Chapter 5

ROZETA:

Lauryn was right: I do not listen.

She has mentioned that to me a lot and I have just realized how true it is today. Because if it wasn't, I wouldn't be out here on the street after I was sternly warned to be on bed rest for the rest of the week.

It hasn't even been more than two days since the domestic accident I had. Two days since what I still can't explain regarding the bite I found on my neck.

Right before I was discharged yesterday, the doctor instructed me not to overwork myself as my brain wouldn't be able to handle the pressure after the impact made on it two days ago. And just so she could see that I adhered to the doctor's instruction, Lauryn forced me to call in sick at work.

I did promise her that I was going to stay in all day but a few hours after she left, I am out in the open, finding a way to get my body on the move.

The problem didn't come from being sick of staying in all day. It came from me being hyperactive since I opened my eyes this morning.

I don't know but I've been feeling kind of weird and I can't seem to place my hand on what could be happening to me. When it got to a point where I got frustrated with being indoor, I chose to leave the apartment and it was all for a good cause.

I have no sense of direction at the moment. The only thing I have on me is a pair of casual top and pants with my phone right inside my pocket. I was too casual that I looked like I wanted to just go for a stroll which I would say I was doing right now.

At least I don't look crazy. One wouldn't even be able to tell that I was only just recovering from an accident. I have been off the bandage wrapped around my head since last night and it was all because I didn't feel the need to wear it anymore.

All through the time I left the apartment, the only thing that has been on my mind is the bite mark. I have no idea why I'm so interested in it. So much interested that it even accompanied me to my sleep.

It's strange how something that swollen could suddenly disappear the same day. Lauryn said it might not have been that serious but I know what I saw when I looked into the memory. Besides, it was she who brought it to my notice so it couldn't have been something little.

I stop to catch my breath. My legs were already weary from walking for a long time now. Can't even keep up with how much time has gone by since I left the house.

I was on the walkway of the busy road of San Angels. Even at this time of the day, the road still looked as busy as ever. I just hope my standing on the path wouldn't disturb the other pedestrians using the walkway.

The active sounds of tires rolling on the tarred road alongside the hoots that came with the automobiles were the reflective noises that ruled the air as I try to regain composure with my hands on my laps. Despite the irritating noises, I find my mind trailing off in another direction as I stare ahead.

It was all about that night, still. No, all about the stranger.

I can't seem to get his face off my head. Felt like a drug that I can't do without. Makes no sense why I can't seem to get him off my mind but then nothing has made sense since that same night.

All of a sudden I start to feel dirty. More like used and it was all down to the fact that I did something I wouldn't normally do. I still can't believe I would stoop so low in the first place.

The sudden change of mood was enough to get the stranger off my head. And then I stand upright, already feeling much better than before.

The instant I feel the presence of someone beside me was when I fall into a dilemma about my situation. I am suddenly caught in the middle of either heading back to the apartment or carrying on with the no-destination walk I was doing.

The funny thing about all of this is the fact that I have no cash on me. I was completely stranded so either way, whatever I decide, I would still have to walk it back to my apartment which seems a long distance away even from here.

Following the easiest way possible, I decide to turn back now so I could head back to the apartment. I would be able to make it back in time that way.

"Watch where you're going!"

That was what I heard right after I felt my body collide with something. Or rather someone because it turned out to be a person. A very angry-looking man to be precise.

Instantly I felt a throb on my right arm from the impact. But then it was clear that it was my fault so I quickly apologize to him: "I'm sorry,"

He sort of hisses and the next thing is that he carries on by walking past me without another word. Or so I thought.

"Crazy bitch."

In a swift motion, I turned around to look in the direction of where I was headed before. I knew what I heard and I hate that I got that even after apologizing.

"Hey!" I call out to the angry-looking pedestrian who was already quite a distance away from me. He acknowledges by turning around to look at me with an angry look still etched on his face. "I apologized, didn't I? Why then did have to call me crazy and a bitch?"

My voice was a little loud and it made it seem like I was indeed crazy. But I would rather be deemed crazy by others for different reasons than being called one by someone I took my time to apologize to before.

There was a sudden look of horror on the man's face that got me confused for a second. I don't know where the reaction was come from but he sure has to have a good explanation for what he called me.

He opens his mouth to speak but nothing seems to be coming out of it. I was getting impatient after his second trial that it made me speak instead:

"Okay?"

"Who is this?" I was sure I heard him say but then I noticed his mouth didn't move. Still, it didn't stop me from dishing out a response.

"Does who I am matter with being called crazy?" I counter.

The horrified look on the man's face increases and the next thing is him saying out loud while pointing in my direction: "How can you hear my thoughts?"

I raise my brows in confusion. "What?"

"I didn't call you a crazy bitch... I thought about it. I didn't ask who you are... I thought about it too. But you were able to hear me think about both. What are you?"

This should be the most ridiculous experience I would ever find myself being involved in. What in the world is going on here?

I raise a hand. "Hold on. I think you're just exaggerating. I'm pretty sure I heard you say—"

The instant a headache hits me, I keep quiet. And it wasn't just a headache... it was one that sent a radiating sound through my head that has me dizzy.

The dizziness intensifies to a point that it has me feeling wobbly already. I was certain that I was going to trip to the ground at any moment. I need to find my balance before that happens.

Hearing the man that I bumped into talking was making me dizzier so without a word to him, I turn around, blurring my ears from the baseless accusation he was throwing against me of being able to read his mind. I thought I was the crazy one here...

My strides are slow as I move to get far away from there as soon as possible. It doesn't look like I was making enough progress but at least I was doing something. Anything to get me away from there.

Until my knees finally give in did I realize how much of a terrible situation I was in. I could hardly hear anything as I go knees down to the ground on the walkway. Not even the loud hoots from the cars were enough to put my senses back on track.

I should have listened to Lauryn. I shouldn't have gone out of the apartment. Now I was in a mess right in the middle of the city with no one to help me out.

My head felt heavy. Felt like a lot of activities going through it. I was losing my willpower as the headache kept intensifying. And it all ends with me collapsing to the ground yet again for the second time in two days.