The Nerd and I [Book One]

Chapter Fourteen

[Earl]

I sighed when Matthias cursed again when a random car blocked his way. “Matthias, what’s your problem?”

“Shut up.” He snapped. “f**k!” He pushed the car honk so hard it almost deafened me.

“Calm down!” I touched his hand that was holding the clutch. I gasped when it felt hard and tense. He suddenly pulled his hand away. “Matthias please…”

He looked at me and clicked his tongue before pulling the car towards a vacant lot. When I was about to ask him what’s wrong, he suddenly leaned towards me and kissed me. I panicked inside when I sensed that it wasn’t the usual kiss Matthias do. Out of instinct, I pushed him away making him glare at me.

I cowered under his gaze. “W-what’s wrong with you…?” I breathed out. I didn’t notice that I was panting so hard.

“You’re mine.” He gritted his teeth and I gulped.

“W-what?”

Matthias pulled my hand and gripped it. “You’re mine, Earl. No one can take you away from me.” His eyes became gentle and I relaxed when his hand loosened a bit against mine.

I smiled and squeezed his hand. “No one’s gonna take me away from you.” Since no one really wants me, and I know for sure Matthias was the only one for me.

I looked straight into his eyes and gulped. I really want to say how much I love him but I just can’t. It feels like I’m having a heart attack every time I tried telling him that. There were a lot of good opportunities for me to tell him that but I can’t find the right time to do it.

Maybe, I can do it now.

My hands trembled and I held into his hand much tighter. He raised his brows at me and I gulped again. Sweat was already rolling down my face and I’m sure my face looks so pale right now.

“What’s wrong? Are you alright?” Matthias asked me and I nodded slowly.

Geez Earl, what’s wrong with you. It’s not that hard to say. It’s just three words, come on.

“Matthias…” I called out his name and I regretted it as soon as I said it. He looks at me and I averted my eyes at him. I can’t do it, now that he’s staring straight into my eyes.

“What?” He asked a little impatient and I panicked. I know how impatient he was. I don’t want to waste this opportunity since we only got a few times alone.

“Matthias, I…I…” Calm down Earl, you can do this. Just remember to breathe in. “I lo-”

RIIIIIIING!!! RIIIIIIIING!!!

“Fuck.” Matthias cursed and got his phone out of his pockets. I breathe out, my heart functioning right again.

I slumped back into the car seat.

“What do you want?” I listened to Matthias and whoever it was calling him. “I told you I can’t guard him right now, I’m doing something. Fine. Whatever.” He threw his phone to the headboard. He had this habit of throwing his phone anywhere it surprised me it’s still not broken.

“I need to go back to school. I’ll drop you off your house.” He kissed my forehead and started the engine again.

I pouted to myself.

Morning came and I readied myself to go to school. I opened the fridge and took out the orange juice.

“Hey.” I gasped when I heard Edward’s voice from behind me.

“Yes?” Why was my brother so good in sneaking? He never failed to make me gasp in fear whenever he appears behind me.

“You going to school already?” He asked as he tucked his hands inside his jean pockets.

When I nodded, he took the car keys that was hanging from the wall and looked at me. “Let’s go, I’ll drive you there.”

Okay, that’s new. Edward never invited me to go to school with him, ever. I grabbed my bag and followed him out of the house. I climbed inside his jeep and he drove towards the direction of the school.

The ride was silent and awkward but I can’t help but to feel happy. Ever since Matthias got close to me, Edward started talking to me again.

We arrived in school just in time for the school bell. I closed the door of the jeep and looked at my brother.

“Thanks.” I simply said. I was about to enter the building when he suddenly pulled my hand. I turned to face him.

“Don’t get too close to Matthias.” I felt my skin crawled at what he just said.

“What do you mean?” I asked and he averted his eyes from me. He was looking around the area like he was searching for something.

“Now is not a good time to be with him.” He shortly said. “I won’t be going to school today. I have things to take care of.” He ruffled my hair and climbed inside his jeep. I watched him drove his car away.

What’s happening?

School ended and nothing out of the usual happened. Was Edward bluffing or was he mistaken?

I read Matthias’ message saying that he’ll be doing something so he can’t go home together with him. I sighed and went to the library to do my duty as an assistant librarian.

