Shadows Of Red

CHAPTER 5: A Familiar Figure

CHAPTER 5: A Familiar Figure

“Hey, baby.”

Amanda greeted the moment she saw Calum walking on the hallway. I watched her as she clung to him and smiled brightly at the people looking at them, loving the attention they were getting.

I held on to my bag’s strap when those brown proud eyes went to me and smirked. I averted my gaze away from her, only to be welcomed by Calum’s stare.

I gripped on my bag’s strap and turned my back from them, walking away. I sighed.

I was honestly waiting for Calum. I wanted to thank him for what he did last night. I never got the chance to do so, because the moment I stood up and was directed inside the staff quarters of the bar, he wasn’t there anymore.

Fred was held by the bar’s security when the cops came. I don’t know if Calum was the one who reported the incident, but nonetheless, I am thankful someone did. I don’t know what I’d do if I see him once again. I don’t know whether to cower in fear or plan an assassination for him.

I’m just in between wanting to curse him for being despicable and run away from him. I’ve always felt that since high school whenever I see him. It just intensified now that he got the nerve to actually attempt at doing that disgusting thing to me.

Fred was a mess in high school. He often followed me around and if not for Jordan, I don’t think I would still be standing untouched by him. He was known to be using drugs and being a part of gangs, but as the Mayor’s son, those speculations end up being just rumors due to their cover-ups. But everyone who knows Fred knows it’s true. I don’t even know how he managed to graduate high school.

Pursing my lips in dismay, I glanced back at Calum and Amanda. When I saw that not one of them has their attention to me, I took that chance to stare at Calum’s face.

Pitch black hair, pointed nose, square jawline, grey magnetic eyes. His appearance is just every other guy could ask for, even so his tall and lean physique. He would want to date someone as attractive as him. Like Amanda.

But I remember how he held me with such care that I wanted to succumb to the feeling of embracing him last night. I wanted to absorb that safety I felt radiating off of him by touching him, but I held myself. Not taking further chances with him. And his eyes. Those indifferent, cold, yet magnetic eyes that softened the moment he saw me crouched on the ground. I don’t even know if everything that’s in my mind about him at that moment was true or just a product of my imagination.

But I can’t deny the shocked feeling I felt while seeing and feeling all those things from him last night. How he guided me towards the entrance of the bar by my waist, protectively covering me from all the people watching. I don’t even know why he was there, even so doing all of those for me. I just didn’t expect it from him.

Sighing, I looked away from them, but that’s when Calum met my eyes again. I mentally shook my head and turned away from him and continued walking.

Maybe I could thank him later.

“Nat.”

I looked to my side and was immediately welcomed by Jordan’s embrace. “Hey,” I said as I peeled him off of me.

With worry evident in his bright brown eyes, he said, “I heard about Fred last night. Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

I shook my head at his worry-filled voice. Those brown eyes filled with frustration and worry. “I’m fine. He wasn’t able to do much.” Jordan’s jaw ticked in anger. He’s been wanting to bash Fred’s head in some hard wall—those words exactly from him—whenever he sees Fred following me.

“That bastard.”

I shook my head and touched his forearm. His fists were clenching hard and I could sense his bottled anger for Fred spilling out. “I’m really fine now,” I said to calm him down.

Jordan can be very protective sometimes. I’ve seen it with the way he handled his nieces, too.

He heaved a deep sigh and closed his eyes in an act of control. I caressed his arm. “Thank you,” I said and smiled at him. It made him sigh again. “Of course, I’m worried about you. How can’t I? I’ve seen how that animal thinks you’re his aphrodisiac.” I grimaced at his choice of words.

“Let’s just not talk about him.” I said and he once again wrapped me in his arms in a bear hug. I welcomed his embrace, smiling. But he suddenly stepped away from me as if remembering something. I looked at him in question.

“I heard someone saved you. Who was it?”

I bit my lip. Something about it makes me not want to tell him nor anybody. More like feeling awkward about it. But I shook my head, realizing it would become even more so awkward if I feel—at least show how awkward I am about it. And besides, why should I? It’s the truth.

“Well—“ I started, but before I could continue, somebody called my name.

“Natalie.” Rina immediately hugged me as she ran her way towards me with those strapped white heels. “Oh, I hope you’re okay. I’m sorry about what happened.” She caressed my back and I welcomed her warmth.

“I’m fine. Thanks,” I said the moment she backed away from the hug. Rina’s grey-green eyes looked at me worriedly, but I can’t help seeing that genuine confusion in those eyes again. As if having exactly no clue why she doesn’t know anything about it. Again.

I shook my head. I should just stop overthinking everything. I need to take a break from all these weird things going around in my head.

“I have to go,” Jordan suddenly said. I looked at him and saw how his jaw ticked in an undeniable expression of anger. I frowned in confusion. And without a second, he walked away from us. The sight of his jaw clenching was the last thing I saw before he disappeared.

“Jordan...” I called after but his long strides didn’t even falter at my calling. My brows creased. What’s wrong with him? Leaving so sudden like that.

“Natalie, come on.” Rina crossed our arms and dragged me away from the sight of Jordan, still walking so fast. As if running away from something that disgusted him. My frown deepened.

“You can tell me what happened.” Rina’s airy and accented voice cut my thoughts away from Jordan. I looked at her and curiosity is still all over her doll-like face.

I sighed and gave in to feed that never ending curiosity of hers.

***

WALKING TOWARDS the gazebo, I couldn’t help looking around the wooded area.

Chilly wisps of air passed through my jacket and made my dark hair fly around my face. Making the nearby trees also sway its leaves in a slow, calming motion. I adjusted my beanie and continued walking towards the gazebo.

I sighed once I took a seat. Jordan didn’t show up in our first class together. And lately, he’s been quite different. He’s been too busy. I barely even see him these days.

Taking my mind away from that, I focused on making school works instead. I have so much work piled up to do. I need to focus on this for now if I want to pass this semester.

Several minutes passed and I was already so engrossed with what I was doing. But that’s when I suddenly heard those shufflings again.

I paused at my work and kept my self still. I put my pen on the table. Observing. Waiting for that sound to come back.

Several seconds passed, I slowly looked towards that entrance of the trail I saw that fast figure yesterday. I swallowed at the memory. I don’t even know where I gathered the courage to still stay here.

Moments passed and nothing of any sort happened. I took my pen again and started writing, only to hear those shufflings again.

I can no longer take it, I stood up from my seat and looked at the forest area. But deciding whether to go there was not a chance I could have taken because I didn’t need to look for it anymore.

With my heart beating rapidly, I stood still as I saw a man standing in the midst of the shallow areas of the woods. Where a part of him can be seen from my place.

But that gnawing curiosity once again overcame my senses. With my eyes focusing on that part where I can see him, I slowly recognized something familiar with that figure.

My breath hitched at the sight.

“Jordan?”