Gabriela stood outside Miguel's father's mansion, feeling a little out of place. She had come straight from her apartment to show him the dance trend.
As she walked in, Miguel looked up from his phone and raised an eyebrow.
"You came all the way from your apartment just for a dance challenge? You're crazy, Gabriela," Miguel said with a chuckle.
Gabriela playfully rolled her eyes.
Miguel grinned and offered to show her around the house. As they strolled through the lavish rooms, he pointed out various antiques and artwork. They stopped in front of a vase worth millions.
"This vase is from ancient Greece, circa 5th century BCE. It's worth a fortune – some of these pieces can fetch billions at auction," Miguel explained.
Gabriela's eyes widened. "Whoa, my dad has a flower vase in his bedroom that's an antique too. I think it's worth around $305 million."
Miguel's eyebrows shot up. "That's impressive. Maybe one day, you can show me around your place."
As they made their way to the backyard, Miguel's expression turned nostalgic.
"This is where I used to play basketball with my dad whenever he was in a good mood. Mostly, it was with my friends, though – childhood memories, you know? We still do, sometimes."
He gestured to the basketball court, and Gabriela's eyes landed on the hoop, looking impossibly high.
"I've always wondered, how do you guys manage to raise the ball inside the hoop? It looks so high."
Miguel picked up the ball and demonstrated, his movements fluid and effortless. The ball swooshed through the net, and Gabriela's eyes followed its trajectory.
"Teach me," she said, determination etched on her face.
Miguel smiled. "Alright, let's start with some basics. You need to know the terminology – we've got dribbling, passing, shooting, defense. The court is divided into two halves, with a free throw line, three-point line..."
Gabriela listened intently as Miguel explained the terms.
Then, it was her turn to try. Miguel instructed her to bounce the ball, jump, and throw it into the hoop. The first few attempts were dismal – the ball clattered to the ground, and Gabriela's face fell.
Miguel's expression turned encouraging. "It's not just about physical movement; it's about mindset. You need to believe you can do it. Practice is key, Gabriela. The more you practice, the more you'll develop your skills. Tell yourself, 'I can do it.'"
Gabriela nodded, feeling a surge of determination. She took a deep breath, bounced the ball, and jumped. Miguel counted for her, "One, two, three..."
The ball arced through the air, spinning perfectly before dropping through the hoop with a satisfying swish. Miguel let out a whoop of excitement and clapped for her.
Gabriela beamed, her face flushed with excitement. She launched herself at Miguel, and they both tumbled to the ground, laughing. As they lay there, Miguel's arms wrapped around her, Gabriela felt a spark of joy she couldn't quite explain.
Her giggles were loud and Miguel stared at her up close, his eyes exploring her face.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Gabriela questioned, between her laughter.
"You're cute."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Miguel felt an uncontrollable urge to kiss her but she got up.
He rose up too and they walked to the rooftop.
Gabriela was inhaling the scent of fresh air and enjoying the breeze.
They sat.
"Dad said my Mom used to sit here."
"Oh really? Wow. Was she a Libra queen like I am?" Gabriela said, a glint of pride in her eyes.
"No. She was a Gemini." Miguel's voice was dripping with the usual sorrow he felt when he remembered his mom.
"Awesome."
"Are you a Libra? Wait, Miguel," Gabriela wanted to divert.
"You never said anything about your birthday. When is it?"
"March 31st." He was still sounding sad.
"Don't you celebrate it?"
"It's not a day to celebrate, Gabriela. It was the day I killed her. Dad tells me I shouldn't have been born. If I wasn't born, she would still be alive." He was under the verge of tears.
"Don't say that, Miguel. I've always told you that you're not a mistake. The world is lucky to have someone like you. You're so thoughtful and sweet. I'd call your mom a tragic heroine. She had you but sadly, she isn't here to see what a bright soul she's got."
"You always try to make me feel better. Dad is trying to change, but I can't help but think....he has always been right."
"No. Your Dad is wrong. Haven't you noticed? Everyone's always happy around you. You have such a magnetic nature. I know you love your mom so much. That's why I want you to always celebrate your birthday. If Mrs. Jackson was here, she'd be so happy to see her son smile. Birthdays come once in a year, it's supposed to be memorable. Don't cry and make yourself sad on that day. Okay?" Miguel nodded.
"Wow."
"Have you ever had a cake?"
"I wanted to throw a party once but Dad ruined it and kicked all my guests out of the house. He said so many horrible things. He said I can't kill someone and continue to be happy. I was just eight then. Since then, I never tried celebrating."
"Your dad is wrong. Did you hear me?"
"Thank you so much, Gabriela." He exhaled.
"You've said a lot. And I really appreciate it. I'll try to change."
"I'd be really glad." She smiled cheerfully.
"Smile." She faced him.
"Smile," she repeated.
"Smile or I'll tickle you."
"Don't you dare, Gabriela." She chuckled and his lips curved into a smile.
"So, you're a Libra?" Gabriela nodded.
"Yeah. Libra girls are queens, you know? Libra girls are charming, social, intelligent, sweet,"
"And romantic." She emphasized on the word and winked.
Miguel rolled his eyes with a sneer.
~~~~~~
The business students were settling into the lecture room, exchanging quiet chatter, when Damien and Michelle walked in together, their laughter echoing through the room. The atmosphere shifted, and eyes widened in surprise. Nadia's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with a mix of anger and hurt as she watched Michelle, who seemed oblivious to the tension, smiling and chatting with Damien.
Nadia took a step forward, her intentions clear, but Sandra quickly grasped her arm, holding her back. "Wait," she whispered, her eyes darting toward the door as Professor Scott walked in.
