C4 - Is that a compliment?

Allison set her phone on silent mode and threw it carelessly on the empty chair beside her. It had been ringing persistently for a while. Since only the number appeared, she ignored it. She didn't talk to strangers, and if it was important, the caller could send a message. She preferred answering calls only when she knew the caller and their purpose.

She opened her Taxation book and multitasked reviewing with eating. She had a long test in the next subject, so she needed to multitask. With a spoon in her right hand feeding herself, her left hand held a calculator, computing examples from the book.

It was 3:10 p.m., and she was deeply engrossed in her activities. Unbeknownst to her, an irritated Ethan had taken a seat in front of her.

"Why didn't you answer my calls?" he demanded, and Allison was genuinely surprised to find out she wasn't alone in the corner of the canteen.

She looked up, meeting his angered eyes. Ethan's eyebrows were almost touching, revealing his annoyance.

"What call?" she asked blankly.

"I called you twenty times," he said, glancing at her cell phone partially covered by her books.

"Oh, was that you?" she remembered the persistent caller who refused to identify themselves. "How did you get my number? Didn't your source inform you that I don't answer calls from unfamiliar numbers? You could have sent me a message, you know?" She began packing her things.

"You're annoying," he said, unmoving, with his lips pressed into a thin line. He made it clear he was upset about her ignoring his calls.

"You didn't confirm."

"You gave me a time, but you didn't tell me where!"

"It's not my problem that you didn't ask. Besides, it's a no-brainer to guess that I'm probably in the canteen." She picked up her bag and stood.

"Really, Allison? You're leaving now?" he frustratedly questioned.

"You're late. It's 3:15. I have a class in five minutes."

"Do you know that I haven't had lunch yet?" he complained, walking briskly beside her.

"It's not my problem."

"And I have a headache from calling you!"

"So what? Are you trying to make me feel guilty?" She quickened her pace, aware that other students were staring. She wasn't sure what they were thinking, but she wasn't going to waste her time on it.

"What time is your last class?" he asked casually, seemingly unaffected by her fast walk.

"Why?"

"You have to make it up to me."

"Sorry, I don't have time to spare."

"Whatever, busy girl. I'll wait for you," he blocked her way to her classroom before she could enter.

"Ethan, let me pass," she stated seriously.

'This guy doesn't know how to quit.'

"Not until you promise me you'll make it up to me tonight," he determinedly insisted.

"Alright," she sighed again. "Meet me in the canteen by six pm."

"I'm not taking that chance," he slow-smiled. "I'll wait outside your classroom."

"Fine!" she conceded.

_____

Ethan waited patiently outside Ally's classroom. He had no more classes, so he could follow her even if she moved buildings since around three-thirty in the afternoon.

He was annoyed because she kept avoiding him. Not that Ally was aware she was occupying his thoughts. Ethan couldn't believe she managed to captivate him with a brief, shy eye contact.

Who was Allison Garcia before last Monday?

And crap. He couldn't believe what he found out. Four years into college, and he didn't even know she existed until the other day. Maybe because he never bothered to look. He was used to being approached. If he spared a few minutes to get to know his classmates, he should have known Allison four years earlier since she attended over twenty classes with him, minors included.

Furthermore, her kind was someone he wouldn’t notice if ever. What? He's a guy. It's natural to notice hot and sexy girls who literally paraded themselves in front of him.

Allison was none of those. Not that he could tell. Maybe she had a surprise behind her unusual fashion sense. Just like the surprise of those lovely pairs of eyes behind her big black-rimmed eyeglasses.

Knowing her name was a challenge. But getting her number was another. He found out she was a very private person, with no social media accounts and only two friends. Kattie and Michael almost didn't give him Ally's number, being almost impossibly loyal to her. It took his persuasion, Leio, and Zion's influence to finally convince the two. They gave it, but on the condition that he wouldn't make Allison cry. Why would he in the first place? He didn't plan to get romantically involved with Ally.

'Then what do you want, Ethan?'

He stood up when he saw Allison approaching. A smile formed on his lips when she seemed surprised to see him.

She didn't expect him to wait, did she? Well, she would be disappointed if she thought he'd give up so easily.

"Hey," he approached her.

"Why are you still here?" she couldn't believe it.

"You promised to make it up to me," he reminded, amused by the widening of her eyes. Ethan genuinely hoped she would get rid of her eyeglasses; it was hiding her beautiful eyes.

