Healed Story by Jay Bartholome

Chapter 24: Jake Held My Other Hand And Comforted Me

ETHAN

  I was going down the stairs when a freshman blocked me. There are three men.

  "Boys, get him,"

  The two men held my hands from the back and made me drop my book. They led me to the back of the building. They were terrifying.

  "Give us your money," He smirked. I haven't answered them yet, they already scanned my pockets. Luckily my wallet is at the infirmary.

  "Wala akong pera ngayon,"

  "Then, we have no choice,"

  The boy in front of me punched me. Ang higpit din ng paghawak nila sa aking mga braso. Ang sakit. Wala akong magawa. He found a glass piece and aimed it at me. I closed my eyes.

  "According to Republic Act No. 9745, Section 4, may parusa ang cruelty, inhumane and degrading treatment towards other people. Kaya kung ako bibitawan ko na yan," A man's voice spoke beside me. Pinakawalan ako ng dalawa niyang kasama.

  "Senior," Sabi ng humawak sa akin.

  "Sorry Senior," Sabi naman nung isa.

  "Umalis na kayo habang may pasensya pa ako," Sabi nung lalake

  I opened my eyes and it was Jake. The guy holding the glass piece was not even intimidated by Jake.

  "Mr. Basil, I heard kakalabas mo lang daw ng mental hospital last year. I think kulang pa yung year mo doon," Intimidating tone by Jake that made Basil shake.

  "Who is he Jake?" Tanong ko sa kaniya.

  "He is a student repeater. Hindi siya nakapasa, multiple times until he got crazy. Na confine siya sa Mental Hospital last last year," Pagpapaliwanag nito.

  "Chismoso!" Sigaw ni Basil at inatake si Jake gamit ang basag na salamin. Sinangga ko ang atake niya at nadalisan ako ng matulis na bahagi ng salamin. I checked it, buti nalang hindi malalim. Jake covered for me and once gave a warning to Basil.

  "Last warning Mr. Basil" Sabi nito at umatake ulit si Basil sa kaniya.

  "Boys!" Sigaw ni Jake at pumasok ang dalawang kasama ni Basil kanina at pinigilan si Basil. Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Jake ang kamay nito at inalis ang babasagin sa kamay niya.

  "Dalhin niyo sa principal office. Pag hindi ko kayo nakita mamaya doon, malilintikan kayo sa akin,"

  "Opo senior Jake,"

  Hinila naman ako ni Jake at pumasok sa building. Pumasok kami sa isang room at para siyang laboratory. I had so much questions. He left me by a chair, I sat down. May binuksan siyang cabinet at may kit siyang kinuha.

  "Give me your arm," Sabi naman niya. Ipinatong ko sa counter yung braso ko at nilagayan niya nito ng ointment at alcohol.

  "Ngnn," I couldn't bear the pain.

  Jake held my other hand and comforted me. He also put ointment on the bruises on my face. At that time, I was staring at him, I felt comforted.

  After we were done, pumunta kami sa principal's office at kinausap ni Jake yung principal. Pina-admit uli si Basil sa hospital at yung dalawa naman, community service for being involved.

  JAKE

"Dear Arison Students. The Campus will be at maintenance for one week. All departments have no classes, however, there will be extensions for the semester. Thank You"