Phase 2

The sun hid behind the tall trees. I am pretty sure it’s
broad daylight but from where I’m standing, it seems it is
already night. I wonder how long was I staying here. It’s because
the trees where everywhere and I’m barely finding my way out of
the forest. Or was I actually running away…? Away from him?

Author’s note: Guys! I’m sorry I’m not writing much these days. I
got hooked on mangas———again. I’m reading Special A. Try reading
it too!:) Very nice manga! Now on with the story…I completely
forgot what’s going to happen next…oh-ow!-0-
 ***Chapter 5***
Shakespeare. Horrible!

That Rosalle… She made me ride the bus to school. Good

thing I wasn’t lost on my way to the bus stop. What might happen
if I was actually lost? For sure. It’ll be the happiest day of my
life. No school! The reason is that I find it troublesome going
there these days: sitting in class and listening to Mr. Moore’s
blabbering about mitosis. Aside from being boring, it became
niggling. He keeps on asking me questions like I’m the only
student in the classroom. Even Cristina found it———weird.

“I think he’s picking on you,” Cristina simply said as we

sat in a bench by the school ground during break that cloudy day.
I sighed and mulled over what she had said. “But why?” That was
all I could think of. Why? “Hmmm… Maybe since you’re new here,”
she answered for the sake of answering. I bet Cristina wanted to
end the subject already. She stirred on her ice tea while I kept
on asking why Mr. Moore was like that. Because I’m new here?
Hardly acceptable. I’m not the only one new in this school. I
decided to drop it as well. It makes my head hurt, thinking of
the because’s and all.

“Ahhhh!!! I give up!” I cried out; frustration covered my

face as Cristina said, “Finally.” I know she wanted me to ignore
it. “Forget that ugly weirdo. Anyway, have you heard?” She was
bouncing excitedly on her seat. Her eyes were sparkling again.
“No…?” Confused of what she was saying (and I don’t have any idea
of what she was talking about), I continued, “what is it?” What
happened next was something I expected already. Cristina’s normal
expression caused me to wonder what I have done this time. Her
eyes were wide open and she constantly shook her head. I know
what she’s going to say…and she’s been saying this for days now.
“Claire, you’ve gotta be kidding me.” Yes. She was indeed in a
disbelief state.

“How could you not know this?”

Students passing us were turning their backs every time she

grumbles loudly. I admit it was kind of embarrassing but Cristina
didn’t see it that way. For her, what’s important right now is to
enlighten me with the happenings in Le Raine. “Like you were
never a city girl…” I heard her murmuring on her drink. “What’s
that suppose to mean?” I asked facetiously. “You’re supposed to
be updated with this kind of stuffs,” she answered back with
exasperation and partly pitying me. “Okay okay. I’m sorry.” And I
don’t know why I’m sorry for. As far as I’m concerned, the kind
of stuffs she’s referring to is not my hobby. And I don’t like it
either. Just that she won’t further get mad at me, I asked her
again. This time, putting more enthusiasm.
 “So please tell me, what is the biggest news in town?”
Instantly, Cristina’s face lightened up. I don’t know how she did
it so suddenly but to see her going energetic again made me
regret of asking her. I’ve seen this kind of face before and it’s
definitely not good. The last time she was like this is when she
was talking about the Laurels. I crossed my fingers, which were
hiding under the table, as I listened to her saying every
syllable the name Evan Laurel. “He’s going to study here! Can you
believe it?” Cristina was really frantic afterwards while I was
disappointed when crossing my fingers didn’t work. “Let’s go to
class…” I said dryly.

On our way to the next class that day, Cristina doesn’t

seem to get tired of the previous scoop. She’s telling me
everything about the Laurel guy.

“Really! I just can’t believe it! Evan Laurel is actually

going to study here?” She said excitedly that she jumped up and
down like a frustrated woman winning in a lottery.

Evan Laurel is a home-study kid. He’s not used to a crowd

such as classmates. I bet his classroom is much bigger than ours.
“They said that when he reaches high school, he’s going to study
here. And I’m so glad I studied here!” Cristina squealed. “I see…
But why would he study in a place like this? There are finer
schools for the rich out there.” I told myself but Cristina’s
attentive ears heard what I’ve just said. She eyed me and said,
“Don’t say that! It’s bad luck!” So I ended up apologizing again
when I really shouldn’t have. It was my opinion after all.