"Did I?" she glanced at her wristwatch with a hint of concern. "Do you have a car? What am I saying, of course you have a car! Well, you see, I told you I don't have much time. So, maybe you can do me a favor?"

"What favor?" he raised an eyebrow, slightly entertained and curious.

"I have a job at seven. My last class got extended, so I'll be late if we eat before my shift.”

 “You're not serious, are you?" What? She’s still working? What about their dinner?

"Ah, know what? Never mind," she began walking away hastily.

"Hey, Ally. Wait!"

"I'm going to be late," she hurriedly replied.

"I'll drive you," he offered. Thinking about it, maybe that was also the favor she wanted to ask from him.

"Really?" she looked genuinely pleased, and he couldn't understand why it made him happy.

"Of course."

He walked her to his stylish convertible. Ally didn't say much, but he saw her amazement. Once again, he felt a tingling sensation seeing Allison amazed at such a little thing.

"Seriously, you're still going to work?" he asked as he drove.

"Yup. Sorry."

"No, it's okay," he shrugged. "So, what's your job?"

"I work as a service crew in a fast-food joint. It's open 24 hours, but my shift only goes until eleven pm," she honestly replied.

"Why do you have to do this?"

There goes the strange feeling in his chest once again; was it pity?

"Ethan," she said his name, and he almost wanted her to say it again and again. It resonated in him when she spoke his name. "Because—" for a moment, he thought he saw sadness in her eyes, but she quickly covered it with a cheerful smile. "Because I believe there are other things I can do besides resting."

"But you're neglecting your health," he expressed genuine concern.

"Of course not. I couldn't even remember the last time I got sick," she nonchalantly responded.

"Well, you sure are one of a kind, Ally."

"Is that a compliment?" she playfully asked, and Ethan was glad she wasn't resisting his presence anymore.

He shrugged.

"I'll probably have fifteen minutes before my shift," she added when she noticed the light traffic. "We can still grab a bite. My treat. But let's just eat at my workplace. If that's okay with you," she quickly suggested, as if hesitating to invite him.

"Sure," he simply said, holding back a smile. Why, she's so cute when she's uncomfortable. Her pink cheeks suited her.

"Thank you."

He smiled.

'Get a grip, Ethan!'

Truth be told, he had never eaten at a fast-food place. He had seen the food on billboards, but there was a first time for everything. Might as well try it with Allison.

_____

"I’m home," Allison announced as she entered their apartment, even though she was sure no one would hear her. It was already twelve o'clock at midnight, according to the wall clock hanging on their wall.

Their apartment was just one room. Upon entering the door, everything was visible except for the small comfort room at the side.

She didn't bother turning on the lights; her mother and younger sister were sleeping in a corner on a thin, foldable mattress. Her heart ached at the sight of them.

Her mother, Amelia, at forty-five, had a stroke last year. Currently, she has limited movement on the right side of her body. She needed therapy, but Allison couldn't afford it at the moment. Her mother insisted that she should not stop studying. She stressed that it would only take a little time and she could be of more help once she finished her education.

Her mother had a point. Kyla, her nine-year-old sister, temporarily stopped school to assist their mother. It hurt because Kyla was a bright child. But Kyla was understanding and even encouraged Allison not to worry about it.

"When you finish and have a good job, then I'll go to school, Ally."

So, she would do everything to graduate while juggling work for their family.

She changed and lay down beside them.

"Goodnight, Ally," Kyla whispered, facing her and hugging her.

"Goodnight, Ky," she whispered back.

_____

"'Morning Allison!"

Riding his own high-end bicycle, Ethan suddenly appeared out of nowhere and joined Allison.

"Ethan?" She couldn't believe it as she checked the time. It was only four-thirty in the morning, and she had just started her shift at work. "What are you doing here?"

"I just thought of exercising," he winked at her, slightly riding ahead.

"I've never seen you here this early. In fact, I didn't even know you lived here."

"As I said, I just felt like biking today," he replied.

"I see."

"You know what, I might do this every morning from now on," he went ahead again.

She glanced at him, turning her head. He looked back and waved at her. She found herself smiling, still unable to believe that Ethan Montenegro, who was so wealthy and popular, was befriending her.

Why, though?

Then a sudden suspicion arose within her. She pressed her lips into a thin line and changed direction.

Ethan, like those in the movies, might be using her to win a bet.

She felt a squeeze in her chest at the thought.