DEREK"Please, I'm looking for my daughter. Her name is Mirabel."I couldn't stand seeing Mirabel's mom in pain, as she begged from one nurse to another, seeking for Mirabel.Antonio and I stood at the corner where her eyes couldn't spot us quickly. Otherwise, if she had seen us, she would have raced down to here to demand for her girl.Unable to bear her demands, I patted Antonio on the shoulder and said, "Go and get my father.""On it." He nodded, rushing back to the room.I gave out a sigh before stepping out to meet my stepmother.The moment I came into view, she saw me."Derek? Derek!!" She yelled my name out, rushing towards me. Her hands fell on my arms, squeezing tight with desperation. "Where's Mirabel?!" She asked with her eyes popping wide.I tried to calm her down, but she wasn't ready for it."Derek, tell me where Mirabel is! You can't tell me to be calm when my girl is here. Where is she?" She demanded. Just then, her eyes lingered to the side, with her face all froze
DEREKI stared at Antonio and Mirabel from the door.My friend gazed back at me, but Mirabel didn't. She just took her eyes elsewhere, getting comfy on Antonio's lap.And the sight of this was beginning to eat me up."What's up? " Antonio asked, running his hand in Mirabel's hair, and petting her.I held back my feelings towards this, pulling myself together. I needed to be calm than getting annoyed. Cooling my mood, I asked Antonio, " I thought you said you'd head home as soon as we arrived?""Oh, shoot! That's true, " He exclaimed, lifting Mirabel's head off his lap and jumping out of bed."I haven't been at home for days. I promised my parents I'd be home today, " He shared, smiling at me then at Mirabel.When he said that, Mirabel's face came all dull. She stared at Antonio with sadness in her eyes, like she was begging him not to leave her alone.And my friend noticed this mood from Mirabel. He smiled at her, cupping her face, saying, "Hey, don't worry. You're home now. I just
DEREKAfter a whole week away from school, I was finally back.I stood outside the gate, staring at the building I've been away from for a week.This same building is where it all started, and I'm going to end it once and for all.Strapping my bag across my shoulder, I walked into the school with a long face, ignoring all the eyes that fell on me.Students that haven't seen me since Mirabel's incident, gazed in surprise when I arrived.They must have thought I wouldn't resume yet since Mirabel was attacked brutally."He's back? I thought I heard his father was going to change his school?""No, his friends said he was made to stay back because of what was happening. His father was mad at him when he heard he bullies that loser.""I'm happy he's back. I've missed staring at his face."They gossiped at my arrival, making an attempt to get closer and ask how I was doing.But when they saw my raging gaze, they all backed down, drifting away in fear.As I drew closer to the school building,
DEREKThe lectures came to an end.All of Mirabel's course mate came surrounding me on my seat, asking questions on my one week absence.They wanted to know if I was the one who chose to stay back or if my father was the reason. And what was my response?"That old man decided to keep me under house arrest because of Mirabel. What could I have done? He's my father after all, " I shared, portraying a victim in their midst. And since they didn't care if I was at fault or not, but just loved me for my status, they backed me up."Yeah, what he did was wrong. It's not your fault that she got attacked by someone in this school.""Exactly. Who knows the person she messed with this time around.""I bet she didn't see the person and just decided to blame poor Tania for it.""Or maybe she's scared. "They all laughed, making fun of Mirabel in her absence. I was heartbroken just hearin
DEREKHis eyes read fear on seeing me. His whole body shivered from where he was tied, mumbling through the tape across his mouth."Old nerdy here was hiding in the library. He didn't want to step out, until I used a girl to call him out of his den, " Antonio shared, grabbing Tim's head, bending it backwards. He gave out a hurtful groan with tears streaming out of his eyes.He dropped them on me, mumbling once more through the tape.He knows what he has done that's why he's pleading with his eyes.Drawing closer to him, I yanked the tape off Timothy's mouth, causing him to scream out in pain.He cried out, pleading with the word Please, escaping his lips. "I didn't do anything. Please, let me go," He sniveled."Are you serious now? You didn't do anything?" I scoffed at his cries, sticking the tape to his left eyebrow."I'm sure you know exactly why you're here, Tim. It's best you come out clean or we do it the hard way, " I threatened, making sure the tape was stuck to his brow prope
DEREK"Have you sent the voice record to me? " I asked Antonio while driving the car.We just dropped Timothy at the bus station not too long after passing a strong warning to the nerd, not to tell anyone what had happened.I was making my way back to the mansion with Antonio, having Mirabel on my mind. I haven't taken her off after hearing all Tim had to say.It was hard."Sure did. I sent it before we left that place, " Antonio said, showing me the sent audio of Timothy's confession. There's no way I was going to let him speak the truth without having a record of it. With the cops seeing me as a suspect and my own father having no trust for me, I needed to show my seriousness to this case and get myself off the hook.This voice record will help, but not fully well. I still need to get more, and that's from Tania herself. "I'll send this to the police. But we still need more proof to pin Tania down.""Yeah, you said something about handling it on your own. What do you plan on doing
