The Lost Princess of Biringan City

Chapter 6: Comforted

After what happened, Paulo brought me to his place and let me calm down. Paulo put some ointment in my swelling hands because of the ropes. He also gives me clothes to change. I told him I would go home instead, but he insisted. It was already dark when Paulo saw me at the abandoned building; it is in the back of our university. 

“I already reported them to the school admin. You don’t have to worry now,” Paulo said. He is sitting on the one-sitter sofa chair beside me. 

I nodded at him while still looking at the glass table in front of me. I looked at the cup of coffee that Paulo gave me earlier. I took a deep breath and took a sip. I still can’t believe what happened earlier. I still saw Sofie and her friends outside the building when we got out. Sofie glared at me when she saw Paulo was carrying like a newlywed. She shouted I am a witch, and Paulo shouldn’t be near me, but guards from our university arrived and brought them. 

It shouldn’t be surprising that he already owns a condo unit, but I am. Good for him. He is the son of the school owner. Paulo’s house was big for him to live alone. His living room is as big as our house. How nice of it to have a place like this to live in? I cannot imagine how rich they are. It also has a minimalistic and manly theme. But I see he loves nature too because of the indoor plants I see in his living room. 

“A-Are you not scared of me?” I asked Paulo without looking at him. I make myself busy by looking at the flat-screen television in front of me. My anxiety is showing in my face. 

I heard him laugh a bit. Paulo’s voice is deep but gentle. No wonder why many girls are crazy for him. I frowned at him.

“Why would I be?” He asked. His forehead wrinkled, too, while looking at me confused. 

I took a deep breath and looked back at my reflection. I swallowed and closed my eyes. The second thing I knew, my tears were flowing. I put the cup of coffee on the table and wipes my tears.

“Cassie… I am sorry if I am not at your side earlier,” Kikay said sadly. She is sitting on the long sofa chair with me. Kikay never stops crying since we arrive at Paulo’s place. 

I just looked at Kikay. I wanted to say that it’s okay, but Paulo is looking at me. I learned Kikay goes to our school to say sorry to me, but she never saw me. Kikay was waiting for me when she heard Paulo was rushing to a place. Kikay did not mind it, but she hears my name. So, she also flies to the abandoned building too. 

“I am a witch. They say,” I said sadly while still looking at Kikay. Kikay is wiping her tears and crying as if I died. I smile a bit because, at least, someone is worried if I am gone. 

“Well then, I am a dragon,” Paulo said while laughing. 

I smirked when I heard his laugh—no wonder why many girls want him. Paulo may look serious, but you could see that he is different when you talk with him. 

“Thank you,” I said after a few seconds. “I-I never taught someone would help me.” 

Paulo stops laughing then smirked. “Well then, young lady, I am.” Paulo stands up and sits down beside me. “I heard what happened. So, I rushed and found Sofie. Then I discovered it is true, and she is doing it again.” He took a deep breath. “Sofie always bullies girls that got near to me.”

“Is she your girlfriend?” 

He shakes his head. “Nope. I know she likes me, but this is too much. Anyway, stay here for dinner, then I will take you home,” he said and stood up. 

“What? I am okay. I should go home now,” I protest. 

Paulo looks at me and smiles. “Nope. Just stay, okay?” 

I wanted to stop him, but he started walking to his kitchen. I sighed and let him be. I bet Tiya Jesse is worried right now. It’s seven in the afternoon based on the walk clock hanging at the wall from the top of the television in Paulo’s living room. 

“Cassie,” Kikay called me. She flies to face me. Kikay still looks sad. At least she is not crying now. 

“Can I hug you?” I asked. 

Kikay’s eyes widened. “Of course!” she exclaimed and rushed at my shoulder. Her tiny arms try to hug me. 

I just smiled at pats his back using my finger. Her hugs make me feel relieved; it feels like… I am home.

“I am sorry I shouted at you yesterday. I was just frustrated because of what happened.” 

“I understand you, Cassie.” Kikay let go of me and flies in front of me. She wipes her teary eyes. “I know it is still hard for you, but later on, you will understand everything.” 

My forehead wrinkles when I hear Kikay’s serious voice. She is looking deeply into my eyes as if she is saying something. My heartbeat fast. 

“W-What do you mean?” I asked her with a serious tone. 

Kikay’s eyes widened, and she become nervous. She looks away from me and bit her lower lips. Is she hiding something from me? My curiosity started to rose. If it is about my true self, then I should know about it. 

“Kikay - ”

“Cassie? Who are you talking with?” 

I looked at Paulo when I heard his voice. Paulo is already done cooking when I saw him and now walking towards me with a tray of food in his hands. I could smell the fried hotdogs and chicken nuggets he cooks. 

Paulo puts the tray in front of me, and Kikay flew there and smelled the tasty aroma of the food. 

I clear my throat tension and tries to smile at him. “Y-You’re done?” 

“Yes. Who are you talking with?” Paulo asked. He sits down beside me and opens the television. 

I shake my head nervously. “N-No one.” I saw from my peripheral vision he nodded as if he agreed. 

“I’m sorry. I only buy my food from outside. I promise to buy you food next time.” Paulo smiles at me sweetly. 

I nodded at him nervously and started eating my food. I get a plate and put some rice there and nuggets. Then I started eating without looking at him. Paolo plays an American series; it is about a demon who had his vacation in Las Vegas. Paulo still talks to me while we are eating. I also give nuggets to Kikay in my side secretly. 

After we eat, Paulo takes me to our home. Tiya Jesse was worried because it was late, but Paulo explained everything to her. I am surprised that Tiya Jess immediately accepts his explanation. She doesn’t ask him many questions. When Tiya Jesses and Paulo are done talking, I bid goodbye to Paulo and go inside our room. I get my towel and cleaned myself again, and change my clothes. I left my uniform at Paulo’s house. I sighed; I guess I will get it tomorrow. 

When I am done doing my things, I lie down on my bed. When I look at my side, I saw Kikay is already sleeping. I smiled. I promise to buy her a new dress tomorrow from my allowance. I realized I shouldn’t be hard on her. She is my one and only friend—the only one who could understand me. 

© 06 - 04