Snow White is a Gangster (Published under Cloak Pop Fiction)

Chapter 35: Relinquishment

Chapter 35: Relinquishment

Soundtrack: I'd Hate To be You When People Find Out What This Song Is About – Mayday Parade

I recovered fast. It took me a few boring days in the hospital smelling ethanol and watching programs I didn't know were being aired on television before the doctors let me out. I could already walk but the stubborn stitches on my back never stopped protesting thus, I used the wheelchair. My right arm was still aching sometimes but it was something I could handle. Ethan recovered faster. Fortunately, his wounds weren't too deep that he didn't have to stay long at the hospital. He refused to leave me but I strictly ordered him to use the tree house and hide until I got back. Wycliffe was able to smuggle him secretly inside the Arturia Mansion. My parents didn't have to know about him.

It was the day that I can finally free myself from this building full of white people. We were already in the hospital's reception and Wycliffe was just walking behind me pushing my wheelchair slowly when I told him to stop. I watched intently at the news on the big flat screen showing seven dead bodies on the shore of a familiar beach.

"I think it's more than seven. The sharks probably ate the rest," Wycliffe commented when he saw where my attention is. Our parents continued walking to the exit door trusting that it wouldn't take us long to follow them.

"I think the rest are in your laboratory and you're secretly testing on them, little mad scientist," I said teasingly and urged him to continue pushing my wheel chair.

He faked a shocked gasp. "How did you know that I'm the reincarnation of Victor Frankenstein?" He asked.

I wasn't able to respond right away and it seemed that he wasn't waiting for my answer, too. I just remained silent as he brought me to the waiting car and pretended that I was asleep on our way to the Arturia Mansion. It would be easier this way.

Hindi ko naisip na sobrang nangulila ako sa mansion na ito. Halos ayaw ko nang ilayo ang sarili ko mula sa pagkakaupo sa kumportable at malambot na sofa. Agad namang pumuwesto si Wycliffe sa couch na nasa harapan ko at saka iniabot sa akin ang isang throw pillow.

"And now that we are complete, I can rest from worrying," nakangiting wika ni Dad. Mom was on his side while his hand was on her waist. Looking at the lines on his forehead and around his mouth when he smiled, I couldn't help but feel guilty. Hindi ko man lang lubusang inisip ang maaari nilang maramdaman kung sakaling may mas masamang nangyari sa akin.

"Next time, don't go on dangerous, educational trips, okay?" Makahulugang sabi ni Mom.

Mukhang hindi naman iyon masyadong sineryoso ni Wycliffe at sa halip ay sinabing, "Don't go anywhere without me so I can protect you."

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. How I terribly missed this boy! Naputol ang pag-uusap namin nang isa sa mga maids ang lumapit sa aking ama at iniabot ang isang envelop. Hindi ko mapigilang hindi kabahan habang pinapanood ko siya na tahimik na binabasa ang kung anumang mensahe ang naroroon. Hindi nagbibigay ng anumang emosyon ang kanyang mukha. If there was anything I got from my father, that was being able to control emotions and hide it.