Chapter 74

"Are you really sure about your decision?" mang Ri asked a second time.
His gaze was just focused on Ayanna. Its every move is analyzed.
"Yes," I confidently answered.
"It's hard to raise a child now. Especially since you're not related yet. When that curse grows up, you're the only one who will have a hard time."
"I feel sorry for him. He doesn't have a family anymore. If he is just left here, who will take care of him?"
"That's all ..." he shrugged, "I can't let him stay here at home because I always leave."
"That's my point man."
"Why don't you just put him in an orphanage?"
I was stunned and slightly puzzled by its suggestion. That's a good idea. At the orphanage, Isla will be well taken care of there. Adequate education will also be provided and proper manners will be taught. In there, surely everyone will gonna love her. Like I do now. We haven't had a day together, it's like I don't want him to disappear from my sight. She is so cute! She looks more beautiful now that she has a good bath and is wearing decent clothes. Its brown eyes glow whenever the sun hits. Her face was round and her lips were heart -shaped. She had a fair skin. I just didn't notice it before because of the dirt that had stuck to his body for a few days. I love her shiny hair and pretty smile. Above all, I am so into her bubbly personality. How can I give this child off to the orphanage? Nakakapanghinayang ...
"I don't think so," I snorted.
"You're going to be that young mother."
"I am already a mother," I proudly answered. Twenty -three years old is no longer a child. Turning twenty four in the next three months, "I just can't handle ..." I added. Next came the violent sigh.
To this day I am still unable to process everything that has happened in my life. Everyday, I am carrying the burden.
"Really? Your children won't be two anymore."
"Do you have a baby?" Ayanna suddenly entered the conversation.
"Ummm!" my gaze averted to her. I nodded and smiled a bit.
"Where is he?" it innocently tilted its head.
"Far, far away," I heaved a deep sigh.
Too far...
"By the way, there's a dance later in the Ward. The girls are invited to attend. Maybe you want to?" mang Ri puts down the conversation. It immediately felt the cold air want to soar between us.
"Really?"
"Yes. We call it baylehan. The girls will sit on the bench and be prepared by the dancing leaders. Then the young men will choose a girl to dance."
It's like a disco, but in a style that is no longer common and fashionable. Is that it?
"Join in, it's fun ..."
I am not sure. No one will be with Isla here. I shrugged and chose to focus more on the ingredients of the dish to be cooked today.
We are no longer being fired upon again by who earlier from where. I safely retrieved my bag and left with the child. If it helps us, I'm grateful. But hopefully next time, I'll see him. I can't stop thinking who it was. Even for a moment, I wanted to talk to him.
We didn't do anything else but buy Ayanna's other things again. It's good that the young bullies didn't leave the place we left before being abducted. One by one I took back from them what they had stolen. Others were able to run. I can't chase because I'm tired.
"The sound of his sleep," Mang Ri said suddenly.
I'll just take Ayanna to bed. Too tired, he fell asleep in the chair. We are so comfortable with each other. He really is like my son. And the idea is making me blush.
"All right, try to join the dance. I'll take care of Isla."
I turned my attention to it. I am wondering why he keeps on pushing me to join their small solace. What's so special in it? I am suddenly getting curious.
"All right, I'll just get ready," I said after a while.
Maybe there's nothing wrong with just peeking. I want to see how it works and how satisfying it was.
I changed into a white off-shoulder dress and brown sandals were the chosen footwear. I tied my long hair in a ponytail. I can act well when this is the case. I then put small amout of lip tint. Instead of eye glasses, I chose to wear contact lenses. It would be more convenient for me.
I briefly examined the reflection in front of the small mirror. I look like a different person and I am still not used to it. It seems like only recently when I still hate wearing a dress. If done, it should be ankle length tall. Not sexy, nor revealing. But things for me changed big time. Starting from the way I dress and eligize.
"I'm leaving," I said goodbye to mang ri. It sews a net in the living room.
"All right, have fun," it smiled meaningfully.
Is he expecting something? Weird!
I prefer to ignore the inference. Maybe I am just overthinking. Like I usually does these past few days. Mang Ri gave me the correct direction of the place where the baylehan is currently taking place. In the distance, I heard the faint music and a few screams of the people. It looks like the fun is starting. Good thing, I came late. I might even get pregnant dancing.
I saw a few pairs of girls and boys dancing in the middle. Some of them are so shy, fueled by the spectators hail. I couldn't imagine myself being on their shoes. I would feel so awkward dancing with a stranger in front of many eyes.
