Chapter 12

[Chapter 12]

"Wait, where are we going?!" I asked.

"You'll see."

I glanced back at the others. Ugh.

Soon, I was shocked to find us in the parking lot. I immediately pulled my hand away from his grip.

"What is this? Where are we really going? I have class!" I said.

"Tsk, just get in." He opened the car door.

I stared at him.

"Get in," he said.

"No," I replied.

"I said, get in before I lose my patience," he said, his aura darkening.

"Tsk, I'm not scared of you anymore," I replied.

"I don’t care. Get in the car."

I had no choice but to get in. Ugh, this is so frustrating.

---

"What are we doing at the mall?" I asked, but he ignored me and pulled me along.

"You'll see."

I gave him a look.

"What kind of ‘you'll see’ is this? You keep saying that!" Ugh, so annoying!

"Ha-ha. Is that supposed to be a joke?"

I rolled my eyes.

When we entered, my eyes widened—Jumanji 2 was showing! Oh my gosh!

"Do you want to watch?"

I looked at Raven, and I felt his hand gently hold mine.

H-HOLDING HANDS?!

DUG-DUG-DUG-DUG-DUG

I glanced back at him, swallowing hard. Is this guy leading me on again?

I was about to pull my hand away, but he tightened his grip and tucked it into his jacket pocket.

My eyes widened.

KYAAAA! What is happening?!

"R-Raven, w-what’s this?" I stammered.

"I asked if you wanted to watch a movie or not?"

I swallowed hard and looked away. What do I do?! I’m freaking out over Jumanji 2! My goodness, Garnett!

"I-I was planning to ask you out tonight, but then I heard you’ll be working part-time at my dad’s restaurant, so I figured now was better," he whispered, and I couldn’t meet his eyes.

What does he mean? Are we...on a date?!

Okay! Fine, I admit I’m excited right now, b-but I can’t help but feel suspicious of this guy who’s already deceived me before.

Still, why does it feel like this? Even though I want to be mad, I just can’t.

"Let’s go," he said, pulling me along again. I didn’t react anymore.

We bought two tickets and snacks, and I stayed quiet. Whatever! This is for Jumanji 2.

Inside the theater, we sat in the middle on the side.

I quietly ate popcorn while sneaking glances at Raven. I couldn’t see his face clearly in the dim light.

"Thanks," he whispered.

"F-For what?" Gosh, why am I stuttering?

"For coming with me, even though you didn’t want to."

I didn’t answer. You’re persistent, so how could I not come? Tsk.

I was startled when he held my hand again.

"I’m the only one who’ll hold your hand—no one else," he said.

I looked at him and immediately pulled my hand away.

"Yeah, right."

Does he think I’ve forgotten how he deceived me? He grabbed my hand again.

"Raven, what’s your problem?!" I scolded.

"Psst!" came a shush from behind us. Ugh, so annoying!

"Just watch the movie," he said, holding my hand tightly.

I took a deep breath and focused on the screen. Ugh! I couldn’t stay still. I heard Raven chuckle softly and looked at him.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Nothing. Can’t I laugh?"

Tsk.

"You know, you’re so grumpy," he whispered in my ear, and I turned to him.

O///////////O

And then it happened.

We accidentally kissed.

I quickly moved away, our eyes wide with shock. Tsk! How was I supposed to know he was still so close?!

"I-I’m sorry... I-I mean..."

I straightened up and stared ahead. Arrgh, Garnett! Control yourself!

How many times has this happened? Twice? Or three times? Waaaaa!

---

I walked ahead of him, checking the time—it was almost 3 PM.

"Garnett, wait!" He grabbed my hand again, but I immediately pulled it away and glared at him.

"Please, Raven, stop leading me on!" I said.

He started laughing.

"Hahaha! What are you talking about?"

Tsk.

I rolled my eyes and stormed off. So annoying! Bad mood! And he has the nerve to ask?! Leading me on, for sure!

He grabbed my hand again and suddenly pulled me into a hug.

"Don’t be mad. I-I’m just happy to be with you right now."

I froze.

W-Why is this happening?! Why am I happy?! This happiness—it’s confusing.

He slowly pulled away and held both my hands.

"Fine, I’ll admit it," he said.

"H-Huh?"

He stared at me for a long time.

My heart was pounding so loudly.

"I-I like you..."

DUG-DUG-DUG-DUG-DUG

...

[Playing: It's You by Henry Lau]

My eyes widened—I couldn’t believe it!

“T-True?!”

“Garnett, I said I like you,” he repeated.

I couldn’t speak.

“Okay, fine. All of it—everything I showed you—it wasn’t real.”

“It’s just a game, Garnett,” he said, laughing.

“Sorry, sorry if... you didn’t notice I was just playing with you.”

“Garnett, move on! Just move on. It’s just a game, a game where the winner gets money. That’s all,” Raven said.

“Look, Garnett, I would never like someone like you. So please, stop crying! Move on, dude!”

I swallowed hard, remembering his words from that time. I immediately pulled my hand away from his grip.

“Liar. Deceiver,” I said.

