Ana Louella
I did not even realize that Meg and Andrei pulled me out of the crowd. I just found myself in a bus stop shelter.
"You'll be fine, Lou." Meg said and I looked at her.
"Are we going home?" I asked and they nodded.
"But we still have classes." I said.
"We might get in trouble if we'll stay in the university. It would be better if we'll skip our classes for today." Andrei answered.
"We'll stay with you until six." Meg said and then she hugged me.
"Thank you." I replied as I hugged her back.
"Don't think about what happened anymore, they're just really cruel and we don't need them in our lives." Andrei growled and he looks so angry.
"Calm yourself Drei." Meg said and his stare softened.
"We must be careful starting tomorrow especially you, Louella. They're after us and I'm sure that they won't let us go unless they're satisfied with their revenge." Andrei said as he looked at me and I just nodded at him.
I feel so tired and tongue-tied. I just want to lay in bed and sleep but I can't do that since my friends are coming to my house. Thankfully, the bus has arrived. We boarded the bus and a few minutes later, we finally reached my house. I opened the front door and we went inside. They sat on the couch in the living room and I turned the television on.
"I'll go get some food." I told them and they just nodded.
I went in the kitchen and made a pitcher of cold orange juice and some ham sandwiches. I took out three glasses from the cupboard and a tray. I placed everything on the tray and then I went in the living room to join them.
"Let's eat first. I'm sure that you guys are hungry." I told them and then they took out their lunchboxes from their bags.
They shared their food with me and we ate everything that is on our plates including the blueberry cheesecake that I bought earlier.
"I'm so full!" Meg piped up as she arched her back and stroked her stomach.
"Let's watch some movies." Andrei suggested and we agreed with him.
They surely do not want to talk about what happened earlier that is why they are distracting me and I badly need it. I just want to forget what happened for now.
Hours went by quickly and it is now fifteen minutes past six, and they have to go home now. We have finished three movies and we never talked about what happened earlier.
"Lou, we need to go home now. Will you be okay here alone?" Andrei piped up as he stood.
"Yes, I'll be fine. It's getting late, you guys should go home now." I replied.
"I can just sleep here with you, if you want." Meg chimed in and I shook my head before replying.
"There's no need for that, Meggy. I'll be fine." I said and Meg sighed as she stood.
"Are you sure?" Meg asked and I nodded at her.
"Don't worry about me anymore, I'll be fine." I stated.
"Call me when there's a problem." Andrei spoke out and I nodded at him.
"I will." I replied.
"Come on, you guys need to go home now. Your parents will surely worry about you." I said as I picked up their bags from the floor.
"Here's your bag, Drei." I said as I handed him his bag and he thanked me before taking it from my hand.
"And here's yours, Meg." I said and Meg took her bag from my hand and hung it on her shoulder.
"Thank you, Lou. We'll go ahead now, see you tomorrow!" Meg said as she kissed my cheek.
"See you tomorrow." I said and then I kissed her cheek.
"Take care, Lou. See you tomorrow." Andrei uttered as he patted my head.
"Alright! Go home now!" I exclaimed and then I went towards the door and opened it for them.
After we bade our goodbyes, they finally left. I closed the door and went back in the living room. I picked up all the soiled dishes and then I went directly in the kitchen to wash them.
After I finished washing the dishes and cleaning our mess in the living room, I took a hot shower to calm myself down and then I changed into my nightclothes. I will not go to bed yet but I want to make myself comfortable because I will be fixing Ace's sketchbook tonight.
I gathered all the adhesive tapes I have at home and placed them on the table in the living room. Then, I took out the sketchbook from my bag and I started to assemble each pages. It is like solving jigsaw puzzles and I am not good at it. Honestly, I am having a hard time in forming his drawings because there are so many pieces of paper scattered on the table but it is fine, I will do it for Ace.
I did not even realize that I fell asleep and I was just woken by my ringing phone. I grabbed my bag on the couch and took out my phone to see who is calling. It stopped ringing and I quickly unlocked my phone. I was surprised to see that the call was from an unknown caller because the number is not registered on my contacts. I wonder who the caller is but I am not planning to make a callback. I will surely get another call if it is urgent.
I checked the time on my phone. It is fifteen minutes past nine and my stomach growled with that thought. I haven't eaten dinner yet and I am so hungry.
I was about to stand and go to the kitchen to make something to eat when my phone started ringing again and the call was from the same number.
"Who are you?" I said after I answered the call.
"Why don't you go to the university's natatorium and find out who I am." A man on the other line answered and I heard him chuckle.
"Why would I do that?" I asked confusedly.
Is he for real? No sane person will go there at this hour.
"Because your friends are here with me and I wonder what will I do to them. Should I drown them or throw them in a pool filled with cockroaches or snakes rather?" He said and then he chuckled again.
What the hell is he saying?
"My friends? Do you even know who I am?" I asked confusedly.
"Of course, Louella. Come here and beg me to let go of Jill Andrei Gomez and Meg Andrea Valencia." He said as he chortled.
"Drake." I muttered and he stopped chortling.
"Oh! I'm so glad that you still remember me." He said mockingly as he continued chuckling.
My heart started to beat fast and I suddenly feel nervous. Drake was the only one I could think of and I am pretty sure that he is the reason behind all of these. That bastard! He really knows how to aggravate me.
"You jerk! Don't do anything to my friends!" I snapped at him and he chuckled.
"Just come here if you want to save them but I can't wait that long." He replied and then I hear him tsk-tsked.
"I'll come, drown me if you want just don't lay a finger on my friends. Will you?" I pleaded.
"See you, Louella." He replied then he ended the call.
I booked a taxi and then I quickly placed my phone inside my backpack and zipped it close. I grabbed my backpack ang slung its straps on my shoulder. It has everything I need, my phone and wallet.
After a few minutes, a taxi honked and I exited my house and locked the door. I got into the taxi and told the driver where I am going and then the taxi drove away.
During the ride, I could not help but worry about my friends. I tried to call Andrei but I could not reach his line. I am hoping that nothing bad has happened to them because if they would be hurt, I do not think I can forgive myself. They are all that I have and I can't bear to lose any of them.
The taxi stopped in front of the university. I paid the driver and got out of the taxi. The university's main gate was widely opened which makes me think that Drake has planned everything and I trembled with that thought.
My lips started to shiver because it is quite chilly. I wish I had changed my nightclothes into pants and hoodie or sweatshirt. Perhaps, I should have brought a jacket to warm myself. My body quivered with that thought but I shrugged it off.
I started to walk towards the university. Luckily, I know where the natatorium is located and the path I am taking was illuminated by the light. I walked as I hug myself to ease the coldness.
I stopped in front of the natatorium and then I took a deep breath. I do not know what is waiting for me there but this is all I know, I have to be brave.
Whatever happens, happens. I can surely do this.