Chapter 2: Confessing to the Devil

“Wow, are you in love, Zabby? This is a good piece!” Amara said while reading the school newspaper.

I immediately shook my head as a no. "No! I am not." I bit my lower lip and I felt how my cheeks slowly turned red.

"Alright!" she shrugged her shoulders. "But I'm sure the students will like this. Especially that it talks about first love." She wiggled her eyebrows to me.

“Hey, I heard that Luna wants to pursue Eliot. I can't believe Luna is one of the girls who want to be Eliot's girlfriend,” said Chantal as her eyes were fixated to her phone, reading something.

"Who wouldn't like Eliot? But the question here should be..." there's a long pause before Amara continues. "Does Eliot want to date them? Or her? Eliot never had a girlfriend."

I couldn't focus on their conversation as the only thing that's running into my mind is... Luna likes Eliot.

Luna is a pretty girl; she's also very good at academics. And it's not impossible for Eliot to like her.

I don't have any experience when it comes to this thing we call romance. But I do feel a slight pang of pain on my chest. The thought of Eliot dating Luna is making me sad.

I bowed my head and told them I was just going to pass my paper to Mrs. Starling. Mrs. Starling complimented my work and told me how amazing it was but I didn't know why I couldn't be happy nor smile.

I ended up reading books again about law.

“Zabrina…” the familiar deep and bit raspy voice got my attention. I raised my head only to meet his green eyes.

There, in front of me, is Eliot standing. He's wearing his eyeglasses again and his uniform. Maybe because he doesn't have a practice game today.

“Eliot,"

He looked puzzled as he stared at me before picking some random book on the shelf. He sat beside me after he got what he needed.

“I heard from Amara that you went to Mrs. Starling but you weren’t there. So, I thought that you were here.” He said huskily, fixing his eyeglasses.

Maybe it's because he's close to me or maybe because he smells nice and I like his natural scent that my heart keeps beating like crazy.

He looks manly and he smells like a real man.

“Why are you searching for me...” I said silently.

He looks surprised at my question as he stares at me. He looks puzzled once again, he's looking at me as if I'm a big mystery to his life and he wants to solve me.

“Ah! Your friends said you suddenly left after talking about Luna.

I felt the familiar pain on my chest.

The way he says Luna’s name is hurting me.

I didn't know that just a simple mention of her name could hurt me like this.

“Ah..." I tried to think about the reason why I left. "No. I just went to pass my paper..."

"Hmm," he hummed before slowly nodding his head. His lips twisted a bit while his eyes were still staring at me. My brows furrowed, and he just smiled at me.

I didn't know what magic he had cast that a smile slowly forms into my lips, too. I looked away and tried to hide the smile on my eyes.

He chuckled before opening the book he took.

He didn’t say anything after that. We just remained in silence while reading a book.

I became fine after that day.

“It’s void if your witnesses are not in the right age…” He said in a deep tone.

We're in the library again and he is explaining to me the family code of the Philippines. We are talking about marriage now.

“But as long as there are two legal age witnesses, is it legal?” I asked.

“Yes," he said

"Is it true that you can get married on a ship?" I curiously asked as I tilted my head on the other side.

He slowly nodded before flipping the page of the book he's reading.

“Article. 31. A marriage in articulo mortis between passengers or crew members may also be solemnized by a ship captain or by an airplane pilot not only while the ship is at sea or the plane is in flight, but also during stopovers at ports of call.” He explained it to me as if he memorized it.

Oh, I see. So that's how it works.

"What about if you want a separation? People from the Philippines already want a divorce."

A ghost of smile form into his lips. "A petition for legal separation may be filed on any of the following grounds. Repeated physical violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner; et cetera..."

“That's too much. I am kind of scared with marriage now..." I said before hugging my book.

“Don’t worry; you won’t get separated once you got married.” He pouted a bit before diverting his eyes to the book.

“How could you say that? What if my husband will physically abuse me?" I said hysterically.

His lips twisted sexily. “Don’t worry, I won’t.

I know he's only joking but then... his eyes are telling me otherwise. It feels like he is serious about it!

Eliot, you really know how to make my heart flutter and at the same time, make me so speechless, but in a good way.

I was sitting on the benches here at the school ground. Some students already went home because it's already late. This day is a bit exhausting because of too many activities. That's why I decided to kill some time here before going home.

The cold air is blowing some strands of my air and even the skirt I am wearing. The air is cold but it's bearable and relaxing. Ahh! It's good to sleep in this kind of weather.

I took out my book on mathematics to review some formula that my professor had discussed earlier.

I could hear the birds chirping as they fly their way back to their home.

Even the sun is slowly bidding its goodbye as the sky is slowly turning into color orange.