His brows furrowed in confusion.

---

(RAVEN'S POV)

“Garnett, I said I like you,” I repeated.

Yes, I REALLY LIKE HER! I don’t know how it happened, or how it started! I just know I like her! And I don’t want to lose her!

I was shocked when she suddenly pulled her hand away from mine.

“Liar. Deceiver,” she said, her brows furrowing.

Okay, I get it! I’ll admit I tricked her before, but now, my feelings are real.

“Look, Garnett, I’m being dead serious! I said I like you, and that’s your reply to my confession?!” It’s frustrating! Doesn’t she like me too?

“I will never forget the way you and your friends deceived me! THE WAY YOU DECEIVED ME!” she yelled, then stormed off.

I clenched my fists.

I’m pissed.

I’m angry.

I’m angry at myself!

Why did I even do that before?! Fvck!

W-Why do I have feelings for her now?!

I shook my head. Tsk! What can I do to make her forgive me?

Tsk!! If I don’t act now, George might steal her away! Whatever.

I pulled the necklace from my pocket. Sigh, poor George. Garnett will never wear this! You’re on your own! Tssh!

---

(HAZEL'S POV)

Even after dismissal, Garnett still hadn’t returned. Where could she have gone?

While walking...

“Guys, where do you think Raven took Garnett?” Ami asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe on a date?” Elisha suggested.

“But aren’t those two like cats and dogs?” Ami asked.

“Guuuyyyyssss!”

We all turned.

“Ugh, it’s her again,” I whispered, sighing deeply.

Cristina approached us.

“Oh, Cristina?” Ami asked.

“Are you heading home?” she asked.

“Yes, we’re heading home,” I replied.

“Why?” Elisha asked.

“Nothing, can I join you?” she said.

We exchanged glances, but we couldn’t do much except nod. So, we walked out of the gate together. She was chatty. We’re usually chatty too, but today we weren’t in the mood, especially me.

“Oh? New friend?” Sarrah suddenly appeared.

“Hi, I’m Cristina,” Cristina greeted and offered her hand for a handshake.

Sarrah looked her up and down.

“Tss, I don’t care,” Sarrah replied.

Ugh, this girl! Cristina’s brows furrowed. Huh?

“Who does she think she is?” Cristina whispered.

“What?! What did you say?!” Sarrah heard her. Haha!

Cristina crossed her arms in front of Sarrah.

“You know what? You’re kind of pretty, but I think your ears are dirty.”

“How dare you?! Who do you think you are?!” Sarrah demanded.

Cristina smirked.

“Why? Who do you think you are?” Cristina shot back.

“I’m the daughter of this campus’ president!” Sarrah declared.

“No one cares,” Cristina replied.

“A-Ah, Cristina, stop it. Just let her be,” I tried to calm her down.

“Yeah, just let that potato go,” Elisha added.

“I hate you all!! I’ll make sure you pay for this with my mommy!” Sarrah yelled before running off.

“Ugh, she’s so annoying, huh?!” Cristina fumed.

“You said it!” Ami agreed.

“Does she always pick on you guys?” Cristina asked.

“Usually, but she’s particularly mad at Garnett,” I said.

“What the? Why is she like that?!”

We just shrugged.

“Oh, by the way, where’s Garnett?” Cristina asked.

“She left,” Elisha replied.

Cristina just nodded. As we stepped out of the gate, a fancy car stopped, and a classy woman stepped out, bowing in front of Cristina. I was shocked when Cristina grabbed my arm.

“Señorita Cristina, your mother has sent for you,” the woman said.

“B-But I’m not ready to go yet. I’m waiting for Jerome,” Cristina replied.

“Your mother insists you come home early. Your grandmother is arriving.”

“What? Grandma’s coming home?”

The woman nodded. Cristina turned to us.

“Guys, I’ll go ahead. Thanks for today. See you tomorrow. Byeee,” she said before giving us cheek kisses.

As soon as she left...

“Wow! Señorita Cristina? That’s something else, huh?” Elisha said.

“Yeah, she’s super rich,” Ami added.

I sighed, frustrated. She and Jerome are such a perfect match. I’m nothing compared to his fiancée.

“Hazel!”

My eyes widened. The three of us turned to see them approaching us.

Jerome was looking at me.

“Have you seen Raven?” Jerome asked, still staring at me.

“A-aahhmm... u-uh...”

Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!! Why am I tongue-tied??!

“After breaktime, he pulled Garnett away,” Elisha answered.

“What? They’re together?” Calvin asked.

“Yes, and we don’t know where they went,” Ami replied.

The boys exchanged glances.

“Okay, thanks,” Jerome said before looking at me again briefly, then leaving with his friends.

I smiled.

At least he looked at me, right? A-And he even mentioned my name earlier. Yiiiiiiiiieeeeeeee!!!

(GARNETT POV)

Fast forward!

I’m now at Sir Ravil’s restaurant. As I entered, I looked around, but I couldn’t see him.

I approached one of the waitresses.

"Excuse me, Miss, may I ask something?" I said.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Is Sir Ravil here today?"