DEREK"Honestly, I'm not going to miss this party, " I said to my friends, who were busy notifying me about a party taking place at our usual club.It's taking place this evening, but I don't plan on going with them. In fact, I was pretending to be excited about it, all because of Tania.She was close by with her friends, listening to our conversations like she always does.We were standing near a tree on the field and she was just close to it, right at the other side.She snuck over with her friends, thinking I didn't see her. But I had to just pretend like one who was engulfed with party excitement.Just as we were talking about the party, Tania and her friends suddenly came out of their spot, acting all surprised."Wait, are you also heading over to the party? " She asked, staring at me with a wide gaze.I tilted my head, glancing at my friends who were surprised to see her here with us."Yeah, we are. Why did you ask? " I questioned, smirking at her.Suddenly she and her friends g
DEREKAt last, the culprit was caught.Right there in the club, Tania and her friends were arrested before all. They were in so much shame, unable to look at others, who had their cameras flashing at them to reveal their deeds to those who were yet to receive the news.I stood aside with my friends, who were stunned by this sudden turn event. They couldn't believe that I had a hand in Tania's arrest.They were stunned."How did you get the cops here on time? " They asked, watching a crazy Tania yelling at the top of her voice.I told my friends how I contacted the cops over before we arrived at the club. "They needed to be there, if they want to get her in the act, " I said, staring at her. She was busy claiming innocence while everyone laughed, taking video of her and her scared friends."They brought this upon themselves," I said, sounding serious.One of the cops, who had visited the hospital the time Mirabel was admitted, came up to me and said, patting my shoulder, " Sorry for d
MIRABEL "Now go and get ready. You don't want to arrive there late, " Mom said with a smile, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Anger filled my body system, as I directed my gaze from my mother to Derek, who kept his eyes on me, grinning like a saint. I don't want this! I don't want to go anywhere with Derek! Could it be that he knew I was invited to the party before Mom called? "He must have planned that fight with Antonio to get me alone! Gosh! He's... He's up to something!" I panicked within, thinking of refusing Mom's order. But if I do so, Mom would get mad and assume I don't want her to be happy. She might mistake my detest for Derek as a fight against her future with Mr Hallman, and I don't want to be the reason for her sadness. I... I don't want to hurt her. "Why are you still standing there? Go inside and get ready," Mom said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I lifted my eyes at both of them and gave a sigh. "Okay Mom," I responded, slowly walking back
MIRABELThese few days have been great with Antonio by my side. From movies to shoppings... Everything has been so awesome for me.I now feel like a new person, walking around the school with my shoulders high. I no longer feel worried about what people think about me. In fact, my new appearance has brought others closer to my side.My classmates now want to sit with me during studies or at the cafeteria, inviting me over to their parties.The last one I was supposed to attend a few days ago, I couldn't go because Mom wasn't comfortable with it.It was overwhelming for her, so she didn't allow me to go that night. And also, because Derek and Antonio coming along, so she didn't feel comfortable.But tomorrow night is going to be awesome! I was invited to another party, in which I begged my mom to allow me to attend this time, promising to take Antonio and Derek along.She didn't believe me when I mentioned Derek's name, but to prove it to her, I said, "He's going to come over and pick
DEREK"Son, what happened?" My father asked, standing beside my car with me.I was feeling upset with Mirabel's behavior, but still managed to hide my mood, lying to my father. "It's nothing. Mirabel was just showing me something and Um... Something like a bee flew by, " I lied, trying not to look at him or at my step mom, who stood at the other side, looking at the house with worry in her eyes, then at us."A bee? Are you sure?" Father asked, almost as if he was doubting my words."Yeah, I'm sure," I said, nodding while breaking a light smile.With what I said, father took in my words and decided to let it be. "Okay, I thought you two were having an argument or something.""No, we weren't," I lied again.A bit relieved, he went over to meet Mirabel's mother to tell her that everything was okay. But deep down, I know nothing was fine."I should be heading back home now," I said to both father and my step mom, getting into my car and driving off, with my whole mind on Mirabel."I just
