Chapter 8: An Issue
The warmth of the Golden hour was calming but that calmness was bothering her. She never saw Nick the whole day but found his motor by morning and then it was now nowhere to be found. She was one hundred percent sure that he attended none even a single class. Her foot had gotten better causing her to walk swiftly. Once she got home, she faced her newly set up computer. While I was booting she dialed her trusted friend. "9811145674," '1012387762, yes Miss?' "Can you track down someone?" 'Depending on the person, please state his name,' Lora answered. "Nick Kingston Hernandez," she murmured while scanning her computer. She checked her device if it was well set upped. 'Give me a sec,' "Sure," after a few minutes Fera received an email from Lora. 'Sent, Miss.' "Thank you," and she immediately opened it. Horrific info was written in it and her brain somewhat refused to process it. "Wait, Lora. Am I reading this right?" 'Nick Hernandez, his recent trip, private land of Constancio Family, current location, nearest precinct.' She unconsciously bit her lips while checking the map of his current location. 'Seriously?' she mentally hissed. "Yeah, right. I want him out from that jail." "Right away, Miss." 'You've gotten serious trouble, Nicky. What have you done?' Those words rang in her head while watching the CCTV clips of him getting arrested. And pictures of him accepting his faith of spending a night in that thick walls. After assuring everything went already fine. She ate dinner and did some laundry. Her schoolwork followed and she finished everything around eleven at night. She decided to sleep but the ungrateful dog had mercilessly started barking. It should be Mama Tes's. Nick probably got home, she closed her eyes and wait her drowse to take over. SHE WAS BUSY taking care of her dishes when she heard a few gentle knocks on her wooden door. She removed her left earpod before opening the door. "Good morning! Hello, honey. How's everything, are you alright?" Mama Tes greeted her with full energy. "Good morning Mama Tes, everything is doing well, thank you for asking." She pulled a tight smile and her eyes fell on the Tupperware in her firm grip. "Oh! By the way, I have breakfast for you." She softly announced, "I honestly wanted to check your apartment too. I know how bad it was since I didn't expect your arrival." "I am having fun fixing the whole place, especially I am turning it into my place. I am not done yet but I am working on it. I'm sorry to say this Mama Tes but I'll be running late from school. And I haven't done my dishes yet," she politely spoke. "Of course, but one more question. What happened to Nick? I heard he's in jail," she managed to put a confused look on her face. "I don't know, I haven't talked to him since yesterday." And the landlady nodded. "Oh, Okay-okay, you should prepare now. Have a great day ahead." After Mama Tes turned to leave she shut her door and finished her dishes swiftly. Upon climbing down from the apartment, she found Nick walking to school. He was in a white shirt and black pants. He had his black backpack, which was visibly empty. She was dying to ask about yesterday but she just couldn't bring herself to start the conversation. Starting a conversation had been hard for her since she was young. What she had done was intentionally stepped into a dry leaf that created enough noise to catch Nick’s attention. He turned his head to Fera behind him. A genuine confusion formed on her face as she saw the scratch on his face and a bit of cut on the left part of his lips. "You smashed your face on the wall?" He stopped and a half-smile crept onto his lips. He waited until Fera reached him and they walked side by side. "Got into a small fight,' his low voice was too familiar to her ears and that made her smile unconsciously. 'Small fight and end up in jail? I doubt that' she mentally remarked. "Hmm," and gave him a small nod. "And you're walking because?" "I left my motor somewhere," it was followed by a chuckle. "And I should buy that one." "I know you'll never, I got into serious trouble I guess. I crashed into private land and got arrested, unfortunately, I left my motor." They passed some trees and a couple of houses. Fera was just looking at her steps while listening. "Why?" "Erika Madrigal, one of our schoolmates went missing yesterday until now." That simple statement was enough for Fera to realize everything. "And you tried to investigate." She concluded with full confidence. "I did," he confirmed. "In an illegal way, causing you to end up in jail." He laughed and nodded. "What made you think it was fun?" It wasn't sound offensive, it was low and weak. And she took a glance at him. "It's not fun, I am trying to help." Her thoughts were