The First Step

In a blink of an eye, Emerald’s graduation will be on the next day. Time flew so fast and she was so excited. Not just because of the new chapter of her new life but because she can feel that what she was aiming for is within her reach. 

She was summoned by their principal and she feel like she was walking on cloud nine as she walked outside the principal’s office. Emerald was the top of her class and she is the valedictorian. That is the reason why she was called. The principal himself informed her about it. Her mother would be very happy with the news.

“Hey, congratulations!” Jason was also delighted by the news though he expected it already.

“Thanks, Jason.” Emerald smiled. 

“Let’s celebrate. Your treat this time.” He winked which made Emerald laugh. 

“Sure.” she replied which stunned Jason. 

Emerald was always frugal and never spend money if it is not necessary. She laughed at her best friend’s reaction. He knows her very well. She grabbed his hand and took him to the nearest ice cream shop. The two enjoyed their ice cream while looking at the people who passed by. 

“You know what, Tyler asked me which university you are going to study in college.” Jason suddenly said which made Emerald happy.

She wanted so badly to ask Jason about Tyler but he mentioned him. “And?”

Nonchalantly she asked as if she didn’t care but deep inside her heart was beating so fast.

“Well, I told him you are not going to college due to financial problems. He was so annoying.” 

Emerald laughed. She had no idea if it was a good thing that Jason did not tell him. She was hopeful that she could meet him again and find a way to get close to him. She has a lot of plans on her mind but how will she start all of them  when she has no idea how to find Tyler.

Jason noticed her silence and asked, “You seemed disappointed that I didn’t tell Tyler.”

“You are imagining things.” Emerald denied.

“By the way,I have bad news and good news.” he suddenly said tat caught Emerald’s attention.

“What is it?” she curiously asked. 

“Well, it is good news for me and bad news for you.” he grinned.

Emerald rolled her eyes and said, “Spill the beans already.”

“My parents will send me abroad to study. Katherine and I will be going to the same university.”

“Really, that surely is good news for you. What is the bad news?” she asked. 

“I won’t be seeing you anymore. To be honest, that's good news because there will be no more annoying Emerald but I’m worried that you won’t be able to protect yourself.” his eyes showed his uneasiness. 

Emerald was touched and it warmed her heart. Jason really is the big brother she never had. He genuinely cares for her. A lot of people thought that something was going on between them. But Jason only looks at her as his little sister and the feeling is mutual. 

“Jason, I can take care of myself. You don’t have to worry about me. I am glad that you will be with the love of your life. I hope you won’t mess up and there will be progress between you two.”

Smiling and shrugging of shoulders was the only response Emerald received from Jason. He was really determined to win Katherine’s heart this time but he was also nervous. After a while, Jason takes Emerald home and the two bid farewell. 

“Congratulations Emerald,” Jason’s mother hugged Emerald as she handed a box to her.

“Thank you.” she said. 

“You must be very proud of her, Emelia.” Rachel said to Emerald’s mother.

“I am Ma’am. Thank you so much for all the help you give to my daughter.” 

“Just call me Rachel. Emerald helped me so much with my son. If it wasn’t for her, Jason might not be able to graduate this year.” she said as she looked at her son. 

“Mom!” they laughed as Jason scratched his head. 

Jason’s parents invited Emerald and her mother over dinner. It was also a farewell party for Jason as he will fly the next day. Emerald was sad that Jason will no longer be with her. She was used to being with him for a couple of years. 

Weeks had passed since Emerald sent off Jason to the airport together with his parents. He unexpectedly cried while Emliy was laughing at the same time her tears were falling. They both did not expect such a reaction. They were like lovers being apart. 

With her heart beating so fast, she approached the man she knows will be the stepping stone for her revenge. Tyler was talking to someone with both his hands inside his pocket. He didn’t notice the woman that he had been searching for was right behind him. He had been looking for Emerald and trying to find information about her, he had to do his own investigation because his jerk friend, Jason,  would never tell him a single thing about her. 

“Excuse me, Tyler?” That voice made him turn around. 

His eyes widened as soon as he looked over his shoulder. “Emerald!” 

Emerald smirked when she saw that reaction on Tyler’s handsome face.

“I didn’t expect to see you here.” she almost stuttered as she is not used to telling lies.. 

Emerald never lied and this was her first time. She planned all this and she knew Tyler was here. She is now at the university, choosing her class schedule. Next week will be the start for the semester. 

“Me, either. I was surprised to see you. Do you study here?’ he asked. 

“By next week, yeah.” Emerald put the sweetest smile which made Tyler want to kiss her. 

“Cool, so I assume you are trying to select the time of your classes.” 

Emerald nodded. Then Tyler asked, “Do you need any help? Like locating the classrooms perhaps.”

It looks like he had completely forgotten about the woman he had been flirting with and the woman was now looking at Emerald like she wanted to skin her alive. The woman intentionally coughs to get his attention. 

Tyler’s smile faded as he looked at the woman with annoyed gaze while earlier he stared at her like he wanted to devour her. He really is a jerk, Emerald thought. The woman was throwing daggers at Emerald while the latter just rolled her eyes at the pathetic lady and answered Tyler’s question. 

“Well, I don’t want to disturb you and your girlfriend.” 

