FOREIGN ATTRACTION (COMPLETE)

CHAPTER 22: CHASE

Gelo's POV

Yesterday was beyond overwhelming, from the ecstasy of winning the competition to the crushing blow of losing my scholarship. My memory is blurred by the heavy rain and the resurgence of past traumas, with only the echo of voices from students and guards gathering around me remaining. The next thing I recall is waking up in the hospital.

"Where should I put this, Aunt?" I asked, carrying a paper bag of vegetables from the market as we headed home this morning. I had been admitted yesterday afternoon, and I was grateful to have been discharged this morning. The doctors said it's just due to the rain, and fatigue. I'm all exhausted both mentally and physically.

"No, Gelo, don't be stubborn. Just rest," she insisted, taking the paper bag from me and placing it in the kitchen. I could sense her genuine concern, especially during our time at the hospital. I couldn't help but despise myself for being a burden to them once again. Even Erick had been shooting me disgusted looks since our return. Thankfully, the school had covered the hospital expenses.

Avoiding Erick's piercing gaze, I climbed the stairs to rest, knowing he wanted to say something but refrained from doing so in front of his parents. The last time he had spoken to me rudely, Aunt Julia had sent a flying broom his way, leaving him traumatized.

As my phone connected to the Wi-Fi, notifications flooded in, but I lacked the energy to respond. I craved solitude, especially since I hadn't yet informed my aunt and uncle about losing my scholarship. How does one broach such a topic? It felt daunting, and I didn't want to add to their stress from the previous day. Perhaps it was something I needed to carefully prepare for and consider.

Closing the creaking door of my bedroom, I noticed my phone ringing. I was surprised to see Liam's name on the caller ID. Hadn't he blocked me? I chose not to answer and simply dropped my phone onto the bed. Perhaps, He's just looking for another fight or someone to vent out his frustrations to.

I just opened my laptop and decided to continue the program arrangement for tomorrow's UP Fair. Honestly, I don't know if I should still do this, when I'm gonna be stopping for next year to just work and earn a living. But I have a good image, and I respect my responsibilities. I should still take account of the thing I left unsettled all throughout this rollercoaster week.

After minutes of typing away at my work, exhaustion slowly began to settle in. Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on my door. "Gelo, are you still awake?" a familiar voice from outside entered my weary mind. It was probably Uncle Niel.

"I'm a bit tired, Uncle. Do you need any help?" I stood up and opened the door, welcoming him in.

"You should get some more rest, but someone's looking for you downstairs," Uncle explained. "Who is it, Uncle?" I wondered aloud, suspecting it might be Ran or Sophia checking up on me. I hadn't been able to check or reply to their messages.

"He said, I think... L-Leo... Liam?" Uncle struggled to recall the name. My eyes widened, and my guard momentarily dropped. Quickly regaining my composure, I pretended to yawn.

"Ah, could you tell him to come back another time? I'm really feeling sleepy now, Uncle," I replied, feigning exhaustion in my voice.

"Yeah, sure. You should rest," he said, touching my shoulder before signaling for me to return to bed. I was stunned to hear Liam's name. What was he doing here now? Hadn't he caused enough trouble already? What did he want? Did he want to make me suffer more? He was truly something else.