I Am Sure

Meliza's POV

When I returned to my room, I was startled to find Ruby standing outside my door, her face pale and her eyes red from crying.

"Ruby, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned. Without a word, she hugged me tightly, her body trembling.

I gently took her hand, opened the door, and guided her inside. Sitting her down on my bed, I handed her a bottle of water.

"Ruby, please," I said softly, sitting beside her. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

She didn't answer immediately, but her flushed face and quivering lips made my heart sink. I could only wonder what had happened to my friend.

"I'm in love with Vince," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You already told me you like him, Ruby; what could be the problem?" I asked, trying to pacify her by caressing her back.

"It hurt so much seeing you leave the dining hall with him," she confessed, her voice trembling. "I followed you but stopped when I saw you heading to the rooftop. If you like him, I understand, but... please don't make him your boyfriend," she pleaded, her voice cracking.

Her words hung in the air, heavy with vulnerability. I couldn't help it. I stifled a laugh, finding her both endearing and completely overdramatic as she stood there, looking so earnest and sweet.

"You're so beautiful, Meliza," Ruby said, her voice trembling as I continued to listen to her sentiments.

"You could have anyone you want. Every boy here admires you. But I've never felt this way about anyone before, and for the first time, I'm begging you for something." She paused, her eyes pleading. "I'm begging you for the sake of our friendship."

I couldn't hold back my laughter, and Ruby's face turned to one of shock.

"Why are you laughing? Am I that pathetic to you?" she asked, her voice cracking as sadness flickered across her tear-streaked face.

"Ruby, stop crying," I said softly, my tone reassuring.

"You're not pathetic at all. I'm not in love with Vince. I turned him down because I didn't have any feelings for him. My mom sent me here because she found out Vince had feelings for me, and they'd been texting each other. That's all." I added as I reached out and gently wiped her tears with my fingertips, offering her a small smile.

"Are you sure you don't have any feelings for him?" my best friend asked, her eyes searching mine.

I beamed, my confidence unwavering. "I'm more than 100% sure. You have nothing to worry about. To ease your mind, I actually have a date with Ethan tomorrow."

Her face lit up, and I couldn't help but smile wider. It felt genuine, and so did her joy as she pulled me into a tight hug.

Then, without warning, she sprang to her feet and started dancing around the room. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but laugh.

For the first time since arriving at the farm, I felt a spark of real happiness. But even as I looked forward to my date with Ethan, a twinge of sadness crept in. I knew I'd have to let him down gently. My family would always come first, and disappointing my mom wasn't an option—not now, not ever.

My happiness was short-lived when my phone started ringing, and my Mom's name flashed across the screen.

"You should answer that," Ruby said, her tone soft but firm as she noticed my hesitation.

"Just pick up. That way, Aunt Sol won't get upset," she added gently. "Turn on the speaker if it helps—it might feel less overwhelming."

I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the screen, but I finally answered. Ruby knew exactly how I felt whenever Mom called. It was always the same—she'd ask for money, and the weight of her requests never got any lighter.

"Hello, Mom," I answered as I sat on the bed beside Ruby.

"What took you so long to answer, Iza?" Her irritated voice echoed through the room, sharp and demanding.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I was already asleep when you called," I lied, hoping to keep the conversation brief.

"Meliza, don't lie to me. I know you're still awake," she shot back, her tone firm. "Why did you turn down Vince's invitation?" Her words made my body go cold.

"Mom... how did you know?" I asked, the feeling of betrayal settling deep in my chest.

"Answer my question, Iza, and don't turn it back on me. Why?" Mom's stern tone cut through the air, and I could sense her impatience. Beside me, Ruby's face grew tense.

"Mom, I don't like him. Isn't that enough reason?" I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"How many times do I have to tell you to use your brain? Is it really that hard to understand?" she snapped, her anger spilling through the line.

