Different Worlds (REVISED)

Chapter 4

As I clicked the button in the corner of the library, a remarkable sight unfolded before my eyes. The books on the shelves seemed to come alive, covered by a cascading flow of water. The water gracefully danced around the books, arranging them in a mesmerizing display of coordination and elegance. It was as if the library itself had a secret life, hidden beneath the surface.

Amidst this enchanting scene, I turned my gaze towards the vampire standing beside me. His eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and intrigue, mirroring my own wonderment. I couldn't help but be captivated by the vampire's presence, his air of mystery, and the way he seemed to be in tune with the magical events unfolding before them.

With a sense of awe, I leaned closer to the Zhay and asked, "What is happening here? How is it possible for the books to move and arrange themselves like this?"

The vampire, with a knowing smile, replied in a voice that held a hint of ancient wisdom, "This library holds secrets beyond imagination, my dear. It is a place where the ordinary transcends into the extraordinary. The water you see is not just water; it is the essence of knowledge and the spirit of the written word. It flows with the power of the stories contained within these books, bringing them to life in its own unique way."

As I absorbed his words, the water continued its graceful dance, seemingly responding to their conversation. The library, with its magical aura, invited them to explore its depths and discover the wonders hidden within its pages.

Kakaiba talaga ang lalaking ito, sa'n kaya siya nagmana? Na sa'n kaya pamilya niya? Bakit bigla akong naging interesado sa lalaking 'to? Bigla akong naging interesado sa buhay niya,  at 'di ko mapigilan ang mapatanong. Iniwanan ba siya nang pamilya niya? Ba't siya lang mag-isang nakatira sa bahay na 'to? Hindi ba siya nalulungkot?

Bumalik na ako kung saan ako naka-upo kanina at 'yon ay sa harapan niya. Nagbabasa na ulit siya nang libro. May tanong na namang namuo isipan ko at hindi ko talaga ma-iwasan ang mapatanong sa lahat ng mga kilos niya.

"Ba't ang hilig mo magbasa?" tanong ko rito habang nakatingin sa librong hawak niya.

Natatabunan ng librong ang mukha niya kaya sa halip na mukha niya ang makita ko, cover ng libro ang nakikita ko. Mabuti na rin sigurong gano'n 'yon.

"I have nothing else to do in this house but to read," sagot niya habang nasa libro pa rin ang focus.

"Meron naman ah... " saad ko.

As the I approached him who was engrossed in reading a book, I mustered the courage to strike up a conversation. I spoke, my voice filled with curiosity and intrigue, capturing Zhay's attention. With a gentle motion, he put down his book and turned his gaze towards me, his eyes meeting mines.

In that moment, I couldn't help but observe the his face, taking in the unique features that set him apart from ordinary humans. His eyes, intense and captivating, held a depth that seemed to reflect centuries of wisdom and experience. They sparkled with a hint of mystery, inviting her to delve deeper into the enigma that was the vampire's existence.

His pale complexion, contrasting against the darkness of his hair, seemed to glow softly in the ambient light. It was a testament to his otherworldly nature, a reminder of the nocturnal realm from which he hailed. Yet, there was a certain elegance to his appearance, a refinement that spoke of a timeless charm.

As I continued to observe, I noticed the subtle details that made him fascinatingly unique. His sharp yet delicate features, the slight curve of his lips, and the way his brows furrowed ever so slightly as he listened intently to her words. It was as if every aspect of his face told a story, a tale of a life lived in the shadows.

"Mmm... P'wede naman na mag-exercise ka rito sa loob ng bahay mo," suhestiyon ko.

"I don't need that," masungit na saad nito.

"Edi magtanim ka dito."

"Nice idea,  then where can I get flowers?" tanong nito at nag-cross arm.

"Ewan... Hingi ka na lang do'n sa mga may ari no'ng mga asong nanggigil na makagat ako," saad ko.

