ã€ŠSurrender Your Sensationsã€‹


 Chapter 1 To be Happy

    ¡°Why do you have to fear dating?¡±

    ¡°Because I can¡¯t recognize anyone¡¯s face,¡± I snorted. It was the very obvious reason why I never tried dating anyone.

    ¡°But you decided to party tonight and have a one-night stand?¡± My dear best friend asked me with her most sarcastic tone.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I just sneered at her before drinking the vodka in the shot ss I was holding. I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ve already banned myself from dating and falling in love, Bailey. Maybe I can have s*x at least once before I even die.¡±

    Bailey winced at me before pulling the end of my hair.

    ¡°Aw!¡±

    ¡°Be careful of what you are saying. Did I really think you were smart? Didn¡¯t you even think that you could get sick by engaging in that one night stand you were nning? What if you get an STD?¡± Bailey Zara Cortez, my dear best friend, said. She shook her head in disapproval. She looked at me with her resting bitch face.

    Oh, believe me, I was not sure what her resting bitch face really looked like but based on her sarcastic tone, it was definitely an expression you could surely say ¡®bitchy¡¯.

    Well, this was just how it worked for me; someone who was suffering from prosopagnosia or also known by many as face-blindness.

    I could not distinguish the facial features of the people I meet. Because of that, I was not able to recall their faces and my brain did not remember them.

    Actually, it took me years before I got ustomed to Bailey¡¯s mannerisms; her way of speaking and smell. That was how I remembered her. Until one day, during high school, Bailey¡¯s face suddenly became clearer to me. Unlike others I met whose face was blurred, I gradually saw the distinct features of Bailey¡¯s face. Her slightly chinky eyes with longshes, thin lips and her very cute upturned nose. However, I still failed to see her face as a whole and thus, it was still impossible for me to recognize her when she was far away. She had toe to me upclose and then I had to stare at her face for quite a while before I could finally get to know it was her.

    And having this kind of disability really sucks. I felt guilty sometimes for not recognizing my own best friend. However, what could I do? This was just how I was. I could not distinguish people¡¯s faces; even the most important people in my life like my own family.

    ¡°Now, you¡¯re suddenly zoning out.¡± Bailey huffed and her typical irritated voice made meugh.

    ¡°I just realized I had to enjoy my life, Bailey.¡± I sighed. ¡°After recovering from cancer, I don¡¯t think allowing my inhibitions to take over me is the best way to enjoy this second life that I have right now.¡± I winked at her before standing up from my seat.

    I tapped her shoulder when I noticed the sudden staining of her eyes. One thing that I treasure the most was probably rare moments when I could see the expression in the faces of people around me. I often had to be too close to the person to see the emotions in his eyes.

    Prosopagnosia included the difficulty of distinguishing facial expressions because for people like me, it was difficult to see the whole face of another person.

    But even though I could not see Bailey¡¯s expression, I knew how hurt and scared she was when I told her I was diagnosed with breast cancer, almost two years ago.

    ¡°You know I can be a bitch sometimes but that¡¯s not because I want to hinder your happiness.¡± Bailey lowered her head before expelling a deep sigh. ¡°I just want to protect you, Edith.¡±

    I was shocked to see the trembling of her hand. I knew how hurt she was from watching outside my hospital room when I was taking my chemotherapy. I understood her for still feeling the pain even after two years since I recovered from cancer. Ever since we became friends back when we were in Elementary, Bailey and I protected each other.

    I tapped the top of her head like a child so she immediately looked up at me. Iughed when she swatted my hand away and raised her fist at me.

    ¡°Stop petting me like that. I am not a dog.¡± Her eyes narrowed before she pulled out her hair which was in a perfectlyyered apple cut.

    ¡°Aww¡­ Don¡¯t worry. You are cuter than the dog, My Bailey!¡± Then I bowed slightly and pinched both of her cheeks.

    Her eyes widened before she shrugged both of my hands on her cheek. I raised one eyebrow when I noticed the redness in her ears.

    Bailey avoided my gaze. She even ttened her ck leather jacket before she rubbed her nape, where a tattoo of her saying ¡®Always be true to yourself¡¯ was located.

    ¡°Argh! How many times do I have to tell you that I am not your man and I do not appreciate you pinching my cheeks like I am some sort of a puppy,¡± she groggily said before drinking the shot of vodka in front of her.

    I giggled before I hugged her tight. Her body became rigid but she did not push me away.

    When I broke away from her, Iughed out loud because of the redness on Bailey¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Hey! Am I seeing this correctly? Does the great Bailey Zara Cortez admire me?¡± I teased her and she gave me a re.

    ¡°I am into women, but you are definitely not my type,¡± she said bluntly, avoiding my gaze and then pping her flushed cheeks with her hands.

    I was stunned for a second before I giggled. ¡°Whatever you say, Bailey!¡± Then, I faced the crowded dance floor where there were all sorts of predatory creatures. Everyone was grinding their hips and rolling their bodies along with the hyped and sexy beat of the music ring all over the club.

    In this crowd, could I really find the man who could im my virginity that I had kept for twenty-one years?

    Bailey seemed right ¨C I was really crazy for doing this tonight.

    But to be honest, I did not care at all. The crazy thing you usually did was the same thing that could make you genuinely happy.

    I just wanted to be genuinely happy.

 Chapter 2 Maybe I Was Looking for a Rockstar

    I grinned before I stride towards the sea of party-people with blurred faces. This was exactly what the real meaning of living this life was all about- to go for it when yourself was telling you not to do it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s live this life, shall we?¡± I told myself before giving off a big smile. I tried looking straight to everyone, faking eye-contact even though I could not see their faces.

    Sweat. Smell of alcohol and cigarettes. shing bodies. Banging music. These were the things that greeted me the moment I let myself get drowned by the crowd.

    I let myself drown in the ocean of rejoicing and free people. I lost all the inhibitions in my body along with the loud screams I let out of my mouth. I jumped when everyone jumped because of the loud music. I danced, swaying my hips from left and right. I felt someone¡¯s hands hold my waist and I did not bother to remove them. I let myself be lost to the apaniment of music and to the never-ending shouts and singing voices.

    The next thing I knew, the music died out along with the crowd¡¯s wild shouts and cheers. A high-frequency sound echoed throughout the whole club as a set of instruments were being set-up by a group of males.

    I was inplete awe as I stood right in front of the center stage where a band was setting up their instruments.

    I didn¡¯t know a band would perform tonight.

    ¡°Are you ready party-people! Shall we get the party rolling?!¡± the guy with a mohawk hairdo and holding an electric guitar shouted.

    The whole crowd responded with a roaring cheer of ¡®Yes¡¯.

    ¡°Oh yeah! We are the Vulture and join us as we rock tonight!¡± The man next to him turned to his right where a man with naturally messy hairdo was standing. The man with a mohawk hairdo tapped thetter¡¯s shoulder before he left the microphone to him.

    The vocalist, I guess?

    ¡°It is so nice to be back again. I am Rupert, the vocalist of Vulture. Join us and let the Vulture rock your night!¡±

    The man in the drums raised his drumsticks in the air, tapped the sticks together, and counted, ¡°One, two, three!¡±

    ¡°We are the Vulture! I hope you enjoy our music!¡±

    A shudder ran through my skin because of the hoarse yet sexy voice of the man standing behind the mic stand, whose name was Rupert. I could not see his face clearly even though I was in the front of the audience area. The dancing lights in the bar made it harder for me to see his face.

    But then, his voice¡­ I like the sound of his speaking voice. It sounded familiar- hoarse and manly.

    The sound of the electric guitar roared and I suddenly became attentive. I waited in anticipation for the vocalist¡¯s voice to fill the whole bar along with the rock music being yed by his band.

    People started shouting when the vocalist¡¯s voice rose. The Vulture hyped the crowd and I found myself enjoying the voice I was listening to. His voice was really majestic and he sang so well.

    | They say before you start a war

    You better know what you¡¯re fighting for |

    I found myself with a grin on my lips, tapping my foot on the floor, nodding my head along with the beat andter on, actually singing along with the chorus.

    Oh, I love The Cab¡¯s songs, specifically this one- Angel with a Shotgun.

    | Don¡¯t you know you¡¯re everything I have?

    And I, wanna live, not just survive, tonight |

    I couldn¡¯t agree more. With everything I have been through; after surviving breast cancer- yes, that¡¯s what I wanted to do: To live, not just survive.

    The spectators and listeners started jumping along with the beat when the song¡¯s bridge was reached. I must say that was the most hyper part of the song and the vocalist¡¯s voice killed every note with such grace and prowess.

    | And I¡¯m gonna hide, hide, hide my wings tonight |

    My eyes widened when the vocalist suddenly jumped down from the stage. I was stopped from jumping and screaming when my eyes met the vocalist of Vulture. He was standing in front of me, just an inch closer to me. I had the chance to see his face much clearer in this distance. I could not recognize the features of his eyes, nose or facial shape but¡­ I noticed a shiny thing on his lips. There was something shiny on his bottom lip that caught my gaze.

    | If love is what you need, a soldier I will be |

    He ended the song while looking directly at me. The microphone was the only barrier in between our faces. I found myself memorizing the yful and familiar glint on his brown eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start the love tonight!¡±

    From Rupert the Vulture¡¯s vocalist, I averted my gaze on the people around me. I frowned as everyone started counting out of nowhere.

    ¡°Ten!¡±

    What the heck is happening? Why did everyone face each other in pairs?Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Nine!¡±

    I looked at the man standing in front of me, Rupert.

    His face was blurred except for his eyes which were looking at me intently.

    He was in front of me. We were a pair. And this was definitely awkward.

    Was there anything to say? What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°What the heck-¡±

    ¡°Eight,¡± the guy named Rupert suddenly said before I felt his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer. ¡°Seven,¡± he continued counting along with the people.

    ¡°What is this about?¡± I asked in panic and tried to free myself from his hold. But he held me tighter and his face inched closer. ¡°Are you stupid?!¡±

    ¡°Just get along,¡± he said before he mouthed the word ¡®six¡¯.

    I gasped and immediately pushed his chest to make a bigger gap between our faces.

    ¡°Five!¡±

    ¡°Get off of me!¡±

    ¡°Four!¡±

    My eyes widened when he chuckled with my guarded reaction instead of letting me go. The crowd cheered for ¡®Three¡¯ and he pulled me even closer until the tip of my nose touched his.

    I sighed as his fragrant breath touched my face. For a person with prosopagnosia, my other senses were much stronger than my eyesight. This was my way to remember people I met. Instead of their faces, I used my other senses to remember them, like how they smell, sound and feel against my touch.

    His minty breath stunned me for a while before I felt theforting warmthing from his arm around my waist.

    ¡°Two!¡±

    I stared at the shiny and sparkling thing on his bottom lip when his free hand cupped my cheek. His rough yet warm palm caressed my skin, sending an unexinable tingle on my body.

    Why the heck am I reacting this way?

    ¡°One!¡±

    There was no hesitation when his face leaned closer to mine. At the same time, sudden darkness enveloped the whole surroundings when all the lights suddenly turned off.

    ¡°We met again, woman,¡± the guy named Rupert said before I felt something warm touch my lips.

    The next moment I knew, my gasp was ended by a warm set of soft lips.

    In the middle of the darkness, I saw his figure so close to me. His hand held my nape, strong enough to pull my face closer. His other arm around my waist trapped my body.

    This Rupert guy was kissing me!

    I felt something cold on his lips- like a metal ring- as he gave me a scorching deep kiss.

    ¡°Uhmnnn¡­¡± I moaned when he entered my mouth with his hot tongue.

    I could not believe I was letting him kiss me like this. I could not believe I was enjoying this!

    ¡°So sweet,¡± he whispered before iming my lips again.

    That was when I wrapped my arms around his neck, while responding to the torrid kiss we shared.

    Maybe a Rockstar was the guy I was looking for tonight.

 Chapter 3 Still Virgin

    I caught my breath and my heart was beating fast when Rupert-guy and I finished kissing. He was the one who ended the kiss the moment the blinding lights and the banging music of the bar returned.

    I was looking at him intently as both of my hands were ced on his chest. The sparkling thing on his bottom lip really caught my attention. I could not take my eyes away from it as I recalled how the cold metal touched my lips in each stroke of his lips against mine.

    That was really sexy.

    ¡°Lip piercing,¡± he whispered in my ear as both of his arms wrapped around my body.

    I was so holding on to his shoulders when he started swaying his body, taking me with him. We danced like the people around us. Our bodies were so close to each other. My chest was actually pressed against his and I could feel the thing in between his jeans pants as he grind his hips on my lower body.

    Everyone was dancing along with the hyper music of the bar. I was amazed at the man I was dancing with now because of his aggressive actions. I had never had a chance to meet someone like him. I lived my life inside my four-walled hospital room before which hindered me to actually have a life.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re flirting with me?¡± I asked directly as I started dancing with him. My hand caressed his naturally-disheveled hair as we grind and bump in each other.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    He chuckled before tucking a loose strand of my hair. ¡°Am I?¡±

    Unconsciously, my hand dropped on his cheek and the pad of my thumb caressed the shiny thing on his lips. Indeed, it was a piercing.

    ¡°You like my piercing?¡± His head turned to the side and then our bodies¡¯ movements became slower- more sensual.

    I grinned at him before I leaned closer. ¡°Yeah. This is sexy. Because of this piercing, I can remember you,¡± I pointed out before hovering my lips on his.

    ¡°I hope you find love on that midnight kiss, people!¡±

    My attention was caught by the emcee who was on the center stage. The whole crowd became more hype as they responded with a roaring scream.

    So, that was a midnight kiss? Hmn¡­ That¡¯s a great start for what I was looking forward to this night- Not love though, but someone to spend the night with.

    I want to be a bolder and fiercer version of myself as I live this second life of mine. I would like to start tonight; where I would be the woman with no inhibition; and free from all the standards and expectations that could hinder me from embodying my true self.

    ¡°You¡¯re a great kisser,¡± I said to Rupert as I looked back at him.

    Unlike earlier, we were now dancing slowly; swaying side-by-side as I ced both of my hands on his shoulders and his hands on the sides of my waist. I bet my long hair, reaching my waist, tickled his hands as I swayed my body to the music.

    ¡°Am I?¡± he teased before he leaned forward and gave me a peck on my lips.

    I was stunned at the same time that my heartbeat quickened. No matter how much I tried to conceal his effect on me, I failed miserably. This Rupert-guy was someone who got into my system after kissing me deliciously. He got this tingly and sensational effect on me and on my body, seeping through every fiber of my body.

    I took a deep breath before grinning to try to hide the strange tickle he caused me. ¡°Your voice is quite hoarse but it has a good pitch. Your perfume is also manly- too manly for my nose, though.¡±

    I was never the kind of person who beat around the bush. I was more telling it directly to someone¡¯s face.

    ¡°I think I heard that.¡± He chuckled and that made me raise my brow in confusion.

    We met again, woman, I remembered him saying before the lights turned out and he kissed me. He had been talking to me since earlier as if we had already met. That was a possibility. Maybe we already met or he saw somewhere. Maybe I just could not remember him because of my face blindness.

    Anyway, I thought he would be insulted by what I said about the things I noticed about him but he was not. So, I smiled. Right now, I was convinced that he was the right guy to give my v-card.

    I mean, I need someone who could tolerate the real me- no filter and no pretensions.

    ¡°Do you want to live, not just survive tonight?¡± I repeated a line from the song he sang earlier.

    I felt his hand travel from my waist to the deep of my back. Since I was just wearing a tight little backless halter dress, reaching just above my knees, I felt his soft caress directly on the skin of my back. I gasped on the warm contact and the hot tingles which made me arched my back.

    I bit my bottom lip when he kissed my cheek down to my chin.

    ¡°Such a tease,¡± I whispered when he sucked my chin and then licked it with his hot tongue.

    My grip tightened on his shoulders.

    ¡°My gig is over. I would love to join you,¡± Rupert-guy said before he leaned his forehead on mine.

    Heat and unexinable desire took over me. ¡°Let¡¯s go then, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Rupert Santos is the name.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Meredith Kaye Santiago,¡± because of our closeness, I could see his eyes clearly. I stared back at his hungry and lustful stare. ¡°I¡¯m a virgin,¡± I blurted out.

    His eyes widened because of shock for a bit of seconds. Then, his eyes became clouded of lust and need.

    I, on the other hand, started breathing raggedly. This was his effect on me. For some unknown reason, this guy I just met managed to affect me more than I expected him to do so.

 Chapter 4 The Playful Grin

    ¡°I¡¯m a virgin.¡±

    I saw how the emotions in his eyes turned from lust to being stunned. ¡°So honest. I did not expect that,¡± he said before looking at me yfully. ¡°Are you sure you are going to give up your virginity to me?¡±

    ¡°Are you brave enough to fight and chase for my virginity,¡± I challenged him. We both ended upughing.

    I could not believe I was making fun of my virginity right now. Oh gosh. I did not know that this was how to live without thinking about what other people would say and the beliefs of the society I live in. I did not expect to feel so free by being a deviant.

    So, what if I lose my virginity to a man who was not my husband? As long as I was knowledgeable about safe sex- I could do this. It was not like I was doing something that could hurt other people and the rest of humanity. A woman¡¯s worth should not be defined by her being a virgin. Really, virgin or not, a woman was worthy.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready to fight your purity, Meredith,¡± he said while chuckling. ¡°Let us just call it purity instead of virginity. What do you think?¡±

    I just shook my head beforeughing weakly. He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of that bar. I went wherever he was taking me.

    The next thing I knew, we were in the bar¡¯s parking lot and in front of us was a ck motorcycle- scratch that- this was a ck and expensive big bike.

    Rupert got an extra helmet under the bike¡¯s seat and then he turned to me. I was shocked when he was the one who put the helmet on me. I could see how his lips turned into a grin even though there was a bit of distance between our faces, because of the shiny piercing on his bottom lip.

    ¡°There you go. You are ready for the ride, Meredith.¡± Then he kissed the top of my right hand before tapping the helmet I was wearing.

    ¡°Wow. Is this what they call a man who was gentlemanly but a bit pervert?¡± I said and he burst intoughter.

    ¡°Oh, believe me, I am not that pervert yet,¡± he answered me before lowering the cover lid in front of the helmet I was wearing.

    ¡°Really? Oh, I could not wait for your perverted version then,¡± I answered, teasing him.

    He did not answer me. Instead, he helped me get on the motor by wrapping his arms around my waist and lifting me up.

    When I sat on his big bike, he also sat in front of me before starting the engine.

    ¡°Are you going to take me to a motel?¡± I asked him as I held on his shoulder.

    The motorcycle¡¯s engine roared as Rupert said, ¡°Hold on!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already clinging. What else does the- Oh!¡±

    My eyes widened as he wrapped my arm around his waist. But that¡¯s not what surprised me but where he put my right hand.

    ¡°This is the kind of pervert I was referring to,¡± Rupert said before the motor started.

    My mouth fell open as my right hand remained where he had ced it, between his thighs, where there was something hard and bulging.

    I swallowed an imaginary lump in my throat as I felt the bulging thing under my palm. I started heaving deep sighs as the motorcycle¡¯s speed increased, making me hold onto him tighter.

    ¡°Where are you taking me, Rupert?¡±

    ¡°Hold on tight!¡±

    As if on cue, I squeezed his hard bulge and I felt his body be rigid. My throat went dry before I let go of the sensitive thing between his thighs.

    My gosh, we were going to be damned for doing this.

    ¡°Where is it?¡± Then I circled my two arms around his waist, choosing a safer position to avoid a motorcycle ident. The strong wind somehow helped to ease the heat I was feeling because of him ¡°Where are we really going, Rupert?¡±

    ¡°I will ruin your purity!¡± he answered, making meugh so hard. ¡°Then I will take you to heaven.¡±

    I rolled my eyes before I yfully tapped his bulge.

    He immediatelyughed.

    ¡°I see. You seem so excited wherever we are going, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°Am I?¡± I teased him. A yful grin was not leaving my lips.

    ***

    ¡°I thought you would take me to a motel,¡± I immediately said when the motorcycle turned into a halt in the parking space of a luxurious condominium building.

    I got off the motor and I was almost face-to-face with the ground when I lost my bnce. I did not expect the motorcycle to be that tall. Luckily, Rupert was quick to grab me by my waist, supporting me to get down properly.

    He turned off the engine of his motor before removing the helmet he was wearing and got off as well. I was stunned when he was the one who removed the helmet I was wearing.

    ¡°You are really beautiful,¡± he said after removing the helmet I was wearing.

    I blinked. Our faces were so close to each other again. Because of this distance, I was able to see the yful glint in his eyes, enjoying how flustered I was.

    ¡°Such a sweet talker,¡± I replied as I recovered from my childish blush.

    He chuckled before his both hands made their way to my hair. I was stunned when he arranged my hair andbed it with his fingers. I could feel both of his hands caressing down my waist-length hair. The tips of his fingers could touch my arm.

    The speed of my heartbeat quickened. The way he caressed my hair sent chills and electricity to my already heated body. This was how he strongly impacted me.

    ¡°This is how long your hair used to be,¡± he said, after putting all the strands of my hair to fall freely on my back. He cupped both my cheeks before lifting my face to meet his gaze. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you again, woman.¡±

    I blinked repeatedly when his lips crashed on mine, aggressive enough to catch my breath and muffled my moan. I slowly backed away until I could feel the motor behind me.

    His lips against mine made my body even hotter. Every stroke of his soft lips was sending bolts of electricity to the middle of my thighs where my sensitive flesh was starting to ache for him.

    I wrapped my arms around his neck as he entered my mouth with his tongue. I yed with his unruled brown hair as I responded with his scorching kiss.

    ¡°Hmnnn.¡± Damn. He really enjoyed kissing me.

    He nibbled my lower lip as I felt his hand caressing my right thigh, making its way under the hem of the tight little dress. I could feel a little pain in his incessant sucking on my lower lip as his hand crawled into my dress.

    ¡°Ohhh¡­¡± My eyes widened and my whole body trembled when I felt his hand reach its destination. I felt him touch me there; on the sensitive flesh in between my trembling thighs. We were at an open-space parking lot! ¡°Hmnn¡­ A-Are you serious?¡± My breathing became ragged.

    He grinned before licking my lower lip, the exact part where it was swollen from the way he sucked on it. Then, he licked his own lips, tugging at his lip piercing while staring back at my eyes with pure lust and hunger.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. Your lips are heavenly.¡± He traced my wet slit and I had to bury my face on his chest and grab his body closer to mine to hide whatever his hand was doing under my dress.

    ¡°Hmnn¡­ You are so wet, Meredith? I think we could not make it in my room.¡±

 Chapter 5 The Risk I Will Take

    Rupert the Rockstar kissed my temple as his fingers yed my throbbing and wet core like a guitar against the thin fabric of my underwear. My back arched with the sensation and to prevent myself from moaning, I had to suck the crook of his neck.

    ¡°Argh. You are really making this hard for me to stop, Meredith.¡±

    Jeez. Why did my name sound so sexy when he said it? Maybe because of his naturally husky voice?

    I leaned my back on the motor behind me as I hugged Rupert¡¯s body closer to mine. I did not want the thing he was doing in between my thighs to get interrupted. A few people passed us by and looked at the two of us so I did everything to hide my face. I buried my face on his neck as I silently moaned because of the pleasure he was making me feel. I licked and kissed his neck butter on stopped and just enjoyed whatever pleasure he was giving me.

    My breathing was ragged as the savor I was feeling because of Rupert¡¯s finger intensified. I was losing my head from what his fingers were doing to my femininity over my wet panty; rubbing my slit, ying with my wet folds and sometimes teasing my hole by pumping his fingers to it with my panty¡¯s fabric as the only hindrance. I did not know being touched there would feel like this; so wet and so delicious.

    ¡°Ohhh¡­ Please¡­ Let¡¯s not do it here. R-Rupert, it¡¯s delicious.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re soaking wet, Meredith. Do you want me that much?¡±

    My body twitched when I felt him squeeze that part. My heat and libido were ticklish and intensified.

    ¡°Ahhh Meredith, do you want me to please you more? Just tell me what you want.¡±

    ¡°R-Rupert¡­ Oh gosh, I think ¡­ What the hell am I feeling?¡±

    My forehead rested on his shoulder as I chased my own ragged breath. I felt a strange tickle and tension inside me as Rupert¡¯s fingers did magic to my femininity. I could feel it. Like there was a tension forming in the deepest part of my stomach and I needed to release it.

    ¡°Rupert¡­ R-Rupert¡­ This is making me crazy,¡± I muttered. My hips moved to push my wet core to his palm as he kept touching me there. ¡°Please¡­ Please touch me. Put your hand inside my panties,¡± I desperately asked as the tension felt like exploding.

    ¡°Oh Baby, let go. Just let go ande for me,¡± he whispered in my ear before I felt his mouth, sucking my earlobe, adding to the pleasure that I was feeling. I gasped, rocking my hips and while suppressing my moan. ¡°Come on, Meredith. Argh, you¡¯re so sexy to watch. I am aching to have you on my bed. Give me your first ever climax, Baby.¡±

    My hug tightened on his body. The heat and pleasure were consuming my body. He kept on pleasing me.

    I could not stand the intense pleasure anymore. The tension in my abdomen intensified. My legs pressed together, squeezing his hand in between them. ¡°R-Rupert!¡±

    ¡°Yes Baby. Come for me.¡±

    The next thing I know, fluid came out of my core as my body shivered. Did I just pee? Or did I really reach an orgasm?

    ¡°Good girl. You really dide in my hand,¡± he said before removing his hand from between my thighs.

    He raised his hand and showed it to me. My mouth hung half-open when I saw a slight trace of what I had released; my first orgasm. His fingers were moist of my own essence.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    I bit my lower lip so hard before I reached for his face and caressed his cheek. My gaze went to his slightly parted lips. He was breathing raggedly like me. Specifically, my eyes focused on the shiny lip piercing on his bottom lip which intensified the feeling whenever he kisses me.

    I pressed my thighs together again when I felt the bulge in the middle of his pants as he grind his hips against me.

    ¡°Is that the thing you called ¡®orgasm¡¯?¡± I asked, innocently.

    ¡°The thing you called orgasm?¡± He chuckled. ¡°You are really amusing,¡± he ran his hand on my long hair before sniffing my face- the tip of his nose touching my flustered cheek, ¡°and beautiful.¡±

    My heartbeat quickened. But not like before ¨C not because of heat or libido. This time, my heart was beating erratically because I had never heard any guy tell me that I was beautiful.

    I mean, I never dated anyone. No man has been able to approach me more than being a friend. I shut them out even before they even had a chance to pursue me. Not because I fear love or whatsoever. My only reason was because of my prosopagnosia. I mean, how would I fall for someone whose face I could not even remember. Then, to add to my prosopagnosia, I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, two years ago. I had more reason to restrain myself from letting love into my life.

    ¡°What? Why are you looking at me as if I told you a lie?¡± Rupert winked at me. ¡°Believe me, I mean everything I said.¡±

    ¡°You really want to get into my pants,¡± I pointed out.

    Heughed before giving our bodies a distance. He stood in front of me, cing both of his naughty hands inside his jeans pocket. ¡°Correction- I really want to get into that little dress of yours.¡± He winked at me again and I rolled my eyes, in return.

    ¡°Such ady killer.¡± I smirked before I straightened my back. I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at the building behind him. ¡°Looks like you are a big time, Mr. Rupert Santos. This is a luxurious condo building.¡±

    He shrugged at me before holding out his hand in front of me. Because of our distance, I could not see his face again. All I could see was his brilliant lip piercing. From this distance, almost two feet away, Rupert¡¯s face was blurry. I couldn¡¯t see his facial expression.

    ¡°Take my virginity away and then we¡¯re done,¡± I said before taking his hand.

    He faked a cough before he intertwined our hands and then pulled me closer to his. Because of our closeness, I could see his face clearly, again.

    There was a serious expression in his eyes and his lips formed a thin line. ¡°We can¡¯t call it done unless I agree with you,¡± he said before I felt his other hand on my waist. ¡°I won¡¯t take you here if it will not happen again after tonight.¡±

    His hand that was on my waist went down to my thigh and caressed it.

    I closed my eyes with my heart beating fast. ¡°So, will it happen again?¡±

    ¡°I like my girl to be obedient, Baby. If you¡¯re like that, I swear I will have you again,¡± his breath was fanning my face, ¡°and again and again, Meredith.¡± I found myself getting flushed and hot because of it. The moist flesh in between my thighs started to throb and ache for his touch.

    I could not understand the fast beating of my heart. But I did not takefort in what he said. I found myself getting lost in his eyes as if I was being hypnotized.

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re sure about this,¡± he said before he pulled my hand and we started walking to the parking exit.

    I took a deep breath before dismissing the hesitations. The more my mind would tell me to not do it- the more I had the urge to jump and take a risk.

 Chapter 6 Perfect

    ¡°Let¡¯s not meet again after this. Have sex with me, take my virginity, and then let¡¯s forget about tonight. We can move on in each other¡¯s life tomorrow,¡± I negotiated with so much certainty.

    I was too defective to allow other people to love or even care for me. I always avoided the attachment so I can save the people around me from being hurt big time. Let us just say I was a burning me and any moth who would attempt toe close would surely burn.

    This was also my way of living this life with lesser pain. I mean, the less people I love, the easier it is for me to get by. Maybe when the timees that deathes to me, it would be easier to leave. I saw it to my mother already- I know what to do if my prosopagnosia or cancer fuck me up.

    Aside from Bailey and my parents, I never valued anyone.

    So, starting something like a flirtatious one-night-stand with this rockstar would not fire back at me, right? I mean, I don¡¯t want anything to happen to the two of us again after tonight. We are going to have sex now so the libido we feel for each other would be liberated. Then tomorrow we can freely disappear from each other¡¯s life.

    Instead of responding to what I said, he just pulled me into his condo unit, locked the door, and then pushed my body against the recently closed door. My back was t against the wooden door.

    He put both hands on my sides,pletely trapping me against the door. There was a generous distance between our faces, making it hard for me to discern his facial expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you really remember me?¡± he asked, his head turning to the side.

    I frowned at his question. He said earlier that we had met and I did not rule out that possibility. Because of my prosopagnosia, there were a lot of people I met that I never really remembered since their faces were not retained in my fucked up brain.

    ¡°Nope. Where did we meet?¡± I asked casually before wrapping my arms around his waist.

    He was stunned by what I did for a few seconds before he disentangled my arms around his waist. He then stepped back from me. I immediately left leaning against the door and went straight to my feet.

    ¡°You said you liked my voice but you didn¡¯t like my perfume,¡± he muttered before nodding at me, ¡°I¡¯m still using the same perfume, just so you know.¡±

    My forehead turned to a frown before crossing my arms over my chest. ¡°I said that earlier at the bar,¡± pertaining to what he just said, ¡°That¡¯s what I remembered. I don¡¯t think we see each other before, Mr. Rockstar.¡±

    I struggled to remember what he was insisting. He said we already met even before now? Where? When?

    ¡°So, you are saying to me now that I said the same thing even before we met, flirted and kissed in the club, earlier?¡± I shook my head, looking at him in disbelief. ¡°Make sure you are referring to some recent event, otherwise,¡± I took a step forward towards him but managed to have a safe distance between us, ¡°I will not remember it at all,¡± I added, knowingly.

    The atmosphere between us was too heavy to disregard anymore. If we would be closer with each other, we would surely be all over each other¡¯s body- not that I don¡¯t want it but yeah- my curiosity was telling me to remember what this Rupert-guy was saying as our supposed-to-be first encounter.

    But I just couldn¡¯t.

    He nodded. I thought he would keep the conversation about our first encounter going instead of proceeding where we left off from the parking lot. But he caught me off guard with the next question he asked, ¡°Beer or heavy liquor?¡±

    He no longer waited for my answer. He turned his back on me and started walking inside his condo unit.

    My brow raised before a yful smirk spread on my lips. ¡°I go with beer.¡± I tagged along with him. He went to the kitchen and then to the double door fridge. I settled myself standing in the middle of the living room. ¡°I need to be sober enough and remember the night I will lose my v-card. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± I evenughed softly because it was like we were just talking about a business deal every time I would bring up my virginity.

    He hummed as a response as he rummaged through his fridge for some drinks.

    I, on the other hand, was in awe with the luxurious furnitures around me;fortable sofa set, nice and captivating ss center table, vintage vases all over the ce and a grand piano just over the left most corner of the living room; His ce got amendable interior design, with expensive chandelier, dominant silver and blue colors of the walls, ceiling and the carpet. The unit was obviously big and expensive, screaming that Rupert was probably belonging to a very rich family.

    ¡°Woah. You got a beautiful unit to brag to your women,¡± I pointed out before I settled myself on the long sofa. Across me was a big jigsaw puzzle in a frame and hanging by the wall. It was an image of a clown, with its usual big red lips pulled upwards in both sides, diamond-shaped eyes, and circr red nose.

    ¡°Thanks to my father¡¯s money,¡± he answered with a smile, walking back to the living room with two cans of beer in his hand. Indeed, he¡¯s a guying from a very well-off family. ¡°Here¡¯s your beer, Ma¡¯am,¡± he yfully said, settling himself to sit on the carpeted floor as he leaned his back on the sofa.

    I took the can of beer as my eyes were glued on the massive jigsaw puzzle in front of me. The person whopleted this puzzle must be crazy. How could a person finish a puzzle like this without losing his mind? That¡¯s a lot of pieces and I bet it would take a lot of time toplete.

    Don¡¯t tell me Rupert did this puzzle? Oh gosh. He might be smart then.

    My gaze averted to him. Is he still studying? He looked the same age as mine, though. But then, he might only have a youthful face but he might be actually older. Maybe the band was his job. I mean, he¡¯s rich. He didn¡¯t really need to have a very nice-paying job to survive.

    ¡°That¡¯s a 6, 237-piece jigsaw puzzle. And nope,¡± he met my gaze, ¡°I¡¯m not that genius and patient enough toplete such puzzle.¡±

    Rupert raised from sitting on the floor. He transferred to the vacant space next to me. He took a sip of his beer before he grinned at me.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    I was shocked, on the other hand. ¡°That puzzle has more than six thousand pieces? That¡¯s insane.¡± I took a sip of my beer and then turned my gaze at him, still looking in disbelief. ¡°If it¡¯s not you, who was the crazy human who did that puzzle?¡±

    Heughed before drinking another chug of his beer. I did the same before averting my gaze back to the framed puzzle.

    We were both staring at the hanging frame. The clown image was giving me chills. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of the alcohol I consumed but the puzzle could give you this heavy and suffocating feeling. I¡¯m not afraid of clowns, though.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea that you put this puzzle in the living room. It felt so heavy sitting here on your sofa while that clown is looking at me.¡± I took a gulp of my beer before I put it down on the center table in front of me. I leaned back on the sofa then turned to look at Rupert.

