DEFENDERS (slow update)

Blood 12: THE AGENDUM

I made my way to campus, taking the most silent roads I could find. Gusto ko munang lumayo sa Blue Agents' House at magpahangin ng kahit ilang minuto.

"See you later, Toffee," nakangiting paalam sa akin ni Lee Ann.

Paul tilted his head. "And move on."

Shienna smiled. "All we're saying is, don't be late."

"I'll go there on time," I promised.

With a heavy sigh, I walked away from them. I knew they were just checking on me. Alam nila kung gaano kahirap para sa akin ang tumira sa isang bahay kasama si Tristan.

Sure, we had separate rooms. But it didn't change the fact that we're living in one roof. It hurt because every time he'd pass by, he'd just ignore me and act like we didn't know each other.

I felt like there's a blackhole inside my body, consuming my happiness and expanding the memories I had with him. Kahit anong gawin ko, masakit pa rin sa huli.

I knew that I adjusted a little over the last three days, but I just couldn't forget everything about him.

I settled under a tree and pulled out the sketch pad, thinking I'd draw some of the scenes I saw. When I was still a human, I loved seeing how the sun hid under the ocean. It seemed that this ball of fire was tired of giving its lights to all celestial bodies, and only the ocean could give the rest it needed. It must be comforting for both of them.

Then, unexpectedly, someone settled in next to me under the shade of my tree.

"I didn't know you're into arts."

Kinabahan ako. It was Matteo.

"Paul told me you'd be here," dagdag pa nito.

"I can't trust you," I said as I stood up to leave.

He did the same thing. "I'm not here to hurt you, Toffee."

"So what are you doing here?" I asked, trying to control my anger.

"You have a lot of reasons to hate me, Toffee. But I came here to apologize to you," he said while sincerely looking at me. "I'm really sorry for hurting you."

Nabigla ako sa sinabi niya. "W-Why did you do that? You know the consequences of not taking the serum."

"I was not in control at that time," he paused. "I didn't drink the serum because I wanted to mess up."

Napakunot-noo ako. "To mess up for what?!"

"So that they could send me away," he replied right away.

"Hindi kita maintindihan-"

"Nabasa mo ang liham, Toffee. I helped Tommy to escape and for god's sake, I'm not sure if he's still alive!" he said in pain. "I want to leave this school behind and bring him back alive."

For a short time, I laughed in disappointment and looked at him with disgust. "So you attacked me because you wanted to be kicked out?"

"Toffee, it's not what I mean-"

"You made yourself perfectly clear, Matteo! You used me for Tommy! You and Tristan used me!" sigaw ko sa kanya.