Destiny

ANGELLE

"Bebe Link!"

We turned around when someone called Link by his name. When we saw the woman, I felt insignificant. I mean, not literally. But she was so beautiful. I give compliments to other women, but this woman... Damn, she's perfect.

From head to toe, she looked stunning. Was she one of the offspring of the gods and goddesses?

"D-Destiny?" Prof said, stunned, as he looked at the woman.

Destiny?

When she got close to us, she quickly hugged Link and kissed him on the cheek, which made me raise an eyebrow. Ok?

"Hey, Destiny. Don't be clingy," Link told the woman, gently pushing her away.

The woman pouted. "You're not happy to see me, Bebe Link?" she asked, sounding sad.

"I'm happy, Destiny," Link replied. The woman grimaced.

"Yeah, you're so happy. I can see that," she said sarcastically.

"No, I am really happy," Link said, smiling. I sighed, looking at them.

The woman's smile broadened. "Nah, I know you're always happy when you see me. Anyway, you've changed a lot, but you've become even more handsome!" she exclaimed.

"You're still beautiful," Link responded.

Ugh, they should just continue complimenting each other.

"Obviously, it's in the genes," the woman said, flipping her hair, which made them all laugh.

The woman then looked at Prof and smiled at him. "What's up, Albert? How's it going?"

Prof smiled. "Fine, how about you?"

"Still looking pretty," the woman said. Prof chuckled. "By the way, I'm glad to see you here. What brings you guys here?" she asked.

"We bought some things and decided to hang out here, what about you, what are you doing here?" Link answered. He glanced at me. I was just looking at them, pretending to be "fine" and waiting patiently.

"OMG! It's Destiny that I bumped into you here. I came to shop too," said the woman.

"How are things at your new home?" Prof asked.

"It's good. I just miss seeing Link," the woman pouted. So this woman and Link have a history.

“If you hadn't sent your ex to the hospital, your parents wouldn't have moved you away," Prof pointed out.

"It was his fault though, right Link?" said the woman. Link hesitated before nodding. The woman's smile broadened, and she clung to Link's arm. One would think she was his girlfriend.

"Hey, Destiny. We're about to leave. Weren't you going to buy something?" Prof asked.

"Ah yeah, but if it's okay with the two of you, can I join you?" I inadvertently gasped softly and sighed into the void.

Does she only see the two of them? Excuse me, I'm with them. WHO IS THIS DESTINY ANYWAY? Wait, why am I overreacting? I shouldn't care, so what if Destiny is Link's ex? Ugh!

Link and Prof looked at me, making the woman turn to see what they were looking at. She was taken aback before she approached me. WHAT?

"Hi, beautiful lady," she greeted when she got close.

I hesitated, offering a smile. "H-hello," I replied.

"Destiny, meet Angelle," Prof introduced me, prompting the woman to smile even wider.

"I see, anyway. Nice meeting you in person, I'm Destiny Salle Vera." She introduced herself and offered her hand. I looked at it before accepting and shaking hands with her.

"Its nice meeting you too, I'm Angelle—" I didn't finish what I was saying as she interrupted me.

"Musco, right?" I nodded, puzzled, and pulled my hand back.

"How did you know my surname?"

She smiled. "Well, Link tells me a lot about you." WHAT?

I looked at Link, who was just staring at me, appearing indifferent. I looked back at the woman and forced a smile.

"Is that so?"

Why would he talk about me to others?

"Is it okay if I join you guys?" I nodded in response to her question.

After she got my answer, she urged us to continue exploring the mall. The three of them started walking, leaving me trailing behind like a bodyguard. Link and Prof had Destiny between them, chatting happily. This is what annoys me about some people. When they find new company, they just leave you behind as if they've never met you.

I sighed and looked away. Am I jealous? Am I jealous of the attention the two of them are giving Destiny? Well, I can't deny it. I'm jealous because earlier they were talking to me, I mean, only Prof was, and I was the one they were putting at the center, and then suddenly I'm replaced. Oh well, it's probably better that Destiny is here to divert Link's "supposed" feelings for me.

We stopped and entered a shoe store because Destiny wanted to buy shoes. I thought of getting myself a pair of shoes that I could use when we go out, so I decided to do some shopping too. They were on the other side while I was at the end of the store, truly feeling lonely.

As I was browsing, I was surprised when someone grabbed my hand, which startled me. When I looked at the person who did it, I saw Link holding a pair of doll shoes. Okay?

"Why?" I asked irritably. Why did he suddenly grab my hand like that?

"Let me try these on you," he said and bent down to look at my feet.