    He was looking at me as well- his face was leaning closer- until I could see his features clearly. His eyes looked amused. ¡°I bought that in an exhibit. It was an exhibit of rare puzzle works by different people. And that piece was called ¡®Trauma¡¯ by the woman who made it.¡± He put one arm on the back of the sofa before his body came closer to me. His face was so close, I could feel his breath- a mixture of alcohol and mint- fanning my flushed face.

    I held the hem of my skimpy dress with my left hand as my thighs pressed together. There¡¯s this aching feeling again in between my thighs because of the heating off of his body.

    ¡°Trauma? M-Maybe she has a clown phobia,¡± I said before my mouth hung half-open when Rupert leaned forward and kissed my chin.

    ¡°Clown phobia? Could be. But do you know why I bought her piece?¡± He ced his can of beer on the center table.

    ¡°Hmnnn¡­ Do you like her? Is she beautiful?¡±

    I could not take anymore the heat and need I was feeling because of this Rockstar. I let go of my inhibition and ced my hand on his wide chest. Using my other hand, I reached for his free hand and ced it on my exposed thigh.

    He softly caressed my skin, while staring intently at me.

    ¡°She has an OCD,¡± he said, which put me in a halt.

    I was about to respond about the woman behind the clown puzzle having an OCD when Rupert cut off everything I was about to say. He imed my lips again. But this time, his kiss was harsh and demanding.

    I gasped for breath when his tongue entered my mouth. I was trying to push him to inhale some air but instead of ending our kiss, I felt him start blowing air to my mouth while still kissing the hell out of me.

    ¡°Hmnn ¡­ Hmnn ¡­¡± My two hands went up and circled around his neck and pulled him closer.

    I felt his hand begin to caress and squeeze my thigh. I couldn¡¯t help but moan out loud because he was dominating the kiss, a rough and hot kiss.

    The kiss ended after he sucked my upper lip, making it equally swollen as my bottom lip. I gasped. My body ignited with desire and need when he knelt in front of me, then spread my legs apart. The hem of my dress hitched up, exposing my already wet and sticky underwear.

    He knelt between my outstretched thighs and then ced both hands on my knees. He looked up at me and I gulped to see the lust and intense desire in his eyes.

    ¡°Are we just going to kiss and drink? I was on that bar to getid,¡± I directly said before swallowing another imaginary lump in my dry throat. My body was heating up and my heart was beating so fast because of our position. I could feel a stinging pain on my lips because he obviously sucked it like it was a candy or whatever- but I couldn¡¯t get enough. ¡°I want you to have sex with me tonight, Rockstar. Obviously, that¡¯s the reason why I came home with you.¡±

    ¡°Very direct.¡± His hands crawled up my thigh which further intensified the longing and warmth I was feeling. ¡°Such a brave kitty we have here.¡±

    I smirked before bowing slightly until my breasts were in front of his mouth. I even pushed my hips forward to be closer to him and my core got even wetter.

    ¡°Let me tell you about the most important lesson I learned in my twenty-two years of existence,¡± I said before running my forefinger from his forehead down to his nose and then to his soft lips. ¡°I learned that the best thing to do when you are doubtful to do something is to actually do it. When you think you¡¯re not ready for something, that¡¯s the exact timing you have to take or else you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    With everything that I said, I didn¡¯t expect the question he asked me, ¡°You¡¯re twenty-two? It¡¯s a shock to know we¡¯re at the same age.¡± Then his right hand held my wrist and brought my hand in front of his lips. I gasped when he started sucking the skin of my palm while looking at me.

    Oh gosh. Why is this man just sucking everything?

    The drive to continue this one-night-stand became even stronger as I watched him suck my palm.

    ¡°I don¡¯t fear the things I am doubtful to do,¡± I said, breathless. My heart raced even more as the spot where he was kissing my palm became wet from his saliva. He was giving it wet kisses and sometimes licking it.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    He stopped sucking on my palm and then slowly kissed the part he had sucked earlier. After that, he met my gaze.

    I took a deep breath as one of his hands on my knee crawled up my thigh, inside the hem of my dress. My breathing became even more ragged. I nodded breathlessly as the anticipation of the next thing he would do intensified.

    ¡°Yeah. I challenge it with all my might ¡­ until I can do it.¡±

    He released my wrist before I felt the hand inside my dress pulled down my underwear. The small cotton fabric slowly slid down my legs until I was not wearing anything under my dress. I gasped when the cold breeze of the air conditioner kissed my wet and throbbing womanhood.

    I felt so exposed¡­ and yet so turned on.

    Then, he wrapped his two arms around my waist and then pulled me closer. I gasped when my wet core got in contact with his torso. I bit my already swollen bottom lip and my cheeks flushed when I felt the fabric of his shirt against my wet folds.

    I thought he was going to kiss me and we were going to have sex but he didn¡¯t. His hands were steady on my hips as he looked up to me, our eyes meeting each other- both being covered with lust and need.

    ¡°I have a rule before I bring you to heaven, Meredith.¡±

    Damn that Meredith- he really turns me on just by calling me that.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a bad guy.¡±

    I stared at him because of what he said. I was speechless and he heaved a deep sigh.

    ¡°I am just here to y. Nomitment. Just pleasure and desire.¡±

    I smiled. ¡°Perfect.¡±

 Chapter 7 The Deal

    ¡°Hmnn¡­ Oh gosh! This is¡­ hmm.¡± My back arched, wrapping both of my arms around Rupert¡¯s neck.

    He was kneeling in front of me as he blessed my womanhood again with his fingers. His two fingers were pumping in and out of my wet and throbbing core. One of his hands gripped my left heel to keep my foot on top of the sofa. Because of my position, my legs were really spread out and my wet femininity was exposed for the Rockstar.

    ¡°Fuck, do you know how warm it is inside you, Meredith?¡± He growled, increasing the speed of his finger.

    My eyes rolled back when he inserted another two fingers, making it three, and really stretching my walls wide. I bit my bottom lip as the mixture of pain and delicious sensations took over my burning body. Rupert was so good at this. He was driving me crazy.

    ¡°Ohh¡­ F-Faster¡­ Ah ¡­¡±

    My hips bucked upwards to meet his three fingers that wereing in and out of me. I was sighing, moaning and groaning as his fingers got deeper- until it hit that delicious spot; sending tension and pleasure to my core. There was that satisfying feeling again, as if a load of liquid was about to be released from me.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­ Oh gosh!¡± I shut my eyes close as one of his hands crawled up from my ankle, to my leg, to my thigh, to the side of my waist until he found the sides of my left breast. The pad of his thumb pressed my breast from the side before his big rough hand enclosed around it. His hand was warm. It sent tingles through every fiber of my body.

    When he started to grope and massage my left breast while fucking me with his slender and thick fingers in this very intimate and exposed position, that¡¯s when I lost it. The tension reached the threshold where I could no longer hold it. I exploded.

    ¡°Rupert! Ah, Rupert!¡±

    I could feel how flushed my face was when I reached my release. A very delicious climax that I would surely remember for the rest of my life.

    As the sensitive flesh in between my thighs kept throbbing, Rupert¡¯s fingers slowed down in pumping in and out of me. I could feel the sticky fluiding out of my sensitive femininity.

    ¡°Hmn,¡± I moaned, opening my eyes. I looked down at the man who was still kneeling in front of me. His face was blurred aside from the shiny piercing on his lower lip. ¡°That was mind blowing,¡± I said, breathless, touching his left cheek while he was still groping my left breast.

    He licked my inner thighs and the surrounding of my wet folds. He pulled out his fingers and showed it to me.

    I gulped when he next licked his fingers that were coated with my essence.

    ¡°Rupert, I want more.¡± I did not bother to wait. My burning body was telling me that this Rockstar could do so much more to my body.

    I saw his lips turned upward for a goofish grin then his teeth tugged at his piercing. He reached for my left leg on the sofa and put it down. ¡°You¡¯re very hot ¡­ and so damn beautiful, Meredith.¡± His hand stopped ying with my breast as his both hands settled on top of my thighs.

    My legs were spread wide as Rupert was kneeling in between them. I ran my fingers through his messy hair.

    Julia Michael¡¯s song seems to be right ¨C bad boy brings heaven to you .

    ¡°You are good at sucking,¡± I teased him, feeling how swollen my lips, tongue and my folds were because of his expertise in sucking.

    Heughed before actually saying, ¡°As long as it will please you, I¡¯ll suck any parts of your body. How about that?.¡± He stood up, finally took off of his shirt, and then unbuttoned his pants.

    ¡°Crazy!¡± I eximed before looking up at him.

    ¡°Sweetie, I am much crazier in bed. And you¡¯re going to find that out now,¡± he answered before pulling down his jeans pants and finally showing me the huge tent in between his thighs. He was now only wearing tight shorts, perfectly hugging his muscr thighs.

    I swallowed hard and stared at his huge glory. Is he going to be my first time? The man who will take my virginity?

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t this be too painful? What if I getme because of your size?¡± I asked, realizing how sore I might get after tonight.

    ¡°Do you want to? That¡¯s going to be okay. You¡¯re too sore to walk around, therefore, you can stay longer on my bed. We can do this for a few more nights,¡± he suggested, standing in front of me with so much confidence and might.

    ¡°No way!¡± I was appalled. ¡°This is just a one-time-big-time thing. This is going to be the first andst, Rockstar,¡± I added, taking a deep breath. ¡°Now, let me see this little rockstar down there.¡±

    I heard him snorting before his head turned a bit tilted to the left. Due to the distance between our faces, I was sitting on the sofa while he was still standing, his face was blurry. All thanks to my prosopagnosia, I could not see his facial expression.

    ¡°One time, big time? Hmn¡­ you¡¯re quite a ygirl for a virgin.¡± He stepped closer to me until I was almost face-to-face with his growing bulge. ¡°Let¡¯s see. I think I can persuade you to agree with what I want.¡±

    He touched my chin then lifted my face. ¡°Eyes here, Meredith Kaye.¡± He bowed until the tips of our noses touched. Because of the closer distance, I managed to see his eyes; his orbs lit up again and I saw the intense desire in there. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want what you want? I don¡¯t want to have you in just one night.¡±

    My cheeks heated when his breath, that smelled like a mixture of beer and mint, fanned my face.

    ¡°W-What exactly do you want?¡±

    ¡°I want more.¡±

    His lips were so close to mine. So close that I needed to kiss it.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    So, I gave his lips a peck, and then another one. But it wasn¡¯t enough. I kissed him longer and when I was about to enter his mouth with my tongue, he ended the kiss by moving his face away from me. He held my chin a little firmer. The pad of his thumb traced my swollen bottom lip.

    I winced a little. He, on the other hand, bit and tugged at his piercing while his gaze was burning my body with lust and need.

    ¡°I want you, Meredith. I want you after tonight.¡± Then his face leaned forward again. He was teasing me. He knew how much I was aching for him. ¡°That¡¯s what I want. What do you think? Will you allow me to convince you to agree with what I want?¡± His tongue slid across my lips repeatedly as he held my gaze with his intense one.

    My breathing became ragged as he slowly lifted the hem of my dress while licking and teasing my lips which were desperate for his kiss.

    ¡°Please, R-Rupert¡­¡± I tried to im his lips but he avoided it and then started raining little kisses on my face; from my forehead, to my two eyes, cheeks, chin and then to my jaw.

    ¡°Agree on what I want, Meredith. After this, let¡¯s do it again. Let¡¯s enjoy it again.¡± He kept nting small kisses on my face.

    ¡°W-Why? I mean,¡± I sighed with frustration. ¡°Why do you want us to do it again?¡±

    He started sucking my left earlobe.

    I raised my arms so that Rupert could finally take off my dress. I could gradually feel the coolness of the air-conditioning the moment my dress was thrown on the floor.

    Rupert sighed and then immediately imed my lips for the scorching kiss that I want.

    I leaned back on the sofa because of Rupert¡¯s aggressive advancement. Then, I felt him slowly move over my body until he was kneeling on top of the sofa as I sat in the middle of his legs. I held on his broad shoulders as I responded to the kiss with the same ferocity.

    His hand grabbed a fistful of my hair to angle my face and for him to have a deeper ess to my mouth. I felt his other hand on my chest. His forefinger was teasingly tracing my cleavage while fucking my mouth with his tongue. He was moving his tongue in and out of my wide opened mouth.

    Damn this Rockstar, he is literally doing a few tricks I didn¡¯t know can be done in moments like this.

    ¡°Uhm. Uhm. Uhm.¡± My eyes were wide open as I let Rupert¡¯s tongue pump in and out of my mouth. My saliva dripped down the side of my mouth because Rupert did that act for a few minutes before he stopped.

    I gaped at him after that erotic thing he did. He kissed my chin before he rubbed his bulge on my stomach. I felt him ying with my right nipple that was now only covered with nipple tape.

    ¡°Meredith, I need to have you,¡± he sensually said. ¡°Fuck. One night isn¡¯t enough for me to do all the things I want to do to you.¡±

    We were both gasping for air as we looked at each other.

    One night isn¡¯t enough? Gosh. How much does he want to do to me?

    ¡°Please, Meredith. ept my offer. Let¡¯s enjoy each other¡¯spany in bed. Not just tonight but until we finally satisfy each other¡¯s sexual desire.¡±

    His eyes were giving me that assurance; that it is okay for me to do this although my gut is telling me, it¡¯s not. ¡°I promise to be a giving sexual partner. Meredith, I want you so much.¡±

    I could no longer answer and voluntarily agreed with his proposition.

    Rupert kissed my lips again down to my neck, sucking and licking the sensitive skin, marking what¡¯s his.

    ¡°I see. Not wearing a bra but these cute things.¡± His breath was fanning my exposed chest. He looked like a child, staring at the small pieces of silicone that were covering my nipples; he was pertaining to nipple tapes.

    I could see the confusion in his eyes as he stared at the little material covering my nipples as a substitute for wearing a bra. ¡°That¡¯s nipple tape.¡±

    ¡°Nipple tape?¡± He suddenly poked the top of my left breast which was still covered with nipple tape. I could see the amazement in his eyes as he leaned his face closer to my chest. I gasped when he licked the nipple tape. ¡°Cool. This is such a good invention for women¡¯sfort,¡± he said before standing straight in front of me.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Then, I suddenly became conscious of the situation. I am technically naked while sitting on Rupert¡¯s sofa, waiting to be fuck.

    I immediately covered my breasts and tightly folded my thighs to hide my soaking wet femininity.

    Confused, I looked up at him. I thought he was going to remove my nipple tapes that only covered my nakedness but he didn¡¯t. He actually picked up his pants on the carpeted floor.

    My brow arched when he obtained a handkerchief from the pocket of his pants.

    ¡°Let me show you how I satisfy my woman, Meredith.¡± Then, he extended his free hand in front of me.

    ¡°Are you going to take my virginity now?¡±

    ¡°If you want me to, I can even wreck it for you.¡±

    I stared at the hand he held out in front of me. I could feel how hard my nipples were, under the silicone material of my nipple tapes. My throat was dry and my heart was beating erratically against my chest. I could feel the sensation building in between my legs as curiosity on what Rupert would do ignited my desire.

    I heaved a deep sigh. So much for hesitations. I would do this.

    ¡°Meredith?¡±

    I grinned at him.

 Chapter 8 The Rockstar and the Survivor

    My chest was heaving deep breaths as I felt how my body burns with anticipation and need.

    I ced my hand on top of his and he pulled me to stand up. There was a small distance between our bodies. I forced myself to disregard the embarrassing feeling of standing in front of Rupert without a single covering but the nipple tapes on my breasts.

    He kissed the back of my hand before grinning at me.

    ¡°I like this distance,¡± I pointed out to the very close proximity where our toes were touching. From this distance, I could see his lips and his eyes. I like it.

    ¡°Hmnn ¡­ Really? I like it too. I could perfectly see how beautiful your naked body is.¡± He intertwined our hands and then gave me that menacing and lustful gaze, totally overruling my remaining control.

    I gave in.

    Rupert took me to his room. Blue and silver colors also dominated his big room. There was a study table on the right most corner where a desktopputer was ced, a big closet, a door which I assumed to be for the bathroom, and a big bed in the middle. There are three guitars hanging on the wall. Another desk was located in the left most corner where there was a vintage wooden phonograph and a cassette yer. There were stacked cassette tapes as well. He also got a mini-fridge, a gaming chair, a bench and a shelf containing books.

    Woah. His room was really nice.

    I gasped when I heard the bedroom door close. Then, I felt Rupert¡¯s presence behind me.

    ¡°You¡¯re really a musician,¡± I said before closing my eyes when I felt his handsbing my long hair. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Braiding your hair,¡± he whispered against my ear before I felt him pressing his bulge to my behind.

    After a while, he was able to braid my hair. There were a few escaped strands, nevertheless, I was impressed by how he braided my hair. I didn¡¯t know he would be good at this.

    ¡°It looks like braiding a woman¡¯s hair was an expertise of yours,¡± I pointed out before I leaned my back on his bare chest. I almost moaned when he kissed the crook of my neck.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I did it a couple of times.¡±

    ¡°You did it for a couple of girls?¡±

    He chuckled before I felt him kissing my nape. ¡°Ready to get fucked and wasted?¡±

    ¡°Bring it on, bad rockstar.¡±

    ¡°Hmnn¡­ Bad rockstar? I like that,¡± Rupert said before he raised a fabric in front of me. This is the handkerchief he took from his pants earlier.

    ¡°W-What are you doing?¡± I was about to remove the cloth in front of my eyes when Rupert stopped me with a kiss on the shoulder.

    ¡°Just trust me, Meredith. I will make you enjoy this ten times fold.¡± Then he handed me the folded handkerchief.

    He let me caress the fabric before he took it from me again.

    Darknesspletely enveloped my vision when Rupert ced his handkerchief to my eyes, blindfolding me. My other senses automatically heightened because of the absence of my sight.

    The hairs on my nape stood up when I felt a hand on my behind, tracing the line in between my butt cheeks, down until it reached my throbbing and wet core in between my inner thighs.

    My knees softened because of the tickle brought by Rupert¡¯s hand that began to move up and down my slit apanied by him sucking my back. I arched my back because of the mixture of savor and tickle. I almost fell if it¡¯s not because of Rupert¡¯s other arm that was wrapped around my waist, helping me sustain my bnce.

    ¡°Ahhhh¡­ R-Rupert! It¡¯s delicious!¡±

    Because I was blindfolded, I felt an increased level of pleasure. My sense of touch was on another level and the feeling of his lips and hand on my burning body was more intense. Maybe because I couldn¡¯t see it¡­ and my imagination was the one giving me the erotic images on how Rupert was pleasuring me right now.

    I grabbed his hand in the middle of my thighs and I guided his finger to trace my slit and then I slowly entered it inside my wet core. One of my hands reached behind me until I reached his hair. I took a fist of his hair and pulled his face. I turned my face to the side and that¡¯s when Rupert imed my lips, giving me a scorching hot french kiss.

    ¡°So wet, Meredith. You¡¯re so wet and ready. Hmnnn¡­ Do you feel that? I put three fingers inside you, Meredith.¡± I felt his other arm pull my waist closer and he started rubbing his manhood on my behind. ¡°Do you like it? I¡¯m fucking you with three fingers.¡±

    That¡¯s why my femininity was so full. Ah! My legs weakened because of how he was pleasuring me. Because I could not see, the sensations would just be based on what I was going to hear or feel.

    ¡°Oh gosh, Rupert! Faster! Please do it faster! Make it deeper!¡±

    He pumped his fingers faster and in no time I reached another release.

    ¡°Gosh, it¡¯s delicious! It¡¯s really delicious!¡±

    I was about to remove my blindfold but Rupert held both of my wrists. He brought both my hands behind my back ¡®then I felt him push me forward. My steps were careful and solely dependent on Rupert¡¯s direction.

    ¡°Go ahead, Meredith. Take another step.¡±

    Something hit my knee after myst step. I stopped and then I felt Rupert let go of my wrists only to say, ¡°Raise your hands.¡±

    I was heaving deep breaths as I felt Rupert¡¯s presence behind me. The warmthing from him was adding to the heat that I was feeling. I obeyed hismand.

    ¡°Turn around.¡± Then, I felt his hands on the sides of my waist, guiding me to turn my body.

    When my body rotated, I next felt a sudden push. ¡°Ay!¡± I lost my bnce and thought I was going to fall to the floor but I sat on something soft. That¡¯s when I realized the bed was behind me.

    ¡°Why do I have to be blindfolded? Rupert, I want to-¡±

    ¡°This is what you call sensual y, Meredith. Your sense of touch and feel are being heightened with the absence of your eyesight. Sex and pleasure will be so much better when you can¡¯t see it.¡±

    Next, I felt him approach me. The heating from his body was enough to tell me he¡¯s standing in front of me- Was he standing?

    ¡°Sensual y?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah. Sex is so much beautiful if you feel it. Just feel it.¡± Then, I felt my body being pushed, until my back was lying on the soft mattress of the bed. ¡°Surrender your sensations, Meredith.¡±

    I waspletely overwhelmed by the libido and intense heat when I felt Rupert¡¯s soft and moist lips on my stomach. He kissed me there again and again. His lips were so close to my femininity.

    ¡°Stop teasing me, Rupert- Ohhhh!¡± He sucked my clitoris without any warning and my back arched because of so much pleasure. He ate andpped me and again, my juices seemed endless. I was wet again.

    The sensation climbed from the sensitive flesh in between my thighs up to my breasts. His wet lips traced kisses to my torso until I felt both of my nipples being released from the tapes. My back was being pushed to the mattress of the bed at the same time Rupert pinched and pulled my nipples. It stings, but after a while it drives me insane.

    ¡°Shit! Ohhh. Rupert! Suck them! Suck them please!¡±

    He did not disappoint me. The next thing I felt was Rupert was now above me, wrapping my right nipple with his wet and hot mouth.

    I let out a sigh when he started sucking on my right breast and then while violently massaging the other.

    ¡°Rupert! Rupert! Ahhhh¡­ E-Enough. This is too much. P-Please- Ohhhh!¡±

    I was about to remove my blindfold because I wanted to see him but his hand was so fast and held both of my wrists again. He raised them above my head while he sucked my breasts alternately like a hungry baby.

    ¡°Fuck. You¡¯re really tasty and sweet, Meredith. Argh. Fuck. You don¡¯t know how beautiful you are.¡± He kissed me on the lips before I felt him rubbing something in my core, it was his hard cock. ¡°Your breasts are red, your lips are swollen and you¡¯re so wet for me. Do you know how much you¡¯re driving me crazy right now?¡±

    ¡°R-Rupert please. Uhmnnn¡­ I want to see you.¡±

    ¡°No, sweetie. I want you to feel me.¡± He let go of my wrist but my arms lost their strength. It just stayed over my head.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Oh gosh!¡± I felt his hands on both my heels.

    The next thing I knew, my feet were being raised. A loud growl came out of my mouth as my behind was lifted from the mattress because my legs were ced on top of something hard and steady. When I felt Rupert¡¯s hair, I immediately realized my awkward yet erotic position right now.

    My hands were above my head as my legs hung over his shoulders.

    ¡°Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Surrender your sensations, Meredith.¡±

    That¡¯s when he prated my virgin core. I gasped and my legs tensed because of the pain that ripped through me. I almost screamed in pain but I stopped myself and just bit my bottom lip.

    ¡°So tight. Fuck. Meredith, you¡¯re heaven¡±

    ¡°P-Painful,¡± I whispered, feeling how he was ripping me.

    Shit. How huge was he, anyway?

    ¡°Hey, sweetie. Are you alright?¡± I heard the hesitation in Rupert¡¯s voice. He even stopped prating me. I could feel the huge head of his shaft on the entrance of my core, stuck.

    ¡°Go on. The pain will go away soon. Don¡¯t stop.¡±

    He said I should feel him, then it includes feeling the pain because he¡¯s so huge for my virgin cave.

    ¡°Fuck. No. I think we should stop.¡±

    I immediately removed my blindfold because of what he said. I was stunned for a few seconds when I saw our position. Yes, my feet were on his shoulders and his face was in the middle of my legs. He was looking down on me, with a flustered face and his jaw clenched as if stopping himself from forcing himself into me.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± I reached for both his arms and then pulled him closer to me to see his face.

    My feet fell off his shoulder because of that pull. He was able to catch them though and hooked my legs on his fine arms. Now, my legs were spread wide, his face was close enough for me to see his expression and half of his length was still inside me.

    I looked at him confused.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll be hurt big time. We should stop this.¡± I felt him really removing it

    I was quick to stop him. I held him closer.

    I grinned before kissing him on his lips. I wrapped my legs on his shoulders and pulled his torso closer and so I felt his shaft going deeper inside me.

    Our kiss lingered as pain ripped me.

    He was halfway through when he ended the kiss and looked at me with so much concern. Because it really hurts, I could not hide it from the expression on my face. It¡¯s like I was being divided in half.

    ¡°Are you sure? I really think we should stop.¡±

    ¡°When I told myself it¡¯s better to stop, that¡¯s when I know I should go,¡± I said, putting him into halt before he said, ¡°Damn. You¡¯re really sexy, sweetie.¡±

    I closed my eyes when he suddenly thrust inside me. I felt something was really ripped inside and when he waspletely buried deep inside, I let myself scream because of pain.

    ¡°Fuck. So tight and warm.¡±

    He moved slowly. In and out. Deep then deeper.

    ¡°Ah, Rupert. Oh. Y-Yes, make it deeper.¡±

    The pain subsided and I found myself writhing in pleasure under him as he pumped in and out, with so much aggressiveness and need.

    The tension built up and then I released it when he continuously hit that delicious spot again.

    ¡°I aming. Argh. The friction against our skins is driving me insane!¡± It didn¡¯tst long when he pulled himself out from me and then released his essence to my stomach.

    My mouth hangs open due to the abundant sticky and thick white liquid on my stomach.

    Heughed at my reaction before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll clean you up. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    And true to his words he really did clean me. He wiped off his cum on my stomach and then he cleaned my core even though I told him I could do it on my own.

    Then, weid on the bed. My core was hurting and I was so tired. Rupert, on the other hand, was like a child beside me. He was hugging my waist and then his head was leaning on my chest. We were both naked under the sheets but I couldn¡¯t push him away. I like the warmthing from his naked body. I wasbing his disheveled hair with my hand.

    We cuddled with each other for a while and I found this very intimate. I didn¡¯t expect to have something like this on a one-night-stand.

    ¡°After this, I won¡¯t remember you,¡± I suddenly said before smiling bitterly.

    Rupert broke away from our embrace and then fixed her position on the bed. He aligned his face with mine and then raised his elbow to lift his body sideways. He looked at me in the eyes, confused.

    ¡°Why is that?¡±

    ¡°Just because.¡±

    Gradually, his grin etched on his lips before shaking his head. He leaned his face closer to mine and then bit and tugged at his lip piercing. Why was he so sexy when he did that?

    ¡°I have a gig thising Friday. Can I invite you?¡±

    I rolled my eyes at him. Didn¡¯t he understand what I said before? I said tonight was just going to be a one-time-big-time thing.

    But then, he¡¯s really asking me now to see him again. Just look at this man¡¯s confidence.

    I also leaned over and then reached for his cheek. My hand made its way to his lips, specifically to his lip piercing. I touched the cold metal while looking straight to his brown eyes. He got a boyish grin on his face and he even kissed each of the tips of my fingers.

    I inhaled his natural manly scent while touching every part of his face, as if trying to memorize him.

    Why do I suddenly fear forgetting him?

    ¡°Myself told me not to go,¡± I replied to him which made him sigh even more.

    ¡°That¡¯s why you will go,¡± he said surely and I chuckled.

    ¡°Woah. You get my life¡¯s principle right away, Rockstar.¡±

    He was momentarily stunned. His eyes suddenly lost their expression like his mind went somewhere far away.

    ¡°Rupert?¡±

    He blinked a few times before our gazes met again. He showed me his boyish grin again but the emotions in his eyes didn¡¯t match it. I could see sadness¡­ and pain.

    ¡°Hmn? Sorry. It¡¯s been awhile since thest time someone called me a rockstar .¡±

    I could hear the restraint in his voice.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Well, I was gone for almost a year in my band.¡±

    I nodded before smiling at him. ¡°But you¡¯re now back. You¡¯re still a rockstar, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I am a rockstar.¡±

    ¡°Well hello there. I am a survivor.¡±

 Chapter 9 After Intimacy

    It was very unusual for me to wake up on someone else¡¯s bed, with a strong set of arms wrapped around my naked body, possessively.

    Rupert Santos, the bad rockstar, was all over me. We were sharing the same sheets and his scent was all I could smell, his snoring against my ear was all I could hear, and the heating from his nakedness pressed against my back was all I could feel.

    I gasped before slowly removing his hug from me. He was sleeping like a baby, with that gigantic bulge poking my behind. Even asleep, he was insatiable.

    Rupert was not even shaken from his deep sleep when the bed sagged as I woke up. I sat on my side of the bed and then looked at the sleeping man beside me. I no longer made an effort to cover my naked body. Everything that happenedst night were things I didn¡¯t know I would allow someone to do to my body and I would actually like and enjoy.

    I was blown away by the wind. Did I just admit that I enjoyed everything Rupert made my body experiencest night?

    Gosh. I was so sore. My legs felt like jelly and my muscles were a bit tired as well. All thanks to the bad rockstar¡¯s high staminast night. I think wested until dawn. He just didn¡¯t want to stop. He made sure that there was no way for me to forget about my first time.

    Hmnn¡­ Sensual y. It was satisfying.

    ¡°You sleep like a baby,¡± I whispered before I pulled the sheets covering Rupert¡¯s nakedness up. I envied him for sleeping so soundly because I could not as there was stinging pain in between my shivering legs.

    Based on how the sunlight pierced through the slightly opened curtains of Rupert¡¯s room, it¡¯s pretty obvious that it¡¯s already morning. It was a bright and sunny morning for us, I guess.

    I don¡¯t have ss today, that¡¯s why I decided to sleep with him and stay the night. I mean, we finished by dawn, so there¡¯s no sense to say that I stayed because I don¡¯t have ss today, right?

    I bit my bottom lip and immediately winced because of how swollen I was down there. I remembered how hard Rupert sucked on my lip- scratch that. He sucked everything that could be sucked.

    My mouth fell open at the thought. Speaking of suck. There was a part of my body that he never stopped sucking. I immediately looked at my chests.

    ¡°Shit. Is he serious?¡± I gasped while looking at my breasts with red marks all over it. There were a lot around my nipples; some in my corbone and shoulders; and there were marks on my cleavage trailing down the middle of my stomach. Those marks were very red and obviously swollen.

    Now, is he also a vampire?

    I immediately stood up and stomped over the full-length mirror on the side of his room to look at my neck. I shrieked in shock when I saw a lot of kiss marks on both sides of my neck, on my throat and even on my jaw. I saw some red marks on my navel and even on my inner thighs.

    ¡°Fuck you, Rupert!¡± I was appalled at what he did to my body. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror in front of me with wide eyes. I looked like I got some measles or chickenpox because of those red marks. ¡°Why exactly do you have to do this?¡± I asked frustratedly, looking at the man sleeping on the bed. He was crazy!

    I was about to approach the man who had done this to my body when I was stunned by what I saw on the floor. My body stiffened in shock and a bit of pleasure started to build in between my thighs. I stared at the piece of cloth on the floor. It was the handkerchief he used on me as blindfold¡­ to make me feel sex and its glory.

    I gasped as the hot scenes came back to mest night, specifically, how he made me feel. I could still feel everything his mouth and hands made me feel ¨C his manhood inside me.

    ¡°Goodness!¡± I was flustered on what my brain was thinking just now. ¡°You are also crazy, Meredith Kaye,¡± I scolded myself, messing my own hair. I could not believe how strongly I was being affected by the guy I just met.

    Annoyed, I picked up that handkerchief and threw it at the man who was fast asleep on the bed. He was slightly snoring and his feet and arms were sprawled all over the big bed.

    ¡°Jerk! Just don¡¯t wake up!¡±

    I stumbled over to his closet to get something to wear. I took a simple yellow shirt with a smiling face print and ck boxers. I made a mental note to find my bag in the living room and get my extra nipple tapes.

    I stomped my feet towards the door which I assume was Rupert¡¯s bathroom to clean myself. Before I entered, I looked again at the man who had imed me repeatedlyst night. His position had changed; he was now lying t on his stomach while hugging the extra pillow on his right side. He was sleeping like a child, although he could already make a child.

    I shook my head before I entered the bathroom. The moment I closed the door, I immediately leaned against the door. I roamed my gaze in the whole bathroom and I mustpliment it. It was clean and the amenities were nice- from the bathtub, shower room and toilet. There was a very strong masculine scent that invaded my nostril as I stepped inside the shower room after cing the clothes I picked on the rack. Good thing, there¡¯s an extra towel on the little cab beside the small sink.

    I felt a bit sticky in the sensitive flesh in between my thighs, aside from the stinging pain due to the soreness. I could not believe I let Rupert have his every way in me,st night.

    ¡°It¡¯s your fault that you can¡¯t stand and walk straight right now,¡± I told myself before getting inside the shower room, with my hand holding on the ss wall for support. I closed my eyes before I looked up at the shower. The cold water cascaded directly to my face when I turned the shower knob to the right and I was too tired and consumed to even budge. My body and muscles were a bit sore, so the cold water actually helped me to release the tension and pain that I was feeling.

    With eyes closed, I started rubbing my body. shes of vivid memories fromst night came back to my mind as I enjoyed the cold water washing over me. I bit my swollen lower lip as my body started to feel hot, just by thinking of everything that Rupert did to me. My core clenched at the same time as my cheeks warmed when I remembered something he did for mest night which caught me off guard and actually made me feel some butterflies in my stomach.

    ***

    ¡°Cuddling is the best part of sex.¡±

    ¡°Hmn ¡­¡±

    I was too tired to even utter a word. I just want to sleep. This Rupert the bad rockstar is insatiable and has a very high stamina for all-night sex. I think it is now already dawn. My legs and arms are tender, the one in the middle of my thighs is already sore.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sleep,¡± I murmured as I leaned my back on his chest.

    ¡°Oh I see. Go to sleep, Meredith. I need to do something first.¡±

    I didn¡¯t even pay attention to what he was referring to. His embrace unwrapped from my waist as I felt the bed sagged, a sign that he hade down.

    I just hugged the pillow next to me and immediately closed my eyes because I was really tired.

    ¡°Lay on your back, Meredith,¡± Rupert said softly, which I did right away because I really didn¡¯t have any energy to argue.

    Iy down as I hugged the pillow over me. My heavy eyelids were telling me to sumb to deep slumber but I felt Rupert¡¯s presence on the end of the bed.

    I forced myself to open my eyes when I felt him touch my legs and then slightly spread them apart. My mouth parted and I looked at him, shocked and confused.

    ¡°What?¡± He looked at me with a frown before he got up on the bed, sitting in between my parted legs.

    ¡°Really? Aren¡¯t you tired? My God, Rupert. Put a boxer on.¡± I told him and tried to get off of my legs from his hold when he suddenlyughed.

