Chapter 27: Parting WaysBrandon’s P.O.VI felt a dab of something cold on my jaw, and it startled me into looking up at the person in front of me, only to find Faith hovering over me with a cloth in her hand, cleaning up the blood from the corner of my lips.How had it come to this? How had one word from this woman turned me into a mess? How had she been able to bring back memories that I had long buried deep inside the vaults in my mind?I had thought I was past that stage. I had been able to survive that year, get past all my foolish mistakes…crawled back out of the black hole that had swept me under after my mother’s suicide…But one word from Faith had undone everything I had been trying to hold on to for the last year.I had become the same person I was, the person who sought out unnecessary fights and the person who had lost all will to live.But even then, I had remembered to remove myself from Faith’s presence, because somewhere in the back of my head, I had been aware that i
Chapter 28: Figuring it OutFaith’s P.O.VDebby opened the door to her house with a pensive expression. “It didn’t work out?”I shook my head, holding back tears with sheer strength of will.“Oh, baby! Come here.” She opened her arms wide for me and I didn’t waste any time wrapping my arms around her tightly, seeking comfort from the only friend I had in this unknown town, faraway from the place I once called home.The tears came easily this time and I couldn’t help the heartbreaking sobs that made its way past my lips as I buried my head in Debby’s shoulders.I don’t know why I was suddenly missing my home so, so much. Missing my mother’s comforting hugs and my father’s warmth and support. They hadn't been the kind of people who often gave me physical affirmations of love, and as I had grown up, I had required less and less of those physical contacts, but occasionally, a kiss on the forehead from my mother when I was going out for a tough test, or a pat on the head from my father whe
Chapter 29: Dangerous GamesFaith’s P.O.V“Faith…first of all…how about you try and figure out, why, after whatever happened between you and Brandon today to make you cry like that…you still want to help him out?”Why?I didn’t have an answer to that. Even after Debby asked me that question…I couldn’t find the answer no matter how long I tried to think about it. And the only answer I could find made me sound like a girl desperate for attention.I didn’t want things to end between Brandon and me…whatever this was between us…I wanted it, I needed it.So the first thing I did as soon as I separated from Debby after reaching the campus grounds…was to go in search for Brandon.I looked for him in the cafeteria first, but he wasn’t there, which I had expected because he wasn’t usually here this early. So I went to the parking area and the locker rooms as well. I was well aware that I had no ideas of all the possible places where Brandon could be at and neither did I know which classes he to
Chapter 30: Sweet AddictionFaith’s P.O.V“How much longer are you planning on hiding from me, Little Mouse?”I gasped in a sharp breath, trying my best to make sure I didn’t make a noise, but it wasn’t possible any longer.My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest, it was beating so fast. I could hear the sound of it made in my ears.“Faith.”This time, his voice sounded more like a warning and I found that I had no choice but to show myself to him now.What was the point to pretend to hide when he already knew that I was here? And how did he even find out about me? Did he see me sneak away when I opened the door?But no matter what the reason…I was already caught. So I removed my hands from my mouth, noticing how my palms were sweating as I got even more nervous by the second…and I stepped out from behind the wall…only to have the biggest jump-scare of my life when I saw Brandon standing only a few feet away from me.He raised his eyebrows questioningly, his hands tuc
Chapter 31: Sweet SurrenderFaith’s P.O.V“B-Brandon…”My voice trembled, my hands tightening on his shirt.“Tell me you want me to stop.” He whispered in my ears. “Tell me to stop and all this ends right here.”All this…ends…right here?“Tell me.” He urged. “But if you don’t…then I’ll take that as a yes.”I swallowed hard. Why was he doing this to me? Why was he making me choose like this?“Tell me…” His fingers brushed against my core over my panties, and my eyes widened in shock.A shiver ran down my spine, making me tremble all over. My legs clenched on their own, but Brandon didn’t stop. He used his fingers on me once again, running a finger down my womanhood, making me shiver involuntarily as I curled up against his chest.“If you do this…” his warm breath fanned the side of my face, my ear. “Then I’ll take it as a yes.”With that…he moved my panties aside and touched me directly, his skin coming in contact with my most private area directly.A sound escaped my lips that I could
Chapter 32: MisunderstandingsFaith’s P.O.VThree hours later, and my heart was still not steady yet.Every time someone in the hallway would look at me, it felt like they would know instantly what I had done. Even when the teacher would call me in class or someone would call my name to hand me a paper or ask for a pen…I felt unnecessarily jumpy.“What’s wrong with you?” Nik asked as she observed me with narrowed eyes during lunch. “You seem…different.”“Different, how?” I asked immediately, my voice squeaky and shrill.It made her laugh at my expression. “Relax. You look like you just did something wrong and are trying to hide it now.”My heart thrashed against my ribcage as I forced a laugh, but I felt scared at almost getting caught. I don’t even know why I was feeling like this still.“If Faith did something wrong, it was probably not being able to help some geek copy her assignment.” Debby rolled her eyes. “Even nuns have done worse, I swear!”If only she knew the truth…“Oh, but
Chapter 33: AloneFaith’s P.O.V“So…you often stay alone?”David’s sudden question caught me off-guard. “Huh?”I placed my pen down and stretched my arms above my head, giving a break to my aching muscles. I’ve been at this for quite some time now. Hopefully, after this week, I would finally be done with catching up on all my previous assignments and go back to working normally.That would mean having more time to hanging out with Debby and Nik and going to the movies with them as well as going out to the shopping mall and the beaches, like we’ve been planning to do all this time.“I asked if you have to stay alone quite often, at home I mean.” David gave me a small smile. “I heard you talking to your friend this afternoon…sorry. It’s alright if you don’t want to answer.”Him placing the question like that made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Was it really a big deal if I tell him that I’ll be home alone or not?“No…it’s…” I stuttered a little. “Just tonight. I don’t usually stay alone.”
