THE WATCHERS TRILOGY: Caleb (book I)

CHAPTER XXI

AUTUMN WAS humming a One Direction song while fixing her things in her locker when she felt something heavy on her shoulder. The familiar scent proved that it was Caleb.

Hindi niya ito tiningnan. Imbes, ipinagpatuloy niya ang pag-aayos ng mga libro sa kanyang locker. "I know that you're fully aware that your hand weighs something near like a ton, right?"

Autumn heard Caleb chuckle. Naramdaman niya ang pag-alis nito ng kamay sa balikat niya. Instead, he looped that arm around her waist. "I am aware. So, saan mo gustong mananghalian?"

She briefly gave him a glance. Caleb looked gorgeous in his fitting ash grey shirt and faded jeans with matching Vanz shoes that they bought last time. In fact, they were both wearing the same shoe design today. "I'd like some Italian food this lunch."

"Okay. Let's go for Sbarro."

"That would be perfect. And I would like to talk to you about something concerning my..." She lowered her voice. "...dreams."

Caleb's face blanked. Tumango ito. "Okay."

Few minutes later, they were both eating eagerly. She was digging in her Chicago White while Caleb was on his third plate of lasagna.

"So, how were the dreams going? We're one week away from your 18th birthday. I'm sure tons and tons of scenes are coming in right now?"

Ibinababa ni Autumn ang kanyang tinidor. She cleared her throat before speaking. "Yep. Sometimes I feel like my head's gonna burst with too much information but I'm taking it in just right. By the way, seeing the Archangel Gabriel in my dream is really cool. He's quite hot actually."

Caleb's lips twitched in a half smile. "Good for you. I didn't even get the chance to see him. Nakikita ko lamang siya mula sa mga history books ng aming lahi."

"Hmm. Really?"

"Yep."

"So, Caleb. Kapag tumuntong na ako sa edad na disiotso, ano ang mangyayari sa akin? Will I grow wings too?" Just the thought of having black wings and being able to fly gave Autumn a rush of excitement.

"Nope. You will still be human. Ang pinagkaiba mo lang sa ibang mortal, eh, mayroon kang kaalaman tungkol sa amin. That's why I need to protect you from incoming dangers brought by evil. Hindi sila mangingiming kunin ka para sa impormasyong taglay mo."

Dinagsa ng takot ang dibdib ni Autumn. Kahit ayaw man niya, ay hindi niya amiwasang maalala ang nakakatakot na mukha ng mga bampirang muntikan nang tumapos sa buhay nila ni Caleb. "Do they also know that your life is bound to mine?" She almost whispered the question.

Napatigil sa pagkain si Caleb dahil sa tanong niya. He gave her a strange look for a while before answering her question. Well, not really answering it directly. "Autumn, hindi mo kailangang matakot. Why fear for your life now? Narito ako, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. No one can touch you. I swear," sabi nito saka ginagap ang kanyang dalawang kamay. He softly kissed the back of her hand which made Autumn shudder a little bit.

Lately ay napapansin ng dalaga ang mga kakaibang kilos ng binata. Yes, Caleb has always been touchy when it comes to her. But not this touchy, na halos itali na nito ang sarili sa kanya. He would kiss her hair, her forehead, cheeks, even her hands, whenever he got the chance. Panay din ang yakap nito sa kanya. She started noticing his actions few days after they reconciled. Not that Autumn was complaining. It's just a bit...uncanny.

Kahit may nanaramadaman siyang kakaiba mula sa mga aksyon na ipinapakita ni Caleb ay pilit na lamang niya iyong winaglit. She spent over a decade with him without feeling even a tinge of malice, so why should she start now?

Ipinagpatuloy nilang dalawa ang pag-uusap tungkol sa kanyang mga panaginip habang kumakain.

Somehow, the lack of killings and attacks from the evil sent a strange feeling to Autumn. Were they really planning something grand that might send the Watchers over the edge?