    ¡°Hey! Hey! Chill! I¡¯m not going to take you again, okay? Not now that you¡¯re tired.¡± He grinned at me before shaking his head. Then, he lifted a towel from nowhere.

    That¡¯s when I noticed the small basin on hisp. I raised an eyebrow. ¡°What is that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll clean you up? I bet you¡¯re a bit sticky from everything we did.¡±

    I gasped when I felt the damp towel on my sensitive and sore core. He started to really clean it and then proceeded to wipe the sticky fluids on the insides of my thighs and even on my stomach.

    I stared at him. I could not believe what he was doing. I didn¡¯t expect this from him. I mean, he was a womanizer based on my first assessment about his personality. But then, I guess he¡¯s not joking when he described himself as ¡®gentlemanly but a bit rude¡¯.

    ¡°I can do it for myself.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    He looked up at me. He smiled before shrugging. ¡°I know. But I tire you out and you need some rest.¡± He winked at me before continuing what he was doing. ¡°Sleep now, sweetie. After this, I¡¯ll sleep too. You¡¯ll sleep better when you¡¯re clean.¡±

    I felt amusement as I watched Rupert. Was this the same guy who had sex with me like a maniac? Was he the same guy who blindfolded me while doing forey and pumping in and out of me?

    I slowly smiled as I watched how serious Rupert was in cleaning my body.

    I like the feeling that someone was taking care of me, not because of my sickness. I like how he cleanses my femininity as if it¡¯s very fragile. I like his gentleness and his consideration of what I feel. I like this side of Rupert.

    I guess, people were right when they said you shouldn¡¯t expect something from someone¡¯s character. Expectations only lead to disappointments. Instead, having no expectations leads to surprises.

    I must say Rupert surprised me tonight.

    ¡°I told you to go to sleep. I will sleep next to you after I am done here.¡±

    ¡°Aww such a cuddler,¡± I teased him before closing my eyes.

    I heard him chuckle before he said, ¡°Sex for me is notplete without cuddling, sweetie. Sleep tight.¡±

 Chapter 10 The Unusual Treatment

    I thought Rupert would only surprise mest night but I was even more surprised when I saw him in the kitchen, already preparing breakfast. I just finished taking a shower and I thought I would still see him sleeping on the bed. But when I finished bathing, I found no one in bed sleeping. So I left the room and was immediately greeted by the fresh smell of fried rice being cooked. I followed the scent and that¡¯s when I found this guy, busy preparing our breakfast.

    And I was really stunned to see him in the kitchen.

    I blinked a few times while leaning on the kitchen door frame, watching Rupert working in the kitchen, oblivious of my presence. He was shirtless and only in his boxers while wearing an apron. From my ce, I could perfectly see how his muscles on his shoulders and back contracted in every move he would make. It was pretty obvious that he was so used to working in the kitchen. There was no awkwardness on how he moved around.

    I, on the other hand, was in awe at the sight in front of me. I mean, he looked hot wearing an apron without a shirt and while doing all these chores, smoothly.

    What surprised me the most was that Rupert was cooking for us. I thought we would eat some delivery. That¡¯s how it¡¯s always like in novels or movies after a one-night stand. Rupert had a weird way in treating the girl he f*cked. I give him that.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re cooking?¡± I finally spoke, grabbing his attention.

    ¡°Am I? You¡¯re done showering?¡± He turned to me while still holding the spat. He slightly swallowed when his eyes raked through my body. I was wearing his clothes and I bet that was the reason why his eyes darkened with hunger and lust. ¡°By the way, good morning, sweetie.¡± His husky voice sent shivers down my spine and suddenly I had difficulty in standing straight. I felt like falling.

    ¡°Morning too. You look good with that apron.¡±

    ¡°Oh sweetie. You look ravishing on my clothes.¡±

    I swallowed an invisible lump in my throat when he turned off the stove and then made his way to me. Immediately, his arms wrapped around my waist, making me inhale a sharp breath.

    ¡°Eyes on my face, Rupert.¡± Because he was closer to me, I finally saw how his eyes stared at my breasts with full lust.

    That¡¯s when I realized I wasn¡¯t wearing anything under my shirt. I forgot about the extra nipple tapes. My erect nipples were protruding against the thin fabric of his shirt.

    ¡°Meredith, you look so good in the morning.¡± He pulled my body even closer, my chest pressed against his. ¡°Fuck. I want to have you again.¡± Then my feet had to tiptoe when he squeezed my body against his even more. Warmthing from him made my insides clenched in anticipation.

    I stared at him. His bedroom hair was even messier than his usual but he still looks handsome. His bared face was perfect and his natural smell was better than the perfume he was using.

    ¡°Rupert!¡± I shrieked when he actually lifted me up. I looked at him wide-eyed and he just gave me a boyish grin. His piercing was sparkling again.

    ¡°Wrap your legs around my waist. I know you¡¯re sore. Let me carry you?¡±

    I blinked several times because of what he said. A certain warmth enveloped my heart. I mean, is this really how he cares for women he just had sex with?

    ¡°There. Good girl, sweetie,¡± he said when I obliged with what he just asked me to do. ¡°Now, let me feed you okay? I¡¯m sure you¡¯re hungry after everything we¡¯ve donest night.¡±

    Like a baby, my arms circled around his neck, my legs around his waist, and then he carried me to the dining table where a sunny-side-up, a te of bacon and an omelet was already prepared. He made me sit in one of the chairs.

    ¡°Woah. You¡¯re being too considerate for someone you just had a one-night-stand with,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but say that and he immediately stopped.

    I just didn¡¯t get why he was being like this to me. A woman could get a wrong idea if he would do these kind of things for her when the reason why they were together was just about sex. He must be thankful that I was not looking for a serious rtionship. But, how about the other women he bedded? There¡¯s no way no woman in his past caught feelings for him.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I mean, we¡¯re just two strangers who ended up in bedst night, Rupert. Why bother to be like this?¡± I shook my head as I looked at the foods he cooked. ¡°I should just leave. That¡¯s how it should be. You don¡¯t have to do these things. It¡¯s just a one-time-big-time thing. We don¡¯t have a rtionship for you to take care of me. I or- ¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡±

    My mouth dropped open when he suddenly knelt in front of me. Then, he cupped my face, making me look at his eyes. I gulped because of the hard and serious look he was giving me.

    ¡°I told you already. I want more than a one-night-stand from you. I want more days and nights with you, Meredith. And I will not ept ¡®no¡¯ for an answer.¡±

    That¡¯s when he imed my lips. It was a rough, aggressive and dominating kiss. His tongue tasted the insides of my mouth and then left me breathless.

    ¡°Good morning kisses are always the best. Wait here, I¡¯ll just finish the fried rice then I¡¯ll feed you.¡± He winked at me before returning to the stove and started cooking.

    I was left at the dining table with a fast heartbeat and could not understand the tickle I felt in my abdomen. Goodness. Morning was a bit different with that kiss.

    And what did he say? More days and nights ¡­ with me?

    I stared at the food in front of me. He prepared all of this for me. I couldn¡¯t help but smile. Someone¡¯s taking care of me not because of pity- it¡¯s a bit refreshing and heartwarming.

    I averted my gaze from the dining table to Rupert. His back was facing me as he busied himself in cooking. I just smiled as I watched him cook. Come to think of it, I was lucky enough to have a gentleman and hot guy like him as my first.

    ¡°You¡¯re not sick, are you? STD? HIV?¡± He was stunned by my question and immediately turned to me. I shrugged. ¡°If you want more days and nights with me, I need to be sure about that. I also remember, you didn¡¯t use a condomst night.¡±

    ¡°Was that a ¡®yes¡¯?¡±

    I red at him. ¡°Answer please.¡±

    He chuckled before he returned his attention to the stove again. ¡°Nope. I¡¯m clean. I can even show you my check-upst month.¡±

    ¡°Last month? I see. So you¡¯re really into things like this- you know, doing it with a random girl you picked from a bar?¡± I guess he was in a band to get some women to bed. ¡°But at least you¡¯re being careful,¡± I added before I turned my gaze back to the dining table.

    I tried to remove that nagging feeling inside me. It¡¯s just awkward that he had so much experience. He had treated many women just like how he was treating me right now and it was annoying to my ego that I became one of his women.

    I heaved a deep sigh and tried my hardest to disregard such feelings. We¡¯re not a thing. I¡¯m not allowed to feel this. I guess, what my ssmates used to say back in high school was true; the attraction you will feel towards the man who will get your first is different. But then, I wouldn¡¯t let that attraction make me low.

    Rupert got my virginity and that¡¯s the end. I would try my hardest to not let that attraction to turn me into a clingy fuck buddy. If I would agree to his offer, I need to at least separate my personal feelings. It¡¯s just sex- he just needs me to have sex with him. I should treat him the same way.

    ¡°I was not like this before ¡­¡±

    I was lost in my deepest thoughts because of what he said. I turned to him and he was currently transferring the cooked food in the bowl.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°What do you mean? Not the same fuckboy as you are now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I was not like before. Not until I lost her.¡±

    Her?

    ¡°Things changed for me especially my perspective about rtionships.¡±

    Rupert approached me with a bowl of fried rice. I waited for him to say more but he started putting food on my te and didn¡¯t continue what he was saying about¡­ her.

    ¡°Is she your first love?¡± I asked him when he had finished cing food on my te.

    He smiled sadly at me before sitting down on the vacant chair next to me. ¡°She¡¯s my greatest love.¡±

    My mouth hung half open with what he said. I stared at him. So, he turned out like this after losing his greatest love? Was that because he could not love anyone else but her? That woman was really lucky to have a guy who was so in love with her even after she was no longer here.

    ¡°Where is your greatest love now?¡±

    He immediately averted his eyes from me to the spoon and fork he was holding. I was stunned when he took the rice from my te with a spoon and then stabbed a strip of bacon with the fork. ¡°Today was her death anniversary,¡± he said with that trying-hard-not-to-really-care tone. Then he hovered the spoonful of rice to my mouth, feeding me.

    I held his wrist to stop him. I stared at him, waiting for him to continue what he was saying.

    But, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about her. Just eat.¡±

    I blinked. I was beyond shock to know that his greatest love was dead. I did not know how to react right now. So, I just nodded my head and started eating.

    Maybe that was the reason for the sadness in Rupert¡¯s eyes? I definitely know how painful it is to lose someone you truly love. It was more painful if the person you love could no longere back to you.

    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t have to-¡±

    ¡°Let me feed you. After all, this is my way to thank you for letting me have youst night,¡± he said when I was trying to stop him from feeding me- as if he was feeding me like a child. He even winked at me before hovering another spoonful of rice.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just want to experience it and you were there to do it for me. I just grab the chance.¡±

    ¡°But still ¡­ I was your first. I hope I made it memorable for you.¡±

    The serious and aloof Rupert while talking about his greatest love suddenly disappeared. That¡¯s when I knew he already mastered the art of faking. He¡¯s back to being yful.

    He should be thankful that I was face-blind. I couldn¡¯t quite gauge the totality of his facial expression.

    As much as I want to know more about his greatest love, I didn¡¯t insist on the topic. He didn¡¯t want to talk about it because it hurts. Maybe some other time.

    ¡°After this, you¡¯ll have your dessert. So finish your te,¡± Rupert said with a yful grin on his lips.

    ¡°Dessert?¡± My eyebrows rose when I felt one of his handsnded on my thigh and began to caress it. ¡°I had a different feeling about that dessert you are talking about.¡±

    I was surprised when he suddenly leaned closer to me. I couldn¡¯t help but smile when he kissed me on the lips again. It was three pecks before grinning at me like a naughty boy that he was.

    ¡°You¡¯ll like it, promise. So hurry up and eat because your dessert can¡¯t wait.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a pervert, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Sweetie. I know you also want this side of me.¡±

 Chapter 11 Two Things About Her

    ¡°Time for your dessert, Sweetie.¡± Then, Rupert stood in front of me right after feeding me. He turned my seat back on the table.

    Now, I have turned my back from the table while I face him.

    ¡°I am the one who is going to eat my dessert but you look more excited than me,¡± I pointed, giving him a suspicious look.

    He chuckled before he widened my legs and stood in between them. He took my right hand then brought it to his mouth. I immediately expelled a heavy breath when he kissed my palm while looking straight to my eyes. His gaze was covered with so much desire. My heart beat erratically on my chest, there were butterflies in my stomach and my body started burning with sensation and heat.

    ¡°I want you to just feel me, Meredith. Just feel the pleasure,¡± he put both of my hands on both sides of his hips, ¡°and taste me.¡±

    I didn¡¯t expect what he did next. He covered my eyes with his big right hand. Then, I felt him get closer to me and I had to widen my legs even more.

    My breaths began to deepen due to anticipation and strange tickles in my abdomen. What did he mean about tasting him?

    ¡°Open your mouth, sweetie. Open it wide.¡±

    I could feel his slight movement because I was holding his hips. I gasped when I felt the fabric of the boxers he¡¯s wearing being pulled down. ¡°Are you getting naked, Rupert?¡±

    I heard himugh but he didn¡¯t respond to me. Instead, he moved for a moment before I felt his other hand on my face. He cupped my right cheek. I felt his thumb caressing my bottom lip before he said, ¡°Open wide, Meredith. Your dessert is here.¡± Then, I felt his left hand made its way to my nape and then captured my long hair and held it in a ponytail.

    The higher my anticipation, the hotter my body became. I willingly obeyed hismand. I willingly opened my mouth as I felt his grip on my hair tightened, slightly pulling my face upwards.

    ¡°Good girl. You look sexy with your mouth open like that.¡±

    ¡°R-Rupert-¡±

    I gasped when I felt something pointed and hard poking my bottom lip. Then, I felt it sliding from left to right on my mouth while there was a little moisting from it. My heart rate doubled when I understood what that hard thing was. I tasted something sticky, a bit nd and bitter liquiding from it.

    ¡°R-Rupert,¡± I gasped, realizing it was his length that was touching my mouth with my eyes being covered by his hand. I could feel how hard and ready his length was.

    ¡°Shit, Meredith. Suck it please.¡± I could hear the restraint and desperation in his voice. I like how much I would affect him.

    ¡°Should I suck it like a lollipop?¡± My voice came out hoarse and teasing.

    ¡°Please Meredith,¡± I felt him entering the tip of length in my mouth- a little gently as if asking for permission, ¡°Damn, suck and lick it. Make mee, sweetie.¡±

    I didn¡¯t ask any more questions and pulled his hip closer to me. I heard him sigh. It was followed by his restrained growl as his manhood stretched my mouth burying deep inside. His right hand remained covering my eyes, increasing the heights of pleasure of how erotic we looked right now.

    Sensual y¡­ This is definitely a turn on.

    ¡°So hot¡­ Fuck, your mouth is really hot.¡±

    My mouth was so full because of his thick and long shaft. I could feel myself gagging just likest night but this time I know better how to please him. I opened my mouth wide so that my teeth would not scratch his skin. I sucked the head of his length before I moved my mouth up and down. I used my tongue to intensify the pleasure. I licked and sucked him and even tried to amodate him down to my throat.

    ¡°Argh. So hot. Your mouth is choking me, Sweetie. Fuck. I want it faster.¡±

    The next thing I knew, he steadied my head with his hand fisting my hair. Then, he started pumping his length in and out of my mouth. I was gagging and my saliva flowed on the side of my mouth with his rough and fast movements.

    ¡°Ahhhh sweetie! Enjoy your dessert. Fuck. This is for you.¡±

    He groaned and then his pace became even faster. I was losing some air to breathe as his length was really deep inside my mouth. But I didn¡¯t stop him. I wanted to pleasure him just like how he pleased mest night.

    ¡°Shit, I¡¯ming! Ah. Feel me, sweetie. Your mouth is really warm.¡±

    He stopped moving and then pulled his length from my mouth. He also removed the hand that covered my eyes. I was in awe and in deep shock with the scene that greeted my sight. It was Rupert moving his hand up and down on his own shaft. He was heaving deep breaths as he bucked his hips to meet his hand¡¯s movements.

    I was stunned at the same time the libido burning my body intensified. The fact that I was the reason behind his arousal gives me pleasure too.

    ¡°Meredith¡­ Argh, sweetie!¡± After a few strokes, he groaned for my name.

    I stared at his length as it started releasing his zenith. The juices he released hit my face but I did not avoid it. I was heaving deep sighs as his essence covered my face. I licked some of those that hit my lips.

    ¡°You¡¯re so hot, Meredith. This isn¡¯t going to be thest time. I need to have you again.¡± Then he knelt in front of me. He didn¡¯t even bother to lift his boxers again. ¡°And of course I want to know you more.¡±

    He was kneeling in front of me while I remained seated on the chair. We were facing each other. His length was hanging proudly in between his thighs as some of his essence was sprawled on the floor. He reached for the hem of my shirt and used it to wipe my face. He inched closer before he wrapped his arm around my waist. Then, he kissed my chin up to my lips before giving me a smile.

    I blinked a few times before caressing his face. My shaking hand made its way to his cold-metal piercing. ¡°Know me more? I thought you¡¯re just asking me to be a constant fuck buddy?¡±

    ¡°Do you have to be really direct?¡± He looked at me in amusement as he held both of my hands on myp. ¡°But yeah. I want to know more about you. I can¡¯t disregard the fact that we met again on the same day- after a year. Maybe, this is destiny?¡±

    ¡°Woah. A rockstar who believes in destiny? This is a first. Are you for real?¡± I evenughed and he immediately smiled at me. ¡°But I don¡¯t really remember where and when west met.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit weird though. I mean, you¡¯re a bit of a bitch that day, that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t forget you,¡± he said, making me arched my brow in confusion.

    ¡°A bitch?¡± Iughed and then smacked my forehead lightly on his. ¡°Was I really a bitch to you?¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh. A beautiful bitch though.¡± Then he tucked some loose strands of my hair behind my ear.

    ¡°But you said today is the death anniversary of your greatest love. How did we meet then?¡±

    He was stunned for a few seconds before shaking his head. A small smile spread on his lips before he yfully pinched the bridge of my nose. He then stood up, pulled his boxers up, and simply gave me a shrug.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it.¡± He turned his back on me and then began to put away the dishes. ¡°I told you I want to know you more. Why don¡¯t you tell me a story about you? Just tell me some information about you that you think I should know now that we are in this kind of set-up,¡± he totally switched the topic now.

    I sighed. I guess he really did not want to talk about her. Fine, then. ¡°About me? Uhmn¡­ There are two things that I think you need to know about me.¡±

    Contrary to Rupert, I didn¡¯t mind telling people about things that hurt me. Obviously, he was still hurting so he was avoiding the topic about his greatest love. He hadn¡¯t moved on yet because he could still not ept that she was now gone. But one thing that I learned in life after losing someone so dear to me and after being faced by an almost death- the more we nurtured and kept the pain by ourselves- the harder it was to heal and move on. It¡¯s okay to open yourself up to others ¨C it¡¯s okay to let people who want to apany you in pain help you. It¡¯s okay if you ask for other people¡¯spany and help when you¡¯re sad.

    I got up and immediately went to the sink. I washed my face then prepared the basin and the things needed to wash the tes we used. ¡°I¡¯ll clean the dishes since you¡¯ve already cooked,¡± I told him before taking the stacked tes from him.

    ¡°Are you sure? You are the visitor so you don¡¯t have to-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a shameless guest. I can take care of this.¡±

    After Rupert put all the dishes to wash on the sink, I started right away as well. He stood by my side, leaning against the counter top as he watched me intently.

    ¡°What are those two things I need to know about you?¡± he asked after a few minutes of silence.

    That¡¯s when I remembered what we were talking about. I gave him a sideways nce before focusing my attention on the dishes I was cleaning. I suddenly thought, if I opened up to Rupert, he might open up to me too. I mean, if we want this fuck-buddy kind of rtionship, we should at least make an effort to help each other in knowing one¡¯s pain and happiness.

    It is easier to know what will make a person happy than to know what caused him pain. It¡¯s because you need to earn that person¡¯s trust first before anything else.

    I heaved a deep sigh. I think I trusted Rupert enough to tell him about my issues. I hope he can do the same thing soon. ¡°Well ¡­ I can¡¯t remember people like normal people do.¡± I didn¡¯t look at him and just kept my attention on what I was doing. ¡°Even if I¡¯m close to a person or even if he is a rtive, remembering his face is a very difficult task for someone like me. And that¡¯s why I wasn¡¯t surprised at all when you said we¡¯ve already met. The only exnation why I could not recall when and where we first met even before in the bar is because of my condition which prevented me from remembering your face.¡±

    ¡°W-What? I don¡¯t get it. How can you not remember the face?¡±

    ¡°I have had moderate prosopagnosia ever since I was born. It¡¯s a defect on a certain fold of my brain that hinders coordination of the neural systems responsible for facial memory and perception. That¡¯s what my doctor said.¡± I chuckled before turning my gaze to Rupert. His arms were folded in front of his chest as he looked at me. I could not see his face clearly but I bet he was now dying in curiosity on what I was saying. ¡°Right fusiform gyrus- that¡¯s the exact part of my brain that was damaged. Funny how that weird word was stuck on my brain but the faces of people I met weren¡¯t. Isn¡¯t that ironic?¡±

    I sighed a deep breath before I averted my gaze back to the tes I was washing. No matter how many more times that I would tell myself that I already got used to my prosopagnosia-that it no longer affected me; I know I was just fooling myself. Because I was still affected and still hurting that I could not retain and recognize the faces of the people around me. Sometimes, I hate myself because I disappoint the important people of my life for not remembering their faces. I hindered myself from socializing because I don¡¯t want to be a bitch who forget my friends. I had most of my time with myself- and that¡¯s lonely.

    I only had Bailey as a friend and I know I hurt her feelings a couple of times because of this brain disorder.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°What exactly do you not remember?¡±

    ¡°Faces. I can¡¯t see the features and the parts of people¡¯s faces when they are far from me. I can¡¯t distinguish it either. For me, people¡¯s faces are like abstract paintings. I can¡¯t percept anyone¡¯s whole face. It¡¯s hard to exin but the faces of people I met were smudged and blurred. They need to be close to me so I can see their eyes; if they are smiling; or if their nostrils are growing because of irritation and anger.¡±

    I gasped before smiling bitterly. I was stunned in my ce for a few seconds along with the pang of pain that I felt in my chest. ¡°Did you know that my mother just died without me even remembering her face? I lost her even before I was able to recognize her whole face.¡±

    That was probably my greatest regret. I would always regret that I didn¡¯t try harder to see and recognize my own mother. In my memory, I could see her beautiful smile; and her warm eyes. But that¡¯s all I had. I failed to see her whole face. I was toote to do it because she died. I knew she had been waiting a long time for me to remember and recognize her face but I let her down.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault, Meredith. It¡¯s not your fault that you were born with that disease.¡±

    ¡°I hated this condition, Rupert. To this day, I still apologize to my mother because I didn¡¯t see her before she left the world. She waited her whole life for me to see her. But I failed. I disappointed her.¡±

    I felt him move closer to me. Then, he hugged me from my side. Both of his arms wrapped around my waist and then I felt his chin lean on my shoulder. ¡°Is that why you are a survivor?¡±

    I looked at him and was shocked to see the strange emotion in his eyes ¨C it was like he¡¯s hurt for me; and it seemed like he wanted to take away my pain. I¡¯ve never seen anyone who looked at me with such concern- without pitying me.

    I slowly smiled before shaking my head. I looked back at what I was doing before sighing. ¡°I am a cancer survivor, Rupert. That¡¯s the second thing you need to know about me.¡±

    I felt his body stiffened. I could feel his heavy stare but I didn¡¯t look back at him. I don¡¯t want to see him feeling sorry for me.

    ¡°Meredith.¡± He hugged my body tightly before kissing my temple.

    ¡°I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer two years ago. That¡¯s when I was in second year college.¡± I heaved another deep sigh as the pain of that journey came back. ¡°I had to stop from school and focus on my treatment. During that time, I didn¡¯t know what to do. I was so devastated. But miraculously, even though I already gave up, I managed to survive. My cancer was healed and gradually, my body returned to normal after almost eight months of treatment and hospitalization. ¡±

    ¡°Are you fully healed now?¡± He buried his face in my hair and then I felt his hand start caressing my arms as if consoling me from what happened.

    I found myself leaning my head on Rupert¡¯s shoulder. I slowly closed my eyes and allowed myself to be weak inside his arms. It¡¯s been awhile since I was pretending that I could manage on my own. I never realized it was tiring until Rupert came and offered his shoulder for me to lean on.

    ¡°Nope. There¡¯s this thing calledplete remission for cancer patients who survived and diminish the cancer symptoms after a treatment. When I managed to stay healthy and free from cancer symptoms for the next five years after my treatment, that¡¯s the only time my doctor can dere myplete remission and I can say that I am cancer-free it.¡±

    That is my fear as of the moment; I don¡¯t know if I can survive again if my canceres back.

    For almost a year now, I have regained my health. There were no symptoms or any recurrence of tumor growth based on my monthly check-ups. But then, there were four more years. Four long years to stay in healthy shape before I could somehow conclude that my cancer was noting back. My doctor said that cancer is a traitor. Many were thought to have escaped the disease, but in the end they still died of cancer.

    ¡°You should be taking care of yourself then.¡± I was surprised when Rupert suddenly turned my body to face him. He kissed my forehead which took me by surprise. He gave me a reassuring smile. ¡°I¡¯ll be helping you on that matter starting from now.¡±

    I stared at him before smiling. I touched his face and then stroked the piercing on his lip. This shiny metal ring is the most distinct way I could use to recognize Rupert even if he was far away from me.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take off this piercing. That¡¯s the only way I will know it is you,¡± I told him and he immediately nodded.

    ¡°Whatever you want, sweetie. I¡¯ll follow.¡±

    I burst outughing before hugging Rupert. I wrapped my arms around his waist and then leaned my face on his chest. I don¡¯t know why I just feel this kind offort with him. But then Rupert has a natural vibe that you could trust him because he will protect you with all his might.

    ¡°I was so ready to die back then, Rupert. But fate nned other things. And maybe that¡¯s why I survived,¡± I honestly told him before burying my face on his chest.

    I felt him caress my hair and the warmth from his tight hug consoled my fears. ¡°Congrats on your second life, Meredith.¡±

 Chapter 12 Everyone is Broken

    ¡°Can you stay a little longer?¡±

    I was stunned from fixing my hair in front of the full-length mirror in Rupert¡¯s bedroom. I looked at him lying on the bed while watching me. He was lying on his side, his elbow erect, his head resting on his hand.

    ¡°Why?¡± Then, I looked back in the mirror. I even winced when I saw so many kiss marks on my neck again.

    ¡°Must there be a reason?¡±

    I shook my head. ¡°Everyone must have a reason. Nothing happens just because it¡¯s meant to happen. That¡¯s bullshit, Rupert.¡±

    Rupert remained silent after what I said, so I didn¡¯t speak either. I focused on putting concealer on parts of my neck and arms where red marks were seen. I adjusted the strap of the halter dress I was wearing. I had no other clothes to wear so I had to wear the same clothes again fromst night after washing and drying them.

    After breakfast, Rupert joined me in the shower. We had a hot and rough sex inside the bathroom. I also noticed how Rupert treated me differently after I told him about my face-blindness and the fact that I was a former cancer patient.

    He became a little extra careful with me and a bit more caring. And for some girls, it would make their hearts flutter but not for me.

    Honestly, I did not like it¡­ at all. It felt like his sudden changes on how to treat me were all because he felt sorry for me. He only pity me.

    I was actually tired of receiving pity from other people. I was tired of being treated like fragile furniture and putting me on the pedestal. I was tired of being a burden to the people around me.

    ¡°Meredith,¡± Rupert called and I had to turn to him again.

    I looked at him over my shoulders. He was now lying on his back while staring at the ceiling of his room. He heaved a deep sigh before he put his right arm over his forehead. ¡°What do you think could be her reason?¡±

    Her reason?

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± This time, I finally turned my body to face him. When he did not answer, I stride towards him and stand beside the bed. ¡°Who are you-¡±

    My mouth dropped open when I noticed his deep breathing. ¡°Rupert?¡± He didn¡¯t answer but his shoulders started shaking. I immediately knelt down next to the bed to get a closer look at Rupert¡¯s face.

    I was stunned when I saw tears streaming down on his cheeks. That¡¯s when I realized about the important event today. Her death anniversary was today. His greatest love.

    ¡°Hey, Rupert.¡± I was lost with words to say when he started sobbing. His sobs were weak at first until they got louder and louder. His body trembled even more because of the intense crying.

    And I could do nothing but hold one of his hands while he continued to cry like a child. Then and there, I understood how much of his heart was given to love her, his greatest love. Rupert loved her so much that he was left devastated after she was gone.

    ¡°It still hurts. I fucking miss her¡­ I-I miss her so much.¡± Then, I felt him hold my hand tightly.

    I found myself crying with Rupert. The intense pain he feels prated me. I never fell in love so I didn¡¯t have any idea how much it hurts. But then, if love could break someone this strong- if love could make a guy cry this much- it must be so painful.

    Love¡­ Why did humans keep looking for it if it caused so much pain?

    I just let Rupert cry until all the tears were gone. I let him mourn the death of the woman he loved. I didn¡¯t know how it feels like to fall in love. But I was so sure it hurts a lot when the person you love and care about dies. When I lost my mother, it broke me into tiny pieces. Like Rupert, I was like a child crying because it was too painful; and I was left with nothing to do but to cry.

    I just apanied him. I sat on the floor and we remained holding hands.

    I was supposed to leave but then, I knew I couldn¡¯t leave someone in this state. I neverforted anyone because I was always the weak one. So, at some point, it felt weird to have someone depending on me.

    ¡°Just cry, Rupert. I¡¯ll never leave.¡±

    A few minutester, Rupert¡¯s sobs gradually subsided. Gradually, his grip on my hand loosened. His breathing started to get even. That was when I realized he fell asleep.

    I guess, what they said was really true; after crying, we got nothing left to do but to fall asleep. That¡¯s the only way to rest your tired eyes and broken heart.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for your loss, Rupert.¡± I got up from sitting on the floor then I pulled up the nket over his body. I removed his right arm covering his eyes and my heart felt a pang of pain when I saw how wet his eyes and cheeks were.

    I sat on the edge of the bed. I sighed before wiping off of his tears on his wet cheek. I leaned closer to see his face clearer. He¡¯s tired and in pain. Even when sleeping, you could see it on his face.

    ¡°Sleep tight, Rupert.¡± Then I kissed him on the forehead.

    So, this was what it¡¯s like when someone depended on you; when someone held your hand for some support. It was a mixed feeling of sadness and determination. You¡¯re sad because you could feel the pain of that person crying on your shoulder and you feel determined to relieve that person from pain. All my life I was always the person who depends on others because I was just simply born weak.

    It¡¯s a bit overwhelming but I suddenly felt the need to be someone whom Rupert could depend on.

    I slowlyy down in the vacant space next to Rupert¡¯s sleeping figure. I justy there on my side, staring at him while sleeping. When I first met Rupert, I immediately assessed that he was the strong one while I was the weak one who needed his help. But I was wrong.

    No one was born naturally strong. Everyone has weaknesses and everyone needs help. Strong people carried the pain better but it¡¯s wrong to think it wasn¡¯t heavy.

    I raised my hand to caress his face. The end of my forefinger touched his forehead down to his nose and then to his lips as if I was memorizing his face.

    I was staring at him for a couple of minutes when he suddenly groaned. His brows furrowed and then his body started shaking.

    ¡°Argh. N-No¡­ Please¡­ S-Stop¡­¡±

    ¡°Rupert! Rupert!¡± I sat on the bed and then tried to wake him up. I shook him but he just kept on moaning.

    ¡°A-Ava¡­ Don¡¯t¡­ Ava¡­ Please stay¡­¡±

    ¡°Rupert! Rupert! Wake up! Please wake up!¡±

    Tears started streaming down his face. His body started thrashing all over. His groans became sobs¡­ then loud weeps.

    ¡°Rupert! Oh gosh! Wake up!¡± I forced myself to hug him when he started crying tremendously. His body twisted as sweat formed on his forehead. He was heaving short and rapid breaths.

    Nightmares. I never seen anyone being ruined by nightmares like this.

    ¡°Ava! Ava! Ava!¡±

    Ava¡­ Was she his greatest love?

    ¡°RUPERT! WAKE UP! GOSH! YOU¡¯RE SCARING THE HELL OUT OF ME!¡±

    ¡°AVA!¡±

    ¡°RUPERT!¡±

    The next moment I knew, Rupert was now awake, catching his breath while crying. I was hugging him. His head was pressed on my chest as I tried to calm him down by running my fingers on his hair. I breathed a sigh of relief when he woke up but I could no longer control my emotions. When I felt Rupert hug my waist and his sobs became quiet, I let go of my tears.

    I am in pain for him.

    It¡¯s hard to witness someone¡¯s weakness; it¡¯s heartbreaking to see someone¡¯s defenses crumbling down.

    I buried my face in his hair and silently sobbed. Momentster, we¡¯re both calm. No one was crying anymore but silence filled the room.

    It took a couple of minutes before I found my voice to speak and try to lift up the mood.

    ¡°Tell me about her,¡± I said, which made his body stiff. I hugged him tighter and then kissed the top of his head. ¡°Ava is her name, right? You were shouting it earlier.¡±

    He moved and I felt him look up at me. I looked down at him and my heart ached for the pain and sadness in his eyes. He hugged my waist tightly before forcing a smile. He kissed my chin and then leaned his head on my chest again.

    Somehow, I smiled as well.

    ¡°You¡¯re correct. Her name is Ava and I have loved her ever since we were kids. Let¡¯s just say I dreamed of marrying her and having our family of our own,¡± he began the story, before I felt him heave a deep sigh, ¡°but shit happened. We were separated for pretty long years untilst year, we met again. I thought I could have her back. But she was no longer the Ava who always stuttered in saying the letter ¡®r¡¯. She¡¯s more beautiful, smarter, and had a couple of bad experiences. I thought I could save her but no. I failed to help her.¡±

    My jaw clenched. Last year, she was still alive. So, today was her first death anniversary? Probably, this was why Rupert was still deeply hurt.

    ¡°Herst message for me was to tell everyone that she killed herself; that it was suicide. But in fact, it was just an after effect of being abused, used, and taken advantage of. My Ava was pure¡­ and kind.¡± Rupert looked up at me. There was disappointment and regrets tantly painted in his eyes. ¡°And I was so wrong to question her decision to end her life. I can¡¯t ept that she ended everything like that. She can still make up for it. I¡¯m here to help her. I couldn¡¯t understand why she didn¡¯t ask for some saving. I would dly do it.¡±

    Suicide. It wasbeled by religion as the biggest sin a human could do. But then, was religion even aware of how someone ends up choosing suicide in the first ce?

