That Summer Night of August

Kabanata 39

WARNING - THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS S/A THAT MIGHT BE TRIGGERING. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

---

"Merry Christmas, Dee!" Lawrence cheered as I opened the door of my condo. He was holding a bouquet of red tulips. "Here, I know you love tulips too," he said before handing me the bouquet.

"Thanks, Lau," I said. I looked at his suitcase beside him, "You're going home?"

"Yup, my sisters' been calling me nonstop. You're going home too?"

Agad naman akong tumango sa kanya, "Yeah, pero mamaya pang gabi. I'll have to wait for Gabriel."

"I'm happy for you, Dee," Lawrence smiled, it was genuine. "Anyway, I gotta go now. Don't open your door unless it's Gabriel. That Jake guy over there might do something since the people on our floor are going to their homes." He warned.

"Will do," I assured him, glancing down the hallway where Jake's door stood slightly ajar. "Take care, and Merry Christmas again!"

"You too, Dee," Lawrence said, giving me a quick hug before heading towards the elevator.

I closed the door behind him and placed the tulips in a vase. I looked at the clock; it was still a few hours before Gabriel would arrive. Napagpasyahan kong bumaba ng building para bumili ng makakain sa convenience store malapit sa building. The building felt unusually quiet with everyone leaving for the holidays.

Kumuha ako ng push cart at sinimulang itulak iyon. I grabbed some snacks, instant noodles, and a few bottles of water before heading to the cashier.

As I made my way to the elevator, napansin kong nakatayo roon si Jake, nakahalukipkip ito habang nakasandal sa gilid ng elevator. I hesitated for a moment, considering taking the stairs instead, but decided against it. I didn't want to let fear control me.

Nang makarating ako sa tapat ng elevator agad kong pinindot iyon, pero ramdam na ramdam ko ang malagkit na titig sa akin ni Jake. Nireport namin siya noon sa management ng building, sabi nila ay gagawa sila ng action. But I didn't see the countermeasure they made.

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped inside, hoping he'd stay behind. But to my dismay, he followed me in, the doors closing with a quiet ding.

"Hey, Dee," Jake said, his voice low and unsettling. "Went somewhere?"

"Just grabbing some snacks," I replied curtly, keeping my eyes on the elevator panel. The ride felt painfully slow.

Jake took a step closer. "You know, this building gets really empty during the holidays. Hardly anyone around."

I forced a smile, trying to stay calm. "Yeah, it's nice and quiet."

The elevator finally reached my floor, and I stepped out quickly. "Well, this is my stop. Merry Christmas, Jake," I said, hoping to end the conversation.

He stepped out after me, ignoring my attempt to leave him behind. "Let me help you with those bags," he offered, reaching for my groceries.

"No, thanks. I can manage," I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Come on, Dee, it's Christmas. Let me do something nice," he insisted, his hand brushing against mine.

"I said no," I repeated, stepping back. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm good."

Jake's expression darkened. Without warning, he grabbed my arm, his grip painfully tight. "I wasn't asking," he hissed.

Panic surged through me. "Let go of me, Jake," I demanded, my voice shaking.