Chapter 13

[Chapter 13]

As George and I walked silently, I couldn’t stop thinking about what Raven said earlier.

Sigh! I’m so confused. Why do I feel so awful for rejecting him like that?

“Garnett, are you okay?”

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“He likes you,” George said.

I froze at his words.

“Don’t you like him, too?” he asked, still looking straight ahead at the road.

“Yes, I do like him,” I admitted.

He stopped walking, so I stopped as well and looked at him.

“You still like him?” he asked, surprised.

I swallowed hard. “N-No, I mean… yes. I liked him, but that was a long time ago, not anymore.”

Is that true, Garnett? Do you really not like Raven anymore?

“Does that mean I have a chance?” George asked.

I couldn’t answer and just stared at him.

“B-Because, George…” I said, taking a deep breath. “The truth is, I have no plans to get into a relationship while I’m still studying. I made a promise to myself—and to the Freaks Gang—that it’s graduation first before romance.”

He smiled slightly at my response.

“I know… but…” He gently took both of my hands in his.

I looked at him, speechless.

“I hope you’ll still wear the necklace I gave you,” he said.

Hearing that, I remembered the necklace that went missing. Tsk! How do I tell him about it?

He stepped closer, and I swallowed nervously.

“Remember this, no matter how long it takes… I’m willing to wait.”

He leaned closer and kissed my forehead.

---

The Next Day

“It’s the weekend. Do you have work at the restaurant today, Garnett?” Elisha asked.

“Yes, later,” I replied while holding George’s letter.

“What? Why are you holding that?” Ami asked.

“Yeah, are you thinking about something?” Hazel added.

I looked at them.

“There’s something I want to tell you,” I said.

They all moved closer.

“What is it?” Ami asked.

I swallowed hard. “Yesterday… Raven…”

“Oh, right, you were with him yesterday,” Elisha said.

“Yeah, um… well…” I stammered. Come on, Garnett!

“What is it?” Hazel pressed.

I took a deep breath and faced them. “H-He confessed his feelings for me.”

Their eyes widened in shock.

“WHAT?!!!” they all exclaimed.

I nodded.

“Omg! Really?” Elisha asked.

“Yes, a-and then George… Ugh! I don’t know anymore.”

“Wow, girl! Feeling pretty, huh?” Ami teased.

“Tsk! If you only knew, it’s so hard for me right now. I don’t know if I should take Raven’s confession seriously. I don’t know if I should give George a chance either.”

“Well, what does your heart say?” Ami asked, and I froze.

“Whatever your heart tells you, follow it. That’s where true happiness lies,” she added.

I lowered my head.

“Garnett, if you’re worried about our studies, you can use this as inspiration to work harder,” Elisha said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I mean, we can have a love life even while studying. As long as we don’t neglect our academics,” Elisha explained.

“But didn’t we promise to graduate first before getting into relationships?” Hazel reminded.

“We’ll be too old if we don’t experience these things now. And we’ll still graduate even if we have boyfriends now,” Elisha countered.

“As if anyone’s lining up for us! Meanwhile, Garnett already has options,” Ami joked.

Sigh!

“Stop it, Ami. I’m already confused,” I said.

“Here’s a serious question, girl. Do you still like Raven?” Hazel asked.

I looked at her, unsure how to answer. Tsk, what’s wrong with me?!

“Okay, Garnett, who do you think deserves a chance? Raven or George?” Elisha asked.

I groaned. “I-I really don’t know.”

“How can you not know?” Ami asked.

“B-Because I like them both. I mean, I don’t want to hurt either of them,” I admitted.

“Who hurt you at the start, and who treated you with respect from the beginning?” Hazel asked.

“The answer is obvious, isn’t it?” Ami said.

I stayed silent, unwilling to say anything.

“Don’t tell me you still like him?” Ami pressed, referring to Raven.

Do I still like him? Even I didn’t know the answer. Sigh!

---

At the restaurant, I froze as I saw Raven in uniform, serving customers. He noticed me, smiled, and was about to approach me when…

“Garnett, you’re here,” George said as he walked over.

