FOUR: LOST

Gello and I have been apart for almost five years. We never fail to say hello to each other. Sometimes he comes back to the country just to visit me. His longest stay at home was a week and he was coming back right away.

I finished architecture while Gello did engineering. I had no trouble finding a job because of the help of professor ko. He immediately gave my work a gift as his best students.

And Gello. He's back. Many things changed in him especially his body. He's not that filthy Gello that I know. He's more masculine now and I can tell how hardwork he is for building more muscles. Her body is obvious in her tight clothes and it doesn't hurt the eyes to look like the other men. Instead it became his best asset aside from his face. I'm sure his female fans will add more. Hahaha.

There’s maybe a girlfriend that this 'monkey' just don’t want to tell me. Tsk.

"I know it's been a year but don't be so obvious that your amazed by my body. Rosie. Your drooling also."

I raised an eyebrow when he said that. He even smirked at me.

"Tsk. I'm not your Gello fans. Much better if you'll eat now." I stopped to relieve my embarrassment of what had happened. Because my salivas were really dripping. It wasn't because of him but because of the food I smelled.

"What's in your luggage and I smell heaven?" I asked.

( A/N: Heaven: An underment of being craving on something/someone she/he likes.)

He laughed so hard that I frowned. What's so funny about that?

He opened the bag and took something. Even though I can't see, I already know what it is. I wasn't wrong when he showed it to me.

“Your favorite barbeque.” He smirking said. My eyes lit up at what he said and without a word I took it and put it down. I only heard him chuckled.

He also didn't last long because he still had a trip to Baguio for his first project. I didn't expect him to immediately have it. Very impressive.

Even though Gello and I are in the same country, we are often together because of being busy. Then lately he had a big project and it would be a year to be done but he was Gello. I know it would be done ahead of. This big project was the reason for us to be together again. And yes it was now. Here in Bicol the same place where I'm working in.

It's in 'Calabanga' so it's a bit far from his apartment. I insisted that he could just stay in the same place as the apartment but he insisted to be with me. I couldn't do anything because of his excuses that now I can't stop him from doing what he wants to do. We even reached out when I forced him to go abroad. He had a bitterness in his tone when he spoked it. tch.

I also have a few hours to travel but it's not like his reason because it's the lowest pay than near where I work. It's expensives. I can't afford it so I'm just here. He can do it. Well I can't blame him.

I'm glad that he never forget about me. Then till now he always prior me.

Also, my nightmares never faded and it's worsen as years pass. The man in my dreams always appear. I can't see him clearly, only his shadow but I memorize his dark and rude voice. Also his intimidating presence.

Inside those years I experienced many things that the no normal people never had. I hid it from Gello those years because I don't want him to worry about me and just come back here to the Philippines suddenly. I want him to focus on his dream. Now that he's back I just admit all . As usual he's angry but he can't do anything because it's done.

I have been especially careful when I'm alone because there I always experience a strange feeling. Strange circumstances. At home I was not alone because Meg was there. She moved at the same time when Gello leave.

"I'll stay here! Your boyfriend is totally gone." She winked at me as she said that. Whatever I convinced her that Gello is not my boyfriend she never believe so I let her believe whatever she wants to believe.

Gello found out. He even thanked Meg for accompanying me. I didn't pay attention to them in the conversation because I just distracted myself from doing our project. I just noticed Meg's blush. I smirked.

This past year, I realized something. Whenever I'm in trouble the shadow man showed up. I never sees his face cause whenever I tried to he vanished. But not only that! The blurry man in my dream and the shadow has the same voice. They even had the same presence and big impact to me.

Frightened never left me till now, I only convinced myself to be brave and sturdy.

As for now. The present time.

I am now talking to workers for what they should know and do more if possible. We still have a lot to fix and we have less time. It's also good that we're bounding so that they won't hesitate when I approach it to make the job easier for them.

I was sitting in a wooden chair and so were they. They even hesitated to let me sit there so I sat myself down and smiled at them. This is not new to me because this is how I used to sit even now.

