The Act of Escaping

Prologue

I turned up and saw the dreamcatchers hanged on the ceiling.

I looked at the clock on the table beside my bed. It's already 7 in the morning.

'Goodmorning Sofia' A voice of a male echoed through the room.

I suddenly feel cold that I have to pull the sheets up and wrapped my body. Who was that?

'Come on, where's my good morning kiss?'

It was as if cold water had been poured on me. A kiss? What is he talking about? Where is he? Why can't I see him?

My eyes widened in shock. A ghost! Mama mia! I ran through the door and slammed it hard. Oh no! There's a ghost inside my room. I gotta tell mom about this or maybe I'll call someone to cast the soul out of my room. A priest! That's right!

'You don't need to call for help. I'll be with you 24/7 and you can't do anything about it. Well,except for one thing and that's a secret'

Is he kidding me? I narrowed my eyes on the teddy bear near the sofa just outside my room. I hit the teddy bear with my hands and it flew. I was just thinking that he's inside that 'fluffy thing'. I pouted and suppressed a scream.

'Inday, just accept the fact that I'll be forever by your side. Even when you're taking a bath hahaha'

This creature is getting into my nerves. He seriously thinks that I am an easy-to-be-scared woman. No way! Even if I think he's a ghost and he can grab my feet at night."No way! I will fight you! Watch and learn, hah!"

'Hmm, I like that. I'll keep an eye on you. Fight me,huh. You can't even see me. How would you do that? Are you a 'ghost' inday?'

Hah! He even really emphasized the word ghost. He is really annoying! He even called me inday!!

"How dare you call me inday? I am not your dear, loved one! Only mom calls me that! And for you to know, I can fight you even if I can't see you! You weird creature!! Hmp!"

'Okay, no need to shout. I can hear you clearly. I'm just beside you, can't you feel it? Or you're getting numb? Well inday, it's okay to feel numb especially when you're scared'

"Scared? I'm not scared of you!! Can you please just leave?"

I sighed and got up from the floor where I sat awhile ago.

'I like you Sofia'

I blinked enumerable times. What on earth is he talking about? This ghost is really annoying!

"Are you sick?" I just can't believe him. For me, he's a ghost. I can't see him that's why I'm thinking if he's serious or not. Whatever! I'd still choose the latter, hahaha.

'Hmm. Yea, you can say that. A lovesick fool maybe?' he said.

I wonder if he's smirking right now or maybe his eyes held amusement as he utter those words.

"A fool? Glad you know about it," so he knew all along that he's a fool.

'Stop! I said I like you,' this ghost knows how to get irritated, huh. Let's see how long you'll last.

"So what?" I crossed my arms, trying to ignore his confession.

'What? Inday... say something'

I raised my right eyebrow.

"Something," okay, I don't mean to be sarcastic or what. I just feel like he's joking and I'm playing along.

Few minutes passed and I didn't hear anything from him.

"Hey! Are you still there?" still, no reply from him.

"Hah! You're really a ghost!" I pouted and hit the wall, "Aw!" My hand hurt so I blew it.

'Who's the ghost?'

I startled upon hearing his deep voice. It felt like I'm having a heart attack. I thought he's gone.

"So you were behind me all along?" I closed my eyes, calming myself.

'O, is there a problem with that? I could even hug you right now,' this ghost surely has a nerve.

"Of course there's a problem! You can't just be silent for a while and suddenly speak right behind me!" I sighed, "You know I can't see you, right?" forehead creased;panting, I just couldn't hide the frustration in me.

"... Just who and what the hell are you? Gosh, you're getting creepy," he's such a wicked ghost!

'Inday I-"

"Sofia?" I heard the sweet voice of my mom, "it's time for breakfast!" I'm such a lucky girl.

"Mom! What date is today?" I asked.

Waiting for mom's reply, I raised my hands for a morning stretch. "Ah, feels good," a good sign to start my day.

I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

After awhile, I went to the door and opened it. I didn't see anyone. I guess mom's already in the kitchen.

6:09 AM.

I went downstairs to have breakfast. "There you are! I've been calling your name three times," mom said with a note of laughter in her voice.

"You didn't even hear my question," I said with a slight pout.

"Nevermind inday, just come here and eat before you lose your appetite," I walked towards the kitchen and sat on the empty seat beside mom.

I looked at the foods on the table . It took me half a minute in smelling them. Ah, a good breakfast for a simple family in the province.

After eating breakfast, I went outside to get some vitamin D. Nevermind the dishes, I'll wash them later.

I was walking around the village when I saw some of my ex-classmates. I panicked, uh where should I hide?

This is what I hate the most!

I ran as fast as I could. I was near to the bushes when I bumped into someone. "Aw!" I fell to the ground with a loud thud.

I looked up and saw my neighbor, Shot Dexman!

My eyes widened when I heard some footsteps near us. I immediately got up, even though my butt hurts.

"Sorry," he whispered when I passed through him. I continued running like I didn't hear him until I got back to our house.

I opened the gate and entered the house with a haste. Sweats were dripping down my body.

I was catching my breath when mom saw me. "What happened? I thought you're just gonna walk?" I looked at her with tired eyes.

