Tall, Dark and Dead

How Could You Be So Heartless?

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

N a t a l i a

She cupped my face while kissing me. I know to myself that I should not be doing this with her but I simply cannot resist. It seemed like we were doing it forever, like a real couple, but sadly, she stopped. She caught me with my eyes closed, taking in every single moment. When her eyes caught mine, she pulled away. Our lips parted, leaving me wanting more. It was cut short, but nonetheless, it was the best kiss I've ever had in my entire life.

Of course, I can't help to ask, "Why?" She took my hand, both of them, and leaned her head. I can hear soft sobs coming from her. "Hey, why are you crying? If it is about me initiating a kiss, I'm sor-"

"No, it's not that," Alek says, head still on my hands. It was the sweetest gesture she had given me yet. "I just... I-" My hands automatically lifted her chin up. I flashed a smile full of sunshine, but all I can see in her eyes are a bad storm. "Can you please close your eyes?" I insisted at first. "Sige na, please." A wave of cold air cascaded on my skin. When I opened my eyes, she was gone.

I can hear a sound of a horse running away. I peeked through the window, it was Alek, fleeing away from me. Hindi ko man lang namalayan na pumapatak na pala ang luha ko, pero bakit? Is it because of the rejection? The longing? The disappointment? The sad look on her face after we shared a kiss? Truth is, I don't know. "If I sit here and do nothing, I can never know the answer." I pushed myself up from the bed and marched to the door. "Jesus!"

A key was dangling in front of me. Professor Cordova was holding it. "Horses are in the back. Follow her. I know she's gonna be heading on the cervecería. Go there. Now."

"Um, okay."

"Go, before she burns it down, or tears the place apart." Tatakbo na sana ako pero bigla akong hinawakan sa balikat ni professor Cordova. "Promise me something, Natalia." I turn my back to look at her. "Promise me you won't hurt her."

"I promise."

"Good. That's all I need to know."

I nodded, not saying a word. Without further ado, I took the keys and ran on the back of their old mansion. Lahat ng kabayo ay tulog na maliban na lang sa isa, si Maliksi. Nakita ko ang kanyang pangalan sa kwadra. "Hey there, handsome! I kinda need your help." I opened up the door for the male horse. I forced myself up to ride on its back. Buti na lang nagho-horseback riding si kuya Parker kaya naman may alam ako ng kaunti.

"Whoa!" Hinigpitan ko ang pagkakahawak ko kay Maliksi, muntik na kasi akong mahulog pagsampa ko sa kanya. "Find Alek, 'kay?" I say like the horse understands what I am saying. "Shit. It's too dark." Napakalaki ng vineyard. Everything was pitch black. I smiled when I saw a little light from the center. I know she's there. That signal is for me. Deep in my heart, I was hoping that she did want me to find her.

I stopped in front of what seemed like a huge barn. Malachi, her horse, was tied on the side of it. I placed Maliksi next to him. "Thanks, boys. Now if you could just chill, I'm gonna find your owner." Hinaplos ko muna ang mga kabayo bago ako tuluyang pumasok.

"Alek?" No answer. "Uy, Alek. I'm sorry. Kung ano man ang nagawa kong katangahan this time, pasensya ka na." May narinig akong kumalabog mula sa aking likuran. Ito'y aking nilingon upang tignan ngunit tanging kadiliman lang ang naroon. "Alek..."

When I turn around, a human figure was standing in front of me. I don't know but I can't help to feel afraid. Naalala ko kasi ang sinabi ni nana Socorro about her being a vampire. "A-alek..." A tremor can be observed in my voice when I said her name. "You're here..."