---

(Raven’s POV)

I glanced at the door and smiled when I saw Garnett. Yes! She’s here.

I was about to approach her when…

“Garnett, you’re here.”

What the hell? Does this guy always have to butt in?! So annoying!

---

FLASHBACK

“Oh? What are you doing here, son?” Dad asked.

“Dad, hire me,” I said.

He looked surprised. “What?”

“I want a job, Dad. I want to work part-time here in your restaurant.”

He chuckled a bit. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, 100% sure.”

“Ah, by the way, Dad, what’s Garnett’s position?” I asked.

He gave me a knowing look. “You want to work here so you can see her every day, huh?”

I swallowed nervously. Damn it, Raven! Think fast! “N-No! I just… I want to earn my own money.”

“Okay, do you want to be a waiter?” he asked. My eyes widened.

“What?! I don’t like that,” I protested.

“But that’s Garnett’s position,” he said.

I stayed silent. “So?” he asked.

I took a deep breath. “Okay, Dad.”

---

(Back to Garnett’s POV)

While waiting for a customer’s order, Raven walked up and asked, “Who were you staring at?”

“What’s it to you?”

“Do I need to repeat what I said yesterday?!” he snapped.

I looked at him.

"I don’t believe you when you say you like me," I said, then turned my back on him.

I don’t want to believe anymore! He grabbed my arm and turned me to face him. I swallowed hard because his expression was serious.

"Yes, I fooled you before, but I’m serious now, Garnett," he said, staring into my eyes.

DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG

"Garnett, here’s the juice."

I immediately stepped away from Raven and grabbed the juice, taking a deep breath.

Whoa, Garnett! Focus!

"Ah, Ma’am, here’s your juice," I said, placing it down.

"Thanks. By the way, I have a little question," she said.

"Sure, Ma’am, what is it?"

"That guy," she said, pointing at Raven.

"Y-Yes, Ma’am?" I asked.

"Do you know him? I mean, what’s his name?" she asked.

I swallowed hard. Why is she asking?

"Ahm… well…" Should I say it?

"Good afternoon, Ma’am. I heard you’re asking about the name of one of our employees here in the restaurant?" George suddenly approached us.

"Yeah, may I?" the woman asked. Tssh!

She’s pretty. I think we’re the same age. George smiled at me, then winked.

Wait, what was that for?

"Ahm, Mr. Alvarez?" George called Raven.

When Raven looked, his brows furrowed immediately. He had no choice but to come over.

"What?!" he complained. Tssh, always so grumpy.

"Our special customer wants to meet you," George said to him.

Raven looked at the woman, his brows still furrowed. The woman stood up, smiled, and extended her hand toward Raven.

"Hi, I’m Abby, and you are?" the woman introduced herself. I glanced at Raven. He just stared at her hand.

Then he suddenly looked at me. I quickly looked away. Ugh! Why am I feeling annoyed?

"Sorry, but I’m not interested in knowing you."

I was shocked by what I heard. When I looked at him, he had already left. So rude, huh?

George and I exchanged glances, and he chuckled slightly. George is really something else.

"He’s interesting," the woman said. Tssh!

"Actually, Ma’am, he’s the son of the restaurant owner. Please understand him," George said.

"Don’t worry, it’s okay."

After that, we went on break. I was inside, eating alone. While eating, I couldn’t help but think about what Raven said earlier. Ugh! I’m so confused—George or Raven? Tsk!

Suddenly, someone sat beside me.

"Do you want some?" George asked.

"What’s that?" I asked.

"Dried fish and tomatoes," he smiled.

I smiled back.

"You eat that, too?"

"Of course, it’s my favorite. Want some?"

"Sure." Then he put two pieces of dried fish and some tomatoes on my plate, and we started eating.

"He was looking for you earlier," he said.

"Who?"

"Who else?" I looked at him, and he was laughing.

"And why are you laughing?" I asked.

"You know the feeling of beating Raven when it comes to you? This must be what it feels like to win," he said.

I just smiled and stayed quiet.

