Marielle Writes...

Chapter 8

“I asked her to date me,” I’m reviewing my report as I tell the story to Erica; “Let me guess, she said no.” she smiled teasingly. “Wow, thanks for being supportive.” I shake my head a little, as Erica laughs.

“You really found it funny, do you?” I am starting to sound irritated. “Sorry, sorry!” she apologizes but still laughs with that idea of Catherine rejecting me.

“Woo her, buddy. She might fall for someone else.” Erica knocks. “What do you mean by that?” Erica got my attention now.

Erica shows out a paper from NatCare; she shows me a list of names under my brother Rupert. “She is under Rupert, and I heard that she is Rupert’s “newest” favorite.” She pushes the paper nicely towards me, and then I see her name there, with her signature. They are part-timers from the Capitol that will help NatCare with one of the biggest projects.

“If Rupert founds out you’re dating his employee, this will be bad,” Erica states as she scans through her phone.

I should not be threatened, but why is this like it is happening to us all over again?

***

“Father,” I barged into his office, I saw him reading a newspaper and sipping his tea. “Will you give me the NatCare?” he suddenly lifted his head and stared at me, but I can sense him of suddenly going into a bad mood.

“What’s with NatCare, I thought you’ll be handling Airflames?” he puts down his cup, “Why the sudden change?”

“I just thought I will be better with Nats” I sat in front of my father’s large table. “No, stay with Airflames.”

***

I do not know how to get to her; I want her to be with me, “Erica?” I called her once I went out of my father’s office, “Where are you?”

I met Erica at Jilly’s, I saw her sitting with a guy.

“Oh, Rick, this is Danmark, my boyfriend,” he stands up and shakes my hand. “Boyfriend? Since when?” I asked Erica as I sat down and signaled the waiter for a bottle of beer.

“Since last month, you were too busy with the Solanges that is why.” Erica explains, “We met at the Gala, remember, Senator Hubert? Danmark is his legal consultant.” She rubs both shoulders of Danmark, I drink on my beer. “So you’re a lawyer?” “Getting there,” he drinks on his beer too. “Well, man, take good care of her; but I will still be needing her.” I put my bottle to his bottle closer, “Sure thing, but just for work.” I nod with agreement, then we all clink our bottles.

“What’s your plan?” Erica asks as she eats another chip. “I’m planning to go there at Nats on Monday and talk to her. And ask her again.” “Rick, please stop playing games, you’re still a Senator, are you planning to run again for another term? So bee-heyvv” she emphasizes the word behave.

“I told you, I do not have plans running again for another term, I have Nats and Airflames to run, you know my father.” Erica continues to share stories about me and Catherine to Danmark as I eat, Danmark just laughs at the stories between me and Erica.

It is already two in the morning and I am really feeling sleepy, I went to the washroom to wash my face to refresh. People also are starting to go home; Erica and I are one of the pillar customers of Jilly’s, Jillian, the owner was our block mate back in college, he went to the US to study more about business, as he and her wife start up a small resto in Texas, they decided to put a branch in the Philippines, for they know Filipino loves to hang out in the resto, that’s when their gimmicks played well, soon after, they decided to put up a sports bar here in Libis, this has been our favorite hangout place. It also became a little bit famous because some paparazzi mostly spot me walking outside this bar.

I am on my way back to our usual favorite table when I heard glasses breaking and a little commotion in the far end of the bar; there I saw Catherine. She has been towered by these two men, one of them pushes her lightly, but I think she’s a little bit drunk that is why she fell on the couch but stands up at once.

“Pay for these!” the other man shouted; I saw her curly-haired friend pulls her to the side but she insisted on talking to them. I walk toward her; I catch the hand of the guy when I saw him about to hit Catherine.

“Pick someone your own size, dude.” I coldly look at him; “How much?” I ask as I fish out my wallet from my back pocket, still holding the man’s wrist into a fist. He shoves off my hand and steps back a little, “I said how much?” I am starting to be impatient, “10.” The man announces. “Here’s twenty, now leave this bar.” I rolled my eyes and pulled Catherine at once, I can sense her friends followed us, but I signaled Erica to take Catherine’s friends. The bouncers who know me are starting to push off the men telling them to leave.

I brought Catherine into a corner for her to get some fresher air and check her at once, her friends sat with Erica. Damn, if I am not a Senator, those punks will see a hospital. “Are you okay?” I ask as I check her, she nodded, I place out my handkerchief and wipes off the liquor off her arms, I saw a hint of blood from her right little finger, the urge to place it in my mouth is really hard, but I want her to feel that I respect her and she needs to feel safe around me. I wipe off the blood and puts pressure to it. “Does this hurt?” she shakes her head, still looking down to her wound and to my hand.  “Please don’t hang your head,” I tried to lift her chin up. I know she’s feeling awkward after what had happened to us, “Thank you,” she said very softly. It is really noisy at Jully’s but I can hear her soft voice, very loud and clear. I nodded, “It’s alright, Catherine, I’m here now.” She gave me a quick smile.

Catherine

The way he saved me from those men was incredible. I didn’t know that he was here in the bar the whole time until Alvin saw him walking out from the restroom. I panicked that’s why I bumped the tables, I really didn’t mean it.

Richard’s hand catches that maniac’s hand that was about to hit me; I should be dead angry at Richard, but what is this I’m feeling, I feel safe around him. I can’t face him properly. Him sitting across me, together in one table with my friends; the way he runs his finger through his hair makes me want to do that too, his lips on the bottle as it resemble his lips on mine, but I want to try that kissing as if he is dinking me like a cold beer, and the way he crosses his legs, so manly but sophisticated, no hint of being gay.

I shake my head into reality until Aurora notices my night-day-dream; “Your saliva is dripping, girl” she teases me with her elbows, I look at her at once, “No I’m not,” I saw Alvin rolls his eye as Aurora stares at me, “You look like this,” I can’t imagine what I am seeing, do I really look like that? Mouth slightly open, biting my lip a little and eyeing maniacally. “I don’t do that!” I swat her slightly, Aurora and Alvin just laughed.

“I’ll take you guys home,” Senator Richard announces, Alvin claps his hands, “Thank you, Senator, for we can’t book a Grab this time around.” I look at Alvin making my eye bigger, embarrassed of what he’s doing, “C’mon sis, we know it’s really hard to book now,” he showed me his phone showing a driver canceled his booking again, “See?” I rolled my eyes.

