Chapter 7 - Stranded

Sabrina's POV

I don't understand why Red is so concerned about me when he made it clear that I am here for my punishment. Red stayed for a while to where I left him, I can see his intense gaze at me as if he was so pissed at what I said. He's looking at me liked I'm some puzzle that he's trying to solve. Not long after, Red was called by some local officials.

I looked outside, the rain is getting heavier and heavier. I don't think we can plant Mangroves anytime soon. Red later announced that we have to transfer to the town's gymnasium as it is safer and more convenient there. With the advice from the local officials and from the PAG-ASA Weather update, Santa Barbara, which is where we are along with Santa Monica, San Sebastian, and San Nicholas are declared under Signal No. 1.

Many of us didn't expect to have bad weather, or worst experienced a typhoon today so only a few have brought umbrellas with them. Others have no choice but to just run fast as they could to the University bus but still, some were completely drenched by the rain.

I guess I have to do the same, but the problem is I don't have any extra clothes with me.

"Miss Castillo, you'll go with me," Red said with authority in his voice like I don't have the right to refused or declined his order. I felt some questioning eyes are thrown at me by the other student volunteers.

"I'm ready. Let's go?" a girl in her white denim short and black shirt went to Red. I saw her hands with a band-aid. Is she the girl who asked for help earlier?

"Kelsey, you go ahead with Sabrina," Red said to her, and Kelsey looked at me and giving me that "Who are you look" She looks disappointed but hides it immediately with a smile. "I'll inform the others so we can leave as soon as possible. You two wait for me in the car," Red added and then gave the car key to Kelsey.

"No. I'll just--" I tried to protest but Red cut me off instantly.

"We'll talk later" and then he went to the other remaining volunteers in the cottage.

"Let's go," Kelsey said in an unfriendly tone. We shared on her umbrella.

I immediately sit at the back. Kelsey comfortably sits at the front beside the driver seat. She asked me to hand a black gym bag behind me and like a caring and sweet girlfriend, he took a towel and a shirt for Red.

She smiled and looked at me proudly.

"I'm just used to do this at him. You know Red is very hardworking that he forgets to take care of himself, " she said like she's trying to convey that she had known Red for a long time.

I smiled at her and nodded. I don't know if she's trying to be friendly by starting a conversation, but at least she's civil to me, right?

"You're also taking Architecture?" she asked.

"Yeah. I'm a Transferee!" I said to her and she slowly nodded like she's thinking everything she heard.

"Ah, probably the reason why you know Red. Good thing you volunteer even if it's Saturday and considering you're new?" Kelsey asked like she's curious about me.

Is she jealous? Just by looking at her reaction, either she likes Red or the two have a relationship and she's considering me a threat to their relationship.

"I have to be honest, I didn't come here as you think it is. I'm here because of the punishment, not as a volunteer" I frankly said to her.

Before Kelsey could react, Red suddenly opened the car and went inside. He got soaked in the rain. Kelsey immediately gave him a towel.

"You better change immediately or else you'll get a cold." Kelsey scolded him.

"Yes, Mom" Red teased him the reason Kelsey glared at him.

"I'm being serious here, Red"

Red turned his head and looked at me in the backseat, his stares stayed at my hands for a while and lifted his eyes again at me.

"Did you bring an extra shirt with you?"

I looked at Kelsey before nodding just to end the conversation immediately. I don't know if he believed what I said but I saw him staring at my small sling bag before he started the engine.

"We're heading to the town's gymnasium. I spoke with the Barangay Captain and they offered food and temporary shelter for all of us." Red said and I am hesitant to answer him as I don't know if he's just talking to Kelsey or both of us. I just chose to keep quiet.

I noticed how Red stealing glances at me at the rear view mirror. When our eyes met, I immediately looked away. Kelsey is busy talking to him. I looked outside and the weather is not really good. It's gloomy and if you don't know what time is it, you've probably thought that it's almost nighttime. Very far from the hot and sunny day weather, we had just this morning. Good thing we followed the local official's advice.

The Town Gymnasium is not that far so the ride is just quick. The university bus is already there. I noticed that we're not the only ones who will be staying there but other affected families who live near the flooded areas and even those areas prone to landslide or storm surge.

I sat on one of the vacant bleachers. I texted Manang that I might be home late because of the bad weather.

It's very cold and windy outside. My shirt is slightly wet, I have small cuts and blister on my hands. Gosh! This is indeed my punishment huh?!

I roam my eyes at the whole gymnasium. Their gymnasium is big and enough to accommodate all of us. I saw some officials distributing food and bottled water to some residents. Red is also there helping with them. I may have problems with his attitude towards me but I can't deny the fact that he's a responsible College Governor.

I shiver when I felt the cold wind outside. I need to do something about my wet clothes. I stood up and think of going to the restroom and get some tissues when Red ordered us to gather.

"I'm afraid we can't leave yet. It's too dangerous to travel given the non-stop rain. There are also reported landslides in the neighboring town. I don't want to put the team at risk. So with approval from our Dean and the officials, we decided to stay for the night. It's for our own safety" Red announced and heard different reactions from the crowd. Some were happy because it would be exciting for them and some are worried like me. First, I don't have any extra clothes with me and my parents would freak out if they know about this.

"Don't worry, we will be contacting your guardians and parents to assure them that we are all okay here," Red added which made me worried more. What if he texts Mom? No!!! I need to talk to Red as soon as possible.

Many follow-up questions were asked like where are we sleeping, how about our toiletries, blankets, and especially food but local officials were kind and assured us that they will take care of it.

After the short announcement, I tried to approach Red but some student volunteers already talked to him. So, I step back and waited. I was getting impatient when another batch of volunteers approach him. How can I talk to Red with this crowd?

I let out a heavy sigh. I guess I have to prepare myself that Mommy will know this sooner. I looked at Red one more time when our eyes met. He's still talking to some volunteers but his eyes are on me. He looked at me like he's trying to read what's on my mind.

I quickly averted my gaze and walked away. Feeling defeated, I went back to where I was sitting earlier.

Maybe I should call Manang Fe so she can prepare a better explanation for Mommy. I'm worried that Mommy might scold her for covering up for me.

"Coffee?" I lifted my head and saw Eric. He's all smile and holding two cups. He extends his arm and gave me the other cup.

"Thanks," I said and tried to get the cup from him.

"Awww" I shrieked in pain. I didn't know it's too hot and because I have cuts and blister in my hand, the cup slip and dropped it on the floor.

"I'm sorry" Eric immediately attends to me and checked my hands. "I didn't mean to harm you," he said apologetically.

"I-It's okay. It's my fault too. I didn't know that the--"

"No. I'm really sorry. Your hands seem injured. Let me help you treat that---"

"Let me handle her, Eric" Red suddenly appeared beside me and he looked pissed. Eric nodded and said he's sorry again before excusing himself to get something to clean the floor.

"Let's get you treated after that we talk," he said coldly. I shivered, not that I'm cold, but his stares are giving me that feeling.