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16: Portrait
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Ruthless Addiction 17: Realization
The loud ringing of my phone woke me up. I rolled my eyes and punched the phone somewhere. It's the first day of christmas break for pete's sake. Why do I even have an early caller? Is this even urgent?I opened my eyes lazily, also closed my eyes immediately to see who was calling. I held the phone to my ear."Happy eighteenth birthday, Audrey!"I almost threw away the phone because of the strength of Janice’s scream. I muttered a curse. I even forgot it's the day. The only thing I worried about last night was the break and I didn't have to think about school works. I forgot it."Uh, thanks ..." I said hoarsely and tried to get up."I know we'll meet later at the bistro, but I just want to be the first to greet you.""I received advance greetings days ago. Ate also has an advance. So you're not the first greeter," I said and arranged my hair."Whatever. I was just the first to greet the day! There's a difference!""That makes no difference, Janice.""It's up to you. Anyway, it's good
Ruthless Addiction 18: Found her
I was right. I just need a break to forget that. I occupied myself about other things, eventually also lost in my mind. And maybe I analyzed my feelings the wrong way. Maybe I was so fond of him, I thought I was starting to develop weird sentiments. It's impossible that I have something for him. For sure it's just the loneliness, to fill the void, I convinced myself so bad.Mommy didn't stop me from spending my break in Ate's house. In Pampanga I spent Christmas and the new year. I received messages from Rustov during those days. I thought that was normal, so I let it go. I didn't reply at his every text, though. Aside from the fact that I don’t always hold the phone, I feel like I need to distance myself from him a bit."What course will you take?" Ate Diana asked while we're eating. It's one of those days Klyde is away for business matters. Though, I’m not convinced of that.I looked at Zach who was straining to reach for the glass of water. I gave him a drink first before answering
Ruthless Addiction 19: Is he jealous?
"Here's your Sazerac, Miss," the bartender once went downstairs to drink.I turned there. My hand grows cold as I touch the glass. The hammering in my chest was distracting. I knew he would come to me but I tried to ignore you. I sipped on my drink. On my second gulp, a hand suddenly grabbed the glass."What the ..." my voice faded midway.Rustov's unforgiving eyes looked at me with anger etched on it. He looked down at the drink for a moment before it landed and stared at me darkly."What are you doing?" I asked angrily."I think I should be the one asking that, Audrey. Drinking hard liquors alone, seriously?""So what? What if I'm drinking alone? What's the problem with that?"His mouth tightened. He's so pissed now."Let's talk outside," he said sternly, briefly glancing at the bartender.I raised an eyebrow at him."Why are we talking? There's no need for a talk, Rustov."One more than a pulse I got up from the bar stool. With the stiffness of his grip I could not lie down when he
Ruthless Addiction 20: Dining with him
Our friendship was healthy, I thought. In the days that followed we went back to normal. Sometimes, we study in the library together and he shares his knowledge about the topics I find hard. Every Saturday I visit them and we go to the Dales.I didn't deal too much on my negative thoughts. I’m happy when he’s with me and that’s what matters."You did it wrong, Audrey," he said. It's one of those days that he checks to see if I did the assignment right.I sniffed and looked at the sea ahead. For some reason, Dales became our favorite place. Maybe because it's peaceful here."It's hard. I got confused ..." I said."I'll do it. Just study it later," he said."Okay!" I smiled at him.I watched him do that, very seriously. I can't help but admire how he can be so passionate about studies. Until the end, I just focused my attention on him. I watched how his eyes drifted to me after. My heart was pounding. But still, I managed to smile."Thank you," I said."You're welcome."I stood up and t
Ruthless Addiction 21: Heartache
"What did the woman say to you?" I immediately asked Rustov when he returned to the table with our food.Pure grilled and dish there, with pork and chicken barbeque. He landed some mango juice for me and water as well. I watched him as he put all the necessary things in our table. When he finished, he placed the tray in the adjacent container."It's just nothing," he replied."She's pretty. Do you know her?"He turned to me, his gaze weighing. His lips protruded a bit as he shook his head."Did she want you to join them? Or maybe she asked for a number?"He smirked."She asked for my number," he admits.I fell silent and the taste was bitter. But I think that's normal. He's attractive, it's only natural that there are women who spontaneously approach him, including those hot and mature girls."Then? You gave it to her?""Did you see me scribble my number?" His brow shot up.I fell silent. If in matter. But ..."Maybe you gave your facebook account or something, since it's more accessi
Ruthless Addiction 22: A date to decide
The thought of the kiss is stirring my mind, giving me a hard time to think straight. In grief and anger, I stepped fast, almost running. I walked away from the tents, walking straight away from the quadrangle until I reached the row of kiosk benches. Quiet and no one there.It was unreasonable to get mad, right! But I still couldn't help but get angry. He didn't want the kiss, I consoled myself. He wasn't even expecting it on the first place. But my irrationality is prevailing because of too much anger for everything that happened.And that bitch! The courage to kiss her even if she's not her boyfriend!But he isn't your boyfriend too, Audrey. So why are you angry?I closed my eyes and cursed. What now? I'm not straying too far from the boundaries like what that girl did! The thickness of the kiss looks like he doesn't want to!"Audrey!"I panicked when I heard his voice. I didn't have to look back to make sure he was following me. I quickly went to the kiosks, intending to go to any