Baka mabait talaga ang mga asong iyon, nakulang lang sa aruga, sa mundo ko may kalayaan samantalang dito 'di ko ma-feel ang kalayaan. Ang kaibahan nga lang sa mundo ko ginagamit ng ilan ang kalayaan sa kasamaan samantalang dito kahit walang kalayaan patuloy pa rin ang pagsugpo nang kasamaan. Nabasa ko sa libro na bigay ni Lola ay ang pagsugpo nang kasamaan sa pagitan ng mga asong lobo at bampira. Gusto kong tanungin ang lalaki ngunit hindi pa yata ngayon ang tamang panahon para magtanong ng mga bagay na masyadong personal.

"Tsk." Nagising lamang ang aking diwa nang suminghal siya dahilan para mapatingin ako sa kaniya.

"May sinasabi ka ba?" tanong ko.

"S-sorry may iniisip kasi ako," dugtong ko pa.

"Nothing," deretsang sagot niya.

"Sigurado ka?" tanong kong muli. Tulad nga nang sabi ko kanina,  mabuti nang sigurado. Kaso hindi siya sumagot at nagpatuloy lang sa pagbabasa sa librong kanina ay ibinababa niya.

"Alam mo gusto ko maging botanist," pag-iiba ko.

"Eh?"

"Mahilig ako sa bulaklak, wala nga lang nakakaalam," kuwento ko.

"Then why your telling me that?" malamig at seryosong tanong niya.

"Wala lang, share ko lang... Bawal ba?"

"Tsk," singhal niya at tumayo.

"Alam mo ang sungit mo! Kung 'di lang talaga ako biniyayaan ng patience ni Lord baka natamaan ka na ng kamao ko o di kaya ay tinagusan na kita sa tagiliran," saad ko nang makitang aalis siya.

"I'm not afraid," saad pa niya habang nakapamulsang naglakad palabas. Tumayo ako at mabilis na hinabol siya.

"Tsk," singhal ko. 

"Na saan ba pamilya mo?" tanong ko

"None of your business," seryosong sagot niya.

"Eto naman, ako lang naman makakaalam. Trust me,  'di ko ipagkakalat," pangako ko ngunit mukhang 'di niya gustong i-share,  may nangyari sigurong 'di maganda.

"Ilang taon ka na ba?" tanong ko ulit.

"Hoy! Mamansin ka naman!" sigaw ko nang 'di niya ako pansinin.

"Daig mo pa menopausal tsk, bahala ka nga diyan," saad ko at sinundan na lamang siya.

As my curiosity grew, I couldn't help but wonder about the Zhay's age and his family.

However, to my surprise, Zhay remained silent, his lips sealed in a mysterious smile. It was as if he held his age and family history close to his chest, guarding them like precious secrets.

I took a moment to reflect on my own nature. I realized that I was indeed someone who constantly asked questions, seeking knowledge and understanding in every encounter. It was a part of my essence, an insatiable curiosity that propelled my forward.

Palatanong talaga akong tao, sabi nga nang ilan mas maganda raw kung mag-reporter ako. Pero mas lamang sa 'kin ang magdiskobre nang mga halaman at s'yempre ang pagmamahal ko sa pagsusulat.

Naglalakad lang si Zhay at sinusundan ko lang siya,  'di ko alam kung sa'n siya pupunta. Hindi na rin ako nagtanong at baka ikapahamak ko pa.

Kitang kita sa mukha niya ang galit,  parang halos araw-araw may galit sa loob niya. At na-c-curious pa rin ako sa buhay niya,  alam kong mali ang maki-alam sa buhay ng iba pero mas mabuti nang alam ko para alam ko kung tamang immortal ang pinagkatiwalaan ko. Oo, kahit na masungit at maldito siya, alam kong mabait siya dahil sa pagtulong niya sa akin ng mapadpad ako sa mundo nila, kung mali man ako nang pinagkatiwalaan sana no'ng una pa lang patay na ako.

Sana ay malapit na akong maka-uwi at gusto ko ng makita ang pamilya ko...