Chapter 102   Vivienne   I heard a light knock on my room. I quickly jumped to my bed, afraid that Vianna would see me. The bruises in my face subsided, thanks to the medicine and cold compress the servants gave me. But I couldn’t gamble to let Vianna see me. I am afraid she might ask what’s going on and Mom will find out. I can’t let Mom worry about me. There’s so much that she was worried about.   “Why is your room locked?”   “Hey, Vianna, I’m changing to my uniform.” I yelled.    “Oh! That’s what I was about to ask. You’re almost late.”   “I can manage. Just go first. I’ll lock the door.”   

Raylie   She’s mad. She’s really mad at me. What should I do? She did not even look back at me.   Darn! I was just kidding and I guess she misunderstands. I shouldn’t have tried my luck.    Now, I can’t focus on my examination. Damn it!   The examination time had ended and I didn't have anything in mind but her, being mad. The recent days have been like hell to me. I thought yesterday was the end of my hell. But what is going on now?   The bell rang, and my classmates passed their papers. I don’t know how many questions I confidently answered. I just wanted this day to end.   Vivienne rises to her feet just like the other students who were going. I hurriedly went to her and took her paper. I gave it to our professor together with mine. She didn’t say anything and took her bag. She limped to the door and I helped her. She still wasn't say

Vivienne It’s the night of the party. Raylie picked me up at the expensive salon he rented to accommodate my needs. Well, I don’t need anything to get fixed. A light makeup and slight curls in my hair were just enough. I don’t want anything fancy. But all the simplicity I wanted had been covered with the elegance of the red gown that Raylie bought for me.  Even the stilettos stand out. I don’t usually use heels but I guess, the occasion asked for it. I once wished to dress up like how I did before. And I guess, tonight is the best time to do it.  “Gosh! Your prince was already waiting for you, Ms. Alfonso. Hurry up!”  Suzette called out for me. She’s the one who did my hair and make up. “Thanks for everything, Ms. Suzette.” I said with a wide smile, giving my reflection a final glance. 

Vivienne   I was surprised to see that Mom was home when I came. I thought she’ll going to scold me for coming home late but she just asked me if I wanted to drink milk before going upstairs.   “Why are you still awake? Were you waiting for me?”   I felt guilty about that. I waited for nothing while keeping my Mom awake and waiting for me to come home. I am sure Vianna told her I went to my classmate’s birthday party.   Mom gave me a soft smile. “I can’t sleep. That’s it.”   Her voice was sad. I went to the counter top and sat across from her. I realized our things were packed. Why did she pack it?   “What’s the matter, Mom? Is everything alright?”   She smiled at me again. Then her tears rolled down.    “We paid for the next month’s rent, right?”   I nodded. “Actually, we pa

Vivienne   St. Louis was a fishing village. How can Mom make pickles here? I sighed. It’s been three days since we moved here and Mom hasn't found a job. Me as well. How can a highschool student find a job in a small town like this?   I sat on the wide seawall while watching the sundown. It’s always like this everyday since the first day.  Mom would go to the shoreline to buy a bunch of new catched fish and she would sell it in retail at the town. While Vianna transferred to the nearby school. I felt sorry for Vianna. I know it’s hard for her too.    And me, I don’t know what to do. I haven’t processed my papers from Brixton yet. All I just want is to escape from there.    I sighed. I was thinking what are they doing right now? Were they happy? Is everyone celebrating the newly engaged couple? How about Raylie. Why didn’t he come that night? Thore said that it’s Raylie