(FHS #4) Tired of running away from her nightmares, Kirsten returns to Filimon Heights to make peace and start anew. Little does she know, returning has its own consequences. Deadly ones.
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"Anak, okay ka lang ba? Kanina mo pa hindi ginagalaw ang pagkain mo?"
I snapped out from my thoughts and found myself sitting at the dining table with my parents. It's been a day but I can't get Magno's message off my mind, especially because he wasn't even answering my calls and messages. I didn't have the courage to ask Reika either.
"I'm just worried about a co-worker," I lied flawlessly and even let out a small sigh, trying to look concerned.
"Are you sure that's the only thing that's bothering you?" Mom asked. A hint of doubt visible in her eyes.
I shook my head and smiled a little. "May scout jamboree po kasi tapos 'yung co-worker ko na dapat chaperone, nagkasakit ang anak. She asked me to replace her so she could stay with her daughter."
"Where are you going with this, Kirsten?" Dad asked as he sighed.
"That's the thing..." I scratched the tip of my ear as I trailed, "I'm wondering if you'll allow me to go camping with the kids. It'll just be for a few days," I smiled sheepishly, hoping that they'll buy my lies.
Mom and Dad both looked at each other.
"You are so going to hell, Kirsten," I whispered to myself as I got inside my car and placed my bag on the passenger seat. Who would've thought my lie would work! Good thing may jamboree talaga na magaganap!
Mom and Dad watched as I drove away. I waved them goodbye from the side-mirror.
As I moved further away from them, my heartbeat slowed in a fit of guilt and worry. I can't help but wonder if I'm doing the right thing.
Despite all my doubts and worries, I booked a flight to Filimon Heights.
*****
"Oh fuck," I whispered to myself the moment I found myself standing outside the airport of Filimon Heights. Masyadong naging okupado ang isip ko at ngayon ko lang naisip na hindi ko alam saan pupunta lalo't hindi na sumasagot si Magno sa mga tawag ko. Hindi ko rin naman maalala kung saan 'yung apartment niya.
Naisip ko agad sina Mela at Lewis. They got mad at me for leaving without saying goodbye in person pero napatawad din naman nila ako. Huli kong balita sa kanila ay sila na. Nagka-developan ang dalawang mga balahura.
Akmang tatawagan ko si Mela para humingi ng tulong at magpasundo nang bigla kong napansin ang isang pulis na papalapit. Hindi naman ako kriminal at mas lalong wala akong ginawang krimen pero natakot pa rin ako. Kung hindi lang siguro mabigat ang bag ko, tumakbo na ako.
"Kirsten?!" Nakangiti nitong bulalas pero hindi ko maaninag ang mukha niya dahil sa suot niyang sunglasses.
"Jethro?!" Pasigaw kong sambit nang maalala kong pulis nga pala si Jethro. Dali-dali kong itinaas ang nakakuyom kong kamao. It's been three years and I still want to punch the living shit out of that traitor!
