4

[CHAPTER 4]

it's been three days since the day I've escaped. It's a good thing that Nicole—my best friend—helped me. That night, I went straight to her condo. She agreed to let me stay there with her first. For the past few days, I I'm happy that no one is chasing me. Tho sometimes I felt like there's aneye watching over me. Now here we are attending our graduation day.I wondered why my batchmates and schoolmates laughed at the ceremony.

"Let as all welcome the arrival of our school's benefactor, Mr. Zacharias McHarry Clinton."

I stiffened in my seat when I heard that name.

everybody gives an around of applause except me who seems to be nailed from the seat.

Cl-clinton? Don't be paranoid Abi. She is not the only Clinton in the world.

Tho I have this feeling that it is him. I still kept encouraging myself that he's not just the only Clinton alive.

I looked at my program card that had been slipped and fell on the ground by whoever passed by my side. I was about to pick it up but it had already overtaken me.

My eyes almost popped when the path of our two eyes met. I felt shock, nervousness and fear.

"Miss me?" he said almost in a whisper and handed me the program.

I was stunned and didn't take it out of my own accord. I just realized he left and went straight to the stage.

"Can you drop your panties, girl?" replied Nicole next to me.

I didn't answer him because my eyes were focused on Clinton. I saw him shake hands with the highly-respected guests who were there on the stage.

So he's the school's benefactor? Does he also have something hidden? But wait? Where does he give the money from?is it from illegal drugs or theft? These past few days, my doubts about his personality are getting worse.

"At this juncture, let's all hear from our summa cumlaude Ms. Abigail Suzanne Rivera for her Words of Gratitude. Around of Applause please."

I stood up immediately and nervously walked the red carpet to the stage. I smiled at the guests and Clinton was one of them.

"Honored guest, PTA Officials, Teachers,

graduates,Our very own benefactor Mr.Clinton,Friends,Ladies & Gentleman, a pleasant afternoon to all of us.I am very honored to stand here today as I'll give my words of gratitude.I wanna say thank you to our Heavenly Father for making this ceremony possible. We shall thank Him for everything. I can't imagine that I have reached this far of success despite what I've been through. Indeed, life is like a wheel. Sometimes we're on top & sometimes we're in the bottom. Life is really embarrassing yet very challenging. there's so many obstacles that we really need to surpass on just to justify and prove what we can do & what we should do.Throughout my journey I realized that challenges are just a motivational factor. don't feel bad of having those. As this will be a great opportunity for us to know more, become better yet discover the best version of ourselves. For my friends and to those who kept on believing me, I wanna say thank you for being there beside me. Before I end up my words of gratitude. I want you tobear in mind that;"Don't expect great things to come because great things come unexpectedly."

"Thank You. and Once Again Good Afternoon!"

After my speech, I shook hands with the guests.

"Congratulations." they said.

In the last seat, I seemed to be very nervous as he's sitting there.

I was the first to extend my hand then he accepted it.

His hand opposite me was cold, sweaty from nervousness.

He then looked at me and said.

"Congratulations."

"Th-thank you." I stammered before pulling my hand that I couldn't pull.

Fuck! Don't make a scene here Clinton.

I looked at him badly and gave him a what-are-you-doing-look?

He tightened his grip on it even more. I thought he had no intention of letting go of my hand. But after he looked at me then gave me a smirk, he let it go.

I immediately got off the stage and went straight to the seat.

The ceremony went smoothly. It's around 10 am before it ended. We hurried home to Nicole's condo to prepare for the Graduation Masquerade Ball at one o'clock in the afternoon.

i am wearing right now a backless silver-fitted gown and have this 4 inches high-heel. I also have white gloves and a mask. I owe everything from Nicole. I was not going to attend but she forced me because she said it was only once in a lifetime. I agreed even though it was embarrassing for her because she had already helped and given me so much.

I got out of the taxi and was about to enter the school gate but I was surprised when someone covered my mouth. I struggled but I inhaled the dizzying smell and everything went black.

I woke up in a dark corner. I tried to move my hands but it was tied up. I was still wearing the same thing. My hair was a mess.

where am i

I looked when the door opened. A man entered there with an earring in the other ear.

"Who are you? Let me go, you animal?"I snorted here.

It just laughed and came to me.

"HELP...HELP..."

I screamed.

He approached me and whispered.

"Shhhhhhh...Don't be noisy." he said.

