As Michelle's voice soared through the room, everyone's lips formed a perfect O shape, mesmerized by the haunting melody. The song's opening lines were like a whispered secret, weaving a spell that drew everyone in. When she reached the third line, Gabriela and Diana exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes lighting up with excitement. It was the latest release by one of their favorite pop singers.
As the song built up to the second verse, Gabriela and Diana couldn't help but join in, their voices blending seamlessly with Michelle's. The lyrics spoke directly to their souls, delving into the depths of love, feelings, longing, and yearning. The emotions were palpable, and the room was filled with the raw intensity of the song.Gabriela closed her eyes, letting the music wash over her. Her voice trembled with emotion as she sang about the ache of loving someone, the desperation to be with them, and the pain of possibly losing them. Diana's voice harmonized with hers, creating a haunting melody that sent shivers down the spines of everyone in the room.
Miguel's gaze was fixed on Gabriela, his eyes drinking in the beauty of her face, her lips moving in perfect sync with the song. He was captivated by the depth of emotion she conveyed, the way her voice cracked with feeling, and the way her eyes seemed to hold a world of pain and longing. He knew that behind her polished facade, Gabriela was a complex, vulnerable person, and this song was a testament to that.
As the music swelled, Miguel's heart was filled with adoration for Gabriela. He knew she was hiding her true feelings, that she was in love with him, but was too afraid to show it. He saw the way she guarded her emotions, the way she smiled brightly to deflect attention from her true self. But in this moment, with her eyes closed and her voice pouring out her heart, Miguel saw the real Gabriela, the one she kept hidden from the world.
The song came to an end, leaving the room in stunned silence. Gabriela's eyes fluttered open, and she met Miguel's gaze, a flash of vulnerability crossing her face before she quickly looked away. Miguel's heart skipped a beat as he smiled to himself, knowing that he had seen the real her, and he was hooked.
Isabella lay in her bed, thoughts running through her mind.
Was Rafael only being nasty and cheeky with her just to get under her skirts?
Did he even feel the same way?
Why did he kiss Professor Eva?
She remembered Gabriela's words – to never let any guy kiss or fuck her without having any feelings for her.
She should never give herself lowly and shamelessly to any guy no matter what.
She was sure about what she felt.
Was it too early? Was it too late?
Or Rafael wasn't the right guy?
A knock made her jolt.
"Come in."
The door opened slowly, and Rafael walked in.
"Isabella," For the first time, his voice was a call from his innocent side.
"Why did you come to bed when we were having so much fun?" He questioned, sitting next to her on the bed. Isabella sat up.
"I told you it was my bedtime."
"That's a lie. Why didn't you ever tell me about your bedtime whenever we chatted at odd hours?" She didn't respond.
He smirked.
"You didn't like Carissa flirting with me, do you?"
"Yeah. I told her you were taken. Did I do anything wrong? Am I wrong for liking you?"
His heart skipped.
He knew it. He just sighed.
"I can't answer that." Isabella broke. Her voice cracked and she felt like crumbling.
"R-really? Okay then. What about your relationship with Professor Eva? How did that happen, huh? Why did you kiss her?"
"Are you crying?" His eyes met hers. She sniffed and fought back the tears that welled up in her eyes.
"I'm not. I'm too expensive to cry over a guy."
"Duh! I can't count how many girls I've brought to their knees, shedding tears."
"Answer my question, jerk. Did Professor Eva ask for the kiss?"
"It was a dare. To kiss the first person I saw in the morning when I got to school. And I saw her first. I only pecked on her lips and she deepened the kiss." Rafael shrugged.
"What? That's ridiculous."
"Why are you calling me a jerk? Because I don't like you back? You see, I've had a lot to do with innumerable girls. And I need time to study myself, to study what I feel for you exactly. I can't just jump into anything with you. I used to see you as – as a little sister. Until now, when I figured your large boobs." Isabella's eyes widened in embarrassment.
"What the hell?"
"They'd be good for me." Isabella blinked away from him.
"Can I touch?"
"Rafael!" She snapped.
"If you don't like me, please be verbally – nice. Leave my room." She lay down and covered herself with the sheets.
"Leave my damn room." Rafael left the room, his gaze lingering on hers.
Tears rolled down her cheeks, getting the sheets wet.
She sniffed.
Gabriela stood in front of the mirror, her hair splayed out on her shoulders as she expertly styled it into a sleek, polished look. She stepped back to admire her reflection, a pleased smile spreading across her face.
Just then, the door swung open and Miguel sauntered in.
"Good morning." he said, his eyes locking onto her.
"Hey," Gabriela replied in a cheerful tone, not looking away from the mirror as she began to rummage through her makeup collection.
