章 2: RUNNING AWAY

"CELESTINA! Where the hell are you? Isn't it weird that your Mom called me at midnight asking for your whereabouts? And how the hell did she even got my number?!"

I tittered, Danica's loud voice filled my ears as I answered her call. Sometimes I do wonder why her loud voice doesn't irritate me.

"I'm okay, Danica" I chuckled, answering her question without giving any information.

I know my Mom, she's probably ordering some of her hired men to find me right now. And I don't what Danica to be involved here since this is my family's problem.

Hearing her deep sighed, My thoughts came back from flying away.

"Are you sure you're ok? You can come to my house, Celestina." My heart went in awe as I sadly smiled.

She's still the same girl I knew. Willing to risk everything just for me to be ok, even if she knows that she can be involved with my family's affair.

"No worries Da, once I found some free time I'll go to your house, and maybe we can go to Japan or Korea like you wanted to, right?" I assured her, thinking that it's the right time for me to probably unwind and make myself free somehow.

"Hmm, Okay, but take care of yourself, I love you, Celestina. Don't forget that." Her soft-spoken voice reflects love and worriedness in them.

"Love you too" I smiled, ending the call.

I took a deep breath, roaming my eyes around the room. I was busy fixing my things earlier when Danica called me.

I realized that it is hard to live alone, apparently, I'm now in a small apartment that I rented for the whole week. There was a small bed in the middle that is just exactly in my body. The floor was a little bit dirty that I had to take time in cleaning it earlier. And the glass windows are dusty, the same with its curtains.

I only have my luggage with me, fake ID's, and cards that my parents don't know about. They'll probably cancel my cards anyway so I left them in our house. I groaned in annoyance, I'm sure this will be quite a very long day. I sighed and look around, can I stay here for about 3-7 days?

Continuing what I'm doing earlier, I unpacked the remaining clothes in my luggage. My brows formed a straight line when one of my shirts fall on the floor. With no choice I lowered down my head, looking for it, but then I saw a weird book laying under the bed. Getting confused, I quickly grab and took a good look. "Hasta Que Nuestros Mundos Se Encuentren" What a weird title, I thought. It must be in Spanish based on some of its words.

The book must be old because some papers are already falling apart. Its front cover is covered with dirt and dust. I opened it and saw a drawing of a castle. The drawing is not that detailed due to its oldness, and the words are quite blurry already making it hard for me to read. But what intrigued me the most is that there is an italic word under the drawing.

'REALEZA' it says.

Shrugging my shoulders, I left the book on top of the table. Maybe it's from the past owner of this apartment. It's not my business anyway so I wouldn't touch those things I don't own. When I finally finished unpacking, I made a list of my necessities that I will buy in the local market during my stay here.

I decided to buy another phone. There's a possibility that they can track me through this. And with my thinking, it"s better to be safe than sorry.

I try to reminisce the past and collect all my thoughts. What have I done to my parents for them to be able to do this to me? Doubts, questions, and overthinking answers my question. Do they love me? Or did they even love me? What are their thoughts when they're mostly deciding on what should I do in my life? Did they somehow consider my feelings just for once?

These thoughts are slowly breaking me. I looked at the mirror on the right side of the bed as I wipe the tears that are forming in my eyes. I sadly smiled looking at my reflection in the mirror. I know... I can't be like this forever. I should stand up on my own and recollect myself... but how?

I sighed, lying down in the bed to calm myself down. With too many thoughts and overthinking in my mind, I didn't realize that I am already in a deep slumber.

Waking up, I do feel refreshed and better. I guess sleeping can really put me at ease. It somehow became the comfort that I needed too when I have a problem.

I organize myself up, arranging my bag to leave. I took the paper to the table, bringing the list of things I needed to buy at the market.

"Good morning Ma'am, may I take your order?" The restaurant staff asked.

I smiled, looking at the menu one more time before finally saying my order.

"One order of your signature breakfast, one iced coffee, and a smores waffle" my mouth watered saying the names.

Giving my card for payment. I roamed my eyes around the establishment. The smell of the coffee early in the morning was addicting. There were countless people around, eating happily with their companions as their faces reflect contentment. And the soft music in the background being played was a lullaby in my ears.

When I'm halfway through what I am eating, I saw this filthy gray-haired old man sitting in front of the place where I'm eating at. Tiredness can be seen in his eyes as he looks inside through the glass wall.

My heart instantly became emotional, looking at him with teary eyes. Thinking on how can I live with such privileges while this man is doing anything to live longer. Looking at the smores waffle that I haven't touch yet. I called the waiter and ask them to wrap it up, asking for some bottled water as well. I smiled, planning on giving the food to the man outside.

Taking the paper bag containing the food, I stood up from my seat and greeted the guard goodbye before finally leaving.

"Hi, Mister this is some food and water for you…" Handling him the paper bag, I smiled happily "and here some cash for you to buy some food later or you can do anything with it. I hope you have a good day, Sir." Placing the money in his palms that I took from my bag earlier.

Staring at me with his mouth hanging open. I saw gratefulness as tears began to pool in his eyes.

"Thank you, Miss. I really do appreciate it" He said with so much honesty, looking unbelievably at the paper bag and the money in his hand.

The scene made my heart warm. Shaking his hand, I smile in his direction or the last time. I was about to let go of his hands when suddenly his grip tightens around it.

"Miss be careful with your surroundings. Don't go with them" he said, his gaze is looking at nowhere.

My brows furrowed, getting confused at what he said. What is he talking about? And to whom shall I go?

"What are you talking about, Mister," I asked him, unsure of the things he just said.

He let go of my hand and bowed his head. I'm waiting for his answer but I didn't hear anything from him. I stayed for a couple of minutes yey he's still not saying a word to me. I'm thinking of leaving after a minute if he won't open his mouth to say something

After a minute of staying, I decided to leave already. I was only a few steps away from him when I heard something unexpected that made my body froze.

"They will get you, Celestina..."