[Rhea's POV]
Jael hurriedly left the restroom once I pointed out that her zipper was open. Was she feeling embarrassed by my comment?
I noticed her deliberate avoidance, how she refused to meet my gaze. She managed to arrive on time today as well, yet her behavior was puzzling me.
It slipped my mind momentarily, but I realized that she had started to create a distance between us ever since I uttered those words about not wanting to see her again. The truth was, I didn't truly mean it, it was just a reflection of my own somber mood due to...
Flashbacks
"I'll have to reschedule our meeting for today, Dad," I spoke into my cellphone, my grip tight as I juggled the conversation with my father regarding the Montejo's meeting.
The idea of engaging in business discussions, especially with the particular guy who's my suitor. My father's intentions to forge a connection between us, both being faculty members at SU, were clear, but I wasn't enthused.
"Yes, perhaps tomorrow, Dad," I responded before ending the call, my sigh of relief imperceptible.
Entering the familiar haven of the coffee shop, I found the place bustling with students, nearly every table occupied. The search for an empty seat led me to the counter, yet before I could even scan the room properly, a prompt staff member intercepted.
"Good day, Miss Rhea. What would you like to order today?" Her smile was the epitome of professionalism.
"I'll take a cappuccino," I replied, my eyes still sweeping the area in hopes of spotting a vacant spot. Regrettably, the tables were fully occupied.
With no choice left, I opted to take my coffee to-go. As my order was prepared, my gaze swept the area once more, landing on a woman who stood beside her table, her eyes on me.
Was she signaling for me to join her? While it might be unusual, declining her offer felt impolite, and the prospect of sipping my coffee alone in my car paled in comparison to the ambience here.
Balancing my order, I made my way over to her table, noticing the warmth that radiated from her smile as her gaze lingered on me.
I'm not one for childish games, really.
Upon reaching her table, I watched as she gracefully pulled the chair out for me, a gesture I hadn't anticipated.
Is she working as a waiter?
With no room to decline her silent invitation, I settled into the chair, feeling a slight shyness tinge my demeanor. Despite that, I maintained an air of sophistication as I positioned myself.
"Miss, what's your name?" she asked, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and curiosity.
I chose not to engage with her, opting to retrieve my book from my bag and immerse myself in its pages. Her disregard for etiquette had left a sour impression on me. As I delved into my reading, my peripheral vision caught a glimpse of the small canvas she held. Was she painting? It seemed likely, especially given the furtive glances she kept stealing in my direction.
Suddenly, she cleared her throat and assumed a somewhat childish demeanor. With a feigned cough, she inquired about my name. I couldn't help but feel that her behavior was rather immature, and so I calmly reminded her that it's considered impolite to ask for someone's name when they're occupied. I made sure not to let her breach of decorum go unnoticed. After all, a lesson in basic manners was in order.
I glanced at my watch, gauging the hour, and realized that it was getting late. I carefully stowed my book in my bag and finished the remaining contents of my coffee. The woman sharing my table requested that I wait for her, but I wasn't inclined to entertain the idea. Waiting would likely invite further interaction, something I preferred to avoid. Swiftly, she hurried to the counter, granting me the opportunity to rise from the table and exit the coffee shop.
Upon reaching my mansion, a place solely mine, I disembarked from the car and made my way indoors. This house stood vacant ever since I acquired it, a solitude that seemed to permeate its halls. I ascended to my room, placing my bag on the bed before removing my jewelry. Confronting my reflection in the mirror, I studied my expression, attempting to summon a smile that felt elusive. My focus shifted to a photograph positioned nearby, compelling me to pick it up and trace its contours with my fingertips.
"I miss you," I murmured softly, clutching the photograph to my chest as a profound melancholy washed over me.
Time went by, marked by less-than-ideal days where I found myself reluctantly entertaining Gab.
During the coffee break, I found myself in his office. While occupied with something at his teacher's desk, Gab struck up a conversation.
"I've heard there's a renowned student transferring here, Rhea," he mentioned casually.
"That's certainly unusual," I responded, my disinterest evident. I had no real desire to engage in this discussion.