His position resembled someone proposing, which furrowed my brow. He was going to make me try on the shoes and then kneel down?

"What? Just let me wear the shoes," I said, a facepalm moment, and he pulled me to sit on his lap, which surprised me even more.

As he took off my current shoes, I looked at his face and felt the butterflies in my stomach again. It felt good, but it's hard when you let your guard down, as it might lead to getting hurt. Nah, what am I even saying?

After he removed my shoes, he put on a pair of maroon doll shoes.

He raised his head and faced me. "Is it a good fit?" he asked.

I looked at the doll shoes and nodded in response. "Is that okay?" I looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

I stood up from his lap, and he also stood up, facing me.

"Is it okay now?" he repeated the question when I didn't answer.

"Yes, is it for me?" I asked.

"No, it's for Destiny. I'm planning to give it as a gift." He said.

I averted my gaze and swallowed hard. I felt hurt by what he said. Why did he have to try it on me then? Is he trying to make me jealous or intentionally hurting me?

"Is it okay if I just give it to her? I—" I didn't finish what I was saying as he interrupted me, surprised when I quickly took off the doll shoes and threw them at him.

I grabbed my own shoes and ran out of the shop. I held back my tears because there were so many people there. I didn't want to embarrass myself, and I didn't want them to think I was crying just because I assumed something.

YES! I ASSUMED THAT THOSE SHOES WERE FOR ME. And that's the dumbest thing I've ever thought!

Where are Ate Jove and Andre?

I took out my cellphone and texted the two, asking if we were going home. I waited for their reply, but after 10 minutes, they still hadn't responded. I really wanted to go home because I really wanted to cry.

While I was wandering alone in the large mall, I decided to eat by myself at a spicy food restaurant.

I ordered their special and spiciest dish. At first, the lady at the counter warned me, but because I was stubborn and wanted to try their special, I insisted.

While waiting for my order, I took out my cellphone and dialed Ate Jove's number, which she answered after a few rings.

"Hello, Couz. Sorry, I couldn't reply right away," Ate Jove said.

"It's okay. Are we going home soon?"

"Yes, Couz. Where are you?"

"I'm at a spicy restaurant,"

"Ah, I know that place. What are you doing there?"

"I'm eating. Come over here so we can go home together," I said.

Coincidentally, my order arrived.

"Enjoy, Ma'am," the waiter said with a smile.

"Thanks."

"Hey, Couz, are you going to eat there?"

"Yes,"

"Their dishes are extremely spicy."

"It's okay, I'll manage."

"Okay, good luck!" she said before ending the call.

I placed my cellphone on the table and started eating. Even with just the first bite, I closed my eyes because my mouth immediately felt the heat. Ate Jove was right, it was extremely spicy. I took another bite and quickly drank some water. I hadn't even finished half of the dish before tears streamed down my face due to the spiciness, and I couldn't stop sniffling because the spiciness triggered my eyes.

One of the staff approached me and handed me a glass of cold water and some tissue.

"Ma'am, are you okay?" they asked.

"Yes, I'm okay." I lied! I wasn't okay, because it was too spicy.

Because of the extreme spiciness and because of what Link did, I couldn't help but start crying. I regretted eating something spicy, and I regretted agreeing to go with Link. There I was, hurt again, but it was my fault, right? I liked Link, but I was being too childish.

"Do you still need help, Ma'am? Your face is really red," the staff asked.

I forced a smile. "I'm fine, thank you," I nodded, even though they didn't seem convinced that I was really okay, as they left the items they brought even though they weren't convinced I was truly fine.

When the staff left, I took a sip of water and wiped my face with the tissue. Even though the place was air-conditioned, I was still sweating.

I fanned myself and tightly closed my eyes. Shit. It was too spicy!

Unable to bear it any longer, I called another staff and asked for more water. The other customers were already looking at me, and some were secretly amused by my reaction. I felt like serving them this food!

"Ma'am, are you okay?" the staff asked with concern.

"It's spicy," I tried to force a smile.

"We did tell you it was extremely spicy," the staff said, shaking their head.

"Angelle,"

I lifted my head upon hearing someone call my name. When I saw who it was, it was Link with Destiny and Prof.

I grinned and rolled my eyes, not bothering to acknowledge him. Why was he here? Isn't Destiny his "destiny"? He was still searching for an angel.

They approached me and faced the staff to inquire. "What happened to her?" Destiny asked the staff.

"I think she couldn't handle the extreme spiciness," the staff replied.

I stood up and walked over to the counter to pay. I must have looked like an idiot, fanning my mouth.

