Chapter 3

THE next day, Laura was sluggish about getting up. She still hadn’t moved on from what Astin did—proposing to her last night. And she still hadn’t told Gael what happened. She wondered what her boyfriend would think. She loved Gael. 

She jumped when her door suddenly opened, revealing a freshly-showered Astin holding a tray of food. She could only shake her head.

“Get yourself ready, or you’ll be late,” he said, placing the tray on the small side table by her bed before sitting down on the bed himself. 

She only stared at him, unable to open her mouth, still angry over his audacity. 

He was about to touch her hair, but she turned her head to avoid his hand.

“You're still mad at me,” he said, looking her in the eye. 

She looked away and asked, “What do you expect? Be happy with your impulsiveness?” Her tone was laced with sadness. “Just leave me alone for a while, Astin. Please?” she added softly. 

He had no intention of leaving. “I came here to feed you, so why would I leave?” he replied.

She glanced at him, seeing the seriousness in his eyes.

“Please, Astin. Just give me a little space. Don’t worry, I won’t allow myself to starve. My father still needs me. So please, leave me alone,” she said firmly.

She heard his deep sigh. He looked at her with sadness in his eyes, but he didn’t say another word and quietly left her room.

Seeing his sad face, she felt a pang of guilt. She searched her own heart but still couldn’t find any romantic feelings for Hernandez.

She pulled the tray closer and began eating, smiling a little when she saw the ketchup on the plate shaped like a heart with his name on it. She wished Gael would do things like that for her. But a voice inside her mind was screaming that she actually liked what Astin did this morning.

She quickly ate and got ready to head to school. As she was going downstairs, she ran into Astin in the hallway. It seemed he was about to head to her room. He looked her over before speaking.

“Let’s go,” he said, guiding her along.

He closely tied their hands, and just as she started to pull hers away, she noticed Astin’s mother stepping out of the dining room, smiling warmly at them, so she returned the smile.

“Good morning, children!” She greeted them both.

“Good morning, Tita Kendra," Laura replied with a smile.

“Oh no, dear, just call me Mama Kendra. Better yet, just Mama," she said, making Laura hesitate.

That’s right, she remembered—they were engaged now. She glanced at Astin, who was smiling.

"M-Mama Kendra," she repeated.

Kendra smiled sweetly and kissed her cheek before turning to Astin.

“Drive safely, son,” she reminded him.

“I will, Ma. Since I’m driving with the woman I love,” he replied tenderly, looking at Laura.

She gave him a tight-lipped smile, making sure Kendra didn’t notice.

Astin guided her toward the door. But before they reached it, he turned to his mother, now seated on the couch.

“Bye, Ma. I love you!” he called out when they reached the door.

“I love you too, son!” she responded while watching TV.

Laura felt a twinge of envy. If only her own mother were still alive, maybe they’d be like this, too. She sighed.

Astin helped her get into the car, even fastening her seatbelt before circling around to the driver’s side. She remained silent throughout the drive, while Astin kept reminding her to focus on her studies. Yet he was the one who’d disrupted her life as a student. He wanted to marry her immediately.

When they arrived at the university, Astin opened her door, even unbuckling her seatbelt since he wanted to, so she let him. She found herself just going along with it all.

“Tell Gael that we’re getting married. I need an update later, okay?” he said, quickly giving her a peck on the lips.

She nodded before getting out of the car.

She was caught off guard when he pulled her in for a hug.

“I love you,” he whispered.

She frowned at his words.

When she didn’t respond, he immediately let her go, smiling warmly at her, as though it didn’t bother him that she hadn’t reciprocated. He waved at her as she looked back, realising he was still there, probably waiting for her to go inside. She hid near the guardhouse and watched until his car finally left. She felt sorry for him. Gael was who she wanted. If only she could teach her heart.

Assured that Astin was gone, she made her way to the library. She had a book to return and still had time before her first class. After returning the book, she went to her usual spot outside to get some fresh air.

She was still figuring out how to tell Gael about her situation. She couldn’t bear to leave him just like that. Yet she owed so much to Astin’s family. First, they helped her father when he was imprisoned, shortening his sentence. Second, the Hernandez family paid for her schooling. Third, they even reclaimed their land and house in Caramoan.

It seemed like marrying Astin would be a fair way to repay them. It wouldn’t be hard to love him. She did care about him, though not in an intimate way. If he weren’t so mischievous, perhaps she would have admired him. He was handsome enough and popular with other girls at their university when he was still studying. He was even her friend Asia Jade’s ultimate crush, but to Laura, he was like an older brother.

She recalled her first day at the Hernandez home and Astin’s antics that had annoyed her then and still do to this day.

*Flashback*

“Yes!” shouted Astin excitedly when he saw them.

