Damien was so overjoyed, he didn't realize a tear rolled down his cheek.
"Are you crying? D-did I say something bad?"
"Bad?" There was a glad smile on his face.
"No. You just said the words I've been waiting for all my life." She chuckled.
"Really?"
"Yes, Michelle. Why did you take so long to tell me that?"
"I just needed time to trust you, Damien. I gave you a try and you passed the test. I'm so undeniably surprised that you are not yelling and breaking up with me right now. I didn't even care if you said you wanted Nadia instead of me. I just wanted you alive."
He leaned closer about to kiss her but the ward's door swung open.
"Michelle!" They were startled.
Gabriela was panting, her chest heaving and sweat all over her face.
"I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry for landing you into all of this trouble. I only wanted to make Mr. Kevin pay for what he said, I'm so sorry, Michelle." She apologized repeatedly.
Gabriela was relieved to see a graceful smile on Michelle's face. She walked up to her and pinched her cheeks playfully.
Gabriela giggled.
"Thank you so much, my nepo baby friend." They laughed heartily.
"Damien, are you alright? Its all my fault. Miguel told me everything over the phone and I felt cruel for doing this to you. I was so overboard I didn't think reporting Mr. Kevin would lead to this. I feel so selfish right now."
"You're not selfish, Gabriela. Thank you for helping me." Michelle added.
~~~~~THE WHITE'S ACADEMY~~~~
"Attention everyone! Its my younger sister's birthday party tomorrow and you're all invited! 7Pm sharp!" Sandra stood on her chair and announced.
The students began chatting excitedly.
"Hey, Gaby. Are you attending?" Diana asked Gabriela.
"No. I have plans."
"What plans?" Diana was curious.
"A movie night."
"Movie night? With who?"
"Miguel's cousins. They really want me to take them and I can't break my promise."
"Humph! Those cats! I've met them once before! They'll milk you dry. I swear, you'll never go anywhere with them after this one."
"Michelle, and you? Are you up for the birthday party?"
"No. I have work." Michelle shook her head.
"Isabella. Do you have tomorrow evening? I can't be there all by myself!"
"Sure thing. Carissa has somewhere to be, so we'll both go!" They highfived and started chatting on their outfit plans.
~~~~~
"I stopped by a mall and I thought these would look really nice on you." Gabriela unboxed red twin tops,skirts and boots that screamed high school baddie fashion.
Leslie and Lana oohed and aahed at the sight.
"Gosh, they are beautiful!" Leslie exclaimed.
"Thank you, Gabriela!" They wrapped their arms around her.
"You should change into them before its too late."
Isabella and Diana stepped out of their Mercedes, turning heads as they made their way to the entrance. Isabella's nude-colored gown hugged her curves, the simplicity of the dress accentuating her elegant features. Her straight, silky hair cascaded down her shoulders, complementing her sleek stiletto heels.Diana, on the other hand, was a vision in royal blue, her one-sleeve flare gown commanding attention.
The long snowflake cape trailed behind her, sweeping the floor as she moved. Her curly hair added a touch of regality, reminiscent of an 80s queen.As they walked towards the pool, the sparkling lights and cheerful atmosphere enveloped them. The Quinceanera celebration was in full swing, with Dedra, Sandra's younger sister, beaming at the center of it all. The nighttime luxury setting seemed to glow, and Isabella and Diana's arrival only added to the glamour of the evening.
Claudia and Sandra were having a cocktail and after their cheers, Sandra's eyes fell on Isabella.
"That bitch is here, Claudia!" She gritted her teeth.
"Not my fault. You invited everyone. You should have made it exclusive."
"Right. I should have. Now she's the talk of the night! Even Dedra is having a stupid chat with her!" Sandra clutched the glass in her fist.
"You've gotta calm down, Sandra. Thank your stars Rafael isn't here to see her looking this sexy."
"Who the heck said Rafael isn't here? I saw him a while ago! He came!" Sandra cried.
"You know what, Sandra, its your party. I understand you don't wanna let this weirdo take over but you shouldn't be a crybaby, too. You've gotta think of something that'll make her run out of this party like a lunatic."
"What exactly?" Sandra gave Claudia a confused glare.
"Follow my instructions."
Diana and Isabella were taking some selfies when Sandra walked towards them.
"Thank you so much for honoring my invite." She folded her arms smiling cunningly at them.
"You're welcome. The snacks are nice." Diana complimented.
"Of course they are. Feel free." Her stare was making Isabella uncomfortable but before they could walk away, Sandra lifted a tray of drinks from the table and splashed a glass of red wine at Isabella on purpose.