I recalled my first day in school as we walked along the

corridor. It was really a traumatic experience. My classmates
were horrible, except for Cristina. She was———at least———fifty-
fifty. And everyday, I get to know how horrible each and everyone
were. Especially that idiotic guy with spiky hairs sitting
infront of me. I don’t remember his name, though I bet his the
worst among the imps. I proved myself right in that instance.

Afternoon, and thank goodness it was English. This class is

75% better compared to the others. (The remaining 25% meant that
I still don’t like it. I prefer going home.) Mrs. Merry Weather
Marsh (she prefers to be called by her first name), a cheerful
plump woman with a blonde curly hair, gave each of us a piece of
paper with a number written on it.

“Okay my little puppies,” then everyone started wondering

out loud ‘Puppies?!’ when Mrs. Merry clapped her hands to have
our attention but the word ‘Puppies’ had greater effect on us.
She smiled, making her cheeks go round and pink. “Those numbers
signify your groups.” Simultaneously everyone started complaining
‘Again?!”
 “Now…If you don’t want, just hand me the paper and you’ll
get zero for today’s activity,” Mrs. Merry said with a smile on
her round face yet her tone was seriously mocking and evil. That
made everyone shut their mouths and go on with the never-ending
group activities even though it’s against their will. She started
calling out numbers now. “Okay, who got number 1?” A tall girl
stood up and looked around. Mrs. Merry called out again when no
one with the same number stood up. “This is odd. There are
supposed to be three members in the group,” she wondered. “Well
Ms. Fisher, this indicates that you should be working alone
then.” My fist twitched as I listened to Mrs. Merry’s
unacceptable conclusion. This should be a group work right? Is
working alone called a group work? I wanted to say that out loud,
that this activity should be individual if Fisher was to work by
herself. Really horrible... And this plump lady agreed to that?

Cristina, who was sitting two chairs away from me, turned
her back and started making gestures.

“What’s your number?” I watched as she acted that one out

although her nonverbal way of communication was very hard to
figure out. She mouthed those words when I told her I didn’t
understand what she was talking about———or rather acting out.
“Oh!” I exclaimed when I finally got what she meant and replied
quietly, “10.” She frowned and told me she was in group 5.

“Hey! It’s your turn!” I told her as Mrs. Merry called out
her number. Cristina rose from her seat and was dissatisfied with
her group mates, Michael Bubbly and Sandra William. What more
with mine…

Mrs. Merry Weather Marsh gleefully told us the activity for

today and that is to act out a scene in one of Shakespeare’s
works, Romeo and Juliet. Then, for a second, I was trapped in a
pitch black world, hearing Juliet’s cries and Romeo’s poetic
lines. Horrible. English today is no different from the other
class.

“Since we are talking about Literature here, we will start

first with the basic and that is Shakespeare. I know that…” And
she goes discussing Shakespeare this and that. I don’t think it’s
really that necessary to study this kind of crap (sorry ‘bout
this). “Also, this activity will improve your self confidence in
speaking in front of a huge spectator.” These words were meant
for me though huge was something I never considered...in many
ways. “Now let’s get over with this!” The most horrible part, I
thought, is about to start as I glared at the spiky haired
idiotic guy whose back is facing me. “This imp!” I glowered
silently at him.
 “Mr. Andrews, you seemed to be high-spirited today,” Mrs.
Merry smiled her mockingly cheerful smile again and added, “Well
you can start now.”

To end this day…

That was the only thing I’ve ever wanted to happen today.
Sitting beside this horrible imp was the least thing I will ever
ask for. He was the most annoying, idiotic guy I’ve ever met. I
can’t help but glare at him every time he does foolish things.

“Let’s see now. You,” he pointed at me. “You do the part of

Romeo. And you,” he pointed to the girl beside me. “You do the
part of Juliet.” Silence. I turned to her and was surprised to
see that it was Emily Hawthorne. Her bangs covered her eyes,
creating a mysterious aura around her. She was…gloomy. “Hey are
you listening witch-girl?” Andrew asked while laughing. He’s
making fun of her. However, I get the impression that Emily is
just controlling her irritation towards him. I decided to speak
up.

“What will be your role then?” I suddenly asked. It was

rare for them to hear me talking so when they heard my voice,
everyone turned to me. Even Andrews was taken aback. “Well———I’m
the nurse!” My jaw dropped open. This guy really is an idiot. He
chose a role with only a few lines. How cunning!

