Exclusively Yours

Exclusively Yours 12

"I told you. You don't need to always drive me to school. Alam kong busy ka." I said as I got out of the car.

He smiled.

"It's fine, honey. I always have time for you. I will make time for you."

Napangiti na lang ako.

Why so sweet?

Papunta na akong room ko ng makita sila Mariz at Ciara.

Mukhang nakita nila ako pero mabilis na umiwas sa akin.

Akala ko ibubully na naman nila ako.

I just shrugged my shoulder.

Mabuti naman at sila na ang umiwas.

Mabilis lamang lumipas ang oras.

Nasa labas na ako ng campus at hinihintay si East dahil palagi nya akong hinatid sundo ng may kotse na bumisina kaya napataas ang kilay ko.

Lumabas ang may-ari ng kotse at nakangiting naglakad patungo sa akin.

"Long time no see, Ingrid." He said while smiling.

Xian?

I smiled back.

"Kamusta?" he asked.

"I'm fine."

"Ah." He slowly nodded.

Lumapit ito at tinapik-tapik ang likuran ko.

"Hang in there, Ingrid. You're a strong woman. I know- AHHH"

Nangunot ang noo ko ng napahiyaw sya.

"I would appreciate if you will keep your hands off her."

Nilingon ko ang nagsalita.

It's East, Looking at him dangerously.

"East.."

Binitawan na nya ang kamay ni Xian at hinapit ang bewang ako sa bewang.

Nakita kong napatingin si Xian sa kamay ni East habang hinihilot ang wrist nya.

"Who is this man, honey?" East softly asked while looking at me.

"He's Xian-"

"I'm her fiance." Xian cut me off.

"Ex-fiance." Pagtatama ko.

Pakiramdam ko ay kailangan ko syang itama.

He's my ex-fiance. His parents broke the engagement after what happened to my family.

I thought they will help us but they turn their back on us. I thought he'll stay but no. He also leaves like what others do.

"Who is he Ingrid?" Xian asked while smiling but he seemed annoyed.

"He's-"

"Let's go home, honey. You seem tired. You need to rest." East cut me off.

Why do they always cut me off?

I slowly nodded.

"Bye, Ingrid. Let's eat together sometimes like the old days." Xian said while waving his hand.

"That will never happen, asshole. You're going to burn in hell first." East murmured while we were walking towards the car.

Tahimik lamang kami hanggang makarating ng bahay.

This doesn't feel good.

Dumeretso sya ng office nya at ako ay naupo lang dito sa sala.

"Eve!"

Someone called East.

I know that voice.

It's Matt.

Ng tignan ko ay si Matt nga ito.

"Oh. Ingrid?" halatang gulat ito na makita ako.

I smiled at him.

"Bibisitahin mo rin ba si Eve?"

I smiled awkwardly. "Well I'm living here for now."

His mouth drops open.

"Why? Is something wrong?" I asked.

"I'm sorry. Hindi lang ako sanay. He never trust any one to enter his house unless they prove him their loyalty. And no one can leave this house except Eve. Lahat ng tauhan nya sa bahay ay dito lang sa bahay at oras na lumabas sila..."

Hinintay ko ituloy nya ang sinasabi.

"Anong nangyayari sa mga taong nagtatangkang lumabas dito?"

"They all die."

Parang naubos ang hininga ko sa narinig.

"You think he'll kill me?"

Matt's brows furrowed.

"Huh? Why? Did you upset him? He kills when he's upset."

My eyes widened.

"Ah. You're dead, Ingrid." Matt said and patted my shoulder.

I bit my lower lip.

"I don't want to die." I murmured.

"I think it's up to him if you die or not. You should accept your fate. Come on. Let's go and face your fate."

Naglakad kami papunta sa pintuan ng office ni East.

Kumatok si Matt at binuksan ang pintuan.

Parang tumigil ang tibok ng puso ko ng tumama sa pader ang isang kutsilyo. Nailagan ito ni Matt.

"Sinabi ko nang huwag akong abalahin hindi ba?" East coldly said.

Halatang natakot si Matt kay East.

Hindi ako makikita ni East dahil nasa apat pa ako ng may pader at si Matt ang nasa harap ng pintuan.

"I'm sorry, Eve. Hindi na mauulit." Matt said.

Tinignan ako ni Matt.

"We should not bother him. Maybe you can talk to him another time." Matt said.

I slowly nodded. "Okay."

I bit my lower lip.

Bumigat na ang pakiramdam ko.

Isasarado na si Matt ang pintuan ng biglang nasa harapan na namin si East.

"I'm sorry for bothering you. You can go back inside." I said without looking at him.

"Honey... Look at me." He said and cupped my face.

"Pasensya na kung naabala namin ang pahinga mo." I said and step back.

"No. No. You don't. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." He softly said and held my hand.

Nakita kong mabilis na umalis si Matt. Iniwan ako ng ugok na iyon.

"Did I do something to upset you? Are you upset? Are you mad at me?" I asked.

Mabilis itong umiling,

"How can I get mad at you? I'm sorry. I'm also not upset and you did nothing to upset me. Hindi ka abala dahil ikaw mismo ang pahinga ko."

Niyakap nya ako at isiniksik ang ulo sa leeg ko.

"Then bakit hindi ka nagsasalita sa kotse at hindi man lang ako kinakausap?" may halong tampong tanong ko.

"I'm sorry. It will never happen again. Please forgive me."

I sighed and caress his back.

"Please. Stop killing and harming other people."

Kumalas ito sa pagkakayakap sa akin at tinitigan ako.

"Are scared of me?"

I slowly shake my head. "How can I get scared with you, my puppy?"

He pouted and hugged me again.

"I promise I'll stop killing but if I need to. I think I'll break that promise of mine."

"Don't be reckless, hmmm? Don't get hurt."

"Noted, honey."