I wanted to explain to Jake about what exactly happened in Cebu. I am willing to tell him everything but not now.. yet. I'm still gathering all the courage I have. Dumating na sina Axi before I can compose a proper explanation and Jake walked out.
I already know he'll react that way. I am aware that he likes me but it shouldn't be a hindrance for me to get along with other guys, even if I hate doing so.
But I think I need to consider what he feels, too, until he gets over his feelings for me.
Ugh, everything in my life is so confusing! So complicated. Gusto ko na lang maging golden potato, to be honest. I'm too gorgeous to be a rotten potato so might as well call myself "golden potato".
Axi is hugging me so tight that I almost cannot breathe. She cried a lot while talking to me and telling me how worried she was. She's such a crybaby.
I'll never get ti
The summer vacation is already over. Today is the first day of the new school year and I am so excited to go to school again. I can feel the essence of 'home' when I am in my school more than I do in my parents' house. In school, I can be myself and I have my friends with me. Although, there are still few people who are bad mouthing and hating me behind my back, I don't care anymore. No one knows that I am Zayn and Farrah Forteza's youngest daughter aside from the school admins and staffs. Pero alam ko ring binabayaran sila ng mga magulang ko so they won't expose me to the public. It's not like my parents wanted me to stay lowkey, as they also want me to be known again. They wanted to introduce me as their youngest daughter by themselves. Just like how they planned to expose me and my sister at the airport. Pathetic. "Zeph, tara na. Rush hour pa naman ngayon, baka hin
As expected, we just introduced ourselves in a creative way the whole day in every class. It was so boring but I have to cooperate. I can sing kaya kinanta ko na lang ang mga gusto kong sabihin. I don't even know what's so special about me and my voice that my classmates keep on cheering for me. Akala mo may nag-concert na artista sa harapan nila. They're so weird. We also had a classroom election. Good thing, there's no need to elect for a muse! Since I was in grade school, ako palagi ang nananalo bilang muse. They forced me to join pageants during special events in school. I don't even have a choice because that's what a muse should do! They really thought all I can do is to be pretty! I can be a great leader, too, for their information. Ugh, they're really weird and annoying. Annoying... I remembered Eth— Stop it, Zephyrine. "Your fans are very supportive." Jake cooed on my ear in a teasing way
I did my night skincare routine right after we got home. I lazily threw myself on the bed and checked my social media accounts. I only check my accounts to keep myself updated with the latest issues and news in the country. I do post a lot on I*******m, tho, since I love making memories through posting my photos taken from different places. I yelled when my phone fell on my face! That hurts a lot. "Ayan, matulog ka na kasi." Ivory told me while preparing herself to go to bed. "Oo na!" I rolled my eyes. "Ouch..." Hinimas ko ang mukha ko na sumasakit pa rin hanggang ngayon. I checked the time and it's almost midnight and yet, I'm still wide awake. I was just staring at the ceiling, mind filled with deep thoughts. I couldn't sleep. Even if I'll force myself to sleep, I just can't. Some things are bothering me. Lalo na 'yong nakita ko kanina sa hara
I woke up in the school clinic. Hindi na nga ako nagulat pa. Because I already knew the reason why I'm here. I lazily roamed my eyes around the small room before getting up. Masakit pa rin ang ulo ko pero hindi ko na ito pinansin."Zeph... gising ka na pala." Ivory uttered when she noticed my presence.Binantayan pa rin pala nila ako habang natutulog. Yet, I did not talk to them. Hindi ko nakalimutan ang ginawa nilang pagsisinungaling sa akin.I checked my phone and there were no messages and missed calls from my parents and my sister. They did not even bother to contact me!It was already past twelve, I slept for almost three hours! Kaya mabilis akong nag-ayos ng sarili. I still have to attend my afternoon classes. Tumayo na ako pagkatapos kong mag-ayos sa sarili at kinuha ang bag ko mula sa bedside table.I halted walking when Ivory spoke. "Zeph, magpahinga ka
Everyone gasped after hearing those words that came out of my mouth in front of the guests, my parents, my friends and my... sister. They were all surprised. But I know few of them here know the truth. Still, majority of them don't know me and my relationship with the Forteza couple. Some stood up and asked each other if what was happening. Hindi na maipinta ang mukha ng parents ko matapos kong sirain ang announcement party. Their eyes are threatening me but I am not scared. My friends were speechless and they gaped in surprise. I wasn't even expecting myself to do this. But they should ready themselves for I still have to play with them. I smiled sweetly at them before making a serious face. "Oh, sorry. I was just kidding aside! I am just a random person who badly wanted to be on TV. I am craving for attention so I took this opportunity." I laughed out loud before han
Trigger Warning : At the end of the chapter, there will be a scene that might trigger your mind and feelings. Read at your own risk. *** I was speechless and I don't know the proper words to say. The whole room was filled with silence. "Oh, I'm so sorry for asking that." My Philosophy teacher chuckled but it was more like a mocking laugh or maybe I heard it wrong. "Anyway, class, let's proceed to our lesson for today. Open your textbooks on page 15." Then, she went to her table in front of the class while discussing our lesson for today like she did not asked me something sensitive! She did not even bother to ask me if how I felt when she literally saw how my hands and knees shook after hearing her sudden question. I was so scared a while ago that I couldn't form any word to say. They were all looking at me na parang hinuhusgaha
