Chapter 1 

Chapter 1 

Marinel’s POV

"Ah!" I exclaimed.

"Miss, are you okay?" he called out to me.

I stood up from where I fell. Stupid Marie! He bumped into me.

"Miss?" he asked again.

I straightened myself up and brushed off the sand from my clothes. Then I looked up at him.

"I'm okay… abs… I mean, absolutely f-fine," I replied, giving him a smirk while admiring the beautiful view.

Stupid! Wrong move! But...The view is really beautiful!

"Miss, are you sure?" he asked with concern.

I found myself gaping while shaking my head. Damn! He's so macho!

"Sorry about that. I got to go," he said, excusing himself.

I nodded absentmindedly. I just watched him walk towards the sea to go surfing. Wow! He's not just macho, he's sporty too.

"Idiot!" My friend suddenly tapped me on the head.

"Ouch! That hurts!" I complained, rubbing the spot where she hit me.

"You're busy staring at random guys. You should be focusing on the kids."

I winced at her tirade. I turned to face her and pointed to the guy who bumped into me earlier.

"That's what I was looking at," I said again.

She blushed suddenly. I just rolled my eyes. She always has something to say. I just shrugged it off and went back to the event hall of the hotel here in the resort. I attended a seminar here, and at the same time, I volunteered at the orphanage's event.

"Nurse Marie!" the kids called out to me then I saw a familiar face.

I quickly run and hugged Sister Carmen immediately. I missed her so much! She's been like a mother to me since I grew up in the Angel's Orphanage. But I'm twenty-one years old now. I left the orphanage early and learned to live on my own. It maybe hard to accept that I don't have biological parents, but because of Sister Carmen, the feeling of my longing has eased a bit. 

Out of my reverie, I gently pulled Sister Carmen and we sat down at an empty cottage.

"How are you, my child?" she asked gently, while gently stroking my hair.

"I'm fine, mom. Here I am, still striving to finish my studies," I replied with a smile.

"I'm amazed by your determination, my child. How about your job then?" she inquired.

"It's going well, mom. You know I'm a scholar, right? So my salary from the coffee shop is enough for my daily expenses. The scholarship program also provides an allowance for my school projects. And that's all thanks to your help," I said, almost teary eyes.

"Maggie is just so kind and especially her handsome husband," Sister Carmen remarked with a chuckle.

"Seriously, mom? You're full of jokes," I chuckled. Sister Carmen laughed at her.

"Oh, why? When you graduate, you'll meet the founder of the orphanage. And you'll be needing the signature of that couple for clearance too. So when that day comes, don't you dare blush in front of Maggie's husband," she advised while teasing her.

I laughed again. "Why, mom?" I asked.

"Don't laugh at me. Her husband is really handsome. Sorry. I can't stop admiring him. And that child, he's nice unless you cross over him or when it comes to his wife. Oh! You'll be in trouble!" I winced.

Crap! Beautiful people are my weakness sometimes.

"Seriously, mom!" I said, pouting.

She laughed. "Don't mind it." Sister Carmen holds my hand. "I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you, my child." I hugged her tightly.

"Thank you, mom. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am now," I said and my tears were about to fall. 

"Alright then, we'll go ahead with the kids, my child," Sister Carmen bid me farewell.

"Take care on your way back to Manila, mom. I might be home late this afternoon," I said as I helped her back to the hotel.

"Take care on your way home too, my child."

I nodded. Upon reaching the hotel, I immediately helped carry the children's belongings to the vehicle.

"Bye!" I waved cheerfully.

They responded lively and waved back at me. After that, I returned to my accommodation alone.

"Hey!"

I jumped in surprise.

"You idiot! You've been there for a while!" Veronica exclaimed as she smacked me.

She's my best friend, the one who bumped me earlier.

"You idiot! What's the name of that hunk?" I grinned and tilted my head.

"I'm not looking for a missing person. I don't care about that guy," I replied and headed to my room to pack.

I paused for a moment. What's his name again? Psh! Stupid thoughts are in my head again. After packing my things, I headed straight to the boarding area.

"You witch! Don't leave me!" Veronica protested.

"Is it my fault that you're slow? You're becoming a womanizer again," I retorted.

"I'm desperate! Even the patients in the hospital don't want to entertain me," she said, panting.

Her words gave me chills. "Yuck! You're disgusting!" I grimaced.

She burst out laughing. "You idiot! I'm picky too. I only attract handsome men. Why did you stop studying? I could've had a companion now," she said, biting her lip.

I sighed deeply. Maybe she's right. I've been stopping and starting my studies even though I have a scholarship. I still have a lot of expenses, and sometimes I'm tight on money. Even though I receive an allowance and earn from my job, I still have debts. Luckily, the foundation understands my situation. Veronica is lucky because she graduated quickly, passed the board exam, and got a job at a large hospital with a high salary. I took a deep breath. I'll graduate soon. I only have three semesters left before I finish my studies.

"Nel! Hurry up!" Veronica called out to me from inside the jeep.

I immediately complied and quickly got on board. We went home early because I forgot I had a class to catch.

"Oh? Review while we're on the road. You have a special exam today. It's in my memo," Veronica said, handing me her book.

"How sweet!" I said sarcastically.

"Study or a punch? Hurry up," she urged.

I just smirked and opened the book.

I read everything that needed to be read and memorized what needed to be remembered. After finishing, I closed the book.

"Wow! Your patient is dead," Veronica teased.

"Maybe yours is. Hmp!" I muttered.

That's how we are. Crazy friends with a hint of violence. To others, it might seem like we're always fighting, but for us, it's nothing.

"Nursing really drains the blood!" I exclaimed.

"You said it! Good thing my patients are so handsome," she replied with a grin.

My friend is also crazy, and she has a touch of perversion. I just scowled at her. In reality, rushing into a relationship isn't wise. As they say, let it come to you and don't try to chase it because if it's really meant for you, grab the opportunity. In short, there is only one thing that can really tell it and that's love.