Chapter 33: Chapter 33

“Come on, Ethan. Where are you?” I look around apprehensively. When I got home, the whole place was in shamble, as if a hurricane had tempest it. He must have gone ballistic since he thought I left him after our argument.

I restrained to slap myself. What was I thinking? He wouldn't run away if I just told him I was going out. But it was supposed to be a surprise, so I didn't tell him. Now, he's on the loose around the city, probably looking for me. I just hope he wouldn't kill someone along the way.

My feet are getting numb from running. I was running out of breath, and my heart pummeled alacritous. I ceased for a diminutive, composing myself. There was sudden traffic. Cars are blasting their horns, civilians are sticking their heads out of the car, yelling and cursing to move from the front. They look clueless about what’s going on. A long blare of a siren came to the scene. They got out of the car. Their authoritative presence encompasses the area.

“Calm down, everyone. Everything’s under control. There’s an accident at the front, so you can’t move forward.”

I gulped when I saw a police officer. They shouldn't see me. I turned around, looking for a way around, when someone called.

“Ma’am, where are you going? You shouldn’t be out here. It’s risky.”

I paused on my spot, swallowing the knot in my throat that was shaping. I scratched my arms uneasily, but I didn’t look at the officer asking. I know the minute I turn around, they will recognize me.

“O-okay. Thank you for the heads up, officer. I was about to go home now.” I stepped forward, but he held my hand, not letting me go. I squeal.

“Your back looks oddly familiar, Ma’am. Can you turn around so we can inspect you?”

My eyes widen in trepidation. Before he may turn my body to confront him, I slapped his hands away and raged out of the scene. He shouted, calling for my attention, but I didn’t look back. Luckily he didn’t follow me. I turned to my left, going around to look for Ethan. I looked up when I heard a whirring of blades thundering in the sky. I followed it with my eyes when it was heading towards precisely where I was facing. I quickly followed it.

I had a terrible feeling about this. I just hope they didn’t find Ethan. I can’t blame him for being reckless since he’s suffering. Even though we haven’t gotten to a professional, still, it can be seen in his actions. I can see individuals following me with their confounded looks in my peripheral vision, thinking probably why I’m following the helicopter. But I didn’t mind them. Hell, I don’t care around them. All I need is to do looking for Ethan!

When I turned around, each vehicle I passed was upside down, and parts of the region were on fire. The street is cracked, and there are no individuals in this area. As if a strong storm had passed into this zone.

“Please, be fine.” I implored when I halted when the helicopter ended in the air. I look down at where it is positioned. My nerves were out of control when I saw they stopped in the woods. I hurriedly went there, catching my breath and maintaining my balance each time I tumbled down the bumpy road.

I pleaded each second when I got closer to their range. I was about to take a step forward when somebody halted me, holding my arms and driving me to my spot. I didn’t look at it at first who it was since my attention was all in the woods. My mind was distracted when the person who captured me hollered.

“Ma’am! You can’t go there! STOP!”

The officer pushed me to the ground. I propped down my elbow, making me wail in torment. I tried to crawl away, escaping, but the officer ventured over my arms. A tear streamed down my cheeks. He laid me down on the ground, looking directly into my eyes. He debilitated me with his weapon that was pointing at my forehead.

I gulp, unable to move a muscle. My heartbeat is accelerating, and the sweat on my temple is forming. The officer curved his lips and then went on top of me. I tried to pry away his grasp on my hands, but he slapped me. Why is he doing this? Isn’t he an officer?!

“I had enough with individuals for this day! One basic rule, they can’t do it!” he frustratingly expressed, then he showed me his cuffs.

“You’re coming with me.” he didn’t ask for my consent. He just put the binds on my wrist. I pleadingly look into his eyes, inquiring for him to let go of me.

“P-please, I’m trying to find m-my husband,” I told him, that possibly he would alter his mind. But he just shook his head in contradiction and then drove me to get up. He pushed me on my bear, telling me to move forward. I didn’t listen to him as I was about to go around to search for Ethan when he took out his gun and then pointed it at me.

“If you move an inch closer into that woods, I will shoot you.”

I took a step back, but I didn’t startle on my spot. Instead, I look squarely into his eyes. My jaw is moving. I am not troubled about the gun. I am more frightened to lose Ethan. I heard the shattering of bullets resounded. I looked behind him and saw the helicopter was utilizing its weapon, focusing on somebody. I had a feeling they found something in the woods. I need to go there! It’s Ethan!

I scowled at the officer and ran beside him. I was only looking at the woods, trying to search for Ethan. I prayed and hoped they didn’t find him when I heard a loud gunfire. I froze on my spot. Suddenly, my world stopped spinning as I looked over from my shoulder when the officer who tackled me on the ground pulled the trigger.

I was dazed by the bullet coming toward my face. All of a sudden, recollections of Ethan played inside my head. My tears swelled up when I thought of him being the father of our children. I thought of him waiting at the end of the altar, holding up for me as I walked bit by bit, taking the beautiful moment. Why did I suddenly think around all of these? Does this mean Ethan is the one I wanted to live my life with? To be his actual wife?

When the bullet was about to pierce right through my skull, a shadow came out of nowhere. Before I may comprehend what happened, I realized somebody was embracing me. I took a step back, my mouth slightly separated. His breathing is heavy, his chest rises then falls, and his fragrance sends electricity throughout my veins.

“Y-you’re here,” he whispered. He buried his face in my neck.

“E-ethan?” I gasped, unable to say anymore words. We remained in that position for how many minutes before he looked at the shocked officer while looking at his back. I followed his gaze where he was looking when I saw the bullet buried on Ethan’s back. I covered my mouth.

“Ethan, you’re wounded.” I look up at him, but he doesn’t look fazed because he’s been shot. Instead, he walks toward the officer.

“S-stay back!” the officer pointed the gun at Ethan. Still, he slapped it away and punched the officer, leaving him unconscious on the ground.

“Let’s go home.” he held my hand then we escaped in that place, vanishing into their vision before the helicopter and the other police might see us. I look at Ethan, who winced, trying to control his pain. When we got home, he hastily closed the door behind then went to the sofa.

“Ethan, are you okay?” I stepped forward and was about to check on him when he growled at me, telling me to back away.

“Where have you been, Natasha?!” he shouted. I know he has the right to be mad, but this isn’t the time to argue about it. I need to treat his wound. I stopped when I saw blood spouting down on the couch. My eyes widen in shock.

“E-ethan! You’re bleeding-”

“Answer me! Where have you been?!” he stood up as if he was not injured. He kicked the table beside him, dropping the vase on the ground and scattering it all on the floor.

“I will answer you later, Ethan! Just let me-” he didn’t let me finish what I said because he held me on the collar. His eyes were flaring with anger.

“Do you have any idea what I have gone through?! I looked everywhere for you! I thought you left me! Do you even care what I feel, Natasha-”

Someone knocks on the door, halting Ethan. He composed himself, letting go of my collar. He went back to the couch. His face is looking the other way. I calmed myself, holding up my tears, then went to the door. I opened it and was about to greet the person when I froze on my spot when I saw who it was.

“S-sergeant…”