Chapter 4 - Guilty

Red's POV (The Smiling Devil)

I felt guilty. I hated myself for acting so childish and did not think of any consequences that might happen.

After she fainted, I immediately rushed her to the clinic. I won't forgive myself if anything bad happens to her, that's why I felt somehow relieved when the nurse said that she's going to be okay.

I looked at her. She is sleeping like an angel, very opposite when she's awake, she's like a dragon, very hard to tamed. I can't help but smile at that thought. Now that she's asleep, I was given a chance to stare at her. She's a simple girl. She didn't even wear makeup and it suits her. She has a fair complexion and has naturally curly hair. I saw her lips moved like she was dreaming or something and I find it cute.

I turned my gaze when the main door of the clinic opened and saw Eric rushing to nurse Jane. It looks like he's in a hurry.

Eric is my best buddy since middle school. We both took up Architecture and planned to have our Architectural firm someday. Nurse Jane pointed at me, the reason Eric looked at my way and quickly went to me.

"Red, I've been looking for you the whole time. What happened?" he said while catching his breath. It's like he just came from a marathon.

"Unexpected things happened," I said and looked at Sabrina who is still sleeping.

"Who is she? Introduce me to her" Eric said and gave a glance to Sabrina.

"Shut up! Let's talk outside. Sabrina might wake up with that voice of yours" I pulled Eric out and informed the nurse that I'll be back.

"I bet you just don't want to introduce me" he teased as soon as we got out of the clinic. "Don't worry, even if he chooses me over of you because of my good looks, I will sacrifice her, just for you." Then, he laughed out loud.

I just laughed at what he said "Really? If you're that good-looking, how come you still can't score a date with Clara huh?" Payback time! I laughed at his reaction when I saw him frowned.

"Don't change the topic. Past is past!"

Now, I'm enjoying his reaction. He's still not over Clara, I knew it! I can see how his ears are turning red now. "Stop denying. I won't buy it."

"I've moved on!" he insisted.

"Clara, did you hear that?" I pretended that Clara is around and was satisfied just seeing his reaction. He froze and slowly looked around.

"Is that the reaction from a guy who already moved on?" I continued teasing him. We are both laughing so hard, when suddenly, BANG! Something hit me in the head!

"Ugh! What the f--!" I can't feel my head. My eyes drifted at the book near my feet. Wait! I know this book. I lifted my eyes and look at the front door of the clinic.

"Sabrina?" There she is, now awake and like a dragon ready to set me on fire. She glared at me.

"Serves you right, jerk!" he said angrily. She was about to leave but turned around and looked at the book he threw at me.

I can still feel the pain from what she did. I massaged my head.

Eric immediately picked up the book when he noticed that Sabrina is aiming for it. "Here Miss. By the way, I'm Eric Sebastian. Red's best buddy." Eric offered his hand for a shake but Sabrina ignored it and just get the book instead and left without a word.

"That's phenomenon bro, Whoa!" Eric whistled and laughed at me.

"Shut up! It's not funny!" I said while I continued massaging my head. I sat on one of the benches near the clinic.

Eric continued teasing me.

"That girl of yours is really cool. I like her."

I gave him a dagger look for him to stop making fun of the situation.

"Wait, don't misinterpret it. She's yours." while his eyebrows are wiggling like he's enjoying the situation.

"Stop! Okay? She's not even my type. I just love teasing her. That's it." I defended myself. It's true.

"Well you got it bad." he said while tapping my shoulder.

"Clara!" I said when I noticed her approaching but Eric just laughed at me and even acted like he's about to punch me in the stomach.

"Stop fooling me. Don't mention her name here." he innocently said. He had no idea that Clara is already behind him. I was about to tell him but Clara butts in.

"Sorry to disturb you Red but Dean Pascual wants to talk to you now. He's already waiting at his office"

I saw how Eric froze just by hearing Clara's voice. I can't help but smile at his reaction.

"Alright. I'm coming." I pat Eric's shoulder and said goodbye. "I got to go!" Eric glared at me and giving me a "Why didn't you tell me that she's here" look.

"Sure." he nodded and then Clara and I left.

