Chapter 3

The next few weeks were stressful to me. I would always want to stay away from Elijah but he's so persistent in following me. He's always behind my back. Minsan, magtatago lang siya sa likod ng puno tapos susundan ako ng palihim. Kahit sa school ay ramdam ko ang presensya niya kahit wala siya sa tabi ko ngayon.

“Seriously, Elijah,” I whispered under my breath. I am being uncomfortable knowing that someone is surveillant around me. I looked at my back, hoping that I can see him but no clue. He's good at hiding too.

Hindi talaga ako komportable ngayon. Hindi dahil pinagtitinginan ako ng mga tao kun'di dahil mismo kay Elijah. I am afraid that he might think badly at me. That I am just a hardheaded woman who always party. He might got turned off. Though he still accept what my brother told him.

Hindi ko alam kung ano ba talaga ang motibo niya sa pagsama sa akin. Wala rin naman siyang mapapala sa akin. He will just tire himself following and guarding me. Magsasayang lang siya ng oras para sa isang tulad kong bratinella.

Suddenly, a guy showed up in front of me. I almost jumped because of what he did. It was Elijah and his car keys on his hands, he's even playing with it. I arch him a brow when I saw him smile that I don't want to see anymore. It always reminds me of the past.

“What is it, Elijah?” I almost shouted but I composed myself. I'm inside our school premises.

“I'm just here. I will drive you home since we're already neighbors.” He shrugged. “And besides, I am now your bodyguard, whether you like it or not. You can't do anything about it.”

“Just back off, Elijah! I don't need a bodyguard!”

“But I want to guard you, Rielle.” He smirk. “Soon, you will eat your words and... you will need me.”

“Just shut up!” I rolled my eyes and walked away from him. I can even hear him shout my name.

“I am at the Dean's room if you need me.” Iniwan ko na lang siya doon at nagpatuloy sa paglalakad papuntang locker room.

Balak kong kunin ang mga gamit na naiwan ko sa locker. Next few months will be a start of my profession. I was already hired by a well-known agency but I don't know if I'll work regularly. Yet I'm really excited to be in service.

Being a flight attendant is not just a work for me. It's been what I wanted since I was a kid. Being a stewardess needs to make the passengers safe and assist them, and also to make sure that they follow regulations. I'm always dreaming of becoming one and in a few months will be a dream come true.

Habang naglalakad ako patungo sa locker room, nakita ko ang mga varsity players na gumagala sa pathway. Pamilyar sila sa akin pero hindi ko matandaan ang pangalan nila. Ngumiti ang isa sa kanila nang mapatingin sa akin. Tumango lang ako.

"Uy, Rivera. Long time no see.” sabi ng naka red jacket at naka cap na lalaking matangkad. He's the team captain, I guess.

"Yeah," komento ko. Binuksan ko ang locker ko at kinuha ang mga libro at ilang sando sa loob. I put them inside my backpack before I gazed back at the varsity players. Ang team captain na lang ang natira. His other teammates are nowhere to be found.

“What?” I arch him a brow.

"Alam mo, ang ganda mo." He complimented with that creepy smile.

“I know that already.” I furrowed and was about to get out of the scene when he suddenly pinned me against the locker. I hitched in pain on my back because of the impact he caused.

Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pulso ko at inilapit niya ang katawan niya sa akin. "Mabango ka rin." Naramdaman ko ang ilong niya sa leeg ko. Patuloy kong tinatanggal ang mahigpit niyang pagkakahawak sa aking mga pulso. I don't know if someone will hear me but I need to call for help. This part of the locker room is not noticable by the students.

“Hel—umph!” Agad niyang tinakpan ang bibig ko gamit ang kabilang kamay niya. Gosh! Where is Elijah? I know he's somewhere out there! He's my only chance!

“Shh!” Napangiwi ako nang maramdaman kong hinaplos niya ang bewang ko pagkatapos niyang tanggalin ang pagkakahawak niya sa wrist ko.

I was about to hit his balls with my legs nang may biglang humawak sa lalaki palayo sa akin. The next thing happened was unbearable to my sight. Two guys are punching the varsity player while I was stilled on my place.

Naramdaman ko na lamang may naglagay ng jacket sa balikat ko. Nanginginig ang katawan ko dahil sa nangyari. The mere fact that someone harassed me is not forgettable. The only thing I caught sight was that someone carrying the varsity player away from me.

“Rielle...” Someone shook my shoulders that made me got back from my reverie. Nakita ko si Noah, isa sa mga blockmate ko dati. He was looking coldly at me but I can sense that he's fuming mad based on his facial features. Pulang pula siya lalo na ang pisngi niya kasabay ng pag-igting ng panga niya.

"Noah..." He supported my weight as I felt like my body will collapse anytime soon. Napatingin agad siya sa harapan niya matapos akong tingnan.

