Alzacar Academy

Chapter Thirty-Six

Transfused

It was 12 am when I heard someone coughing violently. Alam kong may kakaiba sa kanyang pag-ubo dahil parang may kasamang dura ito. The other cadets are sleeping peacefully in this old house we accommodated temporarily.
 
I sat up and saw Riley was shivering. I can't see her because of the darkness of the place. Nakatalikod siya mula sakin kaya ang kanyang nanginginig na likod lang niya ang nakikita ko. She was coughing violently. This caught my attention, so I tried to look by her. Inobserbahan ko muna siya bago ako matutulog ulit. Akala ko hihinto na siya sa pag-ubo pero minutong lumilipas ay mas lalo pa itong rumarahas na tila'y may pilit siyang pinapalabas mula sa loob niya.

I frown in curiosity.

“Riley?” I whispered. Doon natahimik ang pag-ubo niya.

“Cold.” she said quickly, pointing out that everything I thought about her cough was justified. I can't deny that it was cold, but the outer blanket was thick and warm, so I was able to stay warm. All of a sudden, my heart starts pounding violently for no reason. I pushed that thought away and fell asleep.

Mga bandang alas kuatro ay nagising na naman ako sa ingay ni Riley. Mas malapit kasi ako sa kanya kaya mas dama ko ang paggalaw niya. That was the time I got confused. Hindi naman siguro lamig lang ang lahat ng 'to.

“Riley? Are you okay?” I asked hoarsely, my throat is dry.

I notice the movement of her head.

“Ba't gising ka pa?” halos wala ng boses na anya.

Worried flooded like a river, I turned to her to check if she's doing fine.

“No, Aleera. I'm fine. Baka sa pagsabog lang 'to kahapon. Maybe my body is all torn up.” agap niya.

“Okay.” maikling sagot ko.

Wala akong nagawa kaya't hinayaan ko nalang niya pero sa pagsapit ng umaga ay nanatili siyang tamlay at maputla. Nagising ang lahat at naging abala sa pag-impaki para sa pag-alis. While others are pre-occupied, I was scrutinizing Riley's state as she is struggling to prepare herself para sa departure.

"Kanina ka pa nakatulala kay Riley, ah." gulat ni Ashwin sa likod ko.

Napatingin ako sa kanya saglit. You're right, Ashwin. I've been observing her. Parang may kakaiba sa kanya sa bawat oras na lumilipas. Bumalik ang dalawang pares ng mata ko kay Riley.

"Team, clean up before we go. Copters will be here any hour now."

I eyed Cormac for a bit. He is standing near Rousie with a grim on his face.

"What's wrong with you face?” Clara pointed his face. Mukhang may pagtitripan na naman 'tong isang 'to.

“How could I sleep properly? Someone is coughing non-stop last night. Couldn't get enough sleep.” he murmured.

Sa sinabi palang ni Cormac ay bumalik kaagad ang atensyon ko sa babaeng kanina ko pa binabantayan. She is not there anymore. I wanted to pry pero mukhang nag-iisip na naman ako ng kung ano. Maybe I too is exhausted. Sino ba namang hindi uubuhin sa lugar nato na wala ng maayos na oxygen ang sinu-sustain ang East Erthomia.

I sighed and also pack my things before the chopper pick us. Matapos ang dalawang oras ay handa na kaming lahat sa pag-alis. Ramdam ko ang mga matatalas na titig ni Lew na parang may ginawa akong kasalanan. Last thing he said is that a mission is a mission so I leave it there and ignore his stares.

"Guys, where's Riley?" Klaus asked.

Dumapo ang aming mga mata sa mga nakalatag na gamit niya. Open bag, mga baril at first aid kit na nakalatag sa sahig.