The professor cleared his throat, his expression stern. "Nadia, I've been informed by the head of college that Mr. White has ordered the expulsion of a student in the business department. The student in question is Professor Paisley's daughter, which, I'm afraid, makes it clear that you're the one being expelled."
Nadia's face went pale, her eyes welling up with tears. "No, this can't be," she whispered, her voice trembling.
Gabriela's eyes widened in shock, while Michelle's head bowed down, her shoulders shaking as she struggled to contain her laughter. Carissa, Rafael, and Isabella exchanged disbelieving glances, their faces etched with surprise. Meanwhile, Diana and Damien wore wicked grins, their eyes gleaming with a knowing look.
As Nadia burst into tears, begging the professor to reconsider, Professor Scott's expression remained unyielding. "I'm afraid it's out of my hands, Nadia. You're no longer a student here. You have twenty minutes to sign yourself out and leave the premises."
With a final, devastating glance, he dismissed her, his words cutting deep. Nadia turned and ran, tears streaming down her face. Sandra and Claudia quickly stood up, hurrying after her in an attempt to offer some comfort, but Nadia was already gone, vanished into the hallway.
She burst into the head of college's office, her sobs uncontrollable. "Why?" she demanded, her voice cracking with emotion. "What did I do?"
Her tears had blinded her and her eyes widened when she realized the office was empty.
She ran out and went to her mom's office.
"Damn you, Mom! How could you watch me being expelled? What did I do to Mr. White to make him expel me? What the fuck?!" Nadia exclaimed, pulling down books from her shelf and trying to destroy chairs.
"Calm your nerves, you little witch!" Nadia's eyes widened in shock and she fell down on her knees.
"This is where I work. And I won't let you ruin it. Why have you been joining those bullies? Why do you have nudes of Michelle Jackson? Do you know who that girl is? The daughter of a billionaire. Do you know what your actions can cost us?"
"But Mom, why can't you just support me? That girl is a pain on my neck. There's a guy I like and I want her to let go of him. He's mine! Damien is mine! I'm sure Damien asked his dad to expel me because that Michelle asked him to! Damien is fucking mine! I won't let Michelle turn him against me."
"Lay a finger on Michelle Jackson and you're doomed."
Nadia roared and ran out of the office, crying profusely.
She went back to the head of college's office, an idea popping in her head.
She opened a drawer and took out a bundle of dollars, leaving with it.
As the lecture went on in the business department, the head of college suddenly burst in.
"There's a search ongoing for a sum of money last seen in my office. I want the money back now, else there'll be an emergency call in the auditorium where the CCTV footage will be played."
The students exchanged glances and in minutes, there was an emergency call.
Everyone were present in the auditorium, whispers and chatters about the stolen money.
The head of college gave some pep talk before he went straight to the point.
"If there's anyone who knows about the money, let he or she come forward before I play the CCTV footage which will embarrass the thief." He was stern.
Without thinking, Nadia stepped forward and everyone sneered at her.
"Nadia, you've been expelled. Why are you still lurking around the premises of the school?" He questioned.
"Sir, I know who did it. It was Michelle Jackson."
The students exclaimed, murmurs filling the air.
Michelle stood up from her seat immediately.
"I didn't do it!" She yelled.
Nadia stormed to her and pulled her from the crowd. She threw her on the ground and her glasses came off.
More exclaims came from the crowd.
Michelle wanted to pick it but Nadia crushed it under her foot.
"This bitch over here stole the money." Nadia pulled the bag from her back and forced it open. She took out the money and raised it.
"Here! Here's the money!" The head of college were alarmed, including the professors.
"I saw her going into the office and stealing the money! She's a thief! How could you be a thief even as a billionaire's daughter? Kleptomaniac!" Nadia yelled.
Damien wanted to step forward but Diana held his wrist.
"Save yourself from the drama, Damien."
"No." Diana let go of him and he walked to the head of college.
"Sir. Michelle didn't do it."
"But we found the money in her bag, clearly. Everybody saw it. How did it get in her bag if she didn't steal it?" Nadia snapped.
"I agree we found it in her bag, Nadia. But just to be double sure, we can play the CCTV footage." The head of college wanted to speak but was interrupted by Nadia.
"That won't be necessary, Damien. We've found the missing money. Let everyone leave the auditorium and Michelle be expelled. Thieves are not welcome in The White's Academy, not just thieves but kleptomaniacs."
"Sir, don't listen to her. Let's play the footage. Let everyone see Michelle doing it. If you're really confident about your claims, you'll stay quiet while the footage is played."
Nadia wanted to say more.
"Nadia, like he said, let's have the footage played." The screen illuminated the auditorium, causing mouths agape when they saw Nadia entering the office twice.
The first time, she retreated, the second time she went to the drawer and took the bundle.
"Does this say enough? We all know that Nadia is always present when it comes to hurting Michelle here. You've been bullying her since day one. That's why she stole the money and put it in Michelle's bag just to frame her." Nadia swallowed and bowed her head low.
Professor Paisley was disappointed and left the scene.
Other professors were murmuring about Nadia's false accusations.
"We've had enough, students." Damien lifted Michelle and they left too.
Nadia was ashamed.
"Nadia, you shouldn't spend one more second in the college's premises. Else, I'll call the cops!" The head of college exclaimed.
~~~~~
Nadia walked to her car sobbing uncontrollably.
She opened the car door and was about to go in when she felt someone pull her hair.
"Ow!" She screamed.
"Nadia. If you dare touch or come near me and my girlfriend again, you'll die." Damien threatened, his voice filled with poison.
He let go of her hair and she entered her car. She was about to ignite the engine when Diana came out of nowhere, pulled her out of the car and slapped her.
Nadia groaned and fell to the ground, her face turning red immediately.