CHAPTER TWO

Zeeve Maxim Bullecer, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

I can't help but like his id photo; his hair was well trimmed, he wasn't even smiling, yet he looked great. His sloe-shaped eyes can enchant everyone who fell under his steady gaze.His features were defined nicely, and he's naturally photogenic!

I cast a questioning glance at him, wondering why he was providing his identification. Was he under the impression that I care or even interested in this? Let your imagination go wild!

"What is this for?" I asked.

"Take a photo of it and send it to your driver. Tell him I'm the last person you're with, and I'll take full responsibility if anything awful happens to you. Call him so that you may have a proper conversation with him."

I locked my gaze on him, trying to figure out if he was serious, and he locked his gaze on me as well. No one wants to break a stare, but I swiftly avoided it when I felt like I was melting through his stare. I sighed in despair; I really wanted to go home, and if Cielo still isn't coming, I might take him up on his offer. I feel like I'm getting a cold, my head hurts, and the rain isn't helping. I called Cielo's number, and he immediately answered my call right away.

"Young lady, I’m sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you. The mechanic predicted that the car would take a long time to repair, there are no still taxis or even jeepneys available. I could walk there, but it would take a long time because it is so far away from your school. Are there no taxis nearby?” he inquired. He didn't even give me the opportunity to talk first; he might believe I'm bored here and hurrying to get home, which is why I'm phoning him.

"No, No, Cielo! Don't get soaked in the rain. I'll be accompanied home by someo—"

“What, young lady? Who? Is it Sanchana?” he snipped off.

Sancha was known by everyone in our house, including Papa. He knew Sancha's grandparents, therefore she was the only one she trusted. In high school, I had various female acquaintances, and Papa repeatedly warned me to stay away from them; turns out, he was having them probed.. He was aware of my buddies' fondness for partying at the time.

“No, it’s someone. I'll send you his details so you can find him down if something awful happens to me, okay?” I replied. I noticed how Zeeve's eyes rolled up.

I bid Cielo farewell and did as Zeeve’s had instructed: I photographed the id and sent it to Cielo. I quickly put my phone and the id in my pocket, If I'm murdered, they'll know that Zeeve is the culprit. I giggled in my head, knowing how ridiculous the idea is; I don't know Zeeve well, but I get the impression that he's just a concerned citizen. I believe in my gut intuition.

"Let's go," he said as he took the lead. When we got to the end of the shed, he opened his umbrella. The rain was still falling heavily as he cautiously placed his hands over my shoulder, and his warm contact made me feel electrified.

I didn't have time to react or even complain because we started walking quickly.  He drew me closer to  his body to keep me from getting wet.  We were struggling to keep our umbrella from being blown away by the wind.  I breathed a sigh of relief when we came to a halt near two jeepneys.

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation ubiquitous in the Philippines. Because our driver always picks me up or fetches me, I've never tried riding one. I rarely saw jeepneys surrounding our school, so getting to this area was a long walk. According to Sancha, some of the students at Hiraya University did not want to be seen commuting since it would detract from their rich kid image. They want to be seen driving their luxury automobiles all of the time.

"You go first," he said. I swiftly made my way inside the jeepney and took a seat. He went inside and sat next me after closing his umbrella.

Three girls in front of us were giggling and staring at him. They appear to be high school students based on their uniforms, but their heavy makeup gives them a mature appearance. Zeeve is clearly an attention-grabber; he can even attract this kid's attention without trying.

"Where do you reside?" He inquired.

"Villana Subdivision" I quickly replied.

He didn't respond and went straight to his luggage to look for something. He pulled a 50 pesos bill from his wallet. I instantly stopped him when I realized what he was up to.

"How much is the fare here? Since you helped me, I'll pay for us." I only whispered just enough for him to hear. The females were still staring in our direction, which made me uncomfortable.

"Have you got a thirty peso bill?"

"No, I'm holding a 500 peso bill. I had already spent all of my coins and other bills."

"Tss, he's not going to accept it. You're just making it difficult for the driver to give you change for that hefty bill.""

"It's simply 30 pesos, Miss.... what's your name again?" he said.

"Like a band-aid?"

I sent him a brief scowl, and he grinned back. I rolled my eyes and shifted my gaze away from his gaze. I took a glance around and was surprised at how spacious this jeepney is. Inside, there are just nine of us, despite the fact that the space can accommodate a minimum of 20 people. Zeeve handed the driver a 50 peso bill, which he promptly exchanged for a 20 peso bill. So, everyone of us will pay 15 pesos? That is a reasonable price.

The entire 4 minute journey was deafening stillness. Only the sound of rain can be heard. I just took a quick glance around the road, which is still foggy but not as bad as it was earlier. The jeepney came to a halt in front of a parked tricycle, a three-wheeled vehicle similar to an auto rickshaw. In the Philippines, it's also a common mode of transportation.