I already have an idea of why Dean Pascual wants to talk to me. I've postponed the meeting that I supposedly organized because of what happened to Sabrina.

***

Acquaintance Party is fast approaching and we haven't planned anything yet. Many people said I'm lucky that I'm the College Governor. It's true, it has given me a lot of opportunities to grow and learn so many things especially dealing with other students but it's not an easy task. I should always be responsible in everything I do. Just like what Spiderman's Uncle Ben said, 'Great power comes with great responsibility'. After discussing with Dean about our plans for the Acquaintance Party, I plan to go home, take a shower, and have a good night's sleep.

I am on my way to the parking area when I saw Sabrina. I'm still a little worried for her but seeing him laughing and talking to a girl right now, somehow I felt relieved that she's okay. I really want to talk to her but I know asking an apology right now might not be a good option. Maybe next time. I just went straight to my car but some students caught my attention. They are giving me a headache. I scolded them and I drove home.

***

*Beep* *Beep*

While waiting for the gate to open, I can't help but look at our house. It was once happy home. If only I could turn back time, back when we are still complete. I haven't parked my car properly when I saw my younger sister already waiting for me at the front door. She greeted and kiss me on my cheeks as soon as I got out of the car.

"Hi, Kuya! You arrived early. No activities at school?"

"No, but I'll be busy for the upcoming days."

"Well, you can do it. You know what? I have a surprise for you." she excitedly said. She pulled me straight into the dining area and asked me to closed my eyes. "No peeking!" she added. I could hear their whispers, maybe she's with our house helpers.

"Alright! Ready 1...2...3! Look! Tadaaa!"

I opened my eyes and saw my favorite Ginataang Alimango (Crabs in coconut milk). Ginataan is a Filipino term that refers to food cooked with gata (coconut milk). There are different dishes done with gata but my favorite is done with Alimango (Crabs).

"Wow! I think I'll be eating a lot tonight! I said and thanked my sweet little sister.

"I asked Manang Tess to cook your favorite! Let's eat!"

"Okay, but be sure to wash your hands first."

Ashley is a very sweet girl. She's the one who always cheers me up in times like this. Without her, I don't know how I will survive this past year.

"Oh, Dad! You're here" Ashley stood up and greeted Daddy. Unusually, he's home early.

"C'mon, let's eat. It's also your favorite food, like Kuya."

"Thanks, sweetie but I have a lot of things to do. I'll just eat later, okay?" Daddy said to Ashley and didn't even bother to look at my way.

"I see" I saw the sadness on Ashley's face when she heard it. "I'll just send you your food in your office, then?

"Okay. Thank you." I greeted Dad but as usual, he ignored me and went upstairs like he has never seen me.

Dad is always cold to me after what happened. It's been a year since that day happened and he still couldn't forgive me. I can't blame him and here I am trying to correct my wrongdoings and prove to him that I've changed.

***

I am driving and on my way to school when I heard my phone ring. I ignored it for the first few rings, especially that I'm driving but the caller is very persistent. I sighed before pulling over.

I checked my phone and was surprised to see Dad's name on my phone. It's been a while. I was about to call him back but my phone rings and it's Eric that is calling now.

"Hello!"

"I saw your Dad here. Did something happened?" Eric said worriedly.

"What do you mean? He's in our school?" I'm confused. What is Daddy doing there?

"Yes. I saw him entering the Dean's office. Where are you by the way?"

"I'm on my way. Thanks for informing me" I said goodbye to Eric. Before I continued driving, I received a text from our Dean that he wants to see me asap.

What's happening? I really don't have an idea.

***

COLLEGE DEAN'S OFFICE

"Good morning Dean, D-dad!" I know that I didn't do something wrong but I can't help but feel nervous especially since Dad's presence is enough to bring tensions already.

"Good morning, please take your seat." Dean Pascual said to me and motion me to sit down near where Daddy is seating and I obliged.

"Red, there's no doubt that you have a good reputation as the College Governor but -"

"Dean, is this about the upcoming Acquaintance Party? I have already rescheduled the meeting for later at 3:00 pm" I explained even if I don't have the slightest idea of what's going on. That's the only thing I could think of and I admitted it.