"I like you, Eliot." and just like what I said, there are no students around anymore. That's why the place is very quiet that you can hear even the slightest sound.

Luna is standing in front of Eliot.

Just like how the wind blows my skirt and hair, it is also blowing some strands of Luna's hair making it look like its dancing. Her cheeks are tinted pink, lips a bit parted.

She’s very pretty, and the light from the sunset and is giving her beauty more justice. She looks like an angel.

I looked away and chose to just pack my things. I need to go. I don't want to ruin their moment, I am not stupid. I know that Eliot likes her too. She's pretty, smart, and very kind. It's not impossible.

I slowly stood up and started to leave. Holding my books, my bag... and my broken heart. It hurts so much; I didn't know this pain is even possible. I could feel my heart breaking into pieces, it's aching so much

I like... no, I love Eliot but it doesn't mean that he's already mine. That I have the right to stop others from liking him or stop him from liking others.

I don't have the right to stop them from falling to each other. They are perfect for each other.

I am still too young. He is 3 years older than me and girls of his age are the right girl for him.

Not me.

“Zabrina!” I stopped walking.

Even if I don't look back, even if I don't look at it. I know already who's calling my name. The familiar feeling inside my stomach, the only reason why my heart beats faster. There's only one reason why.

It's him.

But no! You should leave, Zabrina! Just pretend you didn't hear anything!

I started walking again and I made sure it's way faster than before.

Maybe he got shy because I witnessed their confession to each other. Maybe he was embarrassed that's why he followed me; maybe he wanted me to keep my mouth shut!

He's following me! He's really following me!

I tried to walk faster but he stopped me by holding my elbow and pulling me towards him.

I almost lost my balance; thankfully I landed on his chest.

“Where are you going? I've been calling you." He said as his eyes darkened.

He looked confused as he stared at me; I slowly removed his hand to my elbow before I stood straight. I felt the voltage of electricity when I touched his hand. Is that what we call sparks? Damn! I don't know.

“I didn't hear you,” I said defensively.

When I looked behind him, I did now see Luna. Where was she? What happened? Did I ruin their moment?

Luna got lost in my sight when Eliot covered his body. Because he's tall and had a nice body, he successfully did that.

“Luna…” I said softly,

When our eyes met, he looked irritated. It's like he's not happy with what's happening. Maybe he's mad that I ruined their moment together...

“Stop looking at her and look at me, Zabrina.” He harshly said as his jaw clenched.

“H-huh? But Luna is already leaving, Eliot…”

“I don’t care, Zabrina.” His voice thundered. “Let’s talk.

What are we going to talk about? Is it more important than their feelings for each other?

Maybe he just wants me to keep my mouth shut. “Eliot, don't worry. I won't tell anyone about what I…”

But before I could finish my sentence, I felt a lump on my throat making me stop from what I am going to say. I cleared my throat before continuing. His jaw clenched once again as he watched me carefully.

"I have ruined your moment with Luna, I am really sorry..." I felt a slight pain on my chest.

So this is how it really feels when you are in love with someone and they are in love with someone else. You just need to pretend that it's alright even though it's not.

It hurts to like someone who likes someone else.

I can feel the tears slowly forming into the side of my eyes. I bit my lower lip hoping it would stop them from falling. But instead, they slowly made their way down to my cheeks.

My lips parted as I felt the tears running down to my cheeks. I immediately wipe it using the back of my hands. He gaped as he saw me crying. He looks stunned and confused. I felt uneasy so I moved backward, still trying my best to stop my tears but they just wouldn't stop.

The wind is blowing; the sun is already setting, leaving the whole school ground area to become a dark place. The breeze of the air is already becoming colder just like how I feel right now.

I don't know why I'm crying in front of him. I don't understand why I am hurting like this. Is it because I love him and I know he likes someone else? Or is it because I realized that I can't him?

I don't have the right. You don't have the right, Zabrina! So stop crying and just let go!

I love him but that's the end of it. I should stop thinking that he'll be mine.

I'm still too young for this. I'm still too young to think that this is real love. But if this isn't... then what the hell is this!

“Zabrina…” he said hoarsely before he raised his right hand to reach for my cheeks. Using his thumb, he wiped the tears on my cheeks. His touch was very light and careful. It's like I am a fragile thing that he wants to take care of.

I hate that I’m already hurting but at the same time my heart is crying for happiness because of his simple gestures.

This is crazy! I can’t believe I’d feel this. I'm hurting but happy at the same time.

“S-sorry… something just got into my eyes. Maybe the dust.” I said before a fake laugh came out into my mouth.