"Later, we’re getting off early. Want to go out?" he asked.

I looked at him.

"Where?"

"Hmm… Enchanted Kingdom?"

I smiled and nodded.

"Sure," I said.

Suddenly, the door opened. It was Raven, carrying two trays. His eyebrows immediately knitted together when he saw us.

"You two are together again?!" he asked. Ugh, here we go again.

He approached us and sat in front of us.

When he set the food down, I noticed there were two servings.

"I-I’m going to eat all of this, okay!" he said abruptly.

I just ignored him and continued eating.

"You eat that?" Raven asked George.

"Yes, try it. It’s good," George teased.

"No thanks, I might get sick," Raven said arrogantly. I raised an eyebrow at him. His ego is so inflated.

"Ah, Garnett, come with me later," Raven said.

"Huh? Where?"

"We’re going on a date," he said.

I looked at George, who was just eating.

"George and I are going out," I said.

Raven paused his eating.

"What?! You two are going out again?!"

"We didn’t go out last night," I said.

"Tssh!" He glared at George again.

Ugh! I cleaned up my plate.

"I’ll leave you two," I said.

"I’ll come with you," George said.

"W-Wait, you’re leaving me here?" Raven asked.

"We’re done eating," George said.

"But I’m not done yet. You can’t leave me while I’m still eating," Raven said.

Tssh.

"Just follow us," I said.

Forward!

As soon as I clocked out, I quickly changed into casual clothes, my thoughts wandering. George and I were going out. Should I tell him I lost the necklace? Ugh, I don’t even know how he’d react.

When I stepped out…

“What the heck?!” I yelled.

Raven was standing there, smug as always.

“What are you doing here?!”

“Waiting for you.”

“Waiting? Why?”

“Because we’re going out.”

“But I already have plans with George,” I argued.

“I don’t care! You’re coming with me.” He grabbed my hand, but I immediately pulled away.

“Don’t be so stubborn, Raven. George asked first, so I’m going with him.”

He smirked. “Oh, so it’s all about who’s first, huh?”

Annoying!

“Fine. I’ll let him have this one, but next time, I’ll make sure I’m always first,” he said with a smirk before storming off.

Ugh, I’d love to poke his eyes out!

Soon after, George and I left.

“EK is close by, so we can just walk. Is that okay with you?” he asked.

“Perfectly fine.” I smiled.

He returned the smile, and for a while, we walked in silence. Our hands occasionally brushed, and I couldn’t help but feel awkward. My heart raced, and I looked down, trying to compose myself.

“Garnett.”

I stopped in my tracks as I felt his hand on my forehead.

I looked up—there was a tree right in front of me! I’d nearly walked into it.

Oh my gosh, Garnett!

I hadn’t realized George had stopped me just in time. His hand gently shielded me from hitting the tree. Why does this feel like a scene out of a romance novel?

He slowly withdrew his hand and smiled at me.

Then he took my hand in his and switched our positions, placing himself between me and the tree.

As we continued walking, I felt a strange tremor run through me. He was holding my hand. I swallowed hard and glanced at him.

“T-Thank you…” I murmured.

He smiled. “Anything for you.”

I couldn’t help but smile back.

When we got to EK…

“Let’s make the most of the day,” he said, pulling me along.

I laughed.

This is nice. Being with George feels just right. Maybe I should give him a chance. He checks all the boxes for the kind of guy I like.

“Let’s ride that one!” he pointed to the rollercoaster.

“Let’s go!” I grinned.

Before pulling me again, he held my hand tightly and looked at me with a smile that made my heart flutter.

After the rollercoaster, we tried the wild river, a swing-like ride, and the one that shoots up slowly and then plunges you down suddenly. It was exhilarating!

Afterward, we grabbed ice cream and sat on a bench.

“The wild river was amazing! I could ride it again and again!” I laughed.

“But the rollercoaster is unbeatable,” he said.

“Actually, everything here is worth repeating,” I added.

“Do you know what’s the most worth repeating?” he asked.

“What?”

“Spending time with you.” He smiled.