flooding yet she choose to respect his choice. Her mindset was full of selfishness so she'd never understand his opinion. "What happened?" "It's hard to talk about it this time, especially since I had no evidence. But I know, Erika and a teacher from her major subject had a relationship. Now they are both nowhere to be found," he said. "You're saying they might elope and decide to be together." "I don't think so," he answered. They reached the school gate and parted ways. The rumors of them being together were still burning and giving spice to every gossiper's headline. She went to the girl's powder room to pee, and while sitting, she heard someone enter. They were talking lowly, they are whispering still even inside the room. "I heard they fought, this is a big mess. Mr. Constancio had three ex-mistress and separated from her legal wife. Now Erika is gone so is him. He'll lose his license as a teacher," she heard a girl speak. "I heard Erika is pregnant and they might decide to leave the city." Fera flushed the toilet and went out. 'I'm sick of this issue,' she ranted. 'Let them do what the hell they want, what is it to do with them? They are judging the couple. It's fine to talk about something and be conscious of what is happening around you but talking about something beyond proven truth and making up lies is not good.' All she thought while walking to her class. She was walking aggressively and her flooded thought occupied her consciousness, she accidentally bumped into someone. "I'm sorry, I am sorry, Sir." "It's fine," a familiar voice made her look up to him. She stepped back and took a huge gulp secretly. "Are you alright?" "I'm fine Mr. Constancio." She instantly replied the teacher who was the headline for two days already had shown up. "Are you sure? You look pale," he commented. Fera nodded instantly and her gaze fell into his uniform, it was neat and clean that made him look noble. Down to his watch and his shoes, his black shoes complemented his dirty white uniform and black trouser. "Good morning, Sir and excuse. I should head to my first subject." She politely excused herself, the teacher just smiled and shortly nodded before heading ahead too. 'He's still fashionable at his age, no wonder he can easily capture girls' hearts.' She mentally complimented the teacher while tracing the path to her first subject. She took her seat and sat peacefully, the discussion started and it went flawlessly. Only before she noticed Nick on the left side. He kept looking at his watch and the clock on the wall. He also constantly playing with his pen, like his restless. Nick noticed that Fera was watching him, as he look at her, she raised her eyebrow. 'I saw him,' he mouthed. Then Fera tilted her head towards the whiteboard, telling him to listen still. He accidentally let out an annoyed sigh and the teacher turned to him. She slid her pilot into her pocket and looked straight at Nick. "Yes, Mr. Hernandez?" She crossed her arms, "Do you need something?" She asked in monotone, 'this lady wasn't in the mood, isn't she?' Fera mentally concluded. "Nothing, ma'am." He answered with a great polite tone. "Stand up, was a history was only those written in a historical book?" He stood and face the teacher with no fear. "No, ma'am." "Explain," "Everything in the past is history." He simply answered and sat down, Miss Torres added some supporting details to explain Nick’s answer further. "HEY! WHERE ARE you going?" Fera ran after him when she noticed his head somewhere else. "I saw him, he's here," Nick whispered as Fera reached him. "It's lunchtime, aren't you going to eat?" She asked instead of acknowledging the horrific fact. "I have no time, maybe later." They walked to the parking lot and some students turn their heads toward them. "And what are you planning?" "I just need to check something," Nick said. As they got into the parking area, Nick realized that his motor was not there. Fera saw him disappointed, "Why does this matter to you, Nick?" she asked. The parking area was surrounded by huge trees and their leaves blanket the ground from the sun's light. They sat on the nearest bench. "I can't sit still, knowing someone might need help." He answered with full honesty. It came from the deepest depth of his heart. "You know you can't save everyone, right?" "I can at least give them the justice they deserve." He took a deep breath, "of course, a part of it was not just helping. It is giving me fulfillment when I solve a mystery, if I clear something unspoken truth, it's an achievement for me." Fera on the other hand was trying to relate but she couldn't. Questions appeared in her head instead of understanding his side. "Don't you think sometimes, some unspoken truth is better to be unspoken? Some truth