THE LOVE CONTRACT

(2) THE GUARDS

ARIN'S POV
Lunchbreak. GARDEN.
Napatingin lang ako sa parating na Mhorfelle Gang sa patungo sa gawi ko dahil mag-isa ko lang ngayon na nakatambay sa puno ng mangga.

Raven Aurelio. 17. a.k.a. Charmer. The Notorious Cassanova and The Band Drumer.

Auxtine Orata. 17. a.k.a. Hazardous. The Basketball Captain.

Primson Buenaville. 18. a.k.a. Joker. The Band Vocalist.

Yuhan Pescador. 18. a.k.a. Silent. The Bookworm and Editor-in-Chief.

Benjamin Duque. 19. a.k.a. Wise. The Dance Troop Leader.

And the leader of the New Generation of Mhorfelle Gang, Luxurios Zachary. 17. a.k.a. Death. The Supreme Student Government (SSG) Vice President.

(ring-ring-ring-ring)

Napadako naman ang tingin ko sa aking Iphone na nagriring sa bulsa ng skirt ko.

"Hello? Who's this?"

"Khezille,"

"Ow dad, ikaw pala. Bakit po?"

"Where are you?"

"Academia La Mhorfelle."

"Exact place?"

"School Garden po. Why did you ask, Dad? Is there something wrong?"

"Just stay there, Khezille. Are you with someone now?"

"Just me. Why?"

Napalingon naman ako sa paligid dahil may nararamdaman akong panganib na malapit sa akin.

"Dad,"

"Khezille, listen, okay?"

"Dad, natatakot na po ako. Tell me, what happening? Please.."

"Sshh, baby, listen,"

Pinipigilan ko ang paghikbi ko habang kausap si Daddy.

"Pinapunta ko na dyan ang bodyguards mo para safety mo ngayon."

"Ano po ba talagang nangyayari?"

"Baby, just be safe, okay?"

"Dad! Please, tell me what the hell is happening?!"

"You're in danger, Khezille. Earlier, I recieved a text message from someone. It saids that they're after you now. They wanted to kidnap you and they knew about you and your hidden identity. Also, during our conversation, they told me that they want you to be part of the human tester for some chemical."

"What the hell! Dad! I'm afraid! (sob) Please, tell me who are they?!"

"I'm sorry, baby. I don't know. Trinitrace palang namin kung sino sila. I'm sorry."

Natahimik ako doon. Wala akong magawa kung hindi ang pagmasdan sa kapaligiran ko at mga taong naroon.

"Khezille, call me if you needed my help. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I will update you later."

"Pupuntahan ko po si Tita Winter, if ever na may kakilala akong makakapagtiwala na pwedeng mapagsamahan papunta doon."

"Alright. Doon ko na lang papapuntahin ang mga bodyguard mo."

"Sige po."

"Okay. Take care, Khezille."

Nanginginig ako sa takot habang nakatingin sa phone ko nakakatapos lang tawagan ni Daddy.

Halos tumalon naman ako sa takot nang may humawak sa balikat ko.