Chapter 3: Where It All Started

(Flashback)

“Celine! Time for school — you won’t want to miss your first class on your first day of college!” Laura, just like any mother, hurrying their children so they won’t be late for school.

“Yes, mom! Just a couple of minutes more!” Celine shouted while doing her makeup in her all pastel pink, designer item-stuffed walk-in closet.

She opened the drawer of her well-lit vanity dresser, browsed through her diamond collection, then selected the natural diamond stud earrings her mom gifted her on her 16th birthday, and that completes her look.

On her first day of school, she opted to go with a simple yet sophisticated look — she wore a white Chanel shirt and paired it with a pink Guess skinny jeans and white Gucci sneakers. She chose to wear her hair down but curled it for a girly twist — looking at her, you’d think she could be the next mean girl.

Celine is a naturally girly girl, that’s why she loves to mix and match whites, pinks, and golds — even in her bedroom, you can see all these colors.

“Celine, it’s time to go!”

“I’m coming!”

Celine checked her bag to see if there’s something she forgot - good thing there’s none. So, she zipped it and wore it — she’s ready for her first day.

Celine got into Philippine University, Pangasinan Campus. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the country - next to the University of the Philippines. She loves to write, so getting accepted into the Creative Writing program made her happy.

——

(At the Campus)

“We’re here,” Laura said.

“Bye, mom,” Celine said and kissed her mom.

“Honey, call me if there’s something wrong."

“Yes, mom. Will do. I gotta go.”

As she steps out of the Luxury SUV, all eyes were on her. Everyone is curious who would be stepping out of the eye-catching Blood Red Ferrari Purosangue.

She just smiled at everyone, and that’s the typical Celine — down to earth and kind.

She entered the gate — tapped her Identification card on the automated gate access machine.

The members of the student council greeted her with enthusiasm. “Hi! Welcome to the campus. Your registration form, please,” one of the members said.

“Oh. Wait a second," Celine gets it from her bag and handed it to the girl.

“Your room for your first class is on the second floor. The same goes for the others. Just make sure you get the room numbers right before entering, okay?”

“Thanks. See you around.”

“Nice Chanel bag, by the way.”

Celine nodded and smiled cheerfully and carried on.

——

As she reached the second floor, all the new students swarm up in the hallway. Everyone is getting to know each other. She continued walking until she found Room 204.

Her classmates were outside, waiting for their professor.

A petite girl approached her and said, “You’re the girl who’s riding the luxury car, right?”

Celine smiled and introduced herself. “Hi. I’m Celine Mendez. Nice to meet you.”

“Just call me Lana," Then Lana called their classmates to introduce Celine.

Everyone’s getting to know each other, and they all seem to be friendly. Then, the professor arrived, and they all went inside.

———

Celine chose to sit on the last armchair to the right at second-row seats. Lana is next to her.

A handsome young man behind her tapped her shoulder to get her attention. Celine looked at him and smiled.

“Hi! Where were you from?” Asked the young man.

“I’m from Urdaneta. How about you?” Celine replied.

“San Carlos City. Nice to meet you. I’m Justine, by the way.”

“Likewise. I’m Celine.”

“Alright, attention, please.” The professor said.

“I’ll be calling you, one by one, and you have to introduce yourselves — state your name, age, the city where you’re from, where you graduated high school, and what your parents do, your talent, hobby, and everything else that will make us know you better. Clear? He continued.”

“Yes, Sir,” The class answered in chorus.

“Alright. I’ll start first. I’m Kevin Henares, 27 years old, and I live here in Dagupan City. I graduated from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. My parents are both Newspaper journalists. I love writing. Thus, I'm here - teaching what I love doing."

And each one took turns introducing themselves. Now, it’s Celine’s turn.

“Hi, everyone. I’m Celine Mendez, 17 years old. I’m from Urdaneta City. My dad is the founder and, was the former CEO of Great Guys Group ‘aka’ GG Group. Unfortunately, he passed away 9 years ago. My mom, on the other hand, is the woman behind Laura’s perfume, a business that rose to fame 2 years ago. Just like everyone else, I love writing — that’s why I’m here. Thank you.”

“Thanks, Celine. Now, the guy behind," The professor called Justin.

“Good morning, classmates. I’m Justin from San Carlos City. My dad is a businessman, and my mom is a general manager at a fabric factory. I love writing as much as I love photography.”

After Drake introduced himself, Celine thought, realized that Drake is somehow cute - Fair-skinned, red-lipped, pointed nose. He’s even sexier because of the way he articulately speaks and the way he carries himself.

After one and a half hours, the class ended, and the professor bid goodbye.

It’s brunch time. The next class will be in the afternoon. Lana, together with her new friends, invited Celine to grab brunch with them. Justin heard it, and he tagged along.

For two years, this is their routine. Celine, Lana, Rea, Geline, Justine, and Tristan has become a family. They were more than just friends.

Celine is the closest to Justine. They usually hang out even without the others. They both love photography, and this is why they clicked. They travel a lot to take photos, and it made their bond stronger.

Unknown to Celine, Justine has always been in love with her. But, Justine hesitates to take a step further as he doesn’t want to compromise their friendship.

Until one day, Justine took courage and confessed to Celine. Eventually, they became lovers.

----

It’s Justine and Celine’s First anniversary as a couple. They’re also in their Junior year.

Justine, together with his friends, prepared a surprise for Celine. He rented out a secluded open field where he decorated it.

They filled the place with red and clear balloons; they scattered rose petals on the green grasses, there are fairy lights everywhere, and a big banner that reads “HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY”.

Just in time, as he and his friends have finished decorating the place, Celine called up.

“Hi, babe. I’m almost there," Celine informed him.

“Alright, babe. I’ll be right outside. Love you,” And he ended the call.

“Guys, she’s coming. Is everything ready?”

“Poppers are ready!” Lana and Geline shouted.

“Same goes with the fountains and fireworks," Tristan and Rea said.

So Justine headed out to the entrance. Celine just arrived. He handed out Celine a bouquet of 3 dozen of Red roses, and said, “Happy Anniversary, babe.”

Celine smiled and said, “How sweet. I love you.”

“You look so beautiful in a pastel pink dress.”

“Thanks! And you look good in a nude polo.”

“I’ll have to put blindfolds on you, okay?”

“What?” She laughed. “What are you up to?” She continued.

“Just follow my lead, okay?” Then he put on the blindfold on Celine and led her inside.

As they reached the area, everyone looks thrilled as they saw Celine blindfolded.

Justine signaled them counts of three. 3, 2, 1! He untied the blindfold; they popped the poppers and lighted up the fireworks and fountains

Celine was so surprised! She teared up a little, then she kissed and hugged Justine.

Then, their friends ushered them to their picnic area. A red and white cloth is laid down on the grass, a basket full of bread and lunch boxes were on it. They have also prepared wine and cheeseboard.

Then, they enjoyed the rest of their evening with their favorite playlist played all night.

“Thanks for tonight,” Celine said as she rests her head on Justine’s shoulder.

“No, thanks for being part of my life,” Justine replied.