"Hi." I put down the book I was reading and looked up at the owner of that voice. I was secretly shocked to see in front of me the madness of the women all over our campus. He sat in the vacant seat in front of me then handed me a long-stemmed rose. "Uh, for you..."
The women at another table started whispering again. The canteen was filled with whispering noises."What did Wright see in that woman? I'm better than her, ah.""She charmed our Wright! That bitch!""Girl, you are disgusting. Your saliva is on my arms, look!"I took a deep breath. I have been receiving insults from them for two weeks now. I'm already getting used to it. I stood up and arranged my book. I also put my bag on my shoulder. "Uh, I can't accept that. I'm sorry."I was about to leave when a warm hand grabbed my arm. The women at the other table sighed. The murmur grew louder. I confronted him. He was still holding the rose and looking at me seriously. "'Don't listen to what others are saying to you. Just believe me. I'm serious about you."I stared at him. Six foot, all muscles and the most arresting face — thin lips, straight nose, chiselled jaw — his unique eyes hypnotizing. Sometimes I get caught staring into those eyes and forget where I am. Wright is the sexiest man — sinful and beautiful — my eyes have ever graced. I swallowed and averted my gaze before I even melted into the intensity of its gaze."Why me?" I kept my voice from shaking."Why not you?"What is his intention? We only met because of the coffee. I was passing by their side but the woman bumped into me. To my great annoyance, she poured the hot coffee left in her glass to me. My skin turned red.Wright got angry with the woman and dragged me to the Clinic for treatment. He also lent me the varsity jacket he's wearing.Yes, Wright was kind to me, but I didn't like the way he approached me every day after that. I think that in every step I take, someone will kill me."I mean, there are a lot of beautiful women who like you. Why don't you just date them, so you won't have a hard time anymore." It's not that I'm counting but he's been courting me for two weeks. Others said that Wright was the only one who had been courting me for so long."I'm surrounded by women who wanted me, but you're the only one that I wanted." He touched my hair and pinned the loose strands in my ear. When he smiled, my knees almost softened. "I love your simplicity, Melissa."This ain't good."Uh .. t-thankyou." I quickly took the rose in his hand to finish our conversation. I adjusted my glasses. "I might be late for my class."I walked over to the door. I breathed a sigh of relief when I got out and quickened my pace. My heart was still beating fast. Curse his silver tongue!I stopped when he blocked my way. I walked backwards. What else does he need?"Why?" I asked.It scratched his neck like a shy teenager. "We'll have a gig later at Floderizo Bar. Can you watch?"Bar? Floderizo? That Bar is known because that's where some well -known personalities go. The only ones who can get in there are the members. Not just members, rich people are participating."Uh, I don't want to. Sorry." I said quickly. Disappointment reflected in his eyes. I averted my gaze. "And Grandma won't let me.""I'll pick you up." He says determinedly."You don't know my address," I said. I adjusted my eyeglass again and walked to his side.I felt his warm hand on my arm again. I’m starting to get pissed. "Tell me so I know.""You're too persistent, Wright."He stared at me. "Can you... Can you say that again?""Which one?" What did I say?"My name.""Uh..." What's the matter with that? That's his name ah? Geez! "Wright.""Music in my ears, babe." I stared as his eyelids weighed down.I was swallowed. "Wright .. P-Please let go of my arm.""Not until you give your address." I can't do anything either. I took a deep breath. I give up. I said our full address. It's up to him to find out. "I will pick you up at six o'clock."Six ?! Wait! What can I say to Grandma ?!"Huh? Wait-" I couldn't speak anymore because he already runs away from me. I even saw his hand raise as if he had won the lotto. I rubbed my forehead. "I'm upset. I'm pissed!"After my class at four o'clock, I went home immediately. I waved to Grandma when I saw her crocheting in her rocking chair. Grandma is still strong today, I sometimes help her sell vegetables in the market. I cooked Grandma dinner before I went into my room and got dressed.I chose to wear a black skater skirt and black sleeveless. Because I'm wearing pure black, my white skin floats even more. I have also combed my shoulder-length hair. It's natural to curl up at the end. Wright