TWO: ACCIDENT

The world we live in is big and vast so we cannot say that we know and have seen all the creatures that live here. We are not just humans, animals were created by our creator to take care of and be part of this world. It is not just what our conscious eyes see that we consider created beings.

Many have been proven by scientists, many have been revealed secrets but there are still many hidden mysteries that envelop the world.

Different beliefs, different opinions and different recognitions but only one recognized creator who is considered the strongest of all. The Bathala, the Alah. God. There are some beliefs that there are gods and goddesses who take care of the world to keep it orderly and peaceful.

Also, mythical creatures that I can't believe they exist. Their existence that I used to bury myself and hoping that they're just part of my nightmares.

The event that night when Mom got abducted by those filthy and fearsome monsters flashes to my mind. I cried and strained to obviates my nightmares in my mind.

Later, my mother and I were on a trip from home so that we could bond together alone to celebrate my Graduation day but something unexpected happens to come out in front of us. A big flying creatures are now attacking us. Not just one but countless monsters are waiting for us outside.

It's early now but it's like night because of the dark sky. Mom didn't let go of me and hugged me tightly as if I would be lost if she didn't do that. She prayed over and over so that even I did the same. Praying that someone will come out and help us. Hoping that those who what's so ever three strangers heroes will be here saving us like how they saved my mother and the citizens to our old district back then. Even though I knew that would never happen again, I was still having hopes.

"I love you Rosie. Please live and continue living even if I'm not with you. You're strong and brave girl. I really love you two and Gello." I finally heard before it got dark around.

I woke up because of the weight of whatsoever was on me. That's how I shed tears when I saw the arm wrapped around me from my lifeless Mother. I was weak because of the blood losses in my body and especially in my head which was badly damaged.

My vision got blurry not because of my tears but because I already at my limitations. I can't keep my eyes now open all I want is to sleep and hoping that this just one of my nightmares.

The sleeping Gello was the first I saw when I had the strength to open my eyes. I moved and roamed my eyes across the white room.

"M-mom?" That immediately came out as my mouth opened. Gello also woke up because of that.

"R-rosie." The formerly drowsy one was revived when his eyes turned to me. His tears were already welling up but he immediately wiped them away and smiled at me. "Thank goodness you're awake ..."

He touched my forehead and came over to kiss me here. "... A-are you hungry? Thirsty? What do you need? Are you still in pain? Tell me." His voice broke.

"M-mom." That's all my mouth wanted to say to the many questions he asked.

He was stunned and long before coming back to reality but the answer I was waiting for I never heard from him. He just kept quiet so I asked him again because maybe he just hadn't heard me before because of my very weak voice.

He gulped and for a moment he opened his mouth the door opened with the doctor and nurse entered. Gello has lost my attention because the person approaching me has taken him away to talk about something.

I was still a little dizzy so I didn't wake up immediately and just closed my eyes again.

They were talking about something I couldn't hear well because I was still feeling a bit dizzy. I just felt the presence next to me later on. I knew it wasn't Gello because I am already familiar with him so maybe it was the doctor and I wasn't wrong.

"I'll just check on you." Her soft and tender voice enveloped the silence of the whole room. I was dazzled by the light that hit me but I could not close my eyes because the doctor was holding it.

I didn’t end the day not knowing what happened to mom so I forced Gello to confess.

The remorse, resentment and grief I feel for myself as the truth strikes me that will destroy my world. My mom died from that accident. I can't accept that.

No way! Mother is not dead! This can not be, we're going to celebrate my Graduation!

It's all my fault if I hadn't forced her to take a walk, she would still be alive today. That wouldn’t have happened! She would still be here! I am! It's my fault! I would have died and not my Mom!

"Do you remember what happened to you?"

I was just in gawk while the doctor kept asking me questions. I have no recollection of the accident that happened to me and my mom. All I knew was that we were leaving for a walk and that she hugged me tightly.

