Chapter 31

"Can you just go home first?" Kiesha was there as she guided me to the opposite gate.
"Gaga, I'm already in front of our house oh ... You're going to move to the other side," I gently slapped her ass.
"Well, I'll miss you," he snorted, as he quickly wrapped his arms around my waist to keep me from entering.
"Stop it! It's like it's a long way from our house. Eh, look, there's only a road in between oh."
"Even..."
I managed to get away from her grip.
"What did you eat?" I asked frowning.
"Ice cream cake, with cherry on top," she beamed at me cutely.
I just shook my head. Then the lock of the gate was opened ignoring him. No matter what is being done now. Dancing, dramatizing, singing, almost rolling in the middle of the road.
Amaw!
"It's up to you," before he could stop me again, I was able to get inside the gate.
"It's rude. Won't you even let me in? Just wish my aunt and uncle a good day," he complained. Next comes open resentment.
"You don't have anything nice to say. Just come back to you."
My attention was automatically focused on their large gate, when it suddenly opened and spat out serious Zion. He put his hands inside his pants pocket, as he averted his gaze on me.
I think it's done inserting Kiesha's belongings. Now leaving maybe to where?
"Zi is here, bye!" Kiesha immediately ran closer to it.
"Where are you?"
"At racing camp. We'll watch Zed's competition."
We just came home from Max's vacation house. It was a long and tiring trip, but it just seemed like none of them. Look and leave again, another tiredness and maybe trouble.
Just like the first time Zed attended the contest. Kiesha could not accept their defeat. Someone allegedly cheated even though there was none. It suddenly got into a fight with the opponent's girlfriend. As a result, we were almost caught by the police.
"Be careful 'don ha? Don't look for a fight anymore Amira," I narrowed my eyes at her.
"Yeah, Mom Gee," she giggled.
"Bye ..."
I couldn't wait for them to disappear from sight. Spontaneously left because the body was looking for a bed. I'm not in a condition to talk for long now, they'll take care of it.
"I don't want our children to stop studying just to pay off a huge debt."
I first heard mama and papa talking from the kitchen.
To listen to what they had to say next, I chose to stay at the mouth first. Here, they will not notice the presence.
"If you don't want to, we don't have to do everything right now," Dad replied.
"Maybe I'll just reduce the money saved for the children's allowance. That can be used for a small business to be built."
"It would have been easier if you had just agreed for us to borrow from Alfano. You will lend-"
"No ..." mama interrupted what papa was going to say.
"The amount of help their family has helped us. They're already sending Gee to school, and then we're going to borrow another million? That's an exaggeration ..."
I leaned my body against the door jamb, then drew a deep sigh.
The size of our debt and it will definitely grow even bigger in the long run.
Now I understand that older brother Gideon"s quick release of the decision. That is why there is no hesitation in leaving the country to work because of this family problem.
Mama had myoma then, it was big and needed surgery. We did not have enough money so we were forced to seek help from the bank. Then I was hospitalized for an amoeba, and finally Grant's heart transplant.
Until now, his life is still in doubt, the doctors are not really sure if the operation was really successful because he is still being observed. So far, my brother was doing great. That's all, sometimes I cry because my chest hurts.
I sighed a second time.
Holding the bag, slowly walked up the stairs. Todo is a precaution not to be noticed by the parents.
"The kids are out of this problem. I don't want them to be a problem, especially our youngest."
Too late ma, I already knew. And no matter how many times they hide we will know and we will still know. There is nothing as secret as not revealed.
I barely glanced at their position at first. Seeing my back turned and complacently unnoticed, I ran a short distance from the stand to the stairs. Still mixed with caution ...
"Success," I sighed in relief.
I successfully entered the room. Then maybe greet the parents after bed.
Exhausted, I casually threw the bag on the floor when I went to bed.
Later, I will work out a way to make money. Even if mama and papa don't want to, I will still try to help pay off the debt. This is a family problem, we just have to work together.
I closed my eyes, only to see the image of Zion. Sporting a cold stare, with his half naked figure in perfect angle.
Oh my God, Geline Nielanie you're so bad!
The whole family is already facing a big test, there are even obscene images inserted in their minds.
Get out of my brain Zion Leander Pilvera, you demon!
I emptied my mind, then took a deep breath. Inhale ... Exhale ... I did it over and over until everything around went black.
What's in your smile? (girl, I'm dyin ')
'I can't get you out of my mind (impossible)
I feel so alone but I can't just keep on singing this song
I gotta get your love, yeah, baby girl, I'm coming now (sure, you're mine)
Tryin 'to forget, t-tryin' to forget (ikaw na)
Tryin 'to forget, no, I can't figure this one out
Won't stop anymore, can't stop anyway
"Now the fire in me has started, you'll be in my zone," I sang along.
I didn"t get up on my own. Hands were raised and waved, even accompanied by a head bang.
"Burning up, fire, can"t be denied
Got me like fire, you're what I'm looking for ... "
I smiled, thinking about SB19. They are also really one of the reasons why I don"t want to look for a boyfriend.
