The Erityians and I

Chapter 4 - Chromes

Chapter 4 - Chromes

Dad?

I hurried down the dining and just like what the maid had said, Dad was there and waiting.

The dishes were appetizingly arranged on the table when I came down. I looked up when I felt my father's gaze and meet it.

He smiled genuinely and motioned me to sit down and I obliged.

"Let's eat."  And we did.

"How's school?" My dad suddenly asked.

I don't want to lie to him about ditching but I've done it many time for I fear he might get mad at me.

"Fine? I guess?" Was my all answer.

He responded with an appreciative nod while smiling but I was caught off guard to what he said next.

"You ditched?" The question sounded like a statement. I managed a cough nang masamid ako sa sarili kong laway.

I reached for the glass of water and drank it straight.

My father's smile did not fade as he watched my movements.

"I uhh..." I struggled to find a polite response there's no point in lying anyways, he knew, "I ditched for the sake of the economy?"

Damn! For the sake of the economy? The hell was that, Kristena?

Suddenly, the dining was filled of my father's laughter and I frowned.

"That was a great joke, Kristena. Hahaha" What's wrong with his sense of humor? It's not funny for sure!

Times like this, I think like he's not my father or something.

I continued eating as he laugh loudly.

I heard him sigh after he stopped laughing.

"That expressionless face. Reminds me of your mother." There was a hint of sadness in his voice, together with guilt?

The mention of Mom triggered so many emotions. All those memories started coming into me and it was hard to suppress my eyes from tearing up.

Dad noticed it and he immediately stood up from his seat and put me in his warm embrace.

With that, the tears I was suppressing flow immediately on my cheeks. I cried silently in his arms-I tried at the very least, but the sobs I tried to stop escaped.

"It's alright. Hush down Kristena, I'm sorry." But, I just can't stop crying.

*****
I don't know how I'd stop crying but dad brought me here inside my room.

I lie down in his arms, for a moment I felt like a 6 year-old kid being held by his father as he tried to make me fall asleep.

But, now I'm sure I won't be able to fall asleep.

"Dad, I won't be able to fall asleep tonight. I'll be fine now you shall retire to your bed now."

"Why?"

"Dad, you look so tired. And my insomnia is at its peak for tonight."

I heard him sigh, "Alright. Drink your meds, okay?"

Tumayo na siya at lumapit sa may pinto. But, before he closes the door ay inilibot niya ang mata niya sa kwarto ko.

"Is everything alright, dad?"

"Uhhm. Yeah? I think?" Unsure na sagot niya sa akin.

"You sure?" Tanong ko. I have this feeling that there is a problem. Pero dahil hobby niyang solohin ang problema, alam kong hindi niya sasabihin sa akin.

"Yeah. I'll go now."

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay pero nginitian nalang niya ako.

I heaved out a sigh of defeat. He won't say it. Tss.

"Alright. I know you will never tell me what it is. Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight dear." Then he left.

I checked on the clock and it's just 4 minutes passed 9.

I was contemplating on what to do. My insomnia struck me again tonight and it'll be a boring night again if I would not do anything.

"Rainie." I suddenly mumbled as a thought come into my mind.

I stood up from the bed and walked to my closet.

Midway there I stopped. I felt a presence that I have passed on.

I turn around and saw no one around. I closed my eyes and felt on the surroundings, suddenly the presence was gone and unfelt.

What the heck was that?

Magsisimula na sana akong maglakad muli palapit sa closet when a voice stopped me from my tracks.

"So you felt me too?"

Before I could even react, a figure had suddenly visualized in front of me.

His green eyes bore into mine and he suddenly emitted an overwhelming presence, more overwhelming than what I've felt from him earlier-hence, earlier he hid his presence. It was too overwhelming that I've forgotten to react accordingly on defense.

The happening was too fast and for a split second I was already pinned on the wall by him.

I tried to struggle from his grip but to no avail, I failed.

He's damn strong!

I'm so damn frustrated right now! Damn I can't fight him!

With this state of me, I won't be able to kill him, my target.

"You think you humdrums are strong enough to play with us?"

I looked straight into his eyes. I discarded the eerie feeling I'm having by looking at his green orbs. I didn't show any fear on him.

I'll have your life, maybe not now but I definitely will.

"Well, I'll be. Hayate Kitamura."

"It's against our own rules and beliefs to harm any humdrum but if you continue this evil work, I can't guarantee your safety." He warned, looking straight into my eyes.

Paulit ulit lang akong pumipiglas mula sa pagkakahawak niya sa akin. I know it's pointless, he's strong. But, I can't lose, not with him at least.

"But, you confuse me." Napahinto ako sa pagpiglas at tiningnan ko siya with my confuse eyes.

He confuses me too with those intense green eyes.

What the hell is he?

"You felt like a humdrum, but why is that I can read your open mind?"

"P-Pardon?"

"And what confuses me more is..." Marahas niya akong inikot and pinned me back on the wall my back facing him. "That black sun tattoo on your lower back. I'm sure you held up a high position in that organization but I can't see any recognition of what I am from you."

The alarm rang the mansion signaling for intruders.

Napalingon siya sa biglang bumukas na pinto.

"Hayate, we've got to go!" I heard a female voice shout. The voice was familiar but I can't fully recognize. I can't see the newcomer since I was stuck on this freaking wall.

"I'm warning you and your organization. Don't mess with us, your-so-called Chromes."

*****