3 Chapter 2

It's been a week since Renzo and I talked, and I've been also avoiding him for a week now. He's always waiting for me outside the coffee shop, and I always tell my co-workers to tell Renzo that I'm not around. I've been also eating inside our classroom just so Renzo won't see me.

Today, Audrey and I are just staying at home, because it's my day off and we thought of watching TV and resting.

"You know what, Kia? I can't understand those people who kept on judging women just because of what they're wearing. They keep on telling us that we should change the way we dress 'cause that's the reason why we get harassed. But I don't believe in that saying 'cause even if you're wearing decent clothes, people with dirty minds will still harass you." She said.

Yeah but, we can't do anything about it we're living in a country full of malicious and judgemental people, people who can't just mind their business, people who can't sleep without judging and discriminating against someone.

"Calm down, Audrey. Your wrinkles are showing." I joked.

"Oh, you bitch! Your handsome neighbor is asking me where are you." She said grinning.

"Mind telling me about what's happening between the two of you?" She asked.

"It's just nothing, okay," I said not looking at her eyes.

"You sure? You have so many excuses, Kiana. Do you know what he said when he saw me in the cafeteria last day?" I did not answer her. "He said, 'can you force Lauriz to go to the party? Promise I'll tell my best friend to be your date at the party." She said trying to imitate Renzo's voice.

"I don't want to go, Audrey. There are a lot of people there, and I have nothing to wear." I said.

"Consider that problem solved. I'll take care of you." She said with a wide smile on her face.

We are here at the cafeteria, and because the party is so near our professors are busy preparing, they said that the party will be held at the University Gymnasium.

Since we have our free cut we spend our time here at the cafeteria. I'm trying to memorize the capitals of different countries.

"What the heck, Audrey, your messengers sound is disturbing. I'm trying to study here." I said.

She looked behind me, and her eyes suddenly widened.

"What? Can you stop doing ----" I wasn't able to finish what I was about to say when suddenly someone spoke.

"Lauriz," A familiar voice said.

I turned around and I almost fell into my seat when I saw Renzo.

"Hey, Renzo, sit down," Audrey said.

I'm dead.

"Hey, Audrey, let's go and order our food. You lazy brat." The other guy said.

"Fuck you, Brent!" Audrey said.

She quickly followed Brent and fell in the line.

Renzo cleared his throat to get my attention.

"So, you'll be my date or I'll be your date? You choose." He said with a mocking smile on his face.

Stupid?

"Do I have a choice? You're a very wise creature, Renzo." I said.

He just laughed at me.

"When the food arrived I immediately ate it. Brent said it's his treat. Food is delicious especially when it's for free.

I notice that Renzo was staring straight at me, and I was so confused because with every move I make he keeps on following me with his gaze.

" I don't want to eat anymore," I said.

It was as if I was suddenly embarrassed.

"Why? Isn't that your favorite?" Audrey asked.

"I'm full, thank you, Brent," I said.

"No worries, Kia. Why don't we go to the mall? Since our professors are busy and it's our free cut." Brent said.

Rich kids.

"Oh no! No, I'm also busy. I still have a lot of things to do. We can go there next time." I said.

"Don't force them, Brent. We can do it next time." Renzo said.

Brent just scratched his head.

"I'm just suggesting, men," Brent said.

After we are we went back to our rooms 'cause our room secretary will still check our attendance.

I was about to go to the coffee shop when I saw Renzo in the waiting shed of the school as he's waiting for someone.

I was about to pass him when he suddenly called me.

I turned my head to face him.

"Why?" I asked briefly.

"Can I go with you to the coffee shop?" He asked.

"What do you need?" I asked.

I know that he needs something from me that's why he wants to go with me.

"Nothing, I just want to be with you." He said.

"I don't believe you," I said.

"I'm going with you 'cause I want to study in the coffee shop and I'll also take you home after your work." He explained.

"All right," I said.

This man is so insistent.

When we arrived at the coffee shop, there are so many students studying. I left Renzo first 'cause I'm going to help my co-workers.

Renzo said that he will study for their quiz next week and he wants to ace it.

When I finished my shift I quickly change my clothes into a comfortable one. I went to Renzo's table and I saw that he's not alone, he's with a girl. Renzo felt my presence and his eyes darted on me.

"Let's just talk about it some other time. I still need to take her home." He said pointing me.

What are you now, girl?

Renzo walked towards me leaving the girl behind.

"Hey, we are just talking about the upcoming exam," Renzo said trying to defend himself.

Really?

"Let's go home?" He asked.

"Who's that girl? You two look good together." I said.

It's a lie though.

A smile crept into his face. "You think so? But I think you and I are perfect for each other." He said.

My cheeks flushed at what he said and my lips parted slightly.

"Let's go, just don't talk anymore you might say something that can shock me," I said without looking at him.

I'm still thinking about what he said until I entered his car.

It's already eleven-thirty yet we are still here on the road. I thought it's going to be a silent ride not until Renzo spoke.

"Do you mind going somewhere before heading home?" He asked.

"Why? Are we going somewhere? Yeah, it's okay just make sure that we'll be quick 'cause it's almost midnight." I said.

"This will be quick." He said.

We stopped in a very familiar place, I can see a peaceful and clear sea. I can feel the cold breeze touching my skin. I use to come here whenever I wanna talk to myself and think about my future. This place is also perfect for stargazing, there is also a small barbeque stall near the seaside.

I'm still appreciating the view when Renzo appeared in front of me holding a bouquet of roses. I was so surprised and it made my heart flutter.

"Lauriz, I know that Audrey just forced you to go to the party and I want to thank her for doing that." He said, smiling. "But of course I still want to ask for your permission formally." He said, looking directly at my eyes.

I can feel the sweat forming on my forehead, he's making me feel so nervous and my heart is pounding so fast.

"Will you be my date?" He asked he looks so tense.

What if I tell him that I don't want to be his date? He might cry. Lol.

"Yes of course. I don't have a choice anyway. I'm afraid that you might cry when I say no to you." I joked.

He sighed heavily he looks so relieved after what I said.

"Thank you, Lauriz! I owe Audrey this one." He said which made me stop.

Audrey? That bitch wants to piss me off.

"What did Audrey tell you, huh?!" I asked.

"Nothing, she just told me that you always go, that's why I brought you here." He said.

We stayed there for a while. We are just looking at the stars.

"Do you want to go home?" He asked.

I took a glance at my wristwatch, it's already one in the morning. This day is tiring at the same time it's also fun.

"All right, let's go home, my Grandfather will report to the police when he found out that I'm still not home yet," I said.

When his car stopped in front of our house we bid our goodbyes.