“Drey,” I uttered. The sound of his name tasted bitter the moment it slipped from my mouth. He looked different from the arrogant Drey that I knew. His blue eyes which seemed like the ocean that many were willing to drown in were bloodshot, his hair was a mess. He reeked of alcohol, and just when I was about to protest that idea, I realized that his family still owns this school. He’d do whatever he wants.
Drey Punder.
I was seeing a different one in front of me right now.
“Go home,” I said. “You look like a mess. Do you want them to see you like that? Aren’t you even ashamed?”
He smiled, “I’ve got nothing to lose now, Kath,” he said, tears starting to fall from his eyes. “They’re abandoning me and sending me back to my grandparents. I lost my job. I lost my shot in becoming the owner of this university. I lost everything… I lost you.” I bit my lower lip to stop mys
If only I heard myself with a sane mind that moment, I would have probably withdrawn and sat by a corner and wore my cone of shame.In any way, I knew it was inevitable—one way or another, I’d still end up taking it on him or talking to him out of it even if it did not happen tonight. It might just not be how I imagined it would be… ever since then, I have always been playing a scene on my mind on how it would take place—I keep on telling myself that I should be calm, I should breathe, and talk in the most sensible way.Yet maybe that’s really what it does when anger keeps on building and building until it lingers within yourself without even realizing that you’re already a ticking bomb.And then you just explode.I was just grateful it wasn’t enough to derail me from my hopes of graduating on time. I still managed to pass our test despite my professor asking if I could even take the test since I did look like a
“Iced Café Latte for Andrea!” I called out, putting the cup on top of the counter before going back to the cashier. It has been months since I got back the courage to be on the cash register again and get orders. I’d hear questions now and then, but it wasn’t as frequent as before. They were right… the news comes and it goes, one day you're the talk of the town, the next thing you know, you're already a forgotten image.It does feel refreshing and peaceful—a few months back, I was the nobody that suddenly topped the charts for everyone to gossip about, and then it gradually fades until I was back to just being a working Psych student at Irdium. I’d still hear whispers whenever people recognize me, I knew it wasn’t really going to just fade into oblivion anyway.Truth be told, I almost lost my scholarship. It wasn’t impossible anyway, the school belonged to the Punders, yet Drey did not break any of his words
The pares that we had yesterday felt like an energy refill, besides the fact that I had someone with me to enjoy the ambiance, it just felt like I was finally living the moment I have always wanted—a life where I realized that healing may not be linear, but it was a process too that made me feel alive somehow. For a moment, there were no thoughts that I was barely surviving.I felt like I was happier than before—than ever.I probably looked dumb when I realized I was smiling as I was turning the page of my book and removing the cap of the highlighter that I was holding using my teeth. Months flew so fast that we were already in our midyear through graduating. If I slacked off during summer classes, I can’t right now.Huh.Maybe going through that made me realize I was independent sure, but I wasn’t that mature. I was trying to be strong, but at the end of the day, I wasn’t even close to being one. I wanted t
“To end this presentation, anger management, stress management, and interpersonal communication skills are all areas where curriculum intervention may make a difference, and it is fundamental enough that students need it in order to assess and be in control of their mental health,” I uttered, keeping myself calm as I look at my presentation and back to the research panel.Months passed by in a hurdle. I can’t even believe that I’m already a month away from graduation, and we have accomplished almost every requirement for our subjects. Today was special—it was our last defense for our solo thesis, and I have never been more confident in presenting my thesis—I knew I did my best.My thesis was about anger management, interpersonal communication skills, and stress management and their effects when it comes to emotional intelligence. It was probably not a new topic when it comes to our field, but it was a personal feat for me. Maybe beca
When I got up, the sun was shining brightly than any other day. It was different, or maybe because I just knew that it is. I smiled as a sat down on the wooden floor of my apartment as the sun bathes the room with hues of yellow and mustard. I hugged my knees as I stare at my white dress, and beside it was my graduation robe and cap.My lips stretched in a triumphant smile—finally, I was graduating.It didn’t even sink in when we did our graduation photos. Back then, it still felt like I was floating in Cloud 9, or I must just be dreaming. Graduating… wow… I really thought I wouldn’t even make it, but here I was.Needless to say, I overcame it all—stronger and braver.People might say the hurdles I went through were just probably nothing compared to their obstacles—they could be right, but nevertheless, it doesn’t change the fact that I finally had a reason for me to be proud of myself.Days after o