"Oh, he’s not here right now, Ma’am, but Ma’am Charlene is."

"Where can I find her?"

"Come, I’ll take you there."

I smiled and nodded as she led me to an office and knocked on the door.

"Ma’am Charlene, someone is here to see you."

Moments later, the door opened.

"Oh? Aren’t you Garnett?" Ma’am Charlene asked.

"Yes, Ma’am," I replied with a smile.

"Ravil mentioned that you’re starting today. Are you ready?"

I quickly nodded and smiled.

"Come inside," she said.

Ma’am Charlene was stunning! I stepped into the office and sat down as instructed.

"Wait a moment, I’ll just grab something," she said.

"Okay, Ma’am."

While she was gone, I looked around the office. It was beautiful, adorned with pictures of Sir Ravil and Ma’am Charlene during their wedding.

I stood up and examined the photos one by one, stopping at one of them as newlyweds. Wow, they looked so perfect together.

"So, are you ready to start today?"

I turned to see Ma’am Charlene had returned. I nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, Ma’am," I said.

"Did you give your schedule to Ravil?"

I suddenly remembered I had handed it to Raven earlier. Thankfully, I had a copy with me.

"Not yet, Ma’am, but I have my schedule with me."

"Great, let me have a look," she said.

I handed over my schedule, and as she checked it, she said, "So your free hours are mostly in the afternoons? Are you okay with a 5-hour shift from 3 PM to 8 PM?"

"Yes, Ma’am, that’s fine," I replied.

She smiled.

"Alright, you can start now. Go find George outside; he’ll assist you."

George? I was surprised. He works here too?

I stepped out and searched for him until I saw him writing something by a table. So, he works here as well?

Should I approach him? I was feeling shy.

"Ah, George," I heard Ma’am Charlene call out to him.

George turned toward us, looking surprised when he saw me.

"Yes, Ma’am?" he asked.

"I want you to meet Ms. Garnett Sardoncillo. Please guide her on what she needs to do here at the restaurant," Ma’am Charlene instructed.

George smiled and nodded.

"Sure. I’ll leave her in your capable hands," she said and walked away.

George and I exchanged glances.

"So, you applied here?" he asked.

"Yes, for a part-time position. I didn’t know you worked here," I said.

"I just transferred here recently. I was at Sir Ravil’s other restaurant, but now he’s assigned me as the Assistant Manager here," George explained.

Wow. I nodded in awe.

"Alright, let’s get you suited up," he said, smiling.

"Okay," I replied with a smile.

---

Later

After changing into my uniform, I glanced at myself in the mirror.

"You’ve got this, Garnett," I told myself and took a deep breath.

As I stepped out, George and I locked eyes again. He smiled softly, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

"You look good in that uniform," he said, smiling.

"Thank you," I replied.

"Shall we? I’ll show you the ropes," he said.

I nodded and followed him.

"Being a waitress is straightforward, and I know you’ll do great," George said.

I smiled.

"You just need to memorize the daily menu, especially since some customers rely on us to recommend dishes. Lunch and dinner hours are usually packed, and you’ll be on shift during dinner time from 6 PM to 7 PM."

I looked at George. He seemed so professional and confident when he talked about work—like a real manager. And, of course, he looked incredibly handsome.

---

Fast forward!

After completing my shift and changing back into my clothes, I stepped outside and found George waiting for me.

"George," I called out, approaching him.

"How was your first shift?" he asked.

I smiled. "It went well," I said.

"I told you you’d do great," he said, grinning.

I nodded. He extended his hand toward me.

"Let’s celebrate your first day on the job, Ms. Garnett Sardoncillo," he said, grinning.

I laughed slightly and nodded, raising my hand to meet his when suddenly…

Someone pulled me away.

"Don’t touch my girl," Raven said firmly.

My eyes widened as he stood protectively in front of me.

"What are you doing here?" Raven snapped at George.

"I work here now," George replied calmly.

"What?!"

I slipped out of Raven’s grasp and stood beside George.

"Come here," Raven demanded, pulling me back.

"What’s your problem, Raven?!" I protested.

"Let her go; you’re hurting her," George said, pulling me toward him.

"No! You let go. She’s mine," Raven retorted.

"She’s not a possession. Let her decide," George argued.

"Enough!" I yelled, forcing them both to release me.

"I’m sorry," George said immediately.

Raven hesitated but eventually let go.

Taking a deep breath, I faced Raven. "I’m leaving with George," I said firmly.

Raven’s brows furrowed.

"Where are you going? Don’t tell me you’re going with him!"

"Why do you care?" I shot back.

"Of course, I care! I told you I like you!"

His words stopped me in my tracks. I turned to look at him. He was serious.

He grabbed my hand again. "I’m not letting my feelings go to waste. You’re not going with him."

I stared at him in disbelief, then glanced at George. He looked heartbroken, unable to meet my eyes.

Looking back at Raven, I gently removed his hand.

"George is special to me. You have no right to tell me who I can or can’t be with," I said before pulling George away with me.

---

To be continued...