is better to be hidden.....for the meantime." She said hesitantly. "And letting someone suffer silently? A buried past will hunt you one day, so make peace with it and you could move on. I am not being a hero, and not trying to be a hero. For me, every truth must prevail no matter how hard or harsh it is." Fera nodded her head, she knew that she could never bend his principles. So as she is, she'd never bend her principles too. It is free to comment, but you better keep it yourself. You are free to express but Fera rather keeps everything herself. Every public information had the owner's permission. But if the information was too personal, you must know your limitations. We must respect privacy and individuality, that was her motto. And she respected his decision and choices in life. "Okay, if that's what makes you sleep tight." She got her wallet and handed him some money. "What is this for?" "The only way to help you, I know you hadn’t brought money with you. You may don't have your motor, but you can ride public transportation, right?" "No, I'll just keep my business away from theirs this time," he answered. "I insist, you can pay me anytime." Hesitancy hadn't stopped Nick’s eagerness to investigate. " Are you sure? Won't you be needing this for now?" "More than sure." "Thank you, I owe you big time." She smiled at him which made him smile too. "You should head out now." "Yeah, thank you again." She watched him walk towards the gate. 'I don't get it. But he's happy upon helping others so there's no way of stopping him.' All she could think, she saw how his face lit up a while ago. Why would people risk their lives to help others? Does helping benefits our life? I don't get it but he seems happy doing it.Chapter 9: Got into Trouble As the class hour has met its end. Fera went straight out of the school campus."Fera!" someone call her before she could take a step out of the school gate.'Did I leave something again?' She mentally asked herself. "Oh, hey!" "Going home already?" He asked, Fera, noticed the sweat on his forehead and messy hair."Yeah," she answered hesitantly, 'he smells good still,' she thought."Would you mind if I walk you home?" He smiled charmingly, his charismatic build and smile were too dangerous to trust if Fera would judge."For what reason...exactly, I mean why?" It came out a bit panicky and she almost cursed herself upon sounding silly."No, don't be skeptical about this. I only thought that maybe I could walk you home. You know, maybe we could be friends?" She realized that they'd been standing in the middle of the gate and they have drawn much attention. "Not a problem at all." She answered so they could move already and get away fro
Chapter 10: Meeting the Grandparents She unconsciously tightened her grip on her phone as she answered. "Back off, Fred."'I humbly suggest that you must take your words,' his using that dangerous to Fera. That was a warning for her. She was doing illegal and dangerous. "I know what I'm doing." 'Of course! You're not dumb to jump in such a dangerous pool, Fera. Bending a bent law by those powerful dirty players was safe for you!' She took a huge gulp and breathe for her tensed lungs, sarcasm had perfectly fit his words to tug a guilty feeling in her heart."I know, just this once." "Interesting," she annoyingly rolled her eyes hearing it from Fred. "He must have something to do with you, why would you help a man, Fera?""Nothing, don't make this a big deal." She hissed in an attempt of shaking the topic off."It is a big deal! This wouldn't stop here, after you meddle with Constancio's business he will hunt you down." She took a deep breath and looked up. She kne
Chapter 11: False Alarm "Look at your face! So it's true that you broke into Constancio's private rest house!" Fera immediately stepped back and create a distance from Nick. She doesn't want to be noticed by the lady as soon as possible. "I'm sorry, Lola." The only thing that Nick afford to utter."How many times do I have to remind you that you are sixteen!" Nick was indeed troublesome."Seventeen, Lola," he still has the nerve to answer despite his grandmother's annoyance."Minor! A Constancio can easily kill you. Nick this is serious trouble, this is not fun anymore." Fera awkwardly looked around, 'I think going with Nick is a bad decision, I should have stayed at home.' she mentally hissed. "La, I have my classmate with me." And the lady turned to her. She put herself together and awkwardly stretched her lips into a tight smile."Clever, very clever! You brought a classmate so I would prioritize her over your trouble. Not this time, no motor from now on." The ol
