Lawful Obsession - [On-Going]

Chapter 10

Noong umaga, hinatid ako ni Bryle sa school bago siya pumasok. We ate breakfast in extravagant hotel, at first I was hesitant to go but eventually he told me I am the owner of that hotel. I was surprised when I found it out. It was my father's and it belongs to me, he said. But I cannot stop myself for asking, why me?

When I enter to the stadium a lot of students eyeing me. I felt uncomfortable in an instance because I am now thinking what's wrong? They chit-chatting a while ago and now there's a deep silent.

They may be silent but their eyes screaming loudly than I could hear. I count one to three in my head before I walk to my designated desk and there I found a one piece of rose. Luminga linga ako para malaman kung sino ang nag lagay neto. I thought he stopped giving me these? I couldn't smile nor appreciate it because it creeps me out of nowhere. Before I pick a rose someone did.

"To Leizel, you're so awesome and I like you so much." I looked at her -Crista, that now eyeing a piece of paper. She looks different, I can't say the exact word to describe her now. "Wow, ano kaya sasabihin ni Aris when he found this? Are you entertaining him?" She maliciously said. Agad akong umiling sakanya at tinignan siya ng nag tataka.

I don't even know who's behind this. When she say his name I got scared. "Thank you for THAT night." She added. And the murmur to one another is begun. I cannot reciprocate what she meant by those.

"What's with the commotion?" A simple question but all of them went quiet. The ambiance of Eliana is giving us silence.

"Why don't you ask her?" Crista is now smirking at me.

"Nauna akong mag tanong tapos uutusan mo akong mag tanong din? Tumatanda Kang tanga Crista" Eliana tsked and assert us to start our rehearsal. I silently thanked Eliana for her composure. But the look Crista's giving me is becoming harsh and the glances others convey to me make me feel uncomfortable. I let my sigh out as Eliana called us to the stage while the others took their break.

We sometimes stop because of my being out of tune. Luke asked for a water break and lend me a bottle of water.

"You okay?" He asked. Simple question, but I can't respond directly.

"I'm okay," I said and opened the bottle. He's staring at me like he's not satisfied with my answer. After a minute we go back to our preparation and it went perpetual until Eliana dismissed us so we can take a lunch break.

I went to my things and see a red rose beneath my bag. Shivering reading the notes but somebody took the flower while I hide the paper behind my back -crumbling. I glance at the person who did it. He looks at it blankly while my heart is still uneasy.

"Pwede bang akin nalang?" Luke asks while still staring at the rose.

"H-huh?" Naguguluhan kong sabi sakanya. He looks at me and smiles at me like he usually does.

"Muka kasing binabagabag ka neto. So, akin nalang." Aniya at tinoon ang mga tingin sa bulaklak. "You know, if you're not okay with it you should defend yourself. I know sometimes people tend to avoid conflicts by not giving a d-mn with the situation. Though there's nothing wrong if you protect yourself from the things that quiver you. There's nothing wrong to speak up"

He left me with a sigh of relief. I get his point but how can I tell them the truth if their mind is already fed up with erroneous stuff? I just don't want to regret the words I might utter. I've been there, wishing things to be undone. And I don't want to live with that again. 

Nag lalakad ako papuntang Cafeteria ng mapansin kong pinag titinginan ako. I know stories retain flame so I should expect it. But how can I face Bryle with this kind of mess? He shouldn't be dragged with my tangle. Imbis na tumuloy ako ay sa restroom nalang ako pumunta at dumeretso sa cubicle. Amid the silence, there's a footstep and chattering.

"Poor Crista. I heard that's her man of a dream"

"Yes, she always brags him to ours. Look what she got?"

Nanlaki ang mata ko nang marinig ang mga boses ng kaibigan ni Crista.

"Nakakatawa nga eh, mag kakilala lang naman sila dahil her dad's a dean, and Aris is the owner."

Does Aris own this school?

"Serves her right. Do you see her reaction when she found out?"

"Omg!! Yes! I wanted to laugh my ass out back then"  they both chuckle.

It seems it's not the first time happening this. Crista is kind and cheerful. She doesn't deserve this kind of manner.

"And worst, she be-friend with what's the name again? Liezelle?"

"It's Leizel, duh Rachel!"

"Whatever her name is, by the way. How come they're couple?"

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang marinig ang mga pinag uusapan nila. Bakit nila ginagawa ito? There's nothing wrong to speak up. Luke's voice echoed to my mind.
I know there's something between in me and Crista but I think she doesn't deserve this kind of treatment -no one deserves it. She's so good to others and yet her kindness pays with this.

With all my gather nerves and courage I open the cubicle to face them but unfortunately, there's someone bang the cubicle's door before me.

"Ang lansa naman dito" Eliana spoke as she walked and wash her hands to the faucet. Those two ladies were sniffing each other.
And I'm just right here, waiting to be recognize.

"Ganon siguro talaga pag amoy ahas" Eliana spoke and smirk to those ladies that now are wide-eye open. The two hurriedly pack their make-ups and left.

And from standing I walk and wash my hands also glancing at Eliana. A loud sigh escaped from me.

"T-thank you" I said and awkwardly look at her reflection.

"Don't mention it. It's my routine after all. Those idiots will never grow" She tsked.

Routine? How did she manage those routine?

"I bet it's hard" I curiously said.

"Wala namang madali sa mundo." She said while shaking her hand to drip the water. "Kailangan mong matutunang alamin yung bagay na ilalaban mo. Ask yourself is it worth it? Then if yes, then fight it."

Fight it?