I greeted the librarian who just smiled at me. I saw the pile of books on the return books bookshelves and I quickly went to do my work. I carefully put the books in their respective shelves while thinking what I should cook for dinner tonight. I picked the last book on the shelf and went over the last bookshelf to return it. 

BLAG!

My shoulders jolted when I suddenly heard something fell down. I went to check up on the librarian if something happened.

When I saw the librarian down on the floor with the pool of blood, Edward’s words came rushing back to me like a river. I paled at the sight of the dead body in front of me.

I was about to near her when I heard voices from afar.

“I told you not to do that you know.” I gasped when I saw two guys wearing black suits climb through the window to the left. One was holding a gun while the other was holding a briefcase. I quickly hid behind the drawer and clasped my mouth to keep me from uttering words that can lead them to me.

“Whatever, she was annoying so f**k her.”

“Let’s just get out of here and do our job. You do know that boss Nero’s here.”

“Yeah yeah, we’ll be quick. We just have to kill that Gordon kid.”

When I heard them walk away, I quickly took my phone out to call Matthias. I don’t know why but he’s the first person that came inside my mind. I dialled his number with my shaking hands and prayed that he’ll answer it quick.

“What?”

I gasped in relief and clutched my phone hard. “M-matthias…t-the librarian…t-they k-killed her…I…I…” I stammered and I can feel tears rolling down my face.

“Calm down, I can’t understand anything you’re saying.”

“The librarian! She’s dead!” I whispered loud at him.

“What? s**t, don’t tell me you’re still in school.”

I nodded even though I know he can’t see me.

“Okay, whatever happens don’t ever leave the library. I’ll be there, just wait for me.”

“O-okay…”

He hanged the phone and I did what he just said. But I can’t help but to feel scared knowing that a dead body was just right behind me. The sight of the blood made my stomach churn and I want to puke so bad.

But the fact that those two might be back scared me more to death. I can’t believe they just killed her that easily. Were they assassins just like Matthias?

If they were, Edward was right.

A hand suddenly grabbed me and I screamed thinking that those two were back to hunt me down. A black leather gloved-hand covered my mouth.

“Shut up, you idiot.” Matthias whispered in my ears. I quickly relaxed and turned around to face him.

“Are you alright?” I looked at Ralph who was behind Matthias. He was wearing his varsity uniform and was sweaty.

“Y-yes…” I bit my lips and hid against Matthias’ chest to avoid from looking at the corpse lying on the floor. Matthias looked back and sighed.

“f**k, I never thought they’ll actually do something like this.” He muttered.

“I told you this was serious.” Ralph said.

“I should have told Edward to take you away.” Matthias said. He looked back at me. “We need to get out of here.”

“Yeah man, I’m not paying you up for nothing.” Ralph said but Matthias smacked his head.

“Shut up. I’m risking his life for you, fucker.” He said pointing at me. He looked at the door. “It’ll be dangerous to go to the corridors since the two of them will be there.”

“So let’s just go outside and escape the hell out of here.” Ralph said in a frustrated voice.

Matthias shook his head. “No, those two definitely put some bombs out there to prevent whoever’s going out.”

“Are they trying to kill everyone here?!” I asked Matthias.

Matthias smirked and c****d his head to the librarian.

“Oh s**t, we’re trapped here.” Ralph muttered while rubbing his head.

“Not yet. Not until we get the remote to deactivate the bombs.”

Ralph crossed his arms. “And how exactly will you do that?”

Matthias smirked and pulled out two guns, one silver and one gold. Ralph whistled and I gulped when I saw those.

“You mean you’re going to kill them?” Ralph said and Matthias gave him a dry look.

“God, you’re an idiot.” Matthias mumbled and Ralph glared at him.

I want to say something but the situation happening right now makes me speechless. I can’t believe I’ve found myself into this kind of situation. I was just helping out the librarian to put away the books.

Matthias ruffled my hair like he was telling me that everything’s going to be fine. “You okay?”

I nodded and pulled out a smile. “Yeah, I think so.”

Ralph snorted. “No, you’re not okay. You look so pale it’s like you’re a ghost.”

What do you expect? I just saw a dead person and my boyfriend’s trying to kill the people who killed her.