Chapter 12: I don't like HerWHILE DRYING HER hair, she got a message from Clarita. 'He's home, it was a false alarm.' After reading it she checked what time was it. Six in the evening, she swiped her phone and texted Lora.'Good Job,' just that. It was laced with sarcasm and partly genuine. She was thankful that she did what she was asked to but she couldn't let the part that Lora betrayed her by informing Fred too. She was already in her apartment, their driver send her home at three in the afternoon. As her eyes fell on her painting materials, she seemed hypnotized by them. She put her blower down and got her paintbrush and started mixing paints. While dipping her paintbrush into a bloody red shade of color, she was staring at the white Oslo paper on her painting stand. She was already imagining the image, she carelessly stroked the red paint on it. There has no definite direction it was messy in the center. After drying it she got her black ink, using that ink for her pen
Chapter 13: Cheese Burger Fera on the other hand tightened her grip on her pen. 'This idiot had a bad tongue,' she remarked silently. In her side vision, she saw that Nick turned his head toward that girl. At the end of their first subject the girl waited for Nick at the doorway, Fera pretended as if she saw nothing, it was not a big deal, and she care none.But the conversation between them was much clearer than her footsteps. The girl asked Nick to go with her to buy something in the canteen. Together with some of her classmates, they head to the next subject. In the room, she found Tunner in there.As Tunner saw her a wide smile escapes from his lips. He tapped the desk of a chair next to him, it was the first time that someone offered a seat to her. She awkwardly walked towards him and sat down."How was your weekend?" he asked with a full smile."It was fine," socializing wasn't her thing the reason why she found it awkward upon talking to someone she wasn't comfo
Chapter 14: NicknameFera realized what she said and Nick turned to her. "Sorry?" he asked. Then is followed by an awkward silence. "Did you just say, Nicky? I am not a gay." He saved her from feeling embarrassed. "I thought you are, Nicky." She loosened up eventually and felt comfortable with his response. "Disgusting," he blurted which made Fera laugh. While he hold his smile back looking at Fera who was laughing. She rarely laughed and he treasured every laugh she did with him."It's great, Nicky," she giggled."Don't call me that," he even pretended not to like it."No one tells me what to do,""That's unfair."They reached the apartment before dark and Fera peacefully cooked her dinner. This time she browsed how to cook step by step with video. She couldn't risk her apartment anymore. She tried to fried the chicken coated with flour. When someone knocked on her door, her face turned into annoyance. She had been struggling to do it right, she was afraid of thos
Chapter 15: Rain Drops WHILE WALKING INTO the gate someone was eyeing her like a hawk, her hair was dark as night and plain shiny hair. Fera noticed her stares, yet she acted unbothered. She was heading straight and the girl who was eyeing her stepped in her way. She tried to walk passed her yet she stopped her. Her frowned face turned into confusion. She flashed an innocent face before looking at the girl in front of her."Yes?" she asked. She took a step back to make her feel superior. "You are Fera, right?" She asked with full blunt, thinking Fera was an easy prey. 'What is her problem?' she mentally asked. It was the girl who hugged Nick yesterday. She dressed just fine for Fera's judgment. She wore a gold necklace, branded bag, and shoes. Flashy, all she could comment."Yes, I am." She politely answered in her most submissive tone. She was trying to avoid trouble at all costs. She couldn't risk her identity for a small petty fight."Could you stay away from Nick? I
Chapter 16: Fever"Oh! I do, fantastic. And look! It's nine pm here when you're supposed to be home at six." He flashed a fake smile that made him more sarcastic. "Get in," Fera was far from afraid, she only raised her eyebrow and got in while not letting Nick's hand go."Children, let me remind you that it is not safe to play at night, especially you Fairly." He glared at her through his rare view mirror. He started the engine and drove off. While Nick felt her annoyance, he regularly glance at her and the man who was driving. Different theories flashed in his head like he might be her brother or relative."You're not my father, Fred." She lost her mood when he called her Fairly, Nick wasn't dumb not to realize it was her name. Nick bit his tongue to lessen the awkward feeling."Cause he's dead and I am left to a hard-headed daughter, I was fucking tired from work an-""Enough!" she cut him off. They both knew that it wasn't safe for them to talk about it in front of Nick