Code Red : The Series

Chapter 6

Stella's POV

"What shape of glasses do you want, baby girl. Hmm?" Tanong ko kay Cleiy, as we strolled towards the EO.

Gosh, she's so adorable, gusto kong pisilin cheeks nya! "Kahit ano lang po, Ate Stella." she replied, a shy smile gracing her lips.

"Ah no, no, no... Dapat it looks good on you! Don't worry, mag hanap tayo." I said, taking her hand.

"Hm?" Cleiy murmured, at tumingin sa gilid ko.

"Huhh?! Where— asan na ang babaeng yun!?" I exclaimed, my voice is loud, kaya napatingin ang iba sa akin.

"Cleiy... did you see where she went?" I asked her, almost a whisper.

"Hindi, Ate, ikaw nasa tabi nya eh." Cleiy answered, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"Hey! Just because I was next to her, doesn't mean I'm responsible for her, pero never sya naging ganto..." Saad ko, a hint of frustration in my voice.

"She vanished so quickly, didn't even say goodbye."

"Baka nag punta lang po sa restroom, ate?"

"Hmm, maybe." That girl's got some nerve, though. Kanina, bigla nya akong hinila at nagtatanong about Cleiy. Tapos ngayon ito?What's going on with her?

"Ahh, well, tawagan ko nalang sya mamaya!" I said, feeling a little embarrassed in front of Cleiy.

"She knows we're here anyway."

"Sige po, Ate." Cleiy replied, at pumasok na kami sa EO.

"Wow, -200? Seriously? What have you been doing, baby girl?" Tanong ko kay Cleiy after the optician recorded her results.

I put a hand to my forehead, my eyebrows shooting up in disbelief. Hindi ata sya nag a-anti-rad na glasses. Si Eve kasi meron yun, kaya kahit papano, her vision is still clear.

"Uh kasi... Nag aaral lang po talaga ako magdamag, ate Stella." Sagot nya.

"Wow ha! that's intense, but... do you want to get some anti-rad glasses? Para hindi na bababa 'yang grade mo"

"Thank you, Ate Stella, pero okay lang po ito." she said, gently stroking her hair. She's so sweet.

"Okay, okay, pero if you want, we can get you some height-enhancing supplements— "

Oops, I'm getting a little carried away.

Sorry, lord. But she's so tiny! She's in grade 12, diba? yet! Ang cute parin nya!

Okay, I'm not that tall either, compared to Eve, she's really tall. I think I'm about 5'5, and Eve is like 5'8 . Yeah, I'm a little delusional, but... hmm... Cleiy is probably 5 flat, or maybe..

even less.

"Hehehh, just kidding, but if you want..." I said, a little hesitantly.

"Okay lang po, ate Stella, okay lang naman po 'tong height ko sakin."

"Hays... Yeah, Cleiyyy, the most important thing is that you're happy with your height. And besides, you're so cute kaya~ even if you're small—" I stopped myself, ruffling her hair instead.

"But tell me if anyone bullies you, okay? Matatakot sila if they find out you're friends with us, especially Eve." I smiled at her, but I could tell she wasn't really getting it.

"Teka nga... Asan na ba yun? hindi man lang kasi nagpa-alam... Wait ha, I'll call her. Stay here, Cleiy!" I said, at iniwan sya para hanapin 'tong baliw kong pinsan.

Sana she told me na aalis sya, nasa tabi nya lang ako! I tried to call her, but I received unanswered. But again, I did, and thankfully, she answered.

"Oh, ano? Nasaan ka? Grabi ka naman!?"

"I'm almost there, I just bought something—" she said, ending the call.

"Baliw ka talaga, Eve..." I mumbled, putting my phone back in my pocket.

"So, are you done?"

"Shtt!!—You're already here?! " I exclaimed.

She's fast, hindi ko na notice nasa tabi ko na sya... but I saw that she was carrying. A pretty big white box.

I tilted my head, tinignan ko sya, and I gave her a questioning look. "Uh, it's just a laptop."

"Huh? pero yung laptop mo is still okay, diba?" I said.

I mean, totoo naman, it's still working fine... Kanina nga ginamit nya?

"Ahmm, I-I just wanna buy another one—why, Can't I? Besides, I have a lot of money, so I can buy whatever I want." she replied, trying to smile, but it looked a little fake.

"Ah, okay... By the way, okay na si Cleiy and we can just pick up her glasses later, in about two hours." I said, pulling her inside.

Cleiy was still sitting down, hehe! she's so cute, such a good kid talaga. Eve, on the other hand, was just observing her surroundings.

"It's like she's never been here before" I muttered to myself, side-eyeing her Eve.

"Cleiy~! Halika! let's go shopping?" I said, and when Cleiy nodded, kinuha ko na ang kamay nya and pulled her up. I was about to turn to Eve when I heard a noise.

