Chased by El Lewis Vesper Esquivel

Chapter 1

"Joaquin...please don't leave me alone here."

I looked at him besides me as he started packing his things. He let out an exaggerated sigh, controlling his irritation and probably botlled anger towards me.

I looked at him pleadingly.

"Kanina pa tayo nandito, I thought isang oras lang, Nikah? But looked, tayo na lang naiwan dito!" His voice was strained because we are inside the school library but it didn't escape my ears on how irritated he was.

Huminga ako ng malalim at napalabi. I can't go home yet, I can't even understand any of my lessons! Paano ako uuwi nito?! At may major quiz ako bukas, and I still have lots of remaining requirements!

My eyes glued on my macbook as I tried to process my decisions in life. Am I wrong on taking agricultural engineering? Should I pursue what I really wanted and love instead? How about my agreement with my family? I could only pursue my own chosen career after this course, so I have no choice. I need to obey Mom and Dad for that.

I heard his chair move. He sat down again then enveloped his arms around my shoulder. My eyes watered and I quickly wiped it off. I bit my lower lip after, trying to overcome my sobs.

He sighs heavily. Like he is frustrated with my situation too. "Magpatulong ka sa fiance mo." He straightly suggested.

My eyes automatically widened as I looked at him. Just hearing his name...no, his name wasn't even mentioned. Just hearing things about him infuriates me. I will never like him! At mas lalong hindi ako magpapatulong sa kagaya niya!

He looked at me like I was sick in the head. Well, with my situation right now, baka malapit na.

"What? He is your fiance. And very smart too. Top one nga saan ka pa?"

I groaned at his remarks and stood up from my seat. I started packing my things instead and decided that I will just continue it at home. My appetite to study harder went down just hearing things about him.

"I will never ask for help, especially from him." Matigas kong sambit.

He stood up too and let out a heavy sigh again, unsatisfied with my answer.

"Ibaba mo naman pride mo, Nikah. He could surely help you. And this is for your own benefit."

My eyes became fiercer with his statement. Hell no! Kahit magunaw pa ang mundo hinding-hindi ako hihingi ng tulong sa kagaya niya.

I grabbed my things and got out of the school library instead. It's just been five months since I started here. And I felt like surrendering already because I don't like agricultural engineering at all!

I felt his presence by my side but he remained silent. We went into the parking and true to his statement, kami na lang ata ang naiwan na estudyante hindi lang sa library kung hindi sa buong university.

Our cars are the only remaining vehicle in the parking lot. Well, it is almost ten but the library will close at eleven.

"Be careful driving." He kissed the side of my head while I remained furious at his suggestions.

He then walked towards his car as I opened mine. Hmmmp! Bahala siya, basta hinding-hindi ako hihingi ng tulong sa taong sinasabi niya.

I went home and went directly to my bed. Suddenly, I could feel my exhaustion as my body hit the mattress. My eyes were sleepy and I was supposed to make my body comfortable when I heard my tummy growl.

Kaagad akong napamulagat at napaupo. I am so sleepy but I am hungry too. I almost groaned in annoyance and insead, I got my phone and ordered food instead.