T.S. STORIES #4: Say Don't Go (Completed)

Chapter 4

One afternoon.

Today's agenda was to beat the opponent. It was my first time to join a debate, although it was just in a classroom setting. I have already expected to be beaten by the other side. One of them will most probably take advantage of my anxious state wherever I speak in front of people.

Two teams will face each other to defend their side on the most controversial topic.

The first two pairs from each side had a great exchange of arguments, but our side was able to throw the best points, so far.

It was my time to speak, and at the other side, a girl named Sheena stood. She was known for her rude attitude, behind her angelic face. I even heard someone referring to her as Regina in sheep's clothing.

"As they have stated earlier, science, biologically speaking, has already proved to us that there are only two sexes, male and female—"

My argument was immediately interrupted when she suddenly spoke.

"You're not even male enough to prove your point... STRAIGHT away."

At that time, I couldn't continue my statement anymore. She glared at me with a grin painted on her lips, with traces of victory.

I have lost my senses enough to get back my ass on my seat. Everyone was cheering for Sheena, as I accepted defeat with only a single line that she didn't hesitate to utter confidently.

During those times, a rumor was already circling around the class that I don't prefer girls. She took that rumor to use it against me when it was unnecessary, and she did destroy me in front of my classmates. Fortunately, I was able to part ways with them after graduation and went to a different school.

I eventually met my people and somehow, made me who I am today—stronger than I once was. I might have forgiven them, but, seeing her and her gang all of a sudden? I couldn't deny it all takes me back to the time they had the gut to discreetly bully someone like me.

After all those flashbacks in my head, I fell asleep.

When I got up, it was already one a.m. I suddenly remembered what I had told Annie earlier. I went to the balcony and checked if everyone's still up in the pool area.

Not a single one.

Well, I might take this opportunity to enjoy the pool all by myself.

I left my room and was greeted by the silence of the hallway. I went down alone through the elevator and reached the empty grounds. On a chair at the side of the pool, I left my towel and disturbed the calm of the blue waters.

I swam in the cold pool, with the dark starry night over me. This is the kind of pool event that I want—no one but only me.

It took a lot of crossing the pool until I got tired. I went to the side to reach my towel, sat on the concrete while my feet were submerged. Then I dried the pool water off my face with my towel.

The night was getting cold, and I couldn't stand it anymore.

As I travel my sight to the resort, I feel like I'm the only person left in the place.

And, it starts to get creepy.

I left the pool with a towel wrapped around me to fight the cold of the night. I went to the elevator, but just before I could press the button, the door opened.

There, I was greeted by no one.

The front desk was even empty when I turned around. Literally, I was all by myself.

Because of all of the possible scenarios happening in my head, I didn't take the elevator. I went upstairs, even if my room was on the third floor.

I calmed myself down, self-convincing that nothing paranormal is happening at this moment, although I'm outside my room at exact hours where it could most probably happen. I can't with this chill on my skin. The cold air is not helping me at all.

Upon reaching the third floor, I was already catching my breath. Other than that, my attention was caught by a stranger lying down right in front of my room.

If this ain't paranormal, probably a murder type scenario I was not imagining to happen at all.

Anyway, I fought off my fears and went to the stranger sleeping face-down on the nasty floor. He's just wearing pool party clothes, and snoring?

"Sir, are you okay?" I asked.

He's not answering.

I went to Kristelle's room and knocked on their door, and even on Lia's room. No one's answering me either.

It felt like I had no other choice. This stranger might even be in a dangerous situation. I turned him around, and I realized who he was.

There's no way I am seeing this person at this unexpected moment.

"Asan si Icarus?" he mumbled out of drunkness.

I was taken aback. Did he just—

No way this is true. Baka nananaginip lang ako.

"A-Asan... Icarus? Sabi ni Annie, makikitulog na lang ako sa room niya kasi... kasi puno na daw ang resort. Sa kanya na lang ang bakante..."

Ah, talaga? There's plenty of rooms here. How come that all of it has already been occupied up until this point?

"Mister," I shook him, trying to wake his senses up. "Where is Annie?"

"Beach," he answered, and then fell asleep.

I see. That was the reason why I'm all alone in the resort, but why? Of all the people from the party—siya pa? And, did he really go up the stairs all by himself in this state?

This has to be a prank, for sure.

"Annie? Kristelle? Dave? Help me guys," I said, breaking the silence in the hallway. Still, no one answered back.

I scratched my head, thinking nothing but to drag him inside my room.

And, I did.

And, he was heavy as hell.

The next thing I knew, he was already on my bed, snoring. I couldn't even count how many times I have rolled my eyes over him and shook my head in frustration.

I'm upset about how I am actually allowing this to happen. I grabbed my phone and dialed their numbers from my contact. Still, none of Annie nor Kristelle was answering back.

And then, something came back in my mind.

"Actually, kakastart pa lang. We've been trying to contact the main guest ng party, kaso malalate siya konti. No choice, kaya nagstart na."

Was Lia referring to him as the main guest of the party?

Anyway, it's getting late. I have to find a way I'll be able to sleep peacefully with a frie—NO, STRANGER. ICARUS, IT'S A STRANGER. YOU DON'T KNOW HIM ANYMORE.

I went to the other side of the bed and hid myself under the blanket. He was snoring so bad, so I put a pillow over his face. Somehow, it wasn't too loud anymore.

I need to talk to my friends about this tomorrow.