17

As what we have agreed, we went back to Manila after 3 days. The rest of my vacation was spent on hanging out with Brent, Daphne, and Jared, and doing some stuffs in the house. "Good morning," I smiled. I knew immediately who our guest was this morning. "Morning, Jared. Breakfast?" Mommy. I turned to him. We looked at each other. "Sure, Tita," He smiled. He came to me and then sat in the chair next to me. I felt a tickle in my stomach. Damn. I'm getting weirder and weirder as time passes by. Daphne kissed me next to me on my right. I turned to him. "You two are acting weird. What's with your stares?" She whispered in my ear. Her tone sounds so lazy and uninterested. My cheeks flushed. Am I being too obvious? "None of your business." I rolled my eyes. "Tss. You look so in love. How pathetic." He whispered. The side of my upper lip rose out of annoyance. Because, heart of stone. "You don't have any evidence," "I don't need an evidence to prove it. Basang-basa kita, Ate. Now, what happened to Aldrin?" I fell silent. What is it? As usual, Jared drove me to school. Today is also the first day of his internship at La Sirene. Daphne, well, sends Mang Edgar. Jared's wrong when he told me that I am a 'cold being'. My sister is the real 'cold being' and … bitter. "Hey, whipped boy!" Travis and Trevor applauded and then laughed. "Fuck you." Jared. They burst out laughing again. We are here in the school parking lot. I don't know why the twins are also here even though I know they also have OJT. They grabbed the attention of other students especially and only got less than three of their expensive sports cars. To stand here now near them is intimidating. "Good morning, Thalia," Smiling greeted the two of me. I smiled at them. "Morning," Jared squeezed my waist. "Baby, don't talk to them," My cheeks are red. The twins made a chaffing sound. "Thalia, our dear, what did you do to this asshole? He won't even look at other girls now. What a whipped boy," Travis made a face. I bit my lower lip. Can I just melt it first? "Fuck you again." Jared. They laughed louder as the one next to me was obviously annoyed. "Thalia, tell your lover that we'll go now. We just went here to check on the new chic. Trevor and I are the only two because you're the one there, very loyal." I laughed and shook my head. "But you try to ask him. Maybe he wants a chic side." Trevor teased. Jared groaned. "Can you go now? You motherfuckers." The twins laugh as they ride in their cars. "Take care, bro! We'll pray for your lovelife!" He let out a deep sigh as the cars of his companions drove away. "Can I fetch you after class?" My forehead creased. "I'll finish my class at three pm. You'll finish your OJT at five, won't you?" His forehead also furrowed. "So? I can always ditch my duty, baby. I'll be working in La Sirene, remember?" I winced. "That's unfair, Jared. It's not like you're a magician in La Sirene-OJT and you can run away. That's still your grade. It's also unfair to others," His forehead creased. "Why do I feel like you just don't want to go out with me so you're saying those things? Did my rival invite you?" My shoulder dropped. "I don't know about you, Arevalo!" Why are people bringing up Aldrin's name today? I don't want to think of it. My head only hurts when I think about things too much. Enjoy now, worry later. "See? You have a date later." He pouted. I don't know if I'll laugh or get angry. The childish but the … cute. I sighed. "Okay, fine. Pick me up later. Happy?" I blinked. His face brightened. I, on the other hand, darkened my face. What a scam. Just make sure he graduates even if he ditches duty but I can really beat him. "What?" He asked when I remained looking darkly at him. I shook. "I'm leaving." I bowed to leave but he touched my wrist. "Wait," He pulled me closer to him and planted a quick kiss on my lips. My eyes widened. I immediately walked away from him. "My goodbye kiss," He smirked. I kicked him. I looked around. I turned pale when I saw everyone around looking at us. Damn, Jared. I would have attacked him again but he was no longer beside me. The fool got into his car. I slammed his window. "Damn you!" I shouted. The window of the car pulled down exposing the sexily laughing jerk. "See you later." He winked. I followed my gaze as he drove off campus. How else am I going to get into my class quietly of it? I'm sure there were rumors about me along the way. Damn it. Damn it really. "I saw that!" I jumped when someone spoke behind me. I turned to my nosy friend. "Or should I say, WE saw that?" He laughed crispily. I blushed. "Shut up, Brent." This is so embarassing. If anyone knew how much I hated Jared back then, it was Brent. And now, will he see Jared kissing me? Urgh! He burst out laughing. He even imitated what I just said. "Tse! Your words are very opposite to your reaction, Ms. Villegas. I thought I was the only one flirting. You too, mare! We really are bestfriends." He laughed again. I shook my head and started walking. All I can get here is teasing and cockfighting if we go together. "Hey! We're not done yet, Mare!" He then accompanied me on the walk again. Chapter 17 part 2 I sighed. Get that Jared ready for me! My suspicion is correct. As I passed the corridors there was a lot of murmuring while looking at me. They weren't embarrassed yet and they were really openly muttering in front of me. The rest of you, not just whispering, they are actually talking to me using their normal voices. My middle finger wants to salute to them. Why don't they mind their own businesses? Annoyingly, Brent didn't even defend me. Worse, he's still in sync! Until our class he didn't stop me. "Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was a beautiful princess who hates the prince in the neighboring