Chapter 40

"It's good that Zion called me. If not, I'd probably have gone crazy thinking about where you are," Kiesha whispered as she laid out the purchased food one by one on the small table.
"I'll charge these on your monthly allowance," she playfully winked.
"Your buraot really is!" I stared at him.
The whole imagination is freed. I hope I didn't just waste my saliva to say thank you for it.
With the amount of equipment and food he bought for me, I should only expect to receive no allowance this month.
In addition to the financial assistance provided by her parents to support my education, she also provided money as a salary for my diligent teaching. Even if it"s tilted when it comes to listening.
"That's the rule," she raised an brow. Obviously saying, 'I can't do anything about her decision'.
"Anyway, let's talk about your impulsiveness," he opened a small box of burgers from his favorite fast food and laid them down in front of me.
"Where are you going now? Your mother is still furious. The insult of an only daughter cannot be accepted."
"Depends on where you take me," I lightly parted my hair. The neck was left exposed to his sight.
"We're friends, aren't we? Of course, you'll help me with this problem."
"Excuse me?" she stared at me disgustingly. "Just to tell you, I am not a social worker. You can live alone, after all you chose it."
"Will you just leave me here like that? Let me be confined in this place with the-" my gaze drifted to the open door. Where Zion was last seen earlier before disappearing.
It came out to let Kiesha and I be alone.
"I trust Zi more than anyone. He's the only one who can protect you, whom you can depend on."
"Why do you like him?"
I was depressed. In a flash she asked herself the same words.
Why do I like him?
And why can't I admit it?
I was suddenly weakened. The two shoulders fell as they looked back at the food that was really delicious, although one of them had lost his appetite.
I don't know what to answer. Not because I don't have any words to say. I just can't put the pieces together, though I can able to. It is my denial that was halting me from doing so.
"You're just here while your mother is still chilling. If you really insist on moving to another place and asking for my help, you'll still have to spend. You know I don't offer a hand for free."
I'm just tired.
He seems to be the only rich person I know who is not free. Everything has to be paid for. If only maybe, even simple breathing in this world will pay off.
"Don't," I replied angrily.
"That's it, good choice. We'll always visit here. Maybe I'll sleep with you too. Besides, I want to be acquainted with the neighbors. They are adorably kind!"
Earlier when he entered it, that was his first ejaculation. It is said that the opening of them was clear when he was seen. You are not the type of person who is rude when it comes to acting, but he is even more polite compared to others when he looks like an angel sent by heaven.
Before Kiesha arrived, I bravely stepped out to escape the tension between the two of us and Zion. We still haven't talk since earlier, none of us want to start a conversation.
What am I gonna say anyway? I might end up putting us in another argument.
I gasped violently.
So much for that ...
What I really want to share is what happened earlier at the hands of the convicted locals. I have personally witnessed their polite treatment. Things that were overlooked yesterday because fear and doubt prevailed in the mind.
I can totally feel their warmth and my importance in this group. In here, no one is standing at the higher up, even at the lower level. Respect and equality; the two aspect that this community is promoting.
I enjoyed those who enjoyed playing volleyball before. It is a game that young people tend to play here every morning.
I leaned backward as my gaze shifted to the bathroom's door. Out of a sudden, an image of what happened earlier gushed through my mind. Until now every detail of the incident was very clear to me. No one has forgotten, not even the words he uttered.
'You have a big dream Gee, I don't want to ruin that'.
Why, what did he think to do? How can he ruin my dream?
Yes, he was right. I have a very big ambition. Without him or not, I know I can achieve it.
I could find no sufficient reason for him to thwart my cautious ambition.
"What's that?"
I was pulled back in reality. The eyes first sought the panic, but Kiesha's stare was critical. She was looking directly at my exposed neck.
"Was that a kiss mark?" she moved closer to confirm her own assumption.
I didn't even put my palm on the part I remember Zion had kissed earlier, shaking exaggeratedly. But I just seem to be giving him the right answer to the right suspicion.
"No, it's just a mosquito bite. You know it's very sensitive-"
"Don't fool me Geline Neilani! No matter how smart you are academically, when it comes to things like this I'm the only one," he interrupted in words I hoped to add. His pronunciation of each letter was awkward, he obviously didn't like the ideas that were definitely playing in his mind.
"Oh ... I told you, when it comes to men, be careful. You are not experienced enough to avoid temptation! I thought you were in good hands, I thought he was different ..." he chose to whisper. next said.
"What are you?" I gently slapped his hand that was resting on the table. "Whatever he's thinking, you're wrong. You know I'm not the type of person who casually takes unthinkable steps."
Really Gee huh?
I mocked my own choice of words. Thinking about what I have done and said.
First, I asked for a kiss last night. Second, I let him mark my sensitivity. I never done anything to fight back because I suddenly got overwhelmed by the foreign pleasure it brought.
