Chapter 19 — Goodbyes

Hesitation. Steffy sensed Marie’s discomfort as they approached the only bar that stood in that small town. She knew Marie Joyce only agreed to this because she was so persistent and would not stop begging her to come. Well, Steffy did not take ‘no’ as an answer either, and Marie Joyce completely understood that side of her. She will just punish her if she did not concede.

“Come on!” Steffy said as she touched her little friend inside. The party had already started, and many people were already huddled there. Most of them were already dancing and sweating as their bodies collided together underneath the glimmer of green and blue disco lights.

“...too crowded,” mumbled Marie, which Steffy did not able to comprehend. Marie leaned closer to her as they continued to move forward. “What did you say?”

Upbeat music was already reverberating inside the place, making it hard for them to communicate properly. “I said, this place is too crowded!” Marie replied, half shouting this time. Steffy chuckled and swung her arm around her shoulder. “What do you expect? This is a bar!”

“I’m not used to being here. I don’t like it here!”

“I know, Marie Joyce. That is why I brought you with me. You need to get a life.”

Steffy immediately grabbed her hand when they reached the dance floor. They both recognized familiar faces in the crowd and their presence did not escape their prying looks. Steffy smirked, but the realization only intensified Marie’s agitation. The poor girl could not even raise her eyes. Steffy let out another chuckle and forced her to level her gaze with hers.

“Hey, Marie Joyce, listen,” she remarked, tilting Marie’s chin. “This is a celebration of your new life. This is the beginning of your freedom. Let’s enjoy this, alright? If you still feel uncomfortable, just keep looking at me. Don’t look anywhere else…”

Slowly, Marie’s lips formed into a small grin. “You’re right. That fat principal can never ruin my life again. And that is worth celebrating.”

“That’s my girl!” Steffy remarked in a sassy and loud voice. “You stay like that as we get ourselves a drink. Follow me.” Marie opened her mouth to protest, but Steffy shushed her by dragging her towards the counter. “This is going to be the best night of your life, Marie Joyce. And you fucking deserve it.”

The investigation for the principal’s death continued, and school was still suspended. Marie could not process the entire situation and the fact that Mr. Seson was dead made everything look surreal. She then looked at the girl beside her inside the car. They parked just several yards from her house to cool off a little. She thought that even the friendship that she had with Steffy Rivera seemed like a part of a beautiful dream. Except that this was not a dream at all. This was indeed her reality. And she liked this reality. The feeling of being free and being cared for was foreign to her. But meeting such strange happenstance made it more exciting.

“Are you even listening?” she heard Steffy, disturbing her thoughts.

“I-I am. It’s just that—”

“It’s okay,” Steffy said, giggling. I understand. I know how it feels to finally start seeing the glimpse of light in your reality.”

‘Exactly my thoughts.’ It’s amazing how Steffy could easily connect with her. Their bond had indeed grown as they continued to be each other’s bitches. Steffy moved her body to the side, completely facing her. She did the same; their eyes leveling with each other. Despite the dim light inside the car, she could still see her drunken features. It’s already three A.M., but Steffy still looked so stunning even though her hair was already unruly because of her unstoppable head bangs earlier on the dance floor. Clearing her throat, Steffy said in her usual bedroom voice. “I want to be completely honest with you.” Marie rested the side of her head on the passenger seat’s backrest.

“Go ahead,” she urged her. “I’m not who you think I am, Marie Joyce. There are so many secrets about me I just can’t say to you.”

“And why is that?” she asked. She hated to admit it, but that Steffy was opening up out of the blue was very intriguing. “You know your secrets are safe with me.”

“Marie Joyce, it’s you I want to keep safe,” replied Steffy with a scoff.

“Safe?” Marie replied, chuckling. “And why is that? Are you trying to say that you are a Mafia princess and I’ll be dead if I’d know all about it?”

Steffy giggled. She could smell the scent of her drunkenness and she too, felt intoxicated by it. It’s a funny thing, but their faces were only four inches apart now. She could not help but notice how beautiful her friend was. “The Mafia is not real,” Steffy said, giggling again.

“You know I was just kidding,” she playfully replied. Suddenly, Steffy raised her hand and brought it on her cheek. Then she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear as she continued to speak. “I just want you to know that you are one of the best things that ever happened to me in this school. Whatever happens, I want you to live freely, Marie Joyce.”

“What’s the drama all about? Are you trying to say your goodbyes right now, Steffy? Come on, don’t be like that.” Silence engulfed them as they stared at each other for a couple of minutes. She could feel her cheeks flushed in red as she melted in Steffy’s burning stares. Then she noticed her eyes were glimmering in tears, and she panicked. “Why are you crying, Steffy?” Smiling, Steffy replied, “I-I’m just so happy. You have made my stay here memorable.”

“Why are you being such a ninny, Steffy? You’re too emotional tonight. Well, silly me. You drank two bottles of whiskey earlier. No wonder.” Steffy let out a soft laugh. “To tell you, I’m not drunk at all. I’m just being open to you right now because I’m going to leave you.” It suddenly baffled Marie. ‘Is this really happening?’

“You are leaving me… so, I’ll be alone again?” The thought left her breathless. The past few months with Steffy had been amazing. If she would leave, what will happen to her? “Do you really have to go? Why?”

Heaving a sigh, Steffy looked at her sincerely. “I can’t explain everything, but I am an heiress, and I have responsibilities. And one of these responsibilities is…that’s all that I can say to you, Marie Joyce. You really shouldn’t be involved.”

“You are an heiress? What does that mean?” Marie pressed on.

“I can’t really tell you.” Marie felt her chest tightening and her stomach flipping. ‘Of course, you won’t tell.’ She sank to her chair while she unmindfully tugged and twisted the tips of her curls.

“I like you, you know. You’ve been such a cute friend. I’m really going to miss you, and your innocence,” she added, making her laugh.

“Only because there’s so much I do that’s funny to you,” she retorted as playfully rolled her eyes. “I’m going to miss you too, Steffy. And for the record, I like you too.”

“I know.”

“No, Steffy, I mean it. I like you—I really do… and not just in a friendly way.” Immediately, Steffy’s eyebrow raised, showing she was surprised and suddenly confused. “W-what did you say?”

“I-I like you, this way.” And with that, Marie’s lips crashed to hers, leaving Steffy’s eyes completely wide open. The kiss had only lasted for a couple of seconds, and yet it had left a distinct sensation within her as Marie pulled away. She suddenly felt embarrassed at the bold gesture that she had started. “I’m sorry, that was a mistake,” she said, biting her lips nervously. “It must have been the alcohol.” Lowering her gaze, she fiddled through her mini skirt. “L-Let’s go now, Steffy. I’m already tired.”

“You like me, huh.”

Shutting her eyes, she heaved a sigh and slowly nodded her head.

“That was a bold one.”

‘Yeah, shit. I know.’

“I’m sorry. Let’s just forget about it.” “Look at me,” Steffy heard her say. “L-Let’s just go, Steffy—”

“Look at me first.”

Hesitantly, she raised her gaze at her, but when she did, Steffy pulled her closer, sealing the gap between them with a passionate kiss.