The Price of being Pretentious

Chapter Twenty-five: Sacrifice

I went back to Lloyd's shop because I was planning to sleep again at his shop. The next day I will plan where to stay afterward. I shouldn't dwell in one place. Though I know that my parents don't know this place, it's better to be sure.

I always run away every time I know they will beat me up. But they always find me wherever I go. So I did everything not to mention to them who I hang out with or where I usually go. It's for my friends' safety too. I don't want to drag my friends' to my messed-up life.

I was staring blankly here at the terrace of his workshop. I didn't mind the breathtaking city view for I was sinking deep into my thoughts. I almost lost my sense of hearing that I didn't know that Lloyd was beside me.

'Hey.'

'Huh? What did you say?'

'I said what are you going to do now?'

'Honestly, I don't know.' I sighed.

It felt like I'm standing on a stone surrounded by water. I don't know where to go. I'm too scared to move. If I take one more step, I will surely drown in that deep blue.

'Whatever your decision is I will support you, okay? I'm here.'

I nodded and made a small smile. 'Thanks, Mamita. I know you're always there.'

Lloyd and I were surprised when we heard a sound of a siren from afar. We exchanged glances and wondered what's going on. My heart started thumping louder when it pulled over in front of Lloyd's shop.

'I should take a look. They might be just asking around.' He said to calm me down before he left.

I couldn't be at ease so I followed Lloyd. As I went down from the workshop, I caught Lloyd was in the middle of a conversation with the policemen. My eyes widened and my mouth gaped open when I saw one of them take out a handcuff. I stormed out to stop them. Lloyd doesn't deserve this treatment.

'Hey! Why are you taking away my friend?! What did he do?!' I yelled as I panted from running.

'We are taking him to the police station. Someone reported that he kidnapped a minor.'

'Who? Who did he kidnap?' I asked, raising my brow.

'A girl named London Mojan.'

I sighed in disbelief. 'Do you know her face?'

The two policemen exchanged glances.

'I'm London Mojan. Here's my school ID.' I said as I handed to them my ID. 'Do I looked like someone who was kidnapped?'

'We will bring you to the police station to make sure.' He replied as he returned the school ID.

'Do you have a warrant? Have you investigated already? You just headed here after receiving the report?'

They didn't give me an answer. The heck is wrong with the world now.

'Just come with us quietly so you could clarify things with the complainant.'

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms. 'What a hassle! Tell me, how much did he pay you? I could double it, even triple.'

He sighed. 'We are just following protocol, ma'am. Don't accuse us that we are being bribed in doing this.'

'What kind of protocol is that?!' I ranted.

'Let's just go. I didn't do anything wrong. I am confident that I am not guilty.' Lloyd said then smiled. 'Besides the policeman holding the handcuffs was handsome. He could be a model.' He whispered.

'Mamita, this is not a time for that. Take this seriously. I– I don't want you to go to jail.' My voice broke as I uttered.

'Duh. Who would believe that I kidnapped you? I will be released in no time.' He said as he got himself inside the police car.

I nodded, having faith in what he said to me. But deep inside I had doubts about whether he could get out or not. I know just what to do, but I would risk my life on this. I watched at the car window as we headed to the police station.

I want to ask someone for help, but I don't know to whom I would ask a favor. It would be awkward to ask Mr. Tony for help because my mom would be there. Besides, he was still away on his business trip. I had no means to contact him while he was overseas. Then it occurred to me I could ask Doctor O for help. I hope he was not on duty. I dialed his number many times, but it always passed on the voicemail. He might still be resting and didn't hear the phone ringing. Really? Why now? I need to talk to him.

We arrived at the police station. At their office, I saw a man in a black suit standing with authority. As I expected, he was the one who filed a complaint. He looked decent on the outside, but behind the suits and ties, he hides his roguishness. I didn't wait for any second and walked towards the monster.

'I will go home willingly if you would let my friend go. If you won't do what I said you will never see me again and use me to get some cash from wealthy families.'

He plastered a smirk on his. 'Glad to know you understand the situation. Your mom was worried so you better be home today.'

'You seem to look more worried than her. Knowing how busy you are, but you came all the way here just to file a complaint. Are you that scared that I will run away from the engagement? Don't worry. I won't. So let him go peacefully.'

'London, what are you talking about? You're going back home with that man?'

'I have no choice, Mamita. I know dad for so long and he won't stop until you are not in jail. So please let me do this.'

'You don't have to. I would gladly go to jail just to keep you safe. Besides, their policemen were hot. I could stay here and stare at those delicacies. But you– you have to flee from him.'

'No. I won't sacrifice anyone in this. I will find my way out. I promise you that.'

'London, please. You have to leave that house, he might hurt you again. You were suspended, remember? You won't have to go to school. Go somewhere far from here.'

'He would always find me. He could always hurt my friends if he wanted to. I won't let that happen, Mamita. Not on you or anyone. I will contact you again.'

The monster talked to someone and the policeman who drove us here. He was muttering something like apologizing. I want to puke at such pretentious acts. I was not far from being pretentious. But I will never be like him.

I looked at Lloyd and gave him a rueful smile before I followed dad's tracks as he headed out at the police station.

I was silent the whole ride, staring at the car window. I want to open the door and jump on the highway. I don't care if I'll get hurt. But I know if I would do that someone else who was dear to me would get hurt instead. I want to cry in fear, but I don't want to show the monster that I was scared of what is bound to happen. I want to scream and cry out for help, but I can't voice it out. I feel so helpless, feeling the I want to cast aside.

In these situations, I was forced to pretend that I am strong where I was the weakest creature in the food chain. The moment the car stopped, which means we reached our house, I became aware of myself again. Aware of everything that was about to happen.

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