Inaudible Melodies

Kabanata 2

However, luck was on my side. A guard walked in front of me. I called him and give him a light smile when he noticed me. I am always like this. Smiling at people even though they're strangers in my eyes, 'cause why not? To smile wasn't an order from my mom, I always smiled in my own will.

This is me. Lea Awsman, a lighthearted girl. An innocent one but always full of inquiringness inside her head.

"Kuya, can I borrow your phone? My driver wasn't here yet. I have to call him but my phone was shut down."

"Gano'n ba, hija? Kukunin ko lang saglit sa bulsa ko." I nodded with a half-smile scattered on my lips.

I only saw the guard once. I'm always inside the school's perimeter when I'm waiting for my driver. Only then, I will come out when it's time for the arrival of my pick up.

Too much for that.

The guard handed me his phone. It's old and had a bit cracked on the side above, but this will do. I started typing the numbers. Just a few rings and someone answered from the other line. Maybe, it's one of our maids.

"Hello?" her voice rings a bell. Ah, I remembered. It must be Ate Inia if I'm not mistaken.

"Ate! It's Lea, po. My driver hasn't arrived yet and it's getting late. Can you tell Ricky to pick me up instead?"

Ricky is also one of our drivers. We were at the same line of age. I don't know the whole story of his on why he's working at the age of 16.

"Sige, hija. Pero akala ko nand'yan na si Paing? Kanina pa iyon lumakad para sunduin ka." my smile disappeared and I pursed my lips.

It's 6 o'clock yet his presence was still not here. Kuya Paing is sometimes tangled in the traffic 'cause he's always going through shortcuts for an easy way.

"Wala pa po e..." I trailed off.

"Baka nasiraan, hija?"

"Siguro. Sige po, I'll take down the call, Ate. I just borrowed this phone, eh."

"O'siya sige, hija. Mag-iingat ka d'yan, ha?" I smiled at her concern.

"Okay, po. Thank you."

I turned off the call and face the guard to return his phone. "Thank you, Kuya, for lending."

"Walang anuman, hija. Darating na ba ang sundo mo?" I shook my head.

"Maybe it will take a while, Kuya. My driver just got out from the house."

"Naku, hija! Dumidilim na. Pasensya na at hindi na kita masasamahan, kailangan ko nang umuwi dahil may emergency sa bahay." I gave him an understanding nod.

"Okay lang, po." I understood that before the clock strike at 6, the school is all clean. Out of people to be specific. Bawal kasing tumambay dito, even guards couldn't.

"Pasensya na talaga, hija." he gave me an apologetic look before he finally walked away until he no longer reached my sight.

I was left alone. Darkness already ruled the clouds, and every touch of the air in my skin was cold. Fresh air bite into my body but it feels spectacular.

I let out a heavy sigh. I wonder what happened to Kuya Paing. I hope he's okay and nothing bad itched to him on his way.

I took another breath. How can I deal with my piano class later? I don't think I can attend today. And I know for a fact that my absence couldn't get away from my mother's notice.

I blew out my cheeks before looking at the surroundings. My heart hammered inside my chest as I saw three men! My eyes widened and freaked out in my place.

They walk unevenly and look drunk too! The hair of my skin grew back all over my body when I saw them heading in my direction!

I prowled my eyes around, despondent to find someone so I can ask for help but I found nothing! I am frustrated each second passes by! Fear finally took over my system.

My hands were shivering in so much panic. Terror engulfed every vein in my body. I'm scared of what will happen to me. I can't move my feet to run!

I strutted frozen in my spot. I was unable to run due to the fear flooding my entire head. My mind can't even function well!

My eyes commenced to water. I'm scared! Please someone save me! Please!

The three drunk men are getting nearer to my place. I just closed my eyes and let my knees weaken, and tremble. I don't know how to fight if they will do something worse to me. I'm too scared to the point that I felt numb. I don't even have any strength to move my feet and get out of here!

Please! Save me!

It was like my prayer was heard. I opened my eyes because of the noise coming near in my spot. I almost gasp and my jaw plummeted when I saw someone beating those guys. My lips parted on what I've witnessed. He looks like a warrior that's ready for a war. I can't see his face, it was covered by the cloak he's wearing.

When he's done beating those three guys into a pulp, he looked at me but I can't still see his contour. His lower part was fully unraveled with a mask. He switched his self in the dark part which did not help me to take a glimpse of his face.

I can't see him. I can't see the man's face who saved me.

I shivered when he spoke, "You're safe..." his voice creaked ragged and sharp, but I can't deny that it feels comfy and soft to my ears.

"T-thank you," I meant and I know that he's cognizant of the subtle shudder in my tone.

He didn't say anything and fled without voicing a reply. At the precise time, Ricky arrived and roused my stupefied face.

You're safe...

I'm safe because I was saved by him.