Soon, Mrs. Merry clapped her hands. “May I have your

attention please? We are going to start.”

I watched silently as each group performed their piece.

Cristina’s acting was really great too. It seems like it was only
natural for her. Mrs. Merry did commend her for that. “Very good
Ms. Locke! Very good!” With that, Cristina went to her seat with
a contented expression on her face. “I deserved that,” she said
and held her thumb up to me. I smiled back in return. Then, Mrs.
Merry called for our group. Andrews walked foolishly———again———in
front. I wonder why everyone is cheering for him. Horrible! I
followed behind and silently, Emily walked beside me. Cristina
looked mad when she saw us. I guess she dislikes Emily. But most
people in the class disliked her. But why?

“You may start now,” Mrs. Merry directed.

Everyone was soundless. In their seats I know they are

waiting for me to start speaking and for their chance to make fun
of Emily. She was still on the floor, hesitating to begin. Mrs.
Merry cleared her throat for the third time while the tension
arises. “These irrational imps!” I told myself. They love this
kind of scene when someone gets humiliated in front. I have to do
something.

“O blessed, blessed night! I am afeared. Being in the

night, all this is but a dream. Too flattering to be
substantial!” I said loudly enough that my voice echoed inside
the room. Everyone was speechless. They were stiff, sitting in
their seats. I nudged Emily to speak her line and slowly, she
did.

“Three words dear Romeo,” she stammered as everyone gasped.

“Hawthorne is actually speaking?” I heard one of them said. I
glared at them and urged Emily to go on. “Don’t let them get into
you,” I told her quietly. She nodded as a reply then continued on
her line, “If that thy bent of love be honorable, Thy purpose
marriage, send me word tomorrow, by one that I’ll procure to come
to thee, Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite, and all
my fortunes at thy foot I’ll lay And follow thee my lord
throughout the world.” Everyone gasped once again as Emily
finished her line. She delivered them very well. Even Mrs. Merry
was amazed. I looked for Andrews, who is supposed to say his line
now. He was motionless on the corner. Five minutes had passed. We
waited for him to speak for that long, yet he didn’t. So I and
Emily proceeded on the dialogues without him instead. Thus, the
short play ended without Andrews saying a word.

“You’ve done well, everyone. I’m proud of you!” Mrs. Merry

smiled. This time it was really a genuine smile. She was really
happy with the play we had earlier so she dismissed us early.
Cristina ran towards me and caught my arm. “You’re really amazing
Claire!” She said. “You’re amazing too!”

We head to the parking lot that afternoon. I was really

thankful that the Sea Urchin (Mr. Lewis) took a day-off because
his blood pressure was high. “He’s hypertensive, you know,”
Cristina said. “That poor thing…”

I felt bad for Mr. Lewis as well, but thankful that I can
go home early today. English felt so long that I can’t wait to
get out from the classroom. However, I wasn’t expecting that I
could have a conversation with Emily, even though it was only
short. She was nice. But why do they hate her?

“I didn’t know she memorized the lines.” I heard a familiar

voice somewhere behind us. I had the hunch that it might be
someone troublesome and I was right. It was the idiotic guy,
Andrews. I glared at their direction when Cristina called out to
me. “Hey Claire! Are you okay? You look…creepy.” She shuddered.
“Why are you looking at Silver?”
 “Huh?” I turned to her. “I just thought he was really…high-
spirited.” Like what Mrs. Merry had said about him. Cristina, who
was really a thickheaded person, sighed and didn’t fully
understand that I really wanted to rip that guys head off. With
that, I’m truly grateful. “Anyway, Rosalle is here!” She pointed
at the shiny silver Innova screeching towards us. “Well then,
I’ll be going.” I told her. “Alright!”

Rosalle’s car stopped before us. I was relieved to see

Rosalle finally picking me up. She unlocked the door and told me
to get in.

“Bye Tina! See ya tomorrow!” I waved at Cristina. “Take

care! And oh-! Be ready for tomorrow!”

“Why?” I asked from the car.

“It’s the big day!”

And that was it. The big day I’m clueless about. Rosalle
smiled at Cristina and told her goodbye then we left.

I watched as Cristina walked to her car and gradually she

disappeared in my sight for Rosalle was in a hurry again. I
noticed that the sky was already turning black. Rosalle was very
silent that it was not normal at all. When I was about to open my
mouth and talk, she began.

