The Peculiars’ Tale Chapter 35

/35/Abducted

“Jill! Come on, it’s lunch time!” The bell rang and our teacher left. Only I was the only one who has not yet arranged my stuffs. “Jill Morie!” That’s when I s.h.i.+fted my sight, stood up and approached them.

“You looked pale, are you alright?” asked by Penelope. I didn’t meet her gaze, the chill I’ve felt last night, I can still feel it on my skin.

“Wait, Stephen is absent? Hey, it’s Monday though.” Baldo whispered.

I sighed and wished that I didn’t come to school today.

“They said he’s not feeling well that’s why he’s not around. Let’s go, guys. I’m starving!” – Aya.

“Ah, ahm…” They halted their steps and stared at me. “I won’t eat together with you all for this day. Please go ahead.” I said and resolved not to look back at them while I’m walking out. I don’t want to do anything else. I only want to escape this fearful reality. But… where can I run away to? How can I escape from this world?

It’s like I’m walking in the wildness without any destination. I no longer care where my feet dragged me to. Until I realized I’m now at the rooftop of this school building. The wind breeze is slightly strong so I closed my eyes to properly feel it. However, it made me remember what took place last night – Yue’s words, and the pictures. I thought that after the recollection, everything will be alright. I’m actually naive to believe that.

I need help because I don’t know anymore what’s happening to myself. But who? Who can help me in this complicated situation? I don’t want to drag Aya and the rest in my problems since I’m very sure that they wouldn’t be able to understand what I am.

Miss Karen told us that every question has a key and it’s just a matter of whether it could be found or not. I climbed and stood on the low railing, White Knights’ whole ground could now be seen. There are many loitering students but no one noticed my presence, that I’m currently standing here.

“Hey!” Maybe because of shock, I stepped backward that’s why I felt the sharp pull of the gravity. I thought I would fall but someone grabbed my arm. Both of us fell on the cemented floor. I can still feel the violent drumming in my chest. I really thought I would be a goner. But who –

“Ouch…” I looked at him while he’s standing up. It’s been long since the last time we saw each other. “Jillianne Morie, are you out of your mind?” Yes. Maybe I’m mad. “What if I didn’t come? Then you will just be another newspaper’s headline?” Fine, I’ll admit I actually missed your presence, Cloud Enriquez.

“What? You become a statue? You found my handsomeness stunning? Tss.  Did you miss me?” I can’t tell whether the sun’s rays are just too strong but he’s smiling while I’m looking up at him. I was surprised when he lent me his hand. “I also missed you, Morie.” I accepted it and get up. Now I can see well his brightly lit face. “This is bad, Jill. Did you also become mute? Did my handsomeness really made you speechless?”

“Crazy.” He laughed.

“What are you doing here?” He asked, I noticed he’s not bringing his guitar today.

“I’m sure I should be asking that to you. If you didn’t surprise me, I wouldn’t miss my step.” I told him before turning my back on him.

“Whoa whoa! Fine, sorry. I also was shocked. I thought you’d be jumping. Hey, where are you going?”

“It’s not your business.” I said.

“Wait, wait.” He stopped in front of me. “You owe me, remember?” I can’t remember anything… “You owe me a lunch, Jill and I planned to drag you for it, so don’t complain!”Even before I spoke, he’s already pulling me to wherever. Maybe due to my mind being too preoccupied with thought so I just let him pulled me. I think I’d let him do as he wish for now…. he’s harmless, I hope.

“Why are we going outside?” I only opened my mouth when I saw that we’re exiting the lobby. The other students and staffs are looking at us and they are speculating and guessing why we’re together with each other and why he’s pulling my arm. Tss. It seems their stares meant nothing to him and he’s even happy that people are eyeing us and taking photo of us. Tsk. It’s like we’re celebrities. No, I almost forgot that Enriquez is popular in the campus and I… was called the ‘Cold Heart Breaker’. “Where the heck are you taking me? This is not the way for cafeteria.” He’s still not letting me go.

“It’s already boring there. We’ll find another good place.” He said without looking back.

“I won’t go with you if you won’t tell where.” I tried to free my arm from his grip. “Enriquez!” He suddenly paused when we’re at the entrance. “Where the heck are we going?”