"I looked into her profile, and she's quite exceptional. A highly accomplished painter and a decorated competition winner. Word is, she might end up in your class," Gab continued, taking a sip of his coffee.
His words piqued my curiosity. A fellow painter, with a string of accolades similar to my own? While such achievements weren't unheard of among students, it did intrigue me.
"Could I take a look at her information?" I inquired, standing up to approach his desk and delve further into the matter.
Gab promptly fetched his laptop, displaying the details I sought. What I saw managed to catch me off guard, the student in question was none other than the one I had encountered in the coffee shop.
It was undeniable that her achievements were truly remarkable. She had triumphed over many highly regarded art institutions across the Philippines. Yet, seeing her credentials on screen, a question lingered.
Why had she chosen to come here?
Amusement danced in Gab's eyes as he chuckled, observing my genuine surprise at the sight of this student's accomplishments. "Well, Rhea, this is the first time I've seen you taken aback by a student's track record," he remarked.
The information on the screen provided a clearer picture, Freyja Elie Mercedez, 19 years old, with Mr. Anthony Mercedez as her father and Mrs. Patricia Geovannie as her mother renowned engineer and celebrated chef.
"She'll be joining us next week. Make sure to welcome her properly," Gab instructed, promptly returning his attention to other tasks on his laptop.
Left with a sense of bewilderment, I decided to step outside and sought solace on the rooftop, hoping the open air would provide clarity.
"Mercedez," I murmured to myself, still mulling over the intriguing situation.
A week elapsed, and the newly transferred student made her appearance. She possessed an impressive height and a distinct sense of style, though her presence didn't exactly fill me with joy. As she introduced herself to the class, her articulate speech showcased her intellect.
To gauge her abilities, I assigned them a painting task, yet my reaction to the outcome was a surge of anger.
The artwork I expected was far from reality, she had painted me, depicted engrossed in reading a book. Frustration knotted within me, and I massaged my temples before calling her to my office. I questioned her intentions for choosing this university, only to be met with a rather brash demeanor.
"Because of you,"
"I like you."
Confession hung in the air, leaving me utterly perplexed.
Her response was far from what I anticipated. I had hoped for her to demonstrate her capabilities through her artwork, to substantiate her impressive record, but instead, she had presented me with what I considered a triviality.
My intent wasn't to engage in games, I sought earnest dedication to the craft.
"Get out!!" I yelled at her, massaging my temple.
Frustration surged within me due to her brash demeanor, despite her undeniable excellence.
Days passed by relatively smoothly, until an unfortunate incident occurred I lost a pendant that held great sentimental value. Despite searching Gabs office, mine, and even Viens office, it remained elusive. Recalling my last struggle in the parking lot, I decided to investigate further, hopeful that it had fallen there.
For an hour, I scoured the parking lot, yet my efforts proved futile. Unexpectedly, a familiar voice sounded behind me. Despite my surprise, my earlier frustration urged me to ignore her presence, hoping she would depart. But she persisted, determined to assist, even though the nature of my search remained unknown to her.
"You're intelligent, but you didn't think to ask me what I'm searching for," I mentally said, my irritation growing.
Eventually, I inquired if she knew what I sought, and she admitted her ignorance. I explained that I was searching for a heart pendant, a cherished gift from someone special.
"Nakita ko po yon ma'am, don't worry nasa tamang kamay ang pendant niyo." She respond.
Her response brought relief, she had found it and assured me it was safe. The pendant held immense significance to me, far beyond its physical value. She hurried to her car, and I followed suit, nearly succumbing to a moment of impulsiveness as she retrieved it. I managed to regain my composure just in time, averting a potentially awkward situation.
With gratitude, I thanked her for safeguarding my pendant. However, her actions continued to baffle me. Not only did she decline any form of compensation, but she also expressed a desire to share a coffee with me.
Despite my initial reservations, I acquiesced, and we went in a nearby coffee shop.
As I drove, I sensed her gaze upon me while my hands maneuvered the steering wheel. Suppressing any concerns, I focused on the task at hand. Yet, a lingering thought surfaced I still needed to meet my father.
Swiftly, we reached the coffee shop, conveniently situated not far from the school. I was acquainted with the owner, Lola Aurora.