Chapter 7

Rupert

Aw. This group. My group.

The other guy spit and coughed his food as I walk in the room, I’m forcing to hide my smile; and then this lady caught my eye, the one who poured coffee on my clean white shirt, she’s is stunned, I can see the look on her face. This is going to be fun.

“Guys, this is Mister Mark Rupert Henares Maniego, our boss.” LJ, my assistant introduces me, they are looking at each other, as one of the men walks and share his hand for a shake, “Hi Sir Mark, I’m Lucas Ricardo, you can call me Luke.” I nodded, but did not smile, they all give their names which probably I will not remember at once, and I am so bad with names, honestly. But this Maria Catherine Santos marked my memory; I will never forget her name. I smirked at her and raise my eyebrows, but she raises her eyebrows too, fierce, I like it.

“Please do sit down,” I instructed, and then snap my fingers to LJ for the folders and my notebook. They are all seated around the conference table as I scan through my notes. I can see their faces through my peripheral vision. I close my notebook as I look at them intently. I saw this formal gay, Alvin, elbowed Catherine; I move my eyes away at once, and then Catherine stood at once.

“Sir,” she speaks, her tone is calm but shaky.

“Boss Mark.” I corrected, and sit properly.

She frowns, “In behalf of our agency, I would like to express our happiness and eagerness to be a part of your office, your group, and team,” she looks at LJ and smiled. “We promise to do best all the time, if not, we commit to always do better and take every challenge. She smiles but not showing her teeth, looks at her team and seated.

I nodded and just stared at her; I can see the look on her face is awkward.

“Where’s your cubicle?” I ask Catherine.

“Infront of your station, sir.”

“Boss Mark.” I corrected her again.

She closed her eyes a little, “In front of your station, boss Mark. She emphasized the words boss and mark, I heard it. I saw her girlfriend with a curly hair, “You, where do you sit?”

“Near the door po.” She pointed the cubicle near the door, I nodded. Switch places with this woman.

“Catherine,” she corrected me before I could barely stand. I was stunned with her attitude.

I stood up fiercely, I can see her taken aback, and walk slowly to her spot; “I’m afraid you still owe me an apology,” I smirked at her.

She shifted on her seat, “Ah, I thought you owe us an apology.” She raises her eyebrow.

I stared at her then stand up straight again; “go to your work.” I instructed everyone.

I can see the curly hair woman and Catherine exchange spaces and they transfer their things from one place to another.

“You, woman.” I pointed to Catherine; she was in awe as I call her just woman. She slowly stands up and walks slowly to my cubicle.

“Sit,” I instructed again. “I’m the boss here, do you know that? I own this company, has anyone told you that?”  I place out a thick folder. “Now, encode everything that’s in here, we lost the Word copy of these, then scanned this copies for these are the only copies that my father signed.

She stares at the thick folder then looks at me.

“I want all the soft copies of that on Monday, next week. You may go.”

She slowly took the folder and slowly stood up.

“Wait”. I stand up too at once and pulled and grab her wrist back in my cubicle without leaving my place; she was stunned for her face is near mine. I too was shocked by our position.

I release her and avoid my eyes from her, “Sorry, that would be all, thank you.”

She looks at her right wrist as she turns her back from me again.

I seated back to my chair feeling the heat of embarrassment of what happened. She didn’t fell for my tricks, she’s different.

***

I woke up from the sound of LJ’s jokes, yup, that’s right, I am sleeping at work. See how tall cubicle works. I can hear them laughing; “What is this all about?!” I asked LJ, who is starting to walk back to his cubicle.

“Sorry Boss Mark, we’re just taking off the sleepiness in us, hehe.” He explained however bowed down his head.

I grab my bag and decided to leave; “So, you don’t even have plans?” I look at Catherine as she walks up to the door and opens it for me, “Bye, sir” she smiled at me sarcastically.

I scoff by her actions.

I slam my arm to the wall as I pinned her positioned there. I bowed my face near her again, she pulled back but there is no more space for her to move; “It’s Boss Mark, woman.” I smiled, “And stop staring or I’ll kiss you.” With that being said, she pulls her lips in as if avoiding them from mine as I near my face even more.

“Boss,” Lj called then turned to everyone. “We’ll start tomorrow, guys.” I smiled and leave my team.

Catherine

I am still stunned by what had just happened. I breathe out nervously, that is the first time I encountered a guy who’s overpowering himself.

“First the Senator, now-him?” Au points her eyes to the door when that Rupert guy left. I touch my chest, I felt pounding hard.

On my way home.

As I walk by the sidewalk to our house, a black car with a VIP tint suddenly stopped beside me, I moved fast to move away, I saw a man in black t-shirt went out from the car and turned towards me. He is wearing a pair of eyeglasses and a Yankees cap, he smiled. Richard, the Senator.

He looked around if someone can see him, its 6 PM already and it is starting to get dark. He locks the car door with his key, then walks slowly to me.

“What are you doing here? How did you know where we live? What do you want?” I asked nervously. “I want to answer all your questions, but, can we do it inside your house?” he answered while taking off his glasses. Darn, he looks so good, but hatred lingers my head when I remembered the humiliation he had given me.

“No sorry, you can’t come in.” I rejected him.

“Please?” he asked again. “It is really getting dark out here.”

“It’s not my problem, Maniego!” I push him away with my shoulders but she caught my left arm.

“Not so fast. I am asking you nicely, woman.”

Here he is, sitting on the couch of our living room, I have to hate this night for I am not aware that my mother will be gone for three days, which I just remembered, my mother and brother will be in a retreat for a parent-children conference.

I placed a glass of water and a cookie on the coffee table in front of the Senator, then I seated on the couch across him.

“So what do you want?” I started to ask.

“You.” He sips on the water, “I want you.” I frowned.

“I mean, I want to apologize from what happened, I did not think that people will hate you that very much.” He bites on the cookies, “Hm, this is good, who made this?”

“Mom,” I answered. “I forgive you, but if you may leave now, my mother will be home soon.” I stood up and started cleaning up the glass and the saucer when he stopped my hands with his hands.

“Stop lying, I saw your mother’s note.” He points the note that my mother left on the other far side of the table, I totally didn’t notice, at all.

“It’s a note from last week.” I lied. I grab the glass and the saucer again and rushed to the kitchen.