He slowly looked at my way and his eyes are once again so narrow it’s almost not visible because he’s smiling. “To heaven.”

“Just kidding!” He said while showing a peace sign. This guy’s power trip is very strong and now people’s whisperings grew louder. “Let’s go, Jill. Easy! I’m not going to devour you, okay?” I let out a sigh. Whatever. Wherever he escaped me to, I no longer care.

After arriving at the parking lot, he handed me a helmet. “Here.” He said. I accepted and wore it. It’s my first knowing that he’s riding a motorbike when going to school. Maybe it’s how he appeared cool in the eyes of many students. “Hop in, Jill.” He commanded, he’s also wearing a helmet. When the guard let us have our way out of the campus, I questioned if this is how influential he is.

I didn’t expect that Enriquez will show me to a res...o...b..r. It’s far from school and it’s obvious he’s acting familiar here. The staffs even greeted him while the others addressed him as ‘Boss’.

“Let’s go. It’s my treat so don’t worry.” He cheerfully said as he held my hand. I didn’t protest when he led me to a table and ordered for the two of us. I’m only quietly eating my meal while he’s just talking. I observed the place and I can say that its ambiance is good. It’s peaceful. While the people inside are not many, it’s just the right number. But it looks like the prices here are quite high.

Later on, one of the employees approached our table and requested Enriquez to sing even a single song. Their way of calling of him boss puzzled me though. Don’t tell me, he owns this res...o...b..r? Just wow.

He couldn’t refuse so he agreed. “Stay here, Jill and watch me.” He left for the mini stage which could be seen ahead.

“This song is dedicated to a special girl. I’m lucky that she’s with me right now. Hey, Jill! I hope you won’t get p.i.s.sed off by this song.” He winked. Psh.

Addicted to you

They sang to me

Who are already had enough of my story marathon

His voice is amazing, a voice that could make anyone fall. Probably if I’m just normal, if what’s happening to my life is normal… I can give him a chance. But no, everything’s complicated about me. So it’s a no.

About you

And about the joy

You brought to my life

Now the main character of my life is you

Every day, every night

Every minute that pa.s.sed

I always longed for you

I always longed for you

In my mind and dreams

In every fate’s turn

I always longed for you.

A loud applause followed after he finished his song. He said his thanks and then stood up to return here.

“You like it, right?” I replied with a slight smile and nod. Without warning, he pulled me. I don’t know what magic did he use to make me do what he wants. We returned to White Knights and like what I expected, people’s attention found its way to us again. Yeah. They can think whatever they want.

“No matter what, Jill. If you need something, don’t hesitate to call me. I’m always here for you.”He patted my head. “See you later.” He happily bid his goodbye and left. I didn’t manage to thank him because he made me temporarily forget all the worries I have. Now that he’s gone, I have to face this again.

Afternoon. Only one subject left before dismissal. I’ve been feeling bored and in bad mood since that time. I truly want to go home. It seems the issue about how Enriquez and I were together earlier had circulated throughout the campus. Even the people here in my cla.s.s knew, but no one attempted to approach, not even Aya.

“Why don’t you talk to her?”

“Why me? You can do it!”

“Com’on! Looks like Jill is in bad mood eh. Go ahead Mariah.”

“Hmp! Baldo, what? You do it since you’re a man!”

Great, they have been whispering behind my back and they’ve been pointing at each other on who would try to talk to me. Really, am I releasing so much bad aura?

“Oh, Baldy men, Mariahfarts, what’s your problem?”

“Don’t be noisy, Tadeo.”

“Baldo, you can just say it to Jill.”

“Wow, you have a very huge problem huh, you ONLY have to talk to Jill. Eh? JILL! MEN! WATZUP!”

“Oh gosh, you’re really an idiot, Tadeo!”

But I’m not paying attention to them. I rose from my seat and exited the cla.s.s room since our teacher is not yet here. I want to be alone. But when I came out, I saw her laughing with her friends. I balled my fist and watched her. After talking to her friends she walked towards the room. I prepared myself and collided with her.

“What’s your problem, huh? JILL!” We slightly pulled some eyes from the students in the hallway but I only grabbed her arm. She shook it off and stared at me with fury. “What the heck!” Our other cla.s.smates stormed out due to Lily’s shout.