Chapter 34: The 25 Grand Bet Faith’s P.O.V What the-what was going on? My hands instantly shot to the hand covering my mouth and I struggled to get it off of me, but to no avail. I had no idea that David was this strong…not until this moment. “What’s the hurry?” He whispered near my ears, his hot breath fanning my neck and it made me feel oddly repulsive. “After all...didn’t you say we might not get to meet each other as often after tonight? So whatever happens…I have to finish up by tonight, right?” Something was definitely very wrong! What was he even talking about? Finish up by tonight? This wasn’t like David! This wasn’t like the shy, sweet person who I befriended in the library! Who was this man? A sly smile spread on Davis’s face as he saw me struggle against him; as he saw the panic in my eyes. My heart thrashed against my ribcage as the very next instant, he was hauling me inside a dark and empty classroom, and pushing me back so hard that I almost stumbled over my fee
Chapter 101: Happy Ever AfterFaith’s P.O.V7 Years Later…“And the award for the best male in a leading role goes to…”I waited as the camera flashed to all the actors in the lineup that were nominated in the award ceremony, my anticipation at a fever pitch as I was literally at the edge of my seat, waiting for the results.But just as the host was about to announce the name of the actor…the TV screen went blank.“What the…?”I turned around to search for the remote, but even when I tried to turn it on, it didn’t work.It was only when someone cleared their throat, quite loudly, in the room, that my attention finally snapped towards the door and I found Aunt Kathy standing there with the cable in her hands and her other hand on her hip as she gave me a narrow eyes glare.“Faith…” Her voice was dead serious as she fixed me with her ‘look’.“Yes?” I grinned sheepishly.“What day is it today?” She tapped her heeled foot on the tiled floor, her light pink gown reaching her knees, the ski
Chapter 100: To the FutureFaith’s P.O.VInstead of answering me right away, he took the pendant from the trey and went behind me to place it around my neck, securing the clasp behind my back. The cool metal fell around my neck easily, and a sense of nostalgia overwhelmed me as I remembered my mother wearing it all the time.But I wasn’t allowed to dwell on the nostalgia for long since I felt his warm breath fanning my skin before I felt him lean down and place a tender kiss on my shoulder.“I didn’t want to give back the pendant…because when you weren’t with me, when we weren’t together, this was the only thing that connected me to you.” He whispered against my ear, his arms coming around me to wrap around my middle. “I threw it away once…when I thought you were too good to be with me, that I didn’t want to taint you with my darkness…and it was right here, at this very beach. But the waves gave it back to me; almost like it was fate…they didn’t want me to lose the only good thing in
Chapter 99: The PendantFaith’s P.O.VI felt my breath leave my lungs temporarily as I descended down the stairs and there he was…dressed in a black shirt with its sleeves rolled up to his elbow and black dress pants that fit him like a glove.In his hands was a humongous bouquet of red roses that looked bright and luscious, their fragrance filling the air with sweetness that felt almost like a scene out of a movie.I watched his eyes widen slightly as they landed on me, his lips parting in a small gasp, and his eyes, when they met mine, held promises that made my insides quiver with excitement and my heart almost skip a beat.In all honesty…we hadn't been intimate for a long time now, considering how we had both been through so much…but now, looking at him today, I found myself anticipating the end of the night more than the date itself.Maybe we can just forget about the date and just head to his apartment already?Brandon’s lips tilted up in a small smile and it felt like he knew e
Chapter 98: The First DateFaith’s P.O.V“Finally! Exams are over!” Nik threw her hands up in the air as she did a little ‘happy dance’ before turning to Debby and me. “Let’s go out this evening!”“Go out? Where?” I asked, raising my eyebrows skeptically.Usually, Nik’s idea of going out wasn’t the best of plans. The last time we went out together, not only did she get the wrong address, but we were thrown out of the club since none of us had fake IDs and we weren’t allowed in unless we were twenty one.Now, I watched as Debby nodded enthusiastically to Nik’s proposal, ever the supportive girlfriend…even though I was starting to worry about what trouble they were going to get into this time.“Leave me out.” I sighed, walking down the stairs to join them at the courtyard. “I’ll be heading home first.”“Why? Do you have plans already?” Debby smirked with a knowing look in her eyes.“I do.” I nodded, laughing at her expression. “Brandon asked me out on a date.”“Oh! Really!” Nik looked a
