Chapter 7

JOSHUA POV

My 4th year college is done. Mama was asking me to go home because I need to accompany her in our house in the barrio. Dad was in a business trip and he need to stay in Manila for three weeks. Being an only child is really hard. I was forced to go home even though I didn't want to leave or to be far with Angelica. I can't afford not to see her for a week so what I do is I run away from home just to go in Tuguegarao to see the woman I love. It was enough for me to see her even for a moment. I do that trice a week. But after two weeks, I could no longer escape at home. Mom took my car key and I couldn't find where she hid it. I asked her but she really don't want to give me. I could do nothing but suffer. Angelica and I were talking only via video call but it was still secret because she was afraid of being reprimanded. I am not contented. Our situation is really difficult. I was also afraid that he might suddenly leave me because of his family. So I decided to take advantage of every opportunity to be with her. Kissing, hugging, serving, caring, and telling her that I love her so much as if it was the last time we met. I always make him feel that he is the only one I will love for life so that in case destiny separates us, it will be sealed in his heart and mind and he will also make a way to find me at the right time.

Friday, I asked Mary Grace to make a way to bring Angelica to my apartment on the other day. It is our special day, our 1st month. The next day, I was getting ready for Angelica's arrival. I am so excited to see her. Fortunately, papa came back early so I left home early. Angelic and I didn't meet for a week but it seemed like that it was a long time for me. I turned off my cellphone first to surprise her with what I would do. I want to make this day unforgettable. I also prepared even what we were going to eat and my gift for the two of us. I want to prove how much i love her. The things she can't forget. I peeked out on the window to see if they had arrived. They were right down on the tricycle they were riding. But in the distance I also saw the popular car parked on the other side of the road. My chest was pounding. They were followed by one of Angelica's brother. It's too late for me to send them back because Angelica has already entered my apartment. God will take care of the two of us. I turned on the music and took the flower for Angelica and stood at the door of my room to wait for her to approach. My chest was full of nervousness. Not because I'm afraid of his older brother but because I'm afraid of what might happen once his family find out everything. I don't want us to separate because I might not be able to.

I saw the different smile on Angelica's face as she walked towards where I was. Although I was nervous, I didn't reveal it to her so that she will not feel sad. I greeted her first following my message for her. Message mixed with farewell because I knew someone was coming to ruin our happiness. My plan for us was to eat first before I put the necklace on her but I gave the necklace first before her brother will arrived. I know this is the only thing that will remind our promises with each other. I could no longer hide the fear I was feeling. I couldn't stop my tears from flowing as I kissed her. Until the man who ruin our day came.

Even though I was beaten up by his brother, It just nothing compared to the pain i am about to suffer, not physical but emotional. I didn't fight because I knew Angelica would be the first to get hurt when I did that. My heart squeezes as I see Angelica hurting. I feel weak in seeing her crying. It hurts so much to see the person I love being forced to get away from me. I could do nothing but cry and cry. I forced myself to stand up and chase outside but I never saw them again. I slowly went back to my room and saw the flower I had given to Angelica. She didn't even get his bag and cellphone. I picked them up and hugged them as I sobbed in tears.

I saw the necklace I was wearing and touched the half heart and kiss it and say, "at the right time and you will be formed again." I whispered to the pendant as if I was going crazy. I took her phone and saw her wallpaper. I stared at his picture and talked.

"I will finish my studies and I will try to be a good Engineer to prepare for our future my Love. I love you so much and I will do my very best to make you proud of me. I hope you are fine. Be strong and courageous my love, you can do it. Always remember that I will wait for you till my last breath." I said.

I kissed her picture and hugged it as I slowly fell on the bed. I have no strength left. I close my eyes but still i can see the sadness on the eyes of my loving Angelica.

Joshua, be strong. I heard Angelica say. I searched for where he was but I could not find her.

Angelica, don't leave me. I love you so much, "I said.

I felt someone hug me. I thought it was Angelica but when I woke up it wasn't.

"Lea? What are you doing here?" I asked my best friend.

"I'm your best friend. Am I no longer welcome here in your apartment?" she asked with mixed sullenness.

Not that much, but why are you here? You didn't even call me to pick you up. "I said.

"How can you pick me up, you're so ruined. It's a good thing I came, because if not, maybe your dead." said Leah.

I looked at the bruises and wounds on my body, they were already treated. Even my room is fine. "Thanks," I said.