I was a huge slap in the face to my own stand. I was the only one who broke the promises made.
Why does he have to come? Why do I even need to feel emotions I have never experienced before?
"E what do you mean by that?"
"It was bitten by a mosquito," I replied quickly.
"So I can call this mosquito bite too?" he ripped the collar of the dress he was wearing to the side, to show me the mark mixed with red and light black in color.
"How did you get that?" I gasped heavily.
I was the most surprised now.
"My boyfriend does this," she bluntly answered. They seem to be really proud of what they have achieved as a couple.
"When did you do it? Why didn't you stop it? What if it bears fruit? Your father Amira will kill you!" I couldn't stop myself from hitting him.
He was suddenly bored to think that he had just handed over the flag. And the man is very difficult to trust because of routine activities.
What if he was just playing with my bestfriend's emotion? Now that he got his kind of price, soon he will threaten to leave.
I don"t like bad deeds. But when I found out that my best friend was being deceived, I would not hesitate to go to the fire just to take that man to his final destination. I'm a coward in almost everything, but it's a different matter when a loved one is hurt.
Geline Neilani can be someone's greatest nightmare too ...
"What's wrong with it?" she caressed her head, wincing.
"You did it wrong, very wrong!"
"As wrong as you and Zion did?"
"We haven't done any kind of miracle, have we?" I violently hit the table. "Why are you bringing the conversation back to me?"
"Girl relax ..." he laughed. "Nothing happened to Zed and me, okay? I'm not that stupid yet. I will never break the rule. Marriage first, before honeymoon ..."
I seemed to be bitten by a thorn in what I heard. Such is the reflection of a smile and secret gratitude.
What happened to us was a simple mistake that should not befall again. Both at the right age, for me it is still not enough to embark on an uncertain battle. We are still in college. As promised, graduation should be our end destination.
"Is that Mario?"
We both looked outside. The two men from the other room were first spotted. Hurry down to take a closer look at the scene, maybe?
Mario who?
"I think Cold will be beaten again," I heard one respond before they finally walked away.
That's Zion's penname. There must be trouble!
I didn"t stand up for myself. Go straight to the door jamb to peek at the newcomer and confirm the inference.
"What happened?" Kiesha stood beside me.
A muscular man, along with other large volumes became the center of my vision. Some were carrying pipes, others were simple wood, while the hand of the previous man who I think was the leader of the group was empty.
"Where's that beast ?!" it said in a baritone voice as the surrounding people searched for the image they wanted to encounter.
"Why?" Zion walked lazily towards them. He was still from the exit, maybe someone else went.
He should have stayed there a bit longer, so they won't cross paths.
His hands were both on his pants pocket. The side of his lips were slightly up and eyes on cold grimace.
"'Didn't I tell you?" Why are you so stubborn? "
"That's Mario and his brothers. Martha's older brothers," Kiesha grabs my attention.
"Huh?"
"One night I talked to Zion. I forced him to tell me what happened when he came home with a bruise on his face. I found out that he was beaten by Martha's brothers. He was warned to stay away from her ..."
"And when he didn't obey, they immediately beat him like that? Why, did that woman really get along with them?
"You don't know?" she dramatically flipped her hair.
"Would I ask if I knew?"
"They are each other's first love," she answered without a second thought.
Automatically open my mouth. Once you expect this kind of presentation, it is still inevitable to be surprised.
At first glance, it seems impossible that they are simply friends. Just in the way of dealing with each other, one can immediately smell the strange fragrance of the special association. But I prefer to believe the story that spreads through the mouths of others. That the bond they had was a product of pure friendship, nothing more, nothing less.
That's how the mysterious pain in my chest felt. Simply shaken from the standpoint. Windy windang, slightly tingling with expectant mood.
What's wrong with you Geline Nielani ?!
I shouldn't feel this way ...
"Does it hurt?" Kiesha sneered at my face. There is a desire to mix emotions in the revelation that is uttered.
"For my part? Not at all," I muttered. We adjusted, looking up when we averted our eyes.
"Aren't you really going to stay away from my brother, or do you need to be beaten again to regain consciousness?"
"I tried to follow your wishes. I walked away a few times but-"
"Our sister is always approaching, isn't she? You're making Martha flirt."
"That's not what I meant. Martha is an amazing woman," Zi raked his hair with his fingers.
We see in its eyes the restraint to respond in a cruel way to unexpected visitors.
Or maybe I just noticed? That's how I got to know him that even the smallest details are well memorized.
"You know how important he is to us. Don't deprive him of the life you want. Stay away, you'll never really show up!" another growled behind Mario.
Why are they asking such thing? What motivates them to separate the two souls in love?
I winced at my own thought. It suddenly sounds really odd and cringy.
