Friends With Benefits

C23

Chapter 23

Pagmulat ng mata niya napansin niya agad na nasa loob siya ng sariling kwarto.

"Ihahatid ko lang ito sa kwarto niya," rinig niya ang boses ni Josh galing sa labas ng kwarto. Pagbukas ng pinto agad nagtama ang mata nila. His face looks worried when their eyes met. What is he doing here now? 

"Hey, hey, take it easy." Dinaluhan siya nito agad nang dahan-dahan siyang bumangon. "Kumusta ang pakiramdam mo?" He asked in soft tone and place the bowl beside her bed.

She ignored his question and asked. "Where's Ion?" Namamaos ang boses na tanong niya. 

He fell silent. Nicole glanced at him without minding his reaction. "Where is he? I want him here, not you."

He looked hurt for a second but she care less now. "He's outside, nag-aantay na matapos ako dito." He answered quietly. 

Nicole nodded. "Tapos ka na dito, papasukin mo na siya."

"But-"

"Siya ang gusto kong mag-alaga sa'kin." She said in a cold voice. 

He nodded weakly. Tumayo ito at lumabas ng kwarto niya. Ion peep inside the door and smiled at her. She smiled back at him. "How are you feeling now?" He asked while walking towards her, umupo ito sa gilid ng kama niya. 

"I'm fine." Hinawakan niya ang isang kamay nito. "Thank you for saving me. I owe to you my life." Her tears suddenly fell. 

He wiped her tears and hug her. "Shh, you don't owe anything to me. Kahit sinong matinong pag-iisip gagawin iyon para sagipin ka." Nicole smiled and close her eyes. If it didn't for him maybe she will experience the same thing again. 

"You need to eat, Nixy." Saad nito at kinuha ang bowl sa gilid. Bakas sa mukha nito ang pagtataka. "Hindi ka pinakain ni Josh?" 

She shooked her head. "I don't want to."

"I will not ask why. Basta kumain ka para may laman ang tiyan mo."

Habang kumakain siya ay tinanong niya kung nasaan ang mga magulang niya. Ang sabi nito nag-uusap daw ang lola at ang parents niya sa baba tungkol sa nangyari sa kanya at pinapahanap daw yung lalakeng gagahasain sana siya. Pagkatapos kasing suntukin ni Ion ang nagtangkang gahasain siya agad nito siyang binuhat para ialis doon. Kaya nakatakas ang gagong 'yon.