might say, I prepared for him. I just don't want to be out of place or embarrass him because I look like a maid when he is with me. I went out of the room and caught up with Grandma who was standing in front of my door.Her eyes pierced my whole being. Suddenly her eyes twinkled and a smile grew on her lips. "Sweetheart, where are you going and why are you all dressed up?"I was embarrassed to smile. "I have... a friend who will pick me up."She caressed my hair. Grandma rarely sees me with my hair down so maybe she's excited to touch it. "Friend? Be careful, sweetheart.""Yes, Grandma," I said. I no longer have a father and mother, they died in an accident. So Grandma was the only relative who took me in. I have no other acquaintance who is a relative of ours but her, she is Mama's mother. "Mom and Dad are always watching over me.""My granddaughter is so beautiful. You got the beauty of your mother and strong-will from your father." Her hands covered my cheek and then lowered her head. She kissed me softly on the cheek.Grandma and I looked at the door when there was a knock. I went there and then opened the door. He's just in a dark polo and it was folded up to the elbow but its elegance is still visible. No matter what beautiful dress I put on, I will still look like a maid when I stand next to him."Good evening." His eyes dropped to the dress I was wearing. I was so bitten on my lower lip. "Beautiful.""Is that your friend, Melissa?" Grandma adjusted her eyeglass. Her smile widened even more on her lips. She even laughed softly."Grandma, he is Wright. He is just a friend." I explained."You're so handsome, son.""Do we look together, Grandma?""All right, Grandma. We're leaving. Don't forget to lock up." I ordered then hurriedly pulled Wright out.He opened the passenger seat door of his car for me. That's why he found our house. His car has GPS. I shouldn't underestimate someone like him.I took a deep breath. He turned to me, still has a smile on his lips and I looked straight at the roadside. "Wright, after you play, can you take me home as soon as possible? I still have a project to do."His forehead wrinkled when he turned to me. "We haven't arrived yet; you want to go home. Don't you want to be with me? Don't you want me?""If I say 'Yes, I don't like you, would you stop?"He no longer spoke and caressed his jaw. I just looked out of the car and didn't say a word. After half an hour, we arrived at Floredizo Bar. Wright helped me get off the car.Five bouncers were standing in front of the back door. I was still hesitant, so I stopped walking. Wright seemed to feel my hesitation. He touched my waist, I looked up at him."I'm here." He said softly. I nodded and walked with him. Those big guys let us in right away, the backstage was still noisy and disastrous.A woman interrupted us and wrapped her arm around Wright. "Long time no see, Wright."She is a tall, well-shaped body. But I know what a fake chest looks like. And hers is screaming fake. And I don't know why I felt annoyed when it pressed against Wright's arm.Wright just smiled at her and then removed his arm from the woman's hold. The woman was not amazed at what Wright had done. He pulled me back and continued walking. Many women greet him but he ignores all of them."Hey, Wright."Who is she?"You wanna get laid tonight? I'm free." The woman said seductively. He ignored her and pushed her away, I saw Wright's eyebrows meet.He gripped both of the woman's arms tightly and pushed hard. She would have fallen if only a man hadn't touched its back. "I. Don't. Need. You. Bitch. Back off."He took my hand. I saw his chest rises and falls because of the speed of his breathing. Oh my God, he is so pissed. Wright looked at me as I squeezed his hand. I bit my lower lip. He let out a deep breath and then squeezed my hand back. I smiled as he calmed down.We went to the second floor. Wright pulled me into a room full of glass. When you look at the bottom of it you can see the people dancing on the dance floor."We've been waiting for you for a while, Wright." Another woman approached us. I know her. Shee is the vocalist of Wright's band. Raquel Aquino. Many men worship her. How they will not? She is so beautiful and by the time she sings, you will be hypnotized by her angelic voice. She looked down at me. "Why did you bring her here?"Wright's eyebrows met again. "What's wrong if I bring here the one I'm dating, Racky?""S-Are you serious? I thought-""Shut up!" I winced when Wright shouted. Only now have I heard him shout like that."Easy, dude." I looked behind Racky. It was also one of Wright's bands. Leon Salvador. Wright's