Watch your thoughts, they become your words: 07 | Seven Minutes in Hell

I stood there, watching him pick up his belongings from the floor, feeling uncertain about what to do next after pushing him so hard.

He then sighed and looked at me. "In my office, Sinclair."

I gulped.

He seemed more demanding than requesting as he took the lead, and I felt like a mannequin that had suddenly come to life, obediently following his command.

I felt torn, but I held on until we reached his office. His authority felt over-
whelming, pressing down on me along with my emotions.

The cold air only made the tension worse. Like suffocating me to death.

Death.

One word I've been avoiding since I arrived in this part of the world.

"Ruby," he called, giving me a puzzled look as I remained standing by the door. "Come in, sit."

I sat on the single sofa, tense, watching Sir Pedran's strange movements as he made tea for me. No one had offered me food or drink until now, so his actions felt unsettling-who serves a guest without even asking what they'd like? The sharp clink of the spoon against the cup echoed painfully in my ears.

"A bit of chamomile-it's calming," he said, removing his coat to reveal an unbuttoned waistcoat.

He loosened his tie too, clearly uncomfortable with anything tight around his neck. I stayed quiet, noticing his awkward attempts to unwind.

And why on earth is he adjusting himself like that? Is he trying to look good for me? It does seem strange, doesn't it?

"I don't drink tea," I interrupted his busy preparations. He turned, unsettled by my refusal.

"Well, I... I thought a warm cup might..." He stammered, struggling for words. I raised an eyebrow, watching him flounder.

"It's usually polite to ask someone's preferences first," I said with a slight grin. "Especially a stranger's."

He blushed, embarrassed. "You're absolutely right; that was rude of me. But you're not exactly a stranger-you're my student!"

With a sigh, he sank into his desk chair, resting his hands on a stack of papers.
And all of a sudden, bigla na lang nagbago ang kanyang mukha ng ganun kabilis. Na para bang mag kung anong sumanib sa katawan niya para mangilabot ako ng ganito.

I don't usually get scared of people, except for a certain someone. And seeing this shift, I'm getting hints that I should be scared for my life.

Mas lalo lang akong nawalan ng gana na gawin ang kaniyang seatwork. My sharp perception cut through the foolish facade he wore over his aging face. Hindi na ako magugulat sa sasabihin niya, pero hindi ko maitanggi ang kaba na nararamdaman ko.

My instincts never betrayed me. Not this fucking time.

"I don't care for your sharp tongue, Sinclair," he scowled. "And that nonsense you said about brains? It's foolish talk."

"I don't waste time with idle chatter, Mr. Pedran. Only a few can understand my ideas, but soon, they'll change how people think." I held my ground. "I wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw just for books. A sharp mind sees through facades..."

His fake smile dropped, his expression turning dark. "Don't you dare show such insolence, Rubianna-"

I stood up, cutting him off and heading for the door, exhausted. "You invited honesty by showing me who you really are. I didn't flaunt it."

But his dark stare brought back a wave of anxiety. The unease I'd felt earlier now churned within me. I gripped the doorknob, muttering, "Open, damn it," as it resisted to open.
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Bullshit.

When did he even locked it?
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"Rubianna... I must say, I admire your boldness, pretending to be strong in front of me, not once but twice, and yet here you are," he said, reaching out to touch my face without permission.

The fuck, when did he even got closer? Bampira ba siya? A wave of nausea hit me, a mix of helpless anger and deep-rooted fear churning inside.
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Ruby?

I need your help!
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"You know what? I'm not really concerned about your written output... Just give me 7 minutes of heaven, Ruby."

"7 minutes to heaven, Ruby..."

"Seven minutes in heaven, dirty cow..."

Fuck. His voice brought back a rush of anguished memories, causing me to shut my eyes tightly. Years of torment replayed in painful flashes, shaking the foundations of my inner strength. The carefully rebuilt structures of my psyche quivered under his mad voice.

"Clean it...."

My head throbbed intensely, as if it had been struck repeatedly with a jackhammer. He forcefully spun me around, pushing my cheeks so violently that the wooden surface of the door cut into my skin.

And before I could untangle his arms around me, he pressed his manhood on my thighs and began rubbing it up and down.

"Damn, you're so thick." he groaned, slightly pounding his erect shaft.

