2 Chapter 1

I could feel the cold breeze as I started at the moon. Sometimes I wonder how it feels like to be in the sky. Maybe you'll feel no pain there. I wonder how it feels like to be a star that shines every time it's dark.

I want to graduate so that I can support my family in poverty, when I was still young I knew the importance of education. It can change your life. I've seen how my Mom suffered just to provide for my needs. She's the reason why I want to become successful. I promised myself that when I graduate and become successful I will provide for the needs and wants of my Mom and our family.

"Kiana, the food is ready. Let's eat." My cousin said.

I live with my Grandparents. When I was still young, they're the one who took care of. My mother works in a restaurant in Manila. Her job is the only way to support my school expenses. She's always tired from work, and I don't want to be a burden to her. One day I'll be successful and I claim it.

"Your class is near, Kiana. What course are you going to take?" Grandma asked as we had dinner.

"I want to be a flight attendant, Grandma. When I become an FA, I will take you to the places you want to go to." I said.

"I'll wait for that, darling. Reach your dreams. We'll always be here to support you." She said, starting to get emotional.

My dad had another family. When I was still a kid, he always takes me to the parks and beaches. He also gives me toys and coloring books. We were so happy. I'm happy watching my mom and dad laugh together. Even though I know that happiness is just temporary.

That excitement is replaced when the wife of my father found out about me and my mother. Until one day my father didn't contact us, he vanished like a bubble.

It broke my heart into pieces...I felt betrayed. I know in the very first place that I can't just own my father, he's not mine, to begin with, but it still hurts, knowing that he didn't fight for us.

"Kiana, let's go to school together, okay?" My friend, Audrey asked.

We are walking to the department store to buy school supplies.

"Of course, we'll go together. Even if it's going to heaven." I said in a rude manner that made her laugh.

"Did you forget? We're not allowed in heaven!" She said.

We just talked and laugh until we reach the department store.

I'm still in elementary school when I met Audrey, her classmates are bullying her. She's crying so hard that's why I helped her.

It was the afternoon when we arrived at the department store, so we hurried to buy what we need. I made sure that I would buy only the essentials so that I would not run out of money.

After buying what we need, we went to the food stall to eat.

"I'm excited to go to college, I hope there is a handsome criminology student at our University!" Audrey said.

We were already riding the tricycle, and I was also annoyed by the voice of this one with me because she's been talking nonstop.

Isn't she tired of talking?

"Do you wanna know why you're being ghosted?" I asked.

"Why? Am I not enough? Am I ugly? Am I that replaceable?" Audrey exclaimed, clutching her chest looking dramatic.

Why is she overreacting?

I pointed her. "That! Exactly, you're always overreacting!" I growled at her.

Audrey was dropped off first because their house is just near while ours is a bit far.

The driver just dropped me on the street. I paid for my fair.

I was walking home when I notice that the apartment near our house is now occupied.

I stopped walking when I saw a tall man with a chinky eyes, a pointed nose, and red lips sitting on the bench near the apartment.

Instead of paying attention to that man, I just went home, Grandma might be looking for me, and I will be the one preparing for dinner.

When I reached our house I saw my cousins talking, I heard their laughter all over the house and since I have so many cousins we do not run out of stories, this kind of bond strengthens our relationship with each other.

Even though I don't have a brother or a sister, I am still happy because my cousins are there to support me with what I want.

"Kia, I have a crush on your best friend." My cousin Lloyd said.

Wtf?

"You two will not look good together! She's still young and you're old." I said laughing.

He just rolled her eyes at me.

"After we talked, I cooked our dinner, and because my cousins will be joining us for dinner, I was forced to add the dish I cooked.

When we finished eating I went straight to my room, I prepared my things for tomorrow.

I was about to sleep when my mom suddenly called.

"Hello, Ma. How are you there?" I asked

"I'm fine, Kiana. Your class is near, do good in school, ok?" My mom said.

"Yes, Ma, don't worry I'll do my best. Take care of yourself. I love you." I said trying to stop myself from crying.

When my father left us, I realized so many things, what am I gonna do without my Mom? Am I going to survive this life? Am I brave enough to overcome all the pain?

I woke up early the next day because I still have to enroll in our university. I'm wearing a simple white long sleeve and a black pencil skirt, and I tied my hair up.

"Kianaaa, let's go outside and multiply!" A fool named Audrey shouted.

I rushed going downstairs so that we can't disturb the people inside our house because of Audrey's shouts.

When I got down, Audrey immediately greeted me.

"Girl! You have new neighbors living in the apartment on the apartment in the corner of the street, they're so handsome!" She said.

"Autopass, study first before flirting," I said.

"What?! It's just for fun, girl! I'll flirt with that guy later." She said.

When we got to the corner of the street, I immediately called a tricycle, because Audrey's eyes are sharp, she might see our new neighbors. I don't wanna be late.

"I told you! Your new neighbors are rich, I saw them entering a car. Wait, let me rephrase that. Not just a simple car but a Chevrolet Captiva. Damn, rich kids!" She said.

I don't even have an idea about those cars.

"Audrey, can you please stop talking about those guys? I swear they'll just hurt you in the end." I said.

