Chapter 12

Alitha's POV

The knock on my side was repeated. I saw the wound in his fist when he knocked. But I still couldn't feel at ease for the wild beating of my heart.

What does he wants this time?

"Open it, Ali. Maybe he just wants to tell you something." Galiza said to me. She went out first so I had no choice but to go out as well. Nikolai stepped aside so he wouldn't get hit when I opened the door. I tried not to let him hear or notice my strong heartbeat.

"What do you want?" I said as I closed the door. I leaned back in the car and crossed my arms in front of my chest. I can still see the anger in his eyes. I saw Cedrick go to Glaiza in the back of the car. They talked.

"Did you feel sorry for that man before?" He asked me rudely.

"Which man is it?" I stayed calm as ever.

"The one I beat up just now."

"I do not care. Even if you kill each other."

"No. I saw you felt sorry for him."

"You saw it. Why did you even ask?"

He sighed angrily. He even messed up his hair. He became even more handsome when he did that. But wait, I hate him. That shouldn't be how I mind about him right now.

"You should not pity those people like him. Do you understand me?"

"And why not? You beat him we could hardly see his face because of the blood flowing from his wounds."

"You really have the guts to remember his face. You are really something." He wiped his face. He looks frustrated. I saw that he also had a wound on his other fist.

"Why did you do that?" I couldn't stop myself from asking him.

"I thought you didn't care?"

"Is it bad to ask?"

"It is bad if you ask because you care about him."

What is happening to him?

Why does something seem wrong?

"Are you jealous of him?"

He was stunned. He looked at me in shocked and seemed to have poured cold water when he heard what I asked.

"Are you crazy?" He said as if incredulous.

"Is that how you think of me?"

He laughed. "Why do you think I'm jealous?"

"Then why are you acting like that?" I think it will embarrass me again. I stand straight and look at him straight in his eyes.

"What am I acting?"

I have a trouble understanding him. It is hard to talk to him. I scratch my temple and look away.

"If you're not jealous, why are you talking to me like this? We are not friends and we are not even close. So why are you asking me if I pity Glen?"

"First and foremost, I will never get jealous. I have never been jealous and I have no plan to get jealous. I came here to ask you that because it is not proper to feel that way towards that guy. You are Glaiza's bestfriend and she is important to Cedrick, my bestfriend. Who is important to him, is also important to me. Even the people close to them. Don't think that I am jealous because I don't do that. And stay away from that guy because he is a bad influence."

"What made you think that I will get closer to him?"

"That is what I saw in your eyes earlier."

Did he see my desire to approach Gene earlier?

"This isn't the first. When I punched Glaiza's brother back then, who I didn't know was her brother, I also saw that you wanted to approach him. Did I talk to you? No, I didn't."

"Because Cedrick and Glaiza haven't been in a relationship before."

"That's not what I'm aiming for. I know Gene not Glen. I know it won't be good if you talk to Gene. He will do no good for you."

"Okay. Okay. I get it now. I'm sorry if I accused you of getting jealous."

"Stop saying sorry if it isn't necessary." That was all and he turned around to ride his motorbike. Put on the helmet and start the engine. He pulls his motorbike away. I thought he had changed. But the rudeness is still there.

As I looked behind him, I thought he had more traits I hadn't seen before. I knew him for being a scoundrel and hurting others. All I knew about him was bad habits. But now I know that he thinks about the security of the people close to him. Not only to his friends but also to his friend's closest people.

"What did he tells you?" Glaiza came next to me.

"It's a long story. I am sure you heard it all."

She laughed. "Anyways, Cedrick will send me home. I have called Glen already. I'm sorry, dear friend. I have to go."

"It's okay. Go ahead and I will leave right away."

"Okay. You take care."

"You too. Call me if anything happened."

"Yes, I will."

She turned her back and left. They will ride Cedrick's motorbike. I went to my car and went home. It's still early so Auntie and Uncle are not yet home.

At times like this, I mostly spend my time in my room. Reading novels written by my favorite writers. Or watching movies. Delia sent me foods for snacks just like she always did.

I changed into comfortable clothes. I have decided to watch movies today. Mommy bought new DVDs and sent to me this morning. I just sent her a thank you message and a smiley. But she responded a lot of messages and advices like what she always do. No ending advices from my loving Mommy.

I was already eating and watching when my phone beeped. I took it my eyes not leaving the TV screen.

Unknown number: Hi

I pouted my lips and put my phone beside me not minding the text message. But after a while it beeped again.

Unknown number: What are you doing?

Just what I did earlier, I didn't text back. But I have received a message from him again.

Unknown number: Ignoring me?

I ignored that. I put the phone back next to me again and concentrated on what I was watching. Soon it beeped again. I, who's stupid, picked up the phone again and read the message.

Unknown number: Ignoring me, indeed.

I paused the movie and called someone.

"Hi."

"Ms. Alitha, what can I do for you?"

"Can I ask a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Look at my phone. Someone is sending me messages. I want to know who is he."

"You want me to trace that person?"