I’m washing the glass and the saucer when another pair of hands came from behind, then I felt his chest on my back and his breath on my right cheek. I look at him then our eyes met. I tried pulling but he is still locking me in his arms as he continues to wash the glass and the saucer. It is just two pieces of kitchenware but it took him a lot of time to wash it as I tried getting off from him.

“What are you doing?!” he finally releases me. I watch him damp his hands dry at the small towel by the cabinet.

“Date me,”

What?!

“Date me, I’ll make it up to you.” He smiled.

“Please get out of our house now” I put my hands on my waist. He is about to walk near me again when I escape myself from him and went to the front door and opens it for him, as he follows me. “Please.” He nods and walks out the door.

I went to my phone at once and phoned Aurora.

“What’s up?” Aurora answered on the fifth ring.

“He was here, the Senator,” I told her shakily.

“What the hell is he doing there?!” I can hear her voice getting worried.

“It’s a bit odd though, he wants me to date him.” I heard her spit something and cough, then drink.

“Ah.” She’s laughing. “The Senator wants a date? Did you say yes?”

“Of course not!” I answered rolling my eyes.

“Ay!! Did you decline a Senator? Girl!! He’s a senator, you’re just a citizen, who made you pretty!” she answered sarcastically.

“Har-har, very funny”

“What did he do there? C’mon Santos, spill!”

Chapter 6

Catherine

“Erica Manalo wants to add you in her friends' list.” It reads on my notification screen, I check my phone at once and scan through her profile; she’s a secretary, wonder who she works for.

It’s our first day at NatCare, and I am a bit excited about this different ambiance, nobody knows me here, so no gossips or whatever.

As we enter, we are welcomed by this handsome guy in his white polo barong, black slacks, and black shoes; “Hi there, are you all from Health Society Department?” he greeted us with all smiles. And he smells good. We all nodded and greeted at once by Alvin, Aurora eyed me at once as we both noticed Alvin being cheeky and lively.

“I will just lead your first to your headquarters.” He sways his hand to the hallway where the elevators are located.

“Lead the way, Sir-“ Alvin waits for the man’s name.

“LJ, like King LeBron James.” He funnily imitates LeBron James shooting style. Alvin smiles and nods with delight. I saw Carl rolled his eyes. Aurora and Lucas nodded to maybe just to please Sir LJ.

“This will be your headquarters.” Sir LJ leads us to this fancy and well-carpeted floor; the lightings are fine and with just the right brightness, it has a large conference table with six conference chairs at the middle of the room, and are cubicle that surrounds the room are divided into seven, the cubicle dividers are not too low and not too high, as you can still see the people’s heads when you really tried to peek, except for the last cubicle at the back which has tall dividers, there is also a projector just in front of the conference table, and its remote, facing the large white wall, above it is a detachable whiteboard with five sets of maker and two board eraser.

As I we walk around, I saw that we have our own pantry, and it is really complete with coffee, coffeemate, sugar and a water dispenser, it also has a nice sink and a small metallic fridge beside it, sets of plates are neatly placed in the cabinets, spoon and forks are nicely arranged in the drawers, ten mugs with their different colors are hanged properly on the rack; then another wooden door is placed just across the door of the pantry that leads to the restroom, the moment you open the door, it will lead you to another two doors, one for the male and one for the female, Aurora check the ladies room at once, and I can see her face with satisfaction as she told me that there is a bidet hose.

“Looks like you like your headquarters!” Sir LJ teases; “You can start choosing your cubicle now, but you should leave the last two cubicles at back vacant, the largest cubicle is for Boss Mark and beside it for me.” He instructed. The group hurriedly ran as Aurora and Alvin pushes me off the grid to the cubicles they wanted, when facing the cubicles, Aurora and Lucas get the first two cubicles on the left, Alvin takes the cubicle in front of the boss’s cubicle, then Carl takes the front cubicle on the right, which leaves me to the second, LJ takes his seat behind Alvin’s cubicle.

“Well then, compose yourself first, after fifteen minutes let’s gather ourselves at the conference table, I ordered food for our lunch, and we will wait for Boss Mark to arrive.” He opens his laptop.

After hours of fixing our things in our cubicle and goofing around, we all heard a light knock on the door; Au stands up eagerly to the door and opens it slowly, a cute woman peeks as she smiles at Aurora, “Ma’am, hi, is LJ there?” she peeks her head then her body goes inside our room, Aurora didn’t gave the woman an answer as the woman walks in at once, “Uy LJ, the pizza’s here, and so with Boss Mark, but he is just talking to the other client in the other confe,”

“Oh!” LJ stands at once and thanked the woman whom she called Nicole, LJ assist the delivery man as the delivery man recites the order and places it on the conference table, “Are we good?” ask the delivery guy, “Yep!” LJ answered as he counts the money and gives the payment to the delivery guy.

“Nics, join us.” Without hesitation, Nicole pulls a chair and sits beside me, “Hi I’m Nicole, and I’m LJ’s assistant.” “Hi I’m Alvin Meneses, and this Catherine Santos, Aurora Buenavisto, Carl Gerald Lim and Lucas Ricardo.” Alvin points everyone.

“You can call me Au or Buen.” Aurora smiles at her, Then Carl told Nicole to call him ‘Babe’ as Nicole laughs; Lucas introduces himself as Aurora’s boyfriends, then I introduce myself as Cathy.

Then we all heard a light knock again, this time a guy sneaks in, “Mike, let’s eat.” Calls Nicole, he shakes his head lightly; “Boss Mark is coming.”  Nicole stands up at once and grabs her pizza and exits the rooms, LJ wipes his lips and stands by the door. Just in time I’m going to finish my soft drink, the boss Mark came in. I nearly spit my drink, but Alvin has the biggest cough and spit he ever had.

Chapter 5

Richard

It’s my break time, and this is the only time that I tend to look at my phone. I scan through my phone looking for the updates with the daily news; I like this more than a newspaper, with this I can see people’s comments, reactions, and even suggestions. Erica told me not to read comments but this how I became closer to the public; these people placed me to this position, and their voices are important to me.

Then I shift the screen to this famous Social Media Application, everyone has this Facebook; my page has lots of the so-called followers, I sometimes read hate messages, but most are women asking for my number; then flashed the name of the woman I really want, Cathy Santos, her name was shown on the list that I might recognize. “I recognize this woman.” I smiled and thought to myself; I clicked on her name and her picture.