"Ethan...?" I mumbled his name unconsciously."Hey... Erin." He gave me a warm smile.And he has the audacity to give me a smile right now, huh?!Mas nadagdagan lang ang galit at pagkamuhai sa puso ko ngayon. Dahil nasa harapan ko lang naman ang mga taong nagpahirap sa akin, ang mga taong nanakit sa akin. Emotionally, mentally and physically. They are the reasons why I am suffering and why I am so damaged inside. I may look better from the outside but deep inside, I'm silently crying. Sobrang daming sugat na ng puso ko.Kumuyom ang aking mga kamay. "Why are you here?" I intently asked him while looking straight into his eyes."Well, uh... my parents are one of the biggest investors of this entertainment agency." He said that made me scoff.Kaya pala lumambot ang ekspresiyon ng mga magulang ko nang makita si Et
I couldn't answer him as I was stunned with his question. And I don't know what to say. Kahit ako, hindi ko nga rin alam kung ano ba talagang meron sa aming dalawa. We were just strangers whose paths were crossed by fate. But then, everything just happened so quickly. Ngayon, nangangapa na kami sa dilim. Kapwa kami naguguluhan kung ano ba talaga kami."I want to know kung ano ba talagang meron tayo. I don't know where to put myself. I don't want to assume that we both feel the same way. But at the same time, gusto kong paniwalain ang sarili ko na gusto mo rin ako. F*ck... pagod na akong manghula, Erin!" Ethan frustratingly messed his hair.Hindi ako nakapagsalita kaagad. Dahil hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko. Hindi ko alam kung saan humugot ng dapat kong sabihin."I... I don't know what to say. I'm sorry." I was about to walk away from him when he tightened his grip on my hand.
The first time he saw her, he only thought that she was not even his type. Maarte, isip-bata, at mataray—all of these traits were just so far from his liking. Yet, here he is, looking at her with nothing but admiration and love, reflecting on the journey they've taken together. Ethan stood by the window, watching Zephyrine in the garden. The sun cast a golden glow over her, highlighting her hair as she tended to the flowers. He marvelled at how far they had come, both individually and together. He thought back to when he was just a playboy, flitting from one girl to another without a care. Meeting Zephyrine had changed everything. "Ethan," Zephyrine called out, breaking his reverie. "Are you just going to stand there and watch, or are you going to help me with these flowers?" Ethan smiled, walking over to join her. "Can't a man admire his beautiful wife in peace?" Zephyrine laughed, a sound that always filled Ethan with warmth. "You can, but I'd prefer if you also helped me pla
After the reconciliation with my sister, I called our parents to come over. I did not expect them to come right away. But they really did. Nagulat na lang ako na wala pang isang oras ay nakarating na sila sa rest house na kung saan kasalukuyang tumutuloy si Aye Zafie. Mom was hysterically sobbing as she tightly hugged Ate Zafie, apologizing for her shortcomings all over again. Dad was silently watching them but I know better. He's breaking down deep inside but he just wouldn't show it off.They were both worried for my sister. We all are. My heart tugged at the sight of them embracing one another as I stood from afar. I couldn't help but break into a small smile as I watch my little family slowly getting back together. I've longed for this ever since. Despite all the issues, the disappointments, the hatred, and the betrayals... I've always found my way to them. I've learned how to forgive my parents especially my mother who had made my teenage life worse than it could have been. T
I guess love can actually drive us insane. It's terrifiying at most times. I could attest that."She's still not answering her phone?" Ethan asked while driving the car to the cafe where my sister frequent. At least that's what her friends told me over the phone a while back.I puckered my lips as I shook my head. I also couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh. It's been hours since my sister went missing in action. And we still couldn't track her. Pero hindi naman ako susuko sa paghahanap sa kanya. Kaya lang ay pagod na talaga ako sa ngayon. I felt like my body's about to give up any moment from now, but I didn't make it obvious to Ethan. Alam kong pagod na rin siya. The least I could do is to not stress him out more. Kahit na hindi ako sure kung anong ginagawa ko ngayon. Kasi sa totoo lang, hindi naman na dapat nandito si Ethan. This has nothing to do with him. And yet he's here—to help me find my sister. I heard him heave a deep breath as well. He then carefully pulled over near a
"That wasn't your fault, okay? It was mine. I'm sorry." Ethan said repeatedly even if he didn't need to. "Let's stop putting the blame on ourselves, please. And stop apologizing. We just slept—that's all. Mom was just overreacting. Didn't know she had that attitude." Napailing na lang ako.Seriously? Siya talaga magdidikta sa aming dalawa na gawin nang official ang relasyon namin ni Ethan? That sounded so weird for me."Still... ako ang lalaki. I should've known that it would put you in the bad side."I rolled my eyes. "Duh? As if sleeping together is that big of a deal. We didn't even kiss. Inaantok na nga tayo pareho kagabi. OA talaga ng mom ko, for real. Don't worry about it that much. We won't rush things the way she wanted us to."He let out a deep sigh before nodding. He looked so stressed out about what happened. Mom's pressuring him, too. I wasn't mad at her, I was just pissed. Kaya nga kami umalis agad after breakfast. I didn't want to hear mom's opinions about Ethan and I an
"Love-" I was about to say something to Ethan but stopped when I realized what I just said. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang lumingon si Ethan sa 'kin. And his eyes widened as well. Of course, we're both shocked! He obviously heard what I just called him. Magkatabi lang naman kaming dalawa. Umawang ang labi nito at nagtatanong ang mga mata. "Did... did you just call me 'love'?" He asked, amused. I bit my lower lip. I didn't know what to say again! Pasmado talaga ang bibig ko at kung anu ano na lang ang lumalabas mula dito! Palaging nadudulas, eh. "I mean-" Umiwas ako ng tingin nang mapansing sumeryoso ang mukha nito. I'm never ready to talk about 'this' yet. Para akong kakapusan ng hininga kapag pag-uusapan namin ang relasyon namin or whatever. Kasi alam ko na kung saan 'to patungo, eh! As I said, I don't want to commit myself to Ethan for now. And I don't to disappoint or hurt him in any way. "Alam mo bang ilang beses ko nang pinangarap na tawagin mo rin ako ng ganoon, Zephyrine?"