Zeeve was the first to step outside the jeepney, where he opened the umbrella and assisted me in descending.

"Is it necessary for us to ride a tricycle?" I enquired.

"Yes. The jeepney will not be able to take you directly to your subdivision. You might be soaked if you go through that much hassle. " He responded.

He let me in first on the side car, as is customary. He was preparing to sit behind the driver but I immediately stopped him.

"There's a chance you'll get wet there as well. Just take a seat next to me." I grabbed his hand and forced him to sit beside me just as he was about to disagree.

After Zeeve gave him the fare, the driver began maneuvering the vehicle; I just let him pay because he insisted. I also lack coins or a little sum of money with which to pay for it. Maybe I'll just pay him at the school; I believe we'll be able to see each other again.

He appeared enormous in this small vehicle. His lengthy legs were folded clumsily, although sitting here is more preferable than sitting behind the driver. I experienced the exhilarating feeling once more when our body touch because of the small space.

We were completely deafeningly quiet throughout the entire conversation. I've observed how the road we're on is becoming increasingly familiar. We're getting close to our subdivision.

"Can you tell me where you're from?" I shattered the silence.

He directed our attention to a small settlement that we were about to pass through.

"Did you say there?" I inquired.

"Yes."

"Why don't you go out of here and go home?"

“I'll take you home. It is my duty to look after you. You are my responsibility.” He replied casually.

My cheeks swelled with delight. I'm his responsibility? Adeline, keep your mouth shut! Of course, it is his job to take you home since if something bad happens to you on the way, he will be a dead meat! I didn't answer and instead concentrated on the road, which was difficult because I was distracted by his manly scent. He has a wonderful aroma!

I noticed the Villena Subdivision's large sign; our house wasn't far from the entrance, so I looked at Zeeve when I saw it. He eventually realized this and ordered the driver to come to a halt.

He helped me until we arrived at our gate. We came to a halt near a little canopy.

“Go. I will leave once you are inside.” He stated.

I followed his instructions and opened the gate while still covered by his umbrella. He took a step back when he saw I was inside, and I was going to latch the gate when I remembered something.

"Thank you, Zeeve"  I stated with a sincere smile.

He just nodded, and when I knew he wasn't going to say anything, I turned away from him and began walking.

"You are welcome, Adeline,"

As soon as I’ve heard it, I felt thrills running down my spine. When I turned around, I saw him getting inside the vehicle. Was that a figment of my imagination? But I know it's him! But how would he know my full name? I just introduced myself as Ade, and he didn't seem too interested.

"Ade, Ade! Thank God you've arrived. Cielo had called earlier and expressed concern about you being with a man!"

A booming voice interrupted my thoughts; it was Nina, one of our househelpers. She became a good friend of mine because she was only three years older than me and we had similar interests. But there is one thing about her that I dislike: she is loud as hell!

"There's no need to be concerned; I'm came home safe." I uttered it sluggishly. My eyes were tired, and I wanted to shut them.

"Regardless! You know that your grandfather forbids you from hanging out with boys? But don't worry, Cielo will keep it a secret from your granddad. I've got you covered!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with vigor.

Cielo and her, I believe, are lovers? I'm not sure because I never saw Cielo court her, or perhaps it was kept a secret? I just witnessed them kissing in the kitchen in the middle of the night! I was thirsty and on my way down the stairs at the moment, so image my surprise when I witnessed them kissing with such ferocity and passion! I was on the verge of tripping. I abandoned my plan to get a drink of water since it felt so strange to be present at such a private moment. I simply left them alone. Because I respect their privacy, I've never asked Nina about it.

"Thank you so much, Nina; you're the best!"

"I know, Ade! Now it's time to change your clothing upstairs. You appear to be exhausted. I needed to wait for Cielo to arrive."

"Cielo? Why?"

"Of course, all I care about is whether or not your d-driver is safe. It's still pouring outside" She said jitterily.

"Why don't you give him a call?" I teased her with my question.

"I d-don't have his phone number."

"Would you like me to hand it over to you?" I laughed as I asked, knowing full well that what she's saying isn't true. When Cielo was waiting for me in the school, I caught him on the phone. When she mentioned the word 'baby Nina,' I remember cringing. He was speaking in a babyish tone. That was revolting! It doesn't matter, though, as long as their connection doesn't interfere with their employment.

"Adeline, you kid! All you have to do now is go upstairs and rest. You have a red nose, so you might catch a cold."

When I heard it, I snorted, remembering Zeeve who had also called me a kid. Is he back at his house by now? I sincerely hope he is. I simply dash upstairs and change my clothes. I closed my eyes and laid my back on my queen-sized bed.

Today has been a long day for me.