Her picture was at the beach, with her sunglasses and hat on; I recognize she’s wearing her swimsuit, but she’s not showing her body too much, which is good; it makes her a bit more wholesome, with a sense of being an open-minded woman; she’s in her swimsuit, but she is covered with not too thin denim cloth, she’s holding her slippers on her hand, then her other hand holds her hat on the head because of the strong wind, the clear and blue sea or ocean behind her, and the pure white sand eating her feet, her face in the picture is happy and peaceful, how I wish I can be with her in that place.

I started reading her profile, she’s wise not putting too much information in her page; she graduated in one of the famous state university in the country and took up Social Medical Studies, which I never heard ever before until now, I can see that she likes watching movies and reading books, and eating, and coffee. I definitely would love to take her out. The comments of her friends with some of her posts are hilarious; I can tell that she has this street-smart humor.

“Richie?” Erica suddenly enters after knocking lightly, “You still have a meeting with Mayor Gonzales this three PM.” She reminded as she scans through her iPad. I nodded lightly as I lock my phone, “Yes, I remember.” I stand and fixed my long sleeves.

“What’s with the entire smirk?” Erica notices, I smiled politely at her, unlock my phone and shows Catherine’s profile, “This is legit hers, right?” I asked Erica. “I will check, now look at her body!” she teases. “I know!” I giggle a little. This is the first time that I felt this giggling again, such a fool, I shake my head lightly.

“Hawk to back door, over.” Erica radios the troop. A beep sound came in return, “Copy, over.” That deep voice again answered. “Who is that deep-voiced man?” I asked. Erica laughed as she assists me to the door and out of the office; by the time we rich the reception, a tall guy approaches us, “Miss Erica,” then Eric told me that it is the man with the deep voice.

“Senator, Willy, at your service.” He offers his hand for a shake.

“Hi Willy,” I shake his hand. “Shall we?” his hand showed the way to my car.

*****

“Senator Maniego!” Mayor Gonzales stands abruptly as I walk towards him; he is young as from what I expected. We shake our hands and he led me to my seat.

“I hope you don’t mind, Senator, but I already ordered us our food.” He shows me the menu whimsically shaking it; he is funny to be a Mayor.

“Well,” he rubs his hands and fixes his position. “You may find me unusual or funny or what, but I am positively serious and concerned with our drainage system, the trashes are piling up, Senator, we are trying our best to propose some recycling plans, and so as asking help for the volunteers,” he stands up and goes to the chair next to him, opens his backpack and places out a thick folder, “Look at this sir, this is the graph,” he hands me the thick folder. I understand where this is going, and I can see how he badly wants to act on his concerns; sometimes only secretaries set meetings with me, who tends to get lost with the conversation on what they really propose, unlike this Mayor of San Roque City, he really knows how Public Service means.

“I can see your point, Mayor.” I smiled. He pauses as he catches his breath after explaining it to me, “I like that river to be cleaned, and it connects the whole region, if it is polluted, it will spread throughout our Region,” “Exactly!” he answered ecstatically.

I smiled as I watched him wipe the perspiration prickling on his forehead.

“Give this envelope to me and I will keep it safe, as I read the rest of your proposal, I admire your initial plan,” I signal Erica and gave the folder to her, she carefully puts in inside my backpack.

I saw Mayor Gonzales’ worried face, “I will keep it safe, you have my word.”

“Thank you, Senator.”

*** On the way home, as I drive myself to Makati, Erica suddenly call, “What?” “Hey bru, Catherine’s profile is legit.”

I smiled, “Add her then,”

“Why me?” she asks, laughing.

“Because you’re a woman,” I answered as I patiently wait for the Red Stop Light to get Green.

“I am no stalker, dude.”

“Please?” I asked nicely.

“Because I love you, man, fine!” she answered with an exasperated breathe.

“Yey! That’s the spirit.” I cheered and laugh as she laughs. “Thank you, Erica.”

Chapter 4

Catherine

I am fixing my hair in front of the mirror in the restroom here in our department floor, when my friend, Aurora came. She stands beside me and faces the mirror too, to fix herself.

“Hey Famous girl!” she teased as she combs her hair. I answered her with a very sarcastic smile, but rolled my eyes after; she just smiled.

“You better start going to the auditorium at once; the committee is there already, you know how the Directors and the Chairman work; latecomers can’t come in,” Au was about to continue her sentence when Martha opens the cubicle door at the last cubicle. We didn’t know she was there the whole time.

Martha is one of the ladies in the office that you don’t want to run into; she’s like the Regina George in the making. She has this perfectly curved body which men here in the office adores so much, both single and married men; as what Cady in the movie The Mean Girls says, “I don’t like her, but I really want her to like me, even before.” I thought.

“So,” I looked at her from my peripheral view, she’s really talking to us, as she swabs her pink lip gloss on her perfect lips. “Famous Girl,” now she turns to me after she wipes the smudges and pouts. “Heh, tell me about it,” this is really an awkward situation, she never talks to me.

“By the way, wanna join me for a coffee sometime, fame-girl? You can bring your friends with you.” Famegirl?? She sharply looks at Aurora, “Uhm, yeah, sure, sometime.” I smiled awkwardly.

“Can I get your digits?” I was stunned. “Hey, c’mon it’s me, Martha, who’s asking!” she showed her phone as if she really is waiting for me to give her my numbers.

It is really a big deal that Martha is talking to me, I remember of how she became my female crush in the office. Well, it started when we are in a volleyball tournament, I know I am good at playing volleyball, but she seemed to be more athletic than me, she looks sparklingly stunning even when playing and sweating, or does she sweat?  The way she ties her hair into a neat ponytail, the way she wipes off her sweat with her wristbands, the way she ties her shoes, god, she’s a perfect model for a sports magazine, it’s like everything about her is perfect.

Aurora stares at me as I fish out my phone from my pocket, and exchange numbers with her; she pinned her phone number on my phone as I do the same with her’s. “Cool!” she exclaimed and gives me back my phone.

“Oh, btw, do you want to try out for our team? DOH will be doing their Annual Volleyball League, I hope you also want to represent the whole office, we’ll be competing with office branches and bigger departments?” oh, I always wanted that idea, to participate in the biggest event of DOH and to represent our office; I may not make it before during college days, but I think this is a chance to play volleyball again to a different aspect.

“Yeah, I would love that, but are you sure?” I asked a bit hesitant, because the last time I checked, Martha was the one who decides who will join and who’s not, and I am not part of the team she wants. “Besides, I am not that good.”

