Flickered By Innocence (Crossing The Line Series 4) ✅

F.B.I-20

"We're so happy for the both of you," I said, snapping the last bit of sincerety I held.

Kagaya ko ay binati na rin nila Kyle, Ezra at Levi sina Gellian na sinundan din nila Aaron. They congratulated the new couple with their poker faces. I just found myself agreeing with Uncle Allen's offer to join them at their mansion.

"Aaron, wala dito yung van nila Gellian." I let him know when he guided me towards the parking lot.

He stopped in front of a flashy red sports bike. "I just got my driver's license yesterday and bought this bike. I want you to be my first passenger, Zein."

"Well, I h-haven't ridden a motorcycle yet, so... I'm a little s-scared, Aaron." I honestly informed him.

He took three steps closer and put on a strawberry themed helmet on my head. "Wag kang mag-alala, hindi kita hahayaang masaktan."

I sat on his bike's passenger seat amidst the fear that I was feeling. I'm not the type of person who loves to experience new things. That's why I'm very impressed with Levi for being reckless sometimes. He can go through the barriers and cross the limits if he wants to.

Aaron got my hands and wrapped them around his waist. "Kumapit kang mabuti, baby. We're going to claim your prince charming."

Sumigaw ako nang napakalakas nung matulin niyang pinaandar ang kanyang motorsiklo. Ang aking mga mata'y nakapikit habang ang mukha ko'y nagkatago sa kanyang malapad na balikat. Takot akong mahulog kaya mahigpit ang kapit ko sa kanyang tiyan.

Aaron laughed. "B-baby, n-nakikiliti ako. W-wag ka m-masyadong kumapit."

I started to cry from so much fear. "Please slow down, Aaron. My dad will be mad if you leave me a scratch."

Napansin ko namang bumagal siya nang takbo kaya nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Binuksan ko ang aking mga mata at nakaramdam ng ginhawa habang pinagmamasdan ang daan. I was about to take off my arms from hugging him when he spoke in a soft manner.

"Kapit ka lang, Zein. Kahit ngayon lang. Please, wag kang bibitaw."

It's been a while since I heard Aaron call me by my name, so I felt shocked. He sounds so gentle and calm. He must have been afraid of being grilled by my dad if I fell. Without uttering a word, I just continued hugging him with a smile on my face. 

"Zein, a-akala ko 'di ka pupunta?" Krisha's voice quivered.

"Inimbita po ako ni Tito Allen kaya ako nandito," I glared at her.

I shrugged when Aaron rested his arm on my shoulder, then I saw Gellian wearing a plain longsleeve shirt with his finged hair down. He looks like a new person to me. Giving me a cold stare, I just centered my eyes on Aaron.

"Gellian, guma-gwapo ka, ah? Ganyan ba kapag may love life?" Aaron asked in a mocking tone.

Lumapit sa amin si Gellian. Hindi ko man siya matingnan nang diretso ay alam kong sa akin siya nakatitig. Umawang ang aking labi nung mas inilapit ako ni Aaron sa kanyang katawan. Nakita ko ang mapang-asar niyang ngisi habang nakatingin sa aming harapan.

I darted my sight to Gellian when he let out a heavy sigh. "Pre, sana ganyan din kalinaw yung mata ng tunay na mahal ko."

When I noticed that the theme of the party was very stylish, I assumed that Aunt Cecil was the one who decorated their backyard. There are hanging lights that keep everything alive after the sun goes down. Giant balloons, desserts on the table, and they even hire an expert bartender who mixes the cocktails for the adult visitors.

 

"Pre, bakit puro strawberry yung dessert niyo? Cake, cookies pati ice cream lahat strawberry. Yung totoo, para sa 'yo ba talaga 'tong celebration?" Sunod-sunod na tanong ni Leonard habang pinagmamasdan ang mga nakahain lamesa.

Gellian pursed his lips. "Alam kong pupunta yung taong mahalaga sa 'kin kaya ako yung nag-prepare nito."

Padabog na tumayo si Krisha sa kanyang upuan dahilan kaya napatingin sa kanyang ang lahat ng bisita. Kuyom ang kanyang palad at nakaramdam ako ng awa nung umagos ang luha sa kanyang pisngi.

"Gellian... ayoko na! Akala ko mamahalin mo rin ako kaya pumayag akong magpanggap na girlfriend mo, pero... mali pala ako. Let's stop this deal!" Krisha's helpless voice pierced my soul.

Hindi siya nag-atubiling lumakad palabas ng mansyon. Sinundan naman siya ni Gellian habang ang mga bisita'y tahimik at natulala sa nasaksihan. Sina Tito Allen at Tita Cecil ay nagpatuloy sa pag-aasikaso sa ilang bisita na parang walang nangyari.

"Sabi ko na nga ba't mangyayari 'to," Gabriel murmured.

Leonard drank his cocktail before he spoke. "This is that old man's fault." Then he pointed at Uncle Allen with his lips.

Anxiously, Roque grabbed a strawberry cupcake and put it in Leonard's mouth. "Pare, marinig ka ni Tito, baka mapalayas tayo."

I was trying to understand what they were saying, but I couldn't. It seems like they know something and I'm the only one who's unaware. I huff before blurting out what's on my mind.

 

"Do you guys know something about what happened?"

 

Aaron sincerely looked into my eyes. "W-we're sorry, Zein. We didn't let you know because you're too young to understand the situation—"

 

"Because you all still think I'm a baby even when I'm not! I'm fifteen, Aaron, and I can understand things just like you guys. How will I mature if you're all spoiling me as a baby?" I let out the feelings I have inside me.

I thought that being with them for a year would make them realize how I had changed, but I guess they still think of me as a child. A child who needs to be pampered and someone who can't handle complicated matters around me.

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