So this is how baylehan looks like. I thought the upbeat song would be danced. Those are old -fashioned songs that are still very good to listen to. Next I looked around. There's a huge speaker on the mini stage, and light's pole on the four corners of the area. Many were thrilled as they watched the dancers. And there's this one pair who got my attention. The man's hair was tall, white, handsome, and curly. He is looking right into his pair's eyes. As if he was lost in those. He is trying to get into her and he obviously didn't fall through. Looking into the girl, she couldn't hide an embarrassment. She was beautiful, small-faced, round-eyed, had a medium-length nose and blushed lipless lips. She was only up to the man's chest. Small, but bears the largest part on his heart. They look lovely together. I don't feel like the man is from here. He looks like he came from a rich family. Judging from the way he carry himself, even just by wearing a simple shirt and pants.
While staring, the man smiled slowly. Reason for the woman to smile as well. And subconsciously, I drew a smile too. I admire them, that's a flash!
"We have a new guest," said the emcee who was just standing on the mini stage.
My gaze averted to him. I was so shocked to see it looking at me. As well as others standing nearby.
Why? What? Looks like I won't like it ...
"Come here to the bank."
I dramatically rubbed my chest and shook quickly.
"I'm just watching."
"It's no longer late ma'am," a woman approached me with a smile, "You're a virgin, aren't you? It's time for the man destined for you to dance. You know and maybe he's just around. . "
"Ano kasi-"
I have never been able to utter the cry of emotion. The woman simply pulled up to the empty seat reserved for the girls.
"To the young men there, have the courage to ask for the hand of our newly arrived young lady. What's your name?" the emcee brought the microphone he was carrying to me.
"Gee."
"Ma'am Gee. It's so simple to hear the name. Contrary to the nice overflowing one."
I smiled awkwardly. That's corny ...
"All right, the one who wants to dance with Gee comes here."
A few men raised their hands. There is another old man. Why is that engaging? Suddenly I became nervous.
I was not chosen when it came to men. Any size, color, and race is alright with me. Just be respectful and not fresh.
"I'll claim her!" suddenly another man shouted from behind.
Dark in its stand. Others had to come to get to know him. I don't have to do it. Just by the voice, I already know it very well. I crossed my legs and leaned backward. Waiting for Spencer to get close.
The locals gave him space to pass through. He walked languidly towards me. Wearing his usual sarcastic smirk and deep stare.
"Dance with me," he offered a hand.
"You don't ask like that," I scolded him.
"This is my way."
"Gentleman kana 'diba?"
"I am always a gentleman Geline Neilani. I just had my own way of asking a girl for a dance. And that doesn't make me less as a person I am," he craned his neck.
"Ask me again."
Whatever his explanation, nothing will change my answer. Zion don't ask me like that. He is-
I was stunned. Yet again, I am comparing him to Zi. So we often have conflicting opinions just because of me. There is nothing wrong with him. I was wrong. Zi's ​​almost perfect personality is what hunts me every single day. And that"s what I always base on the things I don"t want and want when it comes to men.
"All right," I said after deep thought. I stood up and held his hand.
The emcee shouted loudly next. Its softness just appeared.
"Thing thing! Hopefully everyone, dancing handsome!"
Spencer and I just laughed.
"Looks like you smelled the stench of this place. You must have thought this place is for someone like you," I joked.
"Nice seeing you again," he whispered into my ear.
"Sad enough, you're still alive," I pretended to be disappointed.
"You know I have nine lives," he playfully winked.
We dance along with the song's pace. I tied my arms around his neck. It placed its palms on each side of my waist.
"You look beautiful tonight," he suddenly complimented.
"I always do," I bit my bottom lip, suppressing a smile.
"You're getting windy Gee."
"Why are you here? Aren't you afraid to be seen by the authorities?"
"Nope. I'm not at fault."
"You are-"
"That's Spencer," he cut me off, "And he's dead. I'm Apollo ... We are completely different."
"You're a real lawyer. It's great to get through."
He raised an eyebrow. Then sparingly smiled.
"Turn around," he took my right hand and raised it. I immediately turned around. When he faced her again, a sweet smile was bestowed.
"I originally thought coming here is a bad idea."
"Without me, you can definitely dance with drunks. They are thirsting over you."
"You said it..."
My gaze drifted to the group of drunks he was talking about. One of them totally got my attention. He is looking straight at me. Wearing a dark grimace. His hair is slightly disheveled. He clenched his jaw and before I could do something, he walked away.
I quickly pushed Spencer away. Not only was he surprised, but also the others looking at us.
"I saw him. Sorry," I didn't wait for his reponse. No more time.
Even though it looked like a bonfire, I ignored the image of the drunks I would encounter.
"Way," I politely said. But none of them moved.
As expected ...
"I feel sorry for you. I just need to follow something."
"Finish the dance first. We're still looking forward to watching you."
"I am so sorry. But this is urgent."
"What are you saying?"
'Please don't make me do something we will all gonna regret'
"Dance first!" a sudden shout in the background.
Oh my God! They are testing my temper.
"Please-"
"Let her pass. We don't want trouble," Spencer said.
"Are you challenging?" slowly they walked closer to us.
"I am just warning you."