She just rolls her eyes, “Practice starts on Monday, after shift. A gymnasium at Forks.” She smiled and leaves. Wow, I will be in the team! I smiled at Aurora, “Au, this is the best thing that ever happened to me since I got famous, so far.” I touched both her shoulders. “Good, you can play at the Nationals; do your best, okay?” Au has been a very supportive friend to me when it comes to volleyball.

****

“Finally,” Director Chan is almost finished with his speech, “I am glad to announce that we will have a three-month-long Medical Mission and other health activities; all can participate, but first, I want to see your proposals for this Mission, if chosen, we will post the next meeting for us to be able to start these programs. Thank you, everyone, for coming and God bless.”

The beauty in the healthcare field, helping people. I smiled at the thought.

“So, what can we contribute? Let’s think of something different this time.” Alvin scoots his head between Au and I. “The last time we had a chance, we blew it, it’s a disgrace.” Alvin palmed his face as we all stand together with the other people starting to leave the auditorium.

We are about to leave our space when Miss Mendez, the HR Head called us.

“Aurora? And Alvin and Cath, Director wants to see you three in his office, as in now! She demanded and pushed us three out to the auditorium and to Director Chan’s office. She’s so rude for a Human Resource head.

***

“The three of you blew last year’s events; I do not know what had happened but Alvin’s plans didn’t work so well, right Alvin?” Alvin touches his forehead and avoided Director Chan’s face.

“Anyway, I have a better plan for the three of you, select two more employees from your department, I will send you to a company, the NATCARE, you will work there for at least twice a week, the five of you will be reporting directly to the owner, Mr. Rupert Henares, I think he is related to one of the Senators, I just do not remember who was it, well moving forward, I also do not want Cathy to be seen in the public. I will give you Alvin the address and approval from the HR. you start on Monday, then Alvin, since I picked you as the Team Leader, I hope you’ll be responsible this time. Don’t blow it, again.” Director Chan dismissed us as we head back to our department.

“Who would you choose to go with us?” Aurora asked Alvin.

“I am thinking of the two men from our IT group; Lucas and Carl.” Alvin makes his decision.

“Wait, I can’t take my boyfriend with me, and Carl is lazy! We all know that!” Au disagreed.

“But Au, I trust your boyfriend, and Carl might give his best shot since it is Director Chan’s instructions.” Then Alvin suddenly calls for the two IT men.

“Lucas kisses Au’s cheeks as he pats my shoulder; Carl just stands by the door and listens intently with what is Alvin is instructing. The look on Carl’s face is as if he has no choice at all. Lucas was excited of having an extra time with Aurora outside the office.

Later that day, Miss Mendez hands us the approval form from Director Chan as our Department Head, Sir Arnold, signs the approval for allowing us to report out in the office.

“Be good there, Alvin.” He teases Alvin.

“Nice try, sir.” he rolls his eyes.

Chapter 3

Richard

I am not just a Senator but also a businessman. I’m handling my father’s company ever since we won it; since my term is ending soon, I want to have a fallback and that is in our family business. Today is a good day to start the meeting; after seeing the front page with Catherine’s face on it, I am feeling pumped up to do more. Every Monday, I go to the company to get the weekly reports from the Directors of the different departments of our company.

But just when we are in the middle of discussion pertaining buying shares from one of the famous airlines in the country, the conference room door opens; there, standing by the door is my half-brother, he zips up his jacket and tries to hide the stain on his shirt, “Sorry I’m late,” he slides his hand through his hair and sits on the chair across mine.

“You made it on time,” I look at my wristwatch. But he is late. He just raises his eyebrow and grabs one folder from the center and scans through the reports. Our assistant places a coffee near his right arm.

Rupert is the son of my father’s mistress. I am just a year older than him, when father confessed to my mother that he has another child, mom just cried and asked father to bring the child to our house and treated him as her own son, but later on, her biological mother took him away from us.

I met him again in college; as I took up Political Science, he is into healthcare; he took up Dentistry and plans to study Masteral abroad. We used to be best friends but ended our pact when a girl named Michelle steps into our lives. Michelle and I liked each other, a lot, but I gave way for Rupert since he was head over heels for her. In the end, Michelle flew to the States and continued her studies there; Rupert followed her, but he went back two years after saying that he gave up everything on Michelle, which made me mad at Rupert even more. I gave up my love for Michelle just for him to be ‘happy’, but he only broke Michelle’s heart.

Michelle died in an accident, and I can never forgive Rupert for being part of that accident. “Why her?!!” I screamed on the phone as Rupert cried asking for my forgiveness and he didn’t mean any harm to Michelle. We never talked after he came back from the States; he decided to go back to London with his biological mother; he did not go home when my mother died. Father told me that he had a fight at school and her mother doesn’t want her to go home to the Philippines. My anger and hate for him got bigger, first: he killed Michelle, second – his mother is the reason why my mother got sick and the most, he didn’t come home when mother died.

And now, his attitude is more unforgivable. Disrespectful.

“What can you say about this, Sir Rupert?” the head of finance, Director Perez asks him.

“If they guarantee us their two years, let’s give them a hit.” He answers writing scribbles on the paper.

“But, why are we taking a two-year risk? We do not know the season. It changes every time,” I disagreed.

“Well, since at the end you’ll be the one to decide, and father agrees, then I have nothing to contribute; I’ll just sign whatever legal purposes it may be served. The committee trusts you, and father trust you more, then it is your call.” He stares at me.

“Two years is good since they are committed to serving us more than what we asked; let’s just put up an agreement for them to think about.” Director Salvador agrees with my brother.

“Okay, Director Perez, will you and Atty. Diaz prepares an agreement draft, show it to us next Monday, meeting adjourn.” As everyone stands up I called for Rupert at once to stay and wait for me before he hits the door, I can see his sarcastic face as he opens the door for the Directors to leave the meeting room.

“When did you come back?” I ask as I clean the meeting table, “Last Thursday,” he answered still standing by the door. “Do you still have any questions?” he asks as he scans again through his phone, but before I ask again another question, he lifts his phone to his ear and raises his point finger to stop me from speaking to him, he opens the door and exits it as Erica walks in. She was shocked to see Rupert, Erica waves at me and follows Rupert. I just shake my head slightly and stare at the door.