“Claire, we are going somewhere tonight,” she said. Her

voice was quavering and her eyes were focused on the road ahead
of us. She isn’t even moving at all, except for her hands that
are on the steering wheel. “Where? And why so sudden?” I asked.
Rosalle, I can sense it now, replied in great excitement, “To a
party…”
 ***Chapter 6***
Sudden Invitation

I don’t remember going to a social-gathering before. My

parents invited me once and after what happened, they never asked
me again. Even during my birthday or both Peter and Laura’s
birthday. I don’t remember having people crowding our house,
eating in a buffet Laura catered, seeing men toasting with Peter,
or even just having fun in simple talks with old acquaintances.
(*The truth is I locked myself up in my room and pretended
nobody’s home so I just slept for the rest of the gathering.^^)
Now what am I going to do about the party Rosalle is talking
about?

Rosalle walked down the stairs wearing a red body-hugging

evening gown. Her hair was styled in a very sophisticated manner,
making her look more stunning than ever. She hired a beautician
and paid him $100 just for the hair and make-up. What more with
the gown she wore? It costs nearly $5,000. Anyway it’s no big
deal for her. She approached me and shook her head in
disappointment. “Are you going to the party with just that?” She
pointed at my worn-out blue cocktail dress. It was the only dress
I own and unbelievably, it still fits me (Laura bought this for
me when I was 14). I nodded my head nonchalantly. I love this
dress…my only dress.

“I can’t let you…” She said then dragged me upstairs. “Why

can’t I just stay here? It’s not like I’m invited,” I complained
as she unzipped the dress. “Yes you are missy. And now you’ve got
to hurry up in changing ‘coz we’re already late.”

Outside of Rosalle’s house, I heard an engine rumbling. I

managed in changing from my old cocktail dress to a new one, a
light blue dress hanging above my knees and baring my shoulders.
Where did Rosalle get this? And where on earth are we going? I
should’ve known better, that the moment I stepped inside the huge
limousine (I don’t know where the hell it came from), the night
is never going to end.

***

We turned in a familiar place: The cherry blossoms that

shined as they fell on the ground. The absence of the overgrown
trees. The enormous mansion situated on top of the hill,
surrounded by gigantic walls and thick metal gates. No doubt
about it————it’s the Laurel Mansion.

It was so sudden when Rosalle informed me we were going to

a party. I haven’t had a rest since morning and now, I felt my
body complaining for being tired. On top of that, she didn’t even
mention that the party we’re going to is here…in Laurel Mansion.
As what I’ve heard from Cristina, only the elites and the people
like them are invited in the mansion. Which made me wonder… Why
are we here in the first place? I looked at Rosalle. She’s that
popular to be considered just like them? How about me? I don’t
even think I’m qualified being here. Then why did she bring me
here? I felt my head ache again.

The wide thick metal gates of the mansion opened as soon as

they detected our presence. Amazing. I thought as we entered the
front yard of the Laurels. It was a 30-minute ride to the mansion
but was worth it. It’s the first time I’ve seen something nice in
Le Raine. There are no overgrown trees but cherry blossoms
entirely covering the place. It is pretty. No! It is beautiful!
Rosalle, however, was quiet ever since we started traveling. She
stared blankly outside.

“Rosalle, what’s wrong?” I asked concernedly. She turned to

look at me and sighed, “Nothing… Just excited that’s all.”

“Oh… Okay.” I watched her for the last time. She said she
was excited, but she doesn’t look like one. She looked more like
——tensed. Few minutes later, we came into a halt.

“We’re here Madame.”

The chauffer opened the door for us. As I stepped out of

the limousine, I was amazed seeing the mansion. It was huge, with
hundreds of lights glistening inside. I think it’s even bigger
than Le Raine High. Cristina will probably breakdown if I told
her I’ve been in Laurel Mansion. I imagined her face upon hearing
this and chuckled when Rosalle tapped me. I turned to her and she
gave me the ‘behave-yourself’ look. I sighed———defeated by her
scary facade———and nodded.

We entered the palace-like hall, filled with rich and

prominent people chattering. Immediately, Rosalle disappeared
beside me. She’s greeting everyone she came across with. “Maybe I
was wrong.” I thought when I see her brightly talking with some
guests. I decided to move out of the place as soon as Rosalle was
totally nowhere to be seen. That woman. She made me come her as a
chaperone? How could she? And that’s why I hated parties… I’m bad
at socializing either way.

