MIRABEL
My 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, taking me by the hand as he led the way.Derek had already gone into the mansion before anyone even told him to. This got me feeling uncomfortable, wondering how things would go here for me.I was given a room beside Derek's bedroom. My room was so lovely. It almost looked like a princess's bedroom.Mr Hallman told me to ask for whatever I want, promising to give it to me."You are like the daughter I never had, " He said, patting me.I smiled on hearing him, but Derek just scoffed out like it was a joke.It was clear that he didn't like my presence in his home, and it only made me worried.Now settled in his home with my Mom away, I decided to carry out my role as Derek's sister and put every past behind me.While we were having breakfast, I had joined the maids in serving the meal for both father and son.Mr Hallman was pleased with my action, but Derek didn't like it.He glared at me, trying to find fault in my actions, but Mr Hallman always had my back, saying Derek was yet to fully accept the changes."Be happy you have a caring sister, " Mr Hallman had said to an angry Derek.He found everything I did annoying, yet I had no choice but to keep on with it just to remind myself everyday that we're siblings from now onward.One night, I discovered that Mr Hallman wouldn't be returning home because of office work, and that Derek was back from his outing."This is the moment, Mirabel. Talk to him about Tania and try to convince to accept her, " I decided, leaving the sitting room to go and meet Derek in his bedroom.As I took each steps up the stairs, I felt a voice telling me to turn back. But my feet kept moving further, hoping to make this plan work.When I arrived at Derek's door, I knocked but got no answer. Just when I was about to knock the second time, the door came open.It wasn't locked.I took hold of the knob and pushed it open, stepping into the room, calling Derek's nameBut no response."I thought they said he was in his room?" I wondered, looking around.Just when I was about to leave, I heard from behind, " What the hell are you doing here?!"I turned around and was shocked to see Derek, naked from head to toe!He just got out of the bathroom with his body soaking wet.I gazed in shock, turning back with my eyes shut."I'm sorry!" I apologized, unable to unseen what I have seen.I wasn't expecting it."Haven't you heard of knocking?!" Derek questioned with anger in his voice.I kept apologizing, trying to give him a reason why I was there. But my body was still shaking after seeing his nakedness.I decided to leave."Excuse me, " I said, hurrying for the door.The moment I took hold of the knob, Derek slammed the door back, stopping me from leaving. He turned me around and had me pinned against the wall.I gasped out, feeling my heart racing while staring into his eyes.They shimmered at me as he said, "You should have just stayed in your room, now I need to clear my system.""What?"In a swift, I found myself on the bed with Derek dropping his muscular body on me. His hands roughly taking off my clothes, sliding his fingers in-between my legs.I gasped heavily when his fingers went inside of me, thrusting in and out.I wanted to stop him but he had me under his spell. My body danced to his tone, paving way for Derek to smoothly slide his way into me.I gave a groan when he came pacing in and out of me, moaning at his own thrust.My body shivered while watching him go fast, squeezing my boobs with so much pleasure.This slowly made my feelings for him bright. I could feel that love shining for him again.My eyes came rolling when his speed came in with full speed, before he gave in the last push, causing me to grab his body down on me."Oh no! We did it again." I panted, realizing that I gave myself to Derek the second time.But what does this mean? Does he love me?"Get out now!" Derek ordered, snapping me out of the beautiful moment.I stared at him, as he wrapped his waist with a towel, grabbing me by the arms with my clothes."Isn't this what you wanted you whore? You came here to tempt me and you got exactly what you wanted. Now get out of my room you bitch!"I felt my heart skip with pain, on hearing what Derek called me.He sees me as a whore?"Out! " He dragged me, throwing me out of his room.I fell to the ground, feeling my heart grow heavy."Slut. Don't you ever come near my room again." He slammed the door from behind.I looked at the door as my tears came flowing out of my eyes. I couldn't hold it back but cry out my heart.Once again I stupidly allowed him to sleep with me. Why am I so foolish?I carefully got off the floor, feeling my waist aching me.I stepped into my room, crying bitterly over my bad luck."Is that what I am to you? A slut? " I cried, falling on my knees."Why me? I wish... I wish I never fell in love with you Derek. How I wish I could turn back the time and stay away from you, " I wept bitterly, wishing to forget that I ever fell for him.He has shown me my place before him, and I won't ever forget this.MIRABELSince Mom left me under my future step father and step brother's watchful eyes, I had no other choice but to go to school from there.When the morning came, I got myself ready for school, taking hold of my bag and going through it, just to make sure it was in order.Suddenly, my books fell out due to my carelessness, sending me on my knees to attend to them.I didn't feel like myself. It was as if a part of me was missing or something.While picking the books, my eyes fell on a pick hard cover, which was different from the others."My... My diary," I uttered, slowly picking it.I thought I had forgotten it at home, but it has been in my bag all this while.Taking hold of it, I opened the pages and came across the time I first noted my feelings for Derek down.Reading through it brought nothing but pains to my heart, sending me shutting the diary close.I didn't want to think about the past or about what happened recently. I just want to pretend I never fell in love with him.K
MIRABEL"Where do I start from? How do I approach Derek? " I pondered on in class, looking lost.I didn't know what or how to carry out this plan. All I've been feeling ever since Tania made that deadline, was nothing but intense fear.My heart has been racing since morning, unable to concentrate any more."Mirabel! MIRABEL!!""Yes?!" I answered loudly, turning to look forward.I saw all my classmates gawking at me with their mouths filled with laughter."I have been calling you for more than four minutes straight. Seems you are thinking outside studies, huh?""No, Ma'am. I'm sorry, " I apologized to my professor, feeling ashamed already.I lowered my head down in embarrassment, hearing my classmates cackling at me.When I lifted my head a little, my eyes met with Tania and her friends. They were also laughing at me.Only Tania's grin and gaze terrified me more. She signalled with her
MIRABELI came closer to Derek, standing before him, gasping for air at the same time, and feeling scared within.My eyes came lifting to find Derek and his friends looking directly at me with their brows levitating.His friends didn't look too scary to me like before. Back then, I would have trembled whenever they walked pass me with Derek, knowing well that they are friends with my crush.But now, I no longer felt that way. They didn't give that troubling vibe liie before.The only person that was making me uncomfortable was Derek himself. The way he stared at me, like I had something irritating all over my face, got my body shivering. But I couldn't allow his appearance or gaze to weaken me."Come on, Mirabel. Just say it," I encouraged in my mind, still catching my breathe."What do you want?" Derek questioned in a deep voice, looking annoyed.I stood upright, clearing my throat.The confidence I had gathered within, suddenly came dying when my voice got stuck in my throat."I...
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 "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