Chapter 8 - Do you have a problem with me?

Sabrina's POV

"Go change your clothes first." he seriously said at me. Red is kinda scary when he's like this. I don't know if I will admit that I actually lied to him by saying that I brought extra clothes but I was surprised when he handed me a shirt.

" You're no good at lying. Go change now, don't make me wait," he said dismissing me. I felt ashamed and have no choice but to accept the shirt and went to the restroom.

I thought the shirt is just plain but when I got to wear them it has a big "Salazar" printed on the back of it. I know I don't have to make a big deal out of it but what would be the student volunteers' reaction? How about Kelsey? For all I know, she's really his girlfriend and she might get the wrong idea because I'm wearing Red's shirt.

Gosh, Sabrina! Do other people's opinion matters to you that you would rather suffer and bear the cold and risk yourself from getting sick?I convinced myself so many times before I finally managed to get out of the restroom. Only to be surprised by Red, whom I don't know waited for me outside.

"What took you so long?" he asked but his eyes are on his shirt that I'm wearing before asking me to follow him.

I don't know how he managed to be gentle in treating my wounds despite the intense stares that he's giving me. I saw how he clenched his jaw like it's his way of controlling his feeling or stopping himself to talk.

He was silent the whole time he's treating my wound. I tried suggesting that I can do it by myself but he just glared at me and continued what he's doing.

"Thank you," I said after he applied the bandage. He looks irritated over something.

"Now, let's talk!" he seriously said but my phone beeped and the name of Manang Fe registered on it. Shoot! I forgot. Did Red already contact my parents? Is this the reason why Manang Fe is calling me?

"Have you contacted our parents?" I asked nervously.

"Yes! Why? Did they not receive a text from the university?" Oh, I wish that would be the case.

I glanced at my phone and receive a text from Manang Fe this time. I'm so guilty to open it.

"Don't tell me you didn't ask permission from your parents?" Does Red have special powers like reading minds because he always knows what I'm thinking, or am I that really transparent that just by looking at me is already a giveaway?

I bite my lips and nodded. Red massage his temple like he's more worried than I am. He looked at me. The accusing look at his eyes is very evident. I tried to avoid his gaze.

My eyes widened when the name of Mom registered on my phone. Oh my gosh. Mom is calling! I smell trouble! Red saw my reaction.

"Answer it and then let me talk to your parents!" Red sounded like a mature and responsible man. Hearing his words, quite assured me somehow.

I cleared my throat before I answered Mom's call.

As expected, Mommy was freaking out and bombarded me with so many questions. I tried to explain to her when Red motioned me to give the phone to him. So, I informed Mom and later gave it to Red.

I patiently listened to their conversation. I felt sorry for Red, I know how Mom can be so intimidating. That's why I admired how professional and patient he was as he explained to Mom.

"Yes Ma'am, rest assured that Sabrina is well taken cared of," Red said and nodded. "If the weather permits us to travel tomorrow, then I'll send Sabrina home safely." Red stared at me for a while before talking to Mom "No problem Ma'am. I'll send you my contact details and full name right after this call" Red said and then handed me the phone again.

Mommy scolded me and reminded me that we will surely talk when I get home.

"I'm sorry and thanks for covering me up," I said to him.

"You and your lies, Sabrina! Don't do that again. This may be your punishment but I didn't say that you let yourself hurt and even lied to your parents. I want you to learn your mistakes, own it, not covering it with another mistake"

Red scowled at me."Red, Daddy wants to talk to you" I lifted my eyes and saw Kelsey. She handed her phone to Red and her eyes lingered on what I'm wearing.

Red excused himself to answer the call and Kelsey followed him.

The weather got worst as hours passed by, more evacuees are coming in mostly from those flooded areas. I even assisted a mother of 2 kids and a baby in her arms. I am not the only one who helped, even other student volunteers as well. I even saw Red helping someone and letting himself completely drenched by the rain just to help other evacuees

.As promised, the local officials of Santa Barbara provided us with sleeping bags, toiletries, and food to eat. Bottled water and coffee are also unlimited.

It's still 6:00 in the evening but some residents are already busy preparing their beds. It's like they can't wait to end this day and hoping that when they wake up the next day everything will be back to normal. Very opposite to the kids who are happily running around the gymnasium despite the typhoon. They just want to have fun, for them that's just a typhoon, just like any problems in life, it will come and go.

Red, together with other officers advised us to just sleep closely as possible. It would be easier for them to monitor all of us when we all sleep in one place. A group of student volunteers caught my attention, they are arguing what would be their sleeping arrangement for tonight. I suddenly miss Cheska, my best friend, their family migrated to the UK when we were in high school.

I'm preparing my sleeping bag when Mom called. I can barely understand her as the student volunteers near me are still arguing and her voice seems static so I decided to go out, just near the entrance of the gymnasium.A cold breeze greeted me the moment I went out. It's already dark outside. The rain stops but the wind is roaring and the rustling leaves of the trees are like saying the storm isn't over yet

.Apart from me, there are also people outside, some are maybe checking on the situation outside, or maybe like me, they are also talking to someone over the phone. I moved a little farther, just enough for me to talk to Mom.

Surprisingly, Mom has so many questions about Red like how long have we known each other, where did we met, and so on. Anyway, Mom has all the reason to asked given the fact that she didn't know anyone I'm with. We talked for almost an hour before she said goodbye.

I was about to go back inside when I spotted a stray dog. His tail began to wag when he saw me. He looks at me like he's begging for food. I talk to him as if he understands me but I said I'll be back to get some food and he sits like he really understands it.

I brought a packed meal, the one distributed by the local officials, and hurriedly went outside. I frowned when the dog is nowhere to be found. I looked on the far end corner and saw the dog there.

I started walking and followed the dog until I reached the back of the gymnasium. I felt relieved when I saw the dog already eating. Maybe someone gave him food. I squat and carefully put the food that I brought. I watched him eat, he must have been so hungry as the food was immediately consumed by him. He wags his tail as if he's saying thank you before running away. I just hope he finds a comfortable shelter to protect himself from the storm.

I stood up and plan to go back inside the gymnasium when I saw Kelsey. She's leaning on the wall and lightly folding her arms across her chest. For a while, I thought she's irritated over something but she smiled at me and asked if I have dogs at home.

I returned her smile and answered her question.

"I still have extra clothes with me. I didn't know you didn't have one" she said and her eyes are still on the shirt I'm wearing. She looks like she's accusing me of something.

"Yeah. I forgot to bring it. I'm kinda hesitant to accept when Red offered me this "

"Well, Red will always be Red. He's like that to everyone, if he can help, he will do it."

I nodded. I don't know what to say anymore. I even wonder what Kelsey is doing here, did she followed me here so we can talk about how I love dogs, or is this the time that she will confront me about me Red? Maybe my guess is right, she's jealous. So we better talk now than never, right?

"Kelsey, do you have a problem with me?" I asked her and her smile faded like she's been trying to fake it for a while now.