KING OF TORMENTS [Completed]

CHAPTER 2

Most of the mystery novels I read, the killers and the culprits would be most likely, the least suspicious amongst the suspects. However, in my situation, I would not follow such a conventional approach. Masyadong nagbabaga ang aking galit para makapag-isip pa ng mas malinis na paraan. I just wanted it done.

While in the midst of enjoying my lunch, a relevant news for my plan started to circulate inside the school's premises. My face remained neutral though my inside screamed chaos. Mabilis kong tinapos ang aking pagkain. Hindi ko man lang nilingon ang mga kasamahan ko sa table na kanina pa nagtataka sa aking ikinikilos.

I fixed my things in haste, and left the table without sparing them even a single glance. Narinig ko ang pagtawag ni Blaze pero hindi ko siya nilingon. His voice vanished when I reached the crowded alley. Since news traveled as fast as how fire could spread in a dried forest, it didn't surprise me hearing students talked about the recent murder.

"I can't believe it! Sino naman kaya ang walang pusong gumawa ng ganoon kina Sabrina at Lily?" dinig kong sabi ng babaeng nadaanan ko.

My expression almost betrayed me. Mabuti na lang at nakagat ko ang aking labi bago pa ako makapagbitiw ng mga salitang hindi pa angkop sa ngayon.

"Laide, are you angry at me?"

Huli na nang mamalayan kong nasa tabi ko na pala si Blaze. Despite his effort to get my attention, I did not turn my head. Diretso lamang ang aking tingin sa daan. Maybe some of the students noticed my clenching fists and the evil glint in my eyes kaya malayo pa lang ay kusa na silang umiiwas para mabigyan ako ng daan.

My father raised me with a mentality that I should always have the upper hand. I should always be higher compared to others and dominant in most of the things. Seeing how they stumbled just to avoid me, drew a smirk on my lips. I loved to see the fear in their eyes-knowing I was the one who caused it. At the back of my mind, a remnant of awareness and warning resurfaced. 'This is not you, Sapphire. Don't give your father the satisfaction of seeing how he succeeded in molding you in the way he wants.'

No matter how tempted I was to disobey my father, my rage prevailed. If being the monster meant I could quench this fire within me, this fire that demanded retribution, then I would unleash my darkest side. I couldn't just stop.

Nang makarating ako sa tapat ng pinto ng classroom ay hinawakan niya agad ang braso ko upang hindi ako tuluyang makapasok.

"Mag usap tayo mamaya after class. I can explain."

I pursed my lips. "What makes you think I will still believe you?"

Blaze took several deep breaths; hand combing his hair in frustration. His next move was expected but still, it caught me off guard. He enveloped me in his arms.

"You still don't know the whole story. I'll explain later. Please hear me out, Laide."

Hinalikan niya ang tuktok ng ulo ko bago siya luging-luging umalis papunta sa classroom niya.

I rolled my eyes. Some people would only explain once you caught them lying. If they have the audacity to lie, they must also have the ability to never feel guilty.

"Uy, Sapphire my labs! Bakit ang tamlay mo? Nakipag-break ka na ba sa pangit na Alcantarang 'yon?"

"No," I replied. "I want to punch him right now, but it doesn't mean that I can unlove him as fast as my fist would hit his face."

Napabuntong hininga ulit ako at napatingin sa kawalan. Natahimik rin si Ryker bago siya yumuko at naglakad pabalik sa kanyang upuan.

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating na rin ang teacher kaya nagsimula na ang discussion. Napatingin ako kay Ryker. Ang lalim ng kanyang iniisip. Strange. Iginala ko ang aking paningin upang hanapin si Zoey pero wala siya sa loob, isa pang nakakapagtaka.