his chest.

My body feels numb. Mr. Aguilar held my both shoulder as we went inside his car. We drove away and I looked at him... Mr. Aguilar is not showing any expression. He's not like this. I pursed my lips and until we reached my house, he didn't utter a single word.

Nakayuko akong nakasunod sa kanya habang pumapasok kami sa bahay. Napasinghap ako sa gulat nung bigla na lang niya sinipa ng malakas ang sofa.

"You said that you don't need protection from anyone pero, Klare, what if hindi ako dumating kanina?! Ha! Pa'no kung hindi ako nag-alala ng husto sayo at hindi kita binalikan?! You will be raped by those perverts!" His face is so red and I know that he's angry with me.

"You don't know how much I want to kill those guys for touching you!"

Napahagulgol ako nung bigla niyang suntukin ang mesa nang malakas. Nanginginig ang labi ko sa kaba. Napahilamos si Mr. Aguilar gamit ang sariling palad at ginulo ang kanyang buhok; showing signs of frustration.

I've never felt this nervous before. My limbs can't stop shaking as I cried.

"I-i'm sorry." I said and my breathing became heavy.

I saw his face softened after I said it. I was surprised when he suddenly pulled me to a hug and I just stopped shaking in an instant.

My heart was squeezed so tight that it stopped beating. His arms brought warm and it feels comfortable. This feeling... I don't know what it is.

Parang napaestatwa ako sa ginawang 'yun ni Mr. Aguilar. I felt his hand caressing my hair and my tears went back dripping again... but this time, it was slow.

For the first time, I felt comfort. Humagulgol lang ako nang humagulgol until I realized I was hugging him back. I buried my face on his chest... i'm alive.

"Please, Klare, allow me to stay by your side and protect you."

"Even if your one-month punishment will be done?" I asked and still sobbing.

"Yes, i'm not leaving you. Can you also do the same for me?"

I didn't answer... I don't know how to answer him. My life is complicated more than his. I'm a prisoner of rules.

"Am I asking too much?" Umiling ako at nananatili kaming magkayakap.

"Everyone will question us. There should be no any personal relationship between the Student Council Officers and a mere student inside KPA."

"Then i'll transfer to another school." Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya dahilan para matulak ko siya at kumawala sa kanyang pagkakayakap.

"G-gagawin mo yun?"

"Yeah, like I said, I will protect you no matter what the cost is."

Napayuko ako sa sinabi niya. No one has ever crossed the line just for me. I am useless in my family and I have no friends... hearing Mr. Aguilar talk like this made me realized that living is worthy.

But the thing is, i'm a coward... I don't think I can do such thing for him.

"Klare, please help me."

"With what?"

"Tell me what are the things that makes you happy." Lumapit siya sa akin at hinawakan ang magkabilang balikat ko.

Makes me happy... he's the only person who have asked me about my happiness and I honestly don't know what happiness really is.

"I don't know." I expect him to be disappointed but he just smiled at me.

"Then let's search for your happiness. Get ready."

Hindi ko alam kung ano ang binabalak ni Mr. Aguilar. I did what he said... afterall, he saved my life and also from myself. I owe him a lot.

I changed into Brooklyn tweed pullover and a gray pajamas. I went down stairs at pagdating sa sala ay natigilan ako nung patay lahat ng ilaw... maliban na lang sa tv na umaandar. There were pillows and blankets arranged on the floor. I went closer to Mr. Aguilar and he was smiled at me while organizing the popcorn and sodas on the table.

"What's this?"

"Movie Marathon. For tonight, you need to relax. Come."

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