I was surrounded by his closeness to me.

"You're a shame. You still interfered. But thank you because you seem to be the key for us to kill that pestering Zacharias." he said like a demon.

I was surprised by what he said.

Who is Zacharias?

"Hi-I don't know what you're talking about. I-I don't know Zacharias." I stammered.

He gave me a bad look.

"That's why you're still alive. Meanwhile, I've been killing you for a long time. Because Clinton killed my men. Both of you. You're a liar and a swindler. You're an obstacle to my plans. That's why you should die." he said with a smile.

Clinton? does he mean Zacharias McHarry Clinton? Why does Clinton have anything to do with this?

"I'm just wondering why that gag is protecting you. You must be something to him huh?" he added.

Protected ? Clinton and I?

"But I'll make sure you won't be caught tomorrow. You'll definitely be pestered. And I'll kill you at the same time. You know? Hitting two birds in one stone. Hahaha."

I swallowed and trembled with fear. He looked at me from head to toe and grinned terrifyingly.

he held my face and whispered.

"But before that I'll taste you first." he said while sniffing my neck. I gasped in shock and nervousness.

He smoothed my hair down from my neck, shoulders and arms which made my hair stand up.

he tried to kiss me so I avoided my face. He pinched the side of my mouth in annoyance.

"Don't give up. You'll be happy too."

I trembled in fear of what he could do.

"Help? HELP?"

"Hahaha. Shut up!"

He was about to kiss my lips but he couldn't because I spat on him. He closed his eyes and looked at me angrily.

I swallowed several times. He gave me a strong slap that turned my face upside down. He wasn't satisfied yet, he suddenly punched my stomach so I felt like I lost my strength.I want to scream for help and struggle but I can't. I think I can't stop what he's doing. I felt him take off my gown. I couldn't stop my tears from falling. He rubbed my back I caressed my face. in anger and resentment I could not stop biting his hand. He screamed. Using his left hand he grabbed my hair so my teeth let go of his hand.

"Don't wear out my patience. I swear, I'll take you to the cloud nine."

I shook my head. i am scared at the same time disgusted.

I was surprised when he released the ties from both hands.

"I'll let you go first so you won't be in trouble. But you'll only feel good."

he started caressing me but I immediately stepped on him. He fell to the floor while holding his penis. I was about to run but he grabbed my right foot causing me to fall. I quickly crawled and kicked him. But he was fastI pulled him towards him. He came over me suddenly. I pushed him but he got even more annoyed. He suddenly punched my thighs causing me to be unable to move as if I had no strength left to move.

I saw him grinning as he picked me up and threw me on the dusty bed on the side.he quickly unbuttoned his polo shirt and immediately came on top of me. I just let him lick my neck because even if I wanted to scream, struggle and escape him, I couldn't. I just sobbed at the bitterness of my situation.

My tears flowed even more because I couldn't do anything when he completely took off my gown. That's why my yellow panties and bra were left. It was like he was looking at my nakedness with hunger.

after a few minutes he stood up and looked at me like a devil grinning. He took off his belt and quickly took off his pants. I just looked away while sobbing non-stop. I hate him. If only I could kill him he's just me, keisalet him do the heinous violence that I could never imagine happening to me.My hair trembled and stood up when I felt him coming over me naked. He caressed me and grabbed my bra strap.

he successfully undressed but a gunshot stopped everyone. He fell on the bed. I quickly grabbed my torn gown from my side and covered my body.

I hid on the side and hugged myself.

I saw the entry of an unexpected creature.

Cli-clinton.

He stepped on the demon man's chest and pointed a gun at him.

"You got the wrong person to bump into." Clinton's eyes were shaking and burning with anger when he said that.

"Let's meet in hell." he added with a smile and without hesitation shot the man.

"Bang! Bang!"

After this he turned his gaze to me. He walked to the corner where I was. He took off the coat he was wearing and covered it behind me. I couldn't react because my brain couldn't process what was happening. I was stunned while looking at the dead body of the man who almost raped me. Nothing. me towas a reaction when Clinton suddenly picked me up.We passed the dead bodies of the men in black. I still hear gunshots but I'm too lost and bombarded with all the misery that I've just witnessed. I also saw Clinton's friends who were shot. But Clinton just kept walking while I was heavily loaded. I feel his beautiful arms that seem to not want to let go of me.