***

“Rupert!” Erica calls for Rupert who pretended to have a talk on the phone, “I knew you were faking it.” Erica smiles at him. Rupert locks his phone and shoves it his pocket leaving his hand in it. He smiles warmly at Erica. “When did you come back?” Erica hugs Rupert tightly, and extends her arms to see Rupert better, “You’ve gone taller, dude.”  Rupert still smiles.

“What? No hugs for me?” then Rupert pulled Erica into an embrace. “How are you?” Rupert finally asks as they walk together. “I am good, how’s London?”

“Cold.” Rupert smiled tightly. “I am planning to stay here for good, I applied as a Dentist as Medical City, then plans to have my own clinic at Taguig. I am going to the site by the way. Wanna come?” Rupert asks Erica.

“I have plans with your brother.” Erica touches his shoulder and smiles. “Maybe next time. We are still friends, right?”

Rupert nods and walks off to the hall. The valet attendant arrives and hands the key of his motorcycle. He rides on and places his nice motorcycle helmet and sped off the road.

Erica walks back to the office and directly went to Richard’s office.

“God, Richie, your brother has gone taller.” Erica slumps down on the chair in front of Richard’s table. “Have you spoken to him?” Erica asks. “No, not yet.” He answers as Richard types on his keyboard. Suddenly the phone rings. Richard answers the phone at once; “Yes, it’s me.”

“Yes, father.” He drops the call and stands. “I’m going to San Lorenzo, would you like to come?” Richard asks Erica. “No dinner for Jilly’s tonight?” Erica asks. Jilly’s is their favorite bar and resto.

“Next time, so you’ll come?” Richard asks as he packs up his things. “I will just stay here.” Erica declines Richard’s offer, stands up and leave the office. Richard fixes his coat and left.

***

Richard

“I heard he’s back,” Father asks while signing some of the papers that his secretary hands over. “He went to the meeting this morning,” I answer and sip at my coffee.

“Thank you, Chairman.” his secretary takes the paper and leaves the office. My father rested his back on the couch, closes his pen and places it on his left chest pocket.

Then suddenly the door swings open, “I’m sorry chairman but your son is here.” Secretary Jun looks at me, “It’s Rupert, sir.” “Let him in.” my father stands and embraces Rupert. But Rupert just stands and looks at me, blankly.

“I’m so happy that the both of you are here,” my father sits back to his place as Rupert just looks at me and sit in front of the chair I am sitting at. “ I won’t waste time on telling you this, you two are the only sons I have, and I don’t want Tess’s son to enter our league of labor; Rupert, I hope you still take half the share of Airflames and the whole NatCare,” I was about to speak when my father raises his hand to stop me.

“Let me finish, Rich. Airflames and NatCare are falling little by little, I want you, Rupert to handle them and take everything in it. It’s up to you if you want different employees, besides, I do not trust Director Cruz there.”

“I have a clinic to attend and to run. I have plans. Better plans.” Rupert answer.

Father threw his pen to Rupert. “Idiot! What can you get with a clinic, fixing teeth? You are not thinking!” Rupert just bows down his head. “You are going to do it whether you like it or not.” He clears his throat. “Let me continue. While Rupert takes over the Airflames and NatCare, I want you, Richard, to take over the rest of AirFlames and the whole shares of Maniego; I know I can count on you more. I can’t risk any mistakes here. Unless you want to go back to the gardening tools.”

Rupert scoffs and stands up, “The only one who doesn’t want to go back to gardening here is you.” Father suddenly changes his face into serious and angrier one. “If not to me, you are nothing. The both of you are.” Rupert continues. “Mother has been a tool for you, not a woman. You should have returned her the favor. She surrendered everything for you, every last penny.” His voice is starting to get louder.

My father laugh. “I did not expect your mother to be that so stupid!” he continues to laugh. I saw Rupert’s left hand fisted and his face was fierce and full of anger.

“Stop it,” I tell my father, but he continues to laugh. Rupert moves to the door, “Idiot.” My father tells his as Rupert opens the door and leaves. I stand up and follow Rupert to the hall.

“Rupert!” I called him. He stopped, thank God.

Chapter 2

 Catherine

 “Tell me, what was that about?” Alvin, my gay friend asks as we wait for the line in the canteen. I did not spare him a reaction; I just look at him, upon hearing the gossips.

 “Cat-cat! Is Sen. Maniego your boyfriend?”

“How are you related to him?”

OMG, you are so lucky!”

 It seems it will never end.

 House.

 “I’m home!” I announce as I slump down our small shoe rack. I remove my shoes lazily when mother arrived from the kitchen.

“How’s work?” she asks me with her calm voice.

“A bit crazy, mama.” I smiled at her not showing my teeth.

“I cooked macaroni soup,” she sings in delight.

“I’m on a diet, but maybe I’ll skip that diet for tonight.” I lean on my mother’s arm. Hmm, the scent of my mother is my home.

 After my father died, we got broke; we sold all our properties, it all ends us with this house, which my father bought with his first bonus, with the help of his housing loans. A two storey house, two rooms upstairs, one is mine, my mother occupies the guest room downstairs, she doesn’t like going up and down; a kitchen connected to the dining; a divider that divides the dining and the receiving area, the bathroom and comfort room is behind the kitchen, across the door to the small patio.

 Mom receives different sewing works as part-time, but most of the time, she’s in the sewing shop of my aunt; she sometimes cooks too for special occasions, that’s why I got into pastries making too to add on her menu.

 Apparently, I grew up well off; we had two cars, a nice air-conditioned home; pieces of jewelry, designer shoes, and bags, all a woman could think of, I had. When our company broke down, I never heard my parents complain; I hear a little whine from my younger brother that time, but as we grow old, we got used to it.

 “Is Chester home?” I asked. Mom shook her head.  Chester never sleeps in the house; he prefers to sleep at his dorm in Manila, near the university. He has been great at school that is why we are paying almost only one-fourth of his miscellaneous fees. Our aunt in the US promised to sponsor Chester’s allowance; bit by bit, we are moving smoothly, and peacefully, until he came back.

 The Senator, I can’t believe he humiliated me. I never had a clue he will be back. I don’t know why he did it. Fear starts to consume me; I can’t believe our meeting this morning will be a disaster.

 The next morning went normally; I ride the FX like a normal person.

 That kiss is on the front page of the three big names of the newspaper. Sir Arnold, our department head showed me; “Tell me about instant fame.” He teases.