Chapter 97: A New BeginningFaith’s P.O.V“Good morning!”Startled, I looked towards the door to see Ethan poking his head in with a wide grin on his face. “How have you been?”“Ethan!” I smiled at his presence, glad to see him. “It’s good to see you. I’m getting discharged today.”“Yup. Just heard the reception discussing that.” He came forwards to stand beside the bed, where I sat already dressed in casual clothing, ready for the nurses to take me out as soon as Brandon was done with the paperwork. “How are you? Bran told me everything…about what happened yesterday.”I nodded, sad that everything had to come to this. “I’m glad everything is over now.” I told him. “And I can start over from scratch. It’s all a new beginning for all of us.”Ethan gave me a look that said that even though it was a new beginning for some of us…there were still lingering feelings left.“At least I still get to be friends with you.” He finally said with a sigh. “But if Brandon treats you bad again…I will
Chapter 96: ForgivenessFaith’s P.O.VBrandon and I faced Julia alone, Scott deciding to wait outside for the time being.Even though I wanted Brandon beside me, I didn’t show it. Neither did I tell him. Instead, I watched him take a seat on one of the couches on the opposite side of the room, far from me and Julia.I knew he was giving us space, letting me and her settle our differences. It was what was most important. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but miss his presence, his support.No matter how brave of a front I put up…I was still worried about what had transpired between him and Julia at her house.“Thank you…” Julia told me now, her eyes appearing haunted as she looked up at me tiredly. “For not complaining against me…even after everything I did…”I saw tears well up in her eyes as she swallowed hard, her emotions clearly all over the place. “Why? Why did you help me? I’ve been the shittiest person to you…I’ve bullied you, spoke badly about you…tried to steal Brandon aw
Chapter 95: Don’t Want TroubleFaith’s P.O.VI didn’t particularly like this feeling of helplessness…not at all. And I wasn’t even worried about myself at the moment.The cops stayed in the room, keeping their watchful eyes on me as if I was going to get up and jump out the window to escape them. Well…unfortunately, this wasn’t some kind of survival episode and I was definitely not into Fast and Furious. Besides, I just had a surgery!How did they expect me to escape when I was barely able to move without support?I kept looking at the clock on the wall, waiting desperately for someone, anyone, to arrive! Debby waited patiently by my side, her hand in mine a kind of reassurance that everything was going to be alright and that help was on its way.However, even though the clock seemed to tick at a snail’s pace and a minute felt like an eternity, I didn’t actually have to wait long before people started pouring into my room.First came my aunt and George, their worried faces instantly l
Chapter 94: Calling a TruceBrandon’s P.O.VThe weight of every revelation that Scott had just reveled to me came crashing down on me.How had I not noticed any of this?Julia’s parent’s getting a divorce? Julia’s mother turning into an alcoholic? Scott taking up the void that I had left in her life?How had I been so ignorant all this time?What made it worse was the fact that I didn’t remember anything from that time. The whole year, from the time my mother died, to the time that woman, my father’s secretary seduced me into sleeping with her…to the point where I was driven by my irrational hate and anger towards the rest of the world…all of it was one big blacked out blur and I could hardly remember any of it.I tried to remember the times when I had ignored Julia. When I had ignored Scott and Cole and Sagar…But all of it was a blur. N
Chapter 93: Unexpected Confrontations Brandon’s P.O.V The plain white walls of the six storied apartment building brought on a bittersweet avalanche of memories as I got out of the elevator on the second floor and walked down the almost familiar hallways before coming to a stop in front of the same door where I had stood in front of countless times before. Memories from the past came rushing back in waves, making me recall all the times I had stood in front of this very door, sometimes with an expensive bouquet of roses in my hand and sometimes with takeout from a fine dining restaurant. How many times had we slammed these very doors? Sometimes in passion, sometimes in anger and sometimes in dejection? Time was indeed a funny thing, wasn’t it? Because once, when these same emotions had threatened to engulf me in agony…now they were like fleeting images at the back of my mind, hardly evoking even a quarter of the same emotions that I had once felt for the woman who lived behind the