“She's fine. She was just...” He looked at me again but he didn't continue what he said. He just nodded before I heard him immediately sighed.

“Give her to me.” I heard that familiar voice behind me. I tried myself to looked at my back. Even with my arms on Noah's shoulder, it didn't stopped me to look at the man behind me. The person who caused my heart to beat as if it's an unleased lion who's ready to hunt for his prey. Wanting and needy.

“Elijah...” I didn't left his stares away from me as I know he stared back. I just felt his hand around my waist and abruptly carried me on his arms in bridal style. I nuzzle myself on his chest and I can feel his heart beating fast too. I can even smell his natural scent that's lingering on my nose.

He hold my waist and thighs tightly as if he's scared that I might fall. He talked a bit to Noah before he started to walk.

“I'll bring you home.” I looked up to him and saw his jaw is already clenching. I know when he's mad or not. I know when he's having his self control. It is when he's biting his inside cheeks. “Gotta go, Guerera.” paalam nito kay Noah bago pumanhik paalis.

When I was his fling few years ago, nababasa ko ang mga emosyon na pinapakita niya. At ngayon, umigting ang panga niya, ibig sabihin may nangyaring masama na ikinainis niya o ikinagalit niya. At talagang masasalamin ito sa kaniyang mga mata. Hindi siya transparent na tao pero expressive siya minsan. Minsan cold siya pero mostly mapaglaro. He's seductive but sometimes dangerous and badass. That's when I knew he's more than just what he always shows to other people. He's more than that.

Inangat ko ang mukha ko at hinawakan ang pisngi niya. Hinaplos ko ito ng marahan kaya napatigil siya sa paglalakad. Nandito na kami sa parking lot ng school. Huminto siya sa harap ng sasakyan niya at tinitigan ako.

"Nasaktan ka ba?" tanong niya. Umiling ako. “That b*stard!” He hissed under his breath before he guided me inside his car. Pinaupo niya muna ako sa passenger seat bago siya sumunod at umupo sa driver's seat. He glanced at me first. “I'll let that guy pay for hurting you.”

“Hindi ako nasaktan...” Halos pabulong na sabi ko.

“But you were harassed!” He hissed again. “If only I followed you around... That wouldn't happened.”

I just timidly smiled. I trust him. “Thank you...for being with me.”

He stared at me again with the same intensity that I saw the first time we met. “You're safe with me now.”

TAHIMIK LANG AKO buong byahe. Pakiramdam ko ay nagmamasid lang si Elijah at naghihintay lang sa akin na magsalita tungkol sa nangyari. I am grateful that he just stayed silent too until we got in front of the Madrigal Towers. Because I don't know how will I opened up with him nor looked directly into his eyes.

My brother was right about this. I should really need to have a bodyguard. To think that I can't defend myself in front of my schoolmate is a proof that I really need to be guarded. I felt ashamed that I argued with my brother weeks ago. I felt like he distant himself to me just so I won't really get mad at him.

Humugot ako ng malalim na buntong-hininga nang lumabas ako ng sasakyan ni Elijah nang hindi lumilingon sa kaniya. Hindi ko siya kayang harapin ngayon. Nahihiya talaga ako dahil sa mga inakto ko nitong mga nakaraang linggo. I was immature and childish. I didn't think that what my brother did was for my own protection.

Knowing that someone's after me, he's scared that something might happen bad again just like the last time at the bar. And when he'll find out about this again, that I was almost got harassed by my schoolmate, he'll do something I will never know. Mukha ngang friendly ang Kuya ko pero kapag nagagalit, nakakatakot.

I type the passcode of my unit before it tinged, a sign that it's open. I felt someone at my back and glanced at him. Naramdaman kong may tumapik sa likod ko kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya. My freaking heart beat immediately at the sight of Elijah in front of me. He looked bothered when I look at him. The seriousness and playfulness on his eyes are now gone. I don't know why, but he looks like his defenses were shattered for now and all I can see is his real emotions.

Ngumiti ako sa kanya para mabawasan ang pag-aalala niya. “Ayos lang ako... Huwag kang mag-alala, Elijah.”

Pero hindi nawala ang emosyon sa mga mata niya. He looks readable and transparent. This was him few years ago, this exact expression that's telling me he wants a kiss whenever I bid goodbye to him. I remember him being this transparent when he was with me. I can simply tell what he feels before. He maybe playful but he's a softy.

Pero noon 'yon. Noong ako pa ang ka-fling niya. Ang Elijah na nakilala ko noon ay kabaliktaran na niya ngayon. He was serious and mysterious when I met him again, but I know there's still playfulness in him. I just don't know if this soft side of him is still with him or will it just be temporary. This soft side of him just showed up immediately.

"Hindi kita dapat iniwan doon," sambit niya bago siya huminga ng malalim. Napaiwas siya ng tingin. “I should be with you all the time.”

Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya nagkakaganito. As if naman nag-aalala talaga siya sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sobrang apektado siya. Bodyguard ko lang siya, pero the way he's acting right now, parang boyfriend ko na.

“You did. You were there with Noah. You even beat the team captain of the basketball team.” I said as a matter of fact.

Nag-igting ang panga niya sa sinabi ko. “He deserved that.” He stared deeply at me as if he remembered something. "Paano mo nakilala si Noah?"

"“He's my blockmate before.” I answered. That would also my question to him. By what I remember earlier, they talked. “Are you friends with him?” He just nodded. He mumbled something I didn't hear.

“I need your number.” He give me his phone eventually.

Tumango ako at nilagay ang number ko sa contacts niya. Inilagay ko rin ang pangalan ko bilang 'Rielle Rivera'. Pero nang kunin niya ang mismong cellphone at tingnan ang nakarehistrong pangalan, agad itong napasimangot habang nakatingin pa rin sa phone niya.

“Don't put your full name here. I always register the first name.” He said. “Is Rielle your first name?” he asked.

Natigilan ako sa sinabi niya. I bit my lips while looking at him then to his phone. Umiling ako.

“A-arabella,” I stuttered. “Arabella Rielle is my name.”

He looked at me. The emotion on his green orbs recently are gone and changed into the usual emotions he always shows—Playful and amazement. Ngumiti ako sa kanya para pagaanin ang mabilis na pagtibok ng puso ko.

“I'll call you.” He uttered after a while. I nodded as my smile widened. I'll just pretend that what happened earlier didn't bother me.

"Sige. O-order ako ng pizza mamaya. Kung gusto mo, pwede kang pumunta rito," Sabi ko. Tumango siya, nakatitig pa rin sa akin. Tumitig ako pabalik.

I don't know what I was thinking at the moment, but I leaned forward and give him a peck on his left cheek. I moved back immediately. Ramdam ko ang pag-init ng pisngi ko habang nakatingin sa kaniya ngayon. I faked a cough as if there's a lump on my throat.

“Thank you, Elijah.” I uttered and went back to my condo unit. Napatingin ako sa kaniya nang isasara ko na ang pinto. Nakatayo pa rin siya doon, hindi gumagalaw. Agad kong ni-lock ang pinto at tumakbo papunta sa kwarto ko. All I could think is to escape from him now. I feel like I want to be eaten by the ground because of embarrassment.

I shriek when I lied on my bed. The thought of kissing him on his cheek make my cheeks burning again. My Gosh! What are you thinking, Rielle?

That was just my 'thank you kiss' because he save me. That was just nothing but it made the butterflies in my stomach cheering for something I can't name. Hindi pa rin tumitigil ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. And to add it up, inimbitahan ko pa siya rito.

I shouldn't do that if I wanted to stay away from him. But my body and heart are against my mind. It was like I am making myself be inside of a game in which I don't have an assurance if I'll win. This is not good.

Pero ngayon, tanggap ko nang kailangan talaga siya. Kailangan ko siya para bantayan ako. I need him not because I wanted to be with him, but because he's just my bodyguard that my brother assigned to me. Dapat malinaw para sa akin iyon. Because once I lost track of his purpose in my life, I might fall harder until I can't get up again.

LATER THAT NIGHT, I already ordered a pizza when my phone rang that made me stilled. It was unregistered. But since I expected it to be Elijah, I answered it.

"Hello?" sambit ko.

“I'm outside,” he answered. I nodded and was about to end the call when the door rang. It must be him. I ready and fix myself. I tucked the loose hair that's covering my face and put it on the back of my ear.

Binuksan ko ang pinto, only to see Elijah on his black shirt paired with board shorts. Hawak niya pa rin ang phone niya malapit sa tainga niya. He looks so good even with a simple attire he's wearing. He has drinks with him. He looks like he'll drink here.

I smiled at him. “Come inside. The pizza is coming.”

Pumasok ako sa loob ng unit at sumunod naman siya. Nilagay niya sa mesa ang plastic na puno ng soda drinks at tumingin sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero napangiti ako.

“What?” I arch him a brow when he stared at me.

“You look happy eventhough...” He didn't continue what he said. “Nevermind.” I just shrugged, still keeping a smile on my face.

“Did you register my number?” I heard him asked.

“Not yet.” Umiling ako at kinuha ang phone ko sa bulsa. I put his name 'Elijah' on the contact list but then he immediately grabbed my phone. Nakagat ko ang labi ko habang nakatingin sa kanya. Seryoso siyang nagt-type doon bago niya binalik sa'kin. He stared at me longer than expected and lowered his gaze on my lips.

He cleared his voice before his eyes went up to meet my eyes. He smirk at me. “Call me Sean. That's my first name.”