"Take a seat, I just need to do my makeup real quick."Miguel nodded and made his way to the chair, pausing to pour himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the dresser. Instead of drinking it, he sat down and fixed his gaze on Gabriela, a lazy smile spreading across his face.
Gabriela chuckled and began applying a bold stroke of eyeliner. "This is the Neuro," she said, her voice smooth as silk.
"Legend has it that a Spanish princess used to wear it to show off her confidence."As she spoke, she expertly lined her eyes, the black kohl making her eyes pop. She moved on to powdering her face, her hands moving deftly as she told Miguel about the significance of powder in Hispanic culture.
"It's all about accentuating our unique skin tone," she explained, her voice filled with pride.
Next, she darkened the area around her upper lip with a black darkener, before coating her lower lip with a subtle nude lipstick. She batted on her lashes, the bold strokes making her eyes sparkle.Finally, she turned to face Miguel, a smile playing on her lips.
"So, how do I look?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.Miguel's gaze was intense, and Gabriela couldn't help but stare back, a challenge flashing in her eyes.
"It's a staring competition," she joked, her smile growing wider.For a moment, they locked eyes. Then, without warning, Miguel splashed the glass of water in his hand directly onto Gabriela's face. She let out an ear-splitting shriek as he jumped up from the chair, laughing, and took off running.
Gabriela was hot on his heels, her makeup streaming down her face as she chased after him, her shrieks of outrage echoing through the room.
"Miguel, you're finished!" she yelled, gritting her teeth.
Miguel flung the door open and ran outside, the warm sun hitting his face as he sprinted towards the pool. He noticed she was almost catching him and he dived straight into the pool, the cool water enveloping him like a refreshing hug. He was aghast at Gabriela diving after him, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she splashed into the water beside him.
Miguel tried to swim fast, his arms slicing through the water, but Gabriela was relentless. She got him just in time, her hand closing around his hair as she pulled him back. He screamed, the sound muffled by the water, and followed her out of the pool, droplets glistening on their skin like diamonds.
They got out and Gabriela started yelling, "Why would you ruin my makeup?" Her voice was shrill, her face twisted in mock outrage. Miguel was laughing heartily, his chest heaving with mirth. They both sat on the poolside, their legs dangling in the water, and Gabriela continued, "I'm really angry with you, seriously, makeup takes a lot of hard work and you just ruined that in seconds."
She was yelling at the top of her voice. Suddenly, he bent, the cup was still in his hands, and he filled it with the pool water. With a wicked grin, he splashed it on Gabriela's face, and began another round of laughter. The water dripped down her cheeks, mingling with her makeup, and Gabriela faked a frown, her lips pouting in mock annoyance.
But she couldn't keep up the charade, and soon she started giggling, her laughter joining Miguel's in a joyous chorus. He started saying,
"You don't know how you look."
"How?" She asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Like something I drew with my left hand." She scowled, her face scrunched up in mock anger, and it was so funny Miguel found himself falling into the water again, his body convulsed with uncontrollable laughter.
"I'm gonna kill you!!!!" She roared with a harsh voice. She stormed back into the holiday house, slamming the door of her room, and began cleaning her face with a face towel. When she was done, she tossed it aside, a smiley frown on her face as she folded her arms, a picture of mock indignation.
"Gabriela!!" He knocked.
"Are you listening to me? I'm sorry! Did that make you angry? The things I draw with my left hand are really beautiful, yunno?"
Gabriela blushed.
"I'm serious. Please open the door and tell me you forgive me, will you? I'm sorry for ruining your makeup."
She was silent.
~~~~A WEEK LATER~~~~
"Hi Dad." Gabriela greeted dryly. She had just woken up and was preparing to leave the holiday house with her friends.
"Good morning, my princess. What's happening?"
"Happening....where?" Gabriela was confused.
"The office. There's work left undone. And there are pictures of you all over the social media chilling with your friends." Alejandro's voice was dripping with discontentment.
"I'm sorry Dad."
She pouted.
"It's okay, my darling. You're all adults. You make your own decisions. When are you returning home?"
"Today, Dad."
"Alright. There's so much work ahead. There's a project you need to prepare for an upcoming sales and advert seminar in Flores Corp," he began, "But the problem is we don't know what partnership you'd be eligible to join among the ones in our invite list. They really wanna see what you're capable of. And the only chance you have, is this seminar. We have a long list of people wanting to work with you, but the thing is they seem too cheap and looking to find fame through you. We need someone who's already great, someone whose ideas match yours, to brainstorm for this project."
"Okay, when is this seminar?"
"It's next month. It means you have less than three weeks for the project. You'll have a meeting with the board and decide who you're gonna partner with."