I placed an order for coffee and patiently waited for her to finish hers. Despite my father's urgent text, summoning me for an important meeting, I found myself grappling with frustration due to her persistent immaturity. Although I was reluctant to leave her behind, my impending appointment took precedence.
Leaving a substantial amount of cash on the table, I signaled for her to use it for a taxi, feeling a mixture of annoyance and concern.
Upon arriving at my father's residence, I was assisted by his bodyguards. Stepping into the opulent red room, I observed his chair turned away from me, facing a small forest that adorned the space.
"Dad, I'm here," I announced as he turned to face me.
"Late again, Eya," he responded.
That name again, arrghh.
Despite his veneer resembling that of a mafia boss, my father was a man of great wealth and influence. Our life was a tapestry of luxury and privilege.
"I'm sorry dad I have an appointment with someone." Offering my apologies for the delay due to her, I stood before his imposing desk.
"Word has it there's a Mercedez at SU," he inquired, his knowledge extending far beyond the surface.
"Yes dad, a new transferee," I confirmed, maintaining my stance.
"You understand your task," he directed. "Take care of that student, keep a close watch on her, and gather information."
I acknowledged his command with a nod, acknowledging the gravity of his expectations.
A heavy sigh escaped my father's lips, his expression tinged with melancholy. "How are things progressing with Gab?" he probed.
My response was candid, "We're fine and he's still courting me."
Regret echoed in my father's voice as he spoke, "I'm sorry, my daughter."
I offered reassurance, "I assure you, Dad, it's not an issue."
Our conversation meandered, touching upon various matters before eventually coming to a close. Exiting his residence, I returned to my mansion, intending to rest. Yet, as I lay in bed, the image of her lingered in my thoughts. Despite the cash provided for her transportation, I couldn't shake off the concern. Eventually, I succumbed to sleep, hoping for a respite from the whirlwind of emotions.
The night went by, and I found myself walking on the second floor after having a meal with Gab in his office. I waited for the elevator, and when it finally opened, I was surprised to see Jael and Vivien together inside. A surge of anger coursed through me as I noticed how close their bodies were. My gaze shifted to Jael, but her expression remained impassive. I felt a little somehow mad at them being together.
Vien is getting too close with her and I kinda don't like the thought of it.
Stepping into the elevator beside Jael, I couldn't shake off a surge of anger pulsing through me. It bothered me, this reaction I was having. I had told Vien that I would personally escort Miss Mercedez to my class, despite Vien's initial reluctance. As we reached the third floor, I wasted no time and immediately administered a quiz to the students. The noise level was grating on my nerves, prompting me to place their papers right in front of them to instill some manners. After they managed to complete the task, I left the room, my allotted time spent.
In my office, I began reviewing their papers, a sense of frustration building within me as I went through the stack.
When I came across her paper, that anger resurfaced once again. She had deliberately torn a hole in her paper despite my clear instructions against erasures. It was as if she was testing my patience, and I was rapidly losing mine.
Driven by this fury, I abruptly stood up and marched back to the classroom, my fists clenched. "Miss Mercedez! Follow me!" I shouted. She appeared taken aback, but she promptly rose and trailed behind me.
We arrived at my office, and I attempted to have a conversation with her about her behavior. Yet, she continued to respond with that same aggravating attitude that grated on my nerves. Frustration reached its peak, and as a consequence of her actions, I decided to impose a punishment on her, she would be restricted from attending my class for two days. I couldn't handle her disruptive behavior any longer.
It was making my already challenging job even more difficult.
End of flashbacks
At the event
Vien's prolonged hand-holding with Jael made my eyes ache, and amidst entertaining other professors, I found myself unable to extend my own congratulations. Gab's grip on my hand only added to my discomfiture.
Jael's artistic prowess is truly extraordinary, beyond belief. In a short span, she managed to produce a painting that defies reality. Pride surged within me, acknowledging her hard work and achievement.
However, the sight of Vien holding her hand and Jael appearing at ease with it sent a pang through my heart. I questioned this unsettling emotion that seemed to grip me, akin to a force pulling me into its depths. An unwarranted irritation emerged.
"Let's go, Gab," I directed.