Hearing those words made my mind race like lightning, leading me to scream my lungs out. Kahit ilang beses kong sinubukang alisin ang kanyang mga kamay na nakapatong sa aking dibdib, hindi parin ako makawala.

Sa aking isipan, naghahalo na ang iba't ibang emosyon sa hindi kanais-nais na sensasyon na ginagawa niya sa akin. Ito ay katulad ng mga hindi magandang karanasan na aking naranasan noong ako'y bihag pa ng mga Gotti.

Ang mga alaala ng aking pagkakulong at pang-aabuso ay bumabalik at nagdudulot ng kalituhan at galit sa aking puso at isipan.

Ramdam ko narin ang impit ng pag iyak ng aking kalooban dahil sa karamihang beses na pinagsamantalahan ako ay wala na naman akong magawa.

Agad akong nang hina. Hindi ko na mahitaan ng lakas ang bawat sulok ng aking kalamnan. Hindi ako sigurado kung naubos ba ang lakas ko kahapon dahil sa matinding pag pigil ko na maiwasan ang tangkang pagmomolestiya ng tarantadong lalaking 'yon na mukhang tae ng kalabaw.

O ngayon lang talaga ako ginagago at
pinagtitripan ng aking katawan. Siguro ay sinuwerte lang din ako kahapon dahil alerto ako at sumabay pa ang katawan ko sa talas ng aking pag-iisip. At siguro, kaya rin ako sinuwerte dahil sumulpot bigla yung Cross na'yon.

Pero nakakainis at ngayon pa talaga naisipang sumuko ang katawan ko sa ilang araw at gabi na walang tulog at puyat. Ngayon pa ako napagod kung saan kaharap ko na ang kamatayan.
Ngayon pa talaga na kung saan ay pinaglalaruan na naman ako ng aking isipan.

Ang puta.

Nakakaputa.

There were so many flashes in my mind that it seemed like a deluge of electrons was breaking my cerebral cortex, like seeing a PowerPoint presentation at 100 miles per hour... chariz pero totoo nga at isa lang ang ibig sabihin niyon, mawawala na ako sa aking katinuan.

Dahil malinaw na sa aking isipan ang mukha ng taong may pananagutan sa lahat ng kamalasan at peligro na nangyayari sa buhay ko.

Pero bakit gano'n? I already killed him by my own hands, how could he still infest my system with terror?

Memories of that vile old hag began to resurface like a faulty signal attempting to crack into a television screen.

Now, my system had absorbed all of the fear and dread I felt when John Gotti condemned me.

I hate it...

I longed to be free from the constant pain of these memories. However, true freedom didn't come from seeking revenge, no matter how justified my anger felt. I knew that giving in to rage would only lead to recklessness, risking my humanity.

Still, despite my better judgment, that intense thirst lingered within me. I couldn't deny the dark allure I felt at the sight of Cross' blood. A part of me craved power and control and I'm almost losing it all.

"It's time for seven minutes in heaven, dirty cow." I suddenly whispered, revealing a smile—
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No, you can't.
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"It's time for seven minutes in heaven-"

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Fuck it!

"Seven minutes in heaven."

"C'mon just seven minutes in heaven... Ruby."

I attempted to refrain from speaking those words, but she was persistent and I had no control over her. However, I had to exert some authority to alleviate the pressure building within me before all hell break loose.

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Next time you plead for help? 
I won't come! 

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Summoning the last of my strength, I shoved mr. Pedran and somehow managed to kick him in the groin using the heels of my shoe. Agad siyang natumba at na pahawak sa alaga nito sabay pagmumura ng malakas.

At hindi na ako naghintay pa ng himalang may tutulong sa'kin. Sunod kong sinipa ay ang siradora ng pintuan at hindi naman ako nabigo dahil agad na nasira at nahulog ang doorknob.

I shoved myself toward the door, nearly stumbling as it swung open. Without looking back, I ran out of that awful place.

I sprinted down the hallway, fear pounding in my chest, not knowing where it would lead. Every step felt heavy, and I struggled to breathe.

Nanunuot hanggang buto ang nararamdaman kong pagod. Hingal na hingal na ako't gusto ko ng masuka dahil sa nanunuyo kong lalamunan. Nangangapa ako ng hangin nang sa wakas ay sinalubong ako ng liwanag.