They gasped.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, Isabella! Your dress...it looks ruined..." She feigned remorse.
"You did that on purpose, right? Why? Are you jealous 'cause you couldn't afford a dress like this?" Diana was already yelling.
"Hey, Diana. Its okay. I'll...I'll do something..."
"What are you gonna do? Oh of course, there's nothing else to do but leave this goddamn party. You want us to go, right? We'll be off."
"Diana. Sit here, I'll be back soon." Isabella walked away.
"Hi, Dedra.."
"Isabella! Are you enjoying the party?" Dedra's face was full of glee.
"Yeah but my outfit got stained with red wine and its super obvious." Dedra stared at the stain.
"Oops. Go into the house and turn right. The first door leads to the guests' restroom." Isabella nodded.
"Oh, wait. I'll accompany you." Dedra and Isabella walked into the mansion and she led her to the restroom. She handed Isabella a skimpy pink summer dress.
"Change into this, please. It looks a bit awkward for tonight, right? If you don't like it, I'll arrange for something better and – "
"Its okay, Dedra. Thank you so much." Isabella squeezed her hand with a grateful smile and entered the restroom.
She rinsed her sweaty face and rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"What was that for?" She wanted to unzip the outfit behind her but couldn't pull it down.
"What's happening..." She muttered, struggling with the zipper and her dress. She stomped her feet on the ground in frustration.
"Argghh, Isabella Wilson, you're so dead." She said to herself with gritted teeth.
She heard the door creak open and she bit her lip when she saw who it was.
"This is supposed to be the female's restroom."
"It is."
"Then why are you here? Snooping around for girls to fuck?" He chuckled.
"I was searching everywhere for you. And stop being so hard on that dress. It looks so innocent and beautiful." Isabella smiled.
"Can you help me, please?" She asked. His eyes widened a little.
"Your...zipper...are you sure you want me to touch you?" She didn't reply. Rafael walked towards her and slowly but easily pulled down the zipper. His finger grazed her bare back and she flinched a little.
"It's done."
"Thanks. Let me change into something else. S-Sandra spilled wine accidentally on the outfit."
"Why does the word Accidentally sound so fake?" They both chuckled.
"Because it wasn't. She did it so deliberately. She just wants me out of the party. I came here for Diana's sake. I never wanted to be here looking so stupid in the first place."
"Change your outfit. I'll be outside." He headed to the door.
"Don't wait for me." Rafael slammed the door shut.
~~~~~
Isabella in the summer dress made her look cuter as she stepped out of the house. Her phone buzzed.
"Hey, Gabriela!"
"Hi girl, how is it? Are you having fun?" Gabriela asked cheerfully.
"I'm trying to!"
"Where's Diana?"
"Nowhere to be found. Wait...I think I see her picking a fight near the pool..." Isabella was confused.
Why was Diana yelling at Sandra?
Was Diana fighting for her?
"Picking a fight? Interesting. Go see what's wrong and call me later."
"I will." Isabella hung up and walked towards them.
"What gives you that right? It may be your house but its my fucking phone!"
"Calling someone and giving her updates about my sister's party? What the heck? What makes you think I'm burning jealous of your friend?"
"You are!"
"I'm not!"
"What's going on here, Diana?"
"Isabella, save me from this trash. I was on a call with Gabriela, telling her stuff on how the party's going and Sandra came out of nowhere and threw my phone into the pool."
"How could you tell Gabriela that I splashed wine on Isabella's dress out of pure jealousy? It was an accident and I freaking apologized!"
"No it wasn't. That gives you no right to fling my phone into the pool."
"Quiet!" Isabella shouted.
"Sandra, you may have invited us but its not your birthday. You have no right to dictate what we do and what we talk about. Your sister's celebrating a Quinceanera and you have nothing to contribute but creating scenes. You should get Diana another phone before the end of this party. Do you even know how much that phone means to her?"
Sandra stepped forward, giving Isabella a death glare.
"Why does Diana need to get another phone? The phone is in the pool. And you are her friend. You came here together. Are you just gonna watch her fume? Do something! Go into the pool and get her phone. At least, that'll make her feel better."
"That phone is – "
"Get inside the fucking pool!!!" Sandra pushed Isabella into the pool and gasps filled the air. Guests took out their phones and began filming Isabella, struggling to stay on the surface of the water.
"Isabella!" Diana exclaimed, her hands flying to her mouth.
She flapped her arms, legs and tried to raise her head but the more she tried, the deeper she sank. Sandra smirked triumphantly.
