I was thrown onto the bed. The man Dad called Rodrigo quickly left the room, locking it from the outside. I couldn’t understand how he managed to lock it when my doorknob wasn’t designed that way.
Looking around, I realized it wasn’t even my room. I blinked in disbelief. He had locked me in the guest room!
My breath grew shallow and rapid as I forced myself to get up from the bed. I couldn’t let Dad keep me locked away like this. Who knew when he’d decide to let me out?
“I need to go to school!” I yelled, pounding my fist on the door. “Dad, you can’t keep me here!”
But no one outside seemed inclined to open the door. I stopped banging and sighed heavily.
I walked back to the bed and sat on the edge, trying to think of a way out. Then, I remembered my phone was in my pocket.
Quickly retrieving it, I turned it on and found the battery fully charged. Relief washed over me.
I opened my contacts and scrolled through. Who could I call for help?
Then, I saw Japen’s name. He knew where the mansion was, and Dad knew him. Maybe Dad would let him visit. But I remembered Dad had reprimanded Japen last time. I bit my lip, hesitating, but decided to try. At least it was some action to get out of this room.
I dialed his number, and after four rings, he picked up. “Azora?” he greeted.
I managed a smile, though he couldn’t see it. “J-Japen,” I said, my voice trembling. I cleared my throat. “How are you?”
“Mabuti ako, Azora. Napatawag ka?”
“Uh…” I twiddled with my sleeve. “Can you… can you come visit me at the mansion?”
There was a long pause. Then I heard Japen’s voice. “Are you okay?”
I sighed. “I just…” I closed my eyes. “I want to see you.”
I didn’t know if I wanted to see him for help or because I genuinely missed him. It had been days since I’d last seen him at the hospital.
“Na-mi-miss mo ako?” His voice carried a playful tone.
That made me smile. “Yeah. I miss you.”
And I meant it. I missed him deeply, and after everything that had happened, I longed to feel his arms around me again like at the resort. I missed his warmth, his scent, his smile, his voice… everything about him.
“Hintayin mo ako, Azora.”
His words brought tears to my eyes. I knew I could rely on him whenever I needed him. “I’ll w-wait for you here. Please be quick. I-I want to…” My voice broke, and tears streamed down my cheeks. “Japen, please…”
I ended the call before he could hear me crying. I didn’t want him to hear me like this. I took a deep breath and let myself cry freely.
My heart felt heavy, and tears wouldn’t stop flowing. I lost track of how long I’d been crying, only stopping when I heard heavy footsteps outside the room.
Quickly wiping my tears, I straightened up. I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling utterly worn out. I must have looked a mess, but I couldn’t muster a smile.
Someone picked the lock from outside. I wondered who it could be.
Was it Japen? I blinked, waiting for the door to open. A few seconds later, it did, but it wasn’t Japen. It was Simmy. My hopes shattered; I’d thought it was Japen.
There was no emotion in Simmy’s eyes as she scanned the room. When our eyes met, I saw her flinch.
“I’ll give you half an hour. You should come down before the half-hour is over, or Ali might return here,” she said.
I furrowed my brow at her words. They seemed like they weren’t meant for me, and I was right because suddenly, Japen entered the room.
Our eyes met, and I was surprised to see him. Simmy closed the door behind him but didn’t lock it from the outside. Then, I heard her footsteps fading away.
Japen and I stood there in silence for a moment, neither of us saying a word. The quiet was strangely comforting.
Then, he walked towards me. I didn’t stand up; I remained seated on the edge of the bed. I was too exhausted to even try.
“Azora,” he called softly, his voice hoarse. “What happened?”
I just looked at him, lifting my gaze when he stood in front of me. I took a deep breath.
The weight of sadness had lifted somewhat after crying, but having Japen here brought a sense of relief. I’d thought I might be left alone and locked up indefinitely. Being alone and locked in that room was enough to drive anyone mad.
I leaned into him and smiled weakly. “Can you lie down on the bed?” I asked, my voice also raspy from crying.
His brow furrowed, but he didn’t say anything. He complied, lying down on the bed. He looked at me, staring into my eyes. “What’s wrong, Azora?” he asked.
I smiled slightly and moved closer. I rested my head on his chest, embracing him. I could hear his steady heartbeat.
I felt his hands on the back of my head. “What happened?” he asked again.
I chuckled softly at how many times he asked the same thing. “You wouldn’t understand. But can we just stay like this until I fall asleep?”
He didn’t say anything, but I felt him stroke my hair. I took another deep breath and settled more comfortably in his arms. Then, I closed my eyes.
“Please visit me often. I love being like this with you, Japen.”
“Aren’t you going to tell me what’s wrong or why they locked you up here?”
I opened my eyes and looked up at him. He was gazing down at me. I glanced at his lips. “I can’t. I don’t want you involved in this mess.”
“But Azora-”
“Please, promise me.” I stared directly into his eyes. “Don’t get mixed up in this mess, okay?” I touched his cheek gently. “I don’t want you getting hurt. I couldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to you, Japen. Please promise me.”
He held my hand against his cheek, studying my face. He seemed to search for something, then sighed and gave in. “Just call me if you want me to be there.”
I smiled at him again. Pushing myself up, I leaned closer to him and kissed him.
But as Japen’s hand moved from my hair to the back of my neck, he tilted my head down. His warm, soft lips met mine, and I closed my eyes in response.