Chapter 6

From now on, you are mine.

I repeatedly hear those words from Rodrigo Navarro in my mind. I don't know what he means by those words, but I don't like it. I can still feel the forcefulness of his kisses. It's as if my lower lip is slightly swollen because of it.

"Jane? Just tell me if someone did something to you. We'll report it right away," Lawrence said, concerned.

I just sat silently at our dining area while the three of them cleaned up the mess caused by the three men earlier. It's still noisy outside due to the commotion caused by Rodrigo Navarro's men. I can feel the fear in the screams of the students outside. Who wouldn't be afraid of men carrying guns? It's as if they're going to war, even though it's just a school.

"To whom? How? Rodrigo Navarro is the Governor. What can we do?" I said, feeling defeated.

Lawrence sighed and approached me. "Anything that can help us."

I just smiled wryly and shook my head at him. "No one can help us." I stood up and wiped away my tears. Crying here won't do me any good. I won't allow anyone to claim ownership over me. I am his? No! I own myself, and no one or nothing can possess me. "It's better if we just clean up."

I started helping them. I tidied up the clothes on my bed and started folding them. I could feel their concern for me, so I let out a sigh.

"I'm okay. What about you guys?"

"Well, what did he do to you when he asked me to leave?" Lana asked.

I didn't respond immediately. I just took a deep breath and stared at my clothes. He almost violated me, forced me to kiss him even though I didn't want to. Wasn't that an act of assault? Yes, I could report it. But where? To the police? I'm sure Rodrigo Navarro has control over them. What would I report to them?

I shook my head. "Nothing. J-Just hurry up, we still have classes."

I tried to ignore them, even though I could still feel their gaze on me. I know they're just concerned, but I can't involve them. Whatever the reason may be for Rodrigo Navarro's actions, I won't be defeated by him. I will fight, even if it means dying like James.

Hours passed, and we finished cleaning up. We missed our morning classes because of what happened, so we also tidied up Lawrence's room along with Lana. We helped them fold their clothes and sweep the floor. By noon, Lawrence bought our food outside because we had classes in the afternoon. Rodrigo's men's disturbance had finally ceased.

"I wonder what they were looking for," Lana wondered.

"Maybe it's about the video that spread last night," Carlo said.

I paused in the middle of eating and looked at Carlo.

"What video?" Lana asked again.

"Haven't you seen it yet? Wait." Carlo stopped and took out his cellphone. He pressed a few buttons and after a moment, we heard a sound.

I continued eating without even looking at Carlo's cellphone. I know that video because I made it. I'm starting to regret what I did because it seems like it brought Rodrigo Navarro closer to me.

"OMG! Is that the body in the dumpsite?" Lana asked in shock.

"Yes. And it seems like a student saw it, and we're involved because we study here," Lawrence said.

Suddenly, I felt guilty. It's true. If I hadn't meddled, this wouldn't have happened. I'm so stupid! Why did I pretend to be a hero? I drank some water and stood up. I lost my appetite, so I didn't finish my food. But before I could leave my seat, we suddenly heard loud knocking. It was continuous, as if someone wanted to break down the door.

"I'll go," Lawrence said, standing up.

I placed my plate back on the table and followed Lawrence with my gaze. I prayed that it would be someone else. I would be fine if they were just Rodrigo's men, as long as he wasn't there himself. But when the door opened, my knees immediately shook. I held onto Lana's shoulder tightly and swallowed hard.

"Shit..." Lana whispered, also pausing from eating.

Carlo quickly grabbed his cellphone and turned it off when he saw Rodrigo at the door. Rodrigo looked at me. I wanted to disappear right then and there, but I mustered the courage to meet his gaze.

"Gov? What do you need?" Lawrence asked politely, even though he had a questioning look on his face, staring at Rodrigo.

"Jane. Let's go," Rodrigo ordered me instead of responding to Lawrence. Lawrence looked at me, full of bewilderment.

I shook my head. "I-I'm not going with you!" I strengthened my voice, even though it trembled. I didn't want to go with him. I didn't know what he would do to me. I would rather die here than let him take me somewhere!

Rodrigo grinned and took a step towards our room, but Lawrence immediately blocked his way. Carlo and Lana stood up as well when two men suddenly appeared behind Rod, pointing a gun at Lawrence. Lana held onto my arm.

"J-Jane. W-What's happening? Oh God! I don't want to die yet!"

I swallowed hard and looked at Rodrigo. "What do you want? Whatever you're looking for, I don't have it! Please, leave me alone!" I said, tears welling up.

"Leave, Gov. What you're doing isn't right," Lawrence threatened.

Rodrigo looked at him, and I was shocked when he suddenly choked Lawrence. Rodrigo was taller and bigger than Lawrence, so he effortlessly pinned him against the wall. Lawrence tried to grab Rodrigo's hand and free himself, but Rodrigo's grip on his neck tightened.

I started crying. "Stop it!" I shouted and walked towards them. Carlo tried to hold my hand, but I ignored it. "Enough!" I grabbed Rodrigo's arm and tried to remove it. I screamed in pain when he just grabbed my hair from behind and pulled me away from Lawrence.

"Jane!" Carlo and Lana both exclaimed, about to come towards me, but Rodrigo's men pointed their guns at them, causing them to step back.

"Are we leaving or do more people need to die here?" Rodrigo asked.

I burst into tears. I nodded repeatedly, holding onto his hand that was gripping my hair. "Y-Yes! I'll come. Please, don't hurt my friends!"

"Jane! My God!" Lana sobbed.

"Good."

Rodrigo released us. Lawrence immediately collapsed to the floor, coughing.

"Lawrence!" I rushed to him and held onto his arm.

"D-Don't go, Jane."

"S-So-"

"Come on!" Rodrigo ordered authoritatively, grabbing me by the arm. He dragged me out of our room. I couldn't do anything but cry as he did whatever he wanted.

I screamed in despair as I let Rodrigo Navarro have his way, while everyone around us remained silent and closed their doors.