My head started to hurt again because of the images that tried to enter my brain, reminding me of what had happened. Only then I did feel better when they put sleeping pills on me. That was always the situation for the next few days until it took a month before I was finally discharged.

"She can come out any time you want ...." The doctor said more but I didn't listen to her. "... Please excuse me. I still have surgery." Gello nodded and thanked her before he turned to me.

We didn't stay long in the hospital because I wanted to leave. I can't even stay in a place that can only remind me of everything. Gello understood that so we left.

I thank him because he was just there and didn’t leave me all the time. I am thankful because someone is still there for me so I will not let that the only remained person in my life would be gone. I can't handle that if I lose him because he's the only family I have.

Because of what happened, we decided to leave and go to Manila to start a new life. He looked for a job so that we would not be a stray or homeless, especially that the life here in Manila is far away in the province.

He stopped first and worked to send me to school. I really don’t want him to sacrifice for me because I feel like I’m just becoming a burden to him. He put my sake first before his own.

"I'm doing this for you ok. For us. Then when you graduate you can help me. I can pursue my dream after you. I'm too young and there were a lot of chances awaiting for me so I'm fine. Just focus on your dream ok. "He cuped my face and kissed my forehead.

"B-but you don't have to work alone. I can work too. You're having a hard time—"

"Rosie. Promised I'm not. Actually I'm happy about my work. And don't think too much because it's bad for your conditions. You're not totally healed. Take care of your health first ok?" He convince.

I took a deep breath then nodded. I can't stop him from what he wants because he is determined and I can't do anything.

"Have a rest first. We're still going enroll you tomorrow. Good night."

I closed my eyes and went to sleep. I fell asleep easily because of being comfortable especially and I knew he was just there next to me.

Since that accident happened, my nightmares have become more frequent. Maybe because because of parts of my memory that are gone. Yes. I lost some of my memories because of the shock of my head.

The next day I went to Ateneo de Manila University to enroll while he entered his job. Because I was unfamiliar within the school I had a hard time enrolling. Many more detours were done before we finally finished so the result was that I was late for lunch.

Our apartment is a bit far and I only rode on the Jeep so it took me a long time. In the middle of the trip we passed in a small cafeteria so that's where I decided to eat.

I finished at two o'clock and the sun was still burning my skin so I stayed there first to wait for a vehicles to pass by or if I wasn't lucky I will walk when it wasn't too hot.

I don’t see anyone around and we the owner of the cafeteria were the only one here. I just sat quietly while waiting.

"It's going to be dark soon, dear. I'm going to close." I was shocked to hear the cold voice of the saleswoman from behind me. Before I could speak she continued. "... Don't spend the day on the road so while it's still early, go home dear."

I was terrified so I hurried to fix my things and then left. I also noticed she was done tidying up and ready to leave. I thought she lived there but I was wrong.

In my haste, I did not realize that I was far away and I did not know where the way home was because I am not yet familiar with this place. I forgot which of the two roads leads to the house.

I curse none stop because it was getting dark and I was still in the middle of the road and unfortunately I could not see any passing vehicles or people. What the woman said earlier also bothered me so I could do nothing but continue walking. I chose the right one because that’s pretty familiar to me.

My keypad signal has no bar so I can't call Gello. Even if there is, nothing will happen because I don't have a load. I don't have money so I endured using this keypad. I didn't want to ask Gello because he was having a hard time.

It's four o'clock so I'm even more terrified. Especially when I feel like someone is watching me. I regret that I got out of the jeep earlier. I should have just eaten at home.

*Beep! *

I was suddenly stunned by the horn from behind me. Its door opened and a tall man spat and looked straight at me. His complexion is pale and his lips are red and his eyes are deep. His husky and massive body makes me shiver.

He smiled suddenly.

I frantically looked around to see if anyone had passed by but no. I have no one to ask for help in case the man who until now continues to walk towards me does something bad.

