Chapter 15

I was at the bookstore in the mall, looking for materials for my school project, when someone called my name.

"Gav, is that you?" When I turned, my eyes widened in surprise.

It was Cedric Miguel Villacencio – the guy who'd been swirling around in my thoughts for days since that party. It was crazy;

Strange but I keep on thinking about our encounter at the party. Funny because there are some days that my thoughts were filled with him. I had been wondering if he'd gone back to London, if I would ever see him again by chance or if he still remembers me— the girl he met at the party? I can't believe he was here right in front of me. Life is really full of surprises I guess.

"Hi!" I managed, my greeting a little breathless.

Seeing him unexpectedly sent my heart racing, just like the first time. I tried to smile, to hide my nervousness, but when he smiled back, Oh boy, the beating drum on my chest got even louder and wilder.

"Looking for books to read?" he asked, so cool and calm. His voice… it was so deep and so manly it gave me chills. It sounds silly, but it felt so right.

He walked toward me, and it felt like slow motion. My eyes batted like a fool seeing him walking so fine in a very magnificent way. Oh damn, why does he look so fine?

"Hey, are you okay?" I heard him ask when I never replied to his question. Foolish of me because I was too distraught and overwhelmed by his presence and my own feelings.

"No… I-I mean, yeah! I'm looking for stuff for my school project. What about you?" I stammered, feeling like a complete idiot.

"I was about to meet a friend and decided to drop by to look for a good book to read since he didn't show up and I'm glad I did because I saw you here." That remark warmed my heart and secretly made me smile. It felt good to know he was glad to see me.

"I thought you'd already gone back to London for school?” I couldn't help but ask.

"I will, next week," he replied.

"Oh, I see," I said, a little deflated.

He had a prestigious school to attend, a reason his family sent him there.

Stupid of me because a tiny part of me wished he'd stay, but that was nearly impossible. He was studying in London and there's a reason why his family sent him to that prestigious school.

"I had a friend that I'm about to meet today and he suddenly has an emergency to attend to. I actually got a ticket for two in the National football game and since he didn't come, I was wondering if you want to come and watch the game with me? If... you only want to..." He asked hesitantly.

With that, it feels my face brighten up in excitement. I couldn't help but flash a sweet and excited smile at him. It doesn't matter if I was a second option, I was a big fan of sports and I would never miss a chance to watch a live game.

"Cool! I would love to!"

Actually, I don't know much about football but it's not bad to watch and learn about the game though. I love watching outdoor sports, especially in a big stadium. I enjoy watching a live game and it's even better if Cedric Miguel was with me to watch it. I suddenly felt so excited.

At the bleachers, we found a good spot to sit and we also bought some popcorn and drinks. When the game started, I was indeed right, it was exciting and enjoyable watching the game. It's fun watching players struggling for possession of the ball maneuvering to the opposing team's to goal. Though I didn't know about the rules of the game, it was really fun watching it. I even shouted and cheered with Cedrick when the goalkeeper of his favorite team tactically blocked the opponent's team to goal. We were screaming while showing support for his favorite team. We both even stand and jump in jubilance when his favorite team scores continuous goals beating their opponent team.

I found him cool and fun to be with. He was smart, funny, and enthusiastic. Why did I never have a chance to meet him earlier? We could have been friends for a long time now. Being with him was amazing. And when the game finally ended, I suddenly felt disappointed. His favorite team won and he looked so happy about it.

"That was fun!" I stated happily.

"Glad you enjoyed it,"

"Are you kidding me? That was a fantastic game!"

"Yeah, it was."

While we were coming out of the stadium, I alarmingly checked the time when I noticed that it was getting darker. I got baffled when I realized what time it was. I checked my watch and found it was already six PM!

Oh god, I forgot the time!

"Something wrong?" It seems Miguel noticed my sudden silence and uneasiness so he tried to ask me.

"It's late. I should go."

"Oh, that's so sad. Are you sure? Don't you want to have some snacks or eat at the nearby restaurant? No worries, I won't let you pay. It's my treat." He even joked around and that made me smile. As much as I wanted to accept his offer, I knew I couldn't. I know I have to go home now.

“I'm sorry, I can't. I really need to go home," I answered.