But know if we can’t really stop people from being arrogant and oppressive. We also create our own problems. And we involve everyone to it. I know it all.

I have met many rich people, and many poor people. I would say living in poverty is different than living in wealth. But it depends on what people what to be and use to be.

"Madam, please eat." One of their colleagues took care of me.

"This is madam 'ginataang lanka'. Mike's wife is still carrying it." They all laughed so I laughed too even though I didn’t know why. Is it okay? Haha. They are not used to speak in English, but I know they are still trying, to make me understand better. I noticed that Mike, who was looking at me, blushed.

(A/N: Ginataang Lanka: Foods made with coconut milk and jackfruits.)

"Thank you." I said and was about to take a plate when a big arm pulling me away from the workers. They even stopped eating while watching me be pulled by someone.

I struggled but he was too strong and my hand almost hurt from what he was doing.

" What—"

" Why are you with them? You should not eat their food—"

"Pardon?.... I'm sorry for being rude but you're unreasonable sir. Their food are not poisonous so why should I not eat it? And also, don't just pop up there and drag a lady out." I was annoyed with the man who pulled me.

This is what I am saying. They're too arrogant. That is the foods of the poor forbidden to be eaten by the rich? And vice versa!

I looked at him annoyed. And to my surprise he's the man earlier! The one who's have an intimidating stares. His built is full of authority and I can't help but to praise him for that. And I'll tell you the truth that this man's gaze was shivered down my spine.

Now my eyes drowned out by his cresset eyes. It's making me dizzy. I don't know why.

The earlier annoyance was replaced by an unfamiliar feeling. I just felt it now. I felt something inside of me that want to emerge because of him. My body and souls react on his presence.

I felt something I had only now felt in my whole life. Something like I've been waiting for this to happen for a long time. I slowly lifted myself up as he came down to greet me. What's happening to me?!

In unison we kissed hungrily, and I couldn't believe myself to love it. This is wrong and I don't know this man. I don’t know where my strength came from to kiss him back and was so eager as well. There is something deep inside of me that want this to happen.

I didn't want this to stop when he break of distance away and lowering his head to my neck. I was almost carried away and lost my sense when I feel his hot breath there. I close my eyes when he lick and kiss it countless times. But I cried so hard and moaned when I felt again the two sharp objects that hit there.

I groaned loudly because of the variety of feelings as he seemed sucking me in there. I was weakening and my vision was blurred because of what he was doing. Just a few seconds later I felt drowsy so I leaned on him and closed my eyes. I can already hear the slowing of my heartbeat.

"You're always making me angry. My little Sweet Rose."

I woke up at home again. I got up and went to the bathroom to wash before going down to prepare breakfast. I hadn't been able to get out of my room when my cellphone rang. I immediately picked it up and looked at the incoming message. That came from the homeowner where I just waited for nothing. I was ended up in danger because of him/her.

I want to scold him for his message. The thickness of this gorilla's face! After expecting me to feel like nothing happened!

When I actually saw this gorilla! Who do he think he is. Maybe he wants me to renovate his attitude too! Bastard!

I nodded to reply to him/her.

To Owner of house:

It's ok sir/ ma'am. I understand.

I don't know if the owner is a woman or a man as long as I know he's old. Even though I wanted to complain a lot, I didn't reply to him in a rude way. I still have respect for my clients.

After a while my cellphone rang so I immediately turned it on. The message came again from the Owner of the house.

From Owner of house:

Meet me tomorrow. The same time and place.

You see! Not even posted a 'ma'am' on his/her massage! No respect! Tsk.

I didn't bother to reply because I was already ready for breakfast.

While cooking, the incident happened to me yesterday. I didn't remember it all but some are vivid. Especially the man with red eyes and familiar presence. I shook.

That was impossible for him. B-but his voice are– No Rosē. You're hallucinating only.

I don't know how I got home after he took me– Shocks!

I covered my mouth as I remembered what we had done. My whole being heated up because of the recollection. I don’t know how and that’s how I lost myself in that moment. I couldn't even push him. The worse is I responded. Freaking respond! I wanted that too! Shocks!