Laura could hear Astin's voice clearly through the window. She had already seen him as her aunt Kendra’s car pulled into the gate. She knew her childhood friend was thrilled about her arrival; he’d been pestering his mother earlier, repeatedly asking where they were. She knew he’d just end up teasing her once they met.

After a moment, Astin disappeared from the window, likely coming downstairs to wait for them inside.

She will be starting school here soon. She hadn’t really wanted to move to Manila, but it was also what her father had wanted. If she stayed home, she’d be alone, with no one there to guide her. Her father trusted Aunt Kendra deeply, which is why she was here now.

She followed her aunt as she opened the grand front door.

Astin welcomed his mother with a warm smile as soon as he saw her walk in. The teenage boy walked over to his mom.

“Behave,” she whispered, but Laura could hear it as Astin embraced his mother.

Laura hid a smile. She knew her aunt was aware of how cheeky Astin could get, especially around her. He had hinted at his interest in her multiple times, but she ignored him because they were still too young. Instead of feeling flattered, she was often annoyed. Instead of falling for him, she’d grown increasingly irked by his persistence. He constantly proclaimed that he’d marry her someday, saying she was the only one he’d marry, sometimes even declaring, “You’re mine.” It was his possessiveness that bothered her the most. Even when they were kids, he would claim anything he liked as his own.

“I will, Mama!” Astin replied with a grin.

As his mother let go of the hug, she turned to Laura.

“Come on in, dear,” she welcomed warmly.

“Hi, Laura!” said Astin as she stood in front of him.

She gave a slight bow out of respect, since he was a year older than her.

He was about to hug her when his mother’s voice rang out.

“Astin!” she called firmly, stopping him.

Astin’s handsome face scrunched in disappointment, understanding his mom’s unspoken message.

“Too bad,” he said with a pout.

The young man smiled at his mother, then sat on the sofa with his arms crossed.

Her aunt led her up the stairs, presumably to the room where she would be staying.

As she passed Astin, she greeted him, not wanting him to think she was snobbish, especially since she was now living under their roof. She had no right to be rude, and she needed to be respectful to everyone in the Hernandez household.

“Hello,” she said softly with a smile before following her aunt, who was already a few steps ahead.

“Welcome, by the way. See you later when Mom leaves,” Astin said, intentionally making sure his mom heard. Aunt Kendra only rolled her eyes before going up the stairs. She heard Astin chuckle, and she shook her head. He hadn’t changed—still teasing everyone, even his mother. That was just Astin, even when they were little.

Laura quickly put her clothes away in the closet in her room. She looked around, noticing how lovely and clean it was. It wasn’t a guest room; as far as she knew, this was supposed to be the room for Aunt Kendra and Uncle Kent’s third child. Her aunt had a miscarriage and hadn’t had another child, but despite that, their family remained happy. Laura envied them for still being complete. She had high regard for her aunt’s way of raising her children. Aunt Kendra treated her with the same care, showing her the same motherly warmth.

Kendra was like a second mother to her. After her mom passed away, Aunt Kendra really stepped in. She initially thought Kendra was joking about bringing her to Manila to study, but now, here she was. She was once just a family friend, but now she was her guardian and the only person she had left.

After her father lost in the election, he became depressed, even facing corruption charges. She didn’t believe any of the accusations, as he had been transparent during his service as Caramoan’s mayor. With his depression, he turned to illegal substances and eventually lost everything, even their livelihood. He went to rehab last year, encouraged by Aunt Kendra, who likely used her as a reason to persuade him. She knew her father would listen to her, as he had once been in love with her. She felt deep pity for her father. He was all she had, but he was no longer with her. She was determined that once she had the power and courage, she would clear his name and help him return to public service—if that’s what he wanted. And she’d make sure those who wronged them would pay.

Now, she is staying in Astin’s home. Aunt Kendra had one simple request: not to entertain Astin’s naughtiness. Her aunt fully approved of her as long as they both focused on finishing their studies first. She laughed when her aunt said that. Besides, she had no romantic interest in him. He was more like a brother to her.

She used to call him “Kuya Astin” because he was older, but he hated it, insisting she would one day be his wife. The nerve! Sometimes he gave her chills. It felt strange; his mom was practically a second mother to her, and now he wanted to be her husband? They were like siblings; how could he think she’d be his wife?

She recalled his face earlier. He seemed annoyed, knowing he’d wanted to hug her, but thankfully, his mom stopped him.

“Ate Laura!” She looked at the door as it suddenly opened.

It was Andrea, or Andy, as they called her. This one was also mischievous, so the siblings often bickered when together.

Andrea quickly ran over to her, and she hugged her as soon as she got close.

“I missed you, Andy!” She said.

“I missed you too, Ate Laura! You’re so beautiful! How can I become more like you?" she said adorably.

“Oh, no, you’re even prettier, I promise!” Laura replied, pinching her rosy cheeks.

