Broken Strings novel Chapter 5

MELISSA QUIZON

Four months ago, I surrendered my virginity to Wright. After that, we do it if given a chance. We can’t get enough of it. Even when Wright’s preboard examination is approaching, he makes time for us to be together.

I hardly get home often because he doesn't want me to be separated from him. So, always lie to Granny that I always do overnight for my thesis and other projects. Wright added wardrobe closets in his room for my clothes and other personal things.

But last week, he told not to come for a while because the waterpipe in his unit broke, and he is currently staying at his parent’s house. I tapped my fingers on the table while facing my academic books, I can’t concentrate and kept looking at my phone.

“It has been three days, and his phone are still out-of-coverage area.” I whispered.

I put my head on my hand and sighed deeply.

I can’t help but be worried to him. When in campus, I can’t see him, and he is regularly absent. I am starting to worry about his schoolworks. Leon, Fier, and Racquel are obviously avoiding me. Now that Wright is not with me, I noticed that I don’t even have college friends. I’m alone.

Well, I am always alone before Wright pursued me. Now that I am used to his presence around me, his absence makes me anxious.

I was waiting at the parking lot and noticed Fier. I jumped out of the bench I’m sitting and run towards him.

“Fier!”

“M-Melissa.” He looks nervous.

“I just want to ask. Have you reached Wright? His phone—”

“No. I have no idea what happened to him. Maybe you can call Leon, he lived closer to his parent’s house.” He did not wait for my response and immediately go inside his car and drove it out of the school parking.

I left the parking area with a heavy heart. Where did I go wrong? Maybe I did something that makes Wright hate me. Is it the way I take a bath? Is it the taste of my cooking? Did I invade his personal space when I put too many clothes in his closet?

I am so alone.

I dared to call Leon even though we weren’t that close to each other. After only three rings, he answered the call.

"Who's this?" His voice was cold and expressionless.

"Leon. It's Melissa. I just want to ask if you can help me reach Wright’s—"

"You're just wasting your time with me, Melissa. Why don't you just go to Wright's pad and ask him yourself?"

“But he’s not currently living there. His waterpipe broke and—”

“It was fixed two weeks ago.”

I stopped and processed his words. “It was fixed?”

“Yes. So instead of being a pest to us, his friends, why don’t you go check him yourself?” He ended the call after hurting my feelings.

They never liked me. Why? I didn’t do anything to them. Or did I? No, that’s not what matter right at this moment. I rode the jeepney and walked the busy street of Rockwell. When I reached the building he reside, I gave my ID to the reception and gave me a visitation card.

While walking at the hallway, I called Granny and told her that I’ll be home late tonight.

"I’ve noticed that you're leaving more often, Melissa." Suddenly, my heartbeat quickened. "Don't get too close to the fire, you might get burned. Be careful, alright?"

"Yes, Grandma." I said softly before ending the call.

I took a deep breathe and stopped in front of Wright’s unit. I’m brought pizza because this is his favorite food.

I was about to ring the doorbell when I noticed that his door is unlocked. I was puzzled, I never thought he would forget to lock his door. I opened it and made myself welcome. I closed the door slowly so there won’t be any noise.

I saw his bag on his couch and a smile curved on my lips. He is here! I can finally see him!

I placed the pizza on top of the center table before getting beers out of the fridge. When I get back from the kitchen, my hair stood on end when I heard grunts coming from his room. My knees started to wobble. It’s his voice.

I stood in front of his bedroom door and my shivering hand reached for the doorknob. I dropped the beers on the floor and it made the two of them stopped moving.