Their image, talent, and silliness is enough to light my day.
Yeah, payer!
Oh, I do (love you), baby, I do (love you)
I need your, I need your love right now ...
"Now, now-" I quickly stood up to hopefully dance the only step I knew. Case suddenly lost the song.
My brows immediately furrowed and lips protruded.
"Hello?"
"Sister? Yes, here ..."
"I think he's still asleep, but he's standing up."
"It's still close."
"Who is that?" annoyed I turned to Grant. He was holding my phone, casually answering the person on the other line.
"Rox is my sister's registered name, she will teach."
I immediately jumped on the bed, to grab the phone here.
"Yes, Rox?"
"Gee it's Tobie, Rox's boyfriend. We'll teach you again today, if it's okay."
Alas, very neat. That's big money! I will never say no in this.
For almost two months now, her boyfriend has been teaching them difficult subjects. In exchange, they'll pay me justifiable amount. More than enough to buy books and provide for my expenses, including the photocopies and other materials needed in school.
I don't often ask mama for provisions anymore, because I have some income.
"Sure Tob, where will we meet?"
"We'll just send you the address, bye!"
"All right."
That was my sweet smile as I stared at Grant.
I'll make money again! Even if it is small compared to the debt to be paid, it can also help to somehow reduce it. A little thing, with determination can result to a bigger one.
Just trust...
"Ate, the next time someone calls, answer right away, right? You won't dance first."
"Are you okay?" I grabbed my eye glasses.
"You should thank me for answering the call," he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Thank you!" I jokingly messed up her hair. "Why are you here?"
"Lending a tablet."
Even though I couldn't answer, he immediately snatched the requested gadget from the dresser and left without saying goodbye.
"You're welcome," I sarcastically said.
Tsk!
I quickly changed my clothes. A simple v-neck shirt, ripped jeans, then black sneakers were chosen. I tied my hair in a ponytail. No more lipstick on the face, so it's naturally beautiful.
Yes, that's self-proclaimed.
'At the warehouse, near street six'
I could barely read Rox's message. The address he gave from here was just nearby. Just a few corners, affordable to walk.
But it"s too puzzling to think why would we still meet everywhere? That warehouse was abandoned and seldom visited.
From the message, my gaze shifted to the alarm clock. It's almost night. Thirty minutes before six, is there a light there? It's dangerous ...
But then, I couldn't say no because I badly needed money.
Maybe Rox and I have already prepared for this. Surely that"s the scenario, so I have to be complacent.
"Is there a dish?"
"Are you here yet?" Mom turned to me in shock.
"Ummm ..." I went straight to where the pot was.
Perfect and just cooked rice. That's all, the preparation of the dish has not yet begun.
I'm hungry. I can't let my starving tummy and client waiting for long. No matter, you can still be satisfied even with just rice.
"Where are you going now Geline?"
"In the warehouse just a few blocks from here. That's where Rox and I will meet today for a private session."
He already knew about it in my part-time. The students have already been identified so there is no problem for him to leave as long as the reason is pure teaching. That's just-
"You should be here before eight o'clock."
There is a time limit.
"Yes."
I quickly ate the rice with just the salt. Then one by one he said goodbye to his comrades before finally leaving.
"Where are you?" Tob's opening question when I answered the call.
"It's on its way."
"Okay ..." he hanged up.
Earlier maybe they were waiting. I have to hurry.
Walk around, that's what I do over and over until I finally get to the right place. Breathlessly held to the chest as he looked up at the entirety of the large warehouse. The door was already open, apparently already waiting for my arrival.
I can see from here the light of a room inside. Did I think it was abandoned and there was no use of it? It allegedly includes light and electricity.
What I have heard isn't totally true.
So it is really hard to just believe in the simple words of people. Sometimes, the most talked words are actually the lie.
"Rox? Tob? I'm already here," I said casually as I turned on the flashlight of the holding phone.
More parts are dark, I need more light to avoid colliding with what.
Why is this place so creepy anyway? And what's with the silence? Where are the two?
An image suddenly struck my sight from the second floor. Just pass by, so even before it is lit it also disappears immediately.
"Guys, c'mon! I don't believe in ghost alright? You won't scare me," I looked around.
"Hello? If you keep quiet, you'll just leave a-"
I saw another silhouette of someone on the far corner from my peripheral vision. This time, it"s not gone. But it is too far for my light to reach, it still needs to be approached to identify.
I am sure it was someone breathing and alive.
"Hey, is that you Tob?"

Slowly, I walked towards him.
"Why are you bullying?"
I hear nothing in response. He remained on his position, unbothered.
Even a few steps away, I still didn't realize who it was because I turned my back.
But one thing is for sure ...
"You're not Tobbie," I gasped heavily.
"Gotcha!"
I felt something hard hit my nape. Next was dizziness.
I was shaken, my forehead closed. Wanting to keep us, we were too weak to fall down for a while.
