In Persuit Of Forever (Forever Series #1)

KABANATA 2

KABANATA 2

"Stop it, Judel." He barked.

Umiwas ng tingin sa akin ang tinawag niyang Judel.  Inilipat ang tingin sa sahig.

Naagaw ang aking pansin ni Cole. His long strides we're directed at me. Tumingala ako sa kanya ng makalapit siya sa ng husto.

"Look, I can't immediately address you if you're guilty or not. Kaya kailangan kitang ibigay sa mga awtoridad. You can tell them your statements and defend your sentiments." He paused and scanned my face na parang nadidistract siya.

"And be aware na mainit ang mata ng mga kapulisan sa'yo, dahil ikaw ang huling nakitang kasama siya. And you being imployed by her added to that fire."

I stared at him with wide eyes, my mouth slightly open. I stood still, almost paralyzed. Fear crept into me like a creep.

"May unknown na nag text  sa mga kapulisan, at ikaw ang tinuturo." dugtong pa ni Judel.

My eyes blink rapidly. Unsure of what I am hearing. My face turned cold. Blood leaving my face.

A-anong text?

I swallowed the lump in my throat.  Slowly sinking in the information.

I nibbled on my lips. "P-panong..."

I stood frozen. Unable to digest everything at once.

He took a step forward. Making sure we're inches apart. I looked up to him. His eyes locked with mine. His was raw, a hint of dominance and unwavering, while mine was fear and vulnerable.

"Ano ang t-text?" I asked breathlessly.

Some of his men chuckled. And unexpectedly, I heard Judel scolded them.

Cole's eyes remained intertwined with mine. Sinusubukan kong ilihis sa iba ang tingin ngunit tila hinihila ako ng mabibigat niyang paninitig.

"T-tungkol saan ang text?" Ulit ko ng walang na aning sagot.

He shifted on his weight and crossed his arms.

"That you're here to support their needs  as they flee."

"Will you believe me if I told you I won't?"

Ayaw kong umasa ngunit may parte sa akin ang gustong maniwala na may pag-asa pa. That he'll believe me.

Bumagsak ang balikat ko ng umiling siya. Unti-unti nang nawawalan ng pag-asa.

"That's what the investigators are for."

May parte sa akin ang gustong Magalit Kay Samantha at sa buong pamilya niya. Ngunit ano ba ang alam ko tungkol sa kanya? Wala. Sinisi ko rin ang sarili dahil hinayaan kong maniwala sa kanya.

I don't know how to save myself or the process that I will go through. I just want this to end.  To claim my innocence an live my life again. Away from the chaos.

Nanatili akong tulala sa loob ng sasakyan. I've long wanted to cry but I know it won't help me. Ang tanging magagawa ko lang nanatiling matatag para sa sarili.

I've come to realize that justice won't take sides on people who are worthy. Pumapanig lamang ito sa kung sino ang nakakalamang.

Nang makarating sa estasyon, agad akong dinumog ng mga reporter at ilang clicks ng camera. Like some sort of public figure. Nga lang, hindi 'yon ang rason. Andito ako para imbestigasyonan.

I chuckled dissapointly.

Akmang papalibutan na sana ako ng mga reporters ng maunahan sila ng mga kapulisan. Agad akong pinosasan at pinasok sa estasyon.