“Come with me now because we have to make something clear.” I said in my calmest way and attempted to pull her along with me but since she’s so stubborn, it seems she wants to garnered more attention.

“Huh? There’s nothing to talk about!”

“What’s happening?”
“Are they fighting?
“It’s Jill and Lily,oh.”

This is what I disliked the most, to create a scene and be surrounded by cheeky and nosy people. “Stop acting as if you didn’t do me any wrong, Lily!”

“It’s true that I didn’t do you any wrong!” I pulled and whispered to her.

“Don’t tell me that you have nothing to do with the cameras hidden in my room? I caught you before at the rooftop and you’re conversing with someone about the camera.” I’m sure she was stunned by what I said that’s why my gut feeling is strong. But her expression slowly changed. From shock, she laughed as if she heard a corny joke. So, what I whispered to her became a joke?

“You’re being crazy, Jill.” She said while laughing. “No doubt this is the reason why Dad chased you away.” My ears burst due to her words which caused me to give her a strong slap, accompanied by my loud heart beats and the people’s numerous gasps.

Not long after, I felt someone grabbing my arm. “Jill!” Oh, the good boyfriend.

“Morris, I’m okay.” And she even acted as if I totally abused her. I reclaimed my arm from him. Suddenly, the students made way. It’s Miss Karen.

“What’s going on here?” She asked in a serious tone. “Go to your respective rooms, now.”She ordered which they followed. “Is no one planning to answer what’s going on here?” I glared at everyone and then turned to my heels. “Jill Morie. Come with me.”

“No, I’m tired of your mind games, Miss.” I said and continued leaving.

The h.e.l.l I care.

It’s like nothing changed. I’m here again at my favorite spot, on the geographic section of the library, killing time. It’s a miracle that Mrs. Stefi greeted me when I pa.s.sed by her desk. However, I’m here again. Alone.

6:00 pm

I’m not conscious of the time. I actually fell asleep there. It’s just a relief that no one caught me doing so because if ever, I’ll be punished to offer my service in the library for 168 hours. Since this place is hidden, I’m safe. I glanced at my phone and there’s tons of messages and missed calls from Aya, Baldo and Penelope. I sighed deeply because I know they are worried yet I showed such rough att.i.tude.

“Guys, I’m sorry.” I texted them. Let’s call it a day. I went out of the library and pa.s.sed by the homeroom, hoping to see them. I failed though, since no one was there. The campus is already quiet. I walked pa.s.s the Freedom where I saw a picture portraying Enriquez and me. There’s no photo about me and Lily but a bond paper containing the news about us was posted. Really, people.

I went to the ground floor, at the faculty room. I knocked and opened the door.

“Oh, Miss Morie. How may I help you?” Our P.E teacher greeted me. I scanned the place searching for someone. “Ah, you’re looking for whom?”

“Is Miss Karen still around?” I asked. The inside is actually s.p.a.cious, there are only few teachers here and I couldn’t see her.

“Ah, Miss Italia you said?” Do you have to repeat it? “Oops, hija, haven’t you seen her outside? What do you need from her?”

I shook my head. “Nothing. Thank you, sir.” I said and left. Weird, if she had just left, I should have encountered her in the way, or maybe we just didn’t meet because she had taken another corridor? Okay, she’s not around so I will just go home.

However, when I exited the lobby, from not so far I saw her walking out the main gate. No doubt. It’s Miss. I don’t know what kind of wind whispered to me to go after her. Silly me.

She hurriedly walked so our distance became bigger. Mysterious. If I have to describe our adviser, only that word came into mind. She’s very much covered in mystery. I don’t know why I’m tailing her. Fine, to stress out, to slightly forget that I was the one who created that blog. I’ll try to ask for her help. Yeah, Jill. That’s what I really should do.

We reached the stop light; it’s exactly ‘Go’ sign so we crossed together. Still, I’m behind her and it looks like she didn’t notice me following her. Does she have no plan to ride any vehicle? Does it mean she planned to walk until she reaches her house? Where does she live? Curiosity is killing me.

After a few hours, we crossed the bridge, pa.s.sed by the market place, different establishments, districts… some people offered me whatever, DVDs, clothes, shoes, etcetera. Where is she really going? It’s tiring!

