NATALIA
"WE ARE HEADING BACK HOME," the agent said with a straight face as she returned to the kitchen. I just raised an eyebrow at her. Before I could react, two of my friends beat me to it.
"What? Is that because of the cockroach? I'm okay. Don't worry, July," Haruka said softly, and like a snake, she coiled around the agent's arm.
Ignore them, Nat. Chill.
"Why so sudden? Who says we're going home? You?" Sofia sarcastically asked. The woman is also jealous. Hey, there are many of us.
What? Who's jealous? Nah, erase it. Erase.
"The president," the agent replied plainly. "Be ready, the chopper will be here in an hour," she added.
She simply removed Haruka's grip on her arm, gave me a quick glance, and left. I saw that!
'You're happy!' No! 'Duh, you're smiling.'
"Tss. Bossy," Sofia hissed.
"Wide smile, huh? Amazing mood swing, Nat," Haruka frowned. I am not sure if she is referring to the fact that the agent ignored her and I am so happy about it.
I just shrugged as I finished my meal and went back to my bedroom to put my stuff away.
After a while, the agent knocked on my door.
"Are we leaving?" I smiled.
The frown on her forehead was obvious because of my bright mood, but soon her poker face returned.
"Yes, ma'am." She nodded.
I told her, "Let's go," and handed over my bag.
It's heavy. She's my guard, so she should support me. She is paid to serve me.
I can feel her on my back, following me. That's right. When we left the hotel room, I noticed that Haruka and Sofia were no longer there, not even my four guards.
"Where are they?" I asked as we boarded the elevator to the helipad.
"They are already upstairs," she said politely.
So, the feeling that we were the only two in the elevator was awkward, and it became even more awkward because of my heartbeat, err, the intensity.
"Okay," I replied, and quietly stood inside.
I was next to the elevator button, so I could smell the scent of rose petals again when she pushed the button to the helipad. Hmm, she really does smell so good. I bit my lower lip so I wouldn't moan about her fragrant smell. Shucks! Her effect on me was so enigmatic. Gosh, just being the two of us in the four corners of this elevator doesn't help. Chill, Nat. She's just a girl.
Silence.
Fortunately, we got to the roof deck quickly. I was not aware that I was holding my breath during the ride in the elevator. How long? I do not know. I breathed out when July stepped out of the elevator. She turned to me with a confused look. How could she not be? I exhaled too loudly.
She frowned at me, and I was caught off guard. Do I need to explain myself to her regarding my behavior? Hell, no!
"What are you waiting for, miss?" with one eyebrow lifted, I said.
I am in bitch mode to cover up her effect on me. God, did I mention how hot she is wearing those black fitted sleeveless, brown baggy pants and combat boots? Her attire was soldier-like and her attire suited her perfectly.
"Nothing, ma'am," she replied, in her poker face again. Wow. How does she maintain that? "Shall we?" She extended her hand to me.
I shuddered for a moment at her gesture, but suddenly my mind and heart debated if I would take it. I look at her while debating with myself if I will reach for her hand. My ego won, so I just passed her.
In a moment, I saw in my peripherals her frustration. I, too, was disappointed. It would have been a chance to touch her again, but egrr, stupid pride. Too late. So there, I just went ahead to the chopper.
I was greeted by a bald man.
"Miss Natalia, I'll help you," he said.
I nodded, but I noticed that my two friends and the guards were gone. "Where are my friends?" I asked the bald man. The agent is behind me.
"They went ahead," he replied sparingly. I nodded again as I hopped in and he assisted me. The pilot was already there and greeted me when he noticed my presence. I just nod.
"The President sent two choppers?" I heard July ask the bad man. I was looking at them, actually, only in July. I enjoyed seeing her confused face. She seemed really surprised.
"Yes," the bald man replied sparingly, and he took July's belongings and put them in the chopper.
July was just standing there and seemed to be studying the bald man's movements. She frowned again and watched the bald man until he got into the pilot's seat. What's wrong with her?
"Juls?" She then snapped her head at me. I saw something glow in her eyes when she looked at me. "Will you board or fly home to Manila?"
She rode quietly. Then that expression on her face was gone, but I can see how she intently looked at the pilot and the bald man. The two in front were quiet, but July was eye-killing them. I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling about the looks that July is giving to the two. They look great, though.
I just turned my attention outside when the machine started to fly. The whole trip was quiet, and I felt like sleeping when we were in the middle of the vast ocean. Nice view from up here. There are small islands not far from us, but as we head forward, I see a vast ocean again. I was about to close my eyes when I heard July speak.
"Sir, is this the right way? I think we were heading in the wrong direction?" Wow. We are in the vast ocean and she knows where we are heading? Does she have a mental compass?
"This is the right way. There's a typhoon in the northern part, so we are heading here," the pilot replied.
Suddenly, July put her head out the window. I thought she would fall and I had the urge to grab her, but fortunately, she just peeked at the sky. Whew! I thought she was going to fall.
"Eh, the weather is clear," she replied, and returned to her seat properly.
"Don't ask. I'm the pilot here, so I know more about you, kid," the pilot replied, annoyed.
Did the pilot get annoyed? Just because of that?
"This is not the right way," July insisted.
I started to get alarmed here. Why was she insisting on saying that? I don't know if what she says is true, but I chose to believe her.
"Is this really the right direction, mister?" I couldn't stop meddling. "I swear if you're tricking us, I'll sentence you to life imprisonment," I threatened.
"Shut up!" said the bald man.
I was surprised. July immediately held my hand. I was immediately comforted by her action, but at the same time, surprised by the bald man's outburst. I was suddenly nervous.
"Opaw! What are you doing?" the pilot asked the bald man.
"They are so noisy. I'll just kill them so the boss will have no problem anymore!" he said, pointing a gun at us.
I gasped. I was too shocked to hear what he said. I felt July's grip on my hand tighten. The agent's face was so relaxed, but for me? I'm nervous and can't speak. I can't believe what I'm experiencing right now. I kept wondering if this is going to be my end now.
"Who are you, people?" July asked them.
"Shut up!" the bald man shouted again. His face was really annoyed and irritated. "Lots of questions! Shut up!" he says angrily.
Fine. He has the audacity to be angry. I was the one who was shocked, and until now I still can't believe what is happening. And July looks calm. Not even affected? F*ck! What the hell is happening? I was trembling with fear. Sh*t!