I remember Angelica, I heard her voice earlier.

"Where is Angelica? Did you get her here?" I asked.

"Who's Angelica? Is Mary Grace's best friend?" Leah asked.

I just nodded in response.

"Apart from the two of us, there's no one else here. You're the only one I came across crying hugging Angelica's phone. You lost consciousness, you also had a high fever and you were shivering. You worried me too much. You are also talking while sleeping. "Lea said. "Where are Angelica's belongings?" I asked Lea.

"It is in your closet. "she replied.

I try to get up to get on my closet but I can't.

"I'll take it, just rest. You can't stand up yet." Lea said.

I looked at the contents of Angelica's bag. Her wallet and cellphone are inside the bag, as well as the notebook she uses in summer class. I need to get it back to her. I called Mary Grace and told her everything that had happened.

"I will go there." said Mary Grace on the other line and turned off my call. "Now I know, Angelica's older brother beat you up. You can sue him for what he did to you." Leah's said.

"Just let it go. It will be healed. I don't want to fight the family of the woman I love the most. I don't want them to have a reason not to accept me into their family one day. All I need to do is to finish my studies and to become a successful engineer to be worthy for Angelica someday." I said.

"Are you saying that you and Angelica are destined with each other?" Leah said.

"She will be my first love and last." i said.

Lea and I were startled when someone suddenly shouted at the open door of my room.

"Oh my God, what happened to you my cousin?" Mary Grace cried.

She was worried as she slowly approached me.

"I'll take you to the hospital. We'll get a medical certificate and we'll sue him." Grace's angry.

"Don't worry, I've done. I called my friend who was a Doctor and sent him here earlier because I was worried about Joshua. It's a good thing that he is not on duty and he's just nearby." Leah said.

Mary Grace looked at me wickedly. He beat my foot without a bruise. "That's what you got for not listening to me. I told you before but you didn't listen. Don't you know that Angelica might be missing you now? Not only am I worried about you but I'm also worried about my best friend. Maybe she was also suffering this time," she says with concern.

"It is impossible.They are still a family why would they hurt Angelica? I answered.

"I know them cousin." she said.

I was nervous at what she said. Is it possible that they will hurt Angelica? I asked in my mind.

I need to see her. I need to know if she's ok.

"Cousin, can you bring this stuff to Angelica? I asked Mary Grace. That's the only way I can see, to know his condition.

"No! I'm also at fault here so I don't want to show them. Did you forget that I brought Angelica here? I lied to her brother just to do your favor. They might even hurt me. " Grace said.

"Ok, just bring them when you go to school." I said.

She nodded as she picked up Angelica's belongings.

Are you alright? she caressed my forehead at the same time.

I just nodded at her.

Did auntie and uncle already know this? Grace asked.

"Not yet, I have no intention of telling them." I answered.

Why not? What if this is not all you can get? What if they ruin your life? What if we're just shocked you're no longer alive. "Mary Grace asked one after another.

I was speechless at what she said. I just loved so much, why would I even have to experience this?

A week later, I still can't see Angelica in school. Even Mary Grace had no news of her either. She said that Angelica no longer attend her summer class. I'm too worried. I just took her things from Mary Grace again and hid them. I hug it and talk to it every day. I really miss her.

The day came when we had to enroll in the fifth year. But our Dean in the College of Engineering talked to me.

"I will give you last chance to prove that we did not make a mistake to fight you against those who want to kick you out of this school," our Dean says.

"Kick out for what reason sir?" I asked.

"Attempted rape," he said.

"To whom sir?" I asked.

"To Miss Angelica Dela Cruz." he replied.

"What? I can't do that sir." I said.

"We know that. So we did everything to help you. It's only a year until you finish, so we won't let your dream be ruined just because of that accusation. Now, do your best to make us proud of you. Also show those who want to overthrow you that you are an honorable person," he said.

"Yes sir. I will not disappoint you. Thank you so much sir." I said.

"You're welcome. Any student if we know that the accusation against him is not true why we don't help," he said.

I walked out of the Dean's office with a smile on my face. Fortunately, there are still good people who are willing to help people who want to lose a better future. I take a deep breath before going to the registrar to get an enrollment slip. This is for you my love. I will do everything to be worthy of you so that when we meet you can be proud of me, we can be in the sight of your family and everyone. I will find you and keep my promises," I said while looking at Angelica's picture on my phone. The last picture taken right during our monthsary.