Matthias pulled me close. “Okay. Just stay close to me.” He snapped his head towards Ralph. “You, don’t you f**k this up.”

Ralph gritted his teeth. “Yeah yeah whatever. Let’s just get out of here. The smell of blood makes me puke.”

We carefully walk through the corridors while Matthias checked every corner to see where the two assassins were. I was nervous as hell and I can’t help but to hear my heart beating so loud. I looked up to observe Matthias. He was walking so stealthy I can’t hear any of his footsteps. The only thing I can hear was Ralph’s breathing and my heart beating.

Was Matthias always this thing? Sneaking in and out of a building and eliminating every of his targets. Does he really kill? Obviously since I can see him holding two guns. But I can’t imagine seeing him kill someone.

I just can’t imagine the person I love kill someone.

Not in front of me.

I lowered my head and tried to erase what I just thought. Now was not a good time to think about these trivial things. The important thing was to get the remote and get out of here.

Alive.

Matthias stopped walking and I tensed when I heard footsteps from behind the counter. He pulled me towards the counter to hide while Ralph lousily followed us.

We hid behind while the two assassins were standing just behind the counter.

“We combed the area and we still haven’t found Gordon.”

“Are you sure he’s still in the vicinity.”

“Yeah, our scouts said he never left the school.”

I jolted when he suddenly slammed his fist on the counter. “f**k! Then where the hell is he?!”

Matthias hugged me and put his hands on my mouth to cover it. Ralph was obviously sweating in fear. The only calm here was Matthias.

“Calm down. We’re gonna find him.”

“What if boss Nero already made him escape.”

“No way. The Blaise family won’t agree to work with the Gordon. They’re just small fries. Besides, the boss won’t ever agree to helping them.”

I saw Ralph grit his teeth.

“Yeah, you’ve got a point. The main family won’t spare their time with someone like the Gordon. I’m just happy the Samson finally sent us to kill the heir.”

“I mean if we kill him, the Gordon’s will vanish like thin air. Like it never existed.”

I heard Matthias smirked from behind me. “That’s where you’re wrong, idiots.” He whispered to me.

Ralph looked at Matthias and he was getting red from anger. He was growling and clenching his fist like he wants to hit something.

Matthias put his finger in front of his mouth to say that we should remain quiet.

“Come on, let’s just check the laboratories again. Maybe he’s there.”

“Fine.”

They walked away to go to the laboratory and Ralph and I sighed in relief.

“Those f*****g bastards. How dare they tell something like that. I swear I’m gonna kill them.”

“The only problem is you do not kill. That’s my job.” Matthias said as he released me from his hold.

I looked at him and I know fear was evident on my face. “What should we do?”u

Matthias smiled. “I’m gonna sneak up to them and grab the remote.”

“How can you even say that they have the remote? What if it’s not with them?” Ralph argued and he does have a point.

“I know.” Matthias grinned. “Because I’m their boss.”

Ralph sighed and put his hands behind his head. “f**k this situation. I just want to go home and play some videogames.”

It’s been ten minutes since Matthias told us that he’s gonna get the remote. Was it really okay for him to kill them even though they work for him?

I’m really getting worried here. Every second passed and I’m getting more anxious. I really want to know if he’s okay or not.

Matthias.

“Hey, it’s been ages since Matthias left.” Ralph whispered to me and I shuddered.

He just said what I was just thinking. Don’t jinx me here, Ralph.

“What if he’s…”

“NO!”

Ralph was taken aback and shut his mouth. “S-sorry.”

“No, I didn’t mean to yell at you…” I said and smiled at him.

I don’t want to hear it.

I don’t want to think that maybe something bad happened to Matthias.

I still haven’t said that I love him.

Ralph tensed and held me close when we heard footsteps coming our way.

50% Matthias and 50% the two assassins.

I shut my eyes and got readied to whoever it was coming.

Please, let it be Matthias.

Please.

“Hey!”

I jumped and looked up to see Harry with a cellphone in his hand, beaming at me.

“H-harry?” I gasped and quickly stood up. “What’re you doing here?!”

Ralph stood up as well. Harry smiled and held out his phone in front of my face.

“Matthias called. He said to pick you two and get the hell out of here.”

He pulled my hand towards the main entrance but I stopped him. “Where’s Matthias?!”

