These Wrecked Hearts- (Published Under IMMAC)

Kabanata 18 - Rescue

RYKER's POV

"I WANT TO SEE KHIANA AGAIN."

While I was sitting in my car, I couldn't help but stare at the structure that was in front of me. Through the help of a private investigator, I was able to track down Khiana's friend Tiffany and get her address. I have traveled all the way from the suburbs into the heart of the city, to the neighborhood, and I am now parked in front of Tiffany's house, a part of an apartment complex.

I felt a mixture of fear and excitement as I stepped out of my car and took a few deep breaths before proceeding. I have always been someone who is willing to take chances, and while I was aware that chasing Khiana constituted taking a chance, I was unable to stop myself from doing it. Mahal ko siya at sigurado na ako sa bagay na 'yon. Kaya handa akong gawin ang lahat para bumalik siya sa akin.

Maglalakad na sana ako ng bigla naman tumunog ang cellphone ko. I rolled my eyes as I picked up the call. This is the last time I am picking up his call! Hindi na talaga tumitigil si River sa pambubuwiset sa akin. Pakialamero na siya noon, pero mas naging pakialamero yata siya ngayon.

"Where are you?" he asked.

"I went back to Manila, River."

"Why? Are you still trying to chase Khiana?" he asked.

"Obviously."

Narinig ko ang malalim niyang buntonghininga. "Hindi ba nag-usap na tayong dalawa? She left you, maybe she doesn't want you—"

"Shut up! She loves me and please don't meddle with my business regarding Khiana. Ako ang bahala sa relasyon namin," iritableng sabi ko sa kanya.

"Okay, let's say she loves you. But she left. Maybe she needed space and time for herself. What about bumalik ka muna sa hospital at ayusin ang sarili mo before you present yourself to her," mahabang saad nito na dahilan para uminit ang ulo ko. "You see. . . Your complications will just be a hindrance and will complicate your relationship with her. Can't you understand it?"

"Can you fucking shut up? I don't have any complications. I am fucking fine!"

"You're not in your right mind."

"What did you say?"

"Remember how you wrecked your own suite? How did you injure some staff?"

"Fuck you!"

"Ryker—"

Pinatay ko ang tawag sa sobrang gigil ko sa kanya. Kahit na kaibigan ko siya ay wala siyang karapatan panghimasukan ang buhay ko. I'm never going to pick up his call ever again. He didn't even try to support me. All he did was telling me shits at nakakapagod makinig sa kanya. If ayaw niya ako suportahan, then be it! The hell I care!

I approached the building's main entrance and punched the doorbell's buzzer to gain access. After what seemed like an eternity, the door finally opened, and there stood before me a lady who was frowning and staring up at me.

"Hi! What can I do for you?" she asked.

"I'm looking for Tiffany," I replied to her.

She cocked her head to the side. "Hmm... Why?"

I introduced myself by saying, "I'm one of her friends." and held out my hand. "Could I please come in?"

"We're going to contact her."

Then after a moment she asked my name. I gave her my full name.

"You can come inside. I'll assist you," the woman said.