Was Martha too high for Zion? Is the state of life really a big issue until now?
The rich, for the rich. While the poor should also be difficult to choose the offering of love.
How can humanity be this brutal?
"I'm sorry -"
A strong blow from Mario cut through the words that Zion would have just lived. It recovers, almost losing its balance if only the young man behind it doesn't support it.

I was weakly deprived of both shock and pity. Too big, compared to him the competitors. He has no fight if they shake at the same time.
"We're only asking for two words. 'Stay away', what's that you don't understand?" one of its brothers, who was silent in the back, now bowed to the attack.
He puched and spanked him with the wooden stick.
Four times in a reckless manner. That's how hard it is to end Zi's life.
"Are you going to grow old ?!" its eyes narrowed. It looks like a wild animal that has escaped from the cage.
Leander just remained silent. Wiped the blood from the injured lip, then bowed.
Looking at him standing so firm on his ground, I can perceive he doesn't have any intention to fight back.
I cupped my palm at the thought.
It's up to him to die, as long as he can show how much respect he has for the family of the woman he loves, right? If this is what the line, 'Love is sacrifice' meant, then it sucks!
Another man from behind attacked it. Cause screaming in both panic and recollection of witnesses, including me.
He was completely knocked down. I could not lose sight of the vomiting of blood because the opponent's stomach was punctured.
"Oh my God!"
"Oh my!"
Kiesha and I talked almost at the same time. The mouth is also covered. Trembling as he contemplated Zion's pitiful condition.
Some gangsters stepped forward to help him. Now they are the ones facing unacceptable guests.
The other one continued on beating Zi. As long as the maidens and young men wanted to step in between, a part of them was backing off because their fright are over topping.
The image of the man beating here is really scary. But if we remain like this, there is nothing else to do but to watch and weep for the condition of Zion, nothing good is happening.
If they're scared, I'll do it.
"Hey, where are you?"
It was too late for Kiesha to grab my hand to stop me from doing so. I have made up my mind. There is no way he'll die young, leaving his dreams behind. He once helped me from Tobbie's hand. It's time for me to act.
I ran briskly down the stairs, straight into the mob. Agreeing in the middle of the shouting people, the decision came in full force.
"Geline!" I heard Kiesha's worried call in the middle of outcry.
'Sorry Amira, I can't listen to you now'.
When I finally reached the right place, I didn't hesitate to block myself between Zi and the man who was holding the pipe in his body.
I immediately felt pain in my back. It is as if the bone has been broken by the blow of hatred. From the person who longs for a better life for the dear brother.
If they really want that, I believe they doesn't have to do this.
What if Zion could bring that pleasure?
"Zi ..." I said, wincing.
I hugged him tightly. Even though he was very hurt, he still had no intention of leaving. I need to protect him no matter what happens.
The next thing we heard was a loud gunshot. Reason for everyone to stop and bow down.
"Go on! Continue the commotion and I guarantee someone's death today ..."
"Y-you don't have ... to do this w-woman," Zi growled suddenly in a troubled voice.
"You're already aggrieved, you're still proud."
I slowly got up to look at the man holding the revolver. It focuses directly on Mario.
How did he have that?
"Stop making a fuss!" Kiesha shouted again.
"What did you do brother?" weeping command of another guest.
One by one, he grabbed the crowd of people who knew they had been consumed by the mess. As the gaze focused on us quickly approached, attended to the weakened body of Zion.
Kiesha also attended. While others are preoccupied with the siblings.
"Are you alright?" she caressed my back in a gentle manner.
"I am," I lied.
Ignore standing up and shaking the dirt sticking to the clothes and arm. Suppose only a simple illness was acquired.
When in fact I am dying inside. Not just because of what Martha's brother have done, but also the image of her and Zion talking intimately towards each other.
"We need to take him to the hospital!" he shouted at the people who watched.
The men moved quickly to pick up Zi and rush her to the hospital. Even if I wanted to go, I couldn't because Kiesha's arm was tightly tied around her waist. It prevents me from taking another step.
"Let her take care of him," she whispered as she pulled me out of sight.
Away from them ...
Is there anything I can do? I was the only one who volunteered to help. Eventually, Martha will still run. They will still be together.
"So far, nothing serious has happened to his back. Except for a large bruise."
"There's no bone fracture?"
"No at all ..."
I just quietly listened to the conversation between Kiesha and the doctor who examined me. He forced me to come to the hospital for a checkup. Just making sure that nothing bad was caused by the violence that happened earlier.
I am still in pain. Both physically and emotionally ...
To this day, what happened before is still clear in my mind. Just as Zion endured all the beatings, she boldly stood for forbidden love. And how it didn"t even try to look back at me as people pushed us both away.