I jumped when the oil spilled on me because I was floating. "Ouch!"

I shed tears because of the pain. The oil was too big to stick to my skin so it rash. I rush towards the bathroom and take the toothpaste. My mother taught me to apply toothpaste to the burnt skin. I remember that I once had experience like this situation but the differences back then is I have my mother.

It still hurts but I just put up with it because I can't do anything. I put also I bit of vics on it. Fortunately, I also have first aid. Hayst! You're clumsiness Rosē.

I endured the pain all day. I plan to visit the clinic later. It's hard because you might get an infection. Not that I'm acting but it's better to be sure to avoid accidents.

You already face accident earlier Rosē. Tsk.

I slept late at night. I didn't do much but it still took me midnight before I fell asleep. Maybe because I noticed the pain of my wound. The next day I will visit the construction site because I have more work to do tomorrow.

I woke up early. And I'm happy that I don't have a bad night. I slept comfortably and well so I would have a good job later. Speaking of.

It's already six in the morning. I just finished jogging so I rested first. Later, at half past seven, I went to the house where my client and I talked. I have no plans to use my car so I'll just commute. I don't want to be repeated of what happened that time again.

That morning terrified me again. Shocks. Please don't let happened again, Lord.

It was a busy day when I arrived at the corner of the road to my client's house. I didn't take the workers with me first because the gorilla might pass again. It will embarrassing to them. It's better if I'm the only one who will just hope. Woah! Haha, digging deep on your corny joke? I snap myself. What what came into my mind. I'm already infected with Meg being corny.

I'm thinking how is she? I have had no news of her since I came here to the province. The last thing I knew was that she was going to do something in a nearby province. There was probably no signal in the area where he was. Hmm. And Gello, how's he too? He has not been home since the previous day.

A bird chirp brought me back to reality. No, a crow?

I felt cold as I walked to the client's house. Something is off.

Seems like I'm going wrong? I remember that there are a lot of green trees at this part but why the hell it's only a blad trees are planted here. The sky also became dark signaling that there would be heavy rain. I don't have an umbrella with me!

I put my phone to check if my location is correct but shocks no battery! I forgot to charge my phone! O. M. No signal yet! The hell!

I groaned loudly in irritation.

The owner of that house was unlucky! Who is that 'gorilla' and I can really kill him!

Though scared I just kept walking. I tightened my hug on the bag because of the crackles around. I almost ran and asked for help but I know it's impossible. Because until then I still don’t see any households. I check my watch and it's already five in the afternoon.

"What?!" I exclaimed.

I checked it again. Maybe it's just broken but d@mn I remember it's a brand new! A present from Gello for me.

"How come that it's already then ?! How long did I walk and I didn't realize the time?"

I minutes pass I saw a small house. It's small and made of patchwork anahaw. It looks so old.

I knocked trice when I arrived the house but no one answered so I repeated. I think I almost knocked twenty times but no one answered.

" Knock Knock?" I tried to calm. I was also struggling but I forced myself to stand up straight.

"You're not from here human. I could smell the unfamiliar from you." A cold voice from behind me jumped at me in shock. I was caught in my chest by the force of its impact.

I freeze in shocks. Slowly and nervously I turn around. A lady stand three meters away from me with her darkened glared. She never leaves her glared at me as I scan her.

From her long hips and pitch black hair, her skin was pale but smooth. Never in my life I saw a beautiful like this. Stunning but dangerous as you look at her. I couldn’t move my body because I felt something was holding me back. In a flash I just found myself on the wall while choking the woman earlier.

I moaned loudly and the moment I looked her in the eye my eyes widened because of what I was witnessing now.

"W-what are you?" I uttered nervously. My voice was hoarse with fear. My heart is rapidly beating when she lean on my neck and sniff it like a hungry wild beast.

I closed my eyes praying that this is just one of my dream again! None of these are true!

I felt comfortable so I opened my eyes. The thought of nobody is there but it's the opposite of that. But I didn’t expect what I saw of it kneeling in front of me and bowing.