Huminto ako at agad na napayuko sa aking mga tuhod. I was on the verge of collapsing as I am trying to see in the blinding lights. I used my arms for cover but the moment vision came back to me, ay siya namang pag harurot ng isang pulang sasakyan patungo sa akin.

"Oh, C'mon!" I groaned in frustration, as that brief moment of terror engulfed me.

I sobbed to God, questioning why he was subjecting me to such suffering. "I just escaped from hell!" I cried out, moments before the angel of death took me.

     
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Cargael's POV

Pinanood nalang namin si Rubianna na mukang tangang tumakbo palayo sa amin. Ngunit para siyang lasing sa ginagawa niya, may saltik ba sa ulo 'yon?

Kanina pa siya na parang pinag laruan ng sampung demonyo at bigla nalang akong hinawakan habang nakapikit at nanginginig, ngayon para na talaga siyang nawawala sa sarili. Nasapian na ata.

I stayed silent, uneasy about something I couldn't quite understand-or didn't want to. I couldn't ignore the way her eyes lingered on my hands, just as they had before.

"How are your wounds?" Aoike asked softly as we headed to the cafeteria.

"Fine," I replied tersely, making her frown.

Aoike turned to Chad, asking about my wounds. As usual, Chad eagerly shared unnecessary details-things I hadn't even told him. In other words, he was making it all up. Strangely, I found that I didn't care.

When we reached the cafeteria, Aoike kindly offered to buy us lunch. While we waited, I drifted into my thoughts, trying to make sense of the marks on my skin.

Three crescent-shaped scars stood out, as if nails had dug into me. Then, like a flood, the memories of recent events rushed back, and everything finally made sense.

This morning, I noticed Ruby pacing back and forth, lost in thought despite being in the same room with me. She seemed nervous from the moment I saw her until Sir Pedran called her name several times. Suddenly, she grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly. Strangely, I didn't flinch or feel any pain, even with her nails pressing into my skin.

It was a stark contrast to yesterday, when Ruby seemed indifferent as Doug tried to mess with her. As I was leaving the building, I saw Ruby heading toward the restricted area of the campus.

At first, I thought nothing of it-until I noticed Doug waiting by an abandoned building. That's when my feet started following her. It was getting dark, and the place was almost empty.

I even rushed after her when Doug dragged her into the building, but it was a wasted effort. I saw everything-and I couldn't believe how Doug, despite being twice her size, couldn't move her an inch.

I had expected her to break like a brittle branch in the wind, but instead, she showed an unbelievable strength. Gaya lang noong tinulak-tulak siya ni Chanel. Kahit buong lakas at ilang ulit siyang tinulak-tulak ay si Chanel pa ang halos matumba.

Hindi ko nga alam kung papaano niya iyon nagagawa but for that moment my legs felt heavy. Nanigas nalang ako habang pinapanood sila, until I snapped out of that strange feeling when my eyes caught Doug's hand layed on Ruby's chest.

Doon nalang ako nakagalaw at agad na kumilos para ilayo si Ruby sa kaniya. Yet, despite my efforts to get rid of the moron, Ruby remained on high alert, maintaining her defensive stance.

She even went as far as commanding me to release her from my grip. Pero hindi ko siya binitawan hanggat hindi naka alis si Doug. Pagkatapos ay iniwan ko na siya.

Ngayon ang ipinagtataka ko...where has the tigress disappeared to, leaving behind only the image of a distant and estranged kitten?

Is she on drugs or what? She's delirious and got even more weird. Natigil nalang ako sa matinding pagiisip as Aoike approached with a full tray of food.

Agad akong tumayo upang tulungan siya. "Thanks, Gaeru-kun," I nod in reply.

"Wow, that's a lot. 'Di halatang bumabawi ah?" Chad chuckled.

"I wanted to surprise you guys yesterday, but things didn't go as planned. I really missed you," Aoike said with a smile.

"Ah, so that's why you didn't introduce yourself as one of the exchange students?" Chad asked.

"Yup! I was right behind you when Ruby introduced herself."

"You really are, silly." sabi ko.

"Hehe, I was planning to join you for lunch that day but when I saw Ruby staring at you guys, I decided to go over and tease her a bit," she added with a mischievous smile.