An attendant serving drinks offered me one as I sat in a

deserted couch in the hall. I thought it was helpful since I have
nothing to do but eat and drink. I took a glass, not caring
whether it is whine or whatever. My stomach grumbled as I drink
the pink liquid and saw that the attendant was holding back his
smile. “There’s a buffet table over there Madame,” he said,
hiding his grin. I nodded in embarrassment then went to the
buffet table he pointed at. People didn’t seem to notice me at
all so I take the opportunity to get as many as I can and eat
somewhere with less guests. The wide veranda of the mansion was
certainly the right spot for me. Apart from being deserted, it
gave me the feeling that I could find peace there. The people
really made me dizzy and the fresh air in the veranda is what I
needed now.

Placing my drink and the plate on the cemented railing, I

sighed heavily. I must be selfish if I wished of going home.
Rosalle loves parties and I clearly see that. I wanted her to
enjoy too… However, to enjoy is something I don’t expect at all.

The cherry blossoms from up here merely looked like pink

flowers scattered in the ground. I can see the lights of Le Raine
from up here too. I wonder if I should take pictures of these and
show them to Cristina. But won’t she get jealous of me? I came in
Laurel Mansion first before her. And she hasn’t even gone yet
here. Well I guess I should be taking some after all. I know she
will like it. Definitely.

I took my handphone from my purse and started taking

pictures. The view from up here is really nice so I can’t miss
this one. I took some from the banquet hall too. “So pretty! They
looked like royalties in movies.” I continued to stroll around
the veranda, taking pictures, when suddenly I bumped into
something hard. It was really dark so it was hard for me to see
things as I walked around. (I bumped twice in a goddess statue
^^.) I looked down to take a closer look of what I run into this
time. And to my surprise, it was person. What the heck was he
doing, hiding in such a place?

“What the———?”

I instantly stepped back the moment I saw him move. He

scratched his head while sitting groggily on the floor. He was
actually sleeping that time and I think I woke him up.

“Errm————sorry,” I said then quickly turned around and

left. The cold wind blew and the chill ran up my spine. Cold… I
thought. I didn’t even bring my jacket with me. This dress
Rosalle made me wore certainly is troublesome.

When I thought of cold, I thought it was only the wind. But

the cold I felt now was different. I sensed it in my hand,
grasping me tightly. Then, I realized it was not the wind but
him, holding me.

“You stepped on my suit, you idiot!!!” His voice was

velvety cold.
 Idiot... He called me an idiot?! My skin was burning that I
didn’t felt the cold anymore. This guy actually called me an
idiot!

“Why you————?!” I bellowed and shook his hand away from

mine violently but he still held it, much tighter than before.

“What’s wrong with you? Let me go!!!” I screamed loudly

that it made him stood up and faced me. His head was bent down
low that I can’t see his face visibly, only his shiny dark hair,
glistening in the moonlight and the shadow forming under his
messy fringe. This is bad…

“You messed with my suit,” he whispered, leaning towards

me. “I demand that you pay for it. $15,000.”

“What?!” I jerked away from him. My jaw was trembling in

anger. “That is just a piece of cloth dammit! Why do I have to
pay?” I shouted angrily that my hands were twitching. What the
hell does this guy want? Putting up a show? I tried to get loose
from him but was in vain. He spoke again. “Then you go wash it.”

Then, as the wind blew again and swayed his hair, I saw a
beady golden eyes shimmering before me. Though emotionless, it
was the prettiest I’ve ever seen. This guy… Who is he?

“Aren’t you going?”

Right away, I shove those thoughts away. Although he had

beautiful eyes, this doesn’t mean that I like him. He’s a wretch.
“Or are you going to pay for it instead?” See…

“Fine!”

I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. But what can I do?
This guy looks frightening. I can see the dark atmosphere
enfolding him and I told myself messing with him is not a good
idea. But I can’t let him do this to me. Scrubbing his not-so-
dirty suit, I cursed him under my breath as he was just there
inches away from me while his back resting on the wall. He
dragged me down in their roofless laundry room just to wash his
expensive clothing.

“You’re destroying it.” I shuddered as I heard his icy

voice again. “Sorry then,” I said back angrily. He didn’t react
on this one and remained silent as I went on with the washing. I
looked down on the bubbly water. Laura never made me wash my
clothes. But this guy did! I glared at him yet he didn’t seem to
notice. He was looking blankly at the sky.