Ruthless Addiction 23: Breaking rules
Lots of people in the quadrangle we went down, high school students mostly. Though, there are also colleges. Some were even watching us from the corridors of the buildings. Someone yelled my name like a signal and they created a pathway for me. In the middle I saw Daryl, a grade twelve who was also famous at school.I didn't feel anxious or anything. It just didn’t happen once. For some reason, the boys from the high society here tend to love surprises like this. Also because maybe most women like such gimmicks. But I just don't feel anything for this kind of stunts. So to finish it, I walked over to Daryl.He was holding a huge bouquet of flower with his friends at his back holding balloons and raising a banner with "Will you be my date?" written on it.Everyone around shouted. I love surprises. But I appreaciate it better if it's not in the eyes of public. It used to be like this to me, they just want to show off. And when the answer is right, they'll feel like they got the trophy t
Ruthless Addiction 24: Nervous
Staring at him deeply, little by little, I slowly began to understand everything. I rejected him not because I don't like him on that level. I was afraid. I was so afraid to break my own principles. I was afraid that I might end up being enslaved by my emotions. I was afraid I'd end up getting consumed by that feeling. I put him on the pedestal because that’s what I think is right. I let my mind control everything that I ended up lying to myself.I'm afraid that once I gamble, I won't be able to give up. Because now, I realized I am very, very infatuated with him. And I fear the fate of how I feel. Because this time, I know I can't hold back anymore. I couldn't even hold it when I was still in denial, how much more now that I finally accepted that I do like him?"You chose your clothes?" Rustov asked as he raised his hand behind my back. I shivered when I felt the warmth of his hand against my bare skin."Mommy did ..." I said almost mutely."Are you comfortable with it, though?"I co
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Ruthless Addiction 32: Goodbye
I was greeted by facilitators entering the seminar venue. I saw many acquaintances before. Mommy's friends were even there. Even though the smile was formal at me, I could see the judgment in their eyes. I understand it. It's been like that these years."It's good that your business is up and running, hija?" An older woman with a cunning look smiled at me. Her air wasn't friendly at all."That's good. Tito Demitri's expertise in business was a great help.""Oh! If so, it's true that you're marrying the second successor of Salamedas?"What?Even before I could recover, another elder approached. I never had a chance to answer the question because they had a new topic. I just excused myself and found a chair.The seminar was held in a five star hotel. My plan would have been to just book there so I wouldn't have to travel. But Kirk's offer is also okay. I really need to reduce the cost especially and more will be needed in the factory. So it's reasonable.There is a little more program b
Ruthless Addiction 31: Moved on
After talking to the principal, I left his office. I took a deep breath and turned down the pathway out through the row of doors. One more turn and I saw who was waiting for me at the corridor.Frowning and frowning, Zach kicked the plastic bottle at his feet. His hair was a bit messy and there was still a stain on his uniform. He was staring darkly at the bottle, looking so pissed. When he looked up at me, his expression softened and he straightened up."I'm sorry about it, Tita."I approached and adjusted the folding of his collar."I told you, didn't I? I don't want you to get into a fight, Zach. You shouldn't have punched that kid.""But I was pissed!"I stared at him."About what? Because he teased you about being an orphan?""No. I'm not pissed about that because that's true. I'm pissed because he called you crazy!"I sighed."And you know that I'm not, right?"He averted his gaze. "Of course."My life felt like hell after Ate Diana's death. I can't talk. I can't eat. I didn’t e
Ruthless Addiction 30: Downfall
"Ma'am, let's go home," said Kuya Edu who looked up at the black car.I nodded tiredly. I felt drained."You're here to ride, Ma'am. I'll just return the SUV."I got into the backseat. I leaned back and blinked emphatically. By the way, even before Kuya Edu started the car, my cellphone rang loudly. I haven't even looked at who called and you just answered with your eyes closed."Hello, Audrey ..."I was shocked to hear Kirk's voice. But his voice was kind of strained."What is it?""They're in the hospital Ate Diana.""W-What?" I was startled. The pain I was feeling was replaced with so much fear."What the fuck are you saying, Kirk?""Velez Hospital. Come here. I will explain everything to you," he said seriously."There's a chopper going there. You can use that to come here.""W-What's going on? Is Ate okay? Zach and Sia? Are they fine? Answer me!""I think it's better if you see it for yourself."I cut the line and immediately ordered Kuya Edu to hurry back to the mansion. I was j
Ruthless Addiction 29: Agonizing pain