When we reached our school I immediately went to the tourism faculty, while we are in the line, we saw the rest of our friends. So when we finished what we needed to do we immediately went to the cafeteria.

"Hey! What do you guys want to eat?" I asked

"Your new neighbor is all I want, girl!" Audrey exclaimed.

Wtf, seriously?

Instead of asking, I just went straight to the line because it's so long, Longer than my patience.

"Here you can have my place." The guy in front of me said.

He's wearing a white printed shirt paired with black jogger pants and white Adidas shoes.

Wait... He's our new neighbor, ah, that guy.

"No, thank you," I said without looking at him.

"No, I insist, miss. Your friends are waiting for you. You can go first." He said with a smile on his face.

"Ok, thanks," I said briefly.

I hurried walking forward before that guy talks to me again. I'm scared, I might hit him if he keeps on talking.

When I reached our table Audrey immediately pinched me.

"Ouch! Why did you do that?!" I shouted

"What's that, huh? I thought you want to study first before flirting?" She said while rolling her eyes.

"He's just asking if I wanted to go first," I said innocently.

"You sure?" She asked foolishly.

"Why don't you just eat and stop talking?" I said glaring at her.

After we ate, I decided to go home early, because I still have a lot of things to do.

I also applied to the coffee shop near our University. I'll add my salary to my school expenses.

Days passed quickly, I didn't even realize that our class will start tomorrow, I will also start working at the coffee shop tomorrow.

"Good morning, Kianaaa!" Audrey screamed loud.

Did she eat a whole megaphone?

"What the heck, Audrey! You're so noisy you might wake grandma up!" I scolded her.

"I'm so excited to find a handsome criminology student!" She exclaimed.

When we arrived at the campus, we went straight to the oval where the flag ceremony is held every Monday, and since it was the first day of class, the president of the University also had an opening speech.

"To all Bipsunista's, on behalf of our faculties and staff, we thank you for choosing and trusting Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), as your learning partner, we promise to continue generating world-class graduates adequately equipped with quality education, professional training, and relevant skills. We will continue giving quality education for all, again thank you!" The University President said while clapping his hands.

It's about an hour before the opening ceremony was over, I hurriedly entered our second subject.

"Good morning, class! I'll be your professor on this subject. Kindly write your names on an index card and pass it to me." Our prof said.

I was surprised when my classmates suddenly stood up to ask for an index card.

Wow! They can afford to buy expensive bags and shoes yet they can't buy an index card?

When our morning class was over, I immediately looked for Audrey. Her room is on the 4th-floor while mine is on the 2nd floor.

Even before I found her, I received a message from her.

Audrey: Girl, I'm in the canteen. I'm with Klent. Hurry up cause he's so annoying."

I'm almost running to the cafeteria just to get there right away, 'cause I'm really hungry.

I was so shocked when I fell on the ground because someone bumped into me.

Shit.

"I'm sorry, miss. I'm in a hurry and I didn't notice you right away." He explained with a glint of fear in his eyes.

"It's okay, just look at where you're going through next time," I said softly.

I didn't wait for his answer, I directly went to the cafeteria. I only have half an hour to eat.

When I entered the cafeteria my eyes darted straight on to Audrey and her brother.

"Hi, Kia, what takes you so long?" Klent asked.

"Stop it, Klent. You're acting like a worried boyfriend when she doesn't even like you." Audrey said trying to piss Klent off.

Oh my, they're starting again.

"I'm hungry and I only have an hour to eat. Now, can you two stop arguing?" I scolded them.

"I'll order our food." Klent volunteered.

"Kia, your new neighbors are from the engineering department," Audrey said.

Where the hell did she get that information?

"Wait, are you stalking those guys?" I asked.

She raised a brow. "I'm not a stalker, I'm an unpaid private investigator." She said.

It's still the same though, she just made it sound good.

Stupid.

When my classes have ended, I immediately went to the coffee shop I'll be working on.

My job will start at six in the afternoon until eleven evenings, I'll have my day off every Sunday.

There were so many students studying here in the coffee shop almost all of them are nursing students.

The ambiance of this coffee shop is really good for studying, aside from being close to the University, their treats are also affordable and delicious. This coffee shop is also peaceful and neat.

I was walking home when suddenly someone blew a horn behind me.

Damn! It's deafening!

I was about to chase the madman when his car stopped next to me, he opened his car window.

"Hey! Are you stupid or what?! Why did you blow your horn on me--" I was startled when I saw the owner of the car.

WTF? It's our new neighbor.

"I-I'm sorry, miss. I just wanna ask if you want to ride with me? I-I mean it's already midnight it's dangerous." He said in a worried tone.

"Oh? You might be the one who'll do bad to me!" I shouted.

"Why so judgemental, miss? Don't worry, I won't hurt you." He replied.

It looks like he won't do anything bad to me, so I agreed.

"So where do you live, miss?" He asked.

Boys and their tricks.

"Why are you asking? Are you planning to visit me?" I asked back.

He chuckled at what I said.

"I'm just asking where will I drop you. But I can also visit you if you want, you just gave me an idea." He said with a smirk on his face.