kingdom for he is a playboy. But one unlucky day for her, destiny made their paths get closer for they were bound to be married . Because of it, they were forced to hang out regularly until they were always seen together. They were even spotted kissing in public. My question is, who is the princess and why is the princess allowing the prince to kiss her? Hmm? " I almost closed my book. Instead of being scared, Brent burst out laughing. "You Mare, do you know who that is? Hmm?" I gritted my teeth. "Will you please shut your mouth? We have a quiz, remember? Why don't you just spend your time in reviewing your notes ?!" First day after first day because, Mr. has a quiz right away. Pascasio. He raised his brow and gave me his most hostile look. "It's because, I already studied last night. Maybe you're not so confused yet, Mare. Why? You have a late night call?" Instead of being angry or irritated, a smile appeared on my lips. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. "Got 'ya!" I covered my face with my economics book. Embarrassing! "Stop it, bitch!" He laughed so hard and with a hint of chaff on it. "Don't be shy, baby girl." He patted my head. "It's normal to fall in love with papa Jared. He's handsome, hot and … yummy," He whispered the last word. I feel like a tomato is the color of my cheek. All because of this pervert being beside me. I took the earphones from the bag and slapped them on my ear and faced the book I was reading again. I seriously need to review. Brent's right. I was in a long phone call with Jared last night and I forgot to review. "There's more- 'yuck, yuck' you still knew then, ha! You ate all the words you said. What happened to your 'Aldrin only' policy?" I was even more embarrassed. He removed the earphones from my ear. I turned to him angrily. "What? I'm busy, Brent. I'll hit you later with your tensions." "One last question. When you give me a sensible answer, I will stop questioning you for the mean time." My shoulder dropped. Alas and there is still an offer. I took a deep breath. A short silence would do. "Fine. What's your sensible question?" I lazily drawled. He smirked. "What's going on with Jared and you now? I mean, what's the real score?" I thought. What is it? "I … don't know," It's been five months since we started 'dating'. Chapter 17 part 3 Since we got closer, my views in life changed. That's not fun when you're always in your comfort zone. That you cannot call life life if you always follow others. He taught me a lot of things, made me experience things that I never wished to do. And most of all, I realize not everything you want to happen, really happens. Because what I wanted when it happened was for Aldrin and I to come true, but that's not what happened. By the way, destiny has a different plan for me. Fate. Fate is inevitable but it is unpredictable. Five months ago, my mind set is that, we create our own fate. I can create my own fate. I want to create my own fate. But I was wrong. Because if I'm really the one making my fortune, Aldrin should still be the one I want because that's what I'm used to. But it's Jared now and it's not what I wanted. My heart made it happen. And I let destiny take control of my life at that point. In a span of five months, my heart beat changed. I do not know our label. All I know is that, I like him too. Or maybe greater than that. He wasn't asking for any label, though. 'Cause we know that whether we date or not, we are still under an arrangement. No label required. He may not want to rush me and I am grateful for that. Because it's hard to hurry. Maybe another month would do to clarify my feelings further. On February, I will be choosing my husband. Five months ago, there was definitely someone I would choose to be after six months. But the wind blew differently. Destiny has changed. It's like … it's like I want someone else … Days passed by quickly and things were running pretty smooth between Jared and I. He's busy with his OJT while I'm busy with my studies but we always find time to go out and date. Aldrin, I've only actually dated once. That was the day Jared and I had a fight. But I don't have that anymore. The feeling I kept for seven years is gone. So, I was shocked when I found him sitting on our sofa one day after I came home from school. "Aldrin?" He turned to me. He stood up. If this opportunity happened five months ago, I might not be able to sleep at night because of the shivering. But it never happened before and now that he's in front of me and as I look at his serious eyes, I can't feel anything anymore. The spark is already gone. It died. Just a few months ago. "Uh, are they Dad you're looking for?" I hesitately asked. I think I have trauma when I talk to him. Because his aura is always like this. So intimidating. He tilted his hand and put his hands on his pockets. "No. You." My eyes went wide. "H-huh?" "Do you have plans today? Or do you have assignments? Quizzes?" He asked. "Uh, nothing. Why?" Chapter 17 part 4 Jared wasn't able to ditch his duty today and fetch me. During his one -month OJT that he was running away from his duty when I went home at three o'clock, one of his blocmate who was also in La Sirene reported that he was lying low first. "Good. Can I take you to a … date?" He averted his gaze. I was stunned. But I … can't feel anything. If he just frequently asked me out like what Jared did for the past months, will it still be him? I think so. "Uh … shouldn't we really date?" He asked when I kept silent. My lips parted. Right. It's in the rule. Maybe he won't be angry … Jared. "Of course. Can I change first?" He nodded. I feel like I became a human tornado because of how fast I dressed up. I decided not to tell Jared first what Aldrin and I would do today. I do not