"Yes, please. Can you do that?"

"Sure. No problem. But you have to message him back for us to be able to trace him."

"What will I send him?"

"Anything. Just message him anything. And by the way, it may take a while because we are doing something your Dad ordered us to do."

"Sure. I will wait. I will reply to his messages for the time being. Ahm, can you not tell Dad about this?"

"Why, Ms.?"

"I don't want to trouble him."

"Okay. You can count on me."

"Thank you, Alec."

"No problem."

I turned off the call and thought about what I would say.

Me: What is your name?

It took a while before he replied. Maybe he is doing something else.

Unknown number: I thought you won't reply.

Me: What should I call you?

Unknown number: Just an admirer from somewhere.

I guess that's how long I'll call him.

Me: where did you get my number?

It also took a while before he replied

Unknown number: from a friend

I thought he will say, I have my ways. Tsk.

Me: who is your friend?

Unknown number: what are you doing?

This is rude. My question was not answered.

Me: hanging out with my boyfriend

So, I lied.

Unknown number: you have no boyfriend

Me: who told you that

Unknown number: from a reliable source

Me: too reliable

Unknown number: yeah. what is your favorite food?

Question and answer portion. Huh!

Me: nothing in particular

Unknown number: do you like someone?

I was thinking, is it necessary to always reply every time he texts?

Me: yeah

Unknown number: who?

Me: his name is Alec

Unknown number: where is he right now?

Me: inside my heart

Whew! This is great. I'm smirking while waiting for his reply. A few minutes had passed, no message came. He maybe realized something. So I went back to watch the movie I was watching.

I am enjoying the food Delia cooked today. Suddenly, I remembered my Nanny Ursula. The taste of the food they cook are they same. I missed her, so much. It's because of Daddy, I hope he should not run in the next election.

And I also remember, I need to attend the practice this coming Saturday. My Dad will get angry if I didn't. The sport he has always talked about. He also made Eden do that but because Eden had no interest, he passed it on to me. It's okay with me because I also love shooting. When I was young, I dreamed of being a shooter. At the age of eight, my training began. That was also the time Eden refused to be trained.

When I was fifteen, I wanted to join every competition Alec introduced to me. But Daddy didn't wanted me too. He told me if I turned eighteen, he will let me to. And I am eighteen now, so meaning I am allowed to join any competition I want to. I will ask Dad soon.

My phone rang. I thought 'unknown number' is calling me but it was Glaiza calling.

"Ali?"

"Yes?"

"Good news!" She abruptly scream. I pulled the cellphone away from my ear because of the strength of his scream.

"What is it?"

"There's no class tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow is Friday."

"Exactly, and tomorrow is holiday."

"Holiday?"

"Yeah."

"Why is it holiday?"

"Actually, they will ba having a general meeting. Whole day. So they have decided to make it a holiday."

"Who told you that?"

"Glen. He was in the Dean's office this afternoon."

"Is that so?" That's better. I can sleep all day tomorrow.

"Yeah. So, do you have any plan for tomorrow?"

Eat. Sleep. Eat. Sleep.

"Why?"

"Cedrick called me. He invited us. We will go around the whole city and the nearby towns tomorrow!" She screams again.

Go around anywhere sounds exciting. "Who is with us? Are there only three of us?"

"No. One of his friends will be joining us."

"Who?"

"I don't know. He didn't say the name."

Maybe not Nikolai.

"Nikolai can't be joining us because he has a plan for tomorrow."

Oh.

"Okay. I will go. That sounds fun."

"I told you!"

I can't wait for tomorrow.

The night came but the unknown number did not reply anymore. That's good so no one will bother me anymore. But as soon as I drifted to sleep, my cellphone rang. I open my eyes and reach for my cellphone in the bedside table.

Unknown number calling...

He had the guts to call me. I was about to cancel his call but I suddenly remember what Alec told me. So I answered.

"Hello?" I was shocked when I heard my voice.

Shit!

Why does it came out so husky? I cleared my throat and speak again.

"Hello?"

But just like earlier, no one answered. He didn't answered.

"Hello?"

But I could hear heavy breathing on the other line.

"Why are you not answering?"

I continuously heard the heavy breathing. Seems like he had no plans answering me. So I ended the call. Why doesn't he speak? Is he shy? Or maybe because he was scared. He was afraid I would voice him.

Alec calling...

"Alec?"

"Why did you cut the call?"

"What?"

"We have been tracing him but you suddenly ended the call."

"Should I call him again?"

"No. Do it tomorrow. Seems like you're having a stalker, Ms. Alitha."

I sighed. "Yeah. Should I be nervous?"

"No. You should not. Besides, Adam has never seen anyone follow you."

"Okay. I haven't noticed anyone too."

"And you already told him that you have Alec in your heart."

Jesus Christ!

"Ah, it was just a.. you know. I need to lie and I couldn't think of a name." He laughed.

"Don't worry. It's okay. You did the right thing."

"Thank you, Alec."

"I will expect you on Saturday."

"Okay. Expect me then." I smiled.