Chapter 3

KLAY ROSE

“Klay, you didn’t tell me that you’ll be bringing a friend tonight.” Sister Mary eyed me, looking at Rozen from head to toe. “I wasn’t also aware that you are friends with Mr. Rozen Vermouth.”

“Sister, he’s not my friend.” I clarified looking at Rozen who followed me all the way to the convent. “He followed me because he was hungry so I brought him here because I am a good samaritan.” 

“Good evening, Sisters.” He greeted them, half-smiling. “I am sorry to bother you, but can I stay for the night?”

I coughed, looking at him in disbelief. “That is not what we talked about. You said you are just hungry.” 

He shrugged. “There’s no train going back to the New Town, and I cannot seem to find any place to stay for the night except the convent so—”

“Where is your friend? Why not stay there?” I raised my brow. “You don’t have a friend here, right?” I am certain that he lied about it. 

“You are my friend.” He simply said. 

I was about to argue when Sister Mary butt in. “We can let you stay at night but we don’t have a room available, so you can stay in the living room if it’s okay.”

“Sister!” I protested. “We don’t even know his motive for—”

“He is the son of the mayor of our town, so it wouldn’t be good for us to turn him down, don’t you think Mr, Rozen?” Sister Rizza said to me. “Aside from that, the night is long and there are unknown creatures out there.”

“The storm will also come tonight,” Sister Mary said. “You can bring your friend in the dining hall for the both of you to eat. The kids are already sleeping and we still have to check them and make sure everything is okay.” 

“Thank you! I will surely let my father know about your good deeds.” He smiled. “Perhaps, he can send something for the kids.”

“We certainly don’t do anything in return for people we help, but blessings are always welcome to come our way.” Sister Mary said, turning to me and motioning me to the dining hall.

I deeply sighed. There’s no choice right now. I walked towards the dining hall and he followed me quietly. I started to hear the drops of rain from the roof. Slowly, and the wind brushing trees outside.

“Why are you here in our town?” I said it directly. “Why did you lie about having a friend from here?”

“I did not lie about it. I am indeed visiting a friend here or maybe it wasn’t a friend but an enemy of my friend.” He seriously looked at me. “It would be better if you don’t know about it for now. There’s a right time for everything.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Be sure to come home first thing in the morning tomorrow.”

He didn’t say a thing while I prepared for our dinner. The rain started pouring as we started eating. We were quiet the whole time. I noticed that Rozen was focusing on something that I know. He seemed to be bothered by something as he moved his eyes around the house.

He didn’t leave my side until I finished washing the dishes and even followed me upstairs where my room is located. I couldn’t handle his presence anymore so I questioned him.

“Why are you following me? Your place is in the living room.”

“I just wanted to make sure you are safe.”

I raised my brow. “Why can I not be safe in the convent? If I remember, you are a stranger so if something happens to us then you’ll surely be the one to blame.” I warned him. “Don’t do anything.”

“Believe me, I am saving you.” He whispered.

“Huh?” I said, not hearing those words clearly.

“Nothing.” He shook his head and smiled at me. “Good night, Klay. I am just outside if you need anything.”

He’s weird. I stopped minding him and went inside my room. That’s the only time I was able to breathe freely as his presence next to me is driving me insane. I thought I already got over my crush for him yet it seems like I am still attracted to him. He certainly never failed to catch my attention without even doing a thing. 

I finally managed to stop my heart from beating so fast. I hope he didn’t hear it as I tried to hide it by being grumpy in front of him.

After finishing my night routine, I went to my study table and started finishing my projects. I pulled my curtain, covering the glass window as the rain heavily poured. 

“Oh, shit.” I cursed, covering my ears when the thunder and lightning started to join forces. The light was turned off so I quickly looked for flashlights. Just then, I heard screaming from the hallway and the kids footsteps, perhaps crying.

“Kids, calm down.” I told them as I rushed into them, running in the dark. Sister Mary and Sister Rizza arrived, calming all the children.

“Gather in the main hall!” Sister Mary said holding the lamp. “Fall in line and hold each other’s hand. We are in your back. You don’t have to worry!”

“I’ll gather more candles and flashlights,” I told them as I went to the storage room. 

I heard the scream of the children each time the thunder and lightning roared from above. I breathe slowly, trying not to listen to the sounds as it’s giving me unstable breathing. Somehow, the darkness crept into me as I walked alone. I rushed towards the storage room and searched for the lamp and lights. I was already shaking as I grabbed the things so I dropped the flashlights. 

I held my hand and inhaled deeply. I wasn’t sure why there’s some rats in my chest right now 

I quickly went out of the storage room and ran towards the main hall. I am certain that a pair of eyes were following me right now so I tried to increase my pace.

“Klay, have you seen George?” Sister Rizza rushed into me upon arriving at the main hall. “Are you with him?”

“No.” I shook my head, looking around the kids gathered in the hall. They had blankets covering their bodies. “He is not here? Steven, where is George? He is your roommate.”

He bowed his head.

“He’s missing,” Sister Mary said.

“We need to find him now.” I rushed to the door.

“There’s one more thing…” Sister Rizza seriously said. “Mr. Rozen isn’t here, either.”