    ¡°Pain tolerance, Rupert. Every human only has a specific level of tolerating pain. Maybe, for you, it was still bearable. But maybe for Ava, it was beyond the threshold of pain that she could handle. Maybe Ava was already suffering.¡± I caressed his face before I leaned my chin on his forehead. I could feel his gaze on me. ¡°I hate the idea of ??suicide but I don¡¯t have the right to question if someone do it to escape the pain and suffering. Unless I walk in his or her shoes, I wouldn¡¯t know how difficult or how painful it was.¡±

    ¡°I miss her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s normal. I mean, we all gonna miss dead people because there was no chance we could see them again in this lifetime. And that¡¯s okay, Rupert.¡± I heaved a deep sigh. ¡°I also miss someone in my life.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°My mom. She died because of breast cancer. Her case was really close to suicide. She couldn¡¯t fight her illness anymore so she asked Papa and me to give up. She¡¯s still alive, Rupert. For me, we could still save her.¡± A bitter smile spread on my lips. ¡°However, for my mom, I guess it was too painful. For her, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore.¡±

    Almost six years ago, my mother died of breast cancer. I was so wrong to hate her for quite some time because she surrendered even though I and my father were still fighting for her. But when I was diagnosed with the same disease, I became angry with myself because I questioned my mother¡¯s decision to surrender. Having cancer turned out to be really painful. The physical pain hurts but more than that, the emotional pain hits differently. For the patient, it hurts for you to see the people around you suffering and hurting every day because of you.

    That¡¯s when I realized the real concept of pain tolerance in humans. We all have limitations.

    There was a moment of silence before Rupert moved. Our eyes met as he pulled away from my embrace. His body moved upwards until our faces met. He stared at me for a while before he caressed my cheek. ¡°What do you think was her reason?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s for her to only know, Rupert. She¡¯s the only one who knows why she ended up ending her own life.¡± I gave him a reassuring smile. ¡°Ava will be sad if you keep being like this. For sure, she wants you to be happy. The fact that she wanted you to be the one to say how her life ended means that she trusted you and she valued what you guys have . ¡±

    He frowned at what I said. ¡°What¡¯s the connection?¡±

    ¡°What I mean is, if I die-¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t die.¡±

    I was stunned. I stared at him for a while before I burst intoughter. ¡°There¡¯s an ¡®if¡¯ at the beginning of my statement.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna die, Meredith. I wouldn¡¯t let it.¡± He looked at me with so much seriousness on his face.

    My smile faded and then my heart constricted because of the thought of me dying. ¡°Everyone is going to die. You,¡± I pointed at him and then to me, ¡°Me. Everyone.¡±

    ¡°I know. But I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯ll grow old and enjoy this life.¡±

    I stared at him. My cheeks flushed for what he said. We just met yesterday and here he was actually promising me that he would help me to have a life. I didn¡¯t expect such concern from someone you just met.

    ¡°I am enjoying my second life, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. You¡¯ll enjoy it more because of me.¡±

    Suddenly the gloomy mood disappeared. Rupert immediately pulled my body closer to him until I was on top of him, lying tly on my stomach. He kissed me on my lips as some strands of my hair fell to his face. I grabbed his cheeks and responded to the kiss. His hands were on my waist. Our kiss deepened and we¡¯re both gasping for air when it was over.

    ¡°Stay for the night?¡±

    I rolled my eyes. I already extended my stay for a day but I could not stay for another night. ¡°I can¡¯t. I have a quiz tomorrow in my major.¡±

    He was so upset that I immediatelyughed. I pinched the bridge of his nose before starting tob his disheveled curly hair.

    ¡°What year are you in?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Second year. BA Philosophy.¡±

    He nodded before starting to tease my neck. He kissed, licked and nipped it.

    ¡°Rupert! I already have too many marks there!¡±

    ¡°You smell good.¡±

    I tried to get off of him because I could feel his bulge starting to grow again. But he did not let me go until my back wasying tly on the bed while he was on top of me.

    He grinned at me before he pushed his groin on the sensitive flesh in between my legs.

    ¡°Rupert!¡± I groaned. ¡°I¡¯m still sore!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m just rubbing it,¡± he defended and I looked at him appalled. Heughed before he finally got off of me. Hey beside me and wrapped his arms around my waist. He even ced his leg to cage my legs which made meugh. ¡°Are you really going to forget me?¡±

    I was stunned by his sudden question. I know I had to answer him; I need to be honest. ¡°Y-Yes.¡±

    Silence.

    ¡°But you said, my piercing will help you remember me.¡±

    I smiled then bent down and kissed him on the lips. I sucked his piercing and he groaned. ¡°Yes. Thanks to this shiny metal, I would know it was you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yup. But please change your perfume. It¡¯s not for my taste.¡±

    Heughed before nodding. ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am!¡±

    I gasped when his hand caressed my exposed thigh. ¡°Should I bring you home?¡±

    ¡°No need. I can go home on my own.¡±

    ¡°I insist.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°I insist, too.¡±

    He just sighed. ¡°Please be there on Friday.¡±

    I shrugged my shoulders. ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡± Then I winked at him.

    ¡°Such a tease.¡±

    ¡°Am I?¡±

 Chapter 13 Campus Life

    It was Tuesday and I was still not fit to really attend my sses today. However, I had a quiz with one of my majors then a debate on one of my Philo subjects. The middle of my thighs was still a bit sore and almost my whole neck had been covered with concealer to hide the red marks. It actually took me almost a lifetime to cover those marks!

    It would have been easy to cover up these marks if I wore a turtleneck shirt but the weather was too hot for such attire. In the end, I settled on a simple shirt and fitted jeans with a thickyer of concealer. My hair was in a high ponytail because it was hot today. I was a bit grumpy but it¡¯s not really my personality. So, yeah. I needed to put on a smile and be my usual jolly and direct bitch that I was.

    Before going to my first ss, where a quiz is waiting for me, I first went to the small coffee shop of the university to get coffee. I didn¡¯t want to take my quiz for breakfast today. At least, a coffee could wipe out my grumpiness. I still have one and a half hours to spare.

    I entered the shop and the smell of freshly-brewed coffee instantly stimted my dear serotonin. My mood was a bit lifted. The song that was ying was also fun; it was one of my favorite songs by Michael Bubl¨¦, L-O-V-E. Lastly, what I liked the most every morning in a coffee shop were the empty seats and lesser crowd. I mean, staying here was very serene during these hours.

    ¡°Good morning, Madam Katie,¡± I greeted the cashier on duty with a bit of yfulness in my voice. I liked to call her ¡®madam¡¯ instead of ¡®ate¡¯ or ¡®tita¡¯. She¡¯s in her fifties but I guess she looked younger because of her stylish blue bob-cut hair and some tattoos on her arms. The tag on her uniform was my only way to be sure that she¡¯s Katie. ¡°The usual.¡± Then I immediately handed her my payment.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you yesterday, Meredith. Don¡¯t you have a meeting at your debate org every Monday?¡±

    My smile formed awkwardly before I answered her. ¡°Ah¡­ I had to do something yesterday. It¡¯s urgent.¡± Yeah right. Urgent my ass. I couldn¡¯t believe I would tell ame lie like this because of my fuck buddy- Argh. Was that the right way I should call my rtionship with Rupert the bad rockstar? Fuck buddy? Friends with benefits?

    ¡°Are you okay, Meredith? You seem out of your usual self today. Did something happen?¡±

    I immediately shook my head beforeughing. Why am I thinking about him again? We¡¯re not even friends yet. It¡¯s safer to say we¡¯re just acquainted with each other because of sex. Yeah. Sex. Nothing serious. Nothing to really fuss about.

    ¡°Did my org mates conduct the meeting here yesterday?¡± I asked her while waiting for my coffee.

    ¡°Yes. I did hear yesterday that they were talking about a tournament.¡± Katie leaned on the counter. ¡°Will the debate team participate in the uing regional debatepetition this year? Are you one of the participants?¡±

    Alpha Battuere was the official debate organization and team of the university. My confidence and my tactless manner of speaking to other people was put in good use in debating ever since I was in high school. When I was in college, I joined Alpha Battuere because debating and exchanging meaningful arguments was really in my heart.

    ¡°Yup. There¡¯s a regional debatepetition lined up next month. So far, we haven¡¯t had the official list of members to join. But the seniors have agreed-¡±

    ¡°Seniors? Are you already in your senior year?¡±

    I was stunned by Katie¡¯s question. A bitter smile drew on my lips. If I didn¡¯t stop because of my cancer, I would be in my senior year now and probably graduating this semester.

    I shook my head at Katie before expelling a deep sigh. ¡°This is technically just my second year in the team. I had to leave them two years ago, so, I¡¯m not one of the seniors yet even though they¡¯re just my age,¡± I tried to sound nonchnt but deep inside, I have so many regrets for the past two years.

    One of those regrets was my supposed-to-be first national debatepetition, two years ago. I was a sophomore at that time, and my seniors saw me as a natural talent in debating, so they asked me to be included on the official roster of the debate team who would bepeting. We won during the regionals and made it to enter the national level. I was so happy.

    ¡°Oh yes. I remember now.¡± Katie sighed. ¡°It¡¯s still a pity that you were not able to join the nationals back then, Meredith. Maybe if you were the one who joined thepetition, the university might have taken home the nationals for the first time,¡± Katie said before she gave me my coffee. ¡°But I¡¯m d you went back to school even though you were a littlete. You made me admire you more, Meredith.¡±

    I shrugged my shoulders with the pang of pain in my heart. That would be my greatest what if in my debate career. ¡°You really trust me, Madam Katie,¡± I joked before taking a sip of my coffee. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll try out this year. Who knows? I might be selected again to join the roster andpete.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really good that there is an audition. You have a talent in that field so I¡¯m very confident in your ability.¡±

    Katie Lizardo is one of my mother¡¯s bestest friends and my dear godmother. But she¡¯s too chill and she didn¡¯t want me to treat her older than me. She preferred a friendly rtionship between us. So, that¡¯s what I was doing.

    ¡°Do you think I can make it to the audition and be part of the debate roster? Do you think I canpete again?¡± Suddenly, doubts caved in.

    ¡°You were born to do it, Meredith. Your mother is one of the bestwyers I met. She definitely passed her talent in debating to you. Just trust yourself.¡±

    I immediately smiled. There¡¯s no greater motivation than following my mother¡¯s footsteps. I would also be a champion in debate as well as be one of the most dignified and respected human rightswyers like my mother.

    ¡°Thank you for the coffee, Madam Katie. As usual, I enjoyed talking to you. I¡¯ll stay a little bit longer to enjoy this.¡± Then I sipped my coffee again.

    I was about to turn around when Katie suddenly grabbed my arm. I flinched a little before looking at her confused.

    ¡°What happened to your lips?¡±

    My eyes widened at her question and I immediately covered my mouth. I thought my swollen lips were not noticeable because of the ample amount of lipstick that I put on. But I guess I was wrong.

    My God, this is embarrassing.

    ¡°Ahh ¡­ B-Because¡­ What exactly¡­¡±

    Katie suddenlyughed then let go of my arm. She shook her head before starting tapping on the monitor in front of her. ¡°Just take contraceptives when you do it, Meredith. You still have a long way to go to be a full-fledgedwyer.¡±

    My cheeks were flustered with what Katie said. I forced myself to smile before saying goodbye to her. I went straight to the far end of the cafe, on the right, where I often sit whenever I was here. I still have a lot of time to spare, so I¡¯ll finish my coffee first.

    I was near my usual spot when I saw a very familiar figure sitting on one of the two chairs. She had her back on me. I smiled immediately when I noticed the barber¡¯s cut hair. She was wearing a checkered polo and simple jogger pants. That style never looked so pleasing if Bailey wasn¡¯t the one who was wearing it.

    My hunch that it was Bailey was confirmed when I saw her tattoo on her neck. Plus, I could smell her super addicting scent. I immediately approached her. I wrapped my arms around his neck from behind.

    ¡°Bailey!¡±

    ¡°Stop it! Hey, Edith!¡±

    I burst outughing as she removed my hug around her neck. I almost threw away the coffee I was holding when she pulled my arm and then flicked my forehead.

    ¡°You¡¯re really cute!¡± I teased her. The fact that she called me ¡®Edith¡¯ means she¡¯s not ¡®seriously¡¯ angry with me.

    ¡°Why do you always have to shout every morning?!¡±

    I sat on the chair opposite her then ced the cup I was holding on the table. Immediately, my eyes widened when I saw the two tuna sandwiches she ordered. She did nothing when I took one.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t show up to me yesterday and now you are taking one of my sandwiches?¡± Bailey snorted. She did not even try to hide the sarcasm in her voice.

    I immediately choked on what I was eating. ¡°Bailey, you¡¯re scary,¡± I joked but I was actually preparing my ear for her sermon.

    ¡°You should really be scared. You know your father told me to take care of you,¡± she shook her head before eating the rest of her sandwich, ¡°So, what happened to you? Ist saw you in that bar and then what? Is that why I can¡¯t call you yesterday because you¡¯re still with whoever guy you picked in that bar?¡±

    I shyly nodded at her. What¡¯s the point of lying. She definitely knew about my n of losing my virginity that night. ¡°Kind of?¡±

    Bailey heaved a deep sigh before she took my coffee and drank in it. I could feel the tension from her. She was even tapping her forefinger on the table before she turned her attention to me. ¡°Tell me everything, Meredith Kaye. Or else I will tell it to Uncle Arnel,¡± she threatened me, pertaining to my dad.

    I gasped, looking at her blurred face with wide eyes. So, she¡¯s really going to involve my father here. She¡¯s really scary.

    ¡°What? Aren¡¯t you gonna talk, Edith?¡±

    I took a deep breath before touching both my cheeks in embarrassment. I mean, should I really tell her- every detail? Everything that Rupert did to me?

    ¡°Are you sure you want to know?¡± I could feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment. My heart was also beating very fast. ¡°Every detail? You really want to know everything? I mean, you might be scandalized by what he did-¡±

    I heard Bailey gasping before she coughed. I immediately gave her my coffee and she took it. After drinking half of my coffee, she mmed her hands on the table. ¡°Jesus, Edith! Gross. Of course I don¡¯t care about what your man did to you inside the bedroom. Tell me what happened to you after that night, less the gross thing you did with the guy.¡±

    I breathed a sigh of relief. My God. I thought she really wanted to know all the details Rupert and I did.

    I nodded at her before leaning back in my seat. I folded my arms over my chest before I looked out the window at our side. The sun rays pierced through the ss windows, giving the coffee shop a lighter ambiance.

    ¡°I met a rockstar.¡± I immediately smiled at the beginning of my story. ¡°He¡¯s a bad rockstar.¡±

    I could feel Bailey¡¯s intense stare at me. She didn¡¯t say a thing but I knew she¡¯s listening. As always.

    With her, I couldfortably express everything that was in my mind.

    ¡°He asked me if I really want to live, not just survive. Of course. Probably, that was the reason why I went with him and chose him to devirginize me that night.¡± I chuckled before I reached for my coffee cup. I took a sip before I returned my gaze to Bailey.

    I looked at her directly as if I was making eye contact with her; when in fact, because of distance, her face was a bit blurry. I liked doing this with people I talked to them, looking straight to their faces, even though I could not really see them clearly. In this way, I feel and act normal.

    ¡°He made me feel like someone can depend on me too. He made me realize that I am not that weak; and I can also offer my shoulder to let other people cry.¡±

    Yes. That¡¯s probably what I was most thankful of Rupert. Well, all my life, I felt like I was the weak one. I was so useless and my life was as slow as the turtle. Most of the time, I felt like my life was dyed and I was getting left behind because I was weak.

    But Rupert showed me that no one was really stronger; because everyone has weaknesses. He made me realize that the people I thought were strong, were actually brave.

    ¡°You¡¯re not weak, Edith,¡± Bailey said, making me immediately smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m not weak, Bailey,¡± I sighed before looking at my coffee. It was half-empty now, ¡°but I am a coward.¡±

    I was stunned when Bailey snapped her fingers in front of me. She held my right hand on top of the table and she intertwined our fingers. I stared at our sped hands. I smiled. Ever since, Bailey was always there for me, cheering me up and supporting what I wanted to do.

    ¡°It¡¯s not toote to be brave, Meredith. Your cup is still half-full.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    I looked up at her. I blinked a few times when Bailey¡¯s face leaned closer, across the table between us. Her face was closer now. I could see her eyes and her smile.

    ¡°Half-full?¡± I looked at my coffee. It was not just half-empty¡­ it was also half-full.

    ¡°Yup. Still half-full. So, you can do anything you want and I promise to support you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Bailey. I love you.¡±

    I saw how her eyes widened. Her cheeks reddened and her mouth hung half-opened. I just smiled at her before I cupped both of her cheeks. ¡°I love you, Bailey. I don¡¯t know what would have happened to me if you hadn¡¯t been my best friend.¡±

    ¡°Best friend?¡± She chuckled, nodding her head. ¡°Ah¡­ Yeah¡­ Y-You love me as your bestfriend.¡±

    He immediately pulled away from me and returned to her seat. She was heaving deep sighs and her right hand touched her chest.

    I was nervous. ¡°Asthma?¡±

    ¡°Nope. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m just waking myself up to reality,¡± she said, shaking her head before sipping the rest of my coffee.

    Confused, I looked at her. What she said was a bit far from what we¡¯re talking about.

    After a while, Bailey seemed to havee to her senses because her fatherly look had returned to me.

    ¡°What is the bad Rockstar¡¯s name?¡±

    Iughed at Bailey¡¯s term. ¡°I will be meeting him again this Friday,¡± I said excitedly with a strange tickle in my stomach. That Rupert-guy really got this sensual effect on my body. ¡°After that, I will be telling you his name.¡±

    I heard Bailey snorted and I chuckled.

    ¡°Are you sure that man isn¡¯t infected of any STDs?¡±

    ¡°He said he¡¯s not.¡±

    ¡°And you believed him right away?¡±

    I bit my bottom lip and immediately winced because of how swollen my lips were. ¡°Because¡­ It was so heavenly, Bailey. He brough me to heaven.¡± I grinned at my bestfriend who immediately stood up from her seat. She even mmed both hands on the table which earned attention from a few people in the coffee shop.

    ¡°You¡¯re going crazy,¡± she said before sitting down again. ¡°Don¡¯t see him again. Unsafe sex can put you at risk. You should be conscious and cautious, Edith.¡±

    I understand Bailey. I don¡¯t hate her for being this protective of me. I mean, what she¡¯s saying is true. But I also think Rupert is really clean.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been cautious and conscious of my health ever since I was diagnosed with cancer, Bailey. Don¡¯t worry, that rockstar is trustworthy.¡±

    I¡¯m not sure how I could have trusted Rupert so quickly even though I had only known him for a short time. But I guess, there were just people whom you would meet and you guys would immediately click.

    ¡°You¡¯re still not dered inplete remission. You still need to be careful. You know the nature of cancer. It¡¯s a traitor.¡±

    I leaned back in my seat before smiling broadly. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing my best to stay healthy. But there¡¯s still a possibility for the cancer toe back no matter how healthy I am, right?¡±

    Bailey and I both fell silent because of what I said. That is the truth. Cancer is unpredictable. Every day I live in fear that the next day when I wake up, I will have cancer again. And that kind of life is exhausting.

    I just want to live.

    ¡°Just please don¡¯t forget your check-ups,¡± Bailey said which I answered with a nod. ¡°I have thest question, Edith.¡±

    I waited for her question. Even though I can¡¯t see the expression on her face, I can feel the sudden awkwardness.

    ¡°Was he gentle? Did you¡­ D-Did you enjoy your first time?¡±

    Immediately, my cheeks warmed up. I gulped as the heated memories with the bad Rockstar quickly came back.

    ¡°Uhmn ¡­ Y-Yes ¡­ He made sure I will be okay.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    Awkward.

    Unable to cope with Bailey¡¯s question, I looked out the window. Why did she have to ask me that?

    ¡°Bailey? Bailey!¡±

    The awkward silence was broken by the man who called Bailey. There were two men approaching our ce. Bailey turned to them and waved. ¡°Calvin!¡±

    I can¡¯t see their faces but the one who called Bailey was wearing jogger pants and a simple shirt. He even carried a basketball and a backpack. The other guy was wearing jeans pants and a ck shirt.

    I can¡¯t help but think of Rupert. He wears the same clothes.

    ¡°That¡¯s coffee,¡± Calvin said. ¡°Who¡¯s with you? Your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Stupid. That¡¯s my best friend,¡± Bailey replied before tapping me.

    I looked up at them and forced a smile. I mean, I couldn¡¯t see their faces so there¡¯s no need to really look. However, I don¡¯t want to be rude so I still have to look at them.

    ¡°Hi! I¡¯m Calvin.¡± Then he pped the arm of the guy he was with who was currently busy with his cellphone. ¡°This is Rupert.¡±

    I was stunned by the man¡¯s name. When he looked up at me, my mouth fell open because I saw something shiny on his face that was hit by the sunlight.

    Rupert the bad Rockstar?

    ¡°Meredith?¡± There was his husky and low speaking voice which instantly made my heart race in anticipation.

    ¡°R-Rupert?¡±

    ¡°You know each other?¡± Calvin asked aghast.

    ¡°Is he the Rockstar we were talking about earlier?¡± Bailey asked, to which I just answered with a nod.

    My gosh. I could not believe that Rupert and I were in the same university?

 Chapter 14 Debate

    After seeing Rupert at the cafe, we agreed to meet at the cafeteriater. I went straight to my majors after talking with him for a while. Then, this is it, my brain is all over the ce because of the quiz I just finished.

    Not in the best mood, I went straight to my next ss. My reasoning is low because of my quiz on the previous subject, so I¡¯m not sure if I can hold the mock-up debate in the next ss. I mean, why do those two subjects have to be in a row.

    My next ss is Ethics; it is a GE or general elective which means all undergrad programs had to take it as part of their curriculum. In fact, I don¡¯t have to show off my grade here because it¡¯s just GE. The case is, I don¡¯t have that habit. I always give my best shot on whatever I do. Because if not, I should stop dreaming of bing awyer.

    I grew up persistent and hardworking. And these characteristics of mine doubled after surviving cancer. I mean, I have no intention of ruining my second life.

    I shrugged as I entered the room. I immediately shook my head in disapproval when I saw the arm chairs were already split in two groups. Well,st meeting, our professor divided the ss into two groups; the affirmative and negative side. The ssroom was noisy too because of the exchanges of arguments between everyone, practicing how they were going to speak during the actual debate.

    I guess I was the only one who was not expecting this activity. I literally came unprepared today.

    ¡°Meredith! Saved you a seat!

    Immediately, my gaze turned to the one who called me. My smile automatically spread on my lips, getting rid of my bad mood from the quiz I recently took.

    I approached Cherry ¨C I knew she was the one who called me because of the curly ends of her hair and the familiar voice that was quite deep and had a Batangue?o tone.

    I immediately sat down in the vacant seat next to her. Cherry was a fourth year student now. I was with her in freshman and sophomore year before I stopped due to my cancer. She¡¯s also a BA Philo student and also part of Alpha Battuere.

    Cherry excitedly nudged the girl sitting on her other side. ¡°Debate genius is here,¡± she said before pointing at me.

    ¡°Me?¡± I asked Cherry when the one sitting on her other side turned her attention to me. I noticed the Hello Kitty bag of the woman and that was when I recognized her. It¡¯s ire. ¡°Why me?¡±

    ire handed me a folder. ¡°Cherry told us earlier that you were the champion of many debatepetitions during high school.¡±

    I gave Cherry a re and she just gave me a peace-sign. ¡°Cherry,¡± I hissed, waving the folder that ire gave me. ¡°What exactly am I supposed to do?¡±

    ¡°Well, the arguments for the affirmative side are alreadypiled. Just read it.¡± ire smiled at me, encouragingly. Then she stood up and got the attention of everyone on the affirmative side. She was the assigned leader of our team to consolidate everyone¡¯s participation in this activity. As far as I know, ire is a BS Architecture student.

    Well, the total ss capacity of our ss is just twenty students. So, there are only exactly ten students in each camp.

    ¡°Hi to all of you! Thank you for all the arguments you researched for this debate. I havepiled and summarized all the files I received in my email and that¡¯s what the folders contain. But not necessarily that speakers can no longer add in thatption. If they have more to add, feel free to say it and exin to the team. Okay?¡±

    Like what ire said, we were all tasked to research a pro-argument and we sent it to her via email. Since it was announcedst week, the preparation has also been long. I looked at the folder I was holding and then nudged Cherry¡¯s side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, I¡¯m one of the speakers?¡± I asked her.

    ¡°We¡¯re part of the debate team, Meredith. Of course, they¡¯ll automatically consider us,¡± she replied to me like it was the most obvious thing.

    I sighed before I ced my forehead on my desk. I was tired ¨C physically, mentally and logically. Then I didn¡¯t really read and studied the arguments that I sent to irest weekend because I was busy with other things. ¡®Then my quiz earlier consumed my brain.

    Argh! I¡¯m so doomed!

    ¡°As Sir said in thest meeting, there will be no formaly-out for our debate. He just instructed us to form a group of five people to be the speakers of our side,¡± ire exined before I heard her p. ¡°Luckily, we have two members here of Alpha Battuere. So, of course we will include them in the five speakers.¡±

    Immediately, my head lifted from my desk when Cherry tapped my shoulder. I forced myself to smile and made it look like everything is alright. But really, I am nervous as hell. Aside from almost three years of having no debate experience, I haven¡¯t really pondered the topic too much.

    Well, the topic is the ethics of euthanasia. Is it morally right for the medical field to prescribe ¡®death¡¯ to patients ¡­ Scratch that. To ¡®terminally-ill¡¯ patients.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry guys, Meredith and I will do our best,¡± Cherry, with an inborn confidence, said before putting her arms around me.

    My teammates apuded and I could do nothing but ept my fate.

    ¡°¡®Don¡¯t be nervous. Euthanasia is amon topic in debate, Meredith. It¡¯s easy to counter negative arguments,¡± Cherry told me before winking at me.

    I just sighed deeply.

    ¡°I will be the opening remark of our side and Yuri will be the closing remark. Then Gelo will be the one to present our argument along with Cherry and Meredith,¡± ire continued before the other two stood up with the three of us. It¡¯s a girl- Yuri; and a tall guy- Gelo.

    ¡°So, we¡¯re all set?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Our group responded ¡®yes¡¯ in unison. I ran my hand through my hair before silently cheering for my fate. We¡¯ll just get through it.

    After reaching an agreement, ire and I sat down. Yuri sat next to ire and then Gelo sat in the vacant seat next to me. I was shocked when I immediately smelled Gelo¡¯s scent when he stood beside me. I like his perfume.

    ¡°Just read the contents of the folder. Everything is there,¡± ire reminded us.

    So, that¡¯s what we did. We read the summarized arguments of our side- especially me.

    While reading the folder, the ss suddenly fell silent. The next thing I heard was my prof¡¯s voice. He greeted us and then he proceeded on exining the activity.

    ¡°This is a mock debate so there¡¯s no specific pattern of debating. As long as the speakers will not end up throwing harsh and offensive remarks, we will just enjoy the exchange of the heated arguments. I gave you enough time to prepare for this. I have high expectations.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sir!¡±

    I want to tweak myself. Why did I even think of flirting when I have tons of requirements to finish? Meredith Kaye, you really suck in making decisions.

    ¡°Do you think this data is enough?¡±

    I stopped preaching to myself when Gelo spoke. I turned to him and was stunned when he looked at me as well.

    ¡°Why?¡± I asked confused before looking at the folder I was holding.

    He was stunned before I heard his faintugh. ¡°Wait. Did you approve these arguments? I mean, did I expect too much from you? This is not like you, almost four or five years ago?¡±

    I blinked several times because of what he said. Why is he talking to me like we know each other?

    ¡°Do you know me?¡± Then I brought my face closer to his. He was shocked by what I did but I didn¡¯t care.

    I can¡¯t see his face in this distance. I need to get a little bit closer.

    ¡°W-Wait ¡­¡± He leaned farther from me.

    I came even closer. I could smell his perfume better- it smells like a mixture of mint and vani. But I stared at the side of his hand resting on the table. That familiar crescent moon and a star tattoo in the middle of his thumb and forefinger. I think I already saw that.

    ¡°Where did we meet?¡±

    He pushed me back into my seat then gasped. For sure, he thinks I¡¯m weird- but what can I do? I have prosopagnosia.

    ¡°In a debatepetition during junior high school. I was the second ce and you were the champion.¡±

    I was stunned. I don¡¯t remember him at all but ¡­ ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s the only ce we met?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s where we first met,¡± he says before giving me a shrug.

    I am about to ask further questions when he lifts the folder up, ¡°Read all the arguments in this folder and then start searching for additional arguments. These are a bit too safe and outdated. We will not win.¡± Then he finally focused his attention on what he was reading, shutting me down.

    I smirked. How dare he remind me that we met before only to shut me down. He is weird.

    I just focused my attention on the folder I was holding and continued reading while our professor was still exining some concepts about ethics of euthanasia.

    I winced after reading the contents of the folder. This Gelo-guy is right. They¡¯re all outdated. These are all data you can search in the inte just by typing ¡®pros of euthanasia¡¯. This is not sufficient to win a debate.

    ¡°Cherry, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re just going to use the old arguments to defend our side?¡±

    ¡°Why not? This is not apetition. There is no winner or loser. We just need to show to the professor that we exerted some effort for this debate, then, he will give us a reasonable grade,¡± she said before leaning her head on my shoulder. ¡°Again, this is just a mock debate to prepare us for our uing final project as a ss which is the real debate, Meredith. That¡¯s the real deal. Whoever wins there, they will get a higher grade. That¡¯s what should be taken seriously. . ¡±

    I snorted with what she said. ¡°You¡¯re really a senior now,¡± I replied to her before shaking my head. She just chuckled.

    Well, it was an inside joke in our university. As time goes on in college, efforts be less and less. It¡¯s like when you¡¯re in your fourth year, you exert less effort because you¡¯re no longer afraid of your professors. You get used to it, they say.

    ¡°Now, may I request that the five speakers for each camp stand up. The debate about the ethics of euthanasia will start,¡± our professor said after enlightening us on the concept of euthanasia and some legal arguments about its legalization.

    Just like what our professor said, all the speakers stood up as the representative of each side. Since we are the affirmative side, we sat on the lined up five seats on the right side of the room. We were seated in the order of the speaker. ire was first one and then Cherry, me and Gelo. Yuri was sitting at thest seat since she was assigned for the closing remark. The other side did the same arrangement of their speakers.

    ¡°Is it morally eptable for medical providers to prescribe euthanasia to a ¡®terminally-ill¡¯ patient?¡± Our professor looked at ire and then nodded to start our opening remark for the affirmative side.

    ¡°Euthanasia ends the torture of a person gravely suffering in physical pain. It¡¯s a way to help those who want to die in peace; those who are tired of carrying the feeling of hopelessness; and those who are financially struggling due to hospital bills¡­ ¡±

    I listened to what ire had to say and listed all the arguments sheid out for our side. End the torture¡­ Duty¡­ Not a form of murder¡­ Not a suicide¡­ Respect life ¡­ Dignity to die¡­

    ¡°I think we¡¯re gonna win this,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but say that which caused Cherry and Gelo to turn their gazes at me.

    ¡°I told you, we have this,¡± Cherry agreed.

    ¡°Fine. I saw your point. We¡¯re not going to use facts and data. Instead, we¡¯re going to stick with emotional appeal. We will use the ¡®value of life¡¯ to turn the table for our side,¡± Gelo said with a sigh.

    ¡°Why do you have to exin it yet?¡± I teased him before moving my face closer to him.

    He was stunned again and I saw the masculinity of his eyes. His eyebrows almost met before he pushed my forehead away with his index finger.

    ¡°Stop leaning that close to my face,¡± he hissed and I chuckled.

    ¡°I saw it. You¡¯re blushing, Gelo-boy.¡±

    ¡°Fuck that Gelo-boy!¡±

    We only stopped getting in each other¡¯s nerves when it was Cherry¡¯s chance to speak her pro-argument about Euthanasia. Then, it¡¯s my turn and Gelo¡¯s turn. After presenting and exining our side, the negating side did the same.

    I listened to their counter-arguments- jotting down some notes. I couldn¡¯t help but smirk because their arguments were as meaningless as ours. It¡¯s very easy to really have this debate on our side.

    After the im, warrant and presentation of the data to support the warrant of each side, there goes my favorite part, the crucial ¡®sh battle¡¯. In this part, more exchanging valid points would happen and then, literally making these valid points to be invalid in order to win. sh battles usually dictate the game; specially if the structure of im was not really supported by the warrant and data presented.

    Whoever is better at opposing the argument, that¡¯s the real debate winner.

    ¡°Ready, Meredith?¡± Cherry asked before leaning over to show me her smile.

    Iughed before nodding, ¡°I was suddenly excited, Che. I suddenly had a way to finish this mock debate, beautifully.¡± Then, I handed her the paper on which I had ced my predicted questions to be thrown by the other side.

    ¡°You maniptive bitch. You¡¯re really an empath, aren¡¯t you?¡± Cherry teased me before she handed the paper to Gelo after reading what I put there.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll answer when they argue about the inherent value of life. Tell the Dignity Act,¡± I told him.

    ¡°Okay?¡±

    Iughed at his answer before messing up his hair. I felt his body stiffened again and then he lowered his head as if hiding his face. Like a kid.

    ¡°We¡¯re fine, Gelo-boy.¡±

    ¡°O-Okay.¡±

    Like expected ¡­ The negating team threw the concept of inherent value of life to question the morality of euthanasia.

    Gelo stood up to counter it. ¡°Disrespecting the inherent value of life?¡± He chuckled before he actually stride towards the opposing team. He was so calm yet you could feel his dominating aura. He impressed me with that part. He¡¯s a debater. ¡°Let me ask you the real meaning of that inherent value of life you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s to value the life of a person by providing the person the right to live,¡± the other team replied.

    ¡°Right to live? In what way should a person live?¡± Gelo said before he made his way to the center and looked at everyone. Emotional appeal¡­ Good job. ¡°In what way should I live? Of course I would like to live in peace, in happiness, and infort. Every person would want such a way, am I right? However, for terminally-ill people,¡± he quoted the word ¡®terminally-ill¡¯ in the air using his fingers, ¡°is he or she living that way? Comfort? Happiness? Peace? No way. A sick person with no avable treatment is living in grief, pain, and hopelessness. Is this the way he should enjoy his life? Is this the right you¡¯re referring to? Is this the way to really value a human¡¯s life? ¡±

    Gelo made his way back to his seat. Then, he dramatically ran his hand through his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I can call this torture. Extending a hopeless life with so much pain and suffering is torture and not the right to live. Why don¡¯t we let someone die with dignity? Why don¡¯t we end their suffering if they¡¯re asking for it? Pain tolerance¡­¡±

    I was stunned by what Gelo said. Pain tolerance¡­ My mother¡¯s face suddenly came back to my memory; her tears were generously streaming down her face when she said she did not want to fight anymore.

    ¡°¡­ every human being has a specific pain to tolerate.¡± With that, Gelo sat again.