most mysterious friend. He rarely smiles, and when he stares at you it's as if you're too small for him. "You don't need to shout at her.""Hey!" Said another man. He went to Wright and put one arm on his shoulder. Only one person I know has red hair. It's Fier Joaquin. Who wouldn't know him, with his reputation as the boyfriend in an hour? Different women are with him from time to time. "You took Melissa with you. I'm Fier.""Nice to meet you." I winced at the greeting.He laughed and went in front of me. "Nice? Hey, Sweetheart, I'm an asshole.""Then, let me rephrase my greetings. It's so nice to meet an asshole like you, Fier." I don't know, it just slipped off my tongue."I like you." After Fier said that I quickly went behind Wright."She's not your toy, Fier." Wright said in a warning tone.He smirked. "I know. She's yours.""Fier, Wright, Racky, we're ready," Leon said authoritatively. The two stopped giving death glare.Wright pulled me toward the glass. He pushed me to the place where I could see the stage."Watch me." He whispered from behind me. I sighed as he quickly kissed my cheek.They descend on stage. People shouted as they started playing. I watched how some people got lost there, I also saw some well-known personalities who almost lost their heads in the headbang. At least I couldn't help but be startled by the sound."Why is your grandmother the only one with you in your house?" Wright asked me. We were already in the middle of the dancefloor and slow dancing to the tune. It's not just pure rock that is played in bars. My hands were on his shoulders. His hands were wrapped around my waist."Because my parents are dead. They died when I was only seven years old.""Oh... I'm sorry." He kissed my hair. "As for me, the parents are still alive but I can't feel their presence.""Business?""Yup."I smiled sparingly. "You can't have it all. Something is missing in human life. No one has a perfect life.""When you become mine, I'm whole."I raised an eyebrow at him. I'm sure he's not drunk yet. "How many girls have you catch using that sweet tongue of yours?""Damn. I never sweet talk to any girl I fucked. It's just pure sex." I winced at what he said. Music is getting louder. "Wrong choice of word?"I blushed. "I'm a virgin but my mind is not that innocent, Wright. I'm aware of men's libido.""But you're different, Melissa. Just give me a chance to prove it."I never spoke again. I just stared into his eyes. I felt his hands disappear from my waist and it moved to either side of my face."What will you do?"He touched my eyeglass. "I'll just look at what you're hiding under these thick glasses.""H-Huh? No. I can't see.""Just a moment." I closed my eyes when Wright took it off. Gradually I stared at his face. Even though my vision was a bit blurry I knew he was smiling. "You're hiding the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.""I-I can't see, Wright. Give it back to me." I tried to take the eyeglass, but he raised his hand."You don't need this. Just close your eyes and feel me."I did what he ordered. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt something warm and soft touch my lips. I widened and Wright's eyes are closed. Because of the soft and addictive sweetness of his lips, my eyelids weighed down and gradually closed again. Wright kissed me softly as if he was just adjusting me to the sensation, he was making me feel. My mind was tangled, and I no longer knew where we were.I stared as he parted from me."So beautiful." He whispered. He pressed our foreheads together. "Have you felt it?"I can't lie to myself anymore. "Y-Yes...""Happy to hear it."MELISSA QUIZON"Babe, are you jealous again?" He said to me.He sat on the table while I stood between his thighs. He hugged me from the back and he squeezed his face between my shoulder and neck. At the back of my mind, I don't want to respond to that question. Because isn't that obvious? Raquel has feelings for him. Is he naïve or he knew but didn't mind?I pinched his arm when I felt so pissed. "Why is she so close to you?"I didn't bother to drop the name because I know that he has an idea of who I'm pertaining to. Wright is the lead guitarist while Raquel is the band's vocalist. I can't stop them from seeing each other. Earlier as they were practising I noticed she is looking at Wright like a delicious meal!And I'm sick of the kind of stare she’s giving to him! Damn, this is why I don’t want to get involved with him. He is making me crazy."She's my bandmate. What do you want me to do?" He pulled me even closer to him. I looked
