CHAPTER 5

Adela's Point of View

It's 10 o'clock yet I am still in bed, that is because I slept late last night. I don't know, but I convinced myself that the different heartbeats I feel for Archer and Primo are just nerves from what he said.

He made me sleepless again. First, because of the strange noises I heard and second, because of what he said last night.

What's the difference between what he said last night and before? They're almost the same. All playboy's typical moves.

"Miss Adela, aren't you getting up yet?" Demeter asked calmly, as if she's been coming back to this room multiple times.

"I'll get up in a bit," I replied, and she just nodded.

I sat on the bed and hid under the blanket. It's impossible that I like that kid!

It's just nervousness. It was just the nervousness I felt last night. Yes, that's right, I'm just nervous!

I stood up, arranged my bed, and headed straight to the room where I do my baking. Demeter followed me as I told her to.

"Sorry, I woke up late," I said while mixing the ingredients.

"It's okay, Miss! Sir Primo also often wakes up late after a party."

I wanted to make brownies today because I'm craving them.

"I knew it! I'll find you here!" Olivia said cheerfully as she approached and hugged me.

"What are you going to do now?"

"Brownies. I miss eating them," I replied as she watched what I was doing.

We chatted a lot until the brownies were fully baked.

I made a lot, so I gave some away. Olivia and I went to the living room and continued eating our brownies there.

"Oh, by the way, Primo and the others are going camping in the forest later. I'm going, and I thought of bringing you along too."

"Camping in the forest? Isn't that close by?" 

"Yeah, but it's vast and huge, so it's perfect for camping. So, will you come?" she asked, as if she's not accepting a 'no' for an answer.

Camping is no problem for me, but hearing that Primo will be there gives me too many things to think and consider about.

In the almost two weeks I've been here, it seems like all my problems are somehow related to Primo.

If he won't shut his big flirty mouth, I might go crazy here.

"Okay, I'll come. Have they set up the tents already?" I asked.

"They might be setting up now. Do you want to go now?"

I nodded and put the brownies in a large tupperware, then placed it in a paper bag for easy carrying.

Before we could leave the mansion, Catherine, Primo's girlfriend, appeared in front of us looking not very nicely, she seemed disgusted by just looking at me. What is her problem? 

"Hi, where's Primo?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at me, then shifted to her kind face as she faced Olivia.

She was wearing an off-shoulder cropped top and a mini skirt. When I looked at her feet, I discreetly touched my face.

Why the heck is she wearing pointed heels at the beach? Is she trying to impress Primo by walking on the sand with pointed heels? Or maybe she wants to impress people by battling in heels?

Well, if she can do it, I'd be impressed too.

"Ah, is Primo already in the forest? Why wasn't I informed?" Olivia asked, seeming bored with the conversation.

"No, maybe he has a surprise for me, and it's making me giddy!" Adela replied, giggling softly.

What on earth is she talking about?

"Where are your camping supplies? Isn't this a camping trip?" Olivia asked.

"Well, there they are," Adela answered, pointing to a side where a bag was located.

There's a bag there, and I know that's what she's referring to.

"Alright, let's go, Adela!" Olivia said, pulling me along.

We took a different path towards the forest, where there wasn't much thick sand.

I looked back and saw Catherine struggling with her load.

When Catherine got closer to us, I was surprised she spoke to me.

"Can I ask for help in carrying this?" she said, gesturing to her bag.

I pointed at myself and looked at Olivia, who avoided eye contact.

I looked at her situation, feeling sorry for her, so I decided to help. I'm used to carrying heavy things since I used to carry heavy objects just to play with other kids.

They often ask me to help fetch water from the well, and I enjoy doing it because pumping the water is fun.

Catherine quickly handed me the bag, so I took it immediately. She walked faster, seeming to know where we were going. Maybe she had been there before?

"Why did you take it?" Olivia irritably asked me when Catherine was a bit far.

"I felt sorry for her. She's already wearing heels, and the bag is heavy," I replied.

She shook her head at my response and took the paper bag containing the brownies from my other hand.

"Who wears heels when they know they're going to the forest? Is that some new trend for attention seekers?" Olivia muttered.

"Let it go," I said with a smile.

"Ugh, you're too nice. You don't even know how to say no."

As we entered the forest, we heard the birds' songs.

We walked in silence when suddenly Catherine screamed.

"What happened now?" Olivia asked irritably, and I quickly approached Catherine to see what happened.

As I got closer, I winced at the sight of her broken high heel.

Oh wow, you're so lucky, girl.

"Tsk, deserve," Olivia whispered beside me, and I shook my head at her as she grinned mischievously.

"Oh my, 'Golden Feet' heels! They're so expensive!" Catherine exclaimed loudly, as if trying to send a message, as she emphasized the brand of her high heels, which I know is very expensive.

"Is your 'Golden Feet Heels' original, yet just by walking, you've already ruined and destroyed them? Cheap shit!" Olivia whispered, and I lightly slapped her while chuckling at what she said.

Gosh, her mouth spills too many offensive words!

"Let her be for now," I said, and she pouted.

"Ugh, it's irritating. She's so pretentious and arrogant. Last night she acted all nice, but now it's clear she's just a fake like Quincy. No doubts they're siblings!" Olivia said, rolling her eyes.

"Uh, Adela, right?" Catherine asked, looking at Olivia's footwear.

It was only then that I noticed Olivia's feet were small, and mine were just right, almost the same size as Catherine's.

"Yes, I'm Adela," I replied.

"Can I borrow your sandals for a while? I'm not used to walking on the ground without any footwear," Catherine requested, leaving me speechless.

What?

She's asking to borrow my sandals because she's not used to walking barefoot on the ground? Why would I even sacrifice myself for her?

--