    I looked at him. A small smile spread on my lips. I guess what he said was better than the Dignity Act. ¡°Good job, Gelo-boy.¡± I reached for his head and then tapped it.

    He was stunned but then he just took my hand away and saluted. ¡°Stick to emotional appeal.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think ¡®terminally-ill¡¯ people aren¡¯t in their right minds to decide? Euthanasia can be considered as suicide too- a grave mortal sin,¡± the negating team countered.

    Cherry stood up. The confidence in her was radiating- it¡¯s a bit intimidating. ¡°Suicide? Oh, euthanasia is also called ¡®assisted-suicide¡¯- so I guess, it is another form of suicide. However, the mortal sin you¡¯re talking about, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s simr to euthanasia. Come to think of it, that mortal sin is done by ¡®you¡¯ to ¡®yourself¡¯ while euthanasia is done by a ¡®professional¡¯ to ¡®you¡¯. ¡± Cherry¡¯s voice i\was full of conviction. She was really the irondy of the debate room. ¡°The consent that a patient gives to his/her doctor should not be disregarded or questioned using the arguments of depression or any psychological conditions. Being terminally-ill is a dead-end. Of course, the patient will feel depressed about it but I don¡¯t think their rationale to think what¡¯s best for them is gone.¡±

    Cherry raised her hand and then looked at everyone. ¡°I am diagnosed with depression. But I am here speaking to you, debating to be specific, with the right logic. Not because I am depressed, I don¡¯t know what I am doing now. Lastly, the idea of ??suicide is aplete trash. But you can¡¯t deny that this world is trash as well. So, yeah. People with a terminal condition is moral to ask for euthanasia.¡± Cherry sat and I immediately held her hand. It was shaking. But I admired her confidence and her courage. ¡°Unless you walk someone¡¯s shoes, you don¡¯t have the right to question his or her decision on what to do with his or her life,¡± Cherry ended her speech and everyone was silenced.

    It took a couple of minutes before the opposing team threw the final counter-argument. ¡°Euthanasia is not legally and morally eptable because it¡¯s murder. A medical practitioner¡¯s duty is to save lives, not to end it.¡±

    I heaved a deep sigh before I stood up. I didn¡¯t look at the opposing team, instead I faced everyone who was watching carefully the heated exchange of arguments.

    ¡°Euthanasia is not a murder,¡± I began before smiling. ¡°The premise of a murder is when a person harms another person with the intent of killing that person. Murders are done without the consent of the victim.¡±

    I heard gasps and a silent agreement with what I said. My smile widened. This is it, we win this.

    ¡°But in euthanasia, we don¡¯t have a person to call a ¡®victim¡¯ instead we have a ¡®patient¡¯ suffering in grief and pain. In euthanasia, the patient gives the consent to end his/her life to the doctor . And the doctor is not killing the patient but saving the patient from continuous torture and suffering. The consent separates euthanasia frommiting murder.¡± I shrugged and then grinned at everyone. ¡°I mean, was there a murder victim who asked the murderer to kill him?¡±

    The debate ended with closing remarks after the shing exchange of arguments. Did we win? I¡¯m not sure because our prof didn¡¯t tell us.

    But for me, we won.

    And I¡¯ll admit, it¡¯s nice to feel the same adrenaline and motivation that debating only can give to me. I feel so alive and happy.

 Chapter 15 Being Alive

    ¡°To end this ss, let me put the morality of euthanasia in a context that you guys will rte to.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s attention was focused on our professor. He was standing in the middle of the room. I was faking eye contact again; sort of still looking at my prof¡¯s face even though I could not see it clearly.

    ¡°May I have Miss Santiago?¡±

    Me? My professor turned to me. I hesitated to stand up. All eyes turned to me.

    ¡°Can you tell us what is your dream? What do you want to be?¡±

    ¡°Lawyer,¡± I was quick to answer.

    My professor nodded. I felt Cherry pat my hand because of my answer. Of course, she would definitely rte to me. We both wanted to bewyers. She was just a little ahead of me, now.

    ¡°Do you think you can do it? Are you sure you¡¯re qualified to be awyer in the future?¡±

    Am I qualified to be awyer in the near future? That¡¯s a hard question. But I am certain about being awyer and I don¡¯t have any ns on backing out.

    ¡°Yes. I will be the bestwyer.¡±

    ¡°When you were a child, what did you dream of bing, Miss Santiago?¡±

    I was stunned before scratching my head. ¡°I used to dream of being a doctor.¡±

    ¡°And why did it change? Whywyer now? Why did you kill the dream of being a doctor?¡±

    ¡°Because I change. I realized I¡¯m not fit to be a doctor, Sir.¡±

    After my answer, my professor made me sit down again. Then, he went to his desk and started arranging his stuff. ¡°Having a dream is picking between continuing or restarting. It¡¯s a matter of questioning yourself, should I survive this and continue or should I end this and let go?¡± He looked at us then slung the bag over his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s the same way as euthanasia. It¡¯s a matter of choosing ¡®saving¡¯ in the form of death or ¡®saving¡¯ in the form of suffering. Either way, it¡¯s a form of ¡®saving¡±. Is it moral? Maybe yes, maybe not. The morality of euthanasia depends on how a person will view its purpose. Remember, morality lies in a person¡¯s beliefs, values, and virtues.¡±

    With that, our professor called it a day and bid us goodbye.

    ¡°Sir Estocapio is really a hotshot.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I heard he¡¯s single too.¡±

    ¡°Gosh, when I got a chance, I will surely seduce him in his faculty!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡±

    My eyes widened at what I heard my ssmates were talking about in the back. What the heck? Are they pertaining to our Ethics professor? Are they talking about him maliciously!?

    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re so stiff,¡± Cherry whispered to me before tapping me on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll get used to the women who fantasize about our Ethics professor. Who doesn¡¯t? He¡¯s so hot.¡±

    ¡°Sir Estocapio?¡± I mean, our prof is tall, has a nice speaking voice and a pretty fit body.

    ¡°Hey you witch! Are you blind already? Sir Estocapio¡¯s charm and sex appeal are overflowing,¡± Cherry blurted out before giggling.

    I scratched my head so hard. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know that our Ethics prof was so handsome. It¡¯s not my fault that I was a face-blind.

    ¡°All right. All right. I have to go, Meredith. By the way, looking forward to being with you again in a debate room, representing our university. See you tomorrow at our org¡¯s meeting!¡± Cherry waved at me before leaving the room.

    I smiled. I guess, it¡¯s decided now. I would be applying for the roster of Alpha Battuere for thising regional debatepetition. This time, I would make it to nationals.

    I was about to leave the ssroom when someone called my name. I frowned temporarily before I recognized the caller. Gelo- Angelo Leviticus Cristobal; I saw his name on his binder earlier. I could really smell his perfume.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to share the same side of the debate room with you,¡± he said before folding his arms over his chest. ¡°You¡¯re still her, the debate genius and the girl who beat me on the thing that I am the best at.¡±

    I frowned before trying to smile. ¡°I want you to be aware that I don¡¯t remember thepetition you¡¯re referring to. But your tattoo,¡± I pointed at his hand, ¡°it¡¯s pretty familiar. I think I¡¯ve seen that before.¡±

    ¡°For sure. We¡¯ve met a few times.¡±

    ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°I was at the children¡¯s party held at the hospital where you were confined almost two years ago.¡± Then, he passed by me and walked out of the room.

    ¡°Wait!¡± I ran after him.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you recovered, Meredith Kaye,¡± he said, looking at me over his shoulder before he continued walking.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    I was stunned as my mouth fell open because of what he said. Gradually, memories came back to me about the children¡¯s party he was referring to. It was a birthday party for a two-year-old leukemia patient. The little girl¡¯s name was Ang¡­ and the guy I met there, with the same tattoos on his hand as Gelo, was her father.

    It took me a few seconds before I finally realized who Gelo was. ¡°Oh my gosh! Is he Ang¡¯s father?¡±

    I was stunned to leave the ssroom because of what I found out. I knew it. Now it finally made sense why I recognized his tattoo. I¡¯ve seen it a few times.

    If my suspicion was correct and Gelo and I were the same age, I could not help but think how old he was when he had Ang. He must be so young and then Ang got cancer. It must be so hard for him.

    I made a mental note to ask him about Ang. I was discharged earlier than the child so I was not sure if she recovered.

    My heart constricted on the idea that Ang didn¡¯t make it. From what I remember, she¡¯s really in aplicated situation.

    I sighed before continuing to walk. I was on my way to the cafeteria to meet Rupert. He said we would have lunch together and I couldn¡¯t help but be in an instant good mood because of that. I was quite excited too.

    As I make my way to the cafeteria, I pass by thew school of our university. At the entrance, there was the statue ofdy justice. Every time I pass by here, I actually stop walking and look up at this statue.

    ¡°Soon,¡± I whispered before looking up at the eight-feet statue of the woman who symbolizes fairness or thew.

    I would go tow school, graduate and be awyer. That¡¯s my n for this second life I have.

    I smiled before starting to walk again. I don¡¯t know what happened to me, but I feel a different vibe of energy. I am more motivated today¡­ after that debate¡­ the adrenaline¡­ and the happiness.

    I feel so alive.

 Chapter 16 Getting Confused

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re a student here. But I¡¯m more surprised that you¡¯re Bailey¡¯s best friend.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. How small this world we live in. I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re my schoolmate.¡±

    ¡°Bailey beat me up earlier,¡± Rupert said before showing me some bruises on his arm. ¡°She was so angry.¡± He chuckled.

    I winced, looking at his bruises. I smiled shyly at Rupert. ¡°She¡¯s kinda overprotective of me. I¡¯m sorry about that.¡±

    ¡°Nah. I deserve it. I took advantage of you that night. We did it again and again.¡± He tucked the loose strands of my hair behind my ear. ¡°And yet I could still not get enough of you.¡±

    ¡°That mouth of yours, Rupert!¡± I swatted his hand away before looking around. I even pointed the fork in my hand at him and he chuckled even more.

    We¡¯re in the cafeteria, in the far right corner of the ce. Like what we discussed this morning, we did meet for lunch together. I ordered carbonara while Rupert ordered a rice meal. Actually, he also ordered me a rice meal but seriously, I was not really hungry. In the end, he put the food inside my bag, insisting that I might be hungryter because I didn¡¯t eat a proper lunch.

    ¡°So, you¡¯reing right? On Friday?¡±

    I was stunned by his question. Am Iing? I heave a deep sigh. ¡°I said it already, didn¡¯t I? Let¡¯s just settle in the one-time-big-time thing. I thinkst night was enough, Rupert. We don¡¯t really have to extend this-¡±

    ¡°Nope. I don¡¯t agree. I want you again and again,¡± then he emptied his te before suddenly moving to the vacant seat next to me, ¡°and again,¡± he whispered in my ear before I felt his hand slipping around my waist.

    ¡°W-What are you doing?¡±

    I felt his other hand settle on top of my right thigh. He caressed it against the denim fabric of my pants as I could feel his breath on my neck. We were so close to each other.

    ¡°Not here, Rupert.¡± I hissed before I tried to push him away. I sucked a deep breath when he licked my earlobe. ¡°R-Rupert.¡±

    The cafeteria was so crowded and really, even though everyone was busy and had their own businesses, it¡¯s impossible that no one would notice how close we were and what his hand was doing under the table.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    The next thing I knew, I was biting my swollen bottom lip when his hand made its way in between my legs. I pressed my thighs together to stop his hand but eventually let go and allowed him to do what he intended to do when he started sucking my earlobe.

    ¡°R-Rupert, stop¡­¡±

    ¡°Hmnn¡­ You are starting to get wet.¡±

    ¡°P-Please. People might see us.¡± I sighed in relief when he stopped sucking my earlobe. He then put a bigger distance between the two of us. But his hand didn¡¯t stop. I felt him tracing my throbbing core under the denim fabric of my fitted jeans.

    ¡°Damn, I could feel your wetness,¡± he said while his fingers kept on rubbing and teasing my core. ¡°I want to make youe. Should I do that?¡±

    I let go of the fork I was holding and spontaneously grabbed my two hands on the edge of the table. My legs were a bit apart and my chest was moving in shallow breaths as the tension in my core was building up¡­ getting ready for a convulsing release.

    ¡°No¡­ I mean¡­ Oh gosh, I think I¡¯ming.¡±

    ¡°Hmnnn ¡­ My sweetie ising? That¡¯s good to hear.¡± I felt him face me and then he sniffed my hair as his fingers¡¯ motion doubled. ¡°Come for me, Meredith. Let me feel how much you¡¯re enjoying this.¡±

    Then I found my release as if a button in my body was pressed. I sighed in pleasure and relief. No one seems to notice what we did. Thank God.

    ¡°Rupert! You¡¯re so mean!¡± I pped his shoulder for doing such sexual thing in the middle of a public ce. ¡°Goodness! What if someone caught us?¡±

    ¡°You suppressed your moans so well, sweetie. We weren¡¯t caught because of that,¡± he said with a smile before quickly kissing my lips. ¡°By the way, you were so hot while biting your lips earlier.¡±

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    Heughed. I pped him again.

    My God. For him, he didn¡¯t do anything bad but for me, it was ridiculous. He pleasured my femininity in the middle of this crowd?!

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever do that to me again! What if someone saw what-¡±

    I was stunned by what I was going to say when he took my right hand and ced it in the middle of hisp. I felt his hardened manhood and I stared at him in awe.

    He acted so casually with it. He simply took the fork from my te, twirled the fork to get the pasta and then hovered it to my mouth, feeding me.

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± I was about to remove my hand from hisp but he was quick to held it with his free hand.

    ¡°Please me while I feed you, sweetie.¡±

    I gaped at him. ¡°My God, Rupert. Don¡¯t you know-¡±

    ¡°Fuck, Meredith. Ahh¡­ Move your hand,¡± he whispered with a low growl.

    I don¡¯t know what evil spirit came over me, but when he uttered my name, with a suppressed groan and husky voice, I seemed to be hypnotized. This is so wrong

    I swallowed the carbonara he fed me before moving my hand against his hardened member. My hand moved up and down in the middle of his thighs.

    Given our distance, I could clearly see how red the back of Rupert¡¯s ears was and how he was chasing his breath. His eyes were covered with lust and I could feel his hips slightly thrusting to meet my hand. He kept on feeding me while hissing his moans.

    ¡°Fuck. You¡¯re the only one who can make mee this fast,¡± he said before pouring me thest morsel of carbonara. He suddenly leaned on my shoulder at the same time as his legs trembled. ¡°I can¡¯t breathe. That was so hot, sweetie.¡±

    My mouth fell open when I felt his pants slightly getting damp against my trembling palm. I felt my cheeks burning before I immediately removed my hand on top of hisp.

    I heard him chuckle before he raised his head again. He kissed my temple before saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    My thighs were pressed together and I could feel the stickiness in the middle of my thighs. Damn. What we did was¡­ I couldn¡¯t find the right words to describe it.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I let you do that to me,¡± I looked at him, ¡°I can¡¯t believe I pleasured you in a public ce.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed. It was heaven, sweetie.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t help but smile when he returned to his seat which was across from me. Then, he obtained something from his small backpack. I raised an eyebrow when I saw the wipes he took out from there.

    ¡°Woah. You¡¯re not ready, are you?¡± I told him and he chuckled.

    ¡°I also have condoms here. We can do it in the bathroom or in the-¡±

    ¡°My God, Rupert! I can¡¯t stand you!¡±

    ¡°You liked me. We did it a lot of times.¡±

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    Heughed before reaching for my hand that I used to pleasure him with. I was shocked when he started wiping it with the wet wipes after cleaning his hands. I stared at what he was doing. He¡¯s cleaning my hand, too carefully- I could feel unexinable tingles from my toes.

    I know what Rupert and I had for each other is nothing but driven by libido and lust. But is it normal for me to be thrilled and feel tingly sensations with the gestures he was showing me?

    ¡°Why do you have to be this caring?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± He didn¡¯t look at me and just continued wiping my hand.

    ¡°Why do you have to be this sweet?¡± I asked again before finally taking my hand away from his hold.

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not done yet-¡±

    ¡°I can do it for myself,¡± I said before getting the pack of wipes from him..

    ¡°Did I do something¡­ wrong?¡±

    I gasped before avoiding his gaze.

    ¡°So, you really think touching me in the middle of this crowd and asking for me to give you a job is not wrong to do in a public ce?¡±

    I gasped. Yes. I am this hypocrite. I enjoyed what we did but still I hate the fact I let him do it to me. It shouldn¡¯t be like this. I shouldn¡¯t give him this much control of me, not when I mean nothing to him but some girl for him to fuck.

    ¡°I¡­ I-I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°I felt so used, Rupert.¡±

    I started arranging my belongings because of the conscience I felt. I felt dirty too and weirdly conscious. I couldn¡¯t help but to think someone might have seen what we did. It¡¯s making me paranoid.

    ¡°I need to-¡±

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    I was stunned by the woman¡¯s voice calling Rupert. A girl in a puffed-sleeved little dress reaching half of her thighs approached our table. She has long hair too and a very curvy body.

    I raised an eyebrow as soon as the woman¡¯s arm wrapped around Rupert¡¯s neck.

    ¡°She¡¯s Casiel,¡± Rupert immediately introduced the neer before he tried to remove her arms around his neck but she didn¡¯t budge. Instead, she turned Rupert¡¯s face towards her and kissed his lips.

    It was as if reality pped me so hard by what I had witnessed. I watched how Rupert willingly responded to her kiss. I felt disgusted as they started getting the attention of the other people in the cafeteria.

    My fists clenched as the woman pulled Rupert upright. I suddenly had the urge to pull her hair out.

    ¡°Rupert? Are you free today? I miss you,¡± she immediately said after their kiss.

    Rupert scratched his nape before grabbing his bag. He turned to me. ¡°I need to go, Meredith. Let¡¯s continue what we¡¯re talking about next time.¡± He had the audacity to tap my head as if I was a kid. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this is urgent.¡±

    Just like that, he dismissed me. He didn¡¯t even bother to say sorry for what he did earlier.

    I leaned back in my seat and then realized how stupid I was. This was just all about libido, but why was I getting so involved?

 Chapter 17 Live With Happiness

    Friday came and I haven¡¯t heard about Rupert. We were in the same university but we never crossed paths. Bailey didn¡¯t tell me about him either and I wouldn¡¯t ask.

    I still have dignity left. He was the one who wronged me, so I didn¡¯t have any reason to look for him. Also, I was the one who wanted the one-time-big-time thingy. If it¡¯s already done between the two of us, then, it¡¯s in my favor.

    I sighed before staring at my reflection in the mirror. ¡°Is it really okay with me?¡± I couldn¡¯t believe I wanted to see Rupert while being angry at him. ¡°Is that in my favor?¡±

    I couldn¡¯t believe I was inside a bathroom, talking to myself in front of the mirror, because of the bad Rockstar who took my virginity, asked me to spend more nights with him, but not man enough to stand up for his words.

    And was I really now asking for him to be true to his words? ¡°You¡¯re starting to get crazy, Meredith Kaye.¡± Annoyed, I hit the mirror in front of me before expelling a heavy breath.

    This bad Rockstar was really driving me crazy. I had to get my mind straight. This is not me. Inhale. Exhale. I need to remove him from my mind. I¡¯m so done.

    I ran my fingers through my long hair before while staring at myself in the mirror. Forget Rupert. Yes. I need to try to forget him.

    After fixing my hair into a high ponytail, I adjusted my puffed-sleeved sky blue dress. When I was already satisfied with my look, that¡¯s when I decided to exit the bathroom.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Hey. You¡¯re the girl,¡± I raised an eyebrow at the woman who just entered the bathroom, ¡°who was with Rupert in the cafeteria, right?¡± The brown-haired girl grinned at me. She¡¯s wearing denim shorts and a fitted shirt. Her face was covered with a full m make-up that irritates my eyes.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡±

    ¡°The girl from the cafeteria with my man,¡± she added.

    With her man?

    My mouth dropped open when I remembered thest time I saw Rupert. Was she the girl from that day? ¡°Are you his girlfriend?¡± I asked, imitating her irritating bitchy tone.

    ¡°What do you think? Rupert left you for me, right?¡±

    My cheeks flustered because of the intense annoyance I felt. My jaw clenched and my hands turned into fists. What the hell? Don¡¯t tell me Rupert was hooking with other girls while in a rtionship? Did he just make me his mistress?

    And what about his greatest love, Ava?

    ¡°Stay away from Rupert. I haven¡¯t made a scandal in the past,¡± she passed through me; she even bumped her shoulders on mine, ¡°the next time I see you with him, I¡¯ll make you regret it. Rupert is mine.¡±

    My body began to tremble because of the anger that was slowly intensifying. It¡¯s not like Rupert and I were in any kind of rtionship, but really? He had sex with me while he got a girlfriend. Fuck him.

    I would have ignored this woman because right now, I had nothing else to do but find Rupert and p him. But I snapped at the way she pertained to me.

    ¡°Stay away from him, slut.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± I was never the type of person who would create drama in a bathroom but I was the kind who didn¡¯t ept any kind of insult to be thrown at me.

    ¡°What?¡± She did not hide her mocking tone. ¡°You¡¯re just a slut and Rupert is so done with you. So, don¡¯t expect-¡±

    ¡°Do you know about sensual y?¡± I asked her, cutting whatever shit she was about to say.

    ¡°W-What?¡±

    I smiled. ¡°Rupert wants to do it with sensual y. He will tease you with a blindfold on your eyes and pump in and out of you in the absence of your eyesight.¡± I flipped my hair and finally exited the bathroom, leaving her with that confused and stunned expression. That¡¯s when I know she¡¯s not the girlfriend.

    Now, I was sure as hell. Rupert was really a bad rockstar. He ys and hooks up with every woman he meets. Aplete jerk and a total fuckboy.

    I could not believe I let myself get tangled with a walking red g like him.

    I wanted to pull all my hair out.

    ¡°Hey, Meredith!¡±

    I lost my mind and then looked at the one who called me. I immediately smiled when I saw Aunt Bernadeth, the university¡¯s school nurse and my father¡¯s first love. I was close with her and she became my mother¡¯s friend too.

    Well, sh news, exes could be great friends after both of them moved on with their lives separately; no bitter feelings or words left unsaid.

    I smiled at her as she approached me. She¡¯s wearing her uniform as the university¡¯s nurse, white top and pants. She¡¯s the same age as my dad, aroundte forties, but she¡¯s youthful with that very petite body frame. Her usual curly shoulder-length hair was put in a tight bun.

    ¡°I¡¯m so d to really see you again back this school year,¡± she said before touching both my shoulders. ¡°Everything is going well for your re-admission in this school, right?¡±

    Not really. Because of Rupert, I feel like this academic year would be about to get ruined.

    ¡°Yes. Uhmn, I think I am adjusting well enough. My grades are also good and I think I am handling my academics and never-ending requirements just right ,¡± I joked, sessfully hiding the fact that Rupert was fucking my mind even though we haven¡¯t seen each other for ages.

    Aunt Bernadeth stared at me for a moment before she touched my right arm. She leaned closer and showed me her frowning face. ¡°Don¡¯t fool me, my dear Meredith. Something is up. Your eyes are telling me.¡± Then, she winked at me, tightening her grip on my arm. ¡°I promised yourte mother to take care of you. Tell me about it?¡±

    I sighed and then nodded. What she said was true. After my mother died, she made sure to stay with me and guide me like a real mother should do. She promised that to my mother before she died. That¡¯s why she¡¯s here, considering me as her third child.

    She was also there when I fought my cancer and she knew everything about me, including about my prosopagnosia.

    Aunt Bernadeth took me to the school clinic. I immediately sat on one of the beds while she pulled out a stool and sat across from me.

    ¡°Don¡¯t judge me, auntie. I did something bad,¡± I began in a low voice. I could feel my hands fidgety as I felt her intense stare at me. This was so awkward. But I knew I need someone to talk to; someone who could give me sane advice.

    ¡°Something bad? Don¡¯t tell me you skipped a check-up?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I am regrly attending it,¡± I insisted before looking up at her.

    She inched her face closer and then tapped my fidgeting hands on myp. ¡°Good then. As long as you¡¯re taking care of yourself, I won¡¯t get angry with you.¡±

    I chuckled. This was one of the reasons why I became close to Aunt Bernadeth; she¡¯s cool and easy to be with. She always made me feel that I was free to talk to her about anything.

    ¡°This is code blue,¡± I said. Her forehead furrowed and she looked at me seriously. I heave a deep sigh. ¡°This is about a boy.¡±

    ¡°A boy?¡±

    I was thrown into the air by her shocked reaction. Was it really surprising for someone like me to talk about boys?

    ¡°Take a deep breath first, Auntie.¡± After having a deep sigh, I calmly told her the next words, ¡°I am no longer a virgin.¡±

    ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°I am not a virgin anymore. Last Sunday, someone got the v-card and had me all night.¡± I didn¡¯t know where my direct words wereing from. I was not even stuttering even though my heart was beating so hard and my mind was in a great turmoil. My cheeks were burning too. ¡°It was so great. He ended up affecting me more than I allowed him to. But I found out he was a bit polygamous.¡±

    ¡°A bit polygamous?¡± The sarcasm in Auntie Bernadeth¡¯s voice made me wince.

    ¡°His sex life is active. He¡¯s a womanizer.¡±

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°I want this to end. I don¡¯t want to be a fool to a man like him. I was supposed to be only there for a one-night stand and then after that, I would not meet him again. But I think I get attached to him more than I should allow myself.¡± I pped my own forehead out of frustration. I could not believe I was confessing all of this to Aunt Bernadeth. ¡°I should stop this, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He is bad news.¡±

    I nodded at Tita¡¯s answer. That¡¯s right. Rupert was nothing but trouble. He was the kind of guy who would only hurt me. He was broken with a hollow heart after losing his greatest love- turned to be a womanizer with no feelings at all, ying with girls like a past time.

    ¡°But if you¡¯re happy with him.¡± Aunt Bernadeth held my hands tighter, ¡°If you want to get to know him better and if you want to test your limitations in terms of love and rtionships-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not in love with him. I just think I am attached more than-¡±

    ¡°Try it, Meredith.¡±

    My mouth fell open. I blinked a few times while looking at her in disbelief. ¡°Try?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s walking bad news, okay? But he can also be your unexpected risk that is worthy to take.¡± Tita Bernadeth smiled at me and then caressed my hand like a real mother does. ¡°There¡¯s no greater teacher than adversity, Meredith. Turn this adversity into something worthy.¡±

    ¡°But ¡­ We¡¯re only there for you know¡­ only for sexual rtionship.¡± Those sentences came out as a whisper. It stings to my chest to admit that. My attachment towards Rupert could only be because of lust and here I was fussing over it.

    ¡°So? You¡¯re at the right age to do those things. As long as the two of you are aware of thebel, it¡¯s good. As long as you know your limitations and you¡¯re ready to face the consequences of your actions , I¡¯ll let you decide and will not meddle with you.¡± Aunt Meredith raised her hand and cupped my cheek. She smiled at me with so much understanding. ¡°I will not meddle with your choices because you¡¯re at the right age to know what to do with your life.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really an extraordinary guardian,¡± I pointed out and sheughed.

    I thought she would scold me for what had happened to Rupert and me. I thought she was going to make me look like I had done the wrong thing. But she actually advised me to turn adversity into something worthy.

    ¡°You¡¯re at the right age to do what you want, the things you think will make you happy and learn from your experiences. Just know your limits,¡± Aunt Bernadeth tapped my cheek before standing up, ¡°don¡¯t lose yourself. ¡±

    She then went to her desk and took something from the drawer. When she turned to me again, she asked for my hand. And when I held out my hand, she ced a box there and my eyes widened when I saw the logo of the product. It¡¯s a box of condoms.

    ¡°Aunt Bernadeth!¡±

    Sheughed at my reaction and then went back to her desk. She sat there, leaned on her swivel chair and turned it around like a child. ¡°Having multiple sexual partners or promiscuity is a risk factor to get infected with STD and HIV, Meredith. It¡¯s better to have an exclusive set-up with your guy and to have protected sex.¡± She then averted her gaze at the box of condoms she had given me. ¡°It¡¯s free. Tell that man to always use a condom and of course stop jumping from one bed to another. Stop inserting his dick to different vaginas.¡±

    ¡°Auntie!¡± My cheeks warmed at the words she used.

    She justughed at me and really enjoyed my embarrassed reaction. ¡°Now, you¡¯re staring at the condoms,¡± she pointed out, making my cheeks redden even more. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me your imagination is wandering somewhere hot and sexy now?¡±

    I immediately looked up at Auntie Bernadette and the box of condoms almost slipped from my hand. ¡°Parents will be scandaloused if you will be the one to provide sex education to their children,¡± I teased her to divert the topic.

    ¡°Sex education my ass. Parents themselves keep their children from ¡®sex¡¯ even when they are at the right age to know about it.¡± Her attention returned to the chart she was reading. ¡°Because of that, many children are exploited without them being aware.¡±

    I bit the insides of my cheek and looked at my second mother with understanding. Her daughter, Mizpah, was a victim of sexual harassment at a very young age¡­ without Mizpah knowing it was already sexual harassment. Ever since then, Aunt Bernadeth advocates sex education once the child is on the right age to understand the concepts about it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself about it, Auntie,¡± I told her knowingly before I got up from the bed I was sitting on and packed my bag. Even against my will, I put the box of condoms in my bag. ¡°This size fits him,¡± I added to change the subject. I could feel my cheeks burning in embarrassment.

    ¡°Large is his size?¡± As expected, Tita immediately got my attempt to lighten the atmosphere again. ¡°You have a nice type, Meredith. Sex is better when he¡¯s big.¡±

    ¡°Auntie!¡± Iughed and then went to her. I hugged her from behind and she simply tapped my elbow. ¡°I can¡¯t handle you and everything you are saying now. Anyway, I have to go. I have ss already.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Be careful and stay healthy. See you around, Meredith.¡±

    I kissed her temple before leaving. I was about to leave the clinic when Aunt Bernadeth called me again. I turned to her.

    Her face was blurry but I could feel her serious aura.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± she said. ¡°Be careful with falling in love.¡±

    I was stunned and my grip on the doorknob tightened.

    ¡°Love is scary especially if you¡¯re the one who is giving more love. Don¡¯t consume yourself for someone who is not ready formitment.¡±

    It took me a few seconds to respond. I smiled and nodded. ¡°Who says I intend to fall in love? I don¡¯t want to. I am also someone who is not ready for love¡­ andmitment.¡±

    She shrugged at what I said. ¡°You said it, Meredith- you want to live. Then, live happily.¡±

 Chapter 18 Just Go With It

    Live happily ¡­

    Aunt Bernadeth¡¯s words were like a broken record that kept repeating in my mind. Definitely, she didn¡¯t stop me from pursuing what I had with Rupert. She actually said that it¡¯s normal for me to have such a rtionship because of my age. She warned me about love and getting hurt but she thought I would be happy with him.

    And what¡¯s with falling in love? Crazy. Me and Rupert were just here for sex and pleasure. There was no way we would drag things to that extent.

    Right now, I could not believe I was considering Tita Bernadeth¡¯s suggestion to actually try it.

    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m going crazy!¡± I was like I was a child throwing a tantrum while thrashing on the bed, thinking how I was being too affected by that bad Rockstar.

    My mind was telling me to forget everything about Rupert. But my body¡­ myself¡­ was telling me to do otherwise.

    Iid tly on my bed, my back pressed on the mattress and my arms and legs were spread eagle on the bed. I stared at the ceiling of my room.

    Tonight was Friday night and Vulture, Rupert¡¯s band, would perform at the bar where we first met. He invited me. Should I go?

    ¡°No. I shouldn¡¯t go. Not when Rupert is being an asshole and didn¡¯t even bother to say sorry,¡± I said to myself, following my statement with a series of nods.

    That¡¯s right. Why would I go? If he wanted me to be there, he should have called me for the past few days ever since that incident at the cafeteria.

    I turned my gaze to the bedside table where the box of condoms that Aunt Bernadeth had given me was ced.

    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s aplete fuckboy,¡± I murmured before turning my body, my stomach lying tly on the bed.

    Also, I should not really disregard the threat of STD with the kind of sexual life he had.

    That¡¯s right. I was doing the right thing right now. It¡¯s best for me to not go to that bar and meet him again.

    I will forget him.

    With that in mind, I immediately got up from lying down on my bed for almost an hour now. I decided to do my homeworks and papers. I have tons of it and it would surely help me get rid of Rupert in my mind.

    ¡°Just be a good student, Meredith.¡±

    Whoever sees me now and how I talked to myself, would definitely be scared and think I was crazy.

    But this was how I am for being an only child.

    I started studying as I nned. I diverted all my attention to my papers and school work until my cellphone¡¯s rm rang. It¡¯s eight PM already.

    Time to drink my meds.

    I was about to pick up my medicine bottles when my cellphone rang again. I smiled when I saw Bailey¡¯s name on the screen.

    ¡°Hello, my dear and caring best friend!¡± I was excited to answer her call.

    I heard her annoyed huff of breath from the other line.

    | Drink your meds now, Edith. |

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡± My smile widened. She never failed to remind me about drinking my medicines and to monitor the results of my check-ups. Couldn¡¯t we all agree that I have the best best friend? ¡°Did you just call for that?¡± I took one tablet for the first and second meds, which were for my iron-deficiency and for mypromised immune system, respectively. I dry-swallowed the two tablets.

    | I also called to remind you I will be calling you by ten to check if you¡¯re sleeping. Don¡¯t stay upte, Edith. Also, your monthly executive check-up for this month is scheduled next week. |Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    I would be forever thankful for how Bailey took care of me. I mean, what would I be without her? I was really lucky to have her. ¡°Thank you, Bailey.¡± I took thest medicine for tonight, that¡¯s for my cancer cells to note back. Maintaining it improved my defense system against recurrence of cancer.

    | No worries, Edith. Goodnight. |

    ¡°I love you, Bailey.¡± Silence filled the other line. I even removed my cellphone from my ear to see if the call was still ongoing. ¡°Are you still there, Bailey?¡±

    I could hear her deep breathing but she didn¡¯t answer. I guess she lost her signal?

    | I lo- |

    I pressed the end button to end the call. I put down my phone then fetched a ss of water. Since I was taking a lot of medicines, I had also be ustomed to dry swallowing tablets before drinking water.

    After that, I returned to the essay I was writing. When I finished that essay, I next adjusted my schedule of activities for next week; debate audition, some individual and group school works and then my executive check-up. Are these all the things I have to do? Is there something else to do? Ahhh¡­ Maybe I could insert a date with Bailey. I mean, it¡¯s like it¡¯s been ages since thest time I saw her.

    ¡°Gosh, Bailey. You really never break your words,¡± I said with a smile when I saw Bailey¡¯s message on the screen of my phone at exactly 10 PM. She was telling me to sleep.

    Although she said she would call, still, she didn¡¯t forget to remind me. I replied to her message with a cute winking emoji followed by a simple ¡®Nighty¡¯.