Huh, so she was the one disturbing Rubianna? Naalala ko tuloy ang pagmumuka niya na mukang papatay na ng tao dahil sa sinabi ko kahapon. Tch, whatever, it already happened.

"Staring?" pagtatanong ko nalang.

She nodded. "She was probably staring at you because Chad was making a lot of noise, but I didn't see any particular expression on her face as she ate and watched," she said.

"HA? Hindi ba siya nakatitig dahil sa kagwapuhan ko?" hirit naman ni Chad na tinawanan lang ni Aoike.

"Try harder, Chad. She's more like irritated than charmed."

Chad rolled his eyes. "So, what happened next?"

"Afterwards, she wore that terrifying expression on her face. Sinundan ko kasi siya at hinawakan. Doon ata siya nagalit sa akin."

"So, you really are disturbing her," Chad interjected.

"Yeah," Aoike admitted, scratching her head. "I got scared at that moment," she confessed, and then their attention shifted towards me.

I gave them my "what?" look, trying to stay cool. Seriously, they didn't need to rub it in. Yeah, maybe I was a bit harsh with her yesterday, but they can't pin everything on me!

I was just being protective. I didn't really offend her or anything... right?

"When she turned to look at me after I made her stop, I instantly felt a chill run down my spine. It was just a simple gaze, but you could sense its intensity. That's why I didn't react right away and chose to remain silent until you guys arrived," she explained, recounting the entire story.

It felt like a silent reprimand for how I treated Ruby yesterday. I just grunted in response. I approached Ruby to protect Aoike-her fear was written all over her face. Tsk, can't they see what I was trying to do?

"And that's how my surprise turned out. A bit of a drama but I'm really upset cause I lose the chance to befriend her! Huhuhu!"

"Rubianna?" I asked out of confusion. Why would she like to be friends with that rude, ugly woman?

"Hai." she replied sluggishly.

"Yeah, why not?" baling naman ni Chad sa akin, I frowned at him.

Mailang ulit niya nga palang inuulit sa'kin na tinitigasan siya dahil raw sa kagandahan ni Ruby. Kingina lang talaga, kulang sa pagdidilig.

"Because, Gael don't like her!"

My brows furrowed. "And why would I?" apila ko kaagad.

Ke pointed at me and yelled like a toddler whining on Chad, "See?! Huhuhu!"

"Bakit naman kasi, Gael?"

Chad's question lingered in the air, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. May kagusto-gusto ba sa babaeng 'yon?

Hindi nalang ako nag abala pang sumagot. I silently continued eating my lunch, refusing to dignify it with a response.

That estranged lady, dressed like a gangster?

There wasn't a compelling reason for me to see her as a woman, so why would I like her? I didn't even regard her as an equal. She had a bland appearance and a habit of staring. Her sarcasm and rough demeanor were major turnoffs.

Most of all, she's ugly.

So, how would I like her?

"Are you thinking the other way? Gaeru-kun?" Aoike's voice kicked me out from my deep thoughts.

"Huh?" I stutter.

"You alright?" they both asked.

"Yeah." I replied. Didn't want to look at them directly in the eyes, what was I thinking really?

Inabot nanga kami ng hapon sa Cafeteria at lumiban nanga sa mga klase namin. Ang dami naming napag kwentuhan, mostly updating each others sa mga ganap namin sa buhay.

Starting with Aoike, sa wakas ay nagbalik para tapusin ang kanyang pag-aaral dito bago bumalik sa Japan.

Kasunod naman ang walang katapusang kwento ni Chad, na syempre, siya lang ang bida sa bawat eksena.

Natural, halatang gawa-gawa lang ang karamihan sa mga sinasabi niya. Sino ba naman ang maniniwala na naghalukay siya ng ginto?

Alam kong nagmamay-ari ang pamilya nila ng maraming minahan dito sa Pilipinas, pero malabong totoo ang sinasabi niya. Mas maarte pa siya kaysa sa mga bakla dito sa campus.

Ni hindi nga niya kayang magtagal sa ilalim ng araw, tapos sasabihin niyang naghalukay siya sa minahan na puro putik, alikabok, at init?

He can't even stand a day without checking himself in the restroom.

