See You Again Stranger

Chapter 8 - Do you have a problem with me?

Sabrina's POV

"Go change your clothes first." seryosong utos niya sa akin. Red is kinda scary when he's like this. Hindi ko alam kung aamin ba ako na wala talaga akong dalang extrang damit pero laking gulat ko ng may inabot siya sa akin na shirt.  

" You're no good at lying. Go change now, don't make me wait," he said dismissing me. I felt ashamed and have no choice but to accept the shirt and went to the restroom.

Mabilis lang akong nakapagbihis pero natigilan ako ng makita sa repleksyon sa salamin at mabasa ang nakasulat sa tshirt na pinahiram sa akin ni Red. It has a big "Salazar" printed on the back of it. I know I don't have to make a big deal out of it but what would be the student volunteers' reaction? How about Kelsey? For all I know, she's really his girlfriend and she might get the wrong idea because I'm wearing Red's shirt.

Hay nako Sabrina! Mas importante pa ba sayo ang opinyon ng ibang tao? Would you rather suffer and bear the cold and risk yourself from getting sick?

Kinumbinsi ko ang sarili ng ilang beses bago magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na  lumabas at balewalain ang naisip. Nagulat pa ako ng maabutang naghihintay si Red sa labas ng restroom. 

"What took you so long?" he asked but his eyes are on his shirt that I'm wearing before asking me to follow him.

I don't know how he managed to be gentle in treating my wounds despite the intense stares that he's giving me.  I saw how he clenched his jaw like it's his way of controlling his feeling or stopping himself to talk.

Tahimik lang siya habang ginagamot ang sugat ko. I tried suggesting that I can do it by myself but he just glared at meand continued what he's doing.

"Thank you," agarang sabi ko pagkatapos niyang malagay ang bandage. 

"Now, let's talk!" seryoso niyang sabi ng tumunog naman ang cellphone ko at nakita doon ang pangalan ni Manang Fe. Shoot! I forgot. Nakontak na kaya nila Red si Mommy kaya tumatawag na si Manang ngayon? 

"Nakontak mo na ang parents ko?"kinakabahan na tanong ko sa kanya. Nakita ko namang kumunot ang noo nito na tila hindi pa naintindihan agad kung ano ang tanong ko. 

"Yes! Why? Did they not receive a text from the university?" Oh, I wish that would be the case.

I glanced at my phone and receive a text from Manang Fe this time. I'm so guilty to open it.

"Don't tell me you didn't ask permission from your parents?" Does Red have special powers like reading minds because he always know what I'm thinking, or am I that really transparent that just by looking at me is already a giveaway?

I bit my lips and nodded. Red massaged his temple like he's more worried than I am. He looked at me. The accusing look at his eyes is very evident. I tried to avoid his gaze.

Napatingin ulit ako sa cellphone ko ng tumunog ulit ito. Oh my! Si Mommy na ang tumatawag. I smell trouble. Nakita naman ni Red ang naging reaksyon ko.

"Answer it and then let me talk to your parents!" Red sounded like a mature and responsible man. Hearing his words, quite assured me somehow.

Wala naman akong nagawa kundi sundin ang sinabi niya.

I cleared my throat before I answered Mom's call.

As expected, Mommy was freaking out and sunod sunod ang tanong sa kung bakit nandoon ako at bakit may punishment. I tried to explain to her when Red motioned me to give the phone to him. So, I informed Mom and later gave it to Red.

I felt sorry for Red, I know how Mom can be so intimidating. That's why I admired how professional and patient he was as he explained to Mom.

"Yes Ma'am, rest assured that Sabrina is well taken cared of," Red said and nodded. "If the weather permits us to travel tomorrow, then I'll send Sabrina home safely." Red stared at me for a while before talking to Mom "No problem Ma'am. I'll send you my contact details and full name right after this call" Red said and then handed me the phone again.