Long Time Crush - Proposal

PENELOPE

The bell rang.

Finally! It's dismissal time! This day is about to END. This is probably the WORST day of my life. I wasn't able to concentrate from my afternoon classes because of everything that happened in the morning.

"Hey, Penelope! Let's go shopping." Vanessa suggested. 

That sounds like a good idea. I just have to unwind things and shopping is the best solution!

"Okay. I just have to make a call first." They nodded.

"We'll wait for you outside." Trixie said. She seemed happier now. I think Vanessa was right. She was able to move on easily. She probably got a new man overnight or something.

I dialed my father's number. I think he can do something about my Campus Queen Campaign. He knows how long I've been waiting for this moment. There's no way he's not going to help me.

*Calling Daddy*

He answered it after three rings. "Sweetie? Are you okay? Is everything fine?" he asked.

"Oh, I'm okay Dad." I answered. "But I think I'm going to need some help."

"Anything for my baby. Go on spill."

"Dad, you know that I'm joining the Campus Queen Pageant, right? I mentioned it to you yesterday."

"Hmm... Uh-huh." He nodded. I heard someone from the other line calling him. "Oh, sorry sweetie. Our meeting is about to start in five minutes. This is a very important deal. We have to get it." He explained.

"I'll be fast, Dad. I swear."

"Go on. Spill, sweetie." he said it quickly, it seems like he's not really listening anymore. He seems to be talking to someone.

"Dad? Can I borrow your marketing team? I mean, you know? I'll need some people to do work for me. For the tarpaulins, posters, pins, and t-shirt?" I asked, crossing my fingers. 

Please say yes, dad! Please say yes, dad!

"Sweetie, as much as I wanted to, I can't. The marketing team and all my other teams are really busy. We are working on this really big deal and then we still have 2 other big deals to close." 

I can't help but feel disappointed. 

"But, I cannot do all these alone, dad." I insisted.

"You're a smart girl. I know that. I'm sure you'll find a way." Someone called him again from the other line. "I have to go, baby. Take care." Then he hung up.

So it's just me again? I'm so sick of this!

I texted Manong Rod that I'm going somewhere else and I'll be going home late. Then, I went outside.

It's shopping time baby! Time to unwind the negative vibes away!

☆☆☆

ZACH

"Finally! My shift's done!" 

I stretched my arms up high. This day was loaded since it's Friday. And Thank God, I'm done here!

"Hey, Clark. I'll wait for you outside." I went outside the shop and strolled in the mall for a while.

I was about to enter the National Bookstore, but then I saw someone that caught my attention. 

It's Zia Veronica Yap. 

My long time crush! We study in the same school but I never had a chance to have a conversation with her.

Maybe this is the right time! 

I have to talk to her! 

But what would I tell her?

Hi I'm Zach.
Hmm. Too simple

Hi I'm Zach. I'm your admirer.

Sounds so cheesy.

Hey, Zia. Right? I'm Zach and I like you.
Hmmm. Too straightforward. Erase!

"YOOO!" I jumped in surprise!

"What's wrong with you?" I asked Clark. 

I was planning to talk to Zia and he just ruined my timing! 

I turned my head back to where I saw Zia standing. She's gone now!

"Yo, Bro! Listen!" I faced Clark.

"WHAT?" I raised my voice. 

I'm frustrated! I just missed the chance to talk to my crush. That was too close!

"Penelope is here!" He whispered. He seems so excited.

"So?" I started walking while he followed behind me. 

Where is Zia? 

"What? Really? That's it? You're not excited or happy at all?" He asked while I just shrugged and continued walking. 

"Bro, this is for your article. Remember?" I suddenly stopped walking as soon as I heard the word Article.

I faced him and eagerly said, "Okay. Shoot. Tell me what to do."

***

PENELOPE

"Hey guys, how do I look in these?" Vanessa asked us as soon as she got out from the fitting room. 

She's now walking towards us like she's a Victoria's Secret model.

"Great! Fabulous! Magnifique!" Trixie commented, clapping her hands. 

Really? What's up with her today? She's so energetic. Probably because of her new boyfriend.

"Okay, I'll buy these. Wait there, I'll try some more."

I paid no attention to Vanessa and Trixie because I was trying out a cute 6 inches heels and I was also thinking about what dad said earlier.

You're a smart girl. I know that. I'm sure you'll find a way.

Ugh! I can't concentrate with shopping! If dad says I'm smart enough, how come I have no campaign ideas in mind?

I took of the pink shoes I was trying and stood up, frustrated. "Girls, I have to leave first. Time for beauty rest!" I announced, picked up the six paper bags from my shopping earlier and turned to leave without waiting for their reply.

Actually, I just made an excuse. A lame excuse, I know. 

How can I even have a beauty rest, when I can't even rest? My mind is restless. I badly need help!

 Campus Queen is so important to me. I have to win this!

I walked into the nearest waiting area in the parking lot. There's no one around here and it's a bit dark. Just perfect for what I really need right now. Peace.

I drop all the paper bags I'm carrying. I have to call Manong Rod to pick me up here.

*Dialing Manong Rod*

He picked up the phone immediately. "Hello, Manong Rod?"

"I'm coming there Ms. Penelope. Just stuck in traffic." He answered. 

"Okay, Manong. I'll be waiting in the Parking lot." then I hung up.

I was about to pick up my paper bags when someone wearing a black hoodie and a mask grabbed two of my paper bags and ran away.

I was so shocked from what just happened that it took me a few seconds to even realize that I've been robbed! 

