The Vampire Prince and the Vampire Hunter

Chapter 22

The Night We Went Back Home Part 1

Clad doesn't know what to do. Hindi niya makausap si Astrid, nakatulala lamang ito. Ni hindi pa nga ito kumakain at tirik na tirik na ang araw. Nang Makita ni Astrid ang estrangherong babae kanina ay nag iba na ang mood nito. She even cried. That was the first time Clad saw her cried. Then he felt something weird as if seeing Astrid cry is a punishment for him. Nasasaktan siya.

Tumayo si Clad at nilapitan si Astrid

"Malcolm will take care of your friend" he said, nakapagpasya na siyang kausapin ang nobya. He has given her enough space to be alone and think.

"I thought I finally saw the good in him. I thought there is still a part of him that is good but why did he do that to Elizabeth? She's my friend"

Clad pulled Astrid towards him at niyakap ito. He heaved a sigh before he answered her question.

"I wish I could answer your question. Malcolm is my brother but I barely know him. I can hardly read him. I'm sorry I am useless" he said, the he heard her giggle.

Good. She's fine now. Kaya napangiti na rin siya at tiningnan ang dalaga without letting her go.

"What's so funny?" he asked. Astrid look at him ang caressed his face. He loves it when Astrid would look at him with so much affection. It makes him nervous and flattered. It makes him really happy.

"I can't believe you're calling yourself useless. You are perfect, Clad" she said. Bading mang pakinggan ngunit kinilig si Clad ng marinig iyon.

"Sinasabi mo lang yan kasi mahal mo ako"

"Then let me rephrase it, you are perfect in my eyes. You are perfect to me"

Mas lalong napangiti si Clad. Nakakatawa dapat siya ang nagpapangiti at nagpapakilig kay Astrid ngayon para gumaan ang loob nito but she made it impossible.

"Fine. That's acceptable" he then kissed her on the forehead. A very simple act that made Astrid really happy.

"Listen I want to give you something" Clad said saka ito dumukot sa bulsa ng grey jeans nito

"Really? What is it?" Astrid asked, she is excited for no reason.

"This"

Itinaas ni Clad ang isang kwintas. Ito yung kaninang importanteng bagay na hinahanap niya. Astrid looked at the necklace with so much admiration. It was so beautiful.

Isinuot ni Clad ang kwintas kay Astrid

"Last night I was watching you, nung nadoon ka sa academy gym naglalabas ng galit at naisip ko kawawa naman yung sinusuntok mo and I was praying na sana hindi ako yung nasa isip mo habang sinusuntok mo yun. Naisip ko  na siguro mas makakabuti sa iyo kung pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito ay kakalimutan mo na lang ako and just live your life normally and happily pero hindi ko maiwasang hindi mainis with that mere thought- ikaw na kakalimutan ako? I just can't accept it. I refuse to accept it.

Tonight we will be apart. And I know I'm being selfish but I want that necklace to remind you of me. To remind you that once in your life you met me and that you saved me in any ways possible. You are my hope, Astrid Turner. And as much as I wanted to say the words I've been dying to say to you the moment I realized you meant so much to me, I can't. Because I'm setting you free. I'm letting you go. You are free from me, love."

Sa mga sinabi ni Clad ay muling nagbadya sa pagtulo ang mga luha ni Astrid.

"I love you, Clad Bloodworth"