We went to the border of El Fuego where a tall lighthouse stood. We stood near the long cliff, watching the wild waves rule the sea below. Aside from the plantation and neighboring lands, this part was my favorite place to visit back thenThe salty air is so damn refreshing, even the place is just naturally beautiful and tranquil. A place where you can feel comfort and peace. Indeed, nature will always be the most beautiful creation."Oh, beers." Carson distributed the canned beers. He was the one who brought the drinks. Sage is in charge of the food."It's yours," he said and handed me a carbonated drink.We sat on the grass. I was next to Neri while Rage was on the other side of me. I don't know why he sat next to me. I don't want to be rude so I just remained on my position. Jesyl, on the other hand, is sitting beside him. Trying so hard to be noticed. But if before it was still answering, now it is not really."Elena," Neri whispered. "Rage see

It was Saturday the next day. But instead of joining the orphanage, I stayed at home. There are still cooking lessons because I need to master. Maybe I'll just get the kids back next time. Also, mama was with my older brother and our two cousins. Good thing, they are not busy today.I'm on the kitchen, practicing the different cuts of vegetables when I noticed someone's presence. I stopped slicing the carrots and looked up to arrive.When I saw who it is, my gaze went back on the chopping board and knife."Why are you here?" I asked curtly."Why? Can't I visit you?"I heard his heavy footsteps towards me.I glanced at him once. He stopped by my side, leaning against the counter top. I look hard. I sighed. Refocused attention on what was being done."Look, I'm studying, Rage. Don't disturb me.""I'm not interrupting you. I'll just watch. I won't disturb you."I continued to cut."How's your date? What happened? May

"I was late for my first class earlier. Well, Prof Minchin scolded me again," Neri said. Let's go home when we meet. When I got home last night, I texted him to see if he was home safely. It was morning when he replied, probably because he was drunk.I asked her if anything happened but she told me there was none. There I breathed a sigh of relief."That's what you've got from drinking too much last night. I don't know about you. You know you have low alcohol tolerance and then you're all drinking. You're really crazy."She snorted. "You didn't even stop me!""You're busy with Albert. I didn't realize.""Sus. You mean, you're busy with Leo!"I chuckled and shook my head. Afterwards, she suddenly stopped from walking. We stopped in the middle of the hallway of the building. She turned to me with narrowed eyes. I frowned."Ah! I remembered!""What?""I forgot why you suddenly disappeared. Now, I remember. Rage came! I also

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

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?"