Harry’s smile dropped but he quickly hid it. “Don’t worry about that bastard, he’s alright. We need to get out of here.” He continued to pull me but this time it’s much tighter and forceful.

“B-but, wait! I need to know where he is!” I struggled against him but he was much stronger than I expected. We arrived in the parking lot and he gently pushed me inside Edward’s jeep. Ralph followed us and climbed in as well. His face was confused just like mine but he kept still.

I looked at Edward who was sitting on the driver’s seat with a cig dangling in his mouth. Harry hopped in and slammed the door. He glanced at me through the rear mirror and I gave him a hard look.

“I know you’re worried about Matthias but I’m just following orders.” He said as if he knew what I was thinking.

I gripped my fist. “Where is he?”

Harry gulped and looked at Edward. Edward just shrugged his shoulders and started the engine. I unlocked the door but it automatically locked. I glared at Edward.

“I want to know where he is. We can’t just leave him there!” I almost screamed.

“Look Earl, Matthias will deal with this. You don’t have to worry about him, he’s safe. I can assure you that.”

“If he is, then where is he?” I asked with my gritted teeth. Harry rubbed the back of his hand.

“Hey.” I looked at Edward who spoke. “I don’t know what that bastard’s doing or what he’s thinking, but he clearly told us to bring you in a safe place.”

“I don’t want to be safe without him! Let me go back!” I opened the car door but Ralph pulled me inside the car again.

“If Matthias said we should go, we should.” He said looking straight in my eyes.

“But…!”

Ralph smiled at me. “He is Matthias after all. He’ll be fine.”

I froze at what he just said.

Harry kept looking back and forth from me to Ralph.

I inhaled and sat back down. “Okay.” I need to think straight. If I get back there, I’ll only be walking right into the enemy’s trap all over again.

Harry closed the curtains of his room and smiled at me. “Are you okay?”

I nodded and returned his smile. “Yeah, kind of.”

“Don’t worry about Matthias, he’ll be fine.”

“Yeah.” I sure hope that’s true.

Ralph sat on Harry’s bed and sighed.

“Hey kiddo, you alright?” Harry asked patting Ralph’s head. Ralph swatted his hand away and Harry just laughed.

Edward opened the door and entered. He looked at Harry and shook his head. I sensed something was wrong but I don’t want to think about it anymore. Yes, I’m scared as hell because Matthias wasn’t here with me but I can’t do anything about it. Even though I want to search for him, I can’t because Edward and Harry’s guarding me like an owl.

I looked out the window and wondered if I could sneak out but for a mansion like this, I think the chances were down to zero.

What can I do to find Matthias?

I sighed in frustration and sat on the chair to relieve the tension.

Matthias, I want you here.

Please come back.

“Earl.” I heard Matthias’ faint voice from a far. I opened my eyes. It was unbearably dark and I can’t see anything. Matthias descended near me and I practically leaped out of the bed.

It’s really him. My Matthias. He came back.

“Matthias.” I hugged him but gasped when he slowly faded away from me. I jolted when I heard gunshots all over the place. My eyes widened and reached out to hold Matthias but he continued to fade away. The gunshots became louder and louder. I covered my ears but I can still hear them clearly.

“Matthias, don’t go! Please don’t leave me! MATTHIAS!”

“Jesus, wake up Earl!” I quickly got up from the bed and saw Harry and Ralph beside me looking worried at me.

I opened my mouth and soon realized that I was panting. I held my cheeks and sweat rolled down my face.

I was dreaming?

“Are you alright?” Harry asked sitting beside me. His face was still worried.

I gulped and nodded. “Y-yes, I’m alright. Sorry.”

“Man, you woke up. You were screaming Matthias’ name.” Ralph said and I pulled out an apologetic smile to him.

“Sorry.” I said and he smiled at me.

“Have you seen Matthias yet?” I asked but Harry shook his head.

“Edward went to his house but he said that Matthias wasn’t there. I also called him in his phone but…” He held out his phone in front of my face and saw the call logs of Harry’s phone. They were all to Matthias but all of them were not answered.

“Matthias…where is he?” I asked mostly to myself but Ralph heard me.