MIRABELDinner was set. We all sat down at the dining, talking about the games and how the guys made the school proud. Where I sat, right next to my mother, I was looking at Derek with annoyance within. His presence is the only thing preventing me from enjoying this gathering.I don't know what he's here.I would have asked mom that question, but I know she'd have shunned me or taken it as my stubbornness. So instead, I decided to go with the flow, watching how my stepbrother laughed along with Mom and Mr Hallman, talking about the games and how he scored like a pro. Bleh!"You were amazing out there, Derek, " Antonio joined in, singing Derek's praise. His voice got me navigating my eyes at his direction, as I smiled at him, feeling glad to have him here with us."Who knows what would have happened if he didn't agree to attend this dinner? Maybe I would have fainted a long time." I giggled, about to eat my meal."Why are you silent?""Huh?" I uttered, looking at Mom, who threw that
MIRABELLooking at Antonio's expression, made me hot all over. But why did he have to come with Derek?His presence and expression to my dressing left me feeling uncomfortable, that I had to slowly wrap my arms across my chest, lowering my gaze down."You wore the dress, "Antonio finally said, breaking the silence.I lifted my eyes to see him drawing nearer with a smile on that charming face of his, while Derek remained behind, looking lost. The only thing he could do was gaze at me, with his face turned red.If not for Antonio who stood in my front, blocking my view from Derek, I would still be staring at him. I... I don't like it when he's around me. It makes me feel unsafe."You look gorgeous," Antonio commented, tucking my hair to the back of my ear.I blushed at his compliments, thanking him. But my voice didn't sound convincing, and Antonio noticed it. "What's the matter? Don't you like the dress?""I... I do, " I whispered, trying not to speak out loud for Derek to hear. He sti
MIRABEL"I really enjoyed myself today. Thank you, Mirabel," Antonio appreciated from his end.Here I was, laying on my bed at night, facing the ceiling. We have been on call for over an hour, but when Mom came over to remind me of bed time, I had to hasten the conversation with Antonio. He also heard my mom's voice and began to chuckle from his end, suggesting we do as she wants. "You don't want to offend your Mom. Let's listen," He said, still chortling.A smile crept across my face when I heard his sweet laughter. It's so contagious, and I like it."Fine. We can continue in school then. I still have to attend to some works I missed and get myself back on track fully, " I shared my plans with Antonio, thinking of the classes I had missed.He also agreed with my idea and even advised me to stay away from some of my classmates that used to downgrade me. "With Tania and her girls gone, everything is going to be different for you. Try to use this freedom to make a name for yourself. Be
DEREKI drove off from Antonio's resident, heading for Mirabel's place.While driving, I kept glancing at Mirabel's reflection multiple times in the rearview mirror. She just sat at the right end of the backseat, staring at the heavy pour outside the window.The silence in the car was killing, but it only motivated me to try something."What a wet day. I wasn't expecting this kind of pour," I said, turning back to have a quick look at Mirabel.She had taken a quick glance my way before looking back at the window.She still don't want to talk to me. But I had a plan on getting her to speak up instead of sulking in that corner like a ghost. Clearing my throat, I said, "I wonder how that road would be by now. Maybe it's best I take you to my place.""What?!" She uttered.From the rearview, I saw how she sat up, staring at me in shock. I knew she was going to spark out."Why your place? The... The rain isn't an excuse for you to take me to your place. The road is fine!" She voiced out,
DEREK We stood at the parking lot, as my friends suggested I visit the clinic for a treatment to my so-called illness. While they were talking, I was busy watching Antonio and Mirabel, leaving the school on foot. They held each other's hands, talking and laughing. The sight of this irritated me deeply. "Maybe we'll hold the celebration tomorrow." "Yeah, that's much better. By then you'd be okay." My friends suggested, advising I leave quickly for the clinic. I just smiled at them and agreed to do so. I wasn't going to any clinic, but wanted to catch up with those two. "Sure, I'll leave now. We can make plans for tomorrow," I supported them, getting into my car. Without hesitating or even saving bye to them, I drove out of the school premises, following Antonio and Mirabel from behind. They had gotten a cab before I showed up, exiting from the school gate. Seeing them leaving, I immediately followed, driving from behind, until they came to a stop at an ice cream parlour, whic
DEREK"Get your head in the game, boys!" The coach yelled at the side of the court room, as we played against the opposing team.The basketball court was filled with students, who cheered at both team players, mostly at mine.The girls went crazy, cheering out my name with so much admiration in their voices."WE LOVE YOU DEREK!""YOU CAN DO IT!"They roared out, chanting loudly. But none of that interested me like before. Now, I didn't feel like myself."Derek! " The coach had yelled, pulling me out of my thoughts. I immediately came to my senses and noticed the ball coming my way. Quickly, I caught it and almost made a shot, but I ended up missing the point, leaving everyone grumbling."Focus boy! Focus!" Coach advised, clapping both hands at me.I nodded at him, but still couldn't get myself. And it's been this way since I left Mirabel's home yesterday.The thought of being an enemy in her eyes have really made me weak. I came over to school pretty late, but in time to join the gam