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

"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

I thought everything will flow just like how I wanted them to be. I thought everything was okay. I won the competition. I even got a spot on my dream school. The things I had hoped for the most happened.But in the days that followed, many things happened that I did not expect. Events that I didn't see coming. Events that caught me off guard. Events that I tried to ignore just to reach my goal."I-I... don't know what to do to console him, Elena..." Hearing my mother's soft sobs made me weak. "It's been days but he's still unresponsive. He's always drinking and not even eating well." She sobbed again. And all I can do is to hug her. A hug that I don’t know if will alleviate the grief she feels. But this is the least I can do.Two days after I received the offer from Madame Linton, Revo started suffering from an emotional break down. News of the plane crash shocked his sanity.In all my life, I have never seen Revo like that. He's always composed in

"Hey, what's wrong with you, Elena? Your class standing isn't good anymore. You know, it's better not to worry too much about what's going on around you. It's your dream so I'm just reminding you why you are here. You dreamed for this! And if you continue that, you will be expelled!”I sighed at what Timmy said. I no longer knew what to do. I am preoccupied of all that's happening. I can't even do schoolwork well.She sighed heavily. "If that love is distracting you, then I must say, choose wisely. I think because, it looks like you can't combine study and relationship. So the decision is up to you, Elena. Choose what's more important now. "What he said bothered me that night. What she said has a point. But no... I don't want to choose. I don't want to let go of him. I cannot do it.But... we're both having a hard time.Gradually, this relationship becomes an obstacle to our roles in each other's lives. Before I came here, I promised to myse

"Are you sure about this, Elena?" Doubt can be seen on Wilson's eyes when I told him I'll be going back home next month."Do I look like I'm kidding, Wilson?" I sipped on my cocktail. "I told you, I want to build my first restaurant there." I crossed my legs and stared at him.She shrugged. "In that case, let's go together. My project will end by the third week of this month."I grinned and shot my brow up. "You really don't want to be separated from me, do you? Don't tell me you want something from me now?" My eyes are challenging. Despite the topic, I don't find it awkward when it comes to him. And I know the same is true of him. We are just very good friends.His laughter was accompanied by the music around. "You're too confident, Maddy.""I always am."He shook his head and grinned. "But seriously, I am worried. Are you ready to face Morris again? You don't even know what's happening on his life now. Don't you want to know? You know, so