"Good girl."
The only words I heard, before my vision went blurry ...
A gentle hold of someone in a few parts of the body awakened my sleeping spirit.
I slowly opened my eyes and immediately saw a familiar image of a man. It stared at me intently, intense intensity immediately reflected on its face. Fire, thirst, and lust.
That"s how I inhale and exaggerate shake as I stare back at the lone person who isn"t expected to do this.
"What does this mean?"
I was lying on the floor, with him sitting beside me. The body was not bound, so I could move freely to save myself from possible harm.
You just have to find the right timing.
"You are my prey now," his hand landed on my cheek.
"Why?" I get up in a hurry. Now our eyes are level.
"Ssshhh ... Just appreciate how serene and perfect this moment and place is for us."
How can he call this one perfect? Evil is the only word that can be used to describe this situation.
"Hypocrite!"
I swiftly got on my feet. But before I could run, Tobbie already managed to hold my wrist and pull me closer.
"Tob please, let me go ..." I said, close to weeping.
I'm not so innocent that it's hard to figure out what he wants.
Why am I still at all? Why does this have to happen?
"I'm sorry Gee, but I couldn't help it anymore. I want you ..." he violently wrapped his arms around my waist and brought his face closer to hopefully steal a kiss. But I quickly backed away, so his lips touched my cheek.
"Don't do this have mercy," I began to moan.
Feeling very afraid of what might happen. I am not that strong enough to handle this, unlike Kiesha.
Whatever happens, I know I will end up blaming my own rationality. If I hadn't just agreed to meet here, or if I hadn't gone alone, nothing like this would probably have happened today.
Because of my own negligence, I got in this kind of situation.
Now I fully understand mama"s point. Why she doesn't want to just go with a man, acquaintance or not. Cause even the closest friend can betray, can ruin a trust and day.
"I love you so much Gee even though everyone calls her mother. You're beautiful, whether you dress up or not."
I never thought he can do this. Judging by the way he stares and cared for Rox, I can only say he loves her real much!
I thought he didn't need another fire because his own girlfriend was already satisfied.
"Let go of me!"
With all my might, I was able to get rid of him. When quickly run away.
I will never let him own me. It is not the person like him that I will support with the dignity I cherish. He have to kill me first before that happens.
I was just running fast. What directions are you taking just to get lost forever. I don't know if I am heading to the right direction. But even if not, just be safe that's fine.
I gotta find a safe place to hide.
"Geline Neilani! You can't go far anymore? I'm familiar with this place ... Just to remind you my love, you're already cornered," Tob casually said not far away. Next was the demonic laughter.
He's not the same man I used to know. In the two months of teaching here with Rox, not once did I see in him the character of a naughty man. He was so kind and proper ... That thing was actually just a deception. He was actually a devil, dinguised in the face of angel.
"And even if you get out, you will come back here immediately because someone is watching over the chin," he added.
Maybe that man I first noticed earlier when entering is what it suggests. Whoever it is, I can only escape here alive I will really be involved in the case.
There's no way I'll let this one slide. Maybe what else will he do next to have a chance like this, just in case I have mercy and forgive.
An open cabinet caught my attention. Placed in a hiding place, next to the empty cartons. It was scary to look at, it made me even more nervous to think that the surroundings were too dark and that was my weakness.
But if you don't hide, you will be caught ...
What shall I do?
Ah, it's up to you!
I slowly made my way in there. Even though it looks small, it still fits me. Tobbie doesn't seem to have even thought of hiding here because he thinks there's not enough space for my whole being. I am pretty flexible, this is better than being caught.
"Geline ..." his voice is getting closer.
Trembling I snatched the phone out of my pocket. I first minimized its brightness and even changed the setting into silent mode, to avoid getting his attention. He will make sure that he immediately notices the light that will be reflected in the opening of my hiding place if the phone is left to normal, and it is even more dangerous if a number calls and it goes loud.
'HELP'
The only message I typed.
I can't call anyone right now, Tobbie will just hear my voice. I'm not that stupid to hurt myself with just 'Hello'. Sending a message to any trusted person on the contact-list, especially Kiesha, is probably still effective.
I first sent the message to her. Next to mama, to Grant, Max, and Nica.
Even though the same message has been sent to everyone who is expected to call for help today, I still continue to search. I am both praying and scrolling through my phone until my eyes stopped on the last list.
I blinked a few times, when I stared hard at the name I saw. It's the same way of thinking when he put his number on his own phone.
'ZION THE GREAT', in capslock with a heart emoji on the end.
I don't remember saving his number. Not once did it occur to me to ask for it. Because first of all, I don't want communication between the two of us, except for the almost daily encounter of paths and occasional conversations.
I don't want to build a stronger connection with him. What we are now, should remain still until then.
It is impossible for me to enter his number myself. It's either Kiesha saved it, or Zion did the job alone. It's hard to believe because like me, maybe there's not enough reason to strengthen the little organization we're forming.
To be continued...