"No, this is not about that."

Dean opens one of his table drawers and reaches for something. It's a brown envelope.

"Please explain this," he said and handed it to me. Inside the envelope are pictures of me holding a bottle of liquor, with me are other students who are smoking. In the picture, it looks like I'm with them and we are having a good time.

But they got it all wrong. These were the students I confronted the other day. This is a setup but who would it be? Who took the pictures?

My brows furrowed.

"You know this was taken inside the school premises, near the parking to be exact," Dean added.

"No, Dean. This is a mistake. I was just --"

"I'm very sorry for my son's foolishness." Dad cut me off.

"No Dad! Let me explain!"

"That's enough, Alfred. I'm sorry Dean, I have a meeting to catch. Is this all?" Dad stood up as a sign of dismissal. He really had no intention of hearing my side.

"I understand Mr. Salazar. We will conduct an investigation and we'll just update you. Thank you for your time."

Dad nodded and excused himself.

"Dad! Wait!" I ran after Dad. " Hear me out, please," I begged.

"No need to explain. The picture says it all. Besides, you've done it before. I'm not surprised that you're still doing it." he said and looked at me coldly.

"No Dad. It's not what you think it is. I saw them drinking so I confiscated the bottles and -"

"I said enough!" Dad yelled at me. We are already at the parking and some students were curiously looking at us.

"If you're able to fool your Mom before, not me. You can't deceive me. You're a disgrace to this family! You still haven't changed! Who's life are you going to ruin next? Me? Your sister? Grow up!"

"I did change. I excelled in my studies, in sports, and now I'm the College Governor. Isn't that enough proof that I've changed, Dad?" Bitterness crept into me as I dwell on his words.

"If that's true, then wh-"

"I'm sorry Sir!" I was surprised when Sabrina came out of nowhere. She bows down her head like she's asking for forgiveness.

"Sabrina?? Why are you here? What are you doing?" I asked her but she ignored me and continue talking to Dad.

"I'm sorry sir! I'm Sabrina Castillo. It's really all my fault. He's telling the truth."

"Castillo? And why are you defending him? Oh! Are you Alfred's girlfriend? No need to defend him." Dad stared at Sabrina for a while before entering his car and sped away.

I shifted my gaze to Sabrina. "What was that?!" I asked her.

"S-sorry Red. I didn't expect that it would reach this far."

"What do you mean? Enlighten me please! And why are you blaming yourself? I bombarded her with questions.

Sabrina looked away. I took a step forward to get near her but Sabrina took a step back as if she's afraid of me.

"I'm sorry!" she said before running away.

***

AFTER CLASS...

I decided to went straight to the Dean's office to explain my side. I don't know who's behind that but I'll surely deal with it soon for now I have to clean my name first.

"Good morning Dean"

"Red, good thing you're already here."

"Dean about the picture--" he motioned me to sit first.

"No need. I already know what really happened." I thought Dean Pascual don't want to hear my side but he explained.

"A certain student named Sabrina Castillo went here earlier and claimed that she's the one who took the photo."

"What?!" I was shocked. Why? I mean why her?

"She cleared to us that you are not involved in those acts. You just reprimanded them on their wrong-doings. Does she have any grudge against you? She didn't want to say what her motive is, but it's alright now. She admitted her mistakes and will accept any disciplinary action. I'll also inform your dad." he added.

So that's what Sabrina's blabbering about.

Dean Pascual discussed with me the sanctions that will be imposed on Sabrina and those students that I caught drinking and smoking inside the school premises. They will be endorsed to the student discipline office.

He also mentioned our upcoming Acquaintance Party. After talking to Dean, I decided to look for Sabrina.

I already have an idea as to why she did it but I still want to hear it from her. And of course, I have a gift for her, her sanction.

I just finished eating my lunch here at the Cafeteria when I saw her.

Bingo! Sabrina suddenly went in a different direction when she saw me. Oh! The Guilty Sabrina! Let's see if you can get away from me just like how you escape from me the last time.

This time, I'll catch you.