Chapter 7: Shadow
Cinyla’s POV
There is no communication happened between me and my mother during our breakfast. Even BenChua was just quietly eating as well. His gaze was steady even though I honestly felt that he wanted to break the silence with us.
“I’m done eating, thank you! I’m coming in.” I seriously promise I’ll drink some water first and get up.
“Be careful, darling and I am sorry again for last night,” she said sincerely. I just responded with a forced smile and left. I don’t agree that BenChua will accompany me because it was embarrassing, I’ll just wait for the car because I’m wearing fitted pants with my black t-shirt tucked in. Random clothes because now in the office so it’s okay to do anything, just don’t reveal.
While I was waiting, I noticed BenChua’s car coming out. I think he has a walk, where does he work? Instead of thinking about them, I just focused on the road so I could park and ride as well.
Until a familiar car hit me. “You’re on board, I’ll take you,” BenChua said while looking in his mirror.
“Maybe you have a walk so you better leave now, I’m still waiting for the car.” I refused and tried to drive him away. It’s not that I don’t want to, I just don’t want him to think that I’m overdoing it by riding in his car for free.
“Look Cinyla, this is my offer and I am not busy. I am serious.” He opened the door and forced me to go inside his car.
I was proud for almost a minute but in the end, I also agreed because I was going to miss what he was doing.
“Are you sure you don’t walk?” I will make sure while wearing the seat belt because I am currently in his car.
“Of course, let’s go. It’s okay, isn’t it?” he asked, looking at me to see if I was wearing the seat belt properly. But it came to fix it, I saw her chocolate eyes, her smell more than fresh flowers the fragrance, and her thick eyebrows enticing.
“I know I’m handsome, but calm the stare lest I melt,” it said arrogantly with a foolish smile. I pushed because there was so much more to say.
“O-ouch!”
“Does it hurt? I’m sorry! Because you’re the one who says so much, I’m just surprised.” when I changed the subject and pretended to show concern for him.
“My lips hurt so much like I need a kiss.” I slapped his arm. “Stop, BenChua! I’m asking answer seriously!” I said with conviction.
“Okay! I am just kidding you. I’ll be right here to drive you, so you don’t get late.” He said seriously and focus on driving. Then, we became silence liked an angel is passing by.
I hate silence so I will speak first, “Why would you take me, I mean you don’t have a job now?”
“Honestly, I am so busy person yet, next week I’ll be taking care of something. But I want to have a rest for a while. Don’t worry about this I am a pleasure to be with you. I am okay. I want to take care of you.”
I was almost deaf to the last thing he said, was what I heard right? And for clarity, I repeat. “Y-you will take care of me?”
“I mean because I’m going to shoot close to your place of work, so here I am with you. Don’t you want it?”
“No, it’s in my favor because at least I can save on the fare. You’re no different from me so I’m confident that you’ll take me to my job.”
“Sure, where else will I take you? he asked seriously.
I was devastated by what he said. “You know you should be okay, just drive!” annoyed I said.
I just laughed and never spoke again. I didn’t even choose to speak anymore because he might say something else. The amount of him is as well-known as nonsense.
“We’re already here, Madam.” He politely said once the car had stopped.
“Thank you!” I said sparingly and removed the seatbelt I was wearing and got off.
“Be careful when entering, I can’t pick you up because I’ll be home late, Cinyla.” It reminded me that I was sad. It finally said goodbye and started working.
Until it was completely out of sight but I feel like I can’t understand. Is this what they say? The more you hate the more you love, what I am trying to point out is everything has a reason and on some occasions, you will meet someone, unexpectedly.
I finished a lot of work again today, I stretched first before I finally put away my stuff. The content of my office is simple and I designed it aesthetically so that it is not boring inside.
I was still yawning because I was so tired so I looked at my watch and noticed that it was about six o’clock.
I got up and turned off my computer, I also double-checked my surroundings to make sure I didn’t forget anything or anything. While I was taking care of it I received a simple message from my cell phone.
Hi! Always take care of yourself huh? I miss you, Cinyla. I hope that you forgive me.
Received. 6:01 PM Tuesday
I almost let go of my cellphone in astonishment and fear. I don’t know who left the message because it only says UNKNOWN NUMBER.
Who is this?
I looked at the number but I didn’t know who owned it. I also looked at these calls but nothing because I just now really received this kind of number.
I just adjusted myself and immediately hid my cell phone in the bag. I feel mixed now but I just want to go home.
I logged out and hurried out. I took courage and ignored that message, maybe because it was just the wrong send. I also looked around and I also made sure no one was following me.
“Hey sis, what happened? Are you coming home, yet?” Karla asked as I saw her at the exit holding a cup of coffee.
“I’m okay sis! Yes, sis, I’m going home. Aren’t you going home yet?” I asked so that he wouldn’t have to think about anything.
“Soon sis, my boyfriend will pick me up later. Oh hey, be careful okay? Anyway, goodbye!” She left me and I breathed a sigh of relief. I walked where there were many traffic lanes to get home as well.
My cellphone rang again but I just ignored it, a series of sounds happened that seemed to give me nervousness and out of curiosity I first took it out of my bag and read it while I wasn’t on board
I received five messages from the person who called me recently because of the end of his number 56 which I remember. Then, I opened every message I have from that number.
Received. 6:05 PM Tuesday
Be careful.
Received. 6:06 PM Tuesday
Isn’t he? Let me be comfortable next time that you are safe.
Received. 6:08 PM Tuesday
How are you?
Received. 6:09 PM Tuesday
Did you like my gift?
Received. 6:11 PM Tuesday
I miss you. See you, soon!
I could almost cover my mouth because of the last thing I read. I tightened my grip on my cellphone until a car passed by. I turned that off and try to focus on the road.
Even though I feel nervous and scared right now, I have to be careful and not think too much because I’m on the road right now. I just told the driver to drop me off at Banukan where our Street is.
I didn’t pay attention to that message at first but honestly while the driver’s car was moving, I couldn’t be bothered, I felt like someone was watching me. So, my eyes are also worried because later someone just pulled me out of someone.
I even reached for my payment before I could miss it because of my thoughts.
My cell phone vibrated again to signal that someone had texted again. I didn’t want to notice it but my hands seemed to agree to take it out of my bag.
I was all holding back because actually, our house is still a bit far away, and maybe what will happen to me when I read this. I ignored it but took my cell phone inside and sent it off so I wouldn’t receive any more messages.
“Who’s down in the Banukan?” The driver shouted.
“Just next door, thank you!” He put it aside and I slowly went down.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
And as I finally descended I first chose to remove the ones that had bothered me from earlier from the office. The walk was straight and thoughtless and when I reached our gate, I noticed something strange that seemed to give me, especially nervousness. I hurried and entered the courtyard.
“Sweetie you’re already here. What happened to you?” mama said in surprise when she saw that I looked strange with a streak of fear and concern.
By the way, my dad’s brother was there, because I see his car outside that was familiar to me.
“N-Nothing, good evening.” I waved to the two of them and said goodbye to go upstairs and rest in the room.
I already heard BenChua’s voice, and it looks like he had just come home and I was just a little ahead.
“All right, I’m going up,” I said goodbye to them and BenChua arrived. I didn’t wait for what would happen and I went straight to the top.
And when I entered my room, I first sat at my study table there and turned on my cell phone.
I have received many calls from the person who gave me the message recently.
Wait, who is this and why is he feeling down?
I stand up when I heard something break from below. What’s that?