Tall, Dark and Dead

Clod of Earth

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

A l e k

🎶 Stateless, Bloodstream

The well is an enclosed place. I am getting shivers. The panic attack and the presence of carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide is suffocating me. Her presence, both of them, scares me. I heard her step on some decomposed twigs and leaves as she breathes a little lighter than usual. I may have broken my back but at least we landed safely. However, I do not know how we could escape this hell hole when I'm having this kind of feeling. "You got your wish, human. Let's go."

"Paano tayo babalik kung takot kang-" I did not let her finish. I tried my best to jump, but I wasn't able to reach the top. Hawak ko si Natalia sa bewang, kaya naman ng dumusdos kami dahil sa aming pagbagsak, nagkaroon siya ng sugat sa kanyang siko. "No, it's fine. I'm good. It's just a simple graze. Ikaw, ayos ka lang ba?"

"Do you have your phone with you? Call Teddy right away." She took her phone from her pocket and handed it over to me. "Fuck. It's broken. Pasensya na, sa pagkabagsak siguro natin 'yan."

"Pangalawa na 'to, ayos lang. 'Wag lang ulit yung puso, ha, baka kasi 'di na kayanin," Sabi niya, kahit na alam ko namang hindi, dahil sa reaksyon nito nang makita niya ang kanyang gadget na basag. "Anyway, I know we only have a few minutes before we-" Talia's giggle echoed. Oh, my Lord, that was comforting. "Ay, sorry. Nakalimutan ko. I mean before I run out of oxygen to inhale and die in the same exact place where she did."

"So, you knew about where she died..."

"I kinda guessed it. It was an obvie from the beginning."

"How intelligent..."

"But I'm more curious about how she died." It's not just the fear of being consumed by this dug well, cased in stones, but the tormenting memory of Calista's pool of blood is slowly draining all of the energy I got. I can't even argue with Natalia anymore. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm... I'm scared." I hugged her. I let myself fall onto my knees. Kahit na nahihirapan siya, pinilit niyang ngumiti at pakalmahin ako. Nakatalungko ako, habang ang isang paa ni Natalia ay nasa ilalim ng aking biyas. The other one is supporting my back as she wraps both of her arms around me. "Are you okay?"

"Yes." I looked at her and I know for a fact that she was doing her best to make me feel fine. "J-just calm d-down, okay?" I nodded with my eyes closed. I gripped her arm tightly as she let out deep coughs. "It's okay, I... I'm here. I'm h-here." I don't know what to think anymore. I need to focus on getting her back up there but I can't stand on my feet. I feel so weak. "I never should've done what I did, I'm... I'm sorry."

"Talia..."

"Y-yes? Nandito lang ako. Kumalma ka lang dyan, ha? Kaya mo 'yan."

"Natalia..."

She kissed my cheek, "Yes, mahal? Ano 'yon?" and leaned her head on the back of my neck. Hinalikan ko ang kanyang noo nang mapansin kong hirap na hirap na siya. Miss Claveria's throat is getting dry. "O, b-bakit?" When I lifted my head and opened my eyes, her soft lips brushed my cheek. "Ano ba naman 'yan, Alek? Kahit saan talaga, oo, pinapakilig mo 'ko."

"Really? Kahit gan'to na?"

"Kahit nasaan pa. Wala na akong pake."

I breathed deeply. What she said drew a smile to my face. "I love you," Sabi ko sa kanya, but before she can even answer, may humila sa kanya palayo sa akin. "Hey!"

I was caught off guard. My knees are trembling. The part of me being human is getting the best of me and I hate it when this happens. "Alek!" I was kicked right in the face before getting another on my stomach. "Stop! No, please, don't hurt her. Please, no. I'm begging you," I heard Talia say, her voice descending. "Alek..."