I embraced my bag more before I run as fast as I can. But in less than a second the man was in front of me. To my shock I backed away and also out of fear that I would lose my balance which caused me to fall on the pavement.

"You look fresh and sweet young lady." I shiver when I hear his ghastly voice.

I shook my head at him while trembling to retreat. "Shh. Take it easy. I can even help you go out here.—"

"N-no!" I shout.

"Shh." My eyes widened when his cold index finger was on my lips and when I gained strength I pushed it away and tried to stand up but I was so weak that I fell back again when he pulled me.

I screamed and struggled as he tried to touch me.

Suddenly he stopped and looked behind me and frowned as he stared at it. For a moment it was replaced by fear and nervousness then disappeared like a bubble in front of me. Only I heard the loud roar of his car.

I was stunned and tried to remember what had happened. If only I hadn’t heard Gello’s worried call and I wouldn’t have been conscious yet.

"R-rosie. Are you okay? Who's asshole—"

"I'm fine. I just want to go home." I stopped him. He took a deep breath and did not speak again. He just helped me stand up, put me on the tricycle and heading home.

We didn't have time to talk about what had happened that night because I was tired. He did not force me to tell him what had happened. The next day the same thing happened.

"I'll pick you up Rosie." He informed before leaving me in front of the school. I no longer complained because even I wanted to. I was afraid that what happened to me would happen again.

I've got my schedule so all I have to do is find which room I'm going to enter first.

The students I pass are distracted by me, so I can't help but be confused. Even so I kept going. Eventually I heard the loud shout of the female voice from behind me so I turned around there.

I had her attention and smiling waved to approach me. "Hi!" She greeted happily and stopped in front of me.

"Meggie Diwata. Meg for short. I just saw you here. New?" She held out his hand. I was hesitant whether to accept that or not but eventually I just accepted.

"Rosē Venice Montgomery. My mom used to Rosie so Rosie for short. And yes I'm from the province just moved here to study college." I explained.

She has beautiful shoulder -length hair. Her clothes are very feminine and her thinness is obvious to her but even so, her body is curved and her chest is a bit full. She also has long legs, so if you look at her, she can be popular as a model.

"Hey." She stuck her finger in front of me so I blinked. I didn't notice that I was stunned by her. "... You're staring to much gurl. Sorry but I'm not hitting on a lesbian."

For the first time I laughed at her which she looked at me like an idiot but eventually she laughed as well." You're so beautiful, especially when you smile so keep smiling. Hihi." He said amidst our laughter.

When she asked my schedule I showed her. She looked back and forth there and at me as his eyes widened

"Gurl, you didn't say we're classmates! Let's go! Kyaa! I'll be with you in all subjects!" She screamed and pulled me away

I wasn’t out of place because somehow Meg was there. She introduced me to his friends so eventually they became my friends as well.

But their treatment to me didn't last long, especially the women. I don't know why but they avoid me or give me a sharp look. Only our male friends and Meg don’t avoid me.

I just ignored them because that would be better to avoid trouble. It's ok with me without a friend, the only important thing is that I can graduate. I just thank Meg that somehow I had someone to talk to.

We looked out of the room when we heard a loud squeal. My eyes widened as I reflected a familiar stance from the door. Almost everyone suffucates of his suddenly appearance outside the door.

Whenever, this 'monkey' really tends to get the attention of women. I can't deny that he's handsome. He have a beautiful body that you will think he's born rich.

During our time together I knew a lot had changed in him. Because the used to be a naughty child is now like an actor, so I can't blame them if they stumble upon him. I also can't blame Gello but the only thing that amazes me is that until now he still hasn't had a girlfriend.

It’s impossible he doesn’t like even one of the many women who like him.

"He's handsome." Meg whispered to me next to me.

I just shook my head and gathered my things so I could fix it. When it was over and I hurried out to face him. He immediately stood up straight as our eyes met.

Everyone was so shocked, especially Meg who also screamed when I got close to Gello.