MELISSA QUIZONThe next day, I did not receive a single text from Wright. We are not on campus today because it is Saturday. This is the day that Wright will attend Raquel because it's her brother's birthday. I trust Wright. I know he won't break my trust. To keep negative thoughts out of my mind, I try to do my projects and homework. The midterm is near and I have the scholarship to secure.Even though I kept myself busy with school works, I still waited for his text messages or call until late at night. I couldn't stand it anymore, I called him myself. Minutes before he answered the call, "Babe." I frowned when I noticed the noise in his background. Is his radio on?"Where are you?" I asked coldly. My voice is calm but he gets it. I lay down on the bed and hugged my pillow while the cellphone was on my ear."I don't want to lie to you, Melissa. But—""Hey, Wright! Let's go! Raquel is calling us!" I heard the voice of a man in the backgr
MELISSA QUIZON"Aunt Linda, you look more appealing than the last time we met." An elderly woman turned around, and a wide smile flashed on her face when she saw him. Wright greeted her warmly as we entered the expensive boutique. After my last subject, he immediately brought me here. He told me to find a dress that fits an unknown event."My goodness, sweetheart! You know how to run that mouth of yours. Just like my brother." She said as he hugged him.He laughed and kissed her forehead. "I learned from the best." “Happy birthday, my dearest nephew.”“Thank you, Auntie.”Today is Wright's birthday, he's twenty-one, and it's also 5th monthsary today. There will be a fancy celebration at La Mansion De Agoncillo. All rich businessmen and their relatives are invited. I can't help but feel nervous and anxious because he will finally introduce me to his parents. I hope they are kind to people like me.I hope they don't t
MELISSA QUIZONFour months ago, I surrendered my virginity to Wright. After that, we do it if given a chance. We can’t get enough of it. Even when Wright's preboard examination is approaching, he makes time for us to be together.I hardly get home often because he doesn't want me to be separated from him. So, always lie to Granny that I always do overnight for my thesis and other projects. Wright added wardrobe closets in his room for my clothes and other personal things.But last week, he told me not to come for a while because the water pipe in his unit broke, and he is currently staying at his parent's house. I tapped my fingers on the table while facing my academic books, I can't concentrate and kept looking at my phone."It has been three days, and his phone is still out-of-coverage area," I whispered.I put my head on my hand and sighed deeply.I can't help but be worried about him. When on campus, I can't see him, and he is regularl
MELISSA QUIZON"Wright, please answer the call." I sobbed as I waited for Wright to answer his phone. I brushed my hand on my hair. "D-Don't do this to m-me."I felt dizzy so I immediately went to bed. I felt bad this morning and just calmed down this afternoon. I wanted to talk to Wright but suddenly, my body becomes heavy. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t sleep. I don’t want to get out of my room.I know Granny is worried to me, but I can’t think of anyone but him. I don’t want to break up. When did things go out of control? We were okay last month. He is smiling at me, he looks happy. How did it turn out like this?Why break up? Did I do something wrong? Have I not given everything to him? What’s wrong with me?I was startled when my phone vibrated. I looked at it immediately, as if my burden was lightened when I saw Wright's name. I opened his message and my smile faded.From: Baby‘Stop calling. Leav
MELISSA QUIZONIt has been two days since I was discharged from the hospital. I am always in deep thoughts. It was as if my head was going to explode with so many questions swirling in my brain. When the doctor told me the news, I don't know how to react or feel about it. Will I be happy? Or will I be sad? How can I raise this child if I am this young? I'm Only Nineteen.But, I know, it’s my fault. I was so overwhelmed with the thought that Wright and I would be forever. Maybe, forever’s just a hallucination.Even Grandma was cold to me. Although we are together under the same roof it feels like she is far away. I know I was a disappointment to her. I am not proud of what I did.I hope she is not blaming herself for all my wrongdoings. I don't want her to think that she failed to raise me well. She should not blame herself. I am to blame because I was the one who was wrong, I was the one who loves Wright and believed that his