Diana wanted to step into the pool but Claudia pulled her back.
"Let her get your phone! She's the hero, huh?"
"Sandra! Claudia! She's drowning, can't you see?!" Dedra yelled at Sandra but she slapped Dedra with the back of her hand heavily and she fell to the ground.
"Dedra, stay out of this."
"I can't! She's drowning, she'll die!" Dedra was crying as she watched Isabella struggle with the water and screaming at the top of her voice until it seemed difficult to make a sound.
"Anyone who tries to get in that pool...will face the consequences!" Claudia threatened everyone.
"Dedra, get on with the party. She's trying to get her friend's phone." One of Sandra's friends called out to Dedra who was still on the floor, unable to bear what she was seeing.
Suddenly, a figure swiftly dived into the pool in a blur that made people's eyes widen.
He swam towards Isabella and lifted her in bridal style. She was already unconscious and when he lifted his head, murmurs took over when they saw Rafael.
"Rafael, oh my gosh."
"He's such a hero."
"He just saved her."
"Wow, hope she's still okay."
"They should call 911."
"Rafael saved her? I thought all he cared about was sex."
"Does he actually love Isabella?"
"I want a man who can save me like that."
"He's so fearless."
Rafael got out of the pool drenched with Isabella limp in his arms. Dedra ran into the house and Claudia followed, Sandra frozen with shock and rage.
"Why are y'all staring at me like that? Delete those videos! You wanna post them and make a false headline? I'll have you all arrested for spreading false information, you assholes!" Some guests fearfully deleted the clips they had recorded, while others just shoved their phones in their bags.
Rafael took her into the house.
"Hey, Dedra. Did you call 911?" Dedra nodded vigoriously.
"I did. Is she okay? She looks...kinda...lifeless."
"Lifeless? No way." He placed her gently on the ground.
"Isabella?" He called.
"Isabella?"
"Fuck, I'm so clueless." He cussed. Dedra sat and started rubbing her feet.
"Rub her hands, and then CPR. She should be a bit alright before the emergency arrives."
Rafael rubbed her hands, and shivered when he took in the chill in her fingers.
"CPR!" Dedra half yelled.
"C-can you do it then I hold her hand? I've never done it before."
"Okay." Dedra agreed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.
She swallowed and crawled closer to Isabella.
"Watch and learn."Dedra knelt behind her chest and performed chest compressions. She continued the cycle until she was sure Isabella was responding.
Rafael closed his eyes, praying she'd recover from this as soon as possible.
It felt horrible to watch her in that condition.
And he'd never spare Sandra for pushing her.
The ambulance arrived at the scene and he lifted her again, taking her outside to the vehicle and the emergency attendants, nurses and doctors waiting outside to recieve her.
"Here's our hospital address. You can come to visit the patient here." The nurses handed Rafael a card before she left with the others.
Rafael watched the ambulance until it was out of sight.
A tear rolled down his cheek and Dedra's chuckle made him realize what had actually happened.
He was crying. He fought hard to control himself.
"Do you really like her? The girls from your school are so jealous of Isabella right now." He nodded.
"I-I don't know what to say, Dedra."
"You're not as courageous as what I heard. You're here crying like a baby." Dedra mocked.
"I'm not crying! The-The tear just fell due to absolute tension, nothing more."
"Oh. C'mon dude, just accept it. You like her and you can't bear to see her that way. Don't worry, she'll be fine. She'll recieve treatment and its on me. You could be crying because you can't afford the bills, too." Rafael laughed.
"What the actual – I can afford the treatment, you don't have to be so benevolent."
"I want to."
"I don't want you to. Sandra will be mad at you." Dedra scowled.
"Her. I'll make sure she gets in trouble. How could she slap me at my Quinceanera? I gave her permission to invite her disgusting friends and she disgraces me. Awful!" She exclaimed.
"Isn't she your elder sister?"
"She is. But this house is mine. My name is in the documents. Dad already said she has no right to come here. I just wanted to pull a crowd at my 15th birthday that's why I asked her to invite many people."
"And what does Sandra get?"
"I don't know and I don't care. I got this house because I'm the most well behaved girl. I get good grades and I don't run around chasing guys who don't even look at me." Dedra rolled her eyes.
"Rafael, you're a very good guy. You don't deserve someone like Sandra. Her sketches of you are everywhere in her notebooks. But deep down, she wants to use you to reach the top. She wants to prove to our family that she can reach greater heights. Dad already disowned her when she got bad grades out of high school but found a way around that. I'm rooting so hard for you and Isabella."