"A-What are you saying, Rustov?" my voice rose in spite of the painful lump in my throat. I was shocked, hurt and frustrated."You didn't call me back! You didn't reply to my texts! Then that's what you're going to say now? What kind of a jerk are you, huh?" I tried to steady my voice but in the end, it also screamed.He did not say a word, his gaze dark. My tears are flowing but he just stared at me ruthlessly, immobile and cold.I wanted to slap him and hurt him but I was too weak. I was lost these past days. I'm hurt and tired. He was the first person I expected to hug me in the midst of pain, how could he himself be able to hurt me like this?"Call me whatever you want, Audrey. But this is the best for both of us–""How can you say that it's the best for me when I'm hurting ?!""Should I be responsible for your feelings?"My lips parted. His words stung."W-We both committed this relationship! So why not?"He averted his eyes and his mouth tightened."Look, we've already talked ab
Ruthless Addiction 28: Break up
"Is it true that you're in a relationship with Rustov Melgarejo, Audrey ?!" Mommy's voice echoed throughout the study.I just got home and my housemate told me she was waiting for me at the study. I was no longer surprised that he found out and why he reacted this way. Mommy is a socialite with never ending prejudices for the people below us."It's true," I replied coldly.Her brows furrowed, eyes widening in shock, disdain and anger. I saw how his hand trembled as he laid the champagne flute on the table. Her unforgiving eyes were screaming for many hurtful words."What are you thinking, Audrey ?! I thought Imelda's son just made a mistake, but now you're here, admitting that it's true! This is unbelievable! How did that become your boyfriend? A bastard and slap-""Don't call him that!""Why? It's true that he's a bastard! He's a disgrace to the Melgarejos so he's just rubbish! If you just like Melgarejo too, you should have picked Orio or Thiago! I taught you to be a woman with clas
Ruthless Addiction 27: I thought
"Look at you. Its cute!" at the same time I will show the picture of baby Sia to Rustov.I've been with Ate for the whole semester break and I'll just be back. I couldn't go while he was in labor so I was a little guilty. Besides that, I also plan to tell him about Klyde's girlfriend Sia for a few months now. I had a lot of chances to tell her, but I just couldn't keep up. She seemed very happy, I don't have the courage to spoil her happiness."Yeah. She's cute and pretty," Rustov said. We sat under a coconut tree, in front of their plantation."That's because her aunt is pretty."His eyes drifted at me. He tilted his head and stared at me intently. Then, his lips curved into a mischievous smile."Why? You don't agree?""You're beautiful, of course ..." he said softly.I stifled a smile."Who's prettier than Kiara and me, then?"He groaned."You don't have to compare yourself to her, Audrey. That's just my friend.""Right. I already know that. I'm just asking. Why, is it bad? Why don'
Ruthless Addiction 26: Too young
June when class started. High school is two weeks ahead of college so for two weeks Rustov always picks me up. By the way, when their class started, he couldn't take me anymore. We have different schedules. And often, his class was until five or six o'clock while my dismissal was always at four o'clock.I insisted that I could just wait for him so that at least we could go home together. But he don't like the idea of me waiting for him. I got dismayed of the new situation. However, he consoled me that we can meet during Saturdays, if we are both idle. And we can meet sometimes in school, too. At lunch breaks and if there is vacant time. Even if it was a little against my will, I couldn't do anything.Janice and I were in the cafeteria with a few classmates to discuss a group work while eating. The question didn't just enter my brain because the eyes were on the other table. Rustov was there with friends, and of course Kiara. I was bothered a bit. I think we should have just been tog
Ruthless Addiction 25: Should change
"You did well ..."I sniffed and held back a smile. I averted my face and looked out to sea. It was Friday, so we had a little time to talk. We headed straight to the Dales after class. Though, I got conscious thinking that maybe he noticed how tensed I was during the oral defense."Really?" my sarcastic question.He nodded, suppressing a smile."Your smirks made me feel like you were secretly mocking me.""I wasn't ... I was just ... amazed."I raised an eyebrow at him and ambushed him to stand but he just pulled me closer to him. Now I'm sitting in between his legs. He was behind me as I was slightly tilted."Don't lie to me. I was so nervous before! I'm sure I didn't look amazing at all! Maybe you're silently making fun of me in your head!"He laughed and shook his head."And what, your question is just simple! I told you don't be easy on me. I want it harder!""Harder?" he echoed softly."Yes! Why, don't you think I can handle it, huh?"Her eyes darkened, there was a ghost of a sm
Ruthless Addiction 24: Nervous
Staring at him deeply, little by little, I slowly began to understand everything. I rejected him not because I don't like him on that level. I was afraid. I was so afraid to break my own principles. I was afraid that I might end up being enslaved by my emotions. I was afraid I'd end up getting consumed by that feeling. I put him on the pedestal because that’s what I think is right. I let my mind control everything that I ended up lying to myself.I'm afraid that once I gamble, I won't be able to give up. Because now, I realized I am very, very infatuated with him. And I fear the fate of how I feel. Because this time, I know I can't hold back anymore. I couldn't even hold it when I was still in denial, how much more now that I finally accepted that I do like him?"You chose your clothes?" Rustov asked as he raised his hand behind my back. I shivered when I felt the warmth of his hand against my bare skin."Mommy did ..." I said almost mutely."Are you comfortable with it, though?"I co