"Are you feeling better now?" Ethan asked me, but I didn't look at him. Namamanhid ang labi ko nang dahil sa kanya! "Hey. I'm sorry. I was just tempted to kiss you." I groaned. "Ugh. Can you please just shut up? Masyado ka nang nakadagdag sa problema ko sa buhay." "I'm sorry, okay? I just wanted you to feel better through my kisses." Tingnan mo nga 'to at binibiro na naman ako! "Tumahimik ka na lang, please. Tama na kaka-mention tungkol sa kiss na 'yan!" Naiirita kong sambit. At tawang tawa naman si gago. Ang sarap talaga nitong suntukin, eh. Hindi ko na ulit pa pinakinggan ang mga pinagsasabi niyang hindi magandang pakinggan para sa 'kin. Mahawaan pa ako sa kaharutan niya. "Hoy. Kung gusto mo talaga ako, samahan mo nga ako sa loob ng house nila mommy." Paghahamon ko sa kanya. I thought he was going to say no but he immediately offered his hand to me. "Take my hand and hold on to it tightly. I'll always be by your side, no matter what happens." I rolled my eyes after hearing
"Hey, you can do this." Ethan told me as he gently hold my hand. We were in front of my parents' house and I am feeling a little nervous to get inside. Actually, halo halo ang emosyon ko ngayon. A part of me hated the fact that my parents were not really caring and nice to me ever since. They were blinded by their fame. They enjoyed their spot under the limelight. They caused me both emotional and mental damages. I could feel anger boiling up in my heart again just by thinking every cruel thing my parents put me in, so I tried to execute the breathing exercises for me to calm down. I can't be like this right now. I needed to get things done. I needed to fight against my own monsters. "Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo? Let's just go back when you're ready to face them again, Erin. You need to compose yourself first, okay? Please don't push yourself too hard. May nakalaang oras para sa lahat ng bagay. There's no need to rush." Ethan tried to make me feel better with all tho
"Hey, I'll just buy something downstairs." I told Ivory who's now busy with the report that she had to do as the president of the student council. "You sure you're okay to go out alone?" She asked. "I'm a hundred percent sure." "Okay." She replied with a nod. Her eyes didn't leave the screen of her computer. "Wala kang ipapabili?" Tanong ko. "Nothing. Just be safe. Diyan ka lang sa baba, ah." I nodded and made my to the convenience store. When I was inside the elevator, I had a hard time composing myself. Ang daming tao sa loob, siksikan pa. I almost couldn't breath, not only because it was crowded inside but because I was triggered by that traumatic memory I had in Cebu when I went out alone.This is so tiresome. Lagi na lang ganito nararamdaman ko every time I try to do my usual routine alone. I am already breathing heavily and was about to get back to the unit dahil sa takot kong baka maulit na naman '
I was waiting for Axi and Ivory to come back from the lavatory. I was so hungry that I didn't mind going there with them. Besides, I have a feeling that I am already starting to hate going to lavatories, rest rooms or comfort rooms because of Ethan and Wry. So, I just minded my own business and ate lunch since I am really hungry. As in, for real nagugutom na talaga ako. Ang dami ko ngang biniling pagkain, eh! I don't eat a lot but whenever I'm stressed out, I would unintentionally eat a little bit more. I already had two cups of rice and two pieces of fried chicken. I felt so full but still had a can of a carbonated drink. I also am planning on buying hash browns. "I know you're here." A familiar voice spoke that I almost spit out my drink. What the heck?! I had a sudden mix of emotions inside and I hated it. I don't want to be in my whirlpool of thoughts and become vulnerable again. Hindi na ako magiging marupok, I promised that to myself. And I will protect