Shit! You're so embarrassing, Kiana, what are you saying.

"Uhm, just drop me on Abad street," I said.

"Wait, you live there too?" He asked incredulously. "I'm so lucky." He whispered.

"May I ask a question?" He asked.

"You are already asking," I answered. "What do you wanna ask?" I rolled my eyes at him.

"What's your name?" He asked.

Is he serious?

"Kiana Lauriz," I answered.

"Ok, Lauriz, by the way, I'm Renzo. I leave near your house." He said grinning.

How dare he call me using my second name?

Duh, we're not even close.

Instead of answering him, I just kept quiet until we got home.

"Thank you, Renzo," I said.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but I don't accept thank you as a payment." He said.

I knew it! It's a scam!

"Great! What do you want?" I asked emphatically.

"You." He replied smiling. "Joke!" He reclaimed.

Hahaha, funny.

"I'm just kidding, Lauriz. Can we be friends?" He asked.

Ouch, friend-zoned.

"Of course," I replied. " You should go home now. Thank you again, friend." I said emphasizing the word friend.

"Alright, goodnight, friend." He said before pulling over his car.

I couldn't remove the smile on my face until I reached my room.

I washed before going to sleep. I can't help but think about what just happened today.

This day is very exhausting.

The next day, I almost got late for our first subject, I only slept for about 4 hours.

"Miss Noblefranca," Our prof called me. "Can you name some natural resources that can be found in China?" She asked.

Oh no!

"Coal, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, mercury tin, tungsten, antimony, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, magnetite, aluminum, lead, zinc, rare earth elements, uranium, hydropower potential, these are the natural resources that can be found in China. " I said without blinking my eyes.

Fortunately, I studied last night before I went to sleep.

It seems like I don't want to be an FA anymore, I changed my mind.

"I'm now walking to the cafeteria because Audrey and I agreed to eat there.

" Kiana, our acquaintance party is near, do you want me to find you a date? I know a lot of handsome Criminology students." She said.

Such events are not new here on our campus, and I am not interested in such events.

What am I going to do there? Just eat a burger and drink Zest-O.

"Don't worry about that, Audrey, I'm not going anyway," I said directly.

She just rolled her eyes at me. I want to laugh because of her face.

"You're such a killjoy, Kiana Lauriz." She said.

"I don't want to, that will just add to my expenses," I said.

I can pay for it because I can just use my salary at the coffee shop, I just really don't want to hang out with a lot of people.

Audrey and I were walking out of the cafeteria when suddenly Renzo shouted my name and because his voice is too loud the students inside the cafeteria darted their eyes in my direction.

I can feel the students starting at us.

"What, Renzo, you don't have to shout," I said.

He just smiled, ugh! Can I punch this one?

"Oh, sorry, can we talk?" He asked.

I was about to answer him when the person next to me faked a cough.

"Kia, I'll go first, it looks like you still have something to talk about," Audrey said trying to tease me.

She started walking away.

"What are we going to talk about? Is it important?" I asked.

"Uh, c-can you be my da--" he didn't finish what he was going to say when a tall man with a pointed nose and gentle face called him.

"Renzo! Let's eat, bro!" The guy said. "Whoa, who's this beautiful woman?" He asked.

"Shut up, Brent!" Renzo shouted.

Does he need to shout?

"Can we just talk later? I'm going to be late." I said.

"Of course, let's talk later." He replied hesitantly.

When started walking I heard him cursing the guy.

When I entered our classroom, our professor is already checking our attendance.

"You're almost late, Kia." My classmate said.

"Yeah, I talked to someone," I said.

After class, I immediately went to the coffee shop.

"Kiana, you're assigned in the kitchen." My co-worker told me.

I went straight to the kitchen to help.

In just a few moments I felt drowsy and tired, 'cause there are so many customers.

"Kiana, someone told me to give this to you."

My co-worker handed me a cup of latte. "He said that you two will go home together. Bitch! Your driver is so handsome." She added.

There was a note attached to the cup, so I read it.

"I'll be waiting here outside." -Renzo:)

When my shift was over, I said goodbye to my co-workers.

I can see Renzo's black car, his leaning on the hood of his car while playing with his phone.

"You idiot, Miya! Fuck! Retreat, we're going to lose." He mumbled.

Oh, he's playing Mobile Legends.

I pinched his nose to get his attention.

"Fu--, K-Kiana! You're finally here. You kept me waiting." He complained.

"Who told you to wait?" I said raising a brow.

"Just a joke, Kiana. Don't be mad. Even if I have to wait an hour, it's okay." He said scratching the back of his head.

"Let's go home," I said.

When I got into his car, I immediately asked him about what he wanted to say earlier.

"Didn't you have something to say earlier? What is it?" I asked.

"About that, Uhm, are you going to the acquaintance party?" He asked.

I suddenly thought about Audrey, she's so insistent.

"I'll think about it first. I don't like such things." I said.

He did not speak until we got home.

"Thank you again, Renzo," I said smiling.

I was about to leave when he suddenly spoke.

"Lauriz, if ever you will go to the party, be my date..."

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