    I started arranging my things because it was already ten o¡¯clock and honestly, being upte was bad for me. But what could I do? I was an effing irregr student in college with a lot of catching up to do.

    I was already lying on my bed, PJs on, and done with my skin care routine, when my phone rang again. I groaned and had to reach for it from the bedside table.

    My body froze and my heart automatically raced after seeing the caller¡¯s ID.

    Bad rockstar calling ¡­

    ¡°Come on, Meredith.¡± My brain said to reject the call but after a few seconds of staring at the screen, my thumb had its own mind and clicked the green button, epting his call.

    Just what the heck!

    | You¡¯re noting? |

    I closed my eyes before gasping for breath. I couldn¡¯t believe I was being this unsure because of Rupert.

    ¡°So?¡±

    I could hear his deep breath against the phone¡¯s speaker along with the loud background noise indicating that he¡¯s really at the bar.

    | I thought I convinced you enough. I¡¯m waiting for you. |

    I bit my bottom lip as tension on my core started to create a tight pull in my navel. His husky voice sent tingly feelings all over my body. I couldn¡¯t really exin how I felt because of him.

    Sexual attraction ¡­ Lust ¡­ Need ¡­ I¡¯m not sure.

    ¡°What¡¯s with this clinginess? Didn¡¯t I tell you that what we had was just a one-time-big-time thingy? Then, how dare you to call me after what you did to me in the cafeteria-¡±

    | I miss you. |

    I was expecting a ¡®sorry¡¯ from him but¡­ That ¡®I miss you¡¯ made my heart yelp and my body ached for his touch¡­ And kiss.

    ¡°Stop that. Maybe you have no woman to warm your bed tonight, that¡¯s why you thought about me,¡± a sarcastic voice apanied my usation.

    | I really miss you. |

    I tightened my grip on my phone before sitting up on the bed. My legs automatically pressed with each other because of that delicious feeling in between them. I was only hearing his voice and yet he was affecting me this much.

    I looked again at the bedside table and stared at the box of condoms there. Heat started burning my body, intensifying the need for Rupert.

    | I didn¡¯t perform tonight because I prepared that performance for you. |

    I was silent at what he said. He surely knew how to y with women¡¯s emotions. He knew the right words to say.

    | Our bassist got mad with me but I said you weren¡¯t here so there¡¯s no way I will perform a song without the intended audience. He hates me now, you know? | He chuckled on the other line.

    Gosh. His voice was really sexy.

    I think I¡¯ll choose to live happily¡­ with him. Enjoying hispany will not do me any harm right? I am aware of what I want and my limitations. I want to have fun but I don¡¯t want to fall in love. That¡¯s the same shit that Rupert wants.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    | At the bar counter, drinking. My band members are really irritated with me. |

    Okay. I guess I will just do this.

    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep, Rupert,¡± I told him, letting a deep and needy sigh expelled from my mouth.

    I heard him gasp from the other line and then the loud background noise started to subside. Gradually it became quieter and I could only hear his breathing.

    | I know a way to make you sleep, Meredith. What do you think of perspiring and getting tired tonight until you fall asleep? |

    I got up from the bed and immediately went straight to my closet. ¡°Meet me in your condo tonight. I miss you too.¡±

    | Damn, Meredith. I got a hard on instantly. See you. Be safe. |

    I took a deep breath along with the more intense heat consuming my body. Excitement also increased my adrenaline. I was about to drop the call when I remembered something. ¡°Rupert?¡± He didn¡¯t answer but I could hear his deep breathing. ¡°Do you still have a c-condom in your condo?¡± My cheeks were burning out of embarrassment.

    | I¡¯m not sure. Why? You want us to do it bare? I don¡¯t mind. |

    I expected him tough at me for my question so my mouth fell open at his serious answer to me. He¡¯s really into this, isn¡¯t he?

    ¡°No bared sex anymore until we settle our differences,¡± I replied to him then took some clothes from my closet. ¡°I¡¯ll just bring a c-condom. See you there.¡±

    | I hope you know my size. And I love doing bared sex. So, let¡¯s settle our differences. |

    The call ended and I immediately changed my clothes. I brought some clothes for tomorrow and of course, I did not forget to grab that box of condoms. My mind was running wildly for the things that Rupert would do to my body. My mind was also busy thinking about the right words I would tell him to indicate my interest in this sexual rtionship with him.

    I needed things in this set-up to be favorable and safe for me.

    Exactly at eleven PM, I reached Rupert¡¯s condo building. I was standing in front of the elevator when someone wrapped his arm around my waist.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­¡±

    He leaned closer until our faces were an inch distance. I saw his boyish grin and his arm around me tightened. ¡°Damn, you¡¯re turning me on, already,¡± he whispered to me before kissing the side of my neck.

    I took a deep breath and bit my lower lip to suppress the growl when I felt him suck on my skin.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­¡± I pushed him slightly when the ¡®ting¡¯ sound of the elevator was heard and it opened.

    When the three men got out of the elevator, we went inside. Rupert pushed the button of the floor for his unit. Then, he turned to me and I was not shocked when he immediately kissed me on the lips. Deep, intense and aggressive.

    I felt him push me to the elevator¡¯s steel wall and then both of his arms circled around my waist. He pushed his hardened groin on my throbbing core as his kiss got deeper. I clung to his neck at the same time as he hugged my body tightly.

    ¡°Ahhh ¡­ Rupert ¡­¡± I was shocked when his kiss fell on my neck as one of his hands went inside my shirt. ¡°Shit ¡­ Gosh!¡±

    He groped my right breast as I felt his tongue licking my cor bone down to my cleavage. I felt one of his hands squeeze and groped my breast. I pulled him closer.

    ¡°Meredith, fuck. I want you.¡± Then he suddenly sucked one of my breasts on top of my shirt. The fabric became damp by his saliva as he sucked my left breast like a baby.

    I could feel how wet I am and how hard my nipples are. Shit. Rupert can really drive me crazy.

    ¡®Ting!¡¯

    ¡°R-Rupert, W-Wait ¡­ Ahhhh ¡­ S-Stop!¡± I had to push him hard when I felt the elevator stopped andter on opened. I breathed a sigh of relief that no one was waiting on that floor.

    Rupert, on the other hand, took my hand and pulled me to exit the elevator. We both heaved deep breaths as we walked fast towards his room.

    ¡°How many condoms did you bring?¡± He held my hand tightly as he dragged me toward his unit.

    ¡°W-Why?¡± I struggled covering my chest with my one hand as I picked up with his pace.

    ¡°I hope that¡¯s enough for me. I don¡¯t think I can let you rest tonight, Meredith.¡± He hurriedly picked up the key card of his unit when we reached it.

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    He lifted me up from the floor the moment the door of his unit opened. He carried me while kissing my neck.

    My legs and arms around him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you again and again, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    Then, it¡¯s good that I brought a box of condoms.

 Chapter 19 Heat

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­¡±

    I sighed in pleasure when I felt his mouth on my right nipple. He sucked it like a baby while he was massaging and groping my other peak.

    While his mouth was ying on my chest, his fingers wereing out in and out of my wet womanhood. I wanted to close my legs because of the strange taste and tickle that were invading my system but they felt like jelly and I had no strength.

    Iy on the bed, naked and with both hands tied at either end of the headboard. Rupert was on top of me and relentlessly blessing my naked body with his tongue and mouth.

    ¡°Ohh¡­ Rupert!¡± My legs shivered in pleasure when his fingers hit that delicious spot inside me.

    He sucked my nipples alternately which intensified the pleasure. All I could do was to moan and groan. The tension in the center of my core heightened. Something was trying toe out of me.

    I just breathed heavily in between my moans and begged Rupert to make mee. I couldn¡¯t see him because he made me wear a blindfold again. But just like thest time, the absence of sense of sight doubled the intensity and pleasure.

    ¡°You¡¯re so hot, Meredith. Fuck. So wet for me, sweetie.¡±

    My throat was almost sore from my repeated growls when Rupert stopped fingering me just in time that I was about to reach my release. He also stopped eating and sucking on my breasts. I felt the bed sag and the next thing I felt was the cold air of the air-conditioning. He left on top of me.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­ Please ¡­ W-Why did you stop? W-Where are you?¡± Chasing my every breath while feeling the tingling pain in the middle of my thighs because of my impeded release, my voice sounded hoarse and begging.

    ¡°Widen your legs again, sweetie.¡±

    My legs were shaking and I struggled to do what he said. I could feel the rapid throbbing of my womanhood as anticipation on the next thing he would do intensified inside me.

    ¡°Where are you? Gosh Rupert! Don¡¯t make me wait like this,¡± I groaned in frustration.

    I could feel his intense stare at my nakedness while I was lying on the bed. My body was burning and my throbbing core was aching. I need to reach my release.

    ¡°I said, open your legs, Meredith. I want to see your pulsating pussy.¡±

    ¡°Please ¡­ Touch me ¡­ Rupert, t-touch me now. Make mee.¡±

    ¡°Open your legs, sweetie.¡±

    I could do nothing but follow him. I bit my bottom lip as a soft moan escaped my mouth when I finally opened my legs, wide. ¡°Hmnn¡­ Uhmnnn¡­¡± My hips automatically bucked up as my throbbing core became even wetter. I felt so exposed and that turned me on big time. The thought of Rupert standing near me, eyeing my nakedness like a hungry hawk for his prey, was turning me on big time.

    ¡°There you go, sweetie. I can see all of you. All of your body,¡± I gasped when I felt something cool above my vagina, something cold like a steel or simr to that was pressed against my clit, ¡°including this,¡± he pressed the cold thing in my throbbing womanhood, ¡°are mine. Only mine, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°Aaahhh! Rupert! It¡¯s delicious!¡±

    The cold thing he ced just above my clitoris started vibrating. A long and loud moan escaped my mouth immediately. There was a strange tickle and intense pleasure because of the vibration. I kept on moaning and thrashing on the bed because of pleasure.

    ¡°This is a vibrator, sweetie. Do you like it?¡±

    ¡°Ahhhh ¡­ Please ¡­ Hold on, Rupert! Oh gosh! It¡¯s really delicious!¡±

    I felt the vibrator descend from my clit into the hole of my wet core. That¡¯s when I felt my whole body shake and my moans became even louder. I widened my legs even more, allowing the vibrator to get deeper inside me. I became more wet.

    ¡°Ahhh! Oh gosh! I¡¯ming! Rupert!¡± I finally reached my release. My juices flew out of my vagina. The pleasure was too much and I immediately felt weak but Rupert still didn¡¯t remove the vibrator there. ¡°R-Rupert ¡­ Ahhh ¡­ Enough ¡­ Please ¡­ Oh gosh! P-Please¡­ Stop it.¡±

    I wanted Rupert to stop but I couldn¡¯t deny the pleasure either. The next thing I knew, my hips buckled upward to meet the vibrator¡¯s movements. I came again and again.

    After my third release, Rupert removed the vibrator. ¡°Damn. You are now so wet, Meredith. Look at how much liquid you released just now. The bedsheet is so wet, sweetie.¡± I felt hime over me again. His two hands caressed my tied wrists and then his rough hand slid to my arm, armpit and down to the sides of my waist.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­ That was ¡­ That was satisfying. Uhmnnm ¡­¡±

    I felt his hand on my womanhood again. I felt his finger tracing my folds and then something poked my mouth. I opened my mouth and there I felt the insertion of a finger. I tasted sticky and slightly nd liquid.

    ¡°Taste yourself, sweetie. You¡¯re so delicious. You should know that.¡±

    ¡°Uhmn ¡­ Uhmnn ¡­ Uhmnn ¡­¡± That¡¯s when I realized it was Rupert¡¯s finger and the liquid around it was my essence.

    I sucked it with intentional soft moans.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, sweetie. Suck it.¡± While I was sucking his finger, he was sucking my nipple again. He even sticks his manhood at the entrance of my femininity which made my body even hotter.

    ¡°Now, suck something bigger and longer, sweetie.¡±

    I felt the bed sag again. I thought he was leaving again but after a while I felt him on top of my body. But the strange thing this time, something was poking my lips. I felt Rupert¡¯s hand guiding my jaw downward so I could open my mouth.

    Then, something long, fat and hard entered my mouth, pushing to my throat.

    ¡°Ohhh ¡­ Your mouth is heavenly, Meredith! Fuck the depth!¡± Rupert moaned. The long and hard thing inside my mouth with a little amount of sticky and bitter liquid was none other than his manhood. ¡°Fuck. Suck it, sweetie. Use your tongue ¡­ Ahhh ¡­ Yes ¡­ That¡¯s it ¡­¡±

    I sucked and licked his manhood. His groans became louder every time I took all of him until its head bumped to my throat, causing me to gag a little.

    I kept giving him a blowjob and felt satisfied every time he would scream for my name.

    ¡°Meredith ¡­ Meredith ¡­ Yes, sweetie. Argh. You¡¯re doing great. Let me reciprocate that.¡±

    I was in deep focus of sending Rupert to heaven by giving him a blow job when my hips jerked upward when I felt something cold and wet touch the folds of mybia. It was so delicious that I spit out Rupert¡¯s manhood to moan. That¡¯s when I realized he¡¯s eating my wet pussy.

    ¡°Rupert! Hmmm ¡­ Gosh ¡­ Ahhhh ¡­¡±

    Because of the intense pleasure, I re-inserted his manhood in my mouth while his mouth also continued to delight my pulsating core. Our moans and groans were suppressed.

    Shit. I¡¯m having another wave of release. Rupert¡¯s tongue entered me while his fingers were ying with my throbbing clit. That¡¯s when I found my release. Rupert sucked and caught all my juices.

    He started face fucking me while cleaning my core with his mouth.

    I could hear myself with gagging sounds and my own saliva was flowing on both sides of my mouth while Rupert was banging my mouth relentlessly.

    After a few more thrusts, he came to my mouth and I ended up swallowing all of it.

    ¡°Goddamn it ¡­ That¡¯s delicious, Meredith.¡± Rupert moved then the blind fold was removed. ¡°Hey. Hmnnn ¡­ You¡¯re so hot, sweetie.¡±

    Rupert¡¯s smiling face greeted me. Hey on top of me while massaging my breasts. The dimmed lights made it easier for my eyes to adjust immediately.

    We both sweated profusely and both gasped.

    I remained tied up as Rupert¡¯s hands tirelessly yed with my chests. ¡°Are you okay?¡± He asked, raining little kisses on my face. ¡°Fuck ¡­ Time for the main event.¡± Then, he reached for my wrists and untied them.

    His hands groped my breasts again as the tip of his length teased my wet entrance.

    ¡°P-Put a condom ¡­¡±

    He was stunned and looked at me like a child. ¡°Do I really need to? I want to feel how warm you are. Promise, I¡¯m clean.¡±

    I shook my head before catching his lips. He kept on massaging my breasts. I inserted my tongue into his mouth. Our tongues fought for dominance until both of us were out of breaths. ¡°Put that damn condom,¡± I held his length, my thumb rubbed on the head of his length making him cursed, ¡°Do it now and then fuck me hard.¡±

    Romance and love were two different things. What I had for Rupert was a genuine sexual attraction and a hot kind of romance. Many would say I was a crazy bitch to involve myself in a guy like him- a man with a broken heart and lost direction- jumping from one bed to another, only there for sexual pleasure and bodily desires.

    But what could I do? I guess it¡¯s true when they say good boys go to heaven while bad boys bring you heaven.

    ¡°Argh. Fine. Condom for now,¡± he kissed me again before getting off of me, ¡°but after settling the problem, let¡¯s try another birth control method. I swear, I¡¯m clean.¡±

    Iughed as he hurried out of bed then reached for my bag. He took out the box of condoms and obtained one. I watched him when he put the rubber around his hard and long manhood.

    My throat went dry when he caught me looking at him. ¡°Ready? I¡¯m up for a long night.¡±

    He sat on the end of the bed then pulled my legs. I gasped when he forced me to sit on hisp. ¡°Ride me, sweetie. Ride me good and rough.¡±

    He took my right nipple as I lifted my hips. I slowly sat down on his manhood. We both groaned and moaned.

    The feeling of being connected was exquisite, satisfying and heavenly.

    ¡°Ohhhh Rupert! Yes, sweetie. You¡¯re really a bad rockstar!¡±

    I moved up and down. He kept on sucking my nips as he held my hips tightly. ¡°Argh you¡¯re so tight and warm, sweetie.¡±

    A few minutester, I stopped moving. I rested my head on his shoulder as I reached heaven. I was heaving deep sighs when Ruperty me down on the bed. He stood up in between my widened legs and then entered me again.

    ¡°Ahhhh Rupert! Yes! Do it rough,¡± I was literally screaming when he repeatedly hit me deep and hard. I came again, biting my lower lip hard to control the loud scream froming out. ¡°Uhmnn¡­ R-Rupert ¡­¡± I stroked his wet hair as he fell on top of me at the same time as his body trembled. He came and spit his seed in the condom but I could still feel his length jerking.

    ¡°That was still good. But it¡¯s better if we could feel it, skin-to-skin.¡± He looked up at me. He kisses my forehead and then the tip of my nose. He tugged at his piercing when he noticed I was staring at it again. ¡°What do you think, sweetie?¡±

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s settle this set-up. We need to have rules if you want us to continue in this set-up.¡±

    ¡°Rules?¡± He buried his face on the crook of my neck. ¡°Rules are a bit possessive but I like you taking a possession over me. That¡¯s crazy, right?¡±

    My heart beats crazy and I found myself blushing because of that. I¡¯m crazier, I guess.

 Chapter 20 Just Friends?

    ¡°I want this to be exclusive. I know what we have is only for sex. But,¡± I stared at him, ¡°I can¡¯t just trust your words. Having multiple sex partners is still a risk factor to have STDs and such.¡±

    Here we were, both naked under the sheets, cuddling. His right arm was under my head, his other arm wrapped around my waist and his legs trapped both of my legs. Really, he¡¯s a cuddler and I was notining.

    The heating from his body was somehowforting me¡­ and very intimate.

    ¡°Also, are you really single? I mean, no official girlfriend?¡± I faced him. He was quick to give me a kiss on my cheek and then on my shoulder before nodding at me. ¡°So, the womanst Tuesday- remember? You said it was urgent. She¡¯s not your girl?¡±

    ¡°Nope. We¡¯re just¡­ hooking up.¡±

    I was stunned before giving him an appalled look. ¡°Like us?¡±

    His embrace around me tightened before he buried his face on the crook of my neck. ¡°No, sweetie. What we have is different. I¡¯m not exactly sure to what extent what we have is different but I don¡¯t mind being exclusive with you. It¡¯s just different.¡± Then he sucked my earlobe, teasing it with his lips and tongue.

    ¡°Rupert! Can we please talk properly first?¡± I did not hide the sarcasm in my voice when his hand started caressing my navel. His fingers were slowly reaching for the sensitive flesh in between my thighs.

    He chuckled before saying, ¡°Aye Aye, sweetie!¡± He even gave me a salute and wide boyish grin of his.

    I shook my head. ¡°So, you don¡¯t really mind being exclusive with me? That means no other girl warming up your bed as long as you¡¯re doing me. No girlfriends too. That will be the same for me too.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Okay?¡± I smiled broadly. ¡°You¡¯re not going toin?¡±

    ¡°Nope. I told you, I don¡¯t mind. Just be with me too, I would love to be exclusive with you.¡± He even winked and yfully licked my shoulder.

    ¡°Rupert! I¡¯m tired,¡± I groaned.

    It took a couple of minutes when silence took over the room. It was a serene andforting kind of silence. We just hugged ¨C hearing each other¡¯s breathing, feeling the warmth of each other¡¯s naked bodies, and taking advantage of thefort our presence provided to each other.

    That silence was only disturbed by a sudden question that popped up from my head. ¡°So, we¡¯re at the same university. What¡¯s your course?¡± Iid tly on my back beside him. His arms loosened a little to allow my change in position but afterwards, he cuddled me again. Ifortably leaned my head on his chest. His heart was beating normally- calmly.

    ¡°I¡¯m taking my pre-med. BS Biology. In my senior year.¡±

    I looked up at him with amazement. ¡°Woah. You didn¡¯t even tell me you were a soon-to-be doctor rockstar,¡± I teased him and chuckled.

    I was expecting him to respond with a wittyeback but instead, his eyes suddenly became hollow. It¡¯s pretty obvious. He instantly paced out. Did I say something wrong?

    ¡°Rupert? Hey? Are you okay?¡±

    It took a couple of seconds before he got out of that trance. He hesitated to smile at me before gasping for breath. ¡°Sorry. It¡¯s been awhile since someone called me that- doctor and rockstar.¡± His eyes showed emotions now, pain and sadness.

    ¡°Was it Ava? Was she the first one who called you that?¡±

    With hesitation, he just nodded before kissing my forehead. I felt him caressing my hair, avoiding my eyes. Talking about Ava was still a hard thing for him to do. I couldn¡¯t imagine the pain he felt because of her death. It looked like the wound he left in Rupert¡¯s heart was huge.

    ¡°But you have a cool thing going on in your life. How could someone dream of bing a doctor and a rockstar at the same time? Seriously, how is it like to live as God¡¯s favorite?¡± I said, trying to divert the topic. That worked and he met my gaze again.

    The sadness and pain in his eyes were gone. He was looking at me with that yful glint in his eyes again. ¡°God¡¯s favorite?¡±

    ¡°Yup. Handsome, talented and smart. Looks like you¡¯re blessed too.¡±

    Heughed out loud before pinching the bridge of my nose. ¡°I was more blessed when I met you.¡±

    I smirked and then pinched the tip of his nose too. ¡°Aren¡¯t your lines too smooth? You simply know how to get inside a woman¡¯s pants..¡±

    ¡°Am I?¡±

    Weughed together, like fools. We were being crazy in front of each other without having to worry about being ourselves. I¡¯m d I could be like this in front of him.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°The profession you¡¯re aiming to do is really cool. I¡¯m impressed. What kind of doctor do you want to be? I hope it¡¯s rted to cancer so that when my illnesses back, you¡¯ll be my doctor.¡±

    It was supposed to be a joke but he didn¡¯tugh. Instead, he looked at me seriously and touched one of my cheeks. ¡°Do you still drink meds? Do you have any maintenance or diet to follow?¡±

    I was stunned by the concern I saw in his eyes. I felt my heart beating like drums against my chest. I didn¡¯t expect such concern from someone I just met. But that warmed my heart.

    ¡°Yup. Still got meds and strict routines to be followed. I¡¯m still notpletely considered cleared.¡± I got up slightly to reach my phone on his bedside table.

    I showed him my nner and notes in my phone, where my diet and schedules were taken down. I also showed him my rms and some important reminders. ¡°I need to always remember and follow all of this. I mean, my doctor said, if I want to survive five years without my cancering back, I have to do all of these. And it includes not staying up. Late.¡± I grinned at him, knowingly after seeing the time on my phone. It was already past midnight.

    He scratched his head and tried to smile. ¡°Fine. No staying upte for you,¡± he teased before nodding.

    I was even more shocked when he snatched my phone from me after getting his phone too. Then we changed positions. He ced my left arm under his neck before he slid his body a little bit lower from me until he could finally lean his head on my chest while he was holding our phones in both of his hands. He was doing something.

    I peeked at it. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I am sending all your notes and reminders to my phone. Then, I will also mimic your rms and of course your check-ups scheds.¡± I was stunned by what he was doing. ¡°Oh, you have a check-up next week. Will you allow me toe with you in this?¡± He even looked up at me before kissing my chin. Then, he returned his attention to the phones in his hands.

    ¡°W-Why? I mean, why are you doing this?¡± I asked, whilebing his messy hair with my fingers.

    ¡°We are always going to be together from now on because of our exclusive sex agreement,¡± he grinned, ¡°so, I¡¯ll make sure to take care of you.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    I was not really sure why I was asking him and making everything trivial. But unconsciously, my mind was wanting to hear something from him.

    ¡°Because we¡¯re friends,¡± he answered, nonchntly.

    I was stunned before feeling a strange pain in my chest. Yeah. Exactly. We¡¯re friends.

    But it was not the answer I was hoping to hear. Was there anything that sounds more intimate than just being friends? There was no way we were just being friends with each other after fucking. However, I am not really sure what to call what we have¡­ aside from being friends.

 Chapter 21 The Unrequited and the Special

    I looked at my reflection in the mirror with satisfaction. I was wearing a ck little dress, reaching half of my thighs. The long sleeves of my dress hugged my arms, showing a perfect line of symmetry. The low necklines showed enough skin and perfect cleavage to capture everyone¡¯s attention.

    I chose to wear light make-up with bright red lipstick. My high ck pumps made my build more intimidating. My hair, curled at the end, hung freely on my back, following every move I made.

    This was definitely how a woman should look at a party. Beautiful and aplete head-turner.

    Toplete my look, I put on a simple pair of ck heart earrings. I smiled at my reflection for onest time before I exited my room.

    ¡°Finally! I thought your closet had swallowed you up,¡± Bailey, my dear best friend in her usual leather jacket and denim pants with white shirt underneath, eximed. She immediately walked to the front door of my dorm room, the heels of her leather boots tapped on the hardwood floor. ¡°I only gave you five minutes to prepare for yourself, didn¡¯t I? Goodness, Edith. Maybe the party is over when we get there.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    I giggled with how irritated she got. I just winked at her, definitely disregarding her frowning face. I excitedly followed her and she huffed a deep breath before shaking her head, maybe realizing that there was no way I would be scared of her.

    It¡¯s a breezy Sunday night. Bailey and I were invited to attend a house party. Nah. Scratch that. Bailey was invited by her friends and she asked me if I wanted toe along. Well, the party was hosted by Calvin and it would be held at his house. He was the guy whom I recently metst Tuesday and turned out to be amon friend of Bailey and Rupert.

    Actually, Rupert also invited me to attend but since I had already said yes to Bailey, of course I decided toe with my bestfriend. She fetched me in my dorm and while I would meet Rupert at the party.

    From what Rupert said, Calvin¡¯s house party was a form of wee for the new members of their fraternity. Yes, that bad rockstar belongs to this frat called Phantom Omega.

    I don¡¯t know much about frats. As for Bailey, she said she met Calvin because of her older brother who turned out to be a member and had a high position in the fraternity.

    The ride to Calvin¡¯s house did not take long. Bailey remained quiet and really looked pissed off. I sighed before I immediately approached her the moment we got off of the car.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be such a grump, Bailey. I did not take that much time. Look. We were just on time,¡± I teased her before I anchored my right hand around her arm but she immediately removed it. ¡°Bailey! I¡¯m sorry! You know I¡¯m a girl! I can¡¯t get ready in just five minutes,¡± I excused myself before clinging to her again. I could not help but to softlyugh when I saw how her lips pursed.

    She ignored me but this time, she did not bother to remove my hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Don¡¯t be mad, Bailey! Please!¡± I asked her while we started to walk towards Calvin¡¯s front porch.

    She swatted my arm again when I tried to hold her with both hands. However, this time it¡¯s quite harder and my damn pumps with its seven-inch wedge didn¡¯t help me to maintain my bnce.

    ¡°Meredith!¡±

    I really thought I was going to fall to the grasswn but there were arms which quickly wrapped around my waist. For a moment, my breath stopped because of fear- then, I realized I didn¡¯t fall.

    ¡°B-Bailey¡­¡±

    Bailey caught me. Both of her arms were around my waist and my arms were wrapped tightly around her neck. I took a deep breath then smiled at her. ¡°Thank you for catching me,¡± I said, looking at her with gratitude. ¡°I thought I was going to fall and get hurt. But you¡¯re there, being quick to catch me.¡±

    What I said was supposed to be a joke, but then Bailey¡¯s face remained serious. I suddenly realized our closeness. Her face was only an inch away from mine as I was slightly bent and held by her arms. Gradually, my grin faded, when I noticed the strange emotion in Bailey¡¯s eyes. I could not name the emotions in her eyes.

    But somehow, the way she was looking at me gave me warmth.

    ¡°B-Bailey ¡­ What ¡­ I¡¯m going to get up-¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll be the one who will get hurt between the two of us, Edith.¡± Then, she smiled sadly before helping me to stand up.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± There was no way I would hurt her. She¡¯s very important to me. ¡°Bailey?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re always making my heart beat faster than normal,¡± she said, shrugging her shoulders. And then, she turned her attention to me.

    I was stunned when she cupped my face with both hands. I didn¡¯t know what she was doing. I was caught off guard.

    She leaned closer until the tips of our noses touched each other. ¡°You¡¯re driving me crazy, Meredith. I¡¯m not sure how long I can stop this.¡±

    My mouth dropped open and I couldn¡¯t believe what my best friend had just said. I gulped by the way Bailey was looking straight to my eyes. Her cheeks were blushing and her eyes¡­ her orbs were giving my body an unexinable warmth. ¡°Bailey¡­ W-What do you mean?¡±

    Was my head giving me the right interpretation with what Bailey could mean? Did she like me more than friends?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go? We might really gette.¡± Bailey straightened up again before tapping the top of my head. ¡°Don¡¯t mind what I said. I can still hold back. Let¡¯s stay like this- best friends.¡±

    ***

    Bailey and I didn¡¯t say a word until we got inside Calvin¡¯s house. I don¡¯t know what to say. I mean, she didn¡¯t say it directly earlier but it¡¯s the same thought as ¡®she likes me¡¯. Right?

    I bit my bottom lip before looking at Bailey¡¯s back. She was walking slightly ahead of me. I was not sure if it was because I was walking a bit slower or she was walking faster so she did not have to walk beside me. She did not talk to me again after what she said. It¡¯s pretty obvious that there was an awkward atmosphere between us. I don¡¯t like this.

    I sighed before roaming my gaze at the big mansion where Calvin was living. The guy was filthy rich, judging the sophisticated and obviously expensive furniture and design. But I can¡¯t stand that we¡¯re like this

    ¡°Bailey,¡± I called her as we approached the crowded living room of Calvin¡¯s house.

    I could not let this awkwardness ruin us. If she likes me, that¡¯s okay for me. But if it goes more than the ¡®like¡¯, I have no choice but to turn her down. I¡¯m not against her gender preference but I am sure of my preference- I¡¯m straight.

    She stopped walking towards a crowd of people and then turned to me. I thought she did not hear me because of the noise around us. I couldn¡¯t see her face clearly but I could feel her gloomy aura. ¡°Uhm?¡±

    There were already people holding red cups, standing on every corner of the house. The others also greeted Bailey when they saw her. The loud and booming EDM music ying in the house was not really pleasant for my ears. It looked like the party had really started.

    ¡°Bailey, about earlier-¡±

    ¡°I told you, don¡¯t mind what I said.¡±

    I took a deep breath. I needed to say this.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stay as best friends,¡± I said, taking a few steps towards her. I took her hand and then kissed her cheek. ¡°I want to keep you for the rest of my life. So, let¡¯s stay like this, forever?¡±

    She was stunned. A few seconds also passed before she gripped my hand tightly. She shrugged her shoulders before tapping my head. ¡°Sure thing, Edith. Let¡¯s stay like this.¡±

    With that, we continued walking, holding each other¡¯s hands like we always do¡­ as best of friends.

    Booming music intensified. The wild dancing crowd, and smell of alcohol, weeds, and cigarettes weed us.

    ¡°Hey, Cortez! It¡¯s good that you made it,¡± said a man who immediately approached Bailey and put his arm around her shoulders. ¡°Where is your vice mayor brother? It¡¯s been a while since thest time I saw him. Oh, let me correct that. It¡¯s been a while since he did something for the brotherhood. The bosses are not happy about his absence, you know,¡± he added with an obvious mockery in his voice.

    Bailey removed his grip around her shoulder. There was no hint of being threatened in her. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ming for him while he still could note. You know how busy it is to be the vice mayor, Ezekiel.¡±

    The guy named Ezekielughed before he nodded. I was suddenly taken aback when I felt him look at me. ¡°Your girlfriend?¡±

    Bailey¡¯s grip on my hand tightened. He stepped forward to block me from Ezekiel¡¯s view. ¡°She¡¯s my best friend.¡±

    ¡°Hmnn ¡­ Just a friend?¡±

    I cowered behind Bailey when the Ezekiel-guy stepped forward and whispered something in Bailey¡¯s ears. Then, he tapped her shoulder, ¡°Tell Exodus that he has a bigger role in our organization than being a vice mayor. If he has any ns to oppose Mayor Lorenzo, he will need the help of the Phantoms.¡±

    I was surprised when Ezekiel passed Bailey and grabbed my shoulder.

    ¡°Do you have some time for me, Miss?¡± Then he squeezed my shoulder.

    I was horrified by what he said and was about to remove the grip on my shoulder when I was shocked with the arm that wrapped around my waist, possessively. He swatted away Ezekiel¡¯s hand that rested on my shoulder before pulling me away closer to him.

    Someone¡¯s shadow towered me from behind.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ezekiel. She¡¯s mine already.¡±

    I turned to the one who spoke and immediately sighed with relief when I saw him. ¡°Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Hey, sweetie. I¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while.¡± He pulled me closer to him, his arm around my waist possessively pressed my body against his. ¡°You look beautiful tonight, Meredith. As always,¡± he added before averting his gaze back to the guy named Ezekiel.

    ¡°You¡¯re really fast, Santos,¡± Ezekiel said beforeughing. ¡°When you¡¯re done, maybe I can have herter?¡±

    I frowned and immediately felt annoyed at what he said. I was not a girl like that. I was about to say something back when Rupert chuckled. ¡°Funny. But I don¡¯t think I will let anyone touch what¡¯s mine.¡±

    I looked at him. As usual, his hair was aplete mess but it suited him. He¡¯s wearing the usual in ck shirt, fit enough to show his toned arm muscles. I could see the shiny piercing on his face and his natural manly scent invaded my nose. I guess he really stopped using that perfume he used to have.

    ¡°I said I am willing to have her after you. When you¡¯re done, you can toss her to me. Dude, like those old days,¡± Ezekiel said.

    ¡°Like the old days? Hmnn¡­ I¡¯m sorry but Meredith is not like those hoes.¡± I felt him start caressing my back and then sniffing my hair. ¡°I also think there¡¯s no way I will be done with her because I don¡¯t have any n on ending this. So, back off. My sweetie is definitely not avable, Ezekiel.¡±

    With that, Rupert slightly guided me to walk away from Ezekiel. I even looked at Bailey over my shoulder who just nodded at me. I waved at her before I let Rupert gently push me to wherever he would bring me. I came here to spend the night with him, in the first ce.

    We passed so many people who, if not drunk, were obviously high. shing bodies, loud screams and cheers, and crazy dancing people greeted me and Rupert as we passed through the crazy party crowd. Rupert hugged me as he shielded his body so that I would not be hit by anyone. Then, the noise slightly subsided and when I raised my gaze- I thought we were in the kitchen?