“Is it done yet?”

 “Yeah it’s done.”

I handed him the wet suit roughly and decided to go back to

the banquet hall. However he blocked my way and said, “How can I
wear such a thing?”

“Go dry it. Use the dryer,” I told him and added to myself,
“stupid.” But he heard me and glared at me. “This is not for
dryer.”

“Then air-dry it. But you have to wait for tomorrow to be

able to wear it. Hehehe.”

“What if I hang you in the tree instead?” He smiled

mockingly at me as he moved closer. He was dead serious and
making fun of him was really a bad idea. “Alright, let me hang
them for you…” Unwillingly, I took his clothing and hang it on a
pole near the sink. Troublesome.

What is happening? A while ago I was happily taking

pictures then next I’m with this scary guy, washing his stupid
suit. Rosalle must be looking for me too. I have to get out of
here no matter what. If this means I have to knock this guy down,
I will definitely do. But I guess it’s not necessary anymore.

“Sir, Madame. You are summoned in the banquet hall.” A maid

suddenly appeared before us. As soon as I saw her, all I could
think of is ‘My savior’. I rushed immediately beside her and
looked at him with derisive eyes. He stood still on the ground
wearing that serious face again. “Sir, you are———“

“Yes. I’m going.”

So I watched him walked passed us, with the maid surprised

when he cut off her words. This guy, he’s not only an idiot but
rude as well. I followed behind him as we went back to the hall.
It was dark and only the moon led our way back.
 ***Chapter 7***
Engagement

“Claire! Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.”
Rosalle hurried towards me. The look of tension on her face
slowly eased as soon as she was beside me. “I’m sorry to make you
worry, Rosalle. I’ve got——“ I turned to look at him. He was
surrounded by a lot of people, all worried about him too. I saw a
beautiful woman gave him a glass of drink and said out loud,
“What happened to your suit?” I gulped and felt guilty suddenly.
I didn’t mean to do it and I apologized already. He is the one
who should be guilty after all those things he made me do.

“I don’t like wearing it,” I heard him said and glared

directly at me, which gave me the shudder again. I ignored him
and turned to Rosalle, wishing that she will say we’re going
home. But tonight wasn’t in favor of me. This party is until
midnight!

Subsequently, everyone’s attention was in the center of the

banquet hall. Rosalle too. She is attentively listening right
now. I rarely see her like this. Probably it’s something
important for her.

“Ladies and gentlemen…” A fine man in his fifties stood in

the center. He seemed to be the sponsor of the party. “I would
like to thank all of you for coming here tonight,” he started.
“Aside from the welcome party for the Laurel Group Inc., I would
like to make an announcement.” Rosalle tensed from where she is
standing as we listened to the man, who was Dante Laurel, the
famous and richest man in Le Raine. He has that air of greatness
and respect in him that nobody dared to ignore him as he went on
with his announcement.

“My eldest son, William…” My head sprung the moment Mr.

Laurel stated the name. William? The guy who owned a publishing
company? The guy who keeps on calling at home? I waited for Mr.
Laurel to continue his speech just to make sure of assumption. “…
is engaged.” The hall received a warm applause afterwards. Mr.
Laurel opened his arms as his son, William, joined him in the
center. His hair was neatly done, wearing a grey suit that fitted
him well. I watched from the corner as Mr. Laurel patted his
shoulder and nodded. “Go on son.”

“I have been waiting for this person for a long time and
now, I finally found her.” Rosalle, who was beside me, was
already stiff and pale. I listened to William again (since this
party is all about listening to them anyway). “I’m proud to
present my beloved lady, Rosalle Sinne.”
 The applause echoed inside the banquet hall. Did I hear
that right? His fiancée is my aunt? Rosalle?

“R-Rosalle…” I stammered. What’s this? So that’s why

Rosalle was acting weird this evening. Different kind of emotions
played inside of me. I don’t know whether I should be happy for
her or not. This is really so sudden. What’s dominating in me
right now, and I can’t believe I’m feeling this, is sadness. This
meant that she’s going away, right? And when that happens, where
should I stay? Will I rent an apartment? Or maybe Cristina will
gladly welcome me in her house. No. I’m sure my parents will take
me with them to Italy.

