CAUGHT (REVAMPED)

9

Elijah Alkie Rivera

"Eli, ah! Kung may mga kailangan ka or mga bad vibes sa paligid tawagan mo kami agad."

I nodded and scratched my cheeks. I don't know how many times na ako nag-nod kay Ali. She's like a worry-wart mom but worries about me more than my real mom.

She sighed and looked at me na para bang s-second thought na siya sa pag-alis. We only know each other briefly but I'm happy na she cares for me to this extent. I gave her my most reassuring smile and touched her hand. 

"Don't worry about me, Ali. I can take care of myself, really. I will call you and update you about my life as frequently as I can." 

"Hays. How can I leave you? You're like my baby," she pouted and pinched my cheeks. "Bakit kasi wala kang passport? Next time kumuha tayo ah."

I laughed and nodded na lang.

How can I tell her na my mom burned all of my important documents?  She'd be mad, I'm sure. I know naman na I can get another copy but I have to spend money, which I don't have, sadly. Iyong document lang na na-secure ko is my birth certificate.

"I will miss you talaga, Eli! Pa-hug nga!"

I giggled and opened my arms. She wrapped her thin arms around my neck and hugged me tight. Warmth crept throughout my body, replacing the coldness I felt from the rain that passed minutes ago.  

"Aliyah, stop pestering, Elijah. Dalhin mo na 'to sa sasakyan, ba't mo 'to iniwan sa loob?" 

Ali pulled herself from me and turned to look at her kuya. I can see her making irap pa kay mamang police.

I smiled at mamang police when he looked at me. He gave Ali the bag nang makalapit siya sa amin tapos tinulak niya pa si Ali sa direction ng car nila.

"Ang sama mo talaga!" Ali stomped her foot before walking away from us.

I was laughing while looking at Ali heading towards the car.

"She's so childish," I heard mamang police mumble who was also looking at Ali din pala.

When he looked at me, I held my breath unconsciously. I've had plenty of men in my life, but nothing comes close to mamang police. He's super gwapo.

Not the usual gwapo na may perfect smile, perfect teeth, perfect bakat. He's gwapo in ways that make you want to look at him 24/7 and thank God for giving you eyes so you can look at him.

"Did you put my number saved as your emergency contact like what I've told you?" He asked me, brows raised, and looking as worried as Ali.

I cleared my throat, trying to hide my smile, and nag-nod sa kaniya. I pulled my phone from my pocket and showed my phone to mamang police. Anything to make him feel better.

A flash of relief crossed his face before he looked at me and patted my head.

"Good job. I assume you already know
all the police stations near your place, right?"

"Yes, Daddy," I answered cheekily but immediately wiped the smile on my face when he looked at me seriously.

Hala!