The insides of the house was clean, that was the first thing I noticed. The furnitures are made of wood, mostly. There are a few picture frames hanging on the wall. There are also Rustov awards since elementary. He is really excellent when it comes to academics.I don’t even know how he manages to balance acads and sports. He was into basketball during high school. I keep track of her games because Janice is always watching and she always takes me with her.He was good so eventually in senior high, he became team captain. While in college, rugby football was played. We can only watch once because of the class. And based on what I have seen, he's really good at it.I realized how much we differed from the state. I am not active in any sports. I am not in the honor roll, either. And thinking of it now, I realized the only thing I had with him was wealth. The amount I lack. If I don't have my parents' money, I have nothing, no one would bother respect me. While him ... he don't need mone
"Is Thiago busy too?" I asked Rustov as our staff unloaded the leathers.He nodded. "Every summer and there are only occasions when they come home."Well, I've heard of that. His two siblings are both studying in Manila so he only came home once. I've known those two since I was a kid. As often as seen at social gatherings. When they were in high school, they left Manila for maybe a bigger university."Let's go to the office first. I prepared a snack," I said and glanced at the workers."Okay," he replied low.“Ate Dulce,” I called. "You're here first."She nodded. I was ahead of the walk. Some of our female workers drifted their eyes at my back. I knew immediately what they were looking at. I was about to tell them to focus on their works, but I restrained myself. I might just look worse.Entering the office, I gestured to him the chair. There is food ready on the small table in the middle."I thought your Mommy was going to meet me," he said as he sat down."Same as I thought it wou
I don’t remember when I invited a guy out. But I really want to try that kind of event again. And I only have one person in mind that I'm comfortable with except for Janice and Enzo. Just Rustov. He's not my type of company but passable.I don't know when I started feeling comfortable around him. Maybe in our little interactions. Although I know he has his own judgments of me, he doesn't treat me badly so it's okay.Rustov:What? Go out? Are you drunk, Audrey?I stopped looking for something to wear.Me:There seems to be a party in town tonight. I want to come and I want you to accompany me.His reply took a while. I had already chosen what to wear when he texted again.Rustov:I can't be with you. I'll be with my friends.I stopped and sat down on the ottoman, disappointed. I can already choose what to wear and after all, he won't let me? He knew I had no one else to be with! And what? He will be with his friends and that girl? Maybe there's something really in them?I threw the dre
I can’t count how many times I’ve been depreciated after the oral recitation in accounting. Just the first day back of class there was a surprise recitation right away. I wasn't expecting it! I hate that old hag. Must review first before recit! I didn’t read any notes during the whole break so I couldn’t answer. I got a zero."That's okay, Drey," Janice consoled me."If I could tell Mommy to get rid of it?""Nevermind."I sighed and walked out of the room. To my annoyance, I almost shouted at the group of men who had gathered in the corridor and almost pushed on the road. They're from the other section, maybe.I would have passed by when someone had the courage to call me. Janice kissed me. I closed my eyes firmly before turning around."What?" I asked, glaring.Kabadong laughed one. "Uh, our friend would have given it to me ..."I turned to the man he was carrying. The boy looks very boyish. Tall, lean and angelic. Enter the standards of being handsome for me. But do we need more bac
He did not ask anything about what had happened. But with his dark look, I know. He wanted to know what happened. But he won't force me to say anything. He wanted me to speak for myself. Because he respects my silence. He respects my privacy."In Mom's room you sleep," Rustov said.I combed my hair with my fingers. He showed me his mother's room. Not as big as mine but tidy and organized enough for a one night stay. He arranged the sheets and pillows while I just stood there on the side.I wonder if her Mama is here and will let me sleep in their house? I mean, they're not responsible for me and I'm not related to them in any way. But maybe that will be allowed as well. Tita Gracia is a good person. I'm sure she will also do what her son is doing. After all, Rustov and I can be called friends, can't we? So it's okay?"Is it okay for Tita to have someone else sleep in her room?"He turned to me. "I'll tell her tomorrow. She will understand.""Okay," I nodded."Take a rest." Then he wen
Instead of looking at the paper, I looked up at Rustov's face and stopped there. He was solving the problem seriously while I can't even understand what are those digits he's putting on my paper for. We were at their house because he promised to help me with some homework. Though, I don't think I'm doing anything here but stare at him."Did you get it, Audrey?"I sighed. Lazily, I looked back at the yellow paper. That's a pure number. The sight that never failed to make my eyes sore.“You journal the entries wrong so the trial balance is also wrong,” he said."I'm confused about the entries.""You should work on that," he said softly and handed the paper to me.He stood up and turned towards the kitchen. Back then two glasses of juice and two banana cues were laid out. Tita Gracia was in the municipality because of work so we were the only two left at home."Why pineapple juice? Say I don't want that!" my complaint."Run out of mango flavor, Audrey," there was a threat in her voice."
Mommy again convinced me to attend Gov. but in the end, he didn't force me either so we just talked about my upcoming debut. She wanted to throw a big celebration, but I told her I only want a private dinner for it. He didn’t like that either, so I we ended up almost fighting in front of our food. What's the point of a big party if I don't want to be there?"What are you, Audrey. It's your debut, it should just be a grand celebration! Years ago, you told me you want a grand debut ..." said Janice who also couldn't understand the flow of my brain.“Things had changed,” I said."Maybe it's because you're rebelling against Tita that you don't like what she wants?"I sighed and looked at her."If I want a grand debut, then I will make that happen. You know me. What I want, that's what I will do. And throwing a grand celebration for my birthday isn't part of those."She sighed."What do you plan to do then? What about a short vacation abroad? Say, Paris? London?""Not anymore. A private di
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
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
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
"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
"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
"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
"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'
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
"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
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