    ¡°What do you want to drink?¡± Rupert asked me before he trapped me on the counter, my back leaning on it, while he was standing in front of me. He gave me a short peck before he reached behind me. ¡°We have vodka, gin, and tequ.¡±

    I sighed as Rupert leaned his chin on my shoulder, handing me the stacked red styro cups. My heart beat erratically as my body reacted to our closeness. He was too close. It was making me sweat and my adrenaline was rushing through my body.

    ¡°Can I have juice or water?¡± I asked him. I made sure my mouth was close to his ear so he could hear me.

    ¡°Juice or water?¡± He slightly pulled away before cing one of his hands on my waist. ¡°Goodness. How did I forget that you were under treatment? I¡¯m such an idiot.¡±

    I hesitated to smile. ¡°I can¡¯t have too much alcohol in a month,¡± I said as he nodded.

    ¡°Wait for me here. I¡¯ll get some juice.¡± Then he kissed me on my lips. I felt the cold metal ring on his bottom lip as his lips stroke against mine. Then, we were both heaving deeply when the kiss broke. ¡°Don¡¯t leave here. I¡¯ll be back immediately, sweetie.¡±

    Rupert went to the sink and I was left leaning against the counter. While waiting for him, I roamed my gaze around the whole kitchen. My cheeks immediately warmed up when I saw a couple making out and the woman was almost topless. Not too far from them was a gay couple, also making out. I bit my bottom lip when a toplessdy, cheering and holding a red cup, entered the kitchen. I was still not relieved when I turned my gaze to my left and I noticed a man with his back to me and facing the wall. At first, I didn¡¯t get what he¡¯s doing not until I noticed how his cargo pants started to get wet from the apex of the pants. Did he urinate? Oh gosh.

    Everywhere I looked, everyone was busy with their own businesses. Everyone was doing something crazy, out-of-this-world and unconventionally eptable. Woah. This was a real party, I guess. People were high and drunk. Couples were making out or having sex. And there were those who didn¡¯t mind going crazy in front of everyone else.

    I lost my attention on the craziness in front of me when I noticed Rupert was back. I smiled when he stood in front of me. He leaned closer and that¡¯s when I saw his boyish grin.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your pineapple juice,¡± he immediately handed me the red cup, ¡°and here¡¯s your kiss for staying here like what I said.¡± Then he kissed my lip.

    I responded with the same passion and need. When we stopped kissing, Rupert immediately intertwined our free hands and then he raised his cup. ¡°Cheers!¡±

    ¡°Cheers!¡± We clicked our sses before we left the kitchen, holding hands.

 Chapter 22 Letéˆ¥æªš go!

    I just followed where Rupert would take me since I didn¡¯t know anyone here aside from him and Bailey. Also, I couldn¡¯t see anyone¡¯s faces either. It was actually a bit stressful and frustrating for me to see a sea of blurred faces. Sooner orter, for sure I would lose my energy due to stress. That¡¯s one downside of prosopagnosia. The frustrations of not seeing the people we interacted with, especially inrge crowds, could lead to high levels of stress and cause us extreme fatigue.

    But thanks to Rupert, the frustrations were more tolerable. He was so attentive to me. He was talking way too much than he used to.

    ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you to some of my friends sh brothers in Phantoms Omega,¡± Rupert said as we crossed the sea of ??people.

    A few more walks, we arrived at a part of the house that was a bit calmer and softer. It was a room on the second floor with blinding lights but with lesser people. There was a long U-shaped sofa in the middle of the room and in the middle was a ss table. To the right of the room was a small bed and to the left was arge t screen tv.

    On the u-shaped sofa, there were four guys and three girls sitting. They all looked at us when Rupert and I entered the room. I couldn¡¯t see their faces too but based on the branded clothes they were all wearing, it¡¯s easy to conclude, they¡¯re rich and powerful.

    ¡°Ahoy! Rupert is here! We¡¯ve been waiting for you for a while, you idiot.¡±

    Rupert justughed and then raised his middle finger in response to what he said. ¡°You miss me again. By the way, this is Meredith Kaye Santiago.¡± I smiled when Rupert pulled me onto the sofa where the other people were waiting at us. We sat at the left end. I was next to the arm rest while Rupert sat next to me. ¡°She¡¯s my special friend.¡±

    I was stunned by Rupert¡¯s introduction. Special friend? What an odd way to introduce me. But I didn¡¯t object anymore.

    ¡°Hi, Meredith. I¡¯m Benjamin. But simply call me Benj.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Calvin. We already met at the cafe.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Joshua, but you can call me Josh for short.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m Cloak. Nothing much to say about me. Nice to meet you.¡±

    I answered with a hesitant smile to all the introductions of the man. Well, I couldn¡¯t see their faces ¨C though, I know their names ¨C I still don¡¯t know who¡¯s who. It¡¯s also not that easy to try to remember them ording to the timbre of their voices. They also don¡¯t have a distinct smell.

    ¡°The three girls are Luna, Crescent, and Gibbus. They¡¯re all daughters of the second in rank, Sir Apollo,¡± Rupert said before I felt his handnd on my thigh. ¡°Don¡¯t pressure yourself to know them all. They¡¯re not really important, so you can forget them.¡±

    I giggled with what Rupert said. ¡°You¡¯re really crazy.¡±

    ¡°Crazy for You.¡± Then he leaned on my shoulder as his hand yed over my thigh. I could feel his finger tracing circle patterns on it.

    ¡°A ¡­ Am I seeing this right? Brother Rupert is being so clingy with a woman?¡± one of the girls suddenly said.

    I tried to push Rupert¡¯s head away from my shoulder but he didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Don¡¯t be such a nuisance, Luna. You just really notice everything,¡± Rupert replied like a child who wasughed at by the others.

    ¡°Here they are again. It¡¯s Luna versus Rupert.¡±

    I recognized Calvin¡¯s voice saying that. Among all of them, I managed to familiarize myself with Calvin¡¯s voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to argue with her, right now. I should be a good boy because Meredith is here,¡± Rupert said and the guys whistled and gave each other a high five.

    ¡°Not so you, Rupert,¡± someone said, earning anotherugh from everyone.

    I justughed too. They were all bullies and did not stop teasing Rupert. Like a child, Rupert would report it to me which always led to louder giggles andughs. Eventually, I found myself fooling around with Rupert¡¯s friends as well. I even ended up ying ¡®truth or dare¡¯ with them.

    ¡°Owkaaayy! It¡¯s your turn now, Meredith! Finally, the bottle points at you too!¡±

    Iughed at what Calvin said. Well, he¡¯s the most hyper among us and I must say the life of the party. Rupert walked over to me when one of the women was excited to approach me. She has pixie cut hair, so she¡¯s Gibbus. ¡°Truth or dare?¡± I could hear the excitement in her voice and I chuckled before saying, ¡°Dare.¡±

    Everyone shouted. Iughed. I¡¯ve already seen a few rounds of truth or dare, and only now did the bottle hit me, so they were very happy.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we want! Fight!¡± I heard Benj said before Josh, who was already a bit tipsy, cheered the loudest ¡®whoo!¡¯.

    ¡°What do we dare her, guys?¡± Gibbus asked then turned to her sisters.

    The woman in a long skirt and shoulder-length red hair immediately raised her hand. She¡¯s Crescent. ¡°Meredith Kaye, I dare you to give Rupert a fucking boner!¡±

    ¡°Motherfucker! That¡¯s your talent, Crescenta!¡±

    My cheeks immediately warmed up as Rupert¡¯s body stiffened next to me.

    ¡°Can you do it?¡± the girl with wavy shoulder-length hair asked, Luna.

    I swallowed before nodding. I removed the nervousness because I shouldn¡¯t feel it. I mean, it¡¯s Rupert. And we already did a lot of crazy things together. ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± I said, grinning like an idiot.

    ¡°Whooo! Rupert is easy!¡± Calvin shouted, making everyoneugh.

    ¡°I¡¯m not that easy, sweetie,¡± Rupert whispered to me so I answered him with a grin.

    ¡°Really?¡± Then, I ced my hand on hisp, the exact ce where I could touch him against his pants.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Everyone fell silent as Rupert stared at me in disbelief. His mouth dropped open and the look at his eyes gradually changed. His eyes darkened.

    I moved my hand, up and down. Squeezing and slightly caressing his length. Gradually, his thighs opened and he leaned back on the sofa. ¡°Shit.¡± Rupert looked up as the movement of my hand quickened over the fabric of his pants.

    ¡°Tss. Too easy,¡± Cloakmented, for the first time in the night.

    I bit my lower lip when I saw the tent on his crotch area slowly lifted.

    ¡°Ahhh ¡­ Shit!¡±

    Everyone gasped when Rupert suddenly took my hand off of hisp. He immediately pulled me up and led me out of the room.

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    ¡°Fuck the game. Let me have you, sweetie.¡±

 Chapter 23 The Last Kiss

    Rupert brought me to the room next to the room where we left his friends. When we entered, he immediately captured my lips for a scorching hot kiss. Both of his arms held my waist, my chest was pressed against his.

    ¡°Hmnn¡­¡± My fingersbed his hair as I responded to his kiss with the same ferocity. The warmthing from his body transmigrated to mine, igniting the desire within me.

    I gasped when Rupert gently pushed me until the back of my knees hit the end of the bed. Slowly, I sat on the bed behind me, heaving heavy breaths while watching Rupert¡¯s next movements.

    He immediately zipped down his pants and tugged it down along with his undergarment. I was in awe and still slightly embarrassed when his manhood sprung open in front of me. My right hand automatically wrapped around his length and he hissed.

    ¡°Lay down, sweetie. Let¡¯s make this quick,¡± he uttered, cing both of his knees on my sides, trapping me in between. He also removed my grip on his buddy, only to lift my palm and kiss it.

    I gasped. I watched Rupert rained little kisses on my right palm. My mouth went dry as the tip of his length bumped to my lips.

    ¡°Lay down, Meredith. I want you now.¡±

    I slowlyy down on the bed with my two legs dangling at the end of the bed.

    Rupert climbed on the bed and quickly lifted the hem of my dress up to my waist, exposing how wet I was.

    Each of our breaths were equally fast and deep. I bet, like mine, Rupert¡¯s body was burning with pleasure and desire.

    ¡°Ahhhh Rupert!¡± I tightly gripped his arms when he finally removed my underwear then, I felt his finger traced my wet folds, up and down, before pinching my throbbing clit.

    ¡°So wet as always, sweetie,¡± Rupert hissed before he entered me with his fingers.

    My mouth hung half open and loud moans escaped. His fingers went in and out of me, fast and deep. My fingernails almost sank into his skin because of my tight grip on his arm. My hips thrusts to meet his fingers.

    ¡°Should I increase the pace, sweetie?¡±

    ¡°Ohhh Rupert ¡­ F-Faster ¡­ Please ¡­¡± My legs raised and then circled around his legs. I stared at his hard manhood in between us as it hit my navel. There was pre-cum at the end of his hardened length, a white and sticky fluid, which I suddenly longed to taste. Some of his fluid was already dripping to my exposed thighs. ¡°Oh gosh! You¡¯re so good, Rupert. Ah. Yes. F-Faster!¡±

    The tension and heat were burning me¡­ It was too much. I kept moaning Rupert¡¯s name as I felt the tension knot deep inside me. I was nearing a very delicious release.

    ¡°Fuck, Meredith. You¡¯re making me damn crazy. You¡¯re only mine, sweetie. Mine alone.¡±

    Just as I was about to reach my release, Rupert removed his fingers. He picked up his pants from the floor. When he got back on top of my body, he opened a sachet of condom and wrapped the rubber on his length.

    A long moan escaped my mouth as he buried himself deeper into me. I felt his arms wrap around my two thighs to lift them until my legs hung on his shoulders and my hips were slightly lifted from the mattress

    Then, he started thrusting in and out of me. Fast and rough. Deep and delicious.

    ¡°Uhmn. Uhmn. Uhmn. R-Rupert ¡­ Oh gosh!¡±

    I could feel how my walls were clenching around his length. He was filling all of me.

    ¡°I really love to bury myself in you, Meredith.¡± He moved faster. ¡°I like it when you moan my name because I am deep inside you. Ahhh¡­ This is the best feeling, Sweetie. Heavenly. Hot. Delicious.¡± His eyes were burning with desire and lust.

    I was writhing in pleasure under him. Begging for more. Desperate for his kisses and touch.

    My burning body was covered now with cold sweat as Rupert kept on pumping deep and hard. He was not satisfied with our position. He wrapped my legs around his waist before pulling me to sit up from lying down.

    He sat on the bed with me sitting on hisp.

    ¡°Uhmnn¡­ Ahhh¡­¡± I moaned as his manhood sank deeper into me because of our new position.

    I was about to move up and down on his length when Rupert restrained my hip from moving. Using his mouth, he tilted the low neckline of my dress then pulled out my right breast. He ate my right nipple, licking and tugging at it, before his hips started moving upward, burying himself.

    I squirmed and groaned because of the strange tickle I felt from Rupert¡¯s slow but powerful movements. I clung so tightly to his shoulders as he continued to lift his hips, pounding upward inside me, taking his im on me. His mouth yed with my two peaks which were now exposed through the plunging neckline of my dress.

    ¡°Shit ¡­ Ahhh Rupert! I¡¯ming!¡±

    I reached my first, second, and third release before Rupert licked my throat. Then, I felt his body shivered, indicating he finally reached his release as well.

    ¡°That was heaven, sweetie. Thank you.¡± He gave me a peck before he yfully arranged my neckline using his mouth.

    ¡°You said it¡¯s going to be quick,¡± I teased him and he chuckled.

    ¡°I guess, I can¡¯t do it quickly. Not with you, Meredith.¡± He lifted me up. I sighed heavily, feeling how his length was slowly pulled out of me. ¡°I just realized I want it slow when I am taking you. I want to enjoy every second when we¡¯re united,¡± he added before pulling the hem of my dress down.

    I couldn¡¯t help but smile at what he said. ¡°You really know how to flutter a woman¡¯s heart with your words..¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wrong, sweetie. I know how to flutter your heart.¡±

    My cheeks burned in embarrassment when Rupert was the one who got my underwear from the floor. He put the panty in front of me as if he was going to wear it on me.

    ¡°I-I can get dressed,¡± I said before avoiding looking at his manhood which was still wearing a condom. I could see the rich fluid he released inside the rubber material, ¡°on my own.¡±

    ¡°No, Meredith. Let me clean you, sweetie.¡±

    My mouth dropped open as Rupertid my panties on the bed and then held both sides of my hips. He pulled me closer to him, making me stand in between his parted legs.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­¡± I clung to his hair as my cheeks heated when he started wiping the insides of my legs with his hands.

    He lifted the hem of my dress again and then he used his mouth to actually clean my wet core. His tongue licked even the drips on my inner thighs. I bit my bottom lip while Rupert was cleaning my femininity with his mouth. He¡¯spping me, licking and sucking all of my juices.

    My knees became wobbly and it was so hard to remain standing. I had to hold on his strong shoulders until he finished wiping my womanhood. ¡°Now, time to wear your underwear.¡±

    I could do nothing but put my legs in the holes of my underwear which he spread in front of me. Rupert helped me to wear my panty. He even tapped my core after. ¡°See you again, kitty,¡± he said before kissing the top of my panty.

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    ¡°What? I¡¯m just saying bye to kitty,¡± he repliedughing at me.

    I pped his shoulder lightly, looking at him appalled. ¡°Stop calling my pussy kitty! Silly!¡±

    ¡°Oh, is pussy the name then?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy, Rupert!¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    ***

    After having some heated sessions, Rupert and I went down to the first floor of the house where the party was still going on. It became more crowded and it became more wild.

    The music was even louder now. And when we passed through a wall clock, I saw the time says 11:50 PM.

    ¡°Are we going home?¡± I asked when I noticed we were going to the front door of the house.

    ¡°Nope. You haven¡¯t witnessed the main event of this party yet,¡± he replied to me while holding my hand tightly.

    I smiled. Rupert was extra careful, caring, and a bit possessive tonight. He barely disappeared beside me all night.

    I was not sure if being possessive was also part of sexual rtionships like what we had. But to be honest, it feels good when you have someone who is being greedy of you. For others, possessiveness was irritating¡­ I used to say that¡­ But it¡¯s different when you¡¯re in a situation and you¡¯re already experiencing it. Don¡¯t get me wrong. I was talking about that kind of possessiveness that he wanted you to enjoy every moment with him only- not that kind of possessiveness that he¡¯s treating you like a mere ¡®possession¡¯. Those two werepletely different.

    ¡°Wee to the Last Kiss, Meredith.¡±

    My lips parted as Rupert and I finally got out of the house and saw the frontwn of the house. It was way different from its earlier state when Bailey and I had just arrived. This time, the frontwn was decorated with fairy lights and some shiny metallic foils. There were some people dancing in the middle in conjunction with a slow song. There were barbeques and some drinks.

    If on the inside of the house, people seemed to be just doing all the crazy stuff, the opposite was happening on the outside. Everyone was calm and just enjoying the slow music.

    ¡°This is what Phantom Omega¡¯s members call ¡®Last Kiss¡¯,¡± Rupert whispered in my ear as his arm wrapped around my waist. ¡°Remember the kiss we shared for the first time?¡±

    I turned to Rupert. He took one of my hands and then kissed my palm. ¡°So, that¡¯s what Last Kiss is like?¡±

    He smiled and then nodded. ¡°But unlike that evening kiss in the bar, the lights won¡¯t go out. Instead, fireworks will light up the night sky as everyone here will kiss someone.¡±

    I nodded and let Rupert lead me to the center where some people were dancing. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I circled my arms around his neck. Our body swayed along with the slow background music.

    We just stared at each other and both had a smile on our lips. Unknowingly, my heart raced. Lately, Rupert was doing this to me. Making my heart beat faster as if it¡¯s going to burst from my ribcage.

    ¡°Thank you for choosing to try this with me, Meredith.¡±

    I leaned my head on his shoulder. I was in awe when I heard his heartbeats. The ¡®thump¡¯ sound was so loud that my heart beat even faster.

    It seemed that I was not the only one who was affected by whatever was going on between us. Both of us were having a hard time breathing because of our erratic heartbeats.

    ¡°What are we exactly trying to do, Rupert?¡±

    What exactly is our rtionship now?

    Sex. Attraction. Fast heartbeats.

    ¡°What we have is something special, Meredith. It makes me happy. It saved me from the pain of being alone.¡±

    Something special ¡­

    I smiled. ¡°Same here. Being with you is actually my version of living this second life of mine- happily.¡±

    What we have as of now was something special that made the two of us happy. I guess that¡¯s enough exnation for now. I don¡¯t want toplicate everything. I just want to enjoy things with this guy.

    We keep on dancing, slowly swaying and listening to each other¡¯s heartbeat. Momentster, the middle of thewn became crowded. Couples started slow dancing.

    ¡°Coming soon,¡± Rupert said as I lifted my head from his shoulder.

    ¡°Thest kiss?¡±

    He nodded before kissing my forehead. His eyes were beaming with happiness and that warms my heart.

    I cupped his face as we kept swaying our bodies. ¡°Why did you call it the Last Kiss?¡±

    Rupert was stunned for a while before he kissed the tip of my nose. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to tell you, Meredith. Not now. Not yet.¡±

    My forehead furrowed and I was about to tickle him to say it to me when suddenly the people around me counted down.

    ¡°Ten,¡± Rupert counted with them, ¡°Nine.¡±

    I giggled and then caressed his cheeks. I remembered the first night we met. It¡¯s the same situation but with a different context.

    ¡°Eight,¡± Rupert whispered before he pulled me even closer.

    Our faces were so close. ¡°Seven,¡± I also joined in the counting while smiling at Rupert.

    ¡°Six.¡±

    His piercing was still as shiny as the first day we met.

    ¡°Five.¡± The pad of my thumb caressed his sinful but addicting lips. ¡°Four.¡±

    He tilted his head and inched closer. ¡°Three.¡± Rupert¡¯s eyes slowly closed.

    ¡°Two.¡±

    And ¡­

    ¡°One.¡±

    My eyes were both wide open as Rupert imed my lips. Simultaneously with the touch of our lips was the loud sound of fireworks that illuminated the dark sky.

    I, on the other hand, stared at the man who was kissing me, slow and sensual. I stared at him, seeming to memorize his face as he kissed me. My right hand went down to his chest.

    The feeling of his lips against mine was divine but feeling his heart racing against my palm while kissing the breath out of me was something more than divine.

 Chapter 24 Brazen Up

    When the dreamer did not stop, the dream was not impossible to reach. That¡¯s what Mom always told me when she was still alive and I carried that principle with me in everything I do.

    Probably it¡¯s the reason why I decided to try again ¨C even though I was a littlete ¨C I would still try topete again in the debatepetition. This time, I would make sure to make it to the nationals.

    Today is Monday and I am up to get one of the remaining two spots for the roster of the official debate team. I want topete in the regional interschstic debatepetition that is happening in a few weeks.

    ¡°Hey, Meredith! Hey!¡±

    I turned around to see the person calling me. It took me a few seconds before I recognized that distinct pixie cut hair with blue highlights and the only tall guy I know on this campus. It¡¯s Minzy and David. Like Cherry, I was with them as a freshman in joining Alpha Battuere. They were the people I was supposed topete with during the nationals, two years ago. However, I got sick and I failed to join them. They were also now in their senior years.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you, guys. Are you going to the auditorium?¡± I asked after Minzy hugged me.

    Minzy is the current president of Alpha Battuere while David is the secretary. The long two years that I was gone from school really made big changes to my friends. I¡¯m happy for them but a small part of me envies what they¡¯ve achieved. But don¡¯t worry. I feel more motivated to do better ¨C so that sooner I can achieve the things I want to achieve like them.

    ¡°So, are you really going to the audition? I¡¯m already excited, Meredith,¡± Minzy squealed, giving me two thumbs up. ¡°You can do it. I am quite confident you will get one spot in the roster. I know you are still the same debate champion who brought us to the nationals back then.¡±

    Iughed at what she said before shaking my head. ¡°The vice chancellor opened the audition for all the students. My chances are a bit lopsided. Our university has many good speakers and thinkers, you know.¡±

    ¡°Come on, Meredith. You¡¯re not called ¡®debate genius¡¯ during High School for nothing,¡± David said, winking at me.

    ¡°David is right. We know your capabilities. Even if you deny or hide it, talent naturally shows. You are talented in this craft,¡± Minzy tapped my shoulder, showing me her support, ¡°You¡¯re a natural debater, girl. You can get that one of thest two spots on the roster. ¡±

    My heart felt a satisfying warmth, hearing suchpliment and motivation. The pleasure of feeling that someone believes in your abilities was something I would really not take for advantage. I would forever be thankful to people who believed in me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll believe what you said, Minzy,¡± I joked to her and she immediately put her arm around my shoulders.

    ¡°I know you can do it. Cherry, David and I will be waiting for you. This time, we will fight the nationals together,¡± Minzy said, nudging my side when she noticed my tearied eyes.

    ¡°And we¡¯re going to win the nationals, Meredith,¡± David added.

    I nodded. The desire in me to get the one of thest two spots on the debate roster intensified exponentially. There was no way I would not do anything to get this chance.

    ¡°Sir Romeo and Ma¡¯am Juliet will be part of the choosingmittee for the audition. They also included the vice chancellor and the deans of the DevCom and Law department.¡±

    I was suddenly nervous at the big names David had said. Sir Romeo and Ma¡¯am Juliet were the coaches for the debate team. I already knew them and how high their standards were. The vice chancellor and two deans would be there too and that proved how the university wanted this win.

    ¡°Good luck, Meredith. I hope you make your curriculum vitae and essay very interesting. That¡¯s the way to make it to the final cut,¡± Minzy reminded before she hugged me again. ¡°Fighting!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be there to assist everyone who will audition. Don¡¯t be shy to ask for our help if you need it,''¡± David said, tapping my head.

    ¡°Sure thing. Thank you, guys. Wait for me. I¡¯ll do my best to be selected.¡± Then I lifted the envelope I was holding where the curriculum vitae and essay I had been watching to do over the past week were kept.

    For the first round of the audition, everyone was asked to submit a curriculum vitae and a one-thousand-word essay to exin why you¡¯re deserving to represent the school and be part of the official debate team. The top twenty students would advance to the next and final round where they would meet the choosingmittee to answer a question with justification.

    I waved at Minzy and David before they finally left.

    I first went to the cafe to get my daily dose of coffee to start my day right. Madam Katie gave me her good luck when I told her that I would be auditioning to get into the debate team¡¯s roster. She even offered me a week of free coffee if I was able to get in. That made me more spirited to have one of the spots.

    While sipping my coffee on the way to the auditorium hall, I read the current events on my phone. Of course, I had to be ready for the second round. I was confident with everything I wrote in my essay and curriculum vitae, but the uncertainty of the second round put me to a tight edge.

    Because of the tension I was feeling, I had to stop at the restroom after finishing my coffee. I did my facial exercise to remove my tension. It¡¯s just a simple movement of the face but it really helped me a lot to calm my nerves.

    ¡°You can do it, Meredith. You¡¯ll reach the nationals this time,¡± I whispered to myself before exiting the cubicle.

    I went straight to the auditorium and I immediately saw other members of Alpha Battuere who, like me, were also auditioning. Most of them were sophomores and juniors. We wore the same t-shirts so I could easily find them despite the crowd. Our dear president Minzy thought of this idea. She said it¡¯s beneficial for us to indicate we were already members of the debate organization, so that we can have an edge in the second round. It¡¯s like actually stating that we already knew more about debatepared to the other auditionees. The chances of us being selected would increase. So yeah, that¡¯s why we settled with our maroon org shirt saying we were members of Alpha Battuere, the official debate organization of the university.

    The moment my org mates noticed me, they immediately called my name. I didn¡¯t know who waved at me but I just waved back. I showed them my envelope, indicating I had to pass it first before I went to them. They gave a couple of thumbs up so I went straight to the queue of those who passed the requirements.

    I scratched my neck when I saw the long line. I didn¡¯t expect this audition to be this busy. I mean, if so many were interested in debating, why were there so few members of our organization?

    I lined up, trying to calm my nerves. People were everywhere and it¡¯s quite stressing me out. Their faces were blurred as they passed by me and as I heard their voices. I tried to shut them out from my hearing and decided to avert my gaze to the ground as I waited in line. My chest was a bit tight due to the crowd and the stress that I couldn¡¯t see their faces properly. It¡¯s like I was the biggest freak in this crowd and it was taking a toll on me.

    I started counting inside my head to calm my breathing. I would just pass the envelope and then I would go to where my org mates were. At least, with them, I could recognize their voices, their smells and their choice of words. That¡¯s myfort zone. Being with a pool of strangers was too overwhelming for me.

    I waited a few minutes before I reached the table where the requirements would be passed. I smiled immediately when I recognized Cherry.

    ¡°Finally you¡¯re here, Meredith! We are waiting for you.¡±

    I nodded immediately before saying goodbye. I made my way to the right corner of the auditorium to visit my org mates who were waiting for the announcement of the top twenty.

    I was close to them when I ran into a man. I almost fell out of bnce but he was able to catch my arm. I immediately saw the familiar tattoo on the man¡¯s hand. Stars and crescent moon.

    ¡°Gelo?¡± I looked up at him.

    He helped me to my feet and then shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Yes. I auditioned too,¡± he said, which made meugh right away.

    ¡°Is that obvious what I¡¯m going to ask?¡± I asked, leaning forward to see his eyes.

    I could see the irritation in his face because I approached him like that again. He pushed my forehead with his index finger and then adjusted the sling of his backpack on his shoulder. ¡°I can see it in your eyes,¡± he said, annoyed. ¡°All right, I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯ll just be back at lunchtime to know the top twenty.¡±

    ¡°Wait! Do you have a ss?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. But I n to go home and sleep.¡±

    I was offended by his answer. Tss. ¡°Just wait like me.¡± I immediately grabbed his arm. I suddenly remembered how many questions I had just asked him.

    ¡°Get off of me. How many times have I told you that-¡±

    ¡°I have a lot of questions for you, especially about Ang,¡± I blurted out and he was stunned.

    I felt the tension of his body because of what I said. Because my vision was defective, my other senses were stronger. I felt how his aura changed- from that annoyed expression, his shoulders fell and his mood turned gloomy.

    My heart suddenly ached when I saw Gelo¡¯s fists clenched. I brought my face slightly closer to see his eyes and that¡¯s when I saw the tears. I remembered Ang¡¯s beautiful smile and the sound of her giggles. That little girl helped me to get by while being confined in the hospital. She showed me how to be brave.

    ¡°Wait ¡­ Don¡¯t tell me ¡­ Ang ¡­¡± Realization dawned on me.

    Gelo removed my grip on his arm. But he held my hand. That grip was tight as if he was drawing strength from me.

    ¡°Do you want to see her?¡± Gelo bowed slightly and that¡¯s when I saw his face. I saw his sad smile and the pain in my heart intensified.

    My hands started shaking and my vision became blurry because of tears. ¡°Y-Yes.¡±

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s go to her instead. Let¡¯s just go back at lunchtime for the result.¡± I felt one of Gelo¡¯s hands rubbing my cheeks.

    That¡¯s when I realized I was crying already. He hadn¡¯t confirmed it yet but I feel the pain from him.

    ¡°For sure, she is still waiting for you, Meredith Kaye.¡±

    ***

    The wide ne of trimmed grasses and tall trees greeted me when we entered the tall ck gate. It took a couple of cobblestone pathwalks until we reached the spot where Ang was waiting for me.

    Ang Levi Cristobal

    Her name was written on a white square marble, lying on the ground. The ache in my heart doubled. Everything was making sense now.

    ¡°My angel died, after three months since you were discharged from the hospital, Meredith. She didn¡¯t make it. She couldn¡¯t fight her illness anymore.¡±

    My legs softened spontaneously and I sat down opposite Ang¡¯s grave. She died. The bravest person I met next to my mother died¡­ Again, because of cancer.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    My tears began to flow. Loud sobs came out of my mouth. My trembling hands caressed her cold grave. I couldn¡¯t help but remember the times I was with Ang. Those were the toughest times during my treatment. Her little giggles and vibrant smiles helped me a lot to move forward- inspired me to fight and recover.

    ¡°S-She¡¯s my favorite person next to my mother. Ang, showed me how to be brave.¡±

    During those times, I was ready to die. I epted my situation ¨C my destiny. But Ang, a little girl of two years old, found me in the hospital chapel while crying my heart out and cursing God for giving me cancer.

    She held my hand. She was very thin, with pale and cold skin, and wearing a mask. She had no hair and her eyes were dull. But when she removed her mask and then gave me a faint but happy smile, I was consumed with guilt for being such a coward.

    ¡°Meeting her was my miracle ¡­¡±

    Ang was my angel who guided me to fight for my life and redeem myself. She made me realize to just have faith.

    ¡® Are you sick? Are you crying? Don¡¯t cry anymore. I¡¯m sick ¡­ but ¡®I won¡¯t cry ¡­ Because I¡¯m brave.¡¯

    I immediately wiped away my tears and suppressed my sobs when I remembered what Ang had said. She didn¡¯t like it when I was crying. I should stop. She would be sad when I cried.

    ¡°My angel enjoyed her remaining life because of you, Meredith. So, don¡¯t cry.¡± I felt Gelo tap me on the shoulder. Like me, he was already sitting on the grass.

    I turned to him. I was able to faintly see the tearful eyes and the sad smile on his face. He gently rubbed my cheeks before gasping for breath.

    ¡°Is she your biological daughter?¡±

    ¡°Yes. She¡¯s mine. I had her when I was neen and her mother was just sixteen.¡± Gelo took another deep breath before caressing Ang¡¯s grave. I couldn¡¯t help but to stare at his tattoo. ¡°The path that his mother and I chose was difficult because we were both not ready to be parents. But when he came into our lives ¨C in my life, I found the courage to stand up and be a man. I faced all the consequences, Meredith. Especially when I was the only one raising her. ¡±

    My mouth fell open at what he said. ¡°Alone?¡±

    ¡°Her mother died after she gave birth to her. My life was a bit tragic but I learned a lot, Meredith. I don¡¯t regret all the pain I went through.¡±

    A sad smile formed on my lips. Realization hit me big time. There I was, sitting in a corner, pitying myself because I had cancer. But I don¡¯t know that there were people who had a really harder path to go through than me. I guess I pitied myself too much. This time, it¡¯s on me.

    That¡¯s why in this second life, I wanted to be the brave girl. This time, I promised to face the problem head on even though I was weak.

    ¡°Is that why another star was added to your tattoo? Because of what happened to Ang?¡± I asked, cing my hand on top of his. The pad of my thumb caressing his tattoo.

    ¡°Yes. Right now, I have my two angels from above watching me to go on with life and this time, do it right.¡±

    I nodded at what he said and spontaneously leaned my head on his shoulder. I understood him and how he felt.

    There were few ways on how people cope up after a death of a love one; some people ended up drowning in so much pain that living became a vacuum of sorrow and hopelessness; there were people who would use the pain to stand up and start again; and there were those who would feel weak but would brazen up to still face what¡¯sing in this life.

    I stared at the two little stars on Gelo¡¯s tattoo. Like him, I had my mother rooting for me to do well in my second life.

    ¡°Let¡¯s both do well in our second chance, Gelo.¡±

    ¡°Sure. I am always thankful you survived and continued living. Ang asked me to look for you before she said goodbye.¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. He smiled at me and then put his arm around me. ¡°I promised her that I will take care of her big sis.¡±

    Iughed. ¡°It¡¯s awkward to call you daddy.¡±

    ¡°Please refrain from doing so. But expect me to be your protector.¡±

    Protector ¡­ That¡¯s a good thing to have, right?

 Chapter 25 Uncertain

    Gelo and I returned to the venue. At exactly one o¡¯clock in the afternoon, the list of the auditionees who made it to the top twenty would be announced. We still have fifteen minutes to spare, so I decided to go to the bathroom to pee.

    I left Gelo with my org mates and made my way to the nearest bathroom. After that, I exited the girl¡¯s restroom only to be greeted by Rupert. He was leaning on the wall beside the restroom, arms crossed over his shoulders, and seemed like waiting for someone.

    What was he doing here?

    My forehead furrowed. Obviously, he¡¯s waiting for someone¡­ But who?

    I looked inside the restroom again but no one else was there. So, I stood in front of him to ask him but I was shocked at the next thing he did.

    He immediately hugged me, wrapping his arms around my waist, which caught me off guard.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­¡±

    ¡°How was it?¡± He pulled away from the embrace but his two hands remained on the sides of my waist. As much as I wanted the feeling of him being this close, I got conscious because the passers-by who were looking at us. So I had to remove his hands.

    He was stunned for a few seconds before he put his hands inside the pocket of his tattered jeans.

    ¡°How was what?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Your audition? I had ab ss at higher microbiology for five hours so I wasn¡¯t able to go to see you right away.¡± He ran his hand through his hair. ¡°Has the result been announced? I went to the auditorium hall to see you but you weren¡¯t there. Your org mates said you went to the restroom so I checked on you here.¡±

    My mouth fell open. I told himst night about this audition and I also told him how much I wanted to get a spot on the roster. He practically knew about my regrets of not being able topete in the nationals two years ago. But I didn¡¯t expect him toe to me even though he was from a stressful five-hourb ss.