Strange but why do I feel sad and disappointed. It was kinda hard saying goodbye to him knowing this might be the last time we'll be seeing each other. As much as I wanted to spend more time with him, I know I can’t because my Dad might be looking for me now. Being with him was like having a different world. I don't know but for a moment I forgot the problems I have at home. This is the very first time I laughed genuinely and had a great time after the loss of my Mom. With him, I felt the child in me come out and for a moment I never tried to think maturely.

At an early age, life taught me to be mature because I have no other option. The times when Mom was losing hope, and I served as her strength and support. The times I had to act mature and grown-up because she needed me. I couldn't show weakness knowing she was so down while her health was deteriorating.

And when she was gone, I completely forgot how to have fun and enjoy myself. I forgot how to act my age again. Being with Cedric Miguel changed me. He made me feel like I could just be myself. I learned to have fun and genuinely smile again. With him, I suddenly forgot all my problems for a while and it was the first time I had a good laugh since Mom passed away. I felt… incredibly happy.

"I see. I'll take you home then," he offered as we headed to the parking lot.

I couldn't let Cedric take me home. My father might not like it. After the incident with Harold, my father might get a wrong impression if a boy will bring me home even if he's the son of President Villacencio. I can't take the risk. Just thinking about Chelsea and Leanna, I knew they can do the worst things if they have a chance.

"Are you sure? I can drop you off," he offered.

"No need. I texted our driver to pick me up here." I answered.

"If that's what you want. So, goodbye then…"

"Yes. 'Till we see each other again..." I bade, feeling a pang of sadness.

Watching his car drive away, I couldn't help but pull out a long and sad sigh. I hopelessly wish he won't forget me for I don't think I ever will because I know he has captured my young, innocent heart for the very first time. I really hoped fate would give us another chance in the future.

When I got home, I found my dad and Chelsea in the living room. My father looked very upset and it seemed the two were waiting for me. Stupid of me because I remember I asked permission to buy materials for my project this morning and it was almost seven now. Now I realize I will have a lot of explaining to do with my Dad.

"Where have you been, young lady?" The anger in my father's tone was very evident.

"Sorry Dad, I just met a friend and we hung out at the mall. I got so fascinated and lost track of time," I explained.

"You left this morning to buy project materials, and Chelsea was worried sick because you didn't return and didn't even have the decency to tell her where you were! She's been frantically worrying about you, young lady!" Dad scolded me. I looked at Chelsea and found her smiling very slyly. She seemed to enjoy my father's wrath.

Seriously? They will never stop making some issues to make me look bad to my Dad, aren't they?

"Yes, I bought the materials with my friend, and then we hung out. I'm sorry, I should have called," I said, showing the things I bought earlier for my school project.

I was not comfortable lying to my father but what if he gets mad if he finds out the friend I was with was a boy? I know I hadn't done anything wrong but I couldn't help but feel guilty for lying to him.

"You see darling, I got so worried about you when you just asked permission to buy things for your school and you never came back after. You should have called so we shouldn't get worried about you." Chelsea dramatically stated pretending like she was so worried.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Chelsea," I mumbled, clenching my fists.

Why would I call her? She never cares. That's what Chelsea and Leanna used to treat me. They act like angels when Dad's around, but when he's not… they don't hesitate to show their true colors.

"Who was this friend?" Dad asked suspiciously.

"Kaycee, a classmate Dad.." I answered hoping he'll stop asking questions after this.

I didn't want him to know it was Cedric Miguel Villacencio. Yes, we did nothing wrong but it's better to not tell him so it won't create an issue. I don't know but I just had a feeling that telling him would cause a huge problem.

"Make sure you're telling the truth and not making alibis. Coz’ If I find out you're causing trouble again, you'll be grounded, young lady,” he warned.

I got hurt by those words of my father. My eyes welled up, but I blinked repeatedly to stop the tears from coming. Does he really think the worst of me? I’ve made mistakes and I am now making up for it. I was trying my best to be a good student and a good daughter. I was trying not to create a problem anymore. It was just so painful that no matter how I try to be good, it seems like it will never be enough. He always doubts me. How I missed him. I miss the closeness we used to have. Now it feels like I lost him when he remarried.