Zein's Point of View
"Sorry, Zein. Je and I have a walk, eh."
I just sighed because it seemed like I couldn't force this one. I'd really have to prioritize the date over studying.
"Just go with Ace."
"Okay. Go ahead."
I grabbed my bag and decided to just go see Ace. Their building was quite far, so it was also quite a long walk.
I'm going to go grocery shopping to get the ingredients I need for my cooking. I can't bring everything, so I need help.
I peeked into their classroom and they were having class. I frowned when I noticed that Ace wasn't there. Only Matt was there, still secretly using his cellphone. Different class.
I tried to look around again but still failed to see him. He wasn't there. Did he skip class? Where could he have gone?
I left their building in frustration. Well, I had no choice but to go alone. I probably wouldn't buy everything just to carry it.
"Where are you going? I'm coming with you."
I almost hit Cedric because of his sudden appearance. He was still wearing his mischievous smile.
It probably wouldn't be a bad idea for me to go with him. At least I wasn't the one who initiated it—he offered it on his own.
"Mall. I'm going to buy ingredients. Can you?"
"Yeah. Just give me a free mogu-mogu."
I laughed softly at what he said.
"Okay," I answered.
We used his car, and he said he didn't know how to commute. He said it wasn't appropriate for him to be seen riding in a taxi or jeepney. This one was also windy.
"I guess your boyfriend isn't here?"
"Is it obvious? Can you see him with me?" I couldn't help but be annoyed.
I'm annoyed because that man doesn't even say where he's going. He can't even text. Hey.
"What if your boyfriend is a womanizer?"
I just laughed at what he said. "No. He won't and he can't," I replied.
I know that guy. He's not only allergic to spinach, he's also allergic to women—I'm an exception. I'm his north and he's my south pole.
"You must trust him that much, huh?"
"I trust him more than myself."
He fell silent at what I said. That's exactly how I feel about Ace. He's not like other men I've met. There's something about him that only he possesses. And he's innocent in a sexy way.
"But you should always have him by your side. You don't know the danger."
"I didn't love him to save me from all danger. I don't need anyone to save my life. I just need Ace to live my life."
Without him, I am a mess.
When we arrived at the mall, we immediately headed to the grocery store section to buy ingredients. Cedric was pushing the cart.
"Are you really an HRM student?" he asked, laughing.
I didn't answer because I was wondering what else was missing. I heard his laugh again, and it made me want to return the five mogu-mogu that were in the cart.
"You should make a list of what you're going to buy first. You won't just think about it when you're at the store. You're just failing at time management."
I know that, but I was too lazy to do it.
"You're just boring to be with."
"And you're annoying to be around."
He just shook his head. I noticed that he was already drinking a mogu-mogu even though he hadn't paid for it yet. Next time, I'd rather be alone than with this guy.
"Are you sure this is all?" Cedric asked me when we were in line, which made me suspicious.
It seemed like something was missing from my mind.
"Aren't you going to use brown sugar?" he asked, surprising me.
"Yes, of course. Just a moment, huh?"
I ran back to get some. It was nearby. I got a kilo of brown sugar and was about to leave when I noticed a woman standing not far from me.
Her head was bowed, but it was like— "M-Mia?"
I smiled and ran towards her.
She turned around, and I almost burst into tears when I saw it was her. Shit! "Mia!" I hugged her tightly.
I was so happy that I almost cried. I couldn't believe she was here.
She pulled away from my embrace and faced me. I wanted to comment on the changes she had made, but I was frozen in place. I couldn't believe she was here.
"Z-Zein... I miss you."
"Why?"
She smiled and hugged me again.
I felt her shoulders rise and fall, and her body tremble, so I knew she was crying.
I faced her. "When are you coming home?" I asked.
She adjusted her stance and wiped her tear-filled face.
"A month ago."
I was surprised to see Dave standing behind me. He was smiling. That's why this man was silent—because something strange had happened to him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I couldn't help but sulk.
I couldn't help but wonder if I was the only one who didn't know or if Mia's return was really a secret.
"I-I ran away," he said.
I looked at Mia, confused by what she said. I also saw the sadness in Dave's eyes.
"W-What are you saying?" I asked, confused.
"Mommy is going to marry me to the son of his business partner."
My jaw dropped when she said that. Is that why they seemed to be hiding? Because maybe her parents would find out she was here and force her back to marry a man she didn't love?
"That's why we're running away," Dave said decisively.
"W-What? Wait... Are you sure about what he's planning? Maybe there's another way." I couldn't help but worry for them.
I know how they feel about each other, so even though they didn't have any commitments before, we all know, and somehow I'm glad that they can fight for their feelings.
"We're going back to America. I'll make Mia fight with her parents, and if we fail, we'll have no choice but to stay away."
