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"Is there anything I can help with again?" Antonio asked my mother, offering more assistance.He had followed us down from the mansion to our home, assisting us with our bags.I didn't want him stressing himself about it, but he refused to listen to mom and I, so he helped us with our bags, bringing it down to our house."That's all, Antonio. Thank you so much, " Mom appreciated, smiling at him."I'm happy to help, " He said, giving out a big grin, which he directed at me.Where I stood behind my mother, my face came flushing at Antonio's beautiful glow. It made my heart shimmer, leaving me blushing."I'd take my leave now. Don't want my sweet parents calling me. They can be worried despite their son being a grown up man, " He joked, laughing out.Mom and I laughed along with Antonio, watching him take his steps, as he got ready to leave."Just wait for a few minutes, son. Please, I'll be quick. Just have a seat, " Mom requested."Is it something urgent?" Antonio asked, being
MIRABELI laid in bed, cuddling myself.My mind has been on Antonio's words and support for Derek's so-called change, but my heart isn't ready to accept him after everything he put me through.I went through hell with that guy for heaven sake."Didn't he see what happened when we got to school?" I groaned, recalling what had happened when we arrived.The students didn't make fun of me because of the case on ground at that time, but Derek... He and his friends didn't let that slide.Antonio and I went to our usual comfort zone, the empty classroom, and decided to just stay there.According to Antonio, there was no need for me to attend class, since I wasn't fully better. "Let's just stay here for now, " He had said.It was odd because he was the one who took me out of the mansion, suggesting I come to school and attend classes only for today. But getting to school, he changed his mind.I was going to ask him why the sudden change when I saw Derek and his friends coming in. They came ov
MIRABELMy heart kept beating after hearing Derek call out to me. I know I didn't mention my name, so how did he know I was the one?"Mirabel, put it on speaker. I need to hear my son's voice, " Mom voiced out, giving me out.And that gave Derek the confirmation he needed."Mirabel, it's you," He said, sounding pleased.I still didn't say anything but felt uncomfortable. I did as Mom wanted, placing the phone on speaker, so she could also hear her step son."Derek, are you there?!" Mom called out loudly, so her voice would be heard. And Derek responded to her call, sounding excited to hear her voice."Mom, how are you? " He said.My mother responded with joy, "All is well, dear. We're sorry that we left before you could get back from school. Someone just couldn't wait to head home after being away for long." She lifted her eyes at me, dimming them at me.I would have just rolled my eyes at her, but I didn't. She might poke them. All I did was hold the phone while she spoke with Derek.
MIRABELAs Mom had said, she left the house that morning for her dinner plans with Mr Hall man. He came around to get her, using that opportunity to see me.Mr Hallman had gotten me something to keep myself entertained with, while I wait for both Antonio and Derek to show up after school.Yeah, he got me snacks. Nice, juicy, and mouth watering delicacies that I've never bought before.It was enough to brighten my mood."Take care of yourself before they come, okay? " Mom said, pecking my cheek.I nodded, saying my goodbyes to the couples, until they were gone.All alone, I sat in the living room to enjoy myself, and also plan on how to stay away from Derek, since he's coming over as well."Since Antonio is coming, I'll just try as much as possible to stay with him all through. Yeah, he'll be at the center," I planned.I didn't attack all the goodies given to me by my step father. Instead, I kept some aside for Antonio and I to enjoy.And just as I was making plans... KNOCK! KNOCK!!"
DEREKHow long will this take?I carefully walked away from Mirabel's room, looking back multiple times to see if she'd sneak out to check on me. But I didn't hear the door clicking. Not even a foot step.Last night when she called, I was stunned and pleased to hear her voice. Even though it was clear that it was my step mother that made her call, I was still glad she did.And when the call ended while I was responding to my stepmother's request, my heart skipped.Her mother claimed it was a mistake, but I know it wasn't. Mirabel purposely ended that call to prevent me from saying anything.I just went with the flow and acted amused instead.I didn't tell my step mom I was coming straight to her place from home. I pretended to be heading to school and patiently waited for her and my father to leave.Once they were gone, I came over to stay with Mirabel, hoping we could try and work things out together. Still, Mirabel doesn't want to be around me, nor does she want to listen to anythi
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
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
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