When it Rains, it Hurts

5

"Enzo told me that they've already arrested Jerrick. We can go there now..." I was too busy staring at his tattoos that I didn't get what he said. "Sage? What are you- You're looking at my tattoos again. Do they look bad?"

I looked away and pretended that I was busy fixing my things. I knew he caught me but my pride couldn't take it!

"No, they're attractive.." My breathing stopped when I felt his arms wrapped around my waist. His other hand made its way up. He made me lean on his body before kissing the side of my neck and jaw. "EJ.."

"Do you want this to be exclusive? No other boys and girls." He was whispering to me as if he was confessing a sin.

"That would change our entire relationship, EJ... I d-don't want that." I turned around to face him. I caressed his jaw and smiled weakly. "You're too important to me. I don't wanna lose you... Let's just stay like this."

His hands went up to my elbows and he gently pulled me closer. I closed my eyes when he attacked my lips with feathery kisses. All I could hear was the sound of our kisses. It made me so weak to the point that I could no longer feel my knees. When EJ withdrew from the kiss, I realized that I was almost out of air.

I was looking at Enzo while Edward was talking to him. I was confident that the case would go smoothly, thanks to him. Enzo looked at my side and raised a brow. When Edward got busy with the papers, Enzo pointed at his lower lip. I held my lower lip and felt a sting there. EJ bit me earlier... Enzo must've noticed it. I gave him a thumbs-up to tell him that I was fine.

"It's not a good idea to see Jerrick, Ed. I know you... You'd just pick a fight with him. This isn't a good time for that. Maawa ka kay Clara."

"But would you rather watch that rapist sit there like he didn't do any-"

"That's why he's here! That's why you filed a case, right? Violence isn't a solution, you know that! You've been a victim of violence yet you still don't know the consequences of it?" I saw Edward's fists clenched at the mention of his own experience.

Pumagitna na ako sa dalawa. I looked sharply at Enzo. I felt Edward's hand on my waist, pulling me closer to him. I didn't budge... Nakipagtitigan lamang ako kay Enzo.

"Mentioning his own experience isn't necessary, Enzo. And you don't know how it works! When you are a victim of violence, there's a high possibility that you'd use violence too. That's how it works for most people. I am not saying that it's right but please do understand that sometimes it's a trauma response and you cannot force someone to move on! I am aware that it's inappropriate to apply violence to this situation. But please don't invalidate someone by mentioning their suffering. You don't know how much damage you can bring to them... I hope you'd do better next time." I held Edward's arm and pulled him with me.

Hinintay ko si Edward na matapos sa telepono. Mukhang seryoso ang pinag-uusapan nila.. Naghintay nalang ako sa loob ng kotse. Ikakabit ko na sana ang seatbelt ko nang buksan ni EJ ang pinto ng passenger seat. Bumuntong-hininga siya at sinenyasan akong lumabas. Kahit na hindi ko alam ang rason ay sumunod pa rin ako.

"May problema ba? Babalik ba tayo sa loob-"

"Here's the key. Tell Mr. Hernandez that you'll pack my things and I will never set foot on his properties as a Hernandez again. He can have all my cars and motorcycles... Oh, and also my other bank accounts." Kinuha ni Edward ang ilang cards sa wallet niya at ibinigay iyon sa driver nila.