It was two pairs of sunglasses na nalaglag sa rack na nasa tabi nya. She picked them up at mabilis na ibinalik. Then she walked out, Cleiy and I followed.

Arkhava's POV

The weight of the laptop in my hand felt like a lead brick, a constant reminder of my impulsive decision... goddamnit!! I should have thought it through before acting.

Now I'm walking beside Stel, in the same position as before, but this time, it's torture! This large box is killing me! I really regret it!

What the heck came over my mind to buy this for her?! YES! For CLEIY!

"Are you okay? gusto mo ako na?" Stel asked, concern etched on her face.

"N-No, I'm fine, let's just hurry up to the store because I can put it there." I said, forcing a smile as I refused her offer.

I can't let her see how much this damn laptop box is killing me. Fcking hell, we really need to hurry up now. This laptop box is pretty heavy, I admit! and my arm is already screaming in protest!

But accidentally— I met Cleiy's eyes. She's looking at me with a strange gaze... maybe she noticed I'm struggling.

But no—I must not let my guard down. I can't call Mang Isto because he's already at his daughter's house, and he won't be back until later. So I'm stuck with this heavy box until we get to the store.

—

Ha~ finally... we're here at Luis Vuitton. As soon as we arrived, I quickly placed the laptop box beside me on the soft sofa.

Right now, Cleiy and Stel are being helped by some staff here while picking out clothes they want to buy... god knows I'm so exhausted, it makes me feel like I don't have the energy to move now... It's just so tiring... It makes me want to close my eyes and rest—

"Okay ka lang?"

"Wah—ye-yes, yes I am." I jolted, sitting up straight after this girl just popped out of nowhere.

"Parang hindi." she said, sitting down beside me.

"Nau—no, I'm alright. That's it, okay?!" I'm not mad, I'm just trying to assert dominance and she just looked at me after I said that.

"Okay, sabi mo eh." she said, turning her gaze to Stel, who's currently talking with the staff.

I couldn't help but think that maybe I'm being too mean to her, and that's why she doesn't treat me like she treats Stella.

I took a deep breath and challenged myself to talk to her better this time. "I'm sorry."

"Huh? Para saan?" She responded with curiosity after turning her gaze back at me. "If I'm being mean... I guess."

"Wala po akong problema dyan... Tsaka sabi mo wag magsorry sa maliit na bagay." She said, mocking my words from earlier.

"No, but—being mean isn't a small thing." I complained. "You're apologizing to me, but I don't feel anything, 'cuz it doesn't affect me at all. Why not apologize to the students you scared?"

Oh.

Goshhh, I remembered so many students, they're scared of me because... I'm being too mean, and I never really apologized to them, but now, here I am... apologizing to someone I just met.

"hmmmmrghh. Don't drag them into this, I'm talking to you..." I lazily responded after groaning.

"Wala nga pong problema...sanay na ako." Her words left me speechless.

I don't know what's going on in her life, and I can't help but worry when she says she's used to it. It makes me want to wonder about and explore her life—it makes me want to get to know her. And that was when I decided.

"Cleiy. I want you to be my friend."

"Hindi paba tayo friends?" She replied.

"Uhmmm, yes, but... I want... I-yahhhmm... I—want something like you and Stella's." I said, my voice nervous. My heart is also beating so fast.

"Huh?" was the only word she said before Stel called her to go to her place and pick up some clothes.

The voices in my mind are so loud... I don't know why I said that, but I just really want her to treat me like that—like how she treats Shenia.

"Hey! Evee!" That time, Stella's voice was nothing to me. I can't hear it, it's like something is blocking my ears from hearing them.

But my eyes—my eyes are only locked on the girl beside her—who's looking at me too right now.—"Hey btch! What's wrong with you? 'bat kaba nag kakaganyan?"

"Stel what are you?! You're blocking the way! " I complained, pulling her aside.

"Sa ano?"

"Wha—no no no!! I mean, you're blocking the air way! It's hot here! Move over." I commanded, knowing damn well that I... was lying.

"Pumunta ka lang ba dito para umupo? Tulongan mo si Cleiy with her clothes, her style is different, you're better at picking out clothes, right?"

"You're giving a lot."

"Then what? Ako naman ang magbabayad." she complained, which made me look at her annoyed.

I sighed. "Give me 50% of her expenses... I'll pay."

"Oh woww, so we're splitting it?"

"No Stel, 3/4 for you, 1/4 for me."

"Fine, sabi mo eh, pero okay naman, I checked my balance earlier, I still have two-hundred eighty-two thousand and three hundred. Plus! Bibigyan ako ni Dad with another twenty thousand for shopping tomorrow."

"I don't care, Stel, just give me half of the bill." I hissed, my voice a low growl.

