Chapter 6

Alitha's POV

We were under the tree while waiting for the next class. Glaiza pulled out her ensaymada while I was just reading a book. After what happened at the club, I was avoiding the road where I could meet Nikolai. I'm so thankful we haven't met yet.

"You have not told me anything yet about what happened between you and Nikolai." Chewing as Glaiza speaks by my side. When Nikolai left me, I immediately returned to our table while Glaiza was enjoying the company of Nikolai's companion. I never saw Nikolai again that night.

"How were you with the guy last night?"

"He was okay. Friendly unlike his friend. His name is Cedrick." She finished chewing while glancing at me. "I was really surprised when he approached us last night. And if he acts like that, it's as if you already know each other. Are you not telling me?"

"We just talked last night. In the club garden. He was already there when I came out."

"I still resent him for what he did to Glen. But when I think of Cedrick, it seems like my annoyance with him wants to disappear."

"What?" Has she also been blinded by the likes of Nikolai? "You also said that they were friends. They must have only one gut. Don't fool yourself."

"I don't know, Ali. As I talked to him last night, I felt like he was a good person. That he was the opposite of Nikolai. It's not because they're friends, they have the same temperament. Who knows, the two of them are also different."

"I do not know. It's up to you what you want to believe." I said while turning my attention to what I was reading.

"Are you mad at me?"

"Of course not. Why are you asking that?"

"What if he wants to court me? Shall I let him?"

"Did he say he was going to court you?" I looked at her again. I was surprised by what she said. I don't think she was hit by the spell of those men.

"We're texting today. He didn't say but I feel it. He likes me and he will court me.. soon."

"Don't believe those kinds of men, Glai. Don't hope, you'll just get hurt. Don't expect too much, especially if it comes from men like them."

"I can't believe you're giving advice on things like this."

"What do you think of me?"

"I think you don't care and you know nothing about men. So I can't believe it." She even teased me when she was tempted. I ignored her and just distracted myself from reading.

"Wait. Is that Nikolai Johnson?" Hearing the man's name, I was not on my own mind when I looked up. I followed what Glaiza was looking at. And I could almost stand when our eyes met. The eyes of the man I have been avoiding since this morning. I was nervous at the kind of stare he had at me. Especially when I saw him walking closer in our direction.

I was just looking at him so I didn't notice those with him. I don't know if I would be happy or sad when he suddenly stopped few meters from us. And suddenly cut off looking at me. He turned to his comrades and I saw that he had already talked to them. Only one of his companions continued to approach us.

"Hi, Glaiza."

"Hello, Cedrick." He is the guy whom Glaiza danced with last night. Cedrick sit beside Glaiza and took a glimpse at me.

"This is my best friend, Alitha. Ali, this is Cedrick."

"Nice to meet you, Cedrick." I accepted his hand when he extended it to me for a handshake.

"Finally meet you, Ali." He said with a naughty smile. I didn't give a damn and ignored him.

"I thought you're in the cafeteria. What are you guys doing here?"

"We just came here to see you. Actually, we don't have a class anymore. We will be going to Jeric's house. Have some drink and you know, boys talk."

"Are you asking my permission?" I just bent down and listened to them. Pretend to read while feeling.

"Yes. Informing you about my whereabouts." This Cedrick guy is somehow sweet.

"Okay. I don't know what to say." Glaiza laughed. I know she's thrilled now.

"You can go there after your class later. Bring Ali with you." I looked up at them.

"Oh, no thanks. Glaiza is the only one coming."

"Why?" Glaiza asked me in surprise.

"Come with us, Ali. It was fun there and Glaiza seemed to have someone with her."

I was going to protest but I heard that Glaiza agreed. "I will talk to her."

"Okay. I will send you the address. We have to go." Cedrick stood up and looked at us. I simply looked at his companions. Which I wish I hadn't just done. I caught Nikolai looking at me but also immediately turned away when he saw me looking at him.

What was that?

Avoiding me? Err.

I never looked at him again even though they had turned their backs on us. It's hard. Looks like I'm not the only one avoiding. He seems to be the same. Has he not yet recovered from what happened last night?

Have I recovered yet? I don't think so. Just imagine my reaction earlier when I saw him. Then I will see him later when I go with Glaiza. So I just shouldn't go.

"You will join me later. It is forbidden for you to refuse." My friend seemed to hear what I was thinking.

"What? No, I will not. I have plans after class. I can't go with you."

"The killjoy Ali is back. Where was my friend last night? I want that Ali to be with me tonight."

"You don't have that Ali anymore. She won't come back because I've fired her already."

"Really? You are so bad. I want to be with Cedrick. I have no other friends, just you, Ali. Come with me. Please?"

"Here we go again. You keep on using that face. What am I going to do there?"