“Jill?” I stopped walking when someone called out. “What are you doing here?” I noticed I’m already at the ‘censored’ district where several clubs, host clubs, bars and beer houses were located. Here’s Alexi Sabina in her waitress uniform.

“Ah…” I have nothing to reply. “Nothing, I’m on my way home.”

“So, you only walked. Wait here.” She went in. I don’t know why I waited for her while also eyeing Miss Karen since I’m afraid to lose sight of her. “Oh here.” I was surprised when she handed me a bottle, it’s juice. “Please. Bye.” Then she returned inside. Wow.

So, I also resumed tailing Miss. We’re still not out of this district. I stopped on my track when I saw her entered a club.

Wait. What’s this? She works part time every night? A teacher in the morning?… Then…

She suddenly walked out while talking to someone then she walked away again. I think she’s actually not working there. It gave me time to sigh in relief.

The heck with this woman! When we came out of that district, I feel that we already walked a couple kilometers.

“Where did she go?” She suddenly vanished like a popped bubble. I can’t see her. d.a.m.n. I only wasted time walking and going after her. Frustrated, I boarded the cab which stopped in front of me.

“Manong, station six.” I said and the shades wearing driver nodded. Weird, it’s past seven yet he’s still wearing shades? Where is the sun, bro? I want to ask him that but I don’t have any enthusiasm to have a power trip with anyone. I didn’t notice when I fell asleep. Probably due to fatigue.

“Jill Morie. Come. With. Us.” I opened my eyes because of the voice. d.a.m.n, even here? After that, I realized that we’re taking a different route. I don’t know where this manong is taking me.

“Where is this going? This is not the road to Station Six!” I shouted to the driver but he only continued driving. “MANONG!” I’m secretly dialing using my phone, I no longer have time to choose who to call.

His speaker beeped once and then the driver spoke, “I’m bringing her.” I’m now totally feeling anxious. I opened the door and jumped, do or die. I felt the pain and stinging sensation when I was rolling on the road. I don’t know this place, it’s dark.

I thought I had escaped them but a black car stopped in front of me and it disclosed several men wearing formal suits and shades. I was not able to stand up when they sprayed something on me.

I thought my world is spinning oddly.

***calling C.E.***

“…help…”

I woke up in an unfamiliar place. I was kidnapped and it’s a big fact. But I didn’t expect them to put me in this kind of place. I thought I would be thrown in a dark place, foul smelling, dirty, like an abandoned junk shop, with kidnappers playing card games, reeking with alcohol and laughing demonically. I expected that kind of situation but what actually came into sight is a quiet room. Suspiciously I’m not chained or handcuffed. I’m only on the floor. I tried to get up even though the bruises and wounds in my arms and legs are aching. I slowly went to the door and then I heard some voices.

“Don’t worry, Boss. She’s only here, sleeping tightly. The effect of the spray won’t fade away that soon… ah, okay, fine, Boss.”

Nervous is eating on me. I have to get out of here. I heard several footsteps from the outside and I paused. I thought they will be entering here.

“Boss is summoning us downstairs.”

They disappeared outside but the door was locked. I wouldn’t be able to escape. Think, Jill, think. I can’t be  seen by their boss. And who the heck ordered this kidnapping? I roamed the room. It’s like a bedroom which was converted into a store room. There’s a huge bed, drawer, cabinet and other furnitures. I opened all the cabinets, hoping to find anything that could help me escape. There’s a window. I need a rope, or any rope-like thing.

I accidentally elbowed a box and it dropped. I picked it up and saw a key inside. When I tried it on the door, I was disappointed, though. Then I noticed the last unopened cabinet. I tried the key on that and it really opened. There’s no rope but something caught my attention, a thick envelope. My heart’s drumming intensified because… the stamp of this envelope and the one sent to me before… was the same. It’s a black diamond with a white letter ‘M’ in the middle. I opened it and pried on what’s inside and it revealed a few papers and forms with indecipherable contents.

Memoire

That’s the seal stamped in every paper and form. Memoire?

“What’s this?” …an old photograph. A picture of a woman. And I know her very well even if this picture is old and the colors waning… She’s smiling in this photograph…

Miss Karen, who are you for real?

Manong – counterpart of manang, term used when addressing a middle-aged man whose name you don’t know.