Their cars were on the side of the road. He opened the front seat door and let me in. He immediately turned around and got into the driver's seat. Before starting the car, he looked at me. Meanwhile, I was looking straight ahead. There was nothing. speechless and still can't believe thoseevent occurred.With so many thoughts, I didn't realize the road we took.

I just looked around when we stopped in a private place. He got out and opened the door for me. I didn't want to go out.

"We are at a private resort." he said as if he knew the question in my mind. Maybe it was too obvious that my facial expression was wondering and asking.

"Let's go." he said and held my hand.

I just drifted here too. We went inside and went straight to a room.

"You can take rest now." he said when the door was opened.

Without consent I went in and closed it. I leaned against the door and sobbed. I heard footsteps walking away.

Although I know I have Nichole in my life, at this moment I felt like I'm so lost, alone and weak.

I sat on the bed and was stunned. Being tired physically & emotionally, I didn't realize that I fell asleep.

I woke up because of hunger. I looked at the window.

It's late?

I also looked at the alarm clock on the side of the bedside table.

6:27 pm?

I looked at what I was wearing. I was wearing a white shirt and sleeping pants.

Who dressed me? Is it Clinton? where is he

I got up to look for him. I left the room and went to the kitchen but he wasn't there.

I went out and walked outside. In the distance I saw him overlooking the wide sea. I slowly approached him. He must have heard the sound of my footsteps or he felt someone so he turned to my band

I just kept quiet and watched the beautiful scenery."Life is just like a wave that hits the sand. Sometimes it brings the garbage that was the beginning of the problem. But sometimes it hits to read the sand that dries up, so that it wakes up and has life again." I frowned when he spoke suddenly.

"An ocean like this seems to serve as a symbol of the world. It is very big and vast. Different creatures live with different stories, personalities,

principle and desire. In life you have to play because you won't win, you won't try."

"Like what many people believed in, everything happens for a reason. In time, we will also understand everything. We shouldn't cry because it's over. There are things that we can't win back or just take back in our arms and so questions that don't have a right answer." I felt his sincerity while saying those words.

It's like I changed suddenly in his person. Did he really speak?

Is he trying to comfort me? Because yes, somehow those words shoot right through the bones.

"Don't make yourself feel alone. I was always there and right here, right now, I'm here to accompany you." I just stared.

I didn't understand him but it was like someone caressed my heart when he said that.

I looked at him amazed and surprised.

How could he say those lines to me? we don't know each other. Maybe this is really his attitude? Is he feeling something to me like infatuation? For just days we spent together at his mansion? Is it possible for him to feel like that?

Because I can't think of anything else from what he said. it's either his behavior is like this or he likes me.

My face turned red at the thought

I looked away.

"I know you're hungry. Let's eat for dinner now." I nodded and waved when he held my hand.

Is he trying to show affection? why is he suddenly like this?

I was hungry when the different types of food were exposed on the dining table.

I let him put food on my plate.

Why does he keep on surprising me with his actions, lines and everything about him after the tragedy? he is definitely acting strange.

"Where & when did you order all of this?" I asked the amount of food.

He shook his head and said;

"I prepared & cooked all of these."

Wow!

"Really?" I promised in disbelief.

"Here, taste this one." he said as he took food with a fork and gave it to me. I hesitated and chewed it a few times. It was awkward because he was waiting for my reaction.

"How is it?" he asked curiously.

"It's good. It tastes really good." I answered with a smile.

it took us half an hour to finish eating. I've decided that I'll be the one to put away and wash the cutlery and plates that we used.

"Just leave it here. I can hire someone to clean everything."

"What?"

"Uhhhmmm."

Why is he rich? It's easy & simple things to do.

"No. I can handle it." I insisted.

I was surprised when he took it and led me to carry it to the kitchen.

Shaking my head, I followed him into the kitchen.

What a bipolar!

he was the one who took the leftover food while I was the soap guy. Everything ended easily. We're seem so serious & everything went so fast.

He left the kitchen right after. I also wondered if I should follow him.

Why would I? I am not a puppy.

it's awkward like that.

After 10 minutes, I went out. I saw him standing in the living room while talking to someone on his cellphone. I walked very carefully not to make any noise. I was in the middle of the stairs when he suddenly turned to me.

he looked at me with a frown.

"What are you doing? You look like a stupid thief!"

I just face palmed him and gave him a raw smile while pointing up.

"I-I'm going to sleep." I stammered.

Well, I can't think of anything else to make an excuse for.

