Prologue

Prologue

I yawned and craned my neck as I get bored and bored listening to our Literature professor.

“Romeo and Juliet learned their lessons...” She walked to the right as she looked up, she was like visualizing Romeo and Juliet's fateful love story. “The hard way.”

She stopped and turned to us as she continued her views and reactions to the story.

I sighed and shifted in my seat. Literature is pretty much one of the most boring subjects I have now. People say I'm a bookworm — that's because I have my library at home and I'm usually seen in the University Library alone — but to be honest, I hate reading fictional books, especially love stories!

I was just never fond of it. But because of this Literature subject, I needed to read, not just one, but a few bunches of romantic novels! Ugh!

“Okay. Now, what you have to do is to write your views and personal reactions to the love story of Romeo and Juliet. And then after that, proceed to read the next novel, ‘Pride and Prejudice’.”

I could almost hear the same sentiment from my classmates after that. If only this was about Science and Astrology, then maybe I could get more than an A+.

She went to her desk and gathered her stuff. “That's all for today, class. See you next meeting. Class dismissed!”

Half of the class left the room while some, including me and Ivy, stayed for the next class.

“You know, Augustine? I'm close to dropping this subject. Ugh! I always get tired of listening to Ma'am Romero storytelling these dramas!” Ivy lamented as she lay her head on her desk.

“I know, right,” I said nonchalantly.

She sighed and rose her head up.

“So, what are we up to now?” Ivy asked.

I rolled my eyes as I applied lipstick to my lips.

“You forgot we're picking up Thea at the airport?”

“OMG!” And panicked herself at her bag. “Oh, no, my gosh! It's today?!”

I clapped my powder concealer and put them back in my bag. I turned to her, raking my hair side by side.

“Yes, but you have to go first because I'mma have to drop by at Ateneo to see Andrus—”

“Wait! So, it's Andrus you picked?” she cut me off, her mouth dropped.

I pursed my lips and twitched my eyebrows. “Well, he was really cute on our last date and thought I wanted him for the next few weeks, so...” I shrugged.

“Hmm!” She flicked her eyebrow pencil at me, her eyes were playful. “Good choice! He's really a good catch, you know! Well, anyway... Okay! I'll give you 30 minutes with him and I guess, that's enough time to...” And gave me a meaningful look. “You know...”

My narrowed eyes rolled at her.

“I'm just getting the book I asked him to find for me...” 30 minutes is a good enough time. “But let's see.”

Ivy giggled then her phone buzzed.

Andrus Samaniego. Well, Ivy was indeed right when she said, “Good choice.” Andrus, aside from his pretty face, tall and manly physique, smart-ass brain, fame, and wealth, he's also great at Literature — reason why I chose him instead of the other fifteen boys I let court me. I like him, though he's sometimes boring because he talks sensibly at most times.

Andrus:

Hey, babe! Are you sure you're getting the book? I can skip my class to go with you to the airport.

I first turned to my driver to say, “Kuya Wilson, we're dropping by at Ateneo,” before I replied.

Me:

Yes. I'm on my way now.

Andrus:

Alright, babe! You're being so cute! Text me when you're here ok? I'll excuse myself.

I smirked at his ridiculously adorable text. This is cringing me but this is also one of the reasons why I find him cute.

Me:

Ok. [Wink emoji]

Ateneo is not much a long distance, it didn't take us much time commuting.

After instructing Kuya Wilson, I immediately slid off the car with my changed outfit. In my light blue square top dress with a cute thin-strapped ribbon in the mid-chest, silver watch, a pair of white 3-inches high heels, and my red lips on, students in Ateneo looked at me like I'm Ariel who came straight from the ocean to lure them with my pretty face. It's as if I was a new face when I've been here several times already. I guess this is just how pretty I am in their sights.

As usual, I passed through buildings to avoid getting hit by the sun. Their College of Engineering building is not that far, but Andrus still met me halfway. And he looked really worried, it's like I walked a thousand miles.

“You alright? Did anyone try to mess with you?” he asked, looking around with his possessive eyes.

I ignored his questions and proceeded to my agenda — which is getting the book.

“Where's the book? I need to go.”

He looked at me with pleading eyes.

“Can't we have some coffee?” He puckered his lips more. “30 minutes?”

I looked at him suspiciously. I wanted to ask him about it but I actually kind of need a cup of coffee right now. I sighed and gave in with no ifs and buts.

Their cafeterias are great. But my all-time favorite is their Willow Café. I just feel so enchanted whenever I sit in here, with the trees and vines decorated with gold lead lights, everything is magical including their delectables.

“I'm fine just borrowing yours. You didn't have to buy,” I said as I try to find a good spot.

This place is usually packed, but seeing it right now with few customers, makes the place more peaceful. Maybe I should stay longer.

“It's fine, babe. This is just affordable.”

I sighed and didn't argue anymore. A girl left her table which looks like a great spot — it's near a huge bent tree facing the open wooden window, overlooking the field. Nice!

We both decided on a regular red-velvet cream cheese milk tea and a slice of gold sprinkled dark chocolate cake. The milk tea has been a favorite after three visits, while the cake is new so I tried it. Besides, I'm not much into delicacies, that's why I don't stick to one kind of cake.

“I like this place, so cozy,” Andrus said after a few bites.

I nodded to agree with him as I eyed the whole cafeteria. It's indeed nice, very earthly. Its aesthetic is nostalgic in the sight.

“Hmm. I wish this owner would think of having a branch in our school.” Then sipped on my milk tea.

I also started to skim through the novel. If only I could finish this one right now, would be better.

“Do you want me to talk with the owner? I think I can do that.”

I looked at him, eyebrow raised.

“You can do that???”

He grinned and nodded twice.