If there was anything I never learned how to do or search on the internet whenever I had the time was this—how-to handle confessions.Of course, I know it was normal that I didn’t know what to do because he literally caught me off-guard without even having second thoughts on how he’d deliver those exact words that kept on repeating in my head for over a day now. I don’t even know if he was just pranking me (God forbid if it was just a prank, it wasn’t funny) or if he was telling me the truth.It was so sudden that I don’t even know if there’s a rule that I should call him and tell him that I’m grateful that he likes me or something, but that’d just probably come off as straight-out offensive, I think.I groaned and grabbed the nearest pillow beside me to cover my whole face and scream so loud the student right next to my room probably heard me as I aggressively wriggle my feet against my bedsheets. Yesterday
Enrique.He could easily just sweep off any girl’s feet and make them head over heels for him with just his words. I wouldn’t even deny that my heart stopped (not literally) for a while when I heard that phrase from him.He just knows it. Without even having to exert any effort. He’d easily make progress.I don’t even know where he was getting all these words! It was like he was vomiting sweet phrases every now and then, and oddly enough, I’d even end up daydreaming about it as if it felt nice.I mean… it was nice. It feels nice when it feels like someone’s there to wait for you.But it felt weird—well at least for me—that someone was seeing light behind my darkness even when he knew everything that I went through. Sure… I was different among the girls he’d meet, or every socialite they’d set up for a blind date with him—but I was different in a bad way!I did ha
I’ve always wondered if fairytales were real—or could be real at some point without the magic and glittery stuff. But as I grew older, I realized there are no real fairy godmothers (of some sort), or a prince charming that would suddenly save me from every little thing I’ve been through.Maybe because they’re all fiction—too unrealistic. They’re just that—meant to be read and watched by kids. Anything fairytale does not even apply in adulthood anymore—if back then we survived as kids because we only thought about castles and fairies and all that grandeur stuff, but adulthood was the reality—it was a harsh slap that woke me up from my dream.Ah… fuck being an adult. Every day makes me want to commit a crime or fake my information and marry a conglomerate heir and then live my life in lies for the rest of my life—well, at least I’d be sad and rich.I’d probably never understand how it f
Hello everyone! Thank you so much for reading this novel. It really means so much to me as I've always wanted to write something in English. Show your support by giving some gems to this novel if you loved it! Drop some comments too! I don't know when I'll write another novel again, but I hope I'd be able to write another soon! You can interact with me by suggesting themes for my next novel and I'll keep that in mind when I'm ready again to write another. Thank you for reading Enrique and Kathrina's story! I wish you were able to learn some lessons from it. <3
"It's so lovely," Kathrina gushes as she turns around in front of the mirror when she finally tried the wedding gown that I made for her. I smiled. "It fits you perfectly," I say. She turned around and pulled me into a hug. "Thank you... Lyza." It'd be hypocritical for me to say that I didn't hate Kathrina. I did. I thought if she didn't come into the picture, Drey and I would've been married already. And yet that's when I realized... I could've been married to my first love, but I'd live a life full of regrets and misery. Back then, I was so in love with Drey that maybe I didn't see how he was hurting, too. I even found it unfair that I was just there... waiting for him to tell me anything because I was stupid enough to believe that what we might have could be true. I mean... I did feel the love and support Drey gave me... but I felt like I was becoming more of a baggage for him to carry, instead. I've love
"You think you can already face it?" I remained mum as my therapist asks questions when I asked her if it'd be okay for me to attend Kathrina's wedding. At first it sounded bull--who'd invite someone who fucked her life before and think it'd probably be nice to watch you get married?I was like... fuck off.I was miserable as hell. I felt like she was mocking me for being miserable like this because I deserved it after screwing the hell out of her life.Yeah, sure. I fucking deserve it.My family didn't understand me first... that I almost wanted to cut ties with them, until I couldn't take it anymore and asked my psychiatrist to call for them and explain my situation. My mom was a doctor... until I think being one of the socialities sucked the soul out of her that she thought I was just joking just to escape the responsibilities.I know I was partly responsible for how I turned out. I should've just proved myself to them in a way wherein I'd lead