"Are you not going to congratulate Miss Mercedez?" he inquired.
Shaking my head, I allowed Gab to guide me out of the event venue. On our way, an urge to seek solace in the restroom to collect my thoughts compelled me.
"I'll be in the restroom, wait for me here," I informed Gab.
"Sure, I'll stay here and call my father," he replied.
Inside the restroom, I mechanically washed my hands, my mind preoccupied. Suddenly, Jael appeared behind me, attempting to communicate, but her words fell on deaf ears as my discomfort from Vien's actions lingered.
I falsely claimed that I didn't wish to see Jael anymore, a lie driven by my uncontrolled emotions. Regret pierced me when her trembling voice hinted at her tears.
...
Sunday dissolved into Monday. The school organized an event, yet my lack of interest exempted me from any announcements. I noticed Jael's punctual arrival, an unusual departure from her usual tardiness.
She was actively avoiding me, a fact I couldn't ignore.
Throughout the day, her deliberate avoidance became evident through her skillful avoidance of meeting my gaze. Lunchtime led me to Gab's office, but upon finding it vacant, I ventured outside the building, scanning for him near the engineering department. There, I encountered Miss Savannah's group of friends, the absence of Jael among them causing a slight worry. Suppressing it, I considered the possibility of her joining them later.
Where is she?
The idea that she might be in Vien's office crossed my mind, yet a quick check yielded no results. Then, as I entered the room, I found her asleep, napping at her table while her earphones are in.
Concern welled within me, but I retreated silently when I notice that she's moving, maybe awake.
But why she's not eating lunch?
A slight worry gnawed at me as I realized she hadn't eaten lunch, and time for the meal was slipping away.
Shaking off the concern, I headed toward my office with the intention of taking a nap. However, the lingering worry persisted, prompting me to change my plans. Instead, I proceeded to the administrative office to inform them that I would handle the event announcement, an opportunity to both attend to my duties and check on her.
With the directors' approval secured, I returned to the building and ascended to the third floor. There, I unexpectedly encountered her, engaged in laughter with Miss Samonte, the girl she had been spending time with lately.
Whatever.
My event announcement completed, I made a swift exit. It felt futile. Deciding that I would maintain my distance from her as I have suitor. But, I couldn't help but wonder why I was inexplicably fixated on her.
Returning to my office, I found Gab occupying my couch.
"Where were you?" I inquired.
"I was at Miss Alpacio's office, discussing things and concerns. I missed you," he responded. "Come here," he gestured to the couch, inviting me to join him. I ignored the gesture and remained distant.
"Gab, you can leave now," I stated, lacking interest in his presence.
"Are you upset?" he asked.
"Why would I be? I'm not upset," I replied, moving toward my desk.
Gab approached me, attempting to put his arm around my waist, but I evaded his touch and slapped his hand away. "You're just my suitor, don't act like you own me," I snapped, my frustration evident. His presumptuous actions angered me.
"Relax... I'm sorry, okay?" he backtracked, retracting his hand.
"Get out now, Gab. Don't make me repeat myself," I coldly muttered, my focus returning to my desk.
"Alright, I'll go. Sorry abou-
"Leave," I interjected, my tone icy. He promptly exited upon hearing my firm words.
He was merely a suitor, and I hadn't granted him the right to touch me. He touches my waist sometimes but that wasn't my like, it was his own will and I already told him that he's not allowed to touch me anywhere. The situation seemed ironic. Massaging my temple, I grappled with frustration stemming from what I had witnessed. She appeared to be enjoying herself.
Reflecting on Gab's actions left me unsettled, especially considering my own conflicted emotions about her. The memory of her kissing me back continued to plague my thoughts, evoking a desire that felt both compelling and wrong, particularly given my ongoing involvement with someone else.
Counting the instances when she initiated a kiss with me, like the one in my office, surprised and unsettled me. The kiss she initiated in the practice room caught me off guard, yet an unexplainable impulse led me to reciprocate. Then there was the recent one, a result of my frustration when Vien brought her food. I acted impulsively, not considering her feelings. I allowed myself to kiss her, yet I can't bear even the slightest touch from Gab.
What is happening to me?