"You did well..."I sniffed and held back a smile. I averted my face and looked out to sea. It was Friday, so we had a little time to talk. We headed straight to the Dales after class. Though, I got conscious thinking that maybe he noticed how tensed I was during the oral defense."Really?" my sarcastic question.He nodded, suppressing a smile."Your smirks made me feel like you were secretly mocking me.""I wasn't ... I was just ... amazed."I raised an eyebrow at him and ambushed him to stand but he just pulled me closer to him. Now I'm sitting in between his legs. He was behind me as I was slightly tilted."Don't lie to me. I was so nervous before! I'm sure I didn't look amazing at all! Maybe you're silently making fun of me in your head!"He laughed and shook his head."And what, your question is just simple! I told you don't be easy on me. I want it harder!""Harder?" he echoed softly."Yes! Why, don't you think I can handle it, huh?"Her eyes darkened, there was a ghost of a smi
"Don't. I'm not hungry because I just finished lunch. Maybe later after your practice."He tilted his head to have a better view of my face. I fixed the hair that was blowing in the wind. I just finished last week so that didn’t go over the shoulder."Are you eating well? You're getting more slender, Audrey."I looked down at the body and frowned. I'm slender, right! But my body is just fine for me. I looked at him a little irritated."What do you want? That whale -looking one? You know what, even if I eat a lot, my boobs and butt won't get bigger like the women around you."Her eyebrows rose, smiling."That's not what I'm referring to.""Oh, really?" I spat.He shook his head, smirking."That's not what I want," he said with a laugh."You know, it's better that you just get dressed because your practice is about to start. Let's stop talking nonsense here."He chuckled and nodded. He picked up the duffel bag and stood up. I saw a few college girls pass by with Kiara behind her. I saw
June when class started. High school is two weeks ahead of college so for two weeks Rustov always picks me up. By the way, when their class started, he couldn't take me anymore. We have different schedules. And often, his class was until five or six o'clock while my dismissal was always at four o'clock.I insisted that I could just wait for him so that at least we could go home together. But he don't like the idea of me waiting for him. I got dismayed of the new situation. However, he consoled me that we can meet during Saturdays, if we are both idle. And we can meet sometimes in school, too. At lunch breaks and if there is vacant time. Even if it was a little against my will, I couldn't do anything.Janice and I were in the cafeteria with a few classmates to discuss a group work while eating. The question didn't just enter my brain because the eyes were on the other table. Rustov was there with friends, and of course Kiara. I was bothered a bit. I think we should have just been tog
He licked his lower lip and sighed. He then whispered..."Maybe ... I could just change my plan. There's a firm there in Albeda. Once I pass the board, I can work there first. Let's just wait until we're both ready for a long distance relationship. There's no need I'll leave Manila immediately. You're not ready for it. "My lips parted in shock. I stepped back but he immediately caught my elbow. Good news that we are not separated. But I couldn’t help but be happy.It didn't sound right. It will never sound right. I understand that he has to leave for that. I'm sad but I won't go against it because that's how it should be. He already planned that. How can I destroy that?"A-What are you saying?"He's unbelievable!"No, you're not staying, Rustov! Just for me, will you do that? Do you think that's right? Yes, I'll be sad if you leave, but you shouldn't change your plan just because of that! After the board, if you'll have the opportunity, then take it and stay in Manila! "He touched m
"Look at you. Its cute!" at the same time I will show the picture of baby Sia to Rustov.I've been with Ate for the whole semester break and I'll just be back. I couldn't go while he was in labor so I was a little guilty. Besides that, I also plan to tell him about Klyde's girlfriend Sia for a few months now. I had a lot of chances to tell her, but I just couldn't keep up. She seemed very happy, I don't have the courage to spoil her happiness."Yeah. She's cute and pretty," Rustov said. We sat under a coconut tree, in front of their plantation."That's because her aunt is pretty."His eyes drifted at me. He tilted his head and stared at me intently. Then, his lips curved into a mischievous smile."Why? You don't agree?""You're beautiful, of course ..." he said softly.I stifled a smile."Who's prettier than Kiara and me, then?"He groaned."You don't have to compare yourself to her, Audrey. That's just my friend.""Right. I already know that. I'm just asking. Why, is it bad? Why don'
There are texts from Janice, Enzo, Ate Dulce and a few other trusted in the business. Even Rustov texted. I did not reply to them and called Ate Dulce."Audrey! Where's Ma'am Priscilla?" she asked, panicking."A lot of reporters here! Even Madam's secretary, no one can answer! What, is it true that you are in Biliran?"I close my eyes emphatically."I don't know where Mommy is. I tried to call her too, but she was out of coverage.""Oh, Audrey! The business has gone downhill this past month, and then there's another scandal. I'm sure many clients won't continue! Maybe your new investors will disappear!"I didn’t go to school that day. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind with the amount of news coming out on the internet. That is pure evil. The media is too much to deny what is happening. All of those are pointing at us! I know Mommy is wrong, but they should conduct further investigation!The following day, I still heard nothing from Mommy. I expect him to act on it soon. I know how
"Is it true that you're in a relationship with Rustov Melgarejo, Audrey ?!" Mommy's voice echoed throughout the study.I just got home and my housemate told me she was waiting for me at the study. I was no longer surprised that he found out and why he reacted this way. Mommy is a socialite with never ending prejudices for the people below us."It's true," I replied coldly.Her brows furrowed, eyes widening in shock, disdain and anger. I saw how his hand trembled as he laid the champagne flute on the table. Her unforgiving eyes were screaming for many hurtful words."What are you thinking, Audrey ?! I thought Imelda's son just made a mistake, but now you're here, admitting that it's true! This is unbelievable! How did that become your boyfriend? A bastard and slap-""Don't call him that!""Why? It's true that he's a bastard! He's a disgrace to the Melgarejos so he's just rubbish! If you just like Melgarejo too, you should have picked Orio or Thiago! I taught you to be a woman with clas
The rain began to fall. The tighter my grip on my chest, the less air I get. I was crying so much as the rain poured hard. I got wet but I didn't care.Maybe because of the cold and grief, my emotions poured out even more. The image of him leaving me behind like that was playing over and over again in my mind.I would have almost sunk into the sand if only someone hadn’t held my arm. I looked up and even with tears welling up in my eyes I met Kuya Edu.He was holding an umbrella as he pulled me up. I wanted to withdraw the arm but I was too weak."What are you doing here? I'm not sending you!" I tried to shout but it ended up like a forced whisper.My driver did not speak. Instead, he led me to our car.I ended up locking in my room that day. I had a fever that night but no one knew. I already made myself look very pitiful in front of Rustov. That was enough showcase of my weakness.I closed my eyes tightly and hugged myself. I didn't care about how I was trembling in cold, or how I w