Once I was done, Prof accompanied me outside, and the two followed suit.

"Why did you eat there?" Prof asked.

"I tried it to see if I was numb," I replied, and a faint laughter escaped Prof's lips.

"Oh, what was the result?"

"Well, I'm not numb."

Prof chuckled and shook his head. We stopped near the spicy restaurant where we ate, waiting for Ate Jove. I could feel Link standing beside me.

I could still feel the intense spiciness in my mouth. I was such an idiot. I was only testing myself when it was difficult to get rid of the spiciness.

"Prof, I'm going to the restroom," I excused myself, and he nodded in response.

I briefly glanced at Link and Destiny, who were having a conversation. Before heading to the restroom, I walked past them and went straight to the girls' toilet.

I just peed and then fixed my appearance. My face was still extremely red, as if I had been kissed by ten men. Damn! What would people think?

I looked at myself in the mirror here. I am beautiful, right? I'm sexy and have a good sense of fashion. I glanced at my chest and smirked. Is that enough? Nah, what am I even thinking?!

After finishing my touch-up, I exited the girls' toilet. As I walked out, I saw Link standing and leaning against the wall. He glanced at me as he noticed my presence.

What was this damn jerk doing here?

I continued walking to return to Prof, and he walked towards me, but I didn't pay any attention. However, before I could pass him, he grabbed my hand to stop me.

I felt the butterflies in my stomach again, and my heart raced. Damn this feeling!

I forcefully withdrew my hand and faced him.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

"For what?" I asked with annoyance. I was still angry at him for what he did earlier.

I knew I shouldn't stay mad at him, but I couldn't help it.

"It's about what happened earlier at the shoe store. I was just joking about—" I cut him off before he could finish his sentence.

"Okay," I said and turned away from him.

"There you go again, Angelle. I'm trying to talk to you!" he said, frustrated.

"I don't care about what you have to say. At least I know now that you don't really like me," I said as I continued walking.

I knew he didn't like me because he likes Destiny, who is more beautiful, sexy, and... well-endowed.

I heard his footsteps behind me, and when I looked back, his body was already in front of mine, enveloping me in a hug. I was almost like a statue, unable to move because of what he did.

"I promised your parents that I wouldn't hurt you. I promised them that I would take care of you like a parent takes care of a child. And lastly, I promised that I would love you..." he said, pausing for a moment. "If you think that I don't like you, you're wrong. The day I said goodbye to your parents was the day I realized that I should cherish you and want you." He continued.

"Angelle, I'm not rushing you, and I'm not forcing you to like me in return," he said as he hugged me.

He said he wasn't forcing me to like him? What about when he said, "Just try me even if you don't love me"? Wasn't that a form of coercion? This guy is really messed up.

"If I hurt you earlier, I'm sorry," I gently pushed him away and gave him a stern look.

"Hurt? How?" he asked.

"About the Doll shoes that I made you try on."

Was I really that shallow? Yes, Angelle!

"Tch! I wasn't hurt by what you said. I was just annoyed that Destiny was there, and you still tried the shoes on me!" I retorted.

He smiled, which irritated me. Damn this guy! Instead of apologizing, he's teasing me.

"To be honest, the Doll shoes were for you. I wanted to give them to you when we get to Buras, which is why I said they were for Destiny," he explained.

I didn't know if I should be happy or angry. I suddenly reacted and behaved as if I hadn't been studying. Were those Doll shoes really for me?

"That was supposed to be my first gift to you, while I'm courting you," he said, looking me in the eyes. Courting?

"When did you start courting me?" I asked with a hint of annoyance. I couldn't help but be snappy towards this guy.

"When I asked for permission to your parents," he said, and I gasped in disbelief.

"Well, you said that to my parents, but did I agree?"

He smiled. "I didn't need your permission. Courtship is something you do, not something you ask for," he said.

I was rendered speechless by his words. It was as if my tongue had retreated and been defeated. So, he's been courting me without me even realizing it?

As I started feeling extremely awkward, I let out a sigh and angrily kicked Link in the knee, causing him to wince in pain. He held onto his knee, looking at me in confusion.

"What was that for?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and met Link's gaze, slightly raising my eyebrow. I had slightly kicked him harder than I intended. I couldn't help it, why did I do that?

"It's for this. I'm allowing you to court me," I said bravely.

He seeme

d taken aback, holding onto his knee. "Really?"

"I don't need your permission, anyway. Courting is something you do, not something you ask for," I retorted.

Unable to hold back my extremely awkward feelings, I let out a sigh and turned away from Link. Yes, Link, I'm giving you a chance.