“Oh no, you misunderstood. She’s not my girlfriend.” the woman’s face turned sour as Tyler denied the woman in a heartbeat. 

“Then, who is she?” Emerald asked. 

“No one.” he shamelessly winked at her. 

Tyler turned his heel as he wrapped his arm around Emerald’s shoulder like the poor woman doesn’t exist. She feels so bad for the woman. It takes a lot of self control not to push him and slap his hand away which is now in her shoulder.

She really is disgusted with him.The woman is gaping as she stares at the two people walking past her like she is not there. Emerald couldn’t look at the poor woman’s face but she saw that she was clenching her fist ready to punch her. 

“Are you sure that she wouldn’t mind? It looks like I interrupted her important conversation with you. Look at her, she’s ready to beat me” Emerald whispered to Tyler.

She felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. It was just drawn to her that this unknown lady might hold a grudge against her.It’s not that she’s scared because she can’t protect herself but because Emerald never wanted trouble.

‘Says who, what you’ve been doing right now is trouble in the future. You are seeking revenge on your own father.’ some voice whispered in her ear.

“She wouldn't even dare trying to lay a finger on you or she will regret being born.” Tyler said in a firm loud voice that the lady paled when she heard it. 

Even Emerald was shocked at Tyler’s reaction. She never expected it. He looks so determined to protect her no matter what. She remembered Jason. But she shook off that thought. Jason genuinely cares for her but this guy just probably wants to impress her.

Tyler helped Emerald and the students were looking at them while whispering to each other. It made Emerald uncomfortable but there is no going back now.She must do whatever it takes for her plans to succeed. She must endure everything. 

“Thank you so much Tyler. I really appreciate your help.” Emerald said when everything were done with her class schedule.

“You could pay me back by going to lunch with me.” Tyler suggested in a really sweet voice. 

Emerald almost rolled her eyes but she smiled wholeheartedly to him. “Sure.” 

Tyler’s eyes twinkled. He was caught off guard.He really thought she would refuse and his heart was ready for rejection but it was the other way around. She accepted his invitation without batting an eye.   

All of a sudden, Emerald’s cold treatment towards him the last time they met had changed and she became warm to him. He hates to think that this is a one time courtesy since he helped her out and she will return to her cold demeanor again.

“But, I can’t afford to treat you to very expensive restaurants.” Emerald said shyly.

“Are you kidding me? I’m the man, I should pay and besides, I was the one who invited you. Regardless, I never let the woman pay.” 

Emerald smiled. “Okay. You are a gentleman.”

She must admit that she was impressed with this attitude of Tyler. She wonders what Gerald was like as a father. He must have taught his son about this kind of stuff. Being a gentleman, being a responsible man, she wanted to puke. He didn’t even take responsibility for her mother and her. He abandoned them. 

He opened the car door for her when they reached his car. Another gentleman gesture. Tyler took her to an expensive Italian restaurant. Emerald felt small because she was only wearing a simple white shirt, denim jeans and a white sneakers. When they entered the premises, the people there were wearing business suits and the ladies were wearing formal dress. 

Tyler whispered “Don’t feel uncomfortable, those women might wear fabulous clothes but they pale next to you. Your beauty is incomparable to theirs.” 

Emerald looked at the man and saw the sincerity in his eyes. She saw admiration and desire in them. She swallowed as she hooked her arm onto his when he extended it offering her to hold him. 

“Hello Mr. Clayton.” a woman approached them and Emerald saw how she raised an eyebrow secretly at her. 

“Hey Barbara. You look good today.” Tyler smiled.

The woman almost passed out after hearing Tyler’s insincere compliment and it annoys Emerald. She tried her best not to scoff. Her panties might have loosen up, Emerald thought. Tyler has his way with women. He knows how to charm them and these women never even doubted his intentions. 

“Same spot?” the woman verified as she stared lustfully at him. 

‘Where’s the dignity of this woman. Seems her rationality flew out the window. She was obviously sending him signals and she was not embarrassed. For crying out loud she’s at work.’ 

“Yes, please.” he said but his eyes were looking at Emerald the whole time which the latter didn’t notice. 

But the flirt waitress did and she wanted to pull the woman’s hair. She felt insecure looking at Emerald. She has those beautiful green eyes that only a blind person will not notice. It was the second time that Tyler went to that restaurant and Barbara was blown away by him the moment she laid eyes on him. He was alone the last time and it infuriates her that he has now a female companion. How she wishes Tyler would look at her that way.

“This way.” Barbara forces a smile as she leads the couple in a corner that is especially just for Tyler. 

The lunch went well and now Emerald doesn't know what excuse she would tell Tyler. He is insisting on driving her home. That can’t happen. She couldn’t afford her mother to meet him and know his identity. She might find out what she’s up to. Her plans can’t be ruined,she’s just starting. 

“Tyler, I really have to turn you down this time. But I assure you, next time you can send me home.” Emerald said. 

He nodded and Emerald heaved a sigh of relief. She thought he would really insist. She noticed that he is not that persistent. A few refusal would make him give up unlike Jason who would never take no for an answer. Emerald was a bit disappointed knowing that he would only exert a little effort, however, it is a good thing at this point. 

She bid him farewell. She was taken aback that he only kissed her hand, She was expecting more. Tyler acts like a casanova in front of those women but he acted like a certified gentleman in her company. 

=Sarsi=