Is the disease really my twin? And I can't even voice it out, cause I am always in denial. I never want anyone to know how he became so dear to me. If possible I just want these feelings with me for eternity. I don't want anyone to know because I'm afraid everyone will talk about it, I'm even more afraid that it might be the reason for him to stay away forever.
"Thank you so much Doc."
"You are welcome, dear. I will miss you ..."
The doctor did not wait for our answer. Exit, holding the document containing the results of the test performed.
"Have you heard the doctor's advice?" her eyes averted to me.
"Do I look like I've heard anything?" my philosophy.
"I said ... You look so out of your mind," she moved closer. The bed shook due to it sitting next to me.
"I already had your prescriptions. Any moment from now you will be discharged. I'm leaving now to buy medicine and food, you make sure to eat and drink everything I'll give."
I remained silent. I know that thing. I'm going to go to university tomorrow, it's forbidden to be weak, especially since the exam is coming up again. I need to attend the class and learn from the lessons so I could get a good score. I just have to study harder now to get a bigger mark. To somehow make up for the sin committed against mama. I am still a good daughter after all ...
"I called your brother."
Only then did I turn my attention to him. The man's eyes tilted his head, unable to believe what he heard.
"Why did you say?!"
"Why not? He's your brother. One of your family members should at least know about your situation Geline. Don't hide your feelings too much. You also need a family to empathize with."
She got a total point.
The whole problem is me. Ashamed of what was done. How can I tell a man is the reason why I went into this situation? They can never accept it, knowing how firm I am on keeping my guard. I"m the good family member they wouldn"t want to take a trivial step. They have been expecting much from me. A big disappointment I probably just broke it.
"Geline Neilani Gavino ..."
Speaking of, even a few minutes later when Kiesha and I talked, now she is here. Carrying a basket of fruit, along with three other unexpected guests.
"What the hell did you do today Geline?" mama's opening question.
"Mom, our son is already hurting, you're still scolding him," Dad scolded him. On the other side of the bed was this seat, sparing a smile as the gaze traveled over my body. I guess I'm looking at which band was hit.
"I'm fine ... I'm sorry for the mess."
"You just tried to save a guy from bad men," Kuya Gid reached for my hand.
Grant took the vacant position near my foot but mama remained on her ground, sporting a frown.
"He wasn't just a random guy. That's brother Zion, isn't he?"
"Yes Grant ... Aside from being my guard, Zion is also a friend to us-"
"Gee doesn't make friends with men. Unless anyone is feeling it. I thought you were a formal woman? You're not just giving in, are you? That's what you promised. What's going on now?" mama's open language. Reason for us all to be calm.
Is this really what I'm afraid of.
"Ma, just because she befriends a guy doesn't mean she's having an affection. Of course she can't ignore him, for he was Kiesha's guard who have to be with her twenty-four seven. Magkaibigan ang dalawang, gustuhin niya mang stay away, that's not possible because Amira will be hurt, "my older brother defended me.
Kiesha and I secretly stared. He must have said something to make my brother look like this. He once threatened to inform our family regarding the intimacy I and Zion had one time at the park. When the two of us pretended to live together to take her away from the attention of the admiring women.
He didn't vote for Zi, he openly stated and showed that, but how-
"Sometimes you have to use blackmail in order to get someone's side," she whispered, just enough for me to hear.
"Huh?" that's how I frowned.
"You'll know about that too when the time comes."
"Look and that's not really listening."
Mama grabbed my attention again. Right, she was still talking. My bad ...
"I'm sorry," I apologized a second time, "Let's just say I made a mistake. I approached the man even though you didn't want to, I defended that man even though it wasn't really a job. I made you feel bad again. , sinira pa ang pangakong paniguradong pinaghawakan mo ma ... Does that make me less as your daughter now? I've been very bad to you these days, do you want to push me out of your life even more? Sinusubukan ko naman pong be a perfect child, follow your dictates because all of that is good. You just want the best for me, I totally understand that now. But can you also understand that I'm just like a normal person? I make a mistake ... But that doesn't mean I'll just let that mistake go. "
I heard no answer from any of the comrades, especially mama.

Instead of waiting for the next thing to do, I stood up and approached. I gave her the tightest hug I could give. This is the only thing I can support right now. I know he wants to see the diploma and title with my name in a few years. The latin honor ...
"I am so sorry for what I have done ma. I am so sorry if I failed to achieve your expectation. If you can't forgive me now, I hope one day you will find the reason why I became your child .Someday, you will learn to appreciate my being, "I removed the needle stuck in my left wrist. Everyone sighed immediately after seeing the blood flow from it, straight to the floor.
Before they could protest, I strutted out of the room. I want to go home and lock myself in the room. I don't want it here, if this is how chaos happens.
(Since I am currently in the hospital, I got inspired to write an update based on its nature itself ...)
To be continued...