know. I'm afraid I'll frustrate him again. I don't want him to think of others because … there really isn't. Maybe later, that would ditch duty again when he found out. "What do you want to do?" Aldrin asked when we got to the mall. I turned around. "It's up to you," I can't think of anything to do. My mind is flying to somewhere else. He nodded. "Let's watch a movie then we'll eat after. Is that fine with you?" I smiled. "Yeah." So, we watched a horror movie in the cinema. I'm not fond of that genre because I'm scared but because he chose it and I'm ashamed to tell him I'm not fond of horror movies, I just went on his trip. As a result, I was terrified inside the cinema. I couldn't scream yet because I was ashamed of Aldrin who was just like a statue while watching. No reaction. He is not afraid. "Where do you want to eat?" He asked after we left the cinema. "Can we go to the buffet?" I shyly requested. I feel like, I ran out of energy earlier because of the movie. I have to eat a lot. He partially laughed but he was successful to stop it. My lips parted in amusement. I only see him laugh once! "Okay," We left the mall for the resto he suggested. We silently ate our meal until he broke the silence. We finished eating then. "How are you and Jared?" He asked. I was stunned. I looked up at him. "Huh?" He averted his gaze on me. "I heard you two are doing good now," My breathing halted for a second. It was like my student was late copying the exam. "Do you like him already?" He probed. I could not answer. I bent down then squeezed my fingers. He sighed. "I'm so stupid." I looked up. "H-huh?" "Thalia, I … like you," I held my breath. "Ever since …" He added. Shit. He likes … me? Just wait. "Y-You like me ever since?" I said in a small voice. He nodded. He drank some water before speaking again. "It's just stupid not to like you, Thalia." My cheeks flushed. "You are the campus crush and I can't understand why you kept telling me before that you like me even though you can like many others. I considered myself lucky for that," I couldn't say a thing. Aldrin, have you liked me for a long time? What the hell. Is destiny silent? Why do I even know this now? "If that's true, t-then why didn't you make a move back then?" I bit my lower lip. I was embarrassed by my own question. It sounds like a stupid and desperate question. She sighed again. "I like you but you know how studious I am. My studies are my priority, Thal, and I am not a good multitasker. I know that the time I'll start acknowledging you, I won't back out anymore." I was swallowed. "Why are you telling me this now, Aldrin? What if I tell you that I already like someone else?" That was harsh. But that was … true. He bowed. "I know. I became complacent that your feelings for me won't change. It was seven years, Thalia. I count. Every time you push yourself to me, I just want to open my arms wide and accept you, tell you that we feel the same, but I didn't. I was afraid I can't give you my full attention and you'll slip from me. I made you wait. I thought your feelings will last until I finish my studies. Thal, papa I'm a graduate. But why did I disappear now? I wish I had just done my studies at the same time as you. " My heart ached. A tear escaped from my eyes. Here is the man I adored for my whole teenage years, saying that he likes me for a long time now. But it's already too late. I don't have a feeling to return to him. Funny how fate turned the tables. I let the world direct my fate. I wasn't able to control it. I suddenly felt sorry for him. For us'. "I-I'm sorry." "Five months ago, when we were instructed to date, aren't you confused why I didn't invite you to dates?" My forehed creased. "Because you said you're busy with your studies?" "No, of course. It's mandatory, Thal. Even though I'm so busy, we really need to date. But I didn't." My lips protruded. Yes what? Why? "Five months ago, Jared went to me." My forehead creased again. He let out a deep sigh. My heart pounded. "He forbade me to date you. It's as if you're the only one dating." My jaw clenched. That's why no matter how hard I tried on Aldrin, he didn't want to date me. That's why we only went out twice. "And you agreed?" He nodded. "I have no choice, Thal. He threatened me. If I will push it, our business will go down. La Sirene is the number one client of our firm. That's where they hire engineers when La Sirene has projects. I can Don't risk it, Thal. That's our livelihood. I just hope Jared doesn't make it easy for you but I'm wrong. I had a hard time lying to my parents that we're going out. Your parents didn't bother, though . " Anger flared up in my system. What the fuck, Jared? I love him but that's a selfish and evil move! "And I'm afraid Jared's just playing again." I was stunned. He held my hand placed on top of the table. I jumped. "He is a notorious playboy as we all know. I don't know why he did that but I'm afraid he took the opportunity to try you." My chest tightened. No. It can't be. That I know he blocked Aldrin and even used influence is frustrating. But most likely he did that to test me, silly, insane. If that is true, his playboy status has reached such an extent that he will scare other people as well. Shit. I already love him and if he's really just playing with me, I'm at a disadvantage. Whatever Aldrin does to make me annoy Jared, he works. Why didn't I think of that before? Or I knew then that he might be playing me but I gradually lost that thought. Shit. If so, I lose the game. Damn, Jared. I hope Aldrin's wrong. My thoughts were interrupted when Aldrin spoke again. "So I hope you reconsider things again, Thalia. Maybe you're just bored because you've been together so often. Please, please, give me one more chance. I'll be braver this time."