"Did you see your ex-classmates again?" she asked, slightly laughing.

I frowned and pouted. "I saw Dexman too," I said.

Her expression changed. "Oh? I never thought that guy would go for a morning walk,"slight shock was written on her face. That guy shocked me too. Why the sudden change? Is he sick?

I sighed, "Maybe he'd got some guts to change his daily routine," I said and went straight to the kithen.

After washing the dishes, I went to my room to change clothes.

'Welcome back inday'

Ugh! There's the creepy ghost again!

I took a deep breath.

*ting

I looked at my phone.

'Shot Dexman added you on f*******:'

Oh? So this guy knows some stuff on social media huh.

'Confirm or Delete'

I narrowed my eyes. Hmm, I'll just decide about it later. I turned off my phone and went inside the bathroom.

Oh! I forgot to bring my towel. Good thing I haven't started taking a bath yet. I went outside and took the towel.

I dipped my index finger into the water. It feels cold! I don't think I can bathe with it without screaming.

'You will take a bath or I will bathe you'

My eyes widened. He's here? I looked at myself and let out a deep sigh. Thank God, I'm still fully clothed. What is this ghost doing here?

"Hey creepy ghost! What do you think you're doing? You're not allowed here! Leave!" I shouted.

'Why would I do that?'

What? Is he fooling around with me? This is not funny. How am I supposed to take a bath if he's here with me.

I changed my mind. I won't take a bath today.

"Sofia, inday? Are you there?" mom asked followed by a knock on the door.

"Mom?"

"Get dressed, we're going somewhere"

"Huh? In this hour?"

"Inday, a feast has no time limit" she said.

I laughed. A feast huh? Oh well, we're gonna have free lunch! Not bad at all.

"Well mom, a free lunch is a munch!" I said.

We both laughed. It's a family motto whenever we get invited by some relatives.

"Time's running! Hurry!"she said.

I heard her footsteps. Guess mom's not that hungry, huh.

What now? I crinkled my nose. Gosh! I smell bad. I frowned, both fists closed. This is bad!

'Bye inday. Enjoy the feast!'

Oh, I totally forgot about the ghost.

I showed a grin. Knowing he can see me, I just thought it would be nice to give him a thank you grin.

I hurried back to the bathroom.

Nevermind the cold water, what's important is to smell good going to a feast.

I sprayed some cologne on my body and brushed my short hair.

I looked at myself on the mirror.

I posed and moved my eyebrow in an 'up and down' motion. A 'newly bathed' look makes me pretty huh.

A few moments later, I found myself pouting as I made different faces. Gosh, why am I so ugly? Ugh!

Freaking pimples! Why are you lingering on my face? Oh men! I pouted even more.

I went outside, only to see that everyone's ready. I was the only one missing.

"What took you so long inday?" mom asked.

I didn't bother answering her question. She would understand it anyway. I was still upset about the mirror thing.

We were outside the house waiting for a ride, when Dexman parked his car in front of us. I threw him a look of dismay. I thought he's different. Hmp! What a guy! He's a braggart one!

He looked at me and I pretended looking at the plants beside his car. Why is he looking at me? Is he crazy?

"Good afternoon Mrs. Prexon, where are you going?" he asked.

"We're going nowhere" I replied.

I gave mom an innocent look and smiled.

"Oh, so you are Mrs. Prexon. I never thought about her as a young woman," he said, smirking.

"Well, Mr. Dexman she's still young and beautiful, so think again," I said and rolled my eyes.

He faked a cough, "What I heard was different. They said Mrs. Prexon is currently living with her husband and stubborn daughter," he said with a laughter in his voice.

S-stubborn? How dare he call me that! I looked at him with anger.

"That's enough inday," mom said and faced the braggart guy, "we're sorry for my daughter's behavior, young man," she said with a smile of apology.

Dexman smiled, "No worries, Mrs. Prexon. By the way, are you going to Mr. Manacio's house?"

"How did you know?"

He rubbed his nape, "Well, I got invited and thought of going along with you. If it's okay, of course," he said. Looking so shy in front of us, he kind of look cute.

I smiled, so adorable. I can pinch his cheeks and kiss it after.

"Of course! It would be great since we haven't got something to ride" dad said, smiling.

I giggled and they all looked at me. What was I thinking about? Stupid Sofia! I hit my head;eyebrows furrowed.

"Inday, what are you doing?" dad asked.

Uh-oh. I stopped hitting my head and looked at him. "Uh," I turned to look at Dexman.

He chuckled. What is he chuckling all about?

I stared at him fiercely.

"I'm sure you wouldn't want to be late. So shall we?" he said and opened the door for us.

Trying to be gentleman, huh. Hmp!

Mom and dad entered. I was about to follow them when Dexman closed the door.

My mouth hang open. I gave him a confused and annoyed look.

"You wouldn't want your parents to feel uncomfortable, especially that it's a long ride," he said as if he read what's on my mind.

I sighed and entered the front seat.

"Put on your seat belt" he said while looking at me.

I looked at him and then to myself. Damn! I don't know how to put it on. What to do? What to do? Think Sofia!

