I intended to have a quick conversation with Logan. I needed to review my notes and memorize a few formulas, but he just wouldn't end the call. He always had a story to tell. Why was he so talkative on the phone? It was a serious question.
"I still need to review," I told him, hoping he would understand.
I could hear him sigh on the other end of the line. "Okay, study well, and good luck with your examination," he said abruptly, ending the call. He could be so rude sometimes! In my opinion, it should be the girl who ends the call!
Glancing at the digital clock beside my night lamp, I realized it was almost midnight, and I hadn't even started reviewing yet. I needed to double-time!
With only about four hours of sleep, I felt the exhaustion weighing me down. It seemed like I had just closed my eyes, but the lack of sleep was all too real. And I couldn't blame anyone else but Logan for this early morning headache.
"You didn't sleep, did you?" Alice scolded me as I yawned in the back of Christian's tricycle.
"I didn't get enough sleep. And guess who's to blame?" I replied, frustrated. Every time I thought of that guy, my heart grew heavy. I suppose it was half my fault too since I could have ended the call, but I chose not to, and now I was suffering the consequences.
"Oh no, who? Do you have a secret lover? Why didn't I know? That was fast," she exclaimed, bombarding me with questions like a never-ending queue.
I snorted in response. "I have no boyfriend, and I don't plan on having one. The person who kept me up all night is none other than Logan," I explained, leaning back in the motorcycle.
Alice covered her mouth as if she had just heard something she shouldn't have. "Oh no? Is what Maribeth said true? Is there something between you and Mr. Logan? Did you see each other last night? Oh no! What if you're pregnant, girl!" she blurted out, greatly startling me.
I smacked her playfully, wincing at the soreness in my arm. "What the hell are you talking about? Can you please clean up your mind, Alice? It's like anything and everything just pops into your head! It's more impossible than seeing a white crow."
She raised an eyebrow, seeming confused. "Wait, I said you didn't get enough sleep because of Mr. Logan. How would I know why you didn't get enough sleep?"
I glared at her, trying to calm myself down. "Just let me finish."
"Sorry, go on. Why didn't you get enough sleep?" she asked, eager to hear the rest of the story.
I bit my lip, trying to recall why I had been so concerned about Logan. It all started with our rocky first impression of each other. Reconciling seemed impossible at the time, as our tempers clashed fiercely.
But maybe the turning point was when he showed me he cared. He saved me once, and that was enough to make me reconsider my thoughts about him.
"Oh no! What does that smile mean? I knew there was chemistry between you!" Alice interrupted, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
"Nothing! I was just surprised last night when an unknown number called me. I answered, and to my surprise, it was Logan. He asked me about what happened yesterday. And if you're wondering how he found out, I have no idea. Maybe it's because he's a Lopez? They can have access to any information they want," I explained, trying to dismiss any romantic notions.
Alice gave me a dirty look. "There's only one meaning for that! Don't be so clueless, he really likes you."
I scoffed, brushing off her claim. "Over my dead body!"
I would keep denying it until she forgot her accusations. She had a knack for conjuring up countless possibilities, but she chose to focus on this one illogical scenario.
Logan was older than me and had a different lifestyle. He had a certain reputation to protect, and I doubted he would be willing to sacrifice that just to date someone like me.
Besides, I had no interest in pursuing that kind of relationship. For the record, romantic entanglements were not on my mind at all.
As I arrived at school, I made my way straight to the classroom. It was still early, and there were hardly any students outside. We arrived early to have some extra time to review inside the classroom. I was confident that I would do well in my exams. But good grades were not enough for me. People used to call me "grade conscious."
Because here's the thing: I knew I wasn't the most consistent student. I wasn't a bookworm. I loved parties, bars, and clubbing. But I also knew my priorities.
As I entered the room, I immediately noticed that someone was already there. Words couldn't describe how shocked I was when I saw Andrew inside the room. It was unusual for him to arrive early. He was considered the prince charming of our class.
That's how I used to see him too. He seemed like the perfect boyfriend material. However, based on my consistent observations, he had a dark side.
