MIRABEL"Is there anything I can help with again?" Antonio asked my mother, offering more assistance.He had followed us down from the mansion to our home, assisting us with our bags.I didn't want him stressing himself about it, but he refused to listen to mom and I, so he helped us with our bags, bringing it down to our house."That's all, Antonio. Thank you so much, " Mom appreciated, smiling at him."I'm happy to help, " He said, giving out a big grin, which he directed at me.Where I stood behind my mother, my face came flushing at Antonio's beautiful glow. It made my heart shimmer, leaving me blushing."I'd take my leave now. Don't want my sweet parents calling me. They can be worried despite their son being a grown up man, " He joked, laughing out.Mom and I laughed along with Antonio, watching him take his steps, as he got ready to leave."Just wait for a few minutes, son. Please, I'll be quick. Just have a seat, " Mom requested."Is it something urgent?" Antonio asked, being
MIRABELI laid in bed, cuddling myself.My mind has been on Antonio's words and support for Derek's so-called change, but my heart isn't ready to accept him after everything he put me through.I went through hell with that guy for heaven sake."Didn't he see what happened when we got to school?" I groaned, recalling what had happened when we arrived.The students didn't make fun of me because of the case on ground at that time, but Derek... He and his friends didn't let that slide.Antonio and I went to our usual comfort zone, the empty classroom, and decided to just stay there.According to Antonio, there was no need for me to attend class, since I wasn't fully better. "Let's just stay here for now, " He had said.It was odd because he was the one who took me out of the mansion, suggesting I come to school and attend classes only for today. But getting to school, he changed his mind.I was going to ask him why the sudden change when I saw Derek and his friends coming in. They came ov
MIRABELMy heart kept beating after hearing Derek call out to me. I know I didn't mention my name, so how did he know I was the one?"Mirabel, put it on speaker. I need to hear my son's voice, " Mom voiced out, giving me out.And that gave Derek the confirmation he needed."Mirabel, it's you," He said, sounding pleased.I still didn't say anything but felt uncomfortable. I did as Mom wanted, placing the phone on speaker, so she could also hear her step son."Derek, are you there?!" Mom called out loudly, so her voice would be heard. And Derek responded to her call, sounding excited to hear her voice."Mom, how are you? " He said.My mother responded with joy, "All is well, dear. We're sorry that we left before you could get back from school. Someone just couldn't wait to head home after being away for long." She lifted her eyes at me, dimming them at me.I would have just rolled my eyes at her, but I didn't. She might poke them. All I did was hold the phone while she spoke with Derek.
MIRABELAs Mom had said, she left the house that morning for her dinner plans with Mr Hall man. He came around to get her, using that opportunity to see me.Mr Hallman had gotten me something to keep myself entertained with, while I wait for both Antonio and Derek to show up after school.Yeah, he got me snacks. Nice, juicy, and mouth watering delicacies that I've never bought before.It was enough to brighten my mood."Take care of yourself before they come, okay? " Mom said, pecking my cheek.I nodded, saying my goodbyes to the couples, until they were gone.All alone, I sat in the living room to enjoy myself, and also plan on how to stay away from Derek, since he's coming over as well."Since Antonio is coming, I'll just try as much as possible to stay with him all through. Yeah, he'll be at the center," I planned.I didn't attack all the goodies given to me by my step father. Instead, I kept some aside for Antonio and I to enjoy.And just as I was making plans... KNOCK! KNOCK!!"
DEREKHow long will this take?I carefully walked away from Mirabel's room, looking back multiple times to see if she'd sneak out to check on me. But I didn't hear the door clicking. Not even a foot step.Last night when she called, I was stunned and pleased to hear her voice. Even though it was clear that it was my step mother that made her call, I was still glad she did.And when the call ended while I was responding to my stepmother's request, my heart skipped.Her mother claimed it was a mistake, but I know it wasn't. Mirabel purposely ended that call to prevent me from saying anything.I just went with the flow and acted amused instead.I didn't tell my step mom I was coming straight to her place from home. I pretended to be heading to school and patiently waited for her and my father to leave.Once they were gone, I came over to stay with Mirabel, hoping we could try and work things out together. Still, Mirabel doesn't want to be around me, nor does she want to listen to anythi
DEREK"Get your head in the game, boys!" The coach yelled at the side of the court room, as we played against the opposing team.The basketball court was filled with students, who cheered at both team players, mostly at mine.The girls went crazy, cheering out my name with so much admiration in their voices."WE LOVE YOU DEREK!""YOU CAN DO IT!"They roared out, chanting loudly. But none of that interested me like before. Now, I didn't feel like myself."Derek! " The coach had yelled, pulling me out of my thoughts. I immediately came to my senses and noticed the ball coming my way. Quickly, I caught it and almost made a shot, but I ended up missing the point, leaving everyone grumbling."Focus boy! Focus!" Coach advised, clapping both hands at me.I nodded at him, but still couldn't get myself. And it's been this way since I left Mirabel's home yesterday.The thought of being an enemy in her eyes have really made me weak. I came over to school pretty late, but in time to join the gam
DEREK We stood at the parking lot, as my friends suggested I visit the clinic for a treatment to my so-called illness. While they were talking, I was busy watching Antonio and Mirabel, leaving the school on foot. They held each other's hands, talking and laughing. The sight of this irritated me deeply. "Maybe we'll hold the celebration tomorrow." "Yeah, that's much better. By then you'd be okay." My friends suggested, advising I leave quickly for the clinic. I just smiled at them and agreed to do so. I wasn't going to any clinic, but wanted to catch up with those two. "Sure, I'll leave now. We can make plans for tomorrow," I supported them, getting into my car. Without hesitating or even saving bye to them, I drove out of the school premises, following Antonio and Mirabel from behind. They had gotten a cab before I showed up, exiting from the school gate. Seeing them leaving, I immediately followed, driving from behind, until they came to a stop at an ice cream parlour, whic
DEREKI drove off from Antonio's resident, heading for Mirabel's place.While driving, I kept glancing at Mirabel's reflection multiple times in the rearview mirror. She just sat at the right end of the backseat, staring at the heavy pour outside the window.The silence in the car was killing, but it only motivated me to try something."What a wet day. I wasn't expecting this kind of pour," I said, turning back to have a quick look at Mirabel.She had taken a quick glance my way before looking back at the window.She still don't want to talk to me. But I had a plan on getting her to speak up instead of sulking in that corner like a ghost. Clearing my throat, I said, "I wonder how that road would be by now. Maybe it's best I take you to my place.""What?!" She uttered.From the rearview, I saw how she sat up, staring at me in shock. I knew she was going to spark out."Why your place? The... The rain isn't an excuse for you to take me to your place. The road is fine!" She voiced out,