“Hmmp, Kuya said I’m only cute!” she pouted.

“Are you seriously trusting your brother again? All he ever does is tease you.”

"He said that you're the only pretty one, and I'm just cute," she relayed.

Laura laughed at what Andy said. Soon after, she excused herself since she had to go to school; she was on the afternoon schedule.

That evening, she enjoyed a delightful dinner. Andy led the prayer and entertained them. Andy shows them her singing and dancing skills, where she is good at it. It was the first time in a while she’d felt so happy.

Later, as she was organising her things, she heard a knock. She peered through the peephole.

 She furrowed her brow upon seeing Astin. What was he doing there again? She checked her watch—it was already 10 p.m. She had no intention of opening the door. He’d probably just annoy her, she figured.

She was about to sit on the floor to continue what she was doing when she heard the click of the lock. She quickly lay on her bed, wrapped herself in a blanket, and pretended to be asleep. Astin was so persistent; the door had been locked, yet he still opened it. She figured he must have used a key.

She heard his footsteps approaching. He sat on the edge of the bed first, with her back turned to him. A moment later, the bed shifted again as he stood. She assumed he was leaving, but to her surprise, she felt him settle closer to where she lay.

 She wasn’t sure if he was looking at her. She swallowed when she felt his breath on her cheek. After a moment, she felt his lips on her cheek.

“Good night, my love,” he whispered.

 She wanted to open her eyes to look at him, but she restrained herself, holding her breath, afraid he might notice. Finally, she heard him walking away. Once she heard the door close, she exhaled deeply, sitting up and looking at the door.

After finishing her unpacking, she went to sleep.

The following morning, she was awakened by a shift on her bed. She was lying on her back, sensing someone had sat on her right side. She didn’t know who it was. She froze when she felt a quick kiss on her lips, and right after that kiss, she heard Andy’s voice from the doorway.

“You’re in trouble with Mom,” Andy said softly to Astin.

“Shhh, be quiet, or you might wake Laura!” Astin whispered irritably to his sister, then got off the bed.

She heard them walk away, and as soon as they were gone, she opened her eyes.

“That Astin really is such a jerk!" she muttered, wiping her lips in annoyance.

***

Her thoughts were interrupted by a tap on her shoulder.

“Hey, you've been lost in thought for ages!”

She turned to see her friend, who was busy brushing her hair.

“Have you been here long?” she asked.

“Yep!” I thought you were listening, but you were just daydreaming. Is something wrong? I heard from Andy that Papa Astin already proposed to you,” her friend teased, causing her to freeze. Andy was such a blabbermouth. She just shook her head.

She nodded sadly to her friend.

“Does Gael know about this? Oh, Bestie, you’re in a tough spot. There can only be one choice. And pick Gael for me, so I can have Papa Astin,” her friend joked. Asia is infatuated with Astin ever since.

“It wasn't that simple. Why don't you try to seduce Astin?” she spoke absentmindedly. “I’ll even help you,” she said with conviction.

“You’re out of your mind! He didn’t even want me ever since, even friends. Have you forgotten? He threw me into their pool when I confessed my feelings. Damn it! Next time, he might shove me off a cliff. Oh, I love my life, Bestie,” her friend chuckled. Then, growing serious, she looked at her intently. “Are you sure you don’t feel anything special for Papa Astin? I mean, he’s pretty irresistible! Not even a little?” she asked, holding her thumb and forefinger close together.

She just stared at her friend.

“He kissed me,” she admitted.

“And?” Feeling excited.

“I kissed him back,” she replied softly.

“Oh my God, Laura! Do you know what that means? You like him too!” her friend squealed, making her frown.

“You are so superficial, Bestie. One kiss, and you think I’m supposed to like him? Oh, please.  It’s Gael, whom I love,” she said, standing up.

“Sure, keep denying it. Just admit it. Papa Astin is a good kisser, isn’t he?” her friend teased, poking her side.

“Knock it off, Asia!” Laura said irritably, walking away.

Her friend followed, grinning. Laura quickened her pace, but Asia kept up with her.

“So, who's the better kisser—Gael or Papa Astin?” Asia asked with a curious smile as they walked down the hallway.

“Asia Jade Dixon!” she snapped, turning around and raising her voice. She knew that saying her friend’s full name would get her to stop.

 Giggling, Asia zipped her lips as they entered their classroom.

Laura smiled when she saw Gael seated at his desk. Her eyes landed on the flowers placed on her chair. When Gael noticed her, he stood up and met her halfway, holding the flowers from her seat.

“Happy birthday, Love,” he said with a smile. The whole room buzzed with excitement and teasing.

Just as she was about to take the flowers, someone yanked them away. She turned annoyed and met Astin’s dark expression. Her heart pounded at his intense look. She noticed his clenched fists and immediately faced him.