I closed the book and placed it on the table so we could discuss it further. That's how we spent the next few minutes.

“So, we can just talk to him and convince him to open a branch in your school. Or if you know someone who can franchise it, then that won't be a problem.”

“So, you two are like the same age, same course and he's this great at business?” I asked.

I'm quite impressed at the thought that someone our age is already engaging in business. I'm not even careful at spending my money. I just go buy whatever I want using my Dad's and here's this boy, owning this great cafeteria?

He nodded. “Yeah. We've been friends since junior days. But, well, we barely talk. I mean, we got different circles.”

My lips inverted. “I see.” Then looked around again. “I want this cafe in our school. I need a new place to stay during my free time. We really have to talk to him.”

“Chill, babe. I'm gonna do something about it, okay?” he said with a smile. “If you want, I can text him now.”

I rolled my eyes and checked the time to see I still have 10 minutes left. “Andrus, you forgot I'm going to the airport.”

“Oh!” He glanced at his watch. “Sorry. Well, I can drive you to the airport, I have time.”

“No. I have my car and driver with me. You focus on your finals.”

His face turned sour, disagreement is evident. He convinced me but I have made up my mind. I just don't wanna be the reason for his grades to fall. I'm his girlfriend, not some distraction or destroyer. Besides, I hate clingy boyfriends.

I received a text from Andrus just a few minutes after I left their school.

Andrus:

I miss you already, babe. Text me back if you got there safe, aight? I love you!

After replying, I texted Ivy.

Me:

On my wayyy.

Her reply was quick.

Irish Yvonne:

WHAT? I thought you're not gonna come!!!

I raised an eyebrow and immediately typed in my message.

Me:

Bixxh! Why wouldn't I!?

Then she called.

“Just wait—”

“You left Andrus!?” her question made me stop mid-sentence.

“Huh? He's in school, bixxh?! Can't you just wait for me, Irish Yvonne? I know what you're doing! Stop it!”

A girl in the background laughed and her voice was so familiar!

“Are you with Thea already?!”

“Augustine!!!” the girl in the background whom I immediately concluded was Thea.

“Thea! OMG! I'm late! I'm sorry! I'm on my way now!”

I panicked and immediately told Kuya Wilson to drive faster.

“We're already heading to the mall, Augustine. Just meet us there.”

“I thought she would stay with her boyfriend. Really, Augustine is that bixxh for leaving her boyfriend Andrus Samaniego just like that,” I heard Ivy in the background.

“Will you shut up there, Ivy? Bold of you to assume that. Anyway, we'll just meet at the mall, Thea. We have so much to catch up on!”

“I know, right! I really allotted time for this! Ivy just told me you're busy with your boyfriend.”

“Can you slap her for me?” I said, a bit really annoyed but Ivy just laughed it out. Bixxh.

Our car u-turned when I told Kuya Wilson to drive to the mall instead. Our call has also stopped because they were gonna watch a movie. And I hate Ivy so much for that! I was supposed to be joining them but because she wanted me to enjoy my relationship with Andrus, she sacrificed my friendship with Thea! My god!

“Kuya, are we yet long?” I asked while I skim through my socials.

“The traffic is a bit heavier today, Ma'am.”

I looked outside and confirmed it.

Oh my god, the traffic!

I let out a sigh. This is a bit stressing me but I have no choice but to wait.

The traffic moved lightly after until we got stuck again! And this time, it's heavier!

“Ma'am, I guess there's an accident ahead of us,” Kuya Wilson said while I try to look outside.

I lost when my eyes darted at someone on a motorcycle just outside my car window. He's wearing a black full-helmet and black leather jacket. But his eyes are visible, and they looked so handsome. For a fleeting moment, I was mesmerized he looks so dashing. Then I snapped when I remember Andrus.

I turned to Kuya Wilson and pretended I was shocked at what he said.

“What? Oh my god. Do you know any other route, Kuya? We can't stay here long!”

“I'm afraid we can't get out of the traffic now, Ma'am. The vehicles are very close together.”

Kuya Wilson looked sorry as if it was his fault.

I sighed and rubbed my temple. I texted Ivy and Thea in our group chat.

Me:

Girls!!! I'm stuck!

I knew Ivy would reply pretty quick because that bixxh doesn't leave her phone.

Irish Yvonne:

Where? We're still watching a movie here. You can still make it to the restaurant.

Me:

There's an accident! We couldn't leave the traffic, we're so stuck!

Irish Yvonne:

Gosh! Ok Just take a motor-taxi. That won't cost much. 500?

Me:

Is it safe?

Irish Yvonne:

Definitely! Just download the right app.

Me:

Ok.

Then I did what Ivy just told me.

I downloaded the app she said then booked myself a motor taxi. I told the rider my situation and said I should find a spot away from the traffic to wait.

I did and found myself waiting at a sidewalk, just in front of a pet shop. I chose it here because the shop is cute, there are fewer walkers and I'm protected from the sun.

The rider soon came and he's even less than 10 minutes early than expected! He looks tall and huge in his all-black suit. Black jacket, black pants, helmet, and even his motorcycle. I suddenly remember the guy I saw from my car earlier. Wasn't it him?

“Hello, Ma'am, I'm the rider you booked.”

“Oh!” I nodded and went to him.

He handed me his extra helmet which I supposed is intended for his back rider passengers.

“You look prettier in person than in your display icon,” he stated which made me look at him.

“Ah...” I just chuckled at it while I fit the helmet in my head.

Climbing to his motorcycle is one of the worse struggles I had so far. I had to hold onto him to support my weight. My gosh! Have I gained so much!?

“Hold on,” the rider before he started driving.

Fast. That I quickly had to wrap my arms on his abdomen for me not to fall.