"Is Thiago busy too?" I asked Rustov as our staff unloaded the leathers.He nodded. "Every summer and there are only occasions when they come home."Well, I've heard of that. His two siblings are both studying in Manila so he only came home once. I've known those two since I was a kid. As often as seen at social gatherings. When they were in high school, they left Manila for maybe a bigger university."Let's go to the office first. I prepared a snack," I said and glanced at the workers."Okay," he replied low.“Ate Dulce,” I called. "You're here first."She nodded. I was ahead of the walk. Some of our female workers drifted their eyes at my back. I knew immediately what they were looking at. I was about to tell them to focus on their works, but I restrained myself. I might just look worse.Entering the office, I gestured to him the chair. There is food ready on the small table in the middle."I thought your Mommy was going to meet me," he said as he sat down."Same as I thought it wou
I was about to walk when he suddenly grabbed my forearm and accompanied me across the road. I turned to him and watched how he watched both sides of the street while holding my wrist gently.He just let me go when I stopped at the lined food stalls in front of the plaza."Have you had dinner yet?" he asked.About that. I forgot earlier because I annoyed him. Now I just remembered.His gaze deepened without me saying a word."You didn't, did you?""I had a snack at the factory! I'm not hungry, so I forgot about it ...""And you even planned on drinking ..." His stare intensified. I was a little scared."What's the big deal about it, anyway? One more thing, it's not new to me."His chest moved up and down. The shock deepened on his forehead as if there was a big problem."I just really forgot today because I was mad at you! So it's your fault!"He shook his head."Why are you so stubborn, Audrianna ..." it sounded more like a soft plea than a question.My hair stood on end the way he me
I don’t remember when I invited a guy out. But I really want to try that kind of event again. And I only have one person in mind that I'm comfortable with except for Janice and Enzo. Just Rustov. He's not my type of company but passable.I don't know when I started feeling comfortable around him. Maybe in our little interactions. Although I know he has his own judgments of me, he doesn't treat me badly so it's okay.Rustov:What? Go out? Are you drunk, Audrey?I stopped looking for something to wear.Me:There seems to be a party in town tonight. I want to come and I want you to accompany me.His reply took a while. I had already chosen what to wear when he texted again.Rustov:I can't be with you. I'll be with my friends.I stopped and sat down on the ottoman, disappointed. I can already choose what to wear and after all, he won't let me? He knew I had no one else to be with! And what? He will be with his friends and that girl? Maybe there's something really in them?I threw the dre
"Can you hear yourself, Mom?" I asked in disbelief. "It's okay because I will like him eventually? And for what? Because you want to gain more power? More connections? Are you that thirsty for those you are willing to sell your own daughter?"Mommy's eyes widened. She looked so much offended. He stepped closer to me, eyes angry."How dare you talk to me like that, Audrey!""It's true, Mommy! You're always dating a man, but did you hear anything from me? Daddy died but you had a man right away in less than two months, but I didn't say anything! You shoved Ate away, but I just stayed silent even I was so mad at you! But if you interfere with my life, I don't think I would just stay silent! You have no right– "A deafening slap stopped me. Tears pooled my eyes."How dare you disrespect me! You have no right to question what I'm doing! I'm just doing this for your sake! You can't afford to run all our businesses alone! Steve is capable enough to help you! He's the only one You should get
I can’t count how many times I’ve been depreciated after the oral recitation in accounting. Just the first day back of class there was a surprise recitation right away. I wasn't expecting it! I hate that old hag. Must review first before recit! I didn’t read any notes during the whole break so I couldn’t answer. I got a zero."That's okay, Drey," Janice consoled me."If I could tell Mommy to get rid of it?""Nevermind."I sighed and walked out of the room. To my annoyance, I almost shouted at the group of men who had gathered in the corridor and almost pushed on the road. They're from the other section, maybe.I would have passed by when someone had the courage to call me. Janice kissed me. I closed my eyes firmly before turning around."What?" I asked, glaring.Kabadong laughed one. "Uh, our friend would have given it to me ..."I turned to the man he was carrying. The boy looks very boyish. Tall, lean and angelic. Enter the standards of being handsome for me. But do we need more bac
"Oh, all right. We still have cassava. I'll cook for you and you look thinner?""It's just a little bit," I chuckled.Tita Gracia is a very good mother, I can't help but admire her. If this is also our state, will Mommy have more time for our family? Will he also do everything Tita does? Are we still happy until now or are we still the same?My thoughts were washed away when I saw how Rustov looked at me when I entered their house. He was sitting on the sofa, with notebooks and books in front of him. Tita Gracia excused herself and went to the kitchen. He put his pen down. I smiled at him. As usual, the brute didn't return the smile."So studious ..." I chuckled.Her eyes widened. He craned his neck a bit and stared at me more. It's like we haven't seen each other in a long time."You were absent for days," he stated.I sniffed and sat down on the opposite sofa. He followed me with his gaze."I visited Ate. I helped her a bit. It's foundation week, anyway. There are no regular classes
He did not ask anything about what had happened. But with his dark look, I know. He wanted to know what happened. But he won't force me to say anything. He wanted me to speak for myself. Because he respects my silence. He respects my privacy."In Mom's room you sleep," Rustov said.I combed my hair with my fingers. He showed me his mother's room. Not as big as mine but tidy and organized enough for a one night stay. He arranged the sheets and pillows while I just stood there on the side.I wonder if her Mama is here and will let me sleep in their house? I mean, they're not responsible for me and I'm not related to them in any way. But maybe that will be allowed as well. Tita Gracia is a good person. I'm sure she will also do what her son is doing. After all, Rustov and I can be called friends, can't we? So it's okay?"Is it okay for Tita to have someone else sleep in her room?"He turned to me. "I'll tell her tomorrow. She will understand.""Okay," I nodded."Take a rest." Then he wen
"I'm busy with my studies. I'm sure I will learn that eventually," I said even though I didn't know if that was really the path I would take for myself."Ronaldo is waiting for you there, Audrey. You should at least show up, it won't take one night. A few hours would do."Going to that party means I'm open for the plan they want for us. So until the very end, I insisted on disagreeing. Mommy was too persuasive she said she will give me a few days to think about it.“I’m just at the library,” I told Janice during our vacant hour. He is with the group on a project. I said goodbye because he might look for me after them.I put my things on my usual table. I picked up the book to review in the exams next week. I'm not really a studious person. But I also study somehow."I don't get it, April. What am I missing, huh? I am an honor student, I am beautiful and rich. But he rejected me!"I stopped reading when I heard the conversation at a nearby table. This is a place for silence, why are th