"Is it a complete stranger?" Gabriela scoffed.
"Can't tell." She rolled her eyes.
"I hope not."
"Whoever it is, sure have a good cooperation. Else, this seminar won't be a success. Gabriela, I want you to do your best. And I know you can."
"Thanks for believing in me, Dad."
~~~~~
Mr. Myers sat at Tung restaurant, wearing one of his best hoodies, exuding confidence as he waited for his daughter, Claudia. Carissa had told him they would meet here, and he was eager to reconnect with Claudia after a long time. He'd booked a table under Claudia Flores' name, assuming she'd clear the bill when she arrived. He ordered two chicken and whipped cream desserts, a luxurious treat.
As Claudia walked in, Mr. Myers waved enthusiastically, but Claudia's expression turned stormy. "What are you doing here?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Were you the person I was supposed to meet?"
Mr. Myers nodded slowly, and Claudia's anger erupted. She grabbed the chicken and whipped cream dessert and splashed it on Mr. Myers' face. The diners gasped, turning to stare.
Claudia unleashed a torrent of hurtful words, "I told you I don't wanna see you! How could I believe Carissa and Gabriela that Dad had a business deal for me? How didn't I think it was you?" She sneered, "You could never be my father. My real father is Alejandro Flores."
"Why did you even come back? Do you think you can win me? How are you going to take care of me with your cheap clothes and your wornout shoes? You can't afford breakfast, lunch or dinner! Am I gonna starve? Am I gonna starve all in the name of living with my real father? Huh?? Do you want me to fucking starve to death so you also won't have anything to do in life anymore?"
"Mom had no child belonging to you. I'm Alejandro's daughter. And if you come near me ever again, I'll get you arrested or beaten to death, you old disgusting piece of shit!"
Mr. Myers tried to speak, but Claudia kept interrupting, demanding he shut up. The scene grew chaotic, drawing the manager and two bodyguards, who moved to escort Claudia out. She shot back, "Let's see who's gonna pay for your dessert."
With a final, furious glance, Claudia spat on Mr. Myers and stormed out, leaving him weeping, humiliated. The waiter approached hesitantly, "Who's paying?"
~~~THE WHITE'S ACADEMY~~~
Gabriela was watching Isabella playing dodgeball with other students.
The air was fun-filled and lively with chattering and laughter when suddenly the boys walked in to have their basketball practice.
Isabella's eyes met Rafael and she dropped the ball abruptly, leaving the practice room.
Rafael ran after her.
He was walking fast to match with her pace but she was quick enough to run into the library.
"Damn! Can't afford to create a scene in the there." He stepped back.
"Rafael!" He heard someone call his name.
"Um, hi." He greeted Sandra who was with a pen.
"You dropped this."
"Oh. I didn't realize I was even holding something." He grinned and took his pen from her.
"Thanks."
"My pleasure." She smiled flirtatiously and Rafael turned to leave again.
"Wait." She held his arm.
"What else?"
"What's the thing between you and Isabella? You've been chasing after her."
"Mind your business, Sandra."
"I just wanna know." He yanked his arm off.
"Don't ever talk to me again. About matters that you of all people shouldn't be interfering in. Got that?" She nodded innocently.
"I'll be honored to disappear from your sight." He bowed and walked away.
"At least, blow me a kiss, Rafael!" She exclaimed dramatically.
"Should I chase you instead? Humph!" Rafael shook his head as he returned to the practice room.
Just then, Isabella walked out of the library.
"Isabella! You bitch! Rafael has changed! He isn't the guy he used to be when we resumed college. I'd say he has changed since when he laid his eyes on you. He hasn't been caught making out with any girl. Tell me, has it been you?" Sandra's grip on her arm was tight.
"You're hurting me!" She freed herself, pushing Sandra slightly.
"I don't care about Rafael. I don't care if he makes out, I don't care if he doesn't."
"That's a lie! Everyone knows you have a crush on him." Sandra bellowed.
"Everyone? You're talking nonsense. I'll be honored to disappear from your sight. Ciao!" Isabella yelled back dramatically and left, rolling her eyes.
"They are even saying the same sentence!!" Sandra growled.
"I'm thinking of joining the dodgeball team. Wouldn't that be awesome?" Gabriela and Michelle were chatting happily, walking side by side.
"Good idea, Gabriela." Gabriela's phone rang in her handbag.
Curiosity spread all over her face when she saw the caller ID.
"Hello nurse."
"Good day, Miss. Flores. Your sister Daniela's health condition has deteriorated. Please present yourself here immediately. The doctor needs to have a word with you."
"What?!" Gabriela was aghast.