"You aren't really crying now, huh?" my friend asked. I glared at him which made him chuckle as I was taking my handkerchief from my pocket."Dude stop," I say, wiping my face. I sighed. Suddenly it feels like the time slowed down along with the music that was playing."Stop transforming into a giraffe, Kath won't run." I glared at him, even asking him to stop, but of course--he just couldn't. Ah, why would I even question myself? He just loved teasing me everytime he gets the chance.I waited so long for this.So long.It's finally happening.Because I knew ever since, this is where we should be.Because the moment I first laid my eyes on her when I realized that I do love her... I promised myself already.Hell be damned, it's only her.It's her or no one for me.Dear God. I just love her so much.Tears fell down the moment the moment the doors opened, followed by my heavy breathings--I heard my best
I blinked.Once.Thrice.My eyes were a little strained when I checked my eyes in front of the mirror. I haven't been sleeping a lot the past few days since the start of major research they assigned to me to spearhead, along with my thesis to finally graduate and get my Master's Degree. It has been a rough road ahead since I had to juggle with research and academic and therapy in between just so I won't lose myself in the process, but even then, I was happy.The past few years were difficult. There would be times that I don't even know where I'd get the strength to go on because I'd still feel empty every now and then. But at the end of the day, I'd still get the hang of it.The therapy was good... for the past few years it's one of the few good things that kept me sane even in times where relapses were getting worse, or I didn't realize I wasn't withdrawing away from the world again.But, I’m okay.I’ve already lear
Enrique seemed like he was taken aback by what I said which had me laughing."I'm not dreaming, right?""Huh?" I asked, teasing him as if I didn't what I had just said."You said something..." his voice was laced with sadness but I went on with the act."I wasn't saying anything," I uttered. "Did you hear a ghost?"Enrique pouted.I smiled."I love you," I repeated which caught him off-guard again."For real?"I chuckled."For real... this time."My mouth went agape when I realized that tears were welling in his eyes but he didn't care, even when they started to fall. I suddenly felt sad that I made him wait for so long just so I could be sure with my feelings, but I wanted to find the right time--where I wouldn't even question myself if my feelings were right or wrong.I wanted to be sure of him. Without any reservations, without a doubt.I wanted to love him unconditionally
I couldn't sleep much last night so I ended up plotting what I'd do for the rest of the week with Enrique. If it's possible, I would really come to the opening of Sophie's clothing line, although I already promised I'd watch it with them on Zoom--it's the least I can do to support my friend.The week was filled with a lot of stuff I wanted to do--although they're not very much "exciting" since I wanted Enrique to relax around the town, too, instead of some physical stuff even if I wanted to. The last time I checked, I still find it hilarious that Enrique's actually scared of heights which I never really expected!I smiled as I was buttoning my attire in front of the mirror. I was fidgety--my hands almost shivering with every move. I'll be meeting the research team today and I can't even believe that within just a few months, I'm already here.It's too surreal.I took a deep breath in as I pulled the hems of my blouse, "I can do it," I whispered, smiling w
I didn't know what has gotten into me to muster up the courage to hold Enrique's hand like that. I felt really embarrassed after, and Enrique was even teasing me about it when he called after he got to his condo here in Cambridge.It would probably be nice if we could live together...I shook my head with that thought and laid on my bed as I stare at my ceiling. The room was just the perfect amount of dim since I turned on the dim lights.Apparently, Enrique asked for a week-long vacation in exchange for finishing all that's needed for the company and the requirements for a new branch in Toronto. Although he could just ask someone else to do it and finish everything for him, Enrique said it's his responsibility so he had to face it by himself. If he's not facing everything on his own, it'd just make him dependent to other people and he didn't want that.Well as for me, I felt a little better... but Enrique wasn't a cure, nor Drey. Sure, talking to Drey an
I blinked.Once.Thrice.Yet I still couldn't process how it all went down to this--Enrique and Drey were facing each other. Apparently, Enrique wanted to surprise me that he flew to Cambridge (which really touched my heart, thank you very much) but seeing them in front of me as if they were going to throw punches anytime was scaring the shit out of me.I mean... sure, I had a mistake there. I ignored Enrique's calls and didn't even tell him that Drey was around the town--but I wanted to talk to him after Drey and I talk because sure enough, I knew who I was going to choose.It was Enrique.It has been Enrique all along.When I saw Drey back then, I thought I still had these lingering feelings because I still felt the anger and the need to tell him everything in my mind, yet... it was all just that--it was all anger and the guilt that I harbored for many months even when I already told him what I wanted to tell a couple of months ago.