I couldn't help but feel pity for both of them. Shit! So many people fall victim to love. It's like a virus that will slowly destroy everything that's yours and create a new personality inside you.
"Whatever you decide. I'm here. We are. We will support you," I said with a smile.
Their hands were tightly clasped, so I knew that even if they died, they wouldn't give up. After all, they were some of those who escaped hell. I knew they would get through this too. This was just one of the trials of love, and I hoped that until the end... they would still hold hands.
"Mia, let's go. We might be late for our flight."
"A-Are you leaving?" I asked tearfully.
Mia smiled sadly. "I just showed up to say goodbye. Maybe... this will be the last time we see each other," she said sadly.
I wiped the tears from my eyes and touched Mia's cheek.
"Don't say that. We'll meet again when that day comes. You're legal."
"I hope... I hope, Zein. Say goodbye to Matt, Jerome, and Vanessa for me too. I love you... I love you, Zein."
I wiped the tears from her eyes. "This is the last time you'll cry. Promise me, Mia. Don't cry in front of them. Show me that you're strong, that you can stand by your decision." My gaze shifted to Dave. "Please, take care of her. Don't let her go," I ordered.
"You don't have to say that."
I just smiled before hugging them one last time. I watched them walk away from me.
Take care. You can do it.
I wiped the tears from my eyes and let out a sigh. When I returned to the counter, Cedric was yelling at a young woman behind him.
"You've been in line for a while! We'll have many more to follow you, just so you know. You're probably not blind."
"Well, since you don't have sugar yet! Why don't you move or build your own mall? You'll be the only one buying and you won't have to wait in line!" Cedric scolded her.
I approached them and glared at Cedric.
"You're taking too long. The witch behind me is already very tired."
"Witch?! Your face is really thick! Witch!"
I looked at the woman.
"Zein?"
"Fritzy?"
"BFF!" I almost choked when she hugged me. "I missed you." She giggled.
Somehow I missed this witch too. She still hadn't changed. She was still stubborn.
"I'm first," she said to me. "Have you forgotten? Gorgeous first!" She continued before moving in front of us.
I signaled Cedric to just be quiet because if he punished this woman, she would really have it forever. I knew Fritzy. A bitch from Hell University.
"Thank you so much, best friend forever. Hihi." Her eyes went to Cedric, and I laughed at the way they rolled. "Your boy is ugly," she continued.
I felt my breathing slow down.
Cedric, so I threatened him. He was holding back his anger while smiling.
"Well, Miss Fruitzy. I'm not a boy---"
"Then, a gay? OH.MY GHAD! You didn't say it right away, sissy. Bye and uh, wait. It's Fritzy." She flicked her hair before walking away. She was greeted by two male guards, I think.
Until we got to his car, Cedric kept whispering.
"You know her? Do you know where I can find that strawberry?"
"I don't know, Ced. We're not that close. That girl is just a feeler." I shook my head. "Please just bring her to our dorm. I have something to go to," I ordered.
He paused as he put our purchases in the back. His forehead was furrowed as he looked at me.
"First, I will not be ordered. Second, where are you going? Third, the first one."
"Please, it's important."
If I had to ruin Jerome and Vanessa's date, I would.
"Okay. It's up to you."
I didn't leave until I saw his car drive away. When I couldn't see it anymore, I started walking.
I got into a taxi that was parked.
I told the driver the restaurant they were going to. I glanced at my cellphone. She still hadn't texted.
I looked at the driver and caught him looking at me. I was terrified. His entire face was covered in black and only his eyes were visible.
"Do you know me?" he asked. "I'm Hell. Are you tired? Maybe you want to sleep."
My eyes widened when he suddenly covered my nose. I tried to struggle, but I couldn't handle him.
I could barely breathe, and there was nothing I could do but stare into his glaring eyes. Eyes full of resentment until I felt my breathing slow and my eyelids get heavy.
I just woke up and I was alone. At the same time, my whole body felt cold. I was in front of a cliff.
I froze in my seat as I felt the car slowly slide. I couldn't move because if I made one wrong move, I would fall.
I shivered and fumbled for my cell phone in my pocket.
I quickly searched for Ace's number. I could barely press the call button.
I could barely press the call button because my whole body was shaking.
I put my cellphone to my ear. I closed my eyes when no one answered. Ace, shit!
I screamed as the car started moving again. I bit my lip and left a voicemail for Ace.
"A-Ace... Ace. I'm scared. H-Help me. Ace, please." Tears welled up in my eyes.
I dropped my cellphone when I felt the car slowly slide down the cliff, and I could do nothing but close my eyes.
Ace... Where are you? I need your help. Help me, please... I'm scared.
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