SOMEONE JUST STOLE MY PAPER BAGS!

"Help! There's a robber here! HELP! ANYONE!" I screamed even though I know it was useless since I'm the only person here. 

SHIT! I HAVE TO CALL 911. OH MY GOD. My precious paper bags!

"ANYONE HELP!" I yelled while my shaky hands dialed 911. 

YES, this is an emergency! My paper bags are in danger! I panicked.

All of a sudden, someone from afar jogged towards me. A boy? He's wearing a red shirt but I can't recognize him. He's far and I can't see clearly even with these contacts on. Also, it's so dark in here.

I slowly walked near to him as he jogged towards me. And when he was in front of me, he stopped jogging, bent his body and placed his two hands on this knee. He's panting!

"Hey, who are you?" I asked. He slowly lifted his head and I gasped when I recognize him. It's that boy from the cafeteria! How can I forget this face that has embarrassed me in front of a lot of people?

"Here." He stood up when he was able to control his breath. He handed me my paper bags!

OMG! My precious paper bags! They're back.

"It's okay. It's okay. You're all safe now." I whispered to my paper bags. Inside these are my new black Diorama bag and my Wrapped Sensation Cocktail Dress.

I picked up my other paper bags turned to leave but then the cafeteria boy stopped me.

"Hey. Aren't you going to thank me?" He asked. "I risked my life there. Did you know that i-" I cut him off.

"How much?" I cut him off.

He looked at me, confused. "All I needed was a thank you."

"A queen never bows down to a peasant." I said and turned my heels and walked into the opposite direction.

While talking to myself, I didn't recognize that he is walking beside me now. So I stopped walking and I faced him.

"Excuse me, Mr. I don't know the name of." He stopped walking too and faced me. "Are you stalking me?" I pointed it out bluntly.

He smirked. "I'm waiting for my sincere THANK YOU. Why would I even stalk you?" He placed his hands inside his pocket.

"Because duh? I'm Penelope?" I asked, but the next think he did totally caught me off guard.

He bent his head down and placed his head closer to mine. He's only inches apart and one wrong move, He'll be able to kiss me! 

WHAT'S UP WITH THIS GUY?

I slowly moved backwards. I can feel my sweat running down my head and my hands are turning cold. 

WHAT IS HE DOING?

Then after staring at me, he moved back and stood properly. First, he smiled a little, then all of a sudden, he was laughing so hard! Like he's really, really laughing so loud right now. 

SERIOUSLY? I DON'T GET WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE.

"Why are you laughing?" I glared at him.

He laughed louder and then suddenly when he's done, he's faced turned serious.

"I'm sorry. It's just that many people says you're famous but I don't even know you exist." He placed his right hand in his neck like he's regretting what he just said. 

WELL, HE REALLY SHOULD!

"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"  I heard what he said but since I'm kind enough, I'm giving him the chance to change it.

"I said, you're a 'nobody' to me." Anger spread all over my system so I dropped my paper bags, and slapped him. Hard!

"AWW! What was that for?" He asked rubbing the spot where I slapped him.

"You deserve that! I'm not a nobody nor anybody. I'm Penelope and you have no right to tell that to me! I can only please one person per day. And you know what? Today is not your day and tomorrow doesn't look good either." I picked up my paper bags. 

Why am even talking to this stranger?

"Look, I'm sorry-"

I cut him off again, "Is that all you can always say? SORRY?"

He slightly opened his mouth to say something but closed it again.

Then after a few seconds, I saw a familiar car coming towards us. Thank God, It's Manong Rod. Just perfect timing! 

I can't stand being with this guy! I can't believe how he can be so confidently rude in front of my face when other people can't even face me!

I opened the back seat when he held my arm and stopped me. I looked at his hand that's holding my arm and glared at him.

"Who says you have the right to touch me?" I raised my eyebrows. He then removed his hand immediately and placed it back inside his pockets.

"Look, let me get straight to the point. Since I helped you, you have to do something for me."

I place my paper bags inside and closed the door. I leaned in the car, crossing my arms. "Do you want money?"

His eyebrows met. "No, no. I want to propose something to you."

"Whatever your proposal states, my answer is Capital N-O. No, NO!"

"Wait, can I propose my proposal first?" I rolled my eyes.

"NO." I was about to open the door, but then he pulled me towards him.

"Look, I want to make you the subject of my article. No, I need you for this article. If this article will be a success, it will be featured in the School's tabloid. Everyone will be able to read this!" He explained.

I paused and analyzed what he said. 

He is going to feature me? Meaning, everyone will be able to read it and of course, everything will be about me! This will help me with my CQ campaign! Yes, that's right. This is what I need right now. Something new!

"DEAL!" I handed my hand to him. I don't care about whether it's clean or not. I'm just too overwhelmed! 

I mean, this is something a CQ candidate never did before! An exclusive feature article about me? Interesting!

"WAIT, ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" He asked, shock was spread all over his face.

"Do you want it or not?" I asked.

"WELL! YES! OF COURSE, YES!" He shook my hand, "DEAL!"

"Meet me at my house tomorrow. 1 pm. Let's start my article tomorrow." I told me.

"Hey, it's my article!" He corrected and I just rolled my eyes again. 

I ignorned him,  opened the backseat door and climbed inside.

"Let's go, Manong." Then he started the car.

I can't believe it! 

Just a few minutes ago, I was having a problem about how will I find people who will help me with my campaign and then suddenly, the answer came to me. Literally!

Things are starting to get exciting!