"Okay, okay, pero tulongan mo sya, punta ako sa different section" she said.

"Alright then." was my flat reply. Then I stood up and made my way towards Cleiy.

"Cleiy," I said, my voice softer now. "Stella's got to go, so I'm taking over." "Uhumm," she mumbled, her eyes still glued to the shirt in her hands.

I sighed. "You seem to have a lack of fashion sense," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

Cleiy finally looked up at me, and her face was a mix of confusion and annoyance.

"Eh ano naman? Hindi naman ako pupunta sa fashion show."

"Well, no, but..." I started, then stopped. "Look girl, I'll pick for you, okay?" I suggested, a hint of amusement in my voice. "Let me take care of your fashion crisis."

"Sure ka?" She asked. I chuckled. "Trust me, I have a good eye for style."

"Pero...kaya ko naman." She hesitated.

"Come on, girl..." And I reached out and grabbed a shirt from her arm. "This one's a no-go," I said, holding it up for inspection.

"Pati bayan? Maganda yun ah!" She said.

I sighed. "Fine, but don't blame me if you end up looking like a clown." I replied with a playful smirk.

"Mean mo, excuse me!" she said, and her voice was laced with mock offense.

She's already carrying three pieces of clothing; two of them are just plain blue shirts. She's crazy. But why is she carrying them though? Shouldn't the saleswoman be carrying them? I look at the saleswoman at the counter, who's just chatting with her co-worker. I gave her a pointed stare, a silent reminder of her place. Gladly, she immediately sensed my gaze, her eyes widening in recognition.

She knew it well that I could fire her if I wanted. "What may I help you, ma'am?" she asked, her voice a little too high-pitched, and with a nervous smile, she came quickly towards us while her hands were clasped in front of her.

"Actually," I said. My tone is firm. "Help her carry those shirts," I commanded.

I glanced at Cleiy, who was busy inspecting another blue shirt. "And... I'm looking for a windbreaker jacket or any type of oversized hoodies if you have it here, but make sure it's blue." I added.

The saleswoman quickly caught on to my subtle suggestion. She cleared her throat and offered a hesitant smile. "Of course, ma'am, and we have a wide selection of jackets or hoodies here. Would you like to see our new arrivals?" I nodded, and I fixed my gaze on Cleiy.

The saleswoman immediately took the shirts from Cleiy's hands.

Cleiy turned to me, and her eyes were a mixture of confusion and annoyance. I then took a closer step to Cleiy.

"Dito po." The saleswoman then quickly led us to a rack of brightly colored windbreakers, their zippers gleaming under the store's fluorescent lights.

"These are our newest arrivals, ma'am." she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"They're all waterproof and windproof, perfect for any weather." I scanned the rack, looking for a blue one. I don't really know if Cleiy wants dark blue or light.

I take a look at her, but she's just busy looking around. Maybe she's amazed to see her favorites.

"There," I said, pointing to the jacket. "That one."

The jacket was a beautiful navy blue color, like the deep ocean or a dark night sky. It had light tan accents on the sleeves and shoulders, which made the blue look even better.

The sleeves had a stripe of navy blue with the word "brewers" written in tan. The zipper and some other parts of the jacket were a darker shade of navy blue, almost black. There was also a small's' and a star on the ends of the sleeves, like little stars in the night sky.

"Blue..." "My heart jumped.

Cleiy appeared next to me with her voice barely a whisper.

Gosh.... I almost slapped the sales lady. But I just smiled and said, "You like it? It's perfect for you, and it's unisex, anyway." "Hmmm... Maganda, pero mahal eh?" she remarked, eyeing the price tag and the size.

The brand, Starter, was unfamiliar to me. Maybe it wasn't very popular, or maybe I just didn't know about it. It cost PHP 9,608.55. And since she liked it so much, I'll buy it for her. "Give me five pieces of this, but make the other colors different types of blues," I instructed the sales lady.

"Subra na po 'yan!" Cleiy complained, trying to lower her voice.

"Money doesn't matter, love." As I said those words, Cleiy's jaw dropped.

She was so surprised that she couldn't even speak. It was like the shock of what I said was hanging in the air.

"Babayadan nalang po kita" she mumbled.

"Shush. No need. Why would you?" I said, cutting her off.

"Let's go, or do you want to pick more?" I added.

"No, okay na po 'to" she insisted. What do you mean? Because what I'm trying to say is—let's go to a different section.

What about your pants, or what do you want to wear? "

"Pants? Hindi, okay na talag—"

"Shut up, or you're carrying all of this home," I said, gesturing to the pile of jackets.

Cleiy gave up and walked over to me. We headed to a different part of the store.

"So...how much is 50% of that?" Stella asked.

"No need. I'll pay for everything." I replied, handing my black card to the cashier.