"How brave it is," laughed the man who seemed to be leading the group. They have big bodies. There is one more muscular, like Spencer.
"Are you swearing?"
We got everyone"s attention. The song stopped playing. Others close to us also left the post. Avoiding getting involved in possible trouble.
"I guess you want to taste it."
A quick blow was unleashed by the man just sitting quietly on the side.
The people screamed in shock. Good thing, Spencer escaped.
I stood between the two of them. He bravely faced the man who was about to unleash another attack.
"Please. We didn't come here to fight. If you really don't want to pass, there's still a way. Sorry to step on your pride," I pulled Spencer into the vacant space.
I am hoping we can pass through this time. But the drunks moved quickly along our path. I guess they really want trouble.
I blinked and just lost my temper. They are getting into my nerves. They are really testing my patience.
"Dance first."
"We're in a hurry."
"When we say dance, you dance!"
"Y*w*! You're mumbling," I bawled, with respect.
"Why, I guess you want to cook-"
I couldn't wait for the man standing in front of me to finish speaking. Using all my strength, I punched his face. My fist went straight to its nose. With too much force, I was also hurt. I winced and shook my hand a bit.
"Aray!" angry shout of the man.
I preceded him, even before taking another step. I kicked his thing real hard. Making him gasp heavily. Followed by a loud thunderous curses.
"Don't test my temper," I coldly said.
Even though no one was doing anything next to it, out of anger I piled up as well. I slapped his face and held his arm. In one swift move, I was able to throw it.
"That's my girl ..." I heard Spencer whisper behind me.
He himself continued the fight. I haven"t even watched how he ends it. I have an important matter to do. I don't know if he will be reached yet. But I am hoping. I am badly hoping ...
I just ran straight, towards the path he had taken. It can't be a hallucination. I've had enough with that f ** k! I don't want to think that it's just a fantasy. I know it's true. And besides, maybe others won't say that they saw someone like him on this island if there really isn't, right?
"Zi! Zion!" I shouted loudly.
The surroundings are dark. I no longer knew where the right place to go. I could see nothing else, except the places hit by the moonlight.
"Zion please ... Don't hide anymore. Don't do this to me love," a tear escaped on my eyes.
I stopped running. The palms are bent at the knees, sighing and bowing.
"I missed you. I miss you so much-"
"Neilani ..."
"F ** k Spencer why are you here ?!" I spatted.
I thought it was Zion.
"I'm sorry," he put his hands up, "Those comrades of our opponents, they want to follow us."
"Then let's fight! I'm annoyed with those ... I wish I could catch up with him, I wish I could see him," I am in between crying and getting mad.
"They had guns. We didn't have any."
"You have nine lives, don't you? We can have them-"
"You're funny Geline," he cut me off, "You dumped me earlier, you're a gang leader in this area."
As for the gang members, this place has become a place to run and live. What else are the secrets lurking here? What else should I know? I wanna know it now at once!
"Just a leader? How can the leader of a syndicate be afraid of the gang?"
"I am not afraid of them. You are the one I care about," he clenched his jaw, "Please stop being a pain," he forcefully grabbed my hand and pulled me away.
"We need to get out of this place."
"No boat," I tried to get out of his grasp. But he was too strong.
"I brought my boat."
"Wait, Ayanna!"
"There it is?"
We can hear voices from afar. They shout as if in rage.
"My adopted child."
"And you still have the urge to really adopt," he sarcastically laughed.
"I am an adult now. I can take care of a child!" in quick motion, I managed to get out of it.
"Tsk!"
"Until now you still think I'm weak. That I can't do anything good in my life. Adopting a child is not bad! And besides, I just want to feel like a mother. I want to prepare myself for the- "I swallowed hard. I can't finish what I'm going to say.
"Let's go. We'll talk about that later."
"I'm not leaving here without Ayanna. You just ran ... That's what you're good at anyway," I turned my back at him.
"Fuck, Geline Neilani! The amount you're saying. I just want you out of trouble. I want to protect you and play Zion's part for you. Why is it so hard for you to get along ?!"
"You can never match Zion. Just don't try, I don't need that. I want Zi to do all of it for me. Not anyone else in his shadow!" I angrily walked into the dark part. I am somewhat familiar with this passing. This is where Isla and I passed earlier on our way to the market.
The voices we hear get louder and closer. In a few moments, they will catch up with us.
My small steps are slowly growing. Until the distance between mang Ri's whereabouts and house is finally run. I had to get Ayanna right now! I will not leave without him.
I am only a few steps away. When suddenly, someone held my wrist and pulled me close. It was still in the dark, so I couldn"t recognize it. But I knew he was a man based on the strength it used on me. I also know he is tall. To my surprise, I did not immediately recover. Before I could do something, a weird smell welcomed my senses. It put a handkerchief in my mouth. Reason for slow dizziness and fainting ..
To be continued...