“He might…”

“No!” I cut him off and he gasped at the sudden raise of my voice. “S-sorry…it’s just that – I’m sure nothing happened to him.”

I know I’m still holding to that thin thread of hope that he might be safe but now that two days had passed, I can’t say that no more.

School was cancelled. They said it was contaminated by some disease and needed to be inspected. But they probably said that to not cause uproar that a murder took place there.

I sighed and stood up. Harry and Ralph were still looking out me like I might break down or something. I turned my head to them and smiled.

I opened the door of the bathroom and walked towards the sink. I washed my face and stared at the mirror. I look like a mess. Dark bags were under my eyes, my hair sticking up everywhere. My lips were dry and I look so pale. I dried my face and stood still in front of the mirror.

Edward still doesn’t want me to go outside. It goes the same for Ralph since he’s the target and it’s dangerous for him to do so.

But I can’t stay and do nothing knowing that Matthias might be out there…dying.

I shut my eyes and erased the horrible thought.

No, Matthias’ not dead yet. No, he’s not.

I fished out my phone inside my pockets and saw no messages. I sighed and took a sit on the edge of the tub.

I miss Matthias so much that he even appeared in my dreams.

A week had passed and there was still no news of Matthias. I’m really starting to get anxious to the point that I can’t even eat.

I found myself sitting in front of the dining table with Harry’s mother in her respective seat. Edward was sitting across me with Harry beside him.

Ralph nudged my arm who was sitting to my right. “Dude, eat your pasta.”

I heard him and I want to reply but I don’t know what to say.

Harry’s mother looked at me. “Earl dear, is something the matter?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m sorry Mrs Thompson– ” I pushed my plate away from me and stood up. “ – I just don’t have the appetite.”

I silently walk away towards the huge living room. I sat down on the sofa and looked outside the windows.

I want to go out and search for him but I’m restrained to do so. After some minutes, I saw Ralph walking towards me. He loudly sat beside me and gave out an exasperated sigh.

“Sorry.”

I looked at him. “Huh?”

“It’s my entire fault. If it wasn’t for me, this wouldn’t have happened.” He confessed and I was dumbfounded. It never crossed my mind that it was his fault.

“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.” I said and he shook his head.

“No, you see, I was the one who started the feud between the Samson and my family.”

My eyes widened at what he just said. He intertwined his fingers nervously.

“My father – he was strict and all and I know that it’s only natural for him to be coz he’s in the black market. He never spent his time with his family. It’s only about business and shits like that. My mother never gave a damn about it and she let our family fall to pieces. She got fed up and decided to cheat.” Ralph looked at me with a smirk but his face held out a hurt expression. “And you know what’s funny? My dad never really cared. He let her do what she wants.”

I can’t imagine what kind of family was that.

“One day, I saw my mum making out with this old bastard, inside our house and on their bed. I want to puke so bad when I saw them. And that made me decide that I don’t want this life anymore. I’m sick and tired of their f****d up life. I don’t want to be a part of it.” He spat in anger. “So – me and my older brother started to destroy their business by secretly intimidating the Samsom. And they fell for it.”

“But I never expected my father to send a personal bodyguard just to protect me.” He closed his fist and leaned down. “It’s not that he wants me safe – it’s the business he wants to protect.”

His voice got weaker and I can’t help but to pity him. I know how that feels. To know that nobody cares for you inside your home.

I closed the gap between us and patted his back. I don’t know how to console someone but I’m willing to stay for them until they stop hurting.

He lifted his head and looked at me. “So I’m sorry.”

I shook my head. “No need to. You’re the one who said that Matthias is fine, right?”

He stared at me before breaking into laughter. “Man, I was just guessing but you really like that jerk.”

I sputtered. “W-what?!”

“It’s so obvious. Well, I mean between the two of you. Matthias never really did care to anyone except you. Did you know that when he received your message that you were still in school, he actually left me and ran like the wind just to get you.”

I know he’s exaggerating but I can’t help but to feel a bit flustered at what he said. “I – I don’t know what to say.”

“And here I was aiming for you.”

I blinked and turned my head to look at him. Did I hear him wrong? Or did he mean it another way?

“What?”

“I like you.”

Time stopped and the only thing that was moving was my heart and the sweat on my face.

And the only thing I saw was his lips kissing mine.