9 Chapter 8: Steal, Infract, and Violence

"Fvck!"

My hand found it's way to my neck that felt like it's been twisted for a long time. I opened my eyes and noticed I was in someone else's car. A denim jacket fell on my lap. I held it up; it belonged to a man. The windows of the car were tinted so I wasn't able to make a clear view of my surrounding. I tried moving my stiffened neck carefully and looked for the man who owned this jacket and probably the car, but there was no sign of him at all.

I decided to step outside the car. I was surprised by what greeted me. The cold, salty breeze left my hair dancing messily . The sun was slowly rising beyond the stretch of the still sea. I could still see few stars above me. If she's me right now, she'd go smiling with her sparkling eyes. Too bad, I came out. I couldn't help but silently laugh.

I looked around and found out I'm in some sort of a deserted beach. No sign of any house but the quiet highway behind the car.

"I need to get out of here," I whispered to myself.

"Hi, you're awake."

I almost jumped from where I stood when I heard someone's voice. I turned around and saw a man in gray t-shirt while holding two cup of what I presumed to be steaming coffees. Though, where he bought it from was a big question mark. Not that I really care...

"Are you the owner of this car?" I quickly asked.

His face looked puzzled but he answered me anyway.

"Yeah, why?"

"Where do you live?"

"Quezon—"

"No! The complete address!"

"Why are you asking, anyway?"

"Just answer me, you idiot!"

"24-1 Makiling Street—"

"Where are your keys?" I asked again.

His furrowed brows became visible across his forehead. I'm sure he's been weirded out by this series of questions. Unsure of how to answer me, he placed the two cup of coffees on top of the car and fished out his key from his pocket. All while having a puzzled look on his face. As soon as he opened his palm I quickly grabbed it. Without saying anything, I took the other cup of coffee, went inside the driver seat and turned on the engine.

"Hey! W-what are you—"

I opened the window and threw out his phone and jacket. "Thanks for the coffee!" I shouted and ran along the highway.

It's almost five in the morning and all kinds of vehicle were starting to pile up. As much as I want to speed up, I can't. I need to change these lousy clothes and head out again before Rebecca wakes up and sees me. Now that I was given some time, I must enjoy it while it lasts. And I won't be able to if I'm in this weird dress.

It took me almost an hour before I arrived at the house. I immediately went out and head for the front door but my hand stayed frozen on the knob.

"Honey, please, understand me. It's not like I don't want to, I just can't, yet..."

"Until when, hon? We'll be married in two months and you're still having second thoughts."

"She's my sister, Mike. She grew up losing both our parents, if I'll leave..."

"You're still treating her like a kid."

Silence ensued. After what seemed like an hour, Mike spoke again. But I already walked away from the door. I went back inside the car and drove away.

This girl knows her timing. It's as if she knew what was coming. I silently laughed in my head. It didn't take long before I arrived at Ferguaon's. A place where I can enjoy my freedom.

"Damn, Ferg, just how big can you get?" I greeted the man on the other side of the counter as soon as I stepped inside. I sat on one of the bar stool.

He put down the cloth and the glass he was wiping and looked at me with astonishment.

"You're not seeing a ghost, Ferg. Stop that," I said, nonchalantly.

"It's been a while, Ace. Why did you just come back now? C'mere, you woman!" he laughed and opened his fat arms widely.

I hugged him back and settled back on my stool afterwards. He immediately got me something to drink. While he was doing his own thing, I noticed how his arms and body got fatter. His skin was stretched out into white. His mustache looked like it was taken care of everyday.

"There's a gym below this building, why don't you go there sometimes?" I suggested.

"I tried but the place always lacked oxygen when I go there, so I stopped," he remarked.

I chuckled. "Excuses."

When he was done mixing, he placed the glass in fromt of me but he's palm stayed on the glass. I stared at him and his deadpan eyes met mine. I tried pulling the glass but he won't let go.

"Your dress, your eyes, and your hair. You haven't eaten anything have you? The sun just got up and so are you," he said in a serious voice. Damn this keen old man.

"It'd be a waste to throw this away," I argued.

"You know my rules, Ace."