"I told you to make him your boyfriend this summer," she continued, her voice rising. "He's the one we need in our lives. If Vince becomes your husband, your future is set—you won't have to work as a farmhand anymore or even go to college."

Her declaration made me feel small. I darted a glance at Ruby, my chest tightening under the weight of her words.

"You don't need to worry about money anymore. His family is filthy rich," my mom continued, and I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

"Mom, I will never do that. I won't use Vince," I replied, my voice trembling.

"You're not using him, Iza," she shot back.

"You're just being smart. He's handsome and successful. In time, you'll fall in love with him, and before you know it, you won't be able to live without him." Her words made my stomach churn.

"You're not coming home unless you make him your boyfriend," she demanded, her ultimatum hitting me like a blow.

"But, Mom..." My voice trailed off, and before I could say anything more, she ended the call without so much as a goodbye. I fought back tears, my eyes staring blankly at my feet.

"Are you really going to make him your boyfriend?" Ruby's hesitant voice broke the silence. I had almost forgotten she was sitting beside me on the bed.

"Please, Iza, I beg you—don't make Vince your boyfriend. I can't bear the thought of seeing you with him," she said, her words thick with emotion. When I didn't respond, she added, "You can stay with us if your mom kicks you out. Just don't do this."

"Don't worry, Ruby. I won't follow my mom's orders, but I need some time alone for now," I said, lifting my head to glance at her sideways.

She looked both relieved and concerned, her face clouded with doubt.

"You're my best friend, Ruby. I'll never do that to you," I reassured her, offering a weak smile. "Rest assured, I'll help you win Vince's heart."

Her face brightened at my words, and after a moment, she smiled back before bidding me farewell and walking out of my room.

"Are you excited about your date with Ethan?" Vince asked, his voice laced with pain as he cornered me in the hallway leading to the dining hall. His handsome face betrayed the emotion he tried to hide, and I forced a smile.

"It's not a romantic date," I replied, doing my best to sound casual, though my heart was pounding at the mere mention of Ethan's name.

"Just be careful, Iza," he said, his voice taking on a serious edge.

"I'm not a kid. I can take care of myself, Vince," I responded, my tone firm, though his concern stirred something in me.

"Of course, call me if anything goes wrong, and I'll be there in a heartbeat," he said, his expression serious. I raised an eyebrow, studying him closely.

"Is he really that dangerous? You're his best friend—why would you say something like that?" I asked, confusion creeping into my voice.

"Ethan's a good guy," Vince replied with a sigh, "I'm just worried about something else."

"Worried about what?" I pressed, trying to understand.

"Never mind, just enjoy your date with him," he muttered, clearly avoiding my question. He gave my shoulder a light tap before turning on his heel.

As he walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that his concern ran deeper than he let on.

The dining hall was crowded with my fellow workers, their chatter filling the air, but as I scanned the room, I couldn't spot Ethan. I found myself wondering where he was. The girls' loud conversations abruptly stopped the moment they sensed my presence.

It felt oddly peaceful to be in their company without the usual whispers and snide remarks. But I could tell they were still scheming. Every now and then, I caught Nicole and Crystal shooting me glances, their eyes sharp with something darker.

I knew they resented me even more now, especially after Ethan had shown interest in me—after he'd rescued me from my fall. Just then, as dinner was about to begin, Ethan entered, his familiar expression unreadable. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity I couldn't ignore.

"Hi, Iza. How are you today?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with excitement. All the girls turned to stare at me, their eyes wide with curiosity.

"I'm fine, Ethan," I replied softly, my fingers gripping the spoon a little too tightly.

"Good. Has anyone bothered you today?" he asked, his tone genuine. I shook my head, grateful for the peace.

"That's a relief," he said, his voice turning serious. "I don't want to hear any bad rumors about you. If anyone tries to make up stories or make fun of you, they'll have me to deal with."

The girls, seemingly satisfied with their new gossip, returned to their meals, their murmurs filling the air as they whispered to each other.