“I know what you’re thinking and it’s never going to

happen.” Rosalle bent her head and whispered those words. My eyes
reacted immediately. They were watery. I watched her with my
blurry eyesight as she walked gracefully among the crowd and made
her way to William, her future husband. I can’t help myself but
cry.

This night felt like a dream. The hazy scene of the guests
congratulating both Rosalle and William sketched inside my mind.
They were smiling happily together with Mr. Laurel and the rest
of his family. I recognized the shiny dark hair from before.

“This can’t be real…”

And the moment I said those words, Rosalle and the others
were standing in front of me.

“So this must be your niece. Claire, am I right?” William

smiled at me warmly. “I’m glad to finally meet you.” I nodded. Up
close, he was really a handsome man. His eyes were golden too,
but they were gentle…unlike his. Then Rosalle introduced me to
Mr. Laurel and his lovely young wife, Olivia. “Oh! Peter’s
daughter. You look much like your mother though,” Mr. Laurel
implied. “I heard he is in Italy?”

“Yes, he is sir,” I answered as politely as possible so

that he won’t get disappointed. Rather, it was I that got
surprised when he said not to be too formal with him. “You can
call me Uncle now. But definitely not grandpa,” he laughed
heartily. “You seem to like this pretty girl, don’t you honey?”
Olivia interjected from nowhere. She was behind us all these time
together with him. “I, too, found her adorable, don’t you agree
Evan?” Her red lips came to a strange malicious smile, when Evan
shrugged and rolled his eyes. She took Mr. Laurel’s arm and both
of went talking with the other guest. Which reminds me… I am left
with him.
 “Surely, this is fate.”

I glared back at him. Just when I thought of smashing his

face with a plate, he walked towards me with a serious look on
him. “I tell you… You’re not welcome here.”

This again…

For me, the time had stopped between us. His eyes tell me
that he meant it. And I don’t understand why he is doing this.
Just because of what happened earlier? How pathetic. I can’t help
but get furious.

“Too bad coz I’m not expecting that at all.”

Angry. I’m really angry now. Why in the world is this

happening to me? I thought my dark days were over but now this——
this suddenly turned up in to my life. The Laurels. Even in my
dream I never asked to be a part of them. But why me? I wished it
was Cristina. She’s the one who loved them the most. She’s the
one who’s totally crazy about this guy. If she only knew what
kind of person he was, I bet she will definitely dislike him like
the way I do…now.

When I was about to run somewhere far from the hall, the
music began to sound. Rosalle and William moved to the center and
started to dance. The other guests followed them as well. “I
really hate parties,” I muttered under my breath. “I hate them
too.” That voice again. It’s the trigger that will make me
explode in anger instantly.

“What do you want now?” I glared at him. His face was

emotionless like before. “Father forced me.”

“You know, you really shouldn’t have to since I’m not wel—“

The next thing I knew, we were dancing side by side with

Mr. Laurel and his wife.

“This is against my will. So please stop complaining and

just dance.”

The music went on for the rest of the night. I can’t

believe I’m actually dancing with this guy. And the worst is I
don’t even know how to dance. I constantly step on his foot and
whenever I did it; his face turns scary like he’s going to kill
me any minute now. However, during the whole dance, we were both
silent. It was awkward too, since this is not supposed to be
happening. Or maybe like what he had said, this is fate.

The inept silence is really distressing as time goes by so

I started noting his features as we go circling around the hall.
His shiny messy hair was auburn, swaying every time we make turns
around another couple. His golden eyes were deep and pretty. I
felt his hands on my waist, holding me lightly.

“What are you looking at?” He asked coldly. Was I staring

at him that long? “N-nothing!” I snapped and turned away from him
quickly. What was I doing? “If you think I’ll let you go off that
easily, well then you’re wrong.” He raised my hand and made me
turn violently that it made me dizzy.

“Waaahhh!!!” I lost my balance and landed on the floor. My

head was still swirling when I heard Rosalle coming to me.
“Claire, are you alright?” She asked as she made me stand up.
“Yes I’m fine. I just felt dizzy…that’s all.” But the truth is
it’s that guy’s fault. He smiled wickedly before me and said,
“Then we’re even.”

Evan Laurel, the guy all the girls in town dreamed of and
the guy I despised more than my horrible classmates. He walked
out of the hall like nothing happened. And from this moment, I
knew he was someone I shouldn’t be messing around with. But, to
my horror, I did.