I turned to my parents with pleading eyes.

I was about to ask them for help when Dexman chuckled, "Let me," he said and took the belt on my side.

I jumped a little when I felt him near me. I blinked a lot of times and swallowed. He's so near!

"Are you okay?" he looked at me in the eyes.

I opened my mouth to say something but it felt like I was lost of words as I looked at his eyes down to his lips. Oh, that red, soft-looking lips.

"Inday?"

Mom's voice brought us back to reality. I exhaled and sat properly. That was one hell of hypnosis. Since when did I become like this? Getting hypnotized by a man's eyes is such a no-no for me but what happened awhile ago seems so real.

Dexman started the car's engine and drove all the way to Manacio's residence.

While on the way, "Young man, can you turn off the aircon? My wife might vomit since she's not used to it," dad asked.

"No problem sir," he said and turned to me, "can you do it?" he asked.

I turned it off and leaned on my seat.

I closed my eyes until I fell asleep.

11:26 AM.

"Hey, wake up"

Something's poking my side so I pushed it away and shifted ny position.

"Wake up or I'm gonna wake you up in another way," I heard a deep male voice whispered to my right ear.

Another way? What?

I slowly opened my eyes. My vision's still blurry so I rubbed my eyes with my hands.

I blinked three times and Dexman's face showed. I moved my head backwards.

"So the stubborn Prexon's awake," he said and let out a smile.

Wow! He got white and strong-looking teeth, I'm jealous! My teeth is a bit yellowish and I've got some cavity in one of my molar teeth. Just how unlucky I am? Well, it's my fault anyway. I didn't take care of my teeth when I was young so this started in my teenage years. Gah! I was such a lazy girl. I can't pass being a hygienist.

"Where's mom and dad?" I asked him.

He pointed to the three persons talking.

I swallowed hard when I saw a lot of people. This is what I hate about attending a feast. Now, how am I supposed to come near my parents if I can't even cross the path between the crowd.

I looked at Dexman when he started to walk away from me. My eyes widened.

"H-hey! Don't leave me here!" I shouted but not so loud.

He turned to me and raised his left eyebrow. I pouted when I saw his 'what-do-you-want' expression.

I ran towards him and got a hold of his shirt. I'm sure he's thinking of something right now, but it doesn't matter at all. What natters is that I can hide from people through his back. I'm sure no one would notice me because Dexman's tall and he has broad shoulders.

"What do you think you're doing, lady?" He looked down on me with his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"Just... can you just start walking?" I looked away. I can't stand his look on me. It's just so awkward.

I gripped his shirt when we're in the middle of the crowd.

"Inday!" I heard my mom shouted.

I looked around while tiptoeing. Few more steps and we reached my parents.

I let go of his shirt, only to see some lines around it like a crumpled paper.

I looked at him, "Sorry," I said.

He looked so serious. Is he mad? I just held it lightly, how did it become like that? Stupid hand!

"It's okay," he said.

"Sorry for leaving you inday. You were just so asleep we didn't want to wake you up," mom said to me.

"Is that your daughter?" a man in his forties asked. I bet this is the man of the house who invited us-Mr. Manacio.

"Yes, she's the one I'm talking about. My beautiful daughter," mom said with a hint of confidence in her voice.

This is one embarrassing moment. Ugh!

I forced myself to give a genuine smile. Dexman laughed.

I frowned, the smile didn't turn out right, I guess.

After the introduction, I sat beside mom and started to eat.

"Mom, where's dad?" I asked.

"He answered the call of nature" mom replied.

I continued eating until I couldn't take it anymore. I felt so full. This is a perfect lunch. I wish everyday's like this. All the foods were delicious. I didn't want to stop eating but my stomach decided on its own.

Well, too much of everything can kill you, they say.

While looking around, I heard someone singing...

~Too much love will kill you

If you can't make up your mind

Torn between the lover

And the love you leave behind~

Hmm. Is it true? Too much love will kill you?

I wonder how it feels to be in love.

I looked at Dexman and he was looking at me too.

I was about to give him a smile when a loud explosion happened. I heard shouts from the people. I sat there, slightly shaking. What's happening? Mom grabbed my hand and we ran towards the exit. I halt on my step when I saw some dead bodies of the visitors.

Mom grabbed me hard that I almost fell on the ground. As we continue running, I saw a man holding a gun. He's wearing a mask but what caught my attention was his body built. The air may be black because of the explosion but I could clearly recognize him. The eyes, it's the same as Dexman's. I knew that he's looking at me.

He ran all of a sudden. I pushed mom's hand away so I could follow him.

He's a fast runner. I couldn't clearly see him.

I got tired so I stop in the middle of the road.

I held my head tightly when I felt it throbbing and my vision's a little bit blurry. The man stopped running and turned around to see me;walked towards my direction and stopped in front of me. I tried my best to bring back my clear sight but he was slowly fading.

I fell on the ground and it was as if someone covered my eyes with a thick cloth.

The ghost! I need to call him. Maybe he can help me.

I tried to open my mouth but I was too weak to call someone for help. I couldn't even move my mouth.

I let out a desperate breath before I lost consciousness.