"Just accompany me. I want to keep thinking that you are avoiding Nikolai." I turned to her. She probably can't read my mind, can she?

"I just don't want us to go with them. You know their reputation. What they are just fooling us?"

"That's why I want you to be with me. I feel safe if you will accompany me there."

"Why would you want to go?" She was silent. She seemed hesitant whether to tell me or not. She seems ashamed of me. "Tell me, Glaiza."

"I like him, Ali. I like Cedrick, a lot."

"What?" Did I hear correctly?

"I have a confession to make. I've wanted him for a long time. I always look at him when he's just around. I really liked him back then. So I was shocked last night when he was just in front of me and holding my hands. Imagine my feelings."

I am speechless. I didn't expect what she confessed to me. I also don't notice her when Cedrick is just nearby. I don't even see Cedrick. I only saw him last night. And I just really noticed him earlier.

"Please, Ali? Please.. This is my first time liking someone a lot. So I want to try it. I will not be afraid when you are with me."

Will I go with her? If I come I will definitely see Nikolai again. I can't be reassured when he's just there next door. I don't know what will happen next. Or maybe I'm just paranoid. Maybe he won't do anything to me. He's even avoiding me.

"Okay. I will come with you."

"Really?!" I nodded. "Oh my God! Thank you, Ali!" She smiled big as she thanked me. I didn't know she was so happy when I agreed.

So after our last class, we went to the address Cedrick had given us. It was past six o'clock when we arrived. We used my car because Glen had already left. The siblings are always together when they go home and go to school.

We are already in front of the big gate. In the distance we could see the big house. We stopped at the parking lot but didn't get off first. Glaiza first called Cedrick informing him that we were already outside. Soon the man came out. He looked for us so we got out of the car. Cedrick greeted us and he smiled looking at Glaiza. With the kind of smile I see on him, it's as if my friend feels a response to him. It's as if the feeling is mutual between them.

"Come on. Let's go inside." He invited us. He was next to Glaiza.

"Are there many people inside?" Glaiza asked him instead.

"No. Just my friends and their girlfriends."

Is Nikolai's girlfriend there too?

I was about to voice that question. Fortunately, I restrained myself. We followed Cedrick inside. She almost backed away when she saw many people inside. This is not what she expected. Glaiza turned to me. She seemed to know my skepticism. But here we are. And for my best friend's sake, I will do one of the ones I hate the most.

He guided us towards the sofa. He introduced us at every turn as his friend. Some just nod while others are shocked and in disbelief. And why is that?

When we reached the sofa, I reassured myself. I look forward to seeing Nikolai here. But what I didn't expect was to see him with a woman. The woman is sitting on his lap and they're kissing. OMG!

I was scandalized by what I saw. I feel like my whole face is red. I immediately avoided looking at them. I looked at Cedrick when I heard him fake a cough. We grabbed the attention of those sitting on the sofa. They all looked at us. Including Nikolai and the woman sitting in his lap. I tried not to look at their direction.

"Guys, this is Glaiza and Alitha. They are my close friends." So these are the people who belong in a fraternity. Some of them looks familiar to me. They are always with Nikolai in the school.

"This is Jeric, Jethro, Andy, Benedict and this is Nikolai. The girls with them are their girlfriends." Cedrick laughed so as his friends. I have a feeling that they are just having fun.

"And of course, the master of the ceremony and the owner of this mansion, Michele." From the top of the stairs a very handsome man came down. If I'm not mistaken, he's the famous actor Glaiza says. The actor we saw at the club last night.

"Josh Velasquez, my cousin." I heard Glaiza gasped in surprised. Josh came up to us so I could see even more how beautiful his face was. He also has a good posture. Wide chest and large shoulders. He's tall and he's oozing with sex appeal. I couldn't properly see him last night that's I was kinda shocked while staring at him right now.

"This is Glaiza and Alitha." Cedrick introduced us to him. He didn't even say that his cousin is a famous actor though I haven't seen any movie of him.

Josh shook hands with us but his hand lasted longer with mine. He did not let me go right away. He also stared at me for a long time as if memorizing every angle of my face. If I hadn't withdrew my hand he might not have let go of it.

"I'm sorry. I was not able to contain myself. I didn't know my cousin just had a beautiful friend." He said while still looking at me straight in my eyes.

"Stop flattering her, Josh. She doesn't just believe you. She's not like that." Cedrick interrupted him.

"Why? She is really beautiful. Such a face is rare. Do you want to be an actress?" I smiled at him.

"That's not my forte. I am not good in acting. Besides I don't want to face a lot of people. I don't even know why I'm here." Josh laughed at what I've said.

"I am starting to like her."

Really.

"Come at the dining area. You should eat first." Cedrick guided us to that part of the house. I didn't realize that Josh had just followed us.