I hated how the atmosphere in the classroom suddenly turned heavy, with an awkward silence filling the air. If I had known it would be like this and that I would only find him there alone, I would have decided to study alone in the study hall.
I didn't pay attention to him and simply took my seat. I expected him to do the same, staying in his seat and remaining silent. I had become so accustomed to his silent treatment that it no longer affected me.
But things didn't go as expected. He approached me, causing me to stop what I was doing. He stood right in front of me, his handsome face devoid of any emotion. It was a poker face that confused me for a second.
However, that emotionless face soon transformed into a nasty smirk. I felt a shiver run down my spine.
"What do you want?" I retorted, feeling a sense of unease wash over me. The way he looked at me was unsettling.
"And now you're protected by big brother? I don't believe that nothing is going on between you two anymore," he accused, placing both hands on my desk and leaning his face close to mine.
"I thought you were innocent," he added, judging my character with his piercing gaze.
"Has your brain been poisoned too? You know what? Fine, think whatever you want. But at the end of the day, I have nothing to explain to your narrow-minded head," I responded firmly, refusing to let his words affect me.
He smirked, his expression turning more malicious. "You're feisty. Tell me, how much did big brother pay you to do this?"
I couldn't tolerate his accusations any longer. I stood up and slapped him, hoping to jolt some sense into him. I couldn't bear how he was accusing me like that. If he thought he could say those things without facing any consequences, he was sorely mistaken.
"Andrew, I thought you were a nice guy, but I was wrong. Turns out, you're worse than Logan because your true colors are showing! If you're looking down on me, then you're the problem here, not me. Besides, you're not even my type, and that fact alone is enough to bruise your ego," I retorted, my voice filled with frustration.
He angrily grabbed my arm, causing me to wince in pain. I pushed him away, trying to protect myself. He was becoming violent, and I refused to be a victim.
"You'll regret this," he threatened, his voice laced with anger.
"I eat death threats for breakfast. Does yours make any difference?" I replied defiantly, refusing to be intimidated. Men who preyed on innocent women were worse than animals.
If he thought I would tolerate his actions, he was in for a rude awakening. Whether male or female, nobody had the right to harass anyone. And if he truly believed I would stand by silently, he would soon regret his actions.
Fortunately, our classmates started to arrive, breaking the tense atmosphere. Maribeth's group continued to look at me with disdain. It was expected, considering they had been humiliated the day before. It seemed like they thought it was Christmas every day.
After the consecutive exams, we were dismissed early. It made sense since we needed time to review for the remaining exams the following day.
We didn't go home together this time. Four of my friends still had an exam to take.
Deciding to take public transportation, I headed outside the school. I was already waiting for a jeepney when someone messaged me. It was Logan, asking where I was.
"I'm outside the school, waiting for a jeepney," I replied. Despite my initial hesitation, I learned how to commute using a jeepney. I wasn't as affluent as before, with a personal driver at my disposal. I needed to adapt to using public transportation.
"Isn't it dangerous? Let me pick you up," he suggested.
I was genuinely surprised by his text message. What the hell was wrong with these Lopezs?
"I can handle myself, but thank you. A jeepney will arrive soon anyway," I responded, trying to be independent.
He didn't reply, and the next thing I saw was his car approaching me. Logan and so many people were looking in our direction.
I hesitated for a moment before getting into his car. I opted for the backseat, wanting to maintain some distance.
"I am not your driver," he insisted, a playful glint in his eyes. Reluctantly, I moved to the front passenger seat.
"Happy now?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm, trying to hide my surprise at his gesture.
He chuckled. "Yeah, how was your exam?"
"A piece of cake," I replied confidently.
"Really?"
"Where are you taking me? People saw us. This might become an issue again," I expressed my concern.
He simply laughed it off. "Hmm, let them think what they want to think."
It was easy for him to say that since he wouldn't be the one facing the criticism. I would bear the weight of their glares and spiteful words.
"I don't know about you, but where are we going again?" I asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Secret," he replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.