Chapter Twelve

CJ'S POV:

I froze as soon as I entered the auditorium. A lot of people stared at me and began whispering, weakening my knees. I hung my head timidly. I should've texted Angelo to meet in front of the auditorium.

"CJ, relax!" Sofia nudged, grinning. "You look great."

"CJ!"

I lifted my head. My heart skipped a beat as I landed my eyes on Angelo. He was so handsome in his suit.

Angelo slowly walked toward me, his gaze unwavering. He held out his hand.

"Shall we?"

It raised my spirits. I smiled and nodded, taking his hand. I glanced at Sofia who gave me a thumb's up. I mouthed a 'thank you'.

I could still feel people staring at me as we walked. I held Angelo's arm to avoid stumbling. I wasn't used to wearing high heels.

Angelo whispered in my ear, "You okay?"

"I feel weird... People are staring at me."

"It's because you're beautiful."

My cheeks turned hot. "Am I not overdressed?"

"No," he answered sincerely, and my lips broke into a smile.

We arrived at the buffet table. I put salad and carbonara on my plate and then I grabbed a glass of lemonade. I took a seat on an empty table.

"Hi CJ," Jessa uttered, smirking at me. Myka was behind her, shooting me daggers. I squirmed.

"Hi..." I replied, muscles tensing up.

"You tried really hard, didn't you?" Jessa hissed. "You're so brave. You're wearing a dress that doesn't suit you."

I let out a sharp breath.

"What's funny?" Myka asked, annoyed.

Angelo approached us, his jaw clenched. "Myka, I told you--"

I touched his hand. He looked at me, eyebrows squished together. I shook my head and got up from my seat.

"I'm flattered that the two of you always pay attention to me."

Some of the people surrounding us murmured. But I was done. I couldn't deal with them anymore.

"I know that I'm not pretty, so why are you wasting your time mocking me?" I said, my voice shaking but calm. "You must be really insecure."

Myka and Jessa's faces turned red, with the vein in Myka's head popping out. My fingers were trembling, but I had to stand my ground.

The bullying had to end.

"Hmp! Whatever!" Jessa hissed and walked away with heavy footsteps. Myka threw me one last glare before following Jessa.

I stumbled and collapsed on my chair. Angelo held my shoulder. I looked at him, and he was grinning supportively at me.

Relief warmed me from within. I actually stood up to them.

Angelo sat next to me.

"That was cool."

I heaved a sigh.

"I just... I just couldn't take it anymore," I confessed. "I don't know why they're always picking on me."

Angelo shrugged. "She's just jealous."

"Why? I'm not doing anything. And we're not together."

Angelo averted his gaze, then he took a sip from his glass of lemonade.

"At least it's all over now."

"I hope so," I said.

"I'll make sure that it is."

The two of us began eating our dinner.

"Are your feet okay?"

"So-so. I'm not used to wearing this type of shoe... But it's okay. It's just for tonight," I replied. "You look handsome, by the way."

Angelo cleared his throat, his ears reddening a little. "I'm always handsome."

"I know."

He laughed. "Wow. Okay."

Then I suddenly remembered Seth. I haven't seen him.

Yes, I know I'm being dumb, but I have accepted that he wouldn't like me. I just want to make sure that our relationship wouldn't change. He's important to Angelo. I don't want him to feel as if he has to choose between us.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, it's nothing," I lied. "Where are your friends?"

He raised his eyebrow at me.

"Do you want us to share a table with them? We're the only ones here. It's lonely."

"Are you sure that's it?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Are you sure that you'll be okay?"

His concern moved me. I grinned and said, "Yes. I'm sure."

ANGELO'S POV:

I was surprised when she said she wanted to join my friends. Seth's gonna be there. Would it really be okay? Or could she have possibly gained some self-confidence and decided to fight for him?

Did she dress up because of him?

Heat flushed through my body.

The music was playing in the background. Blood rushed in my veins. I lost my appetite and stopped eating my food.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"Mm. I'm full."

When she was done, I cleaned up for us. I washed my hands and returned to the table.

"Let's go."

"Where are we going?" she asked, standing up. I touched her elbow to assist her. She was having a hard time wearing her pumps.

"To my friends."

Despite the jealousy driving me crazy, it was what CJ wanted.

We walked to Jason, Sofia, and Seth who were sharing a table.

"Hi, guys," I greeted them. I pulled a seat for CJ.

"Hey," Sofia said, giggling.

The two of us sat, with CJ next to Sofia, while I was beside Seth. I silently watched CJ, where her eyes would land, or if her expression would change especially when Seth was only a few meters away. She looked fine chatting with Sofia

It was Seth whose posture was rigid. He seemed fidgety.

"What do you think, guys? CJ looks pretty, doesn't she?" Sofia asked. CJ winced.

"Sofia..." she grunted.

"Yes, CJ looks really pretty," Jason answered.

"She's beautiful. She's always been beautiful," I added.

CJ shot me a surprised look, her cheeks pink.

Sofia giggled. "That's sweet!"

"Seriously, Angelo. What's your relationship?" Jason asked. Sofia elbowed him.

"I told you, didn't I? They're childhood friends."

"Oh, so it's true? Is that it?"

