BADA LEE as Your Deranged Stalker

e l e v e n

"Hmmm" I murmur as I slowly open my eyes. As I turn my head, my gaze falls upon the calm sight of Kathreen, nestled beside me in serene slumber.

She was sitting on the floor while her arms are gracefully draped over the edge of the sofa. And she looks so beautiful.

I find myself enveloped in her scent once more.

She possesses an intoxicating fragrance akin to marijuana, inducing dizziness, danger and a heightened sense of bliss within me.

Hold on, why is she still here?

Didn't she escape?

Is this just a figment of my imagination?

Why is there a bowl of water on the center table. A face towel?

And these sheets covering me... did she just...

No, no way. That's impossible!

I turn again and look at Kathreen.

Why you didn't leave me?
Just why?

"B-bada, gising ka na pala" she said, catching me off guard. She suddenly touched my forehead, presumably to check my temperature.

"Buti naman at bumaba na ng konti ang lagnat-"

I stop her by grasping her hand and met her gaze with deep intensity.

A brief silence hung between us.

I didn't see any fear in her eyes anymore but I could sense her heart racing, mirroring the rapid beat of my own.

"What are you doing right now?"

Hindi niya ako sinagot, bagkos ay nag-iwas lang siya ng tingin.

I grasp her chin, directing her attention back to me and repeat the question, "What are you doing right now?!" this time with my voice louder.

I saw a single tear run down her face, "hindi ko alam, Bada!"

I give her a quizzical look, "are you even thinking?! Are you even aware of how unwise your recent actions were?"

"Alam ko!" Her response was a poignant one and as her eyes locked onto mine, I felt the intensity of her gaze.

It was a gaze that speaks of an unspoken reliance as though she believed that I alone held the key to completeness in her life and without me, she is adrift in a world of emptiness and longing.

And then I am lost in her spell.

I slowly move my index finger and gently trace her jawline.

Unbeknownst to me, my lips had drawn less than an inch apart from hers.

Neither of us moved.

My anxiety grew, like the quiver of a fragile leaf in the wind. I feel like my fever is resurging.

The rational voice within implored me to stop but the relentless yearning held my very soul in its sway.

My body, a traitor to reason, remained stubborn to the pleas of my mind.

A second later I felt my lips pressing into hers.

And to my surprise, she reciprocated the kiss.