Played Without Rules

40. Under the Moonlight

Love would only give you nothing but pain. But I will still choose to love you because that's all I live for.

-Jed

Dedicated to Cindy_Sunny

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Liam Ford Fortalejo

Where have been?" I turned my gaze to the one who spoke. It was Xyrel striding towards me, nasa likod naman niya si Chlarjille wearing the same expression Darren has.

"Why?" I asked. I feel no need of explaining to her. She's not my mom.

"Just answer my question!" she retorted. I was shocked, it was the first time that she raised her voice. Well, it cannot be considered as a shouting yet, but then, it was just suprising.

"Kung ano man ang ginawa ko at kung saan man ako galing, wala ka na----" I wasn't able to finish my sentence because of the punch that landed on my left cheek. Napa-atras ako nang bahagya at agad na hinawakan ang tinamaang parte.

"Liam!" Darren exclaimed as he rushed beside me.

"I'm ok," I told him and returned my gaze to Xyriel. Jille was already at her back tapping her shoulder.

"Boss," she said. She looked at me with a worried face, parang alam na niya kaagad na ganito ang mangyayari.

"I know what I'm doing, Jille. Step back!" Xyriel flashed as she shoved the other's hand away.

"Is that all you're good at Liam? Making reckless actions? Why don't you grew up!" Xyriel again said, clenching her hands as if restraining herself to cause more damage.

I grinned. "Really Xyriel? Oh I'm sorry I'm not as perfect as you are and making reckless actions?Anong ginawa ko? Ikaw lang naman ang nagpapalaki nang maliit na bagay," I replied, trying to be calm.

"You don't know? Fuck Liam! You're such a stupid jerk! Well, let me tell you Mr. Idiot. You are a Fortalejo and this is not our place. If anything bad happens to you, I'll be held accountable. You are my liability so why don't you stop being a burden and be a help instead!" she hissed back.

I'm a man and I'm supposed to be tough but then, I'm still a human. It might be difficult to admit but her words are hitting me hard.

"I'm not asking for a babysitter. You are crossing the line Xyriel," I jeered. I no longer care about how angry I may look.

"Crossing the line? Huh, I'm making one. But it will be between you and them. Hanggang naririto pa tayo sa lugar na 'to,hindi ka maaring mawala sa paningin ko!" she returned equably. Gone was the staid face she has, replaced by an insulting expression that stirred even more the anger inside me.

Who is she to take control of my life?

"What? You don't have the right to boss me around. You know so much Xyriel!"I snapped, luculently exhibiting lividness.

She remained silent for about a second.

"And you know nothing," she retorted. After that, she turned her back and went inside the house. Sinundan naman agad siya ni Chlarjille.

"Masakit ba?" tanong ni Darren. Ang gago rin nito. May suntok bang hindi masakit. I glared at him and he just smiled.

Naupo muna kami saglit sa mga malalaking batong naroroon, I gazed at the night sky to calm myself and to release the negative emotions building up.

"Alam mo Liam, kanina ka pa talaga niya hinahanap. She even ordered us to look for you. If hindi ko lang talaga siya kilala, I'll assume she has something for you that is more than just a liability. But then, considering how close your parents are, she got a point." Napatingin ako kay Darren ng sabihin niya iyon.