"I know," I sighed and withdrew my hand on the glass.

"Go. There's a sandwich place below this building. Grab some—"

"Nevermind," I stood up. "I'll play on room five. Don't disturb me unless it's something important. You heard me?"

He sighed and nodded. Before I turned around, I caught a glimpse of him shaking his head. I went inside room number five where I can play pool by myself.

When I opened the door, I stood still on the doorway while holding the knob.

"The hell are you doing here?" I blurted out in frustration.

I saw a man holding a cue stick across the table. I would've forgotten his face if we met a day later but it's only been a few hours.

"Same question, actually," he said with an amused look on his face. He walked towards me and stopped in front of my face. "By the way, where is my car?" he asked, hunching down towards me.

I kicked his feet as hard as I could. It made him staggered backwards while suppressing a painful moan from his mouth.

"I heard you, you idiot. It's in the parking lot," I plainly said.

The room was spacious to hold a 9 foot pool table, one long sofa, a refrigerator and a small bar counter. There were four indoor plants in every corner. The wall across the door was a clear glass adorned with a thick curtain, overlooking the other side of the city. On the left side of the glass wall was a single couch where I sat crossing my arms while staring at the man leaning at the pool table. He met my sharp gaze with his calm, annoying pair of orbs. This room was big but small enough to house the both of us so one has to leave.

"First, you stole my car. Second, you barged in unannounced on an occupied room. Third, you kicked me. And until now, I'm not hearing any apology," he started.

I rolled my eyes.

"Theft, tresspassing and violence. That was three offense and it wasn't even half of the day yet. Unbelievable, " he scoffed, shaking his head.

I fished out the key in my pocket and threw it at him. He managed to catch it but he didn't see the second object flying at him. The chalk hit perfectly on his forehead. He made a painful groan while caressing the spot where the chalk landed.

I stood up and faced him.

"Now, get out."

I went to the case standing on one corner and took out my cue stick. When I glanced at the table, I saw him still standing there while eyeing me.

"Why are you still here?" I asked.

"You're kicking me out," he huffed, looking irritated. "Hey miss, I rented this room okay? If you have problems with that go talk to the man outside."

I didn't listen to him and checked the condition of my cue stick. I scanned it looking for any scratch, damage or any sign that it has been used inappropriately by strangers. And it seemed like Ferg made sure to keep anyone's hand away from it. The cue stick was custom made by Ferg himself. It's the only one existing in this world. It was a mix of black and white with letter A painted on top of the handle. A mark that signifies it's mine. After making sure that the condition was fine, I proceeded in chalking up the stick.

"You're not apoligizing nor listening. How incredible. Okay, fine. But I'm not going out of this room," he said.

I glanced over him. He hunched over the table and assumed a position that signifies he's resuming his game. Before he could strike that cue ball, I took it from the table. He stared at me while his face contorted in annoyance.

"What's your deal, woman? Give it back!" he commanded, raising his voice.

He momentarily stopped when he saw me. His eyes scanned the cue stick that I was holding.

"Get out," I plainly said.

"No."

"Win a game and I'll go. One on one. How about it? " he quickly added, grinning. He seemed confident.

"No," I flatly said.

"Scared?"

"No."

"Then, why not? Are you perhaps... here to just practice?" he mocked, a grin flashed across his lips.

I inwardly rolled my eyes. If this man only knew he'd be crying pool balls.

"No," I said again, placing the cue ball back on the table.

"Is no the only thing you can say?"

"No."

"Ugh. This is a waste of time," he remarked, brushing his hair messy.

"Exactly my point."

I felt him glanced at me and towards the cue ball I was aiming. After making a solid hit, the last two balls left on the table made it's way to the pockets. I stood up and look at him.

"You're a waste of my time and so was playing a game with you," I said and smiled at him fakely.

"Ace! I brought you sand...wiches..."

Ferg stopped on his tracks as his eyes shifted from me and to the man beside me. He made a crispy slap on his forehead and apologetically looked at me.

"Damn, I completely forgot..." he muttered.

"Ace?"

He looked at me with his confused eyes, hoping for an answer. But I just shrugged my shoulder.