I noticed Seth cringe. I didn't say anything. I didn't want to accept it, so I left the question unanswered.

CJ tilted her head to the side, waiting. I merely shrugged my shoulders. Jason and Sofia exchanged glances with each other.

"I'll just get something to drink," CJ said, breaking the silence. She stood up.

"I'll go with you," Seth answered.

I became alarmed. I wasn't keen on the idea of Seth and CJ being alone together. Not until CJ moves on.

I got up from my seat.

"I'll get you one, Seth. What would you like to drink?"

CJ'S POV:

Angelo's words stirred my emotions. He called me beautiful. He said I've always been beautiful. My heart thumped uncontrollably, my stomach fluttering. I guess I was not used to receiving compliments.

Angelo and I returned to the buffet table to get some drinks. When we came back to the table, Sofia and Seth were already on the dance floor. Seth was quietly watching them.

I would like to dance, too. My feet were hurting a bit, but I would like to dance and have fun.

"Angelo, let's dance."

He raised his eyebrows. "I don't dance."

"Huh? How could you not?" I pleaded. "Please?"

"I don't feel like it. And it's too crowded."

I pouted and then I took a glimpse at Seth who was staring at me. I shifted in my seat, my stomach tied into a knot, as I remembered that we hadn't talked. I smiled at him shyly.

"I'll dance with you, CJ," he uttered kindly.

I blinked rapidly.

"Seth--"

But Angelo was already up on his feet. He grabbed my hand.

"Let's go--"

"But you said--"

"Let's go," he repeated and pulled me away from the table in a rush. I threw Seth a last look, and he was surprised with what Angelo just did.

Is it just my imagination or is Angelo trying to separate me from Seth?

Angelo and I arrived at the dance floor. He scratched his temples. The students around us were dancing happily, but we were only standing awkwardly.

"Are we not going to dance?" I asked.

"I don't... Well..."

"What do you mean?"

He grimaced. The lively music changed into a love song.

I clicked my tongue. "You should've let Seth dance with me if you truly didn't want to. Why did you take me away from him?"

Angelo's facial expression hardened. He took both my hands and placed it on top of his shoulders.

"Follow my lead."

Then we started to dance. Angelo was moving awkwardly. He was also off tune.

"Angelo, you're off tune," I said, looking down our feet. He almost stepped on my toes a few times.

"W-What?"

"You're too fast," I said. "Ouch!"

He stepped on me.

"S-Sorry," he uttered, annoyed.

We continued dancing. People were looking at us. One of the most popular guys in school apparently couldn't dance. I felt embarrassed for him.

"Maybe we should stop," I said. My feet already had blisters anyway.

Angelo took my right hand and twirled me around at least three times.

"A-Angelo, we're too fast--"

But Angelo wouldn't stop, and I started to feel nauseous.

ANGELO'S POV:

We stopped after CJ begged me to return to our table. She looked pale, and her ankles were also bleeding because of blisters.

"I think I'll puke..." she muttered, her voice hoarse.

"What?"

"Are you okay?" Seth asked her, frowning at me. I squirmed in guilt. This is why I didn't want to dance.

I didn't know how to.

"I'll take it from here Gelo. I'll take her to the washroom," Seth volunteered, shooting me an impatient look.

"No, I'll do it."

"Please, let me," Seth replied.

"This is my fault, so I'll take responsibility," I said sternly. I helped CJ get up from the table.

Seth leaned on his seat, his lips pressing into a thin line.

CJ needs her space. I don't get why Seth wants to be alone with her.

I'm being selfish. It's not my place to interfere. But I don't want CJ to be hurt. Or to be unable to move on from him.

I let her go once. That's it. I don't want her to cry over Seth again.

SETH'S POV:

I don't understand. Angelo won't let me talk to CJ. I only want to make sure that she's okay, though I admit that I did find her beautiful tonight. I wanted to say that when Sofia asked, but I chose to stay quiet. Besides, Angelo said it better.

But I also don't get why I'm like this. A lot of girls asked me to dance with them tonight; however, I couldn't bring myself to have fun like the usual.

I looked at Angelo and CJ heading to the washroom. She was in pain.

I sighed.

"Does Angelo know?" I whispered to myself.

My stomach hardened. Angelo is my best friend. It's the main reason why I didn't want to damage whatever CJ and I have.

I balled my fists.

This is too frustrating.

ANGELO'S POV:

The party ended around 12. CJ was feeling better after taking a little break. She decided to take off her shoes and walk bare feet. I offered to carry her on my back. She refused.

I walked her to their car. I opened the door for her, and she entered immediately. She looked so relieved that I felt bad.

"Thanks, Angelo. Good night," she said.

"Good night, CJ. I'm sorry... Well..."

CJ smiled at me. "It's okay. I had a good time."

I half-smiled.

"Drive carefully, Kuya," I told the driver. He nodded at me.

"Bye, CJ."

"Bye."

And the car sped away.

"Angelo, let's talk."

I turned around. It was Seth. Despite the darkness, I saw that he had a conflicted expression on his face.

I guess it's about time to talk about what happened between them. We need to clear the air so we can return to normal.

I also need to clarify that he doesn't feel anything for her. That his attempts to be with CJ tonight meant nothing.

"Okay, Seth. What do you want to talk about?"