Chapter 33: Sympathy

Upon completion of burning things, I immediately retired to my room and fell into my bed. I couldn't help but let the tears flow freely. As the clock struck half-past-six, I decided to pack up my belongings, organize my room, and make some changes to its layout.

I rearranged my room completely, changing up the curtains and swapping out the bed sheets and pillowcases. I placed the old ones in the laundry basket. I quickly changed into a white t-shirt and a black skirt, pairing it with matching black sandals. I grabbed my tote bag, stuffing it with the books and notebooks I needed for my classes that day.

I descended from my room quickly, glancing at the clock which read 7:40 am. Our classes started at 8:15 am. My dad was already gone, presumably to his company, while my mom was in front of the TV, her gaze vacant as she stared at the screen.

It took me calling her name three times before she finally turned to me. A pang of worry washed over me as I noticed my mom alone. I hesitated to leave her by herself, but she reassured me that she was fine.

To my surprise, a car was parked in front of our house. The horn honked, and the window rolled down revealing Tres, who was waving at me.

"Morning," he greeted with a grin. I could only shake my head in response.

He was dressed in a suit, which suggested that he had a meeting to attend.

All I could do was nod and admire the expensive car in front of me. It was the latest model, exuding extravagance and luxury. It was a pity to think that it could just get into an accident. However, the driver seemed competent and duly licensed.

I tapped the car's roof in amazement. I was not particularly fond of cars, but this one was different. It was stunning and stylish.

"You'll be late if you just stand there admiring it," my cousin quipped.

I turned my attention to him and his companion, Zach, who was wearing black sunglasses and sitting in the driver's seat.

I quickly climbed into the backseat and sat down.

"Why are you guys dropping me off?" I asked.

"Who else? That jerk of a boyfriend of yours?" Tres retorted.

My facial expression soured at his comment. Zach reprimanded him from the driver's seat.

"Shut up," I gritted out, annoyed.

He turned towards me, his eyes narrowing in irritation.

"Tito Vallen instructed me to drive you," Tres stated, frustration clear in his voice. "And if I ever see that jerk again, I swear I'll punch him."

"Could you just keep quiet? And don't even think about acting on your plans," I retorted irritably at my cousin. It was so annoying how he could ruin a perfectly good day!

He turned back to me, visibly more annoyed than before. His eyebrows were furrowed, his eyes squinting at me.

"So you still care about him?" he shot back immediately. His gaze was sharp but there was a hint of his usual silliness.

I rolled my eyes, wishing I could throw a book at my annoying cousin. Why did he have so many questions? I should have just booked a ride with Grab instead of being bombarded with his pointless queries.

It was as if my cousin was more persistent than a reporter with his incessant questioning.

"No," I responded flatly.

He snorted, making it clear that he didn't believe me. I made a face as he began to mutter a bunch of words that I didn't understand. He was using what seemed like alien language, just to tease and annoy me.

I quickly got out of his car and walked into the law college. I waved dismissively at my cousin. Before I left, I warned him that I would tell his crush about his plans if he tried to interfere.

As I walked in, many students turned to look at me. They were whispering amongst themselves, probably thinking I couldn't hear them. Could you even call it whispering when I could hear every word they were saying about me?

I rolled my eyes secretly at the gossipmongers surrounding me.

"Poor Yvonne, she was fooled by Kyle!"

"Indeed! A playboy will always be a playboy! It must have felt great to slap him! Can you believe he chose someone far less attractive than Yvonne?"

Many of the onlookers stared at me with sympathy in their eyes. I sighed in annoyance. I was receiving a lot of sympathy from almost everyone, but I didn't need it! I don't need anyone's sympathy!