 “Sir-,” I whined a little, “I do not want this kind of attention; especially the article, they are calling me a user, famewhore, slut; this is insane, what have I done to deserve this?” I sat on my cubicle. Suddenly the phone rings; Aurora, my best friend from the office, quickly walks to her cubicle and puts up the intercom; “Health Soc,” Aurora answers and listens attentively, “Okay, sir.” the she gently puts down the phone, “It’s from Director Chan, he wants to see you; I think it is about the headlines.” She pats my back; then I stand and fixed myself before going out of our office.

  **

 “Have you seen the papers?” Director Chan pushes to me the newspaper, showing the headlines. I stood by the table and looked at the image of me; “You seemed to be not pleased in those photos.”

I tried to answer, but he interrupts me, “What should we do with you now?” he asks.

 “I really like how you work in Health Society Department, Miss Santos, but I don’t like you dragging our office into shame; we are public servants, I know you are aware of it.”

 “Yes, Director, I am. I will try my best to clean my mess.” I tried.

 He positions himself properly on his seat and places his arms on his large wooden table, “I know this will be hard for you, people calling you different names; but if you need some backup plans, Miss Santos, my office is ready for plan B.” he smiled

 I smiled warmly. “You may go.” I bowed a little as a sign of respect.

 Director Chan has been a good Secretary of health in our local city; he is a good man as he started just as a simple employee; he came from the poorest of the poor in China that is why he strived harder and harder. He committed to serving in public service, maybe not as a doctor, but a servant of the public in terms of affordable but excellent standards, in giving local people health benefits, they never had a good health service back when he was young, and inability to provide are the main cause his parents died.

He wants everyone to have a health that each and every one deserves.

  The rest of the day went well.

 Aurora, Alvin and I decided to go for a coffee in a near coffee shop, but just when we are about to take a seat, a man in a motorcycle jacket sat on our picked space; “Excuse me,” I stand to the side of the chair where he sits, “I think you are sitting on our space, don’t you see some of our things are there? And you are sitting on my documents.” I can see a hint of the file folder he is sitting at.

 He was scanning through his phone when he looks up at me; he has these tired eyes that sting through me, “I think we should just go and sit somewhere else?” Alvin whispers at the back. “No,” I plainly replied still looking at the guy.

 I had a rough day today, and all I want is a comfortable chair and sip on my frappe as I do my paperwork and talk to my friends.

The guy scoffs and looks at our stuff, he smiled sarcastically at me as he raises his eyebrows as if he thought of something bright.

 He stands and looks at me, “Sorry,” he apologized sarcastically, he takes off his motorcycle jacket as he is now in his white shirt and jeans, and hangs his jacket in his forearms; though he is good looking with his grace, I still did not care.

 He bends down to grab my folder and threw the folder in the air. It left my mouth open staring at all the flying papers that slowly lands on the floor and on the sofa, Aurora and Alvin scoots down to grab some of the papers; then I looked at the guy who is now smirking at me; “Sorry,” he raises his right eyebrow again and walks away from us. Two staffs of the shop help my friends.

 “You!” I called for the guy, he stops by the door. And looks at me; I took off the cap of my frappe and walks towards him; he still has those eyebrow issues that rise.

Without a hint of hesitation, I pour the iced frappe to his clean white shirt; he raises his eyebrow again and closes his eyes and bites his lips into a hard line.

“Sorry,” I smirked at him and raise my eyebrows too as an imitation of his actions. He just looks down at his wet shirt covered with the iced mocha frappe I ordered.

Chapter 1

 Richard

 I watch Erica fold the sleeves of my light blue long-sleeve polo. “Ready bruh?” she asks.

“She’s there; she will be there,” I told her as I fix the collar; she takes her seat on a couch near the large mirror where I stand.

 “What if you don’t see her? Bruh, do not do silly things you’ll regret in the future. For sure that is all in the past; you are now a senator, set your priorities, you have a country to support.” She warned.

 “I need to see her, I need to see the look in the face when people start hating her,” I smirked.

 Do I?

 Catherine, my high-school crush; I admired her smile, her eyes that smile whenever she does, her hair so long, her perfectly shaped hands and fingers, her arms that are not too big and not too small to touch and hold, but looks perfect on her thin gold bracelet; her perfectly shaped breasts that flaunts with our uniform, her curves and her legs.. I can still remember her perfect physique, but above all, her golden heart. That’s what I love about her.

 But it all ends with those mistakes. She treated me bad; my father was their gardener, we were poor, but that’s the only job my father can provide, he didn’t finish high school, as for my mother was their helper.

I tried being friends with her, but she doesn’t talk to me that much.

“I like you, Cathy.” I spoke to her, handing her three-stem rose from my father’s garden at home; “My father picked these, which were the best and healthy from the rest.” But the look on her eyes, full of disgust.

 “I can’t take those.” He shook her hands a sign of rejection; but I convinced her, in the end, she grabs the roses, but the next morning, I saw it in the trash bin.

 I tried asking her to the prom, but our class president got her yes first; I saw her very happy, all smiles to our president.

 She always looks at me, but she never talked to me ever again.

 We lost connection and communication when college lives hit. That is where I met Erica. We’re from both class and major of Political Science and World History, she has been me to go person; she has been loyal to me ever since. She has grown beautiful and smart. People were asking why I did not woo her or anything, maybe it’s just our friendship is simply platonic.

 I checked my phone for the time; “It’s time to go, Richie,” she announced as she grabs her radio transmitter and page some security that we are ready to go out. “Hawk to back door, over” she paged. “Copy, over” a man with a low voice answered. Erica places her radio on the clip on at her belt bag; it has small first aid kit, a set of pens, a small flashlight, a teaser, and her business phone.

 She assisted me outside and then pulls me to the other side of the hall. Backdoor means really the back part of my house, two guard men wait for us, three SUVs were parked outside, then Erica and I ride at the middle car.

 We arrive at the auditorium fifteen minutes before the time of program starts; I was introduced to the City Councilors and most to the Mayor. I’ve never been a mayor in this city, since my family and I went to Manila when I studied college, I pursued everything in Metro Manila, SK Chairman, one of the youngest councilor, Vice Mayor, then went up to the Senate because maybe I has a one big wonder shot; I was the youngest senator in my batch, and probably the whole country.

 My eyes were scanning, but I can’t see Catherine, that woman whom she thinks is the most beautiful she is. Ladies are screaming for my name. I just smile at them and wave. But I am losing patience; she’s nowhere to be found.