"Let's go." He said deeply and held out his hand to me. I immediately looked at him warnedly but he only smirk teasingly at me.

"Sh*t!" Meg curse loudly inside so Gello looked there where she is. I am too.

I saw how Meg eyes widened and she covered her mouth to prevent anything she wanted to release. At her side were our male friends who looked back darkly at Gello and at me disappointed.

" I am going." I said goodbye to them and didn’t bother the eyes focused on us.

'You're going to spit on me tomorrow' Meg mouthed before Gello and I left.

I immediately slapped him on the shoulder as soon as we left Campus. "Why did you do that!"

He snorted and looked at me innocently as he caressed the shoulder I had slapped. " What did I do? "

I rolled my eyes at the emptiness. "Don't pout at me like that. Tsk. I'll be in the news at school tomorrow because of what you did." I marched.

"Hey! There you go, my Rosie is angry right away. What's wrong with what I did. It's also good for them to know who owns you." He whispered the last so I never heard that.

"Huh?"

" Nothing, let's go. It's getting late. "

We got home when I noticed a bruise on his arm. "Gello what is this?" I worriedly asked him and touched the bruise. He immediately took it away from me so I frowned.

" Gello-"

"It's nothing. It just hit the wall so that's it. Don't bother ...." I didn't finish him and pulled him to the sofa to be treated.

I couldn’t help but be annoyed because if I hadn’t seen it he wouldn’t have told me. That's why he often fixed his sleeve earlier because he was hiding something. My conscience was formed again because it was my fault why he experienced this so I couldn't help but shed the tears and immediately wiped them away.

"R-rosie? Hey. I'm sorry if you're worried. It won't happen again." He wiped my tears.

" It's my fault-"

"Shh. Stop blaming yourself again. Rosie. This probably not your fault. Im not just too careful. And.... You're really ugly when you cry."

I slapped him on the arm. We're serious there but he inserted more his mischief. "Ouch. There's already a bruise and you Double killed with your blow."

"S-sorry." Suddenly he smiled again so I stood up.

"Y-you! Take care of your own. Bastard prank." I shout. He just laughed.

He still didn’t stop teasing me even when we were at the dinner table. I just stared at him.

" Rosie."

" Hmm?" I closed my eyes because of the tickling feeling caused by his finger combing my hair. I'm sleepy too.

"Can you tell me what happened to you last week?" I stared at him. And as soon as our eyes met I could see in him the concern. I let out a deep sigh before nodding and telling it all to him.

I felt his fist clench as I recounted what had happened.

“You said that he was scared?” I nodded. He looked at the emptiness and seemed to be in deep thought before he put me to sleep.

I wondered how his reaction became serious after telling what happened. But I couldn't think anymore because I was completely asleep.

The next day Meg asked me about Gello. She filled me with questions. My name has also resonated throughout the campus, especially the incident of Gello picking me up.

"So he's your brother?" I shook. Her forehead furrowed. Understood nothing.

"My mother adopted him when he was young. Because his parents died ..." I explained. She nodded. Understood that.

The bell rang so we stopped talking and headed back to our room. As usual we have all the students' attention .. well of course I'm so famous. Tsk.

I felt my stomach ache so I told Meg to go to the bathroom first.

"I'll go wi—" I cut her off immediately.

"Don't be late. I can handle this." I said and rushed to the bathroom.

Urgh! What did I eat ?!

I immediately took a break when I entered the bathroom. It didn't matter to me if a student came in. I was not even able to turn on the light. It's still a bit dark here.

When it was over I would have come out feeling cold. It's amazing because it doesn't have air conditioning but I feel like I'm getting cold. I shuddered and stiffened to the point of feeling a hand wrapped around my waist and a cold breath on my neck.

"Who are you?" His cold voice was in my ear.

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Enjoy Reading!

Thank You!

God Bless!

- ErnEst_odrE_5v -