MELISSA QUIZONI woke up. I was dreaming— I mean, I had a nightmare. I dreamed about him. Again. "Oh, goodness! What time is it? You have school today!"My son looked up at the top of the wall where our watch was located. "Hmm... Short hand's in six... longhand— Oh! Oh! Six fifteen.""Good. But we have to hurry, baby. Your first day in class is today." I pinched the bridge of his nose. I hugged him tightly. I felt him hug me too.I raised Reid well even without Wright’s support. I was able to do everything just for my son and to raise him without fail. I had to stop studying to have a safe pregnancy and to avoid the contempt of my batchmates. Word spread quickly that Wright and I were separated. It was also reported that he has also left the country with his new girlfriend Claire. Why is that? When the woman is pregnant in her teen, people will talk about how bad she has done. But when the men get a woman pregnant, he is prai
MELISA QUIZONI was so stupid to give you all my attention. ‘Cause the way you played me. Exposed your true intention. ‘Cause one day I’ll have you beggin’ on your knees for me. Yeah, one day. I’ll have you crawling like a centipede. You mess with me. I’ll mess with her. So, I’ll make sure you get what you deserve. Yeah, one day! You’ll be beggin’ on your knees for me [Song: Beggin’ On Your Knees]"Victory!" Nadine shouted and then she gave us a high-five. "Hello everyone! We are CriMeNaL, we’ve set this stage on fire! Good night!"We are backstage now because we just finished our gig. I put my drumsticks in my bag and then put them on my shoulder. The name CriMeNaL is derived from five female names. ‘Cri’ stands for Crissa, our band leader and vocalist. 'Me' stands for Melissa, obviously, it's me, I'm the drummer. ‘Na’ stands for Nadine, the lead guitarist.
MELISSA QUIZON"I like this one," I said while tasting the different flavours of the cake for our wedding."But, Baby, I hate strawberries." Wright's sweetly say as he caressed my thigh."But, I want this. Please? Just give it a shot. Hmm." As I extend the spoon to his lips.His face turned sour and he shook. I pouted and said 'please'. He sighed and ate the cake.Reid tugged my blouse to get my attention. "Mommy, I want to."I split the cake and put it on my saucer and feed it to Reid. I wiped the edge of his lip because there was the icing on it. I turned to Wright and saw him spitting the piece of cake in the tissue as I frowned at him."Sorry." Guilt is visible on his face.I raised an eyebrow at him. "Really?"Nervously he says "I'm sorry, okay? I don't like strawberries. But if that what makes you happy, okay fine. I can bear the taste."
MELISSA QUIZON"Have a snack first, kids," I said with a smile and laid the tray of food in the middle of the low table where Reid and his classmates were working on their project.Three of Reid's classmates came to our house to do their project."Thank you, Mommy Pretty." Thunder said.I messed up her hair. "You're welcome, Handsome.""She's not handsome, Mommy. I'm the only handsome for you, right?" My son pouted his lips.I approached him and squeezed his cheek. "You're the most handsome of all the handsome, son.""Really?""I am the only handsome. No one can beat my looks." I turned to Wright. And frowned at him."Picking a fight with kids. Wright?" I said. I sneer at him. I turned my gaze back to the children. "Oh hey, you kids eat first. Don't pay any attention to him."I took care of the kids. I know Wright understands why we are cancelling our mee
MELISSA"Fuck it!" I heard Wright shout from the bedroom.Reid and I looked at each other. Our son lost his focus on his assignment."Stay here. Do your assignment." I ordered him before I stood up and quickly went inside the room.I saw Wright standing on a weighing scale. He was wearing only sweat pants and no shirts. I closed the door and approached him."What are you doing?" I hugged him around his waist."I gained weight." Disgusted he says. He left the weighing scale and addressed me. "And I think of someone to blame."My forehead furrowed. "Me?"He tilted his head on the other side and smirked. I froze when he lifted me and dropped me on the bed. I bit my lower lip when he stops on top of me."So, is this the way you can think of to lose weight?" I laugh at the question. "Seriously, you're acting like a girl.""Uh-huh. Maybe, I was just acting to m