 “Senator!” Mayor Almanza approaches me, with his very lovely wife Madam Amanda on his arms.

“Mayor,” I stand for curtsy, we shook hands, as Madam Amanda kissed me by just touching her very small cheeks on me.

 “People are very excited with your plans, you haven’t lived here for long, and yet you still remember where you came from, good work, kid.” I hate how he called me kid, I have done more than his long-term in the city Capitol, I just smiled and nodded in response, as I fake my face, pretending I am agreeing with his sincerity. Traditional Politician.

 I finally saw my father, he was with his new wife; after mother died, all I thought about was going back to San Lorenzo, help them as what my mother did.

 My father waved at me and seated in the front row; his new wife and son follows him but seated at the back.

 And so the program started, I do not have much to say; all I need is to just speak the truth. I started talking, but no one listens, they are all focusing on taking pictures of me, “Are you with me?!” I asked them, I think they heard me now, “YES!” it roared the auditorium; I playfully ask them again, and I got the attention now.

 Now, this is my most hated part, the Question, and Answer portion, not because of I am scared to be asked by people with huge political views, but the question about my personal life never stops.

 “Do you have a girlfriend,? Then it started, again.

 But it hit me, I saw her, Catherine, at the back, looking blankly at me, she really does work here in the capitol.

 “But I want to see a Maria Catherine Santos on stage, please?” I snap; I can see her slowly bowing her head and avoiding facing the crowd. Some of her seatmates look at her. Some of the girls frown and cursed as maybe they knew who she was.

 “Uy Cathy!” I saw a woman stands and calls for Catherine at the back.

 Catherine scratches her head as she slowly stands and swats her gay friend’s shoulder.

 “Wow, she’s here,” Erica murmurs, as I smile in delight; she assists Catherine on the stage. I can see her fear, but damn, she has gone prettier; her body enhances as a beautiful swan, though her hair is shorter up to her shoulders. Her dress that seems to be their uniform fits her perfectly well, but her serene face, made me sings.

 She slowly raises her hand, “Senator,” she offers for a shake, and smiled a little, I missed her smile; I can’t help it, I grab her hand and pulled her into a kiss. The people’s reaction made me realize what I was doing; I opened my eyes and saw hers, scared. I released her lips, and I felt empty; this is our first kiss.

 I can hear female voices cursing Catherine subtly. “Good luck with the bashers,” I smirked. I left her half bent to her back.

The look on her face is really entertaining.

I am not sure of how it really works since you are anonymous; try sending me a message through the thought bubble (with a smiley) on the top right corner of your homescreen then type my name, i am not sure if it will work with you, but it works with me (whenever i send personal messages to others.)

But, if you are just up to no-good-messages; don’t bother sending one.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events and incidents are the products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Highschool Love Revenge

Prologue

Cathy

"Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together for the one and the only hunk Senator-" the audience laughed while the others scream for his name. "One of the most handsome eligible bachelor in the Philippines, please all welcome, Senator Richard Solano Maniego, Jr!!" he stood from the group of the important people behind the host. He smiled as he stood; he pats the shoulder of the female host as he continues to raise his hand to wave for his fans.

"Thank you, Erica for that wonderful introduction and thank you to you all for always supporting me," he laughs and shakes his head. "I guess I got my charm from my father." He points at his father, an ex-senator.

"I will continue his legacy; the mark of a Maniego. The courage to fight corruption and poverty, to build a better nation. Smart people know this, and should know these; you are smart," he pointed at the audience, "We are smart. I need all of your help, your cooperation for this agenda. Are you with me?" the crowd roar a big 'Yes' to the senator.

"Guys, I can't hear you." The senator repeated with a smile.

"YES!!" the audience roar a bit louder as they clap their hands.

"Thank you Senator for that short but meaningful speech" the host which named as Erica teased the senator, as they both laugh.

The senator and the mayor of this city joined force to enhance the budget for the local community of San Lorenzo to have a better place; plans of building state colleges and universities with free tuition fee is at blueprint already, local library including state of the art facility of the new factory for the local women which didn't have a chance to finish their studies will be granted soon to this new announced city, and it is all because of this Senator.

"So, Senator Maniego, the ladies here are asking something," Miss Erica went down to stage to hand the microphone to one of the crazy lady infront.

"Senator, do you have a girlfriend?" she squeals on the mic. People laugh as they went silent to hear his answer.

"Apparently, none by at the moment but-," he was interrupt by another lady.

"If you now have a girlfriend, we'll bash her so bad." Their group screams again as the senator laughs.

"Ladies, take it easy," he shush them.

"But, I want to see a Maria Catherine Santos on stage, please." He smiled as he scans the crowd, and look for his team to find that person.

Wait. What?!

"Maria Catherine Santos? I know you're there." He is calling me, my friends' eyes at me in shocked.

"Girl, bakit ikaw?? (Why the hell is he calling you?)" Aurora, one of my bestfriend in this capitol asks.

"Ewan! (I don't know)" i answered her, nervously.

Miss Erica the host calls for my name again.

"Uy, Cathy!!" Miss Mendez, the HR Head found me. "Go up, show some respect."

Shit

I stood up slowly. I can hear people whispering and mumbling at me. I can't understand what they are saying; all I can see now is a smirking face of the Senator.

"Catherine?" Erica holds my hand and assists me to the steps of the stage.

I was blinded by the bright spotlights. It is hot up there, I tried looking at the audience but all I can see are the flashes coming from the cameras, calling my name to face them; I can't see their faces because of the spotlight. I looked at Erica; she has these worried eyes as she look at the Senator as if he had done wrong.

I stopped my pace as the senator walks to me. I move my right hand for his shake, "Senator," I greeted him, but he didn't take it.

He pulled my right hand with his left hand, and then places his right hand on my left waist as it slides to my back and scoops me towards him.

My chest bumps onto him; his now free hand cups my face, it happened so fast; he kissed me, hard, on the lips.

My eyes widened as he bends a little by little and as I arched my back to get away from his kiss.

What's happening?

Our lips parted, then whispered to me, "Good luck with the bashers." I look at him at once; he is smirking with his dark brown eyes at me. The he stood straight, "Stop staring," he orders to me.

I removed my now shocked face from his, as Miss Erica assisted me, "Are you okay, girl? Damn, Richie." I can hear her say it, below the screaming and the questioning.

As I walk back and go down, I can hear people talking about me. I know I am now an official "user" of the year.