He laughed then smirked.

"I never thought you were a pig. You go now haha." he said shaking his head.

A pig? What? Seriously?

What is he talking about? He's a psycho.

Why is his attitude towards me different? He is really acting weird.

I didn't argue anymore. i just shrugged my shoulders and continued to climb the stairs.

I scratched my head when I got to the room.

What will I do? It's so damn early? I am not yet sleepy plus I am very full.

I left the room again and looked around. I saw there was another room so I went to it. I slowly turned the door knob and went inside. I looked for the light switch and turned it on.

Wow!

The motif of the whole room is pink.

didn't he say he only has a sister?

I beat myself up over the stupidity.

Why did he say Abi, you didn't ask.

I walked and lay down on the bed.

This is so foamy.

I stood with my eyes fixed on a closet.

there are definitely women's clothes here.

I pulled the first part and the dresses and sleeveless exposed me.

Is his sister just my age?

I took two dresses and measured them.

I put it on the bed, I was curious as to what was in the last part of the closet.

I opened it and rummaged through it.

They are just papers.

I was about to close it again but I stopped when I saw a picture stuck in a piece of paper.

I took it and cleaned it because it was a bit dusty.

then I saw Clinton with a pretty girl which is probably his sister. They look happy together while holding each other's arms. They seemed very close to each other.

I'm wondering if where is she now?

I was about to read the papers when I was able to find information about his sister. But I stood up when I heard her calling my name downstairs.

"ABIGAIL?"

I quickly got out of there and looked at him from the chin.

"Why?" I said in surprise.

"Come down." he said.

I quickly got down and went to the living room. He was watching TV.

"Watch this." he said so I looked at it too.

"I am calling on everyone who has seen my best friend Abigail Suzanne Rivera. This is her, this is her picture. She has been missing for more than 8 hours. We had a graduation ball yesterday and it was taken from the university's CCTV. Someone kidnapped her him.to those who see him or if you see him, please call this number; 09*******." said Nicole in the interview.

I just washed my face.

She needs to know that I'm safe & fine. I think I need to get out of here as soon as possible.

nicole is so damn worried right now. I can't afford her crying & worrying about me while I'm good right now—safe & alive.

"Hey, I have to go see Nicole." I said to him in frustration but my tone was calm.

He shook his head which caused me to frown.

"What?"I said annoyed.

"You can not."

My blood increased.

Why not? Because he captured me again.?

"I'm going to see him. Whether you like it or not." I said, turning away.

"You can't leave." he said emphatically.

I turned to him and looked at him evilly.

"A A LIS I am." I responded with emphasis.

I started to walk but he spoke.

"You stay if you want to live longer."

I was stiff but I took heart.

"What if I won't? You'll gonna KILL me?"I said and pointed to myself.

"KILL you? That's impossible. What I mean is that you should stay here. For your own sake, it's very risky outside. In fact, you're safe when I'm with you."

"I AM safe when you are there? Why? How? What are you? i don't even know you. In fact, you're just like them heartless & merciful. I saw you in my eyes on how did you brutally kill that creature who kidnapped & tried to rape me. You are no different from them. You are all the same, murderers." I said while facing him.

maybe I was just too worried and said that.I don't know if I just imagined it. But I saw bloodshot in his eyes. Maybe I just imagined it because seeing him right now looks like he's ready to attack me with his piercing eyes and his fist shook. his jaw is also with a gritted teeth.

"How dare you say that to me? after what i have done for you? After saving you the second time? This is what you're going to scold me for?" I saw that his neck was shaking with anger.

I was suddenly embarrassed.

I bowed down in shame of myself. My tears started to fall.

"Or did you cry there? is it because you feel guilty?

Ha-ha. Don't feel guilty because it's true I WILL DIE. But I hope before you criticize me like that, you first find out the reason why I did that!"

Before leaving he looked me in the eye.

"You want to leave? Then go! there's nothing stopping you." he said and left me dumbfounded. It was like I was poured with very cold water.

Why didn't I even think that because of him I might be dead now? Why did I rush and not even think that I owe him? that he was able to kill that man because of me—to save and protect me.

I shed tears and regretted saying that to Clinton.

Maybe Taylor Swift was right when she said in the song, "This is me trying" the line, "And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad, I have a lot of regrets about that".

I didn't think about that. I just got carried away with worrying about Nichole. Now, I'm repenting in vain.