"Please excuse my audacity. Dear Queen."

Huh? ... D-dear Queen?

"W-wait. What are you saying? You're wrong, I'm not the Queen you're referring to."

I couldn’t help but wonder at him. What does it say? Queen? Me? Is this some kind of joke? Shocks! Not even in my whole life have I experienced being Queen. Well not literally. Gello and mom considered me their Queen. Is it crazy? Shocks where on the continent did I land ?!

She did not speak but bowed even more. I was confused by her attitude so I couldn't stop talking again. This is my chance to asked her.

"I don't know what are you talking about but. Can you please tell me where am I?" I asked hopefully.

She remains at her pose. "Now you're in Bemz. Right part of the VLAZE kingdom. Dear Queen." She explained.

I'm out of a word. Bemz? Right part? What is VLAZE? - Wait VLAZE? Where did I hear that name? I forgot!

"E-excuse me. Can you tell me why you call me Queen? And Kingdom of Vlaze? Probably a kingdom? 'Also c-can you please stand there." I'm really confused.

I was suddenly nervous when she stood up and looked at me. She give me a questioned look before she sighed and speaks.

"Because you are destined for our King. And yes the kingdom of Vlaze where we live. Our kindred ..."

I just kept quiet while listening to her explanation.

"I haven't heard of a kingdom here in Bicol. Am I still in the Philippines?" I whispered to myself. I didn’t expect her to hear that because my voice was so low.

"It's not part of the place you're talking about because you're referring to the other world My Dear Queen. Human world where your world is. Now you've crossed over to the other world. World of vampires– shh." She suddenly covered my mouth and tried not to make any noise before she turned around. "... Let's go in first. It's too dangerous for someone like you to have a strong blood attraction. Many have already noticed." She whispered and pulled me inside.

I was about to say something when someone entered the house. The pungent smell wafted through me. It was dizzying and I couldn't help but vomit. I lost my balance, fortunately the woman supported me immediately because otherwise I would have fallen to the floor.

What's that smell? It's exhausting.

I vomited again as the woman offered me. Moments later frightening screams rang out from outside.

"We're surrounded. Dear Queen." She whispered and prepared herself. Her eyes turned red and long fangs and nails came out. I sighed and uncontrollably recoiled and trembled with fear.

W-what's going on ?! A monster! No way, am I dreaming again. This is not true. It's just a dream ... it's just a dream ... it's just—

"Gerly, it looks like you want to own the food–"

The man could not continue to enter because he was immediately beheaded. I screamed as I closed my eyes tightly and fell to the floor.

Lord! Please wake me up! Please ....

“Ahhhhh!” I screamed as someone felt something cold pull at me.

“Lucky prey.” I cried when I feel him tracing his fingers on me. My hair stood on end and at the same time I felt his tongue stiffen on my neck.

I closed my eyes and cried out loud. But then after a second I heard crack near at my ears.

"You're a disgrace. Not my prey." Another dark voice of man.

"Bartolomeo! Don't touched our Queen!" I heard a shout from the familiar voice of someone who was about to try to bite me.

He stopped and looked at me. His looks are now changed. I saw him shocked and afraid. In a blink of an eye he bowed like the lady did before.

" Forgive me my Queen for being impolite earlier. In my audacity to hurt you. Please forgive me — Ack! "

“You should be.” A man suddenly appeared infront of us.

I sighed when it suddenly lost its head and disappeared in front of me. Be all there. They're all vanished in just an instant.

I shivered in fear and choked myself on the side of the house as my moaning began again. I'm full of blood.

I only went to work but this is where to I ended up.

“Take her.” Cold voice from a man.

I couldn't move when they picked me up because I had lost my strength. I will totally die. It's pointless if I run. They're not human. They're all not normal. I am not in my world.

It's hard to believe but I can't do anything. I'm facing now my death.

'G-gello. Meg.'

My last word before I lost my conscious.

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Enjoy Reading!

Thank You!

God Bless!

- ErnEst_odrE_5v -