    ¡°The top twenty will be announced at exactly one PM,¡± I replied with a smile before wrapping my hand around his arm. I was touched by his concern and effort to see me for this audition. I also appreciated that he remembered about it even though he was almost asleepst night when I told him about it.

    ¡°Really? Good. I¡¯ll wait with you. After that, will there be another round?¡± I nodded at his question. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll wait for you again.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± I looked at him in disbelief. ¡°Have you had lunch yet? Didn¡¯t your ss start at seven AM earlier?¡±

    Even if he didn¡¯t say it, I could see the tired look on his face. Though I wanted him to be there cheering for me, it¡¯s not okay for him to be there while enduring hunger.

    ¡°But I want to cheer for you. Let me do that.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because we¡¯re friends,¡± he said, putting his arm around my shoulders and guiding me to walk. ¡°Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s almost one.¡±

    ¡°Nope. I¡¯ll go. And you,¡± pointing at him, ¡°you go to the cafeteria and eat your lunch. Juste back to the auditorium after then,¡± I said before removing his arm.

    He¡¯s about to protest so I put my index finger on his lips. The sparkling piercing on his bottom lip was really catching my gaze every time I would look at his face.

    ¡°Go. Eat first. I can¡¯t ask you to be there and wait for me with an empty stomach. That will distract me.¡±

    He sighed before nodding. I smiled. He squatted down to pat the top of my head. ¡°Text me if you make it to the second round,¡± he reminded me with a smile.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Of course. See youter.¡± I gave him a wink and was about to leave when he held my hand. I didn¡¯t expect the next thing he did.

    He pulled me back, and then kissed me on my forehead, in the middle of the hallway, with people passing by.

    ¡°R-Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Good luck. I believe you¡¯ll get one of the spots. You¡¯ve waited for this opportunity for so long.¡±

    I stared at him because of what he said. It took me a couple of seconds before I was able to breathe again. But my heart was acting strangely- it¡¯s beating too fast.

    ¡°I believe in you. You can do that. This time, I¡¯ll be there to support you in every step of the way.¡± His eyes, at this close distance, bore so much emotion. But pain and¡­ regret dominate there? ¡°And I want you to know that I will still be here even if you fail the audition. I will not let what happened before happen again.¡±

    Before?

    ¡°W-What are you talking about?¡±

    Suddenly, the negative emotions in his eyes immediately disappeared. Obviously, he did not mean what he just said out loud. He forced a smile and then took a step back- setting a definite distance away from me. ¡°Ah ¡­ Don¡¯t mind what I said. I mean, I believe in your ability. You¡¯re hungry for this, thus, you will surely have it.¡±

    I stared at him before nodding. He did not want to talk about it. There was no use asking him. Suddenly, it was as if he was suddenly away from me.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll go to the cafeteria. I¡¯ll hurry up so I can get to you right away. Good luck!¡±

    I watched him turn away from me. Just like the other days, he¡¯s with me but his mind was wandering somewhere away.

    Probably to where she was, Ava- his greatest love.

    I sighed before shaking my head and then started walking back to the auditorium hall.

    Rupert didn¡¯t say it but I felt it- both the pain and the sadness he was feeling. What happened before would never happen again? I was not stupid to not realize he¡¯s pertaining to Ava. He said he would not disappear even if I failed the audition. Did it mean he was not there when Ava was failing? Was that the reason behind the pain and regrets in his eyes?

    ¡°Ava!¡±

    I stopped walking because of the name I heard. I looked up and was immediately stunned. I saw a guy waving his hand at me. I couldn¡¯t see his face clearly but he¡¯s running towards me. I looked behind me but there was no one else. Ava? Was I the one he was referring to?

    When the guy was in front of me he immediately said his ¡®sorry¡¯ before bowing his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss. I thought you were my friend. You have the same length of hair.¡± Then the stranger left.

    I, on the other hand, was in deep thought about what had just happened. It was a big realization for me.

    Does Rupert see Ava in me?

    My breathing was fast and shallow because I felt like I was at a disadvantage. Mypetitive and alpha self was starting to argue that I shouldn¡¯t let anyone tarnish my self-worth. My fists clenched. I was never a shadow of anyone but myself.

    Definitely not by someone who was already dead.

    I forced myself to calm down to suppress my desire to go to the cafeteria today and ask Rupert. Not now. I had something that was more important to do.

    ¡°Meredith!¡±

    I took several deep breaths before a smile greeted the person who called me. I was already in front of the auditorium. I recognized Cherry¡¯s hair¡¯s curly ends and her voice.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going inside yet? The top twenty will be announced. Let¡¯s cross our fingers, Girl!¡± She giggled. ¡°But I¡¯m sure you got in. There is no way a debate genius will not make it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really crazy! All right, I¡¯lle in. I need to find out if you¡¯re right.¡±

    Somehow, my thoughts about Rupert were automatically put aside. I need to focus more on being part of the official debate team. I could confront himter but right now, I blocked out anything about him in my head.

    ¡°Good luck, Meredith!¡± Cherry said before she finally left the auditorium.

    I just waved and then entered the auditorium hall. I went to the right side of the ce where my org mates were sitting. I sat down next to Gelo. He gave me a sideway nce before he said, ¡°You took quite a while. Something happened? You don¡¯t seem to be in the mood.¡±

    I looked up to him before giving him a shrug. ¡°Is it too obvious that I¡¯ve lost my good mood?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the right time for you to think of anything, Meredith. Don¡¯t you really want to be on the debate team?¡± Gelo raised his fist in front of me. ¡°Eye on the prize, Meredith.¡±

    I grinned before also raising my fist and bumping it to his fist. We did a fist bomb and this time- my mind disregarded anything about Rupert.

    Eye on the prize.

    ¡°Good afternoon, everyone! The long wait is over. We already have the list of those who made it to the next round.¡± The striking pixie cut with blue highlights of Minzy made me recognize her. She was holding an envelope and next to her was Axel, the vice president of Alpha Battuere, the guy with a very broad shoulders and deep voice.

    Everyone¡¯s attention was turned to the two of them. The buzz in the auditorium slightly subsided as everyone waiting for the results listened, attentively.

    ¡°Are you all excited? We are going to announce our top twenty!¡± Minzy and her usual cheerful self made everyone cheer in a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

    I looked at Gelo when he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. I felt him softly caressing my shoulder as Minzy and Axel alternately called the names who made it to the top twenty. I also put my arm around him and we both waited for each other¡¯s names to be called.

    ¡°Sheryl Andrea Cadag! Congrats to Van Corteso too!¡±

    Please ¡­ Give me this shot. I promise to not waste this.

    ¡°Congrattions Catherine Estacio!¡±

    I desperately want this.

    ¡°Our next qualifier, Angelo Leviticus Cristobal!¡±

    I shrieked in glee before I looked at Gelo. He made it.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look happy,¡± I pointed out, his shoulders were still tense and his jaw was clenched.

    He gave me a sideway nce, ¡°We haven¡¯t heard your name yet,¡± he pointed out.

    My eyebrows arched and I grinned at him. ¡°If I can get in, your chances will be reduced. You said it once, I defeated you back in High School,¡± I teased him, trying to hide my fear and nervousness through my forced grin.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t get in, the chances of winning the nationals will be reduced.¡±

    I stared at him because of what he said, before Iughed. ¡°Aren¡¯t you being altruistic here?¡±

    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m being a utilitarian here. You know, seeking what¡¯s the universal good for everyone.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re quite twisted. But that¡¯s definitely how a good debater should be.¡± I leaned on my seat and then crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°Universal good, my ass. For sure, you have your agenda.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I have a hidden agenda. I¡¯m not a saint.¡±

    I just nodded before smiling. It¡¯s very rare to meet someone with the same way of thinking as yours. And for me, it¡¯s Gelo. Now, it¡¯s not really a question why I got along with him even before in the hospital. His principles were quite simr to mine. Let¡¯s just say we¡¯re not that evil but certainly we¡¯re not noble people.

    ¡°And definitelyst but not the least, Alpha Battuere¡¯s debate genius who was put into a short halt,¡± what Minzy said made my heart beat faster, out of happiness and a bit of embarrassment. I mean, does she even have to say that? ¡°Meredith Kaye Santiago!¡±

    A loud apuse from the crowd was heard after my namepleted the list. The top twenty advancing to the next round was nowpleted.

    ¡°Now, we have to get the two spots on the roster. If we get those spots, the debate team will surely have the upperhand,¡± Gelo said, smugly. He stood up with his overflowing confidence and then offered me his hand.

    ¡°What now? Are we partners in terms of debating?¡±

    ¡°I prefer you as an opponent, Meredith. But we both missed this opportunity thest time it was offered to us.¡±

    My forehead furrowed before realizing what he was referring to.

    ¡°So ¡­ Two years ago ¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I was a transferee, Meredith. I should have represented the university where I came from to the national level, two years ago.¡± Gelo reached for my hand and then pulled me to stand up. ¡°Ang¡¯s situation worsened that time and I had no choice but to let go of the opportunity.¡±

    I remembered telling him and Ang about my frustrations and regrets because I got sick in the hospital when I was sick.

    ¡°I want this badly, Meredith.¡±

    I took a deep breath before nodding. I held his hand as tightly as I could the same way I did before when I was losing my hope to recover from my cancer. That day, Ang and him held my hands to assure me.

    ¡°And I want this desperately, Gelo.¡±

 Chapter 26 Donéˆ¥æª› fall in love

    ¡°What do you hate about the country?¡±

    How many times had I blinked at Ma¡¯am Juliet¡¯s question. My org mates told me, we¡¯re going to deal with a pressing question, most probably regarding current affairs or news- I expected them to hear facts from me.

    But ¡­ I didn¡¯t know they would ask for my opinion which was very ¡­ Subjective in nature.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± Sir Romeo smirked at me. ¡°Is that how a debater should answer once asked a question?¡±

    I swallowed and immediately ced both my hands behind my back. It took all the remaining courage in me to not avert my eyes. Once I do that, this is done.

    I shook my head immediately before standing up straight. I looked at each of the people sitting on the panel- straight to their eyes while my mind was giving me a list of answers. My hands were shaking behind my back and I admitted I was so nervous, right now. This felt like I was back to start- to the most basic thing about being a debater; that was to present yourself with confidence and courage.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye Santiago, what do you hate about this country?¡± This time, Ma¡¯am Juliet¡¯s voice was more stern, her face was cold enough to make my legs wobble in added fear.

    Eye on the prize, Meredith.

    ¡°I hate this country¡¯s system of ranks and hierarchy. I hate this country¡¯s downgrading outlook about the left extremities of life.¡± My jaw clenched. ¡°Lastly, I hate this country¡¯s unnecessary positivity and stiff standards.¡±

    The choosingmittee wrote something on their papers after I answered. I thought it was over but suddenly Atty. Madrigal spoke.

    My heart started pounding on my chest like crazy. He¡¯s the dean of the college ofw ¨C of them all, he¡¯s the one I don¡¯t want to question me the most.

    ¡°This is just a simple follow up, Miss Santiago.¡±

    I hesitantly just nodded. It did not escape my eyes when Sir Romeo grinned when I could no longer stop wiping my hands on the hem of my dress. It¡¯s sweating because of nervousness. I mean, I was probably inside this chamber for just five minutes but it felt like the time extended to more than an hour.

    ¡°What do you hate about yourself?¡±

    I blinked a few times because of that question. My mind went nk for a couple of seconds before I got the words to answer.

    ¡°I hate myself for valuing the rankings, that I end up killing myself from pressure just to get on the top. I hate myself for always wanting what¡¯s grand and end up ignoring those little things that actually are more vital.¡± A bitter smile spread on my lips. ¡°I hate myself for following the stiff standards of society and for always thinking that everything is alright ¡­ Leading myself to have a hard time epting the hard and painful reality I was in.¡±

    This life ¡­ was full ofpetitions, achievements and showing-off of your excellence; full of grand things; and full of people who always follow the flow.

    I¡¯m tired of living that way. After almost dying, I wanted my second life to be the opposite. I won¡¯tpete anymore for the sake of getting to the top. Instead, for the sake of my self-improvement. I will start to appreciate the smallest of things so grand things will make me genuinely happy. Lastly, I will not be the people-pleaser that I used to be- I will live this life ording to my will ¡­ and what makes me happy.

    ***

    ¡°How was it?¡±

    I was lost in my deep thoughts of what had happened during the second part of the audition as the realizations of my answers finally dawned on me.

    I turned to Rupert who was staring at me intently. I could see the sincere curiosity in his eyes.

    ¡°How was the result? You haven¡¯t spoken since we came out of the auditorium earlier.¡±

    When I came out of the chamber earlier after meeting the choosingmittee, I saw Rupert, standing there and waiting for me. He dide back after eating lunch.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t make it?¡± he asked, taking off his seatbelt and leaning closer to me.

    Since then, I had not talked to him. I remained silent the entire trip to his unit. He asked me to stay the night with him and I agreed because I needed to talk to him.

    I needed to settle things between us.

    I sighed before removing my seatbelt. Then, I met his gaze. His minty breath fanning my face.

    ¡°Did something happen? What¡¯s the matter, Meredith? You¡¯ve been avoiding me since we were in the auditorium.¡± He tucked some of the loose strands of my hair behind my ear. He coaxed my chin with his forefinger and thumb. ¡°Didn¡¯t you make it?¡±

    I smiled bitterly. ¡°You said you believed I could do it. You were sure earlier that I would get a spot.¡±

    He was stunned before suddenly kissing my forehead. ¡°Of course. I believe in you. But you seem so lost. So I thought¡­¡±

    ¡°The results will be out tomorrow.¡± I removed his hand from holding mine and then I adjusted the bag I was carrying. ¡°I came with you to talk about something.¡±

    I was about to get out of his car when he took my hand. ¡°What¡¯s the problem? I won¡¯t know if you don¡¯t tell me, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯ll talk inside your unit.¡±

    He heaved a deep sigh and then leaned on his seat. His hold on my hand tightened and then I heard a click on the car¡¯s door. ¡°Let¡¯s talk here. Let¡¯s fix it here. I want us to be okay when we enter my unit.¡± He sighed again and then I was taken aback when he intertwined our fingers together. ¡°I want a good and happy dinner with you.¡±

    I tried to remove my hand from his grip but he would not let me. He was just looking straight out of the car.

    I sighed and then leaned back in my seat. I guess, this was the ce we should talk about what happened earlier.

    ¡°I am not Ava, Rupert.¡±

    I felt him stiffened and then his hand let go of mine, little by little. I turned to him and he was quick to wipe his face. A bitter chuckle escaped his mouth, ¡°Of course, you are not her.¡± He looked at me, his face was contorted into a deep frown, frustration was evident. ¡°Why are we talking about her, anyway? She¡¯s not involved in what we had and certainly, you don¡¯t have to stress yourself from what I feel for Ava. What we have and what Ava and I had are two different things.¡±

    He was right in what he said. He loves Ava while he just wants to bed me. And I know that. I understand that. I am only here for sex too but I don¡¯t want him to look at me as Ava.

    Earlier, when he said he would be here for me because obviously he failed to do that for Ava, it made me feel like I was only here as a recement for Ava. Just a second chance to redeem himself because he failed Ava.

    But the thing was, what happened before and what¡¯s happening now were different. And I don¡¯t like the idea of ??Rupert mistaking me for Ava because he might end up falling for me while his mind and heart believed I was Ava.

    I don¡¯t want love¡­ and definitely, I don¡¯t want Rupert to reincarnate Ava¡¯s memories and characteristics to me.

    ¡°If you want us to really enjoy what we have, might as well, refrain from seeing Ava when you are looking at me, when you are with me.¡± I leaned my head against the window next to me. My eyes settled on the blinking red light at the end of the parking lot of this building. ¡°Even if you deny it, Rupert. I feel like you see her in me. I don¡¯t know how or why, but every time you care for me- it¡¯s like you¡¯re doing that because you¡¯re seeing Ava.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not. Ava is not you, Meredith.¡± A pince of pain was felt on my chest. ¡°When I¡¯m with you, I only see you. When we do it or when I care for you, it¡¯s only you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not how I perceive it, Rupert. We¡¯re just staying with each other for sex, so I can¡¯t understand why do you have to care for me. Why do you insist on taking care of me?¡± I slightly bumped my head on the ss window of the car as frustrations took over. ¡°If you don¡¯t see Ava, the girl you failed to protect, then, why? We can just treat this as something casual. No strings attached. But with every little good and sweet thing you are doing for me, don¡¯t you think we might end up getting tangled with each other more than the way we should?¡±

    ¡°I care for you because I know you¡¯ve been in hell before meeting me.¡± I felt his hand on my shoulder. He pulled me away from leaning on the window then forced me to face him. ¡°I care for you, genuinely. I just want things to be easier for you while you¡¯re with me. I¡¯m just really like that.¡±

    ¡°Great fuckboy, isn¡¯t it?¡± I smirked at him and he sighed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get why it¡¯s bad to worry for a friend.¡±

    ¡°I see. So, you¡¯re going an extra mile in this sexual rtionship because we¡¯re friends?¡±

    He shrugged. Then, he cupped my face with both of his hands. I was stunned when he kissed me on my lips, deep and rough. His hands went lower, gripping both of my elbows when his tongue entered the inside my mouth. He taunted my tongue and then sucked it.

    We¡¯re both breathless when the scorching hot kiss ended. ¡°Why are you so bothered about me taking care of you?¡± he asked against my lips.

    I closed my eyes as he sucked on my lower lip before wrapping one of his arms around my waist.

    ¡°You¡¯re confusing me, Rupert,¡± I answered, honestly.

    He stared at me for a few seconds before grinning. He pulled my body closer to his until I ended up straddling on hisp. He slightly reclined the driver¡¯s seat. I could even feel the steering wheel behind me.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯re only here for sex? You won¡¯t be confused if really that¡¯s the case, Meredith.¡± He buried his face on my neck and then sniffed my smell. ¡°Don¡¯t be confused. We¡¯re friends. We¡¯re friends satisfying each other¡¯s desires and needs.¡±

    ¡°So, that¡¯s what we are?¡± I caressed his hair. ¡°Friends with benefits. Nothing more, nothing less. Is that right?¡±

    His arms tightened around my waist. ¡°If you say so.¡± He lifted his face from being buried on the crook of my neck. He kissed my chin and then nibbled my lower lip. ¡°Just let me take care of you. I want to make things easier for you while you¡¯re with me, sweetie.¡±

    I stroked his hair before smiling. ¡°At least, this is clear now. Don¡¯t fall in love with me, Rupert. Let¡¯s not fall in love with each other. Let¡¯s just enjoy what we have.¡± Then I gave him a chaste kiss. ¡°Most importantly, I will never be Ava. You can¡¯t give your shorings to her through me. Okay? We¡¯re two different people.¡±

    Rupert moved my hair on the right side of my neck and then he kissed the left crook of my neck. I felt his hand on both of my thighs, caressing its way up to the apex.

    ¡°Ava and you are different. I know that. Believe me, I don¡¯t see Ava in you. She¡¯s long gone while you¡¯re here.¡±

    My body went numb when I felt his hand on my womanhood. He opened my pants and miraculously inserted his hand inside. My back arched when he started fondling my wet core through the opening on the side of my underwear while his mouth was busy leaving wet kisses on my face and neck.

    ¡°Are¡­ Are we going to do it here?¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to take you inside my car?¡± His free hand got under my shirt. He kneaded my breasts as his other hand yed with my folds.

    Only a growl came out of my mouth. I just tugged at his hair while we kissed warmly. He yed with my femininity until I reached my release.

    I was heaving deep breaths when he slightly lifted my hips. I helped him unbutton his pants and then helped him to release his hardened length.

    ¡°Ohhh¡­¡± We moaned together before I slowly sat down on his manhood.

    I rode him while he held a handful of my hair¡¯s end and tugged at it, guiding me on moving up and down of him.

    ¡°You¡¯re driving me crazy ¡­ Meredith ¡­ F-faster.¡±

    I came after I plunged myself above him and then he removed his length and guided my hand to give him a job. Momentster he sshed his juice on my hand and I copsed on top of him. My head leaned on his shoulders as sweats dropped from my forehead.

    ¡°What do you want to have for dinner?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Hmn ¡­ I want to just sleep.¡±

    ¡°No, sweetie. You have to eat. What do you think of me feeding you?¡±

    ¡°With food?¡±

    I heard him chuckle. He took my hand which was wet from his sticky juice. I felt something soft touching my palm. When I look at it, he¡¯s wiping off his essence using a hanky.

    I was shaken. I made a mental note not to borrow a hanky from him anymore after the night he used it in wiping my femininity.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cook and feed you,¡± he dered while cleaning me.

    I remained sitting on hisp and moaned softly with each touch of the handkerchief on my skin.

    ¡°By the way, Meredith,¡± he suddenly said, while I was nibbling his piercing. His breathing became shallow again but I didn¡¯t care. I really think he¡¯s hot with this piercing and disheveled rockstar hair. ¡°Who was the guy you were with earlier? I think I saw you with a tall guy. Suitor?¡±

    He was asking casually- so casual that it irritated me. Why was he so unaffected? I could still remember thest incident in the cafeteria when he left me for a woman he was hooking up with. That time, I could not even move because of so much annoyance.

    But he was unaffected and so casual. He was just like a ¡®real friend¡¯ curious about my life. There¡¯s no irritation in his voice.

    ¡°I was supposed to approach you but I don¡¯t want to disturb the two of you. You both looked so close earlier,¡± he added before touching my cheek. I leaned my chin on his chest before meeting his gaze. My hands caressed his arms. ¡°Suitor? Or maybe a boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a friend¡­ from the hospital where I was confined before,¡± I said, looking at him for any signs of jealousy. But none.

    ¡°Oh I see. Tell me if you already like someone, we¡¯ll stop this right away.¡±

    So, how easy is it for him to stop this? I mean, I am for the ¡®friends with benefits¡¯bel. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want it¡­ but he is hurting my ego for being this casual on talking how to end what we have.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fall for me,¡± I suddenly said, but there¡¯s a deep frown on my face.

    Why do I feel like I¡¯m saying that to myself rather than him? Don¡¯t fall for him, my dear self.

    ¡°Whatever you want, Meredith.¡±

    Then, he kissed me ¡­ Slow and warm.

    ¡°I¡¯m good at keeping my emotions in check, Meredith. Unless you want to fall in love, I won¡¯t fall for you.¡±

    I stared at him. My mind was in chaos because of what he said.

    Unless I want to fall in love, he¡¯s not going to fall for me?

    Wait ¡­ Is that a riddle? My mind can¡¯tprehend.

 Chapter 27 What?

    ¡°Are we okay now?¡± Rupert¡¯s strong set of arms wrapped around my waist. His familiar natural manly scent invaded my nostrils. ¡°I hope we¡¯re really okay now, Meredith.¡± Then he let go, only to get the small towel around my shoulders and started drying my long hair.

    I was standing in front of a full-length mirror inside Rupert¡¯s bathroom. We just finished showering. I watched what he¡¯s doing to my hair- he¡¯s being careful and gentle.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink about us, Meredith Kaye. I am here and you are here. We¡¯re enjoying this. Isn¡¯t that¡¯s why we¡¯re here?¡± He met my gaze in the mirror as he continued to dry my hair. I could see the hunger and lust in his eyes when his gaze went to my protruding nipples under the big shirt I was wearing. I decided not to wear nipple tapes. I mean, it¡¯s not necessary. ¡°Let¡¯s just take everything easy¡­ and you look hot, sweetie.¡±

    I chuckled with what he said. ¡°Stop it, Rupert. I¡¯m hungry for real food and I¡¯m tired too. Aren¡¯t you supposed to cook for me?¡±

    He chuckled before nodding. ¡°Yeah. And then I¡¯ll have you as my dessert. What do you think?¡± He leaned his chin on my right shoulder before his right hand slid under the hem of my shirt.

    I gasped when his hand touched my bare stomach, softly caressing it while his other hand kept on drying my hair.

    ¡°Your hair is really long and I like it this long,¡± he murmured, sniffing my wet hair.

    I was holding Rupert¡¯s right arm when I felt his hard length poking my behind, grinding and teasing me. ¡°W-What if I decide to cut it?¡±

    ¡°For sure, you¡¯re still beautiful.¡± Then his lips rained little kisses on my jaw as his hand under my shirt went lower, cupping my throbbing core above my little underwear. ¡°But it seems unlikely that you will cut your hair short. Your hair was always this long even when I first saw youst year.¡±

    I barely looked at him. ¡°Last year? So, we didn¡¯t meet at the bar first? Where?¡±

    He gave me a peck on the lips and then on the tip of my nose. ¡°Knowing about your prosopagnosia, I definitely understand now why you couldn¡¯t remember me.¡±

    I was frustrated. ¡°So, you won¡¯t tell me where we first met?¡±

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯ll soon remember it, Meredith.¡± I could hear the yful tone in his voice. ¡°But you really annoyed me that day. You said the words I don¡¯t want to hear because they¡¯re true.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°What? So are you telling me now that I was rude to you? That¡¯s why you opt not to tell me?¡± I frowned, trying my hardest for some stranger¡¯s encounterst year. Maybe if he could tell me where we first met, I would remember.

    He answered my question with a soft chuckle then he kissed me on my cheek. ¡°Come to think of it, you were really rude to me at that time. I should punish you for that.¡±

    ¡°Rupert,¡± I gasped when I felt his fingers getting inside my underwear. ¡°Oh gosh¡­ Are we really doing it again. I-I¡¯m¡­ Ahh¡­ Rupert¡­ I¡¯m tired¡­¡± I was about to close my eyes when his finger traced the slit of my femininity. I was starting to get wet.

    I wanted to stop him but what he was doing was so delicious. I whimpered under the movements of his fingers. Gosh. So good.

    ¡°But I have to punish you,¡± he whispered and then he sucked my earlobe.

    ¡°But ¡­ I can¡¯t ¡­ I can¡¯t remember my sin ¡­ T-That¡¯s unfair,¡± I murmured before my head leaned on his chest. I felt him insert his thigh in between my legs to part them even more, giving his fingers a few more ess to my throbbing core.

    ¡°Unfair? Hmnn¡­ Fine.¡± Then he removed his hand inside my underwear.

    My mouth fell open because¡­ Damn, I wanted more.

    ¡°Rupert.¡± I turned my face to him over my shoulder before one of my hands moved to retrieve his right hand. I guided it to slide under my shirt again. Then, I returned my gaze to the mirror. I even saw the towel he was using to dry my hair earlier fall on the cold floor of the bathroom.

    His other hand held my hips. He grinned. ¡°Meredith, you are the one who said I should stop.¡± He was about to remove his hand but I held it tightly. I slowly inserted his hand back inside my underwear. ¡°So, you want me to continue?¡±

    ¡°P-Please ¡­¡± I bit my bottom lip when his palm touched my wet core.

    ¡°You don¡¯t think this punishment is unfair, do you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not ¡­ I ¡­ I deserve it, Rupert ¡­ Please.¡±

    That¡¯s it. Rupert entered me with his three fingers, pumping in and out, mercilessly. I felt pain and yet it just tasted better.

    ¡°Close your eyes, Meredith Kaye. Just feel it. Feel how full you are with my fingers, sweetie.¡± He nibbled my earlobe again and then he licked the insides of my ear. ¡°Don¡¯t peek or else I¡¯ll punish you even more.¡±

    I arched my back in pleasure as I closed my eyes. The delicious sensations doubled when his fingers increased its pace while his other hand kneaded my left breast, pinching my nipple and rolling it between his thumb and index finger.

    Rupert made me moan and groan in pleasure and intense sensations. My eyes were shut close until I reached my release, beads of sweat on my forehead and I was breathing heavily.

    ¡°Open your eyes now, sweetie.¡±

    My mouth dropped open at the scene that greeted me the moment I opened my eyes. It was my own reflection on the mirror, face flushed because of heat and pleasure, my damp hair falling like a mess behind me and my chest heaving deep and fast breaths. Behind me was Rupert, standing and licking the fingers he used to make mee.

    I licked my bottom lip as I felt how sticky I was in between my thighs. My legs were shaking because of the earth-shattering climax. Rupert grinned at me in the mirror before kissing my temple.

    ¡°I¡¯ll prepare our dinner. Clean yourself again, sweetie.¡± With that, he left the bathroom.

    I was left gaping and almost exhausted by the series of pleasures that Rupert had given me. With shaking legs, I went to the faucet and cleaned myself again. Then, I went to my mini closet in Rupert¡¯s room where a few new underwear for me were stocked. I got a recement and then went to Rupert¡¯s cab to get another shirt. I changed before heading out of his room.

    I was about to go to the kitchen when I saw an open room. I approached it to close it when I was stunned on the inside of the room. It was full of musical instruments- from grand piano, different guitars, set of drums, and even some woodwind instruments. At the far end of the room was a small recording studio withplete setups and also apparatus. I found myself amazed by the ce.

    I went in and couldn¡¯t help but smile. This was the first time I¡¯d been to a room like this. It¡¯s cool.

    I approached the instruments, especially the grand piano. My hand touched the keys. This is really cool. I looked around the ce and that¡¯s when I realized that the room was sound-proof.

    Wow. Rupert is really a musician.

    I was about to leave the ce when I saw an interesting part of the room¡¯s wall. There¡¯s a portion where a couple of pictures were pasted. I approached it and my mouth fell open at the bunch of pictures on the wall. But what caught me the most were the few photos of two children ¨C a little boy and a little girl.

    Maybe they¡¯re cute. I was not certain because I couldn¡¯t see their faces well either. Most of the pictures of the two children were ying and the cutest among the pictures was probably the photo where the little girl, smiling widely, was kissed on her cheek by the little boy.

    I smiled because they were cute ¡­ Then my gaze went to a lone picture of ady ¡­ I couldn¡¯t see her whole face but when I inched my face closer, I saw her beautiful features. That picture was just stuck on the side of the corkboard¡¯s frame and not like the others that were pinned by pushpin.

    Out of curiosity, I took the photo. I flipped the picture and was stunned with the short message written on it.

    To my greatest love,

    Please be happy wherever you are. It is still painful ¡­ But I¡¯ll get used to the pain soon.

    -Rockstar

    So, she¡¯s Ava. I stared at her smile- it¡¯s beautiful. A beauty-queen kind of smile. I bet she¡¯s really beautiful and Rupert really loves her.

    I don¡¯t know why I was suddenly down when I thought I was foolish to think Rupert sees Ava in me. That¡¯s impossible. Seeing this, no one could match Ava for Rupert.

    I made a fuss earlier for nothing. There was no one like Ava just like what he said before. I was a fool to think he was seeing Ava to me, when in the first ce, he only had his eyes for Ava.

    I returned the picture and then left the music room. I closed the door and made my way to the kitchen. I caught Rupert who was cooking there, busy and seemed to not notice my presence.

    I leaned against the kitchen door frame, watching him for a few minutes before he finally noticed my presence.

    He looked over at me. ¡°Sweetie, I cooked buttered shrimp for dinner. It¡¯s my specialty,¡± he said and his excitement could be heard in his voice.

    I was stunned before asking, ¡°Is that your favorite food? I guess you¡¯ve mastered cooking it.¡± I crossed my arms over my chest.

    ¡°Nope. This is Ava¡¯s favorite so I studied how to cook it until I could perfect the taste,¡± he said, casually. He didn¡¯t even realize what he said.

    Too casual ¡­ that it hurts. He¡¯s being cruel without him even knowing.

    I forced a smile before I slightly nodded. I walked to the kitchen counter and leaned on it. ¡°I¡¯m allergic to shrimp,¡± I told him, casually, trying to hide the bitter feeling inside me.

    ¡°What? Shit. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know. I¡¯ll just cook something else.¡± He turned off the stove and immediately removed the pan of buttered shrimp. ¡°What do you want me to cook?¡±

    ¡°You should¡¯ve asked me earlier instead of assuming that I would like buttered shrimp.¡± I couldn¡¯t hide the annoyance in my voice and it looked like he finally realized what he did as well.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Meredith. I ¡­ I got used to it.¡±

    I just shrugged my shoulders, trying to disregard my annoyance. I don¡¯t have the right to feel this way. We¡¯re fuck buddies- friends with benefits- nothing more, nothing less.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste that. Just finish cooking it. I¡¯ll probably just cook for me or deliver-¡±

    My mouth fell open when he suddenly threw the pan of buttered shrimp he cooked in the trash can. I was shocked when he approached me. He immediately kissed me on my lips, catching me off-guard.

    He nibbled my bottom lip and when I opened my mouth, he immediately invaded it with his tongue. ¡°Hmnn¡­¡±

    Because I was getting weak when I was with him, I gave in to his delicious kiss again. I responded with the same ferocity and when the kiss ended, Rupert hugged me. His arms wrapped around my waist and then his face buried on my neck.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said against my neck, his hug around me tightened even more. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at me, sweetie. We just got okay, earlier. Please?¡± Then he lifted his face and met my gaze.

    I blinked a few times andughed like a fool. ¡°You¡¯re like a kid.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not angry?¡±

    I rolled my eyes and then I wrapped my arms around his neck. He immediately lifted me until he made me sit on the counter. He widened my legs and he stood in between them.

    ¡°I like ¡­ simple dishes. How about zed chicken or adobo?¡±

    His lips turned upward for a big smile before he gave me a peck on my lips. ¡°Coming right up!¡±

    He was about to go back to the stove when I trapped his body with my legs. I wrapped my legs around his hips.

    ¡°Did I say or do anything again?¡± he asked and then he kissed me again

    I smiled after the kiss. I caressed his damp hair. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I¡¯m being demanding. I realized how important Ava is to you and it¡¯s hard for you to just, you know, remove her from your system. I realized it¡¯s still painful for you and you¡¯re in the process of enduring the pain. Sorry for being too demanding even though I¡¯m not your girlfriend. ¡±

    He stared at me for a few seconds before suddenly touching my cheek. ¡°Do you want to be my girlfriend?¡±

    My mouth dropped open at his question. ¡°W-What?¡±

 Chapter 28 Donéˆ¥æª› Confuse the Line

    ¡°I¡¯m just asking,¡± he said, after a few seconds of silence between us. He chuckled before he let go of my face. He took a step back before running his hand through his hair.

    ¡°Why did you suddenly ask that question?¡± I averted my eyes as my heart beat faster. I was not sure why did I feel like this ¡­ That question shook me andpletely caught me off guard.

    ¡°This is a no-strings-attached kind of set-up. I am aware of that, Meredith. You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± he answered, walking to the refrigerator. He opened it and started rummaging for something to cook. I stared at his back. I could sense his tension because of his stiffed shoulders. ¡°I just suddenly thought of the question. I mean, what if I asked that to Ava? What can she answer me.¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. The giddy and tingly feeling I felt instantly vanished and was reced by bitter realization