MIRABELAntonio soon left me to meet Derek. He promised to get back to me once he has spoken to him.I had given him a smile to show my delight in his help in my situation. But as soon as he left, I became terrified, thinking about Derek's reaction."What if he gets mad and comes looking for me? Oh goodness! Why didn't I think of this?!" I panicked, pacing about in the class with so much fear in my heart.I found myself visualizing Antonio and Derek talking about Tania, and that she had sent me to speak to him about being her boyfriend.His face in my mind, came turning red, as he yelled my name out, looking for me."I'm going to make her regret the day she stepped into my life! Where is she?!""No!" I shrieked at my own imagination, getting scared the more."No, no, no. I can't allow him to meet me here. It's best I leave this place and head home. Yes, I'll head home and wait for his return. It's better than staying here in front of multitudes, " I decided, feeling that would be safe
MIRABELIt was ten in the night. I've been in bed since that time Derek bullied me, sulking in my pains and loneliness.In my hand held a photo of Mom and I, together. It was the only photo I had of us in my bag.The others were back at home, hanging on our walls. I was lucky to have this one in my hands.At least, I won't feel lonely. I have Mom's photo with me."Who's my little princess?" Mom's voice echoed in my head, flashing my memory to the time she always teased me for being worried over some things she took as little.Though it was embarrassing, it still made me smile."I am," I muttered, responding to the voice in my head, hugging the photo tight.Just then, I heard a knock on my door. That got me jumping out of bed in fear, thinking about Derek.Now, any knock that comes on my knock always sounds like Derek, hiding at the corner waiting to attack me like earlier.I cuddled into the co
MIRABEL"Come here," Tania ordered, glaring at me with her arms crossed.Her friends did the same, standing beside her like her bodyguards.My heart was beginning to pound on seeing them. They finally caught up with me. I can't hide any more from Tania.I'm doomed."Mirabel, what is wrong?" Antonio asked, looking at Tania then back at me.He was beginning to see traces of fear all over me, as he stared at my face with concern overwhelming him."Mirabel, " He called my name, taking me by the hand to show his support.Feeling scared, I uttered almost inaudibly to Antonio, "Please help me."His eyes came shimmering with surprise, turning to look at Tania and her friends once again.They had their gazes fixed on me, calling me over."Didn't you hear her calling?""Stop wasting her precious time."Tania's friends said, speaking to me rudely, with their eyes hovering at me.
MIRABELIn an empty class, I hid under a desk, crying in pains.My arms wrapped around my legs, with my face buried down.The humiliation was too much to bear. I couldn't take it anymore."God, I'm tired of this. I'm tired of this life. I can't take it any longer. Just help me out of this, I beg of you, " I cried.I was trying my best to stop this stream of tears from flowing out any more, but the faces and echoes of all that mocked me, wouldn't go.And this is all because of Derek. The one I always looked up to when our parents haven't met or announced their relationship to us.Then, when he was just my crush, my life was still okay. I could still stand the bullying from Tania and her friends, but after learning we're going to be step siblings, Derek has made my life a living hell.Now everyone wants to bully me. Everyone hates me."I'm a loser. A nobody. I'm useless.""No you're not " I heard
MIRABELTerrified, I ran to the only place I always hid from danger. The empty class room.I ran inside and straight under the desk, shaking in fear."What if she's coming here? What if she saw me entering this place?" I panicked, trembling under the desk.The death stare from Tania killed all the remaining peace in me. All I could feel was nothing but fear for my life."I knew it! Derek, why?!" I groaned, hitting my head.But throughout this week, since that day he accepted Tania, Antonio and I didn't notice any funny movement from Derek. In fact, he has been moving around school with Tania, holding her close like a couple. On Wednesday night, I overheard him talking on phone with Tania. They were talking lovingly with each other, making me accept that he had no plans yet.But he pulls this shocking surprise on the same week he declared Tania his girlfriend.This is too soon.He did
MIRABEL"Let's just go. No need to meet him, please, " I pleaded with Antonio, making an attempt to leave.Still, Antonio wouldn't listen to me. He held my hand tight, pulling me close."We are going to see Derek. I won't take no for an answer," He stamped, pulling me along.I trembled, unable to argue with Antonio over this. His eyes were filled with determination as he forced our path open, pulling me through the crowds.I just followed him from behind, feeling my heart pounding over his decision.Oh heavens! We're going to see Derek! Successfully, Antonio and I got into the gym, looking for Derek. We only saw the others going head to head with a basketball, but Derek wasn't with them.His absence gave me a sudden peace, making me believe that he wasn't here."Seems everyone just want to watch the guys only, " I assumed, about to get Antonio to forget about seeing Derek.
MIRABELThe following day, Mr Hallman, just like yesterday, suggested he'd drop me at school.He didn't bother to ask his son, since Derek knows his way around. In short, Derek doesn't like going anywhere with his father, except for occasions involving wealthy businessmen and women.Inside the car, on our way to school, I sat quietly, staring out through the window.I was lost in thoughts, thinking about Tania and her wrath. All because of Derek's action, she wants to punish me.If Antonio hadn't stepped in yesterday, who knows what would have happened to me.And Derek... He doesn't care, nor does he want to listen. He now thinks I'm trying to cause a wedge between him and Antonio.I felt so frustrated."Is everything okay?""Huh?" I uttered, turning over to face Mr Hallman.He glanced at me, then at the road, repeating, "Is everything okay?" He drove, taking a right turn."Yeah, every
MIRABEL"What?" Mr Hallman uttered in shock.Derek got to his feet to check the paper in his father's hand, while Mr Hallman drew closer to me, pulling me near."Who's after you? Tell me, " He requested, helping me to one of the seats.I tried to control my fear, telling him about Tania and how she always bullied me at school."An incident occurred off recent between her and her Derek, and now she's trying to get her hands on me. She wants to punish me, " I cried.Mr Hallman was stunned.I saw him directing his gaze at Derek, who didn't even look concern one bit."So she's planning to attack you because of Derek?" He asked me.Before I could nod, Derek sparked out."Quit using me as an excuse. Tania isn't coming after you for anything. You're just exaggerating," He sparked, getting angry.Mr Hallman called his name in a strong voice, ordering him to be shut. "No, I won't. You
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