MELISSA QUIZONI got out of the car. I don't take my eyes off him because maybe when I close my eyes he will disappear from my sight. Is this the well -known Wright Agoncillo? He used to be someone who can’t live without his helpers, can't ride a jeep because of his many cars. He was no longer the former Wright who could not endure under the heat of the sun and sweat. His last name is well-known because of the amount of company they have but here he is and he is threshing rice, pulling bones, his clothes are dirty, and his clothes are wet with sweat.He has already changed.It was as if something touched my heart when I noticed the weariness on his face. His companion saw me and said something to Wright.My heart leapt as he slowly turned to me."Melissa!" He ran closer to us. I could no longer control myself so I met him. He hugged me around my waist and I wrapped my arm around his ne
WRIGHT AGONCILLO"Looks like we've reaped a lot today, huh?" Mang Heronimo asked me while adjusting his hat."One hundred ark, Mang Geronimo."I wiped the sweat dripping down my face."Not that bad huh." The old man touched my shoulder. "Take a rest, son. We harvest until nightfall and tomorrow we will sundry the rice."I took a deep breath. "Thank you, Mang Geronimo."The old man left and I entered my hut. When I was able to rest, I took off my clothes and went out to bathe in the poso (poso is an old-style water pump). I just took a quick bath so that I don’t get sick.After I got dressed I went to the nearby store to buy sardines for my food tonight. I paid for it and went home to my hut. I ate and then lay on the pallet.&nbs
MELISSA QUIZON"Baby, don't be naughty. The aeroplane is about to land." I reminded Reid and held his hand."I'm so excited, Mommy." He’s smiling widely as he says those words.I smiled at him. "I know. Me too."We got off the plane when it landed. We got into our car that had been waiting for us."Welcome to our city, Ma'am." Greetings from our driver.I smiled sparingly at him and then wiped the dirt off the side of my son’s lip."Mommy, you like?" Reid said softly and tried to feed me his biscuit."Thank you, Baby. Go, eat it. I'm not hungry." I said calmly.I took a deep breath and looked out of the car. I watched the green scenery. It is far away from Manila. It feels like the air is clean here and there is no pollution.I've been nervous before. I don’t know how I’m going to deal with him after all that happ
MELISSA QUIZONOne year later..."Reid, come back here," I called Reid when I saw him outside the resort house again."Just a second, Mom." He said while looking up. He was flying the plane that Wright had given him a long time ago.We are here at a famous resort because I have a meeting to attend. It was good and Reid was on vacation so I took him with me."Ma'am, you still have three minutes before the meeting starts." My secretary caught my attention."Thank you, Miss Clara."She left after I told her that. I went outside to Reid and leaned over to hug him."You are something. You're getting hard-headed.""Because the view here is beautiful, Mommy. It's nice to fly an aeroplane." He says while moving the controller.We have a high place and you can see the beautiful scenery of the
MELISSA QUIZON"Mommy. Mommy.""Hmm?" I moaned.Reid waking me up early in the morning. I buried my face on the pillow."Mommy, Daddy's not in his room," Reid said as he keeps waking me up."Maybe he gets to work, Baby," I murmured."His clothes weren't in the closet either."It was as if cold water had been poured on me. I got up and ran to where Wright's room was. I violently opened its door.I opened his cabinet one by one. There was not a single garment in it. My knees are weak. I do not know what to think."I told you, Mommy. Where did Daddy go?""I-I don't know." I'm confused to say. I forced myself to smile at my son. "Maybe your Daddy left a note downstairs."we went down holding hands. There was a fear in my heart that he might have left us.The smell of flowers greeted us as we went down. Reid and I stopped when we saw the
MELISSA QUIZON"Reid, where are you? I sewed your pants." I said as I looked for Reid in his room.I walked out of Reid's room. I heard a noise from somewhere so I followed it. The noise was coming from Wright's room. I frowned when I saw the two talking seriously. I hid by the side of the door and listened to their conversation again."But, Daddy, are you and Mommy okay? Why aren't you talking?" Reid's innocent question.Wright stopped tying his tie. "There are things you don't understand yet, son.""Daddy, are you going to spend the night at work again? We won't eat together again?" Reid's voice seemed tinged with sadness.Wright knelt in front of Reid for them to level. "I'll be home early because I'll miss you. I love you so much."Reid's face lit up and he hugged Wright's neck. I haven't heard anything from them yet. I took a deep breath and dared to knock on the door.Th