"Okay...ilan yun lahat, Cleiy?" Stella whispered to Cleiy, but I heard her clearly.

"Hindi ko po alam, tinititigan ko lang, kinukuha nya agad—"

"Sixty-nine thousand two hundred and three pesos in total, ma'am. Thank you!" the cashier said.

"Wow! You should have just given those to Cleiy, so she'd have some money. What a waste," Stella whispered, not too quietly.

"I'll give her money if you want," I said flatly.

"Anyway, I'll shop next time. Should we go back and get your glasses?"

I realized I'd forgotten about my own shopping. I'd been so focused on Cleiy. But it didn't matter.

"Wait, we have so much stuff plus ang laptop mo!" Stella complained.

"Akin na po yung iba" Cleiy offered, grabbing all the bags from my hands.

"It's heavy," I said, trying to take some back.

"Okay lang po" she insisted. I sighed and took the laptop, letting her carry the rest.

"Baby girl, are you sure?"

"Yes, Ate Stella."

Now, we're in my car, heading home. It was tiring, but fun.

It's 10 PM. We were late because after Cleiy tried on her new glasses, Stella hugged her and jumped around, breaking the glasses. We waited two hours for a replacement, but at least we ate while waiting because Shenia was hungry.

I saw Cleiy in the mirror; she was resting, eyes closed. Stella was asleep too. I didn't know if Cleiy's parents would be mad about her being late, so I'd secretly told Mang Isto to drop her off first, then go to my place. I don't know where she lives, but I'll ask later.

The mall lights seemed to highlight Cleiy's unique glow. Even in the crowds, everyone, especially the children, stared at her. She was different. Stunningly, captivatingly different. Her albino features, so unlike the other shoppers, created an ethereal beauty.

I'd known she was albino since school – her white hair stood out against the school's "no unnatural hair color" policy – but her eyes were captivating. Those mesmerizing red eyes held a unique allure. She was like a cute vampire, drawing whispers and stares everywhere.

"Are you sure? Okay, take care of Cleiy! You're dead to me if you hurt her!!"

"Yes, Stel, just go," I said lazily to Stella.

"Okay! Oyyyy~ baby girl, see you tomorrow! Text me when you get home!" Stella gushed, squeezing Cleiy's cheeks.

"Yes po, ate Stella" Cleiy replied softly as the car window rolled up.

We watched until Stella's car was gone. Mang Isto, looking concerned, turned to me.

"Are you alright, Ma'am?" he asked gently.

"Op—"

"Wait, I'll sit beside her," I said, opening the car door.

Her gaze was already on me. A silent acknowledgment. I pretended not to notice, but her presence was undeniable.

I sat beside her. The door clicked shut. I glanced at Mang Isto, a silent gesture to wait, before turning to Cleiy.

"Cleiy," I began softly, "Could you tell me how to get to your house?"

"Straight lang po sir, sasabihin ko lang po kung hihinto na." she responded. I asked the question!

A frustrated "Hmph" escaped my lips. "Do as she says," I told Mang Isto.

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied calmly.

The atmosphere was strange. She wasn't talking to me. I didn't want to start a conversation, plus she was probably tired.

I didn't expect this girl to become friends with us. Stella and I are picky; we only have each other. Or maybe Stella has other friends, but I'm content being independent.

But Cleiy… she'd broken through our walls. I'm usually careful with my money, and I'd already spent a fortune on this girl we'd met hours ago! I don't even know her full name! How did we end up here? It's surreal.

"Dito lang po, sir. Salamat." Cleiy said, reaching for the door handle. I stopped her. Shoot, she was almost gone.

"Wait—uhmm…" The silence was thick. I gestured for Mang Isto to leave.

"Ate?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Sorry, Cleiy, but… can I have your number?" I blurted out. The question felt both confident and terrifying.

She giggled. "Parang interisado ka po sakin ah " she teased.

"Oh, yes I am."

Her eyes met mine.

"I—I mean, as friends," I stammered. "I ask for my friends' numbers so I can easily contact them."

She smiled. "Tanongin mo nalang po si ate Stella." she suggested, missing my cover-up.

"Alright. Wait!" I pulled out cash and handed it to her. The amount didn't matter.

"Huh? Ate, subra na po 'to!!" she protested.

"It's not enough, wait" I reached for more, but she stopped me.

"Hindi! Okay na 'to!!"

"Cleiy."

My voice startled her. Cute.

"Po?"

"Take care, little girl." I said, smiling.

"Ikaw din, Ate!!" Cleiy beamed. Her smile was dazzling, and… were those tiny fangs? If she was a vampire… I might let her bite me.

I then signaled Mang Isto to open the door. Cleiy stepped out, waving.

"Bye Ate! Thank you!!" she called out.

My heart… flipped.