On Friday, I had just come out of the culinary laboratory after the food presentation when I received a text message from Rage. I paused to read the message.
Rage:
I'm at the parking lot. Are you done?
I was about to type a reply when someone approached me. It was Zoren, flashing his boyish smile. I put down the cellphone first.
"Hi, Elena. Are you going home?"
"Uh, yup."
"Let's have a snack at a nearby café first. If it's okay with you ..."
If it is a normal day I will accept his invitation. But it's not. Morris was waiting for me
"I'm sorry, Zoren. I have a walk, eh. Maybe next time. But not now."
He smiled sparingly. "It's OK."
"Alright. I'll be the first," I said before he turned away. After a few steps away, I lifted up my phone and typed a short reply to Rage:
Me:
I'm coming.
Rage:
You're coming? I haven’t done anything yet, ah.
My forehead furrowed and didn&rs
I sneezed and formalized the walk. The attention of reporters immediately went to us as we entered the banquet hall of the hotel where the celebration would take place. I am holding Revo’s arm while our mother was beside me. Mama answered a few questions before we glided to the hall.We are not with papa. He needed to attend an important event. So just the three of us went. They are close to the Vasquez family. I don't have problem with Aunt and Uncle I just don't like their child. Beatrice is a bitch beneath her mask."Happy birthday, Florencio," Mama greeted Uncle. I spotted Beatrice. He immediately approached us and clung to his older brother like a leech. Times like this, she can't hide her aggressiveness.How pitiful."It's good that you were able to attend. Philip?""He has an important appointment. That's why we were the only ones who went. I hope you don't mind."The old man chuckled. "I really don't mind, Helena. I know your h
For days, I practiced cooking. Rage came to watch me more often. I didn't have time to go out with Neri. After school, I went straight home. I admit, those days were exhausting. Especially since there are also school works that need to be done. But at the end, it was all worth it when the result was announced.Congratulations on coming out of the culinary lab. Neri cried and hugged me tightly."Congrats, Elena! I told you so and you will be the one to choose!"I laughed. "It's just luck, Neri."He let go. "Luck? No! You're really naturally good! It's not about luck, it's about talent!"We walked down the hallway of the building. We meet greetings that I just reciprocate with a smile. I was just so overwhelmed. I don’t think I would be a freshman to choose from. I was even so nervous the whole time I'm presenting my third dish!"This deserves a celebration!" she chirped."Yup. Go to the mansion. Let's celebrate there. What?"
Gradually, my breathing calmed down. But I didn't open my eyes. Now that the heat has subsided, I remember what we did. I can feel how my face burned when I remembered how I pleaded for him to do it.I feel, I am no different from the women he became. I was too desperate just for his touch. And I gave up myself just because of thatHow foolish you are, Elena.I closed my eyes even more because of the thought.Moments later, I felt him shifted a bit. He caressed my waist and kissed my shoulder. Fortunately, I turned my back on him. He won't see how red surely my face was."I'll just cook for us. Rest first," he said.Eventually, I felt him leave the bed. I pursed my lips firmly, eyes are still closed. I'm exhausted and embarrassed. Probably, Rage is now thinking how pathetic I am. I swore that I'll never link myself to a womanizer, especially to my brother's friends. Yet I gave in to him. I gave myself just like that. Worst, I even begged.
Rage raised his hand, and boyishly waved, eyes are still on me. The people around looked at me, and all I did was to stand and stare at Rage. I was still dumbfounded. I blinked and stared as he glided towards my way.It felt like my eardrums are gonna explode anytime soon because of the loud cheers around. But I didn't tear my gaze to him as he continued gliding towards me.I blinked again when he stopped, just inches away from me. He's still smirking, looking amused with my expression. I took a deep breath, tightened my grip on the strap of the bag and looked at him again.Damn! I didn't know a policeman could be this handsome and hot!"What's with all of these, Rage?" I asked, almost a whisper.He cocked his head and pursed his thin lips. Formally stand up and sneeze as if trying to get serious. My forehead furrowed, unable to read what he was thinking."I'm Police Officer Rage De Luca from CIDG, Miss Mongreco," he said firmly with a ghost
My hands were cold and were almost trembling. Beads of sweats formed in my temples while my body was slightly shivering because of tension.I am now already cooking the third dish for the contest. It was almost a miracle that I reached the final phase. All my opponents are from higher batches. Now, there are only four of us left.And just looking at how my competitors presented their dishes for the first two phases, I knew they weren’t casual. So I became even more nervous especially since there are definitely a lot of people watching what is happening here backstage. The judges, my schoolmates and my family. I don't want to disappoint them."It looks like the fight between our contenders is heating up even more!" I heard the emcee say on stage. That was followed by a loud shout from the crowd. I heard them cheered different names. That includes me. As many ADU people came to support.I wiped the beads of sweats using the back of my hand. I don't wa
Many more schoolmates greeted me. Most of them are my batchmates. Wilson's group also greeted me. There were also coordinators who approached before we left. I have to admit, I had a hard time with the preparations made. Doing school stuffs and practicing at the same time needed a lot of patience. However, I eventually succeeded. My efforts and hardships were paid off.Upon returning home, a party took place. I was thankful for everything that happened. I was thankful for everyone who supported me. Without them, I would not have the courage.The courage that brought me the trophy. I even doubted my own skill. But at the end, everything was rewarding."Aren't you tired?" Rage asked me."Not so much."We are in the garden with Revo, my cousins and the rest of their friends. After dinner they had a drink here. Neri went home immediately. The elders left first and gave us our time. I was already a bit sleepy, but I didn’t want to sleep yet.
"Why didn't Neri come? I told you to invite her," Mom said as we walked back to the cottage."She can't come. The arts competition is next week. She's probably preparing.""I know that girl really has a talent for painting. I know her mother. I've met her in some social gatherings when she was still alive. She's a renowned artist. So I'm sure from her Neri inherited the talent in art. I just hope that she'll win. Send my regards to her when you meet. "When we returned, Livius, Jonas, and Carson were taking a bath. Revo and Sage are grilling some pork. Markus and Hitler, on the other hand, were drinking beer and sitting on the sand, talking about something. I turned to look at the way towards the hotel. Even from a distance, I knew Rage’s eyes were still on me as he walked in our direction."Oh, Rage, where are you from?" Mom asked. I bit my lower lip and was nervous. I saw Revo's lips twitched.Rage looked at me. I glared at him but the idio
"Hey Elena, congrats by the way. I just got back in so it's a bit late for the news," a male batchmate of mine said as we walked out of the culinary club.I smiled. "It's okay. Anyway, thank you.""I wish I could go to the competition to support. In case Too bad, I was sick then.""It's fine, Javier. No worries."He was about to speak again when suddenly someone called to me from behind. I turned and I saw Samantha, my block mate. It looks like it just came out of the culinary lab and has something to say to me. My forehead creased a bit."Oh, Sam?""Prof Ana said, go to the dean's office. Now. Someone wants to talk to you."I frowned even more."Who?""I do not know?" She shrugged. "But whatever it is, it's definitely good news. Prof smiled as he said that.”Even though I was wondering, I just nodded. He immediately said goodbye and went back inside. I turned to Javier again. I said I still had to go to the