And lastly me, Aoike was eager to listen on what's going one with my life. Nasisiyahan naman akong hindi nag tangkang isumbong lahat ni Chad ang mga bagay na pinaggagawa ko at mga nangyari noong wala si Aoike.

I'm relieved to see that nothing has changed between the three of us, even though Aoike has been away for years.

We've been close since childhood because we come from the same prominent business group in the Philippines. Our families are part of a prestigious circle with strong influence and power in the business world.

Our parents hold top positions as CEOs in their companies, giving them control over major business decisions. This makes them highly influential figures in the industry. As their children, we're seen as the next in line to inherit these businesses, making us heirs to significant corporate legacies.

Dahil doon, naging mas malalim ang samahan namin bilang magkaibigan. Kahit idati ay inisip ko na baka ang pagkakaibigan namin ay para lang sa imahe ng mga kumpanya namin, pero nagbago ang pananaw ko nang mas makilala ko sila.

Sa paglipas ng panahon, we three were fine hanggang sa biglang nawala si Aoike na parang bula. Akala ko may masamang nangyari sa kanya, pero ilang araw matapos siyang mawala, ipinaalam niyang bumalik lang pala siya sa Japan.

Ang biglaan niyang pag-alis noong kalagitnaan ng third year high school ay sinubok ang aming samahan. It change us, it change my life.

After three years apart, the prospect of reuniting before the end of our senior year filled me with relief. At hinihiling ko, na magiging maayos ang taong ito para sa aming tatlo na wala ng kahit anong plot twist.

"Are you addicted, Gael?" Aoike's sudden question held a sharp edge, catching me off guard. I shot Chad a glare, feeling betrayed by his loose lips.

How could I have trusted Chad to keep quiet? We'd sworn not to mention the drag races to Aoike. "You used to love driving, but have you even thought about the risks?" Aoike continued.

I rubbed the back of my neck, searching for words. "It's just... exciting, you know? The rush, the adrenaline and—"

"Hell, right?" Chad cut in, disrupting my explanation. My irritation flared as I glared at him.

"What? Friends don't lie!" he protested, trying to defend himself.

"Whatever," I muttered, irritation clear in my tone as I turned to leave.

"Yeah, you and your unpredictable mood swings!" Chad's voice followed me, but I ignored him. "Come on, Gael, you're not a girl! Unbelievable!"

"And you're insincere," I muttered under my breath as I kept walking.

I didn't realize they weren't following me until I reached the parking lot. Leaning against my car, I pulled out a cigarette and took a few drags, letting the smoke calm me.

Just then, Chad and Aoike showed up. I quickly flicked the cigarette away, hoping Aoike hadn't seen it. She knew we smoke but not a lot.

Hinintay ko munang makasakay sila sa kotse ni Chad bago ako pumasok sa loob ng sarili kong sasakyan. Pagkaupo ko, inayos ko ang rearview mirror para masilip sila mula sa likuran.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I connected it to the dashboard screen but didn't plan to answer since the number was unregistered. I waited for the call to end, but it rang again.

"Tch, who could this be?" I wondered if it was from the Den. Annoyed, I revved up the engine before finally answering. But my irritation only grew when no one spoke from the other end.

As I ended the call, a flicker on my dashboard caught my eye. At first, I brushed it off as a glitch or a stray reflection, but something about it felt... off.

I leaned closer, my curiosity piqued. On the screen, clear as day, was a live feed of the parking lot right where I was parked. Every detail was crisp—shadows shifting, leaves rustling in the breeze. I felt a chill slide down my spine.

Who set this up? And why? The questions spun in my mind, stirring an uneasy thrill.

I pressed buttons on the dashboard, trying to understand what I was looking at, but nothing added up. The feed stayed on, almost like it was meant for me to see.

Maski ang papa-alis na kotse ni Chad ay nakikita ko mula sa footage.

What the heck?

The screen suddenly filled with static, crackling and popping like it was fighting to push through a message. Then, cutting through the chaos, a low, distorted voice muttered, "Gas." The sound was rough, chilling, and it sent an icy wave down my spine.

I stared at the screen, bewildered. "What?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

The voice returned, more urgent this time. "Hit the gas!"

My heart slammed against my chest as dread surged through me. Was this some kind of sick joke?

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Thanks for reading!

@myinkspeaks