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
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
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
MIRABEL"You must be stupid if you think I'd allow a loser like yourself to join my group," Tania insulted me, pushing me away from her side.I staggered from her point, feeling ashamed of myself."Just look at her. She thinks we'll take an ugly brat like her in the group. Have you seen yourself in the mirror?" One of Tania's friends mocked me. They all kept laughing, calling me a loser, while I drifted my steps away from them, feeling hurt. I just wanted to be among her group and be recognized among the cool students, but Tania showed me my place, leaving me hurt."Let's go before another... Oh my God!" Tania screamed out in excitement.Her shriek had got my heart pounding in fear, wondering what the problem was.The moment I traced where they were looking at, I felt an electric wave move through my entire body."Derek," I called softly, staring at the most handsome and popular guy at college. Being the only son and heir to a wealthy billionaire, Derek Hallman had won so many peop
MIRABEL"This is when we're going to hold our wedding," Mother shared along with Mr Hallman.They both returned back from their dinner this morning, after leaving Derek and I all by ourselves in the house.After what happened between us, I couldn't stop staring at Derek. He sat next to me while our parents shared their plans for their wedding to us."The engagement comes first. We can't forget that, " Mom said, chuckling along with her lover. I smiled, navigating my eyes back at Derek.He just sat next to me with that serious face expression he always had on.He stared at our parents, before glancing my way, causing my heart to flutter.I took my eyes away from him, trying to maintain myself around him.It still makes me happy that I spent the night with my crush. The one my heart always beat for."I will note last night's event in my diary so I won't forget. It's going to be titled The best day of my life," I planned, giggling with joy."What's funny?" I heard Mom ask, jolting me o
MIRABEL"She's your sister? How's that possible? She's a loser!" Tania described, refusing to believe I was Derek's sister as he claimed. She pointed at me, trying to make herself look sweet before Derek."Look, there's no need to protect her. She's not worth it. I'm just like you, Derek. This loser here isn't in our class.""Where you deaf when I said she was my sister? " Derek questioned, pulling me behind while standing before Tania and her friends.They stepped back in fear, staring at Derek, who stood his ground, defending me."Don't make me repeat myself. If I ever see you girls touching or bullying her, I'll make you regret it. Remember this," He threatened them. I could see fear in Tania and her friend's eyes after hearing Derek's threat. They dropped their gaze on me, unable to speak.I stood behind Derek, noticing how eyes around the school premises fell on us. I didn't know if I should feel happy about Derek protecting me or feel the other way around. "Be warned. Let's
MIRABEL"What?" I uttered while staring at Tania. She lifted her brow at me, asking, " Is there a problem, cupcake? Don't you want to help your friend?"Her eyes dimming with desperation and evil, leaving my heart pounding with fear."Or are you having second thoughts about being on my team?" She questioned, taking her arm off my shoulder."No, it's nothing like that. I'm..." I stammered, watching Tania and her friends surround me like they were set for a battle.This left me vibrating in fear."Then it's what? Aren't you going to help her? " Her friends questioned."I will," I answered immediately, seeing Tania''s eyes glitter with delight."I'm going to help you get Derek. I was just surprised about the offer, that's all," I lied, putting on a fake smile. Tania and her girls giggled with delight, shaking hands with each other.I just watched them, being the odd one out, as they jubilated over my decision."I knew you would say yes to me. I love Derek so much and I'll make you my P
MIRABELMy face came flushing as Derek and his father came closer to my mother and I. Mr Hallman doesn't hesitate to get cozy with my mother, kissing her dearly, as he asked her how long her trip would last.I drifted away from them, almost standing close to Derek, who gave me a glare, causing me to look away.I felt my body vibrating while trying to compose myself. But my innocent heart was finding it hard to beat properly."It's a three weeks trip. Just take care of Mirabel for me. Please, she's fragile and hardly expresses herself," Mom said to Mr Hallman, making me look like a kid. I felt embarrassed, ashamed to look Derek's way."He must see me like a loser. Oh Gosh!" I panicked within, hoping this ends. Mr Hallman assured my Mom that he'd take good care of me."If I'm not around, Derek would watch over her, " Mr Hallman said to Mom.I just stood there as they talked about me, before Mom gave me a hug and left for her trip."Welcome, Mirabel," My future Stepfather welcomed me,
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