005

"A rose. From your suitor?"

I immediately shook my head "It's from Joanna. I don't have suitors"

"Now that's impossible" then he started driving.

"Not my fault if you won't believe me" I stared at the window.

"How come?"

"What?"

"How come you don't have any suitor" he emphasizes the word 'any'. I rolled my eyes and once again shook my head. "Come on, we should have something to talk about as we head to your home"

"As much as I want to entertain you with my lack of suitors and having no lovelife since birth, I also don't know the reason why"

"You write stories about love yet here you are, obviously have no slightest idea about it"

"I saw a lot of movies about it. That's enough for me to know a thing or two"

He went silent after that which is good. It's not that difficult to know what a person who love could do, right?

When we reached home, I immediately went upstairs to change my clothes. Another dinner with my mother. I was putting a bit liptint on me when I heard a knock.

I went to see who it is, I opened the door and saw our maid. "Yes?"

"Your mother wants you in the dining room right now, Miss"

"Give me a second"

She smiled and shook her head "You need to be there right now, Miss"

I sighed and followed her. We're in the dining room when she left me.

"Hija, sit down" I obliged.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"Did you?" one of her eyebrows is up.

"No" then she smiled.

"Then we have no problem. I just want to eat with you, hun" she served my dinner and even asked how my day was.

"It's fine. Joanna and I have been busy today. We had a lot of activities and quizzes" I said as I am eating.

"When will be your foundation day?"

"I think in three to four months. I don't know, we really don't have anything to do during Foundation day"

"Can you do me a favor?"

Because I'm surprised that she's asking a favor I immediately said "yes"

She laughed a little and said "Can you participate in Mr. and Ms.?"

"Mom, I think I could do anything except that"

"But I don't want anything except that. Look, this is the first time I'm asking you a favor. It'll be once in a lifetime experience for you. I'll be there for you, don't worry"

"You really want me to do this?" she nodded.

I sighed and smiled at her. "I will list my name once there is announcement"

"Great! We will eat together from now on"

"Really? How about your work?"

"I've worked long enough"

That made me smile. I'm happy that we'll have time together even if it will only be on dinner.

"How about dad? Isn't he going home yet?"

"He's still busy but I'll talk to him" she again smiled.

I slept with a smile on my face. My mom finally made time for me. That might be small thing for anyone. But it isn't for me. My only problem is the pageant my mom wants me in. But I'll think of that tomorrow.

"Hey, Eros" we're in the car on the way to school.

"Hmm?" he said while driving.

"Do you think I'll win if I participate in a pageant?"

He's silent for a moment. I called him because he's taking too much time. Am I really that ugly?

I glared at him until he looked in the rearview mirror then rolled my eyes.

Maybe it's really impossible. Should I just tell it to Mom? What would I tell her? I remembered how she smiled when I agreed.

Oh! I'll just lie about listing my name. I'll just say that I got eliminated. I nodded with what I thought. But what if she found out that I lied? There'll be no more dinner with her. I even thought of giving her a flower.

Then I heard a laugh. I looked at Eros who's laughing.

"What?"

"Nothing"

"First, you didn't answer my question and now you're laughing at misery"

"I'm not laughing because of what you're going through right now. I'm laughing because of the face you make. Are you thinking of doing something bad?"

"No. Why would I?" then looked away.

"You're face gave it away. No need to deny"

"Fine! Because you didn't answer my question. I was thinking of lying to my mom. I don't really have much self confidence to actually list my name in pageants. And you not answering my question left me thinking that I might be that ugly and ridiculous to actually do that" he stopped driving and looked at me.

"Why would you think you're ugly?"

"Well, as I said yesterday, I don't have any suitor. That's the first reason. The second one is you not answering"

"And why did you thought of lying to your mom?"

"Because I don't want to tell her that I can't"

"Why did you even agreed?"

"Because she said that we'll have dinner starting yesterday!"

"Aww. Guia's actually a softie"

"No, I'm not!"

"Yes, you are"

"Stop, pushing it okay? I'll be late for school. We better hurry"

"Yes, Miss"

Silence filled the car. I don't even know what to say to him.

"But if I were you Miss. I would go for that pageant. I think your mother wouldn't ask you to join if you're not that beautiful. Trust in her"

But that's not what what I want to hear. I brushed off that thought and focused on the road.

I immediately went off the car with my bag on my hand. I saw Joanna in the waiting shed. I was about to go to her when I heard the rolling down of the car's window.

"Hey, Guia"

"Yes?"

"Smile. I think that's what you're lacking of. Not suitors or boyfriend. You're teenager and I understand that you're seeking for someone that will bring some excitement or happiness in your life. Still, be happy with what you have right now"

"You're talking like my dad"

He laughed and I looked at him while he's enjoying his laugh.

"Seriously though, Join the pageant. That'll be fun. And it'll be worth to remember especially your mom will be there to support you"

"Okay, dad. Byee"

He started the engine and I started walking when I thought that he'll leave, he once again called me "Hey, Guia"

I turned around and saw him smiling.

"You'll win that pageant. You're beautiful, trust me" and that's when he left.