Ocean of Fears (Panacea Series #2)

Chapter 11

Eleven.

Eliezer played a song on the stereo, setting the mood before starting the car. I refrained from discussing what had happened, feeling ashamed of myself for causing trouble and burdening others.

Quietly seated inside his car, a part of me contemplated reprimanding Eliezer for his actions. After all, he was the great vocalist of his time, and what he was doing posed a significant risk. But I wondered if he was even aware of that.

As he drove, I couldn't help but sigh deeply, feeling responsible for the earlier events. He had been alone, not even bothering to disguise himself.

My thoughts were interrupted when I mustered the courage to speak his name heavily.

"Eliezer..."

Kung hindi ko sasabihin ang nasa isip ko, hindi ako matatahimik!

He glanced at me briefly before turning his gaze back to the road.

"Hm?"

"You don't have to do this."

"What?"

"You don't have to do this," I repeated.

"I don't have to do what?" he furrowed his brow.

Nasapo ko ang aking noo. Of course, he knows what I meant about it! He just want to tease me!

"You're risking yourself and it's not worth it. Mabuti na lang dahil ang bilis mauto ng mga tao kanina."

Silence enveloped us. The heavy feeling that consumed me a while ago is still here.

"Normal na mag-alala ako— k-kami sa 'yo dahil kaibigan ka namin. Among us friends, we always look out for each other."

"I informed you that I am in Royal Village because I have to pass my documents, in order to proceed on my work immersion."

"Ang sabi mo lang, pupunta ka ng Royal Village. Hindi mo sinabing gagabihin ka. Nag-aalala lang ako kanina dahil baka sinundan ka na naman ng mga Kuya mo."

Gradually, my burden lessened as I realized he had a valid point. I almost forgot that I had siblings who could suddenly appear and take me away. They had been searching for me everywhere, but the school's policies protected me from them, allowing only scheduled visits or report card release days.

I averted my gaze, unable to find the right words to respond to his remarks.

"5PM ang sarado ng school. It's normal for me to get worried because look at the time... and mabilis ka naman mag-reply," aniya, pabulong na 'yong huli.

"Still... you should remember who you are."

He sighed again. "I'm sorry... "

"Bakit ka nagso-sorry?"

"Don't be upset about it please... " he's staring at me.

I remained unconvinced and chose not to reply.

"I will be more mindul of my actions next time, okay? Don't worry about this. Hindi naman 'to makakarating sa management ko."

I gathered my courage and finally voiced my worries, "Eliezer, I owe all of you so much. The least I can do now is not be a burden anymore. You don't have to fetch me every day or cook meals at the condo. You don't have to do any of those! I should be the one serving you!"

"I grew up with no one by my side, so don't worry about me because I can manage myself. Sanay na ako sa gano'n," mariin kong wika. "Everything  I have now is thanks to all of you. I can't bear to see you getting harassed because of me! So, please, next time, you don't have to do this. You don't have to risk yourself for me. Let me serve you. Let me do these things for you."