I went quiet for a moment before rolling my eyes and smiling. “Cheesy.”

“I’m serious.”

Here we go again. I swallowed hard.

“Garnett.”

I looked at him.

He gently touched the corner of my lips. Startled, I froze.

“There was ice cream,” he said apologetically.

I nodded and smiled, trying to shake off the strange fluttering in my chest.

“We still haven’t tried two rides,” he said.

“Which ones?”

“The Ferris wheel and the haunted house.”

I checked the time—it was almost 7 PM.

“It’s late. Let’s save those for next time?”

He smiled. “Sure, no problem.”

I smiled back.

---

When we got home, George walked me to my door.

“This is fine, George. Thanks for today and for walking me home.”

“It’s nothing,” he said with a smile.

“Alright, I’ll head inside now,” I said, turning to leave.

“A-Ah, Garnett…”

I turned back.

“Hm?”

“G-Goodnight and sweet dreams.”

I smiled. I don’t know why, but I suddenly stepped closer to him.

I kissed him.

On the cheek, of course, but it was enough to leave him wide-eyed.

“T-Thank you for making me happy today,” I said, giving him a small smile before running inside. Once I closed the door, I leaned against it, gasping. Garnett, what are you doing?!

---

The next day.

“Hey, Garnett, wake up!”

“Ugh, I’m still sleepy!”

“Wake up already!”

“What is it? It’s Sunday, no work!” I said, pulling the blanket over my head.

“You have a visitor downstairs.”

I sat up immediately.

“H-Huh? Who?”

“It’s Raven.”

My eyes widened.

“W-What?!” It was only 7 AM!

“Yes, so get down there already,” Ami said.

I had no choice but to go downstairs.

When Raven saw me, he smiled and walked over.

“Good morning, my princess.”

“Why are you here again?”

He adjusted his jacket with a smug look.

“Like I said, I’m going to be ahead of him in everything.”

“I don’t understand you,” I said, frowning.

He glared at me.

“Are you stupid?! Hurry up and get ready. We’re going out.”

“And where exactly are we going? You’re such a bother this early in the morning.”

“Just hurry up and get ready.”

With no choice, I took a shower and got dressed, intentionally taking my time to irritate him.

“MAKE IT FASTER, DUDE!!!” I heard him yell.

Tch. Let him wait.

I checked the time—7:43 AM. I decided I’d go down at exactly 8 AM.

Just as I sat on the bed to wait, the door burst open.

“What the—?!” Raven exclaimed, clearly shocked to see me just sitting there.

I swallowed nervously as he closed the door and approached me.

I backed away, but he only moved closer.

“Are you purposely making me wait?!”

“N-No, it’s not like that…”

“Don’t lie!”

He got closer, leaning down, forcing me to sit on the bed.

“W-Why are you here?! Leave!”

“How could I not come up here after waiting so long?!”

I froze as he leaned even closer. I was practically lying on my bed now, his face inches from mine.

“What are you doing?! I’m ready now; let’s go!”

“I’m not done with you yet,” he whispered, his lips inches from mine.

My heart was pounding wildly.

DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG DUGDUGDUG

He kissed me—slowly.

I didn’t move, stunned by what was happening.

He pulled back slightly, staring into my eyes as he held my hand.

“I have so much to say to you, but… I can’t find the words,” he whispered.

Then he leaned in again.

This time, I closed my eyes.

He kissed me again.

I kissed him back.

Our kiss deepened, and he pulled me up, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist.

“Garnett?”

I jumped back, shoving Raven away as Ami’s voice echoed from outside.

“Are you leaving soon? We need to head out as well,” she called.

Raven and I exchanged glances before I sighed, heading for the door.

Before I could reach it, Raven grabbed me again.

He kissed me once more.

I pulled away and slapped him, but instead of getting angry, he smirked.

He grabbed my hand and opened the door.

When we stepped out, everyone downstairs looked confused by the scene.

“We’re leaving,” Raven said, dragging me along.

I was too stunned to say a word.

Well, Raven beat George this time. Ugh!

To be continued ....