PANDORA - Book 1 (NWC's 2nd place winner)

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREE

            We scout the nearby town the next day. No vampires, too. It makes me thankful there are some parts of this country that weren’t filled with them. Other places got it a lot worst. Earth has now its own version of little hells. At least, where we are is tamer. More like a Silent Hill.

            Today, Rohan decide to teach me hand to hand combat. He says I’m not bad on that night I got attacked by the vampire but I have to improve my reflexes. I hesitate too much. Like I didn’t know that. I have reservations on hurting others but I guess I have to forget it on those vampires’ case.

            Rohan chooses an abandoned gym to be our sparring ground. It’s nice because there are still gym equipments here. There’s even a boxing ring on the first floor.

            He teaches me few basic defensive moves. I must be nuts but I’m actually enjoying it. It actually excites me. I never thought I would. I want Rohan to teach me offensive moves but he says I shouldn’t be hasty when I haven’t even mastered what he’s teaching yet. Curt as ever. I should get him a beer. Maybe, he’ll loosen up.

            “Where’d you learn all of this?” I ask him as I massage my arm. We’re both seated inside the ring. He let me have a five-minute break. I’m gonna suggest ten but I don’t want him to think I’m a weakling. My whole body already feels sore though. Bruises will show up soon.

            “From a friend,” he replies. “He was FBI. He used to train me every weekend.”

            “Where is he now?”

            “In Texas. Probably sipping blood from a loser survivor who’s not cautious enough,” he says nonchalantly. I stare at him in disbelief. Is he really that cold or is it a by choice so to lessen the pain?

            “What?” he asks when he observed me staring at him.

            I shake my head and look away. “Nothing.” I continue flexing my limbs and we sit in silence. There are bruises coming on both calves of my arm.

            “So, what’s your story?” he asks afterwards. I stiffen at the question.

            I try to sound bored but my voice comes out strained. “Am I supposed to answer that?”

            He eyes me for a while. Suddenly, I’m worried. He’s trained by an agent. It’s not impossible that he’s taught to read a person’s expressions, too. I keep my face placid.

            “Never mind,” he smirks and stands to get a drink. “We’ll continue on two.”

            That night, we are too tired to find another shelter so we opt to stay in the gym. I sleep on the ring while below me, Rohan occupies the two benches placed side by side. Its full moon tonight and the rays seep through glass windows. That provides enough light for me to watch Rohan. Now that he’s asleep, he looks younger. Man is an overstatement. He’s just a boy. A very brave boy.

            Again, he’s not wearing a shirt and I find my throat getting parchy. My gaze travels back to his face, to his slightly parted lips. I notice a small mole under his lower lip. Cute. I wonder how it’s like to get kissed by those lips.

            Horrified by my own thoughts, I press my eyes tightly. What the hell am I doing?

            I turn to the other side to avoid glancing down at him again. I feel stupid. The first guy shows up and I get all this kind of thoughts. I sound like a desperate teenage bit—I sigh. All my life, I was focused on steering clear of conflict. That included boys that’s why I never really got first hand idea about attractions. It was easy because I’m not an eye-catcher myself.