Criminals Like Us

II. Of little tears, and realizations, and crimes

c h a p t e r 2

VANCE.

I GULPED a lump in my throat. My mind can't react properly for what I've just learned.

It's definitely a wrong move to argue with her. She has the lowest value of number embroidered on her jacket. Killing someone is the most inhumane act I'll ever know. I wonder what crime she did. Should I be afraid of her?

"I don't mind, Mister," finally, I get able to speak after pondering the mistake I did awhile ago.

"Good." He gave me a bright smile as a response.

It's really odd to see a former serial killer who can pull off a smile that can change the awkwardness between us. Kung naging artista siya, malamang maraming nag-fan girl at kandarapa sa kanya. Lamang lang siguro siya ng ilang ligo sa 'kin, maaabutan ko na 'yong level ng itsura niya.

We ate our food and he let me use his spot as he permitted. No one started a conversation the whole time. Pero nakatuon lang ang mga mata ko sa isang tao habang ngumunguya.

Double-o-one.

Muling sumagi sa isip ko ang mga numerong 'yon. Hindi maalis sa isip ko kung anong kaso niya. I'm sure she's younger than me base on her appearance.

It justifies that I must avoid her, not because I'm intimidated or what. I'm too annoyed with the attitude of hers. Uncultured.

I was taken a back when Mister Harrison called me out for staring at her for a long while. "Have some a little mercy, she might dissolve by your stares anytime," He teased me and chuckled.

Shit. He misunderstood.

"No! Mister Harrison-"

"Just call me Ryde, kid," he interrupts.

I put down the spoon and fork. "Yes, Ryde, and correction, I'm not a kid!" I exclaimed.

"Don't be so offensive, inmate obvious." He tapped my shoulder and flashed a grinning smile.

We both stood up from the bench and I followed him. Not being offensive, but I want to explain my side. Ayokong magmukhang interesado sa babaeng 'yon.

I'm still in the process of accepting the betrayal I received. Mahirap nang magtiwala, lalo na ngayon na ang lahat ng kasama ko mga kriminal.

We put down our trays on a wide stainless steel surface, which was attached to the window. Medyo nagtaka pa ako kung paano nagkaroon ng bintana rito. Perhaps, windows and doors here will come out once it's activated by the system of this place.

"I don't like her," I sharply said as soon as I faced him.

Tinitigan niya ako habang nakangisi. Inaasar niya ba ako?

"You don't like her, but you're obviously interested with her?" He arched his left eyebrow.

I immediately shook my head as disapproval. I sighed hard and I heard him chortled. This man is making fun of me, no doubt.

"Do not attempt of messing with her. Just don't," he warned me.

I was about to argue, but Ryde vanished in my sight in no time, as soon as he reached the door to went out.

Ang weird naman niya. Mamimikon tapos biglang aalis kaagad. Hopeless na akong may makasundo kahit isa sa kanila. Bahala sila.

"Hindi ka ba nabusog? 'Yong mukha mo parang hanggang lalamunan mo lang 'yong kinain mo eh." J2 arrived at my place just to annoy me once again.