A Burnt Flower's Ashes

Chapter Twenty

I found peace in his embrace, the same calm and serene that the blue skies had to offer this morning. The horizon and its clarity promised me a brighter day ahead.

I broke down into tears when Sir Hana finally hugged me back. He said nothing as he wrapped his arms around me, but I've never felt so much security and assurance before.

It felt like he's telling me that we're already okay, that this is just another bad day.

Kumapit ako sa dulo ng kanyang damit at napapikit ako. "Thank you, Sir Hana."

But the bad day hasn't ended yet, sadly.

Sabay kaming kumalas ni Sir Hana mula sa isa't isa nang makarinig kami ng ingay mula sa hindi kalayuan. Nagkatinginan kami.

Both of us were alarmed by the realization that we weren't the only ones here. Somebody was grunting and struggling, contrary to another voice laughing hysterically. We also heard the sound of clanging metal and continuous pounding against the wall.

We rushed to the other side, only to find a gruesome scene that you wouldn't even imagine at this hour in the morning. My eyes widened in horror when I saw Genesis lying in his own bloodbath, laughing maniacally.

Pero hindi siya nag-iisa.

"Oh, christ!" Mabilis na sumugod si Sir Hana upang pigilan si Uriel na noo'y patuloy parin sa pambubugbog sa sarili niyang kapatid.

My body was petrified with terror. "Uriel?"

What happened? I know that they're not really in good terms, but why did they reach this point? Halos hindi ko makilala si Genesis sa dami ng sugat niya sa mukha!

"Listen, you shithead." Uriel grabbed his brother by the collar. "If you say one word about this to anyone, you won't even reach daybreak. Trust me, I will fucking kill you!"

Genesis responded with another demonic giggle. "You are so in love with her, Uriel!"

Mas lalo namang nagwala si Uriel. He was about to land another punch on his brother's face when Sir Hana firmly caught his forearm to stop him.

Tila hindi talaga kami napansin ni Uriel dahil bakas ang gulat sa kanyang mukha nang magtagpo ang aming mga mata.

"Uriel, stop! What are you thinking, attacking someone in broad daylight within the school premises?!" Sir Hana was obviously in panic, probably because he's not used to violence. "You can be charged of assault for this!"

His intervention didn't seem to help improve the temper of my friend. Mabilis na hinawi ni Uriel ang kamay ni Sir Hana at matalim niyang tinignan ang aming guro.

"Don't touch me, you moron." Uriel remarked, revulsion evident on his face. "You disgust me. Get out of my sight."

This is bad. Kapag ganitong pinipilit ni Uriel na maging kalmado, alam kong sukdulan na talaga ang galit niya. But, for what reason?

"Oh, my good Sir. You have my word that I won't charge my brother of assault." singit ni Genesis at gumuhit ang isang ngisi sa kanyang bibig. "We're just playing. No biggie."

His words had no weight at all. He was such a sly fox, pretentious and manipulative. Genesis was the cynosure of our eyes, but he didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, he looked like he was enjoying the attention.

Ngunit napigilan ko ang aking paghinga at nakaramdam ako ng takot sa mga sumunod niyang salita.

"It's been boring lately. How about I show my alma mater something interesting?" nang-aasar na sambit ni Genesis at itinaas ang kanyang phone. "Like, a certain teacher screwing his student. What do you think?"