I saw the gentleness on his eyes as he caressed my cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Zabrina.” He mumbled in a soft tone.

His voice was tender and soft, like a lullaby into my ears. It's like an angel singing in front of me.

“Why are you saying sorry? I told you it's just because of the dust!” I brushed away the tears on my eyes, removing his hand to my face.

His eyes went down to his hand. I sniffed before I tried to myself calm and formal.

You are embarrassing, Zabrina! How could you cry in front of him! What would he think now? That you are crazy?

When his eyes went back to me. I saw how his eyes become soft as he stares at me, it's like he's being careful or something.

"What about Luna, Eliot? She left... what if she'll think that you don't like her?" I said trying to fake my cheerfulness. "Ah! Sorry, I heard about her confession..."

“I don't like her," he said in a hard tone.

I faked a laugh to hide the pain I am feeling. "Impossible! She's very pretty."

His face darkened, clenching his jaw before heaving a sigh.

It's like he's stopping himself from something.

"I don't like her.” He said again but more serious now.

He sounds like he wants me to understand that. I forced a smile before slowly nodded. Luna's beauty and intelligence haven't passed Eliot's standard, so I think the chances of him loving me are impossible.

A guy like Eliot deserves a perfect girl. A girl with beauty and brain. Sophisticated and very classy.

“So, now tell me why you are crying?” his voice became softer.

But if I will keep telling myself that I don't deserve Eliot. That it's impossible for him to like me! Am I going to feel better? No! I need an answer. I want to know if my thoughts are right. If it's really impossible.

I took a deep breath and raised my head to face him. I am sure that I probably look like a mess right now. My eyes are teary, my face is wet because of the tears and my hair is a bit messy because of the wind. But here I am. Trying my best to be confident in front of the guy I like.

"I actually cried because it hurts to see you being with another girl." that's what I wanted to say but instead I said, "It is just really because of the dust..."

Damn it!

A smile slowly formed into his lips. His hand went to my head and pats it. "If you say so, Zabrina."

I should stop being scared. I should tell him what I really feel!

"E-Eliot..." I said stammering.

"Hmm?" his right brow rose as he cocks his head on the other side, watching me carefully.

If I really wanted to tell him what I really feel, I should be presentable enough. Not right now that I look like a homeless person. "Meet me here tomorrow afternoon. I have something important to tell you!"

He licked his lower lip.

"Alright..." he said huskily.

"Promise?"

"Promise. I will meet you here tomorrow."

But my confession never happened. He didn't show up that day. I just heard that he left the country the next day. He just disappeared and didn't say any word.

And after eight long years. He's standing in front of me with a gun in his hand, pointing at me.

He slowly put his gun down before putting it to his back. "What are you doing here?" his familiar deep and raspy tone is still the same.

He became manlier and taller than before. His body is now bulkier, looks like someone who comes to the gym more often. But he's not too muscular, just enough to say that he has a nice body. And I couldn't miss the chance to compliment how well his biceps. It looks hard!

But one thing I've noticed.

He's not the same angelic guy I used to know.

"I-I just saw the unconscious guard in front of the door. Then I got curious what's inside so I went it." I reasoned.

He grins at me, looking snobbish as he tilted his head on the other side. "You think I'll buy your reason?" even his voice become manlier and deeper. Everything has changed!

He's not the same guy who made my heart flutter before. I can't feel the comfortable feeling around him anymore, he looks dangerous...

"Then why are you asking? I think you already know." I had to pinch myself after saying that.

I should be scared that he caught me stealing one of the most valuable items for The Skullz, but here I am, mocking him.

"Hmm, tough girl." He licked his lower lip. "Are you not scared, kitty?" He leans his body closer to me making me step back. I could smell his familiar scent. The scent I used to enjoy sniffing before. I shook my head, this is not the right time to reminisce past, Zabrina. You have already moved on!

"Nope." I said cockily then showed him my sweetest smile.

If he's a changed person, so am I.

I was no longer the demure girl who had a crush on him back when I was still a teenager; I am now bolder and stronger.

"I know you wouldn't kill me." I proudly said.

He snorted. "Aren't you scared of me?"

"Why would I? You don't look scary." I blinked my eyes twice before twisting my lips playfully. "And we know each other from the past. I know you wouldn't just kill me after having a reunion with me."

A laugh came out from his mouth. He even put his hand on his stomach as if I said something funny. I wasn't even joking in the first place. I was really hoping that he'd count that as a reason not to kill me.

And I am actually curious too what is he doing here.

Is he working for The Skullz?

I wonder if he knows who's their boss or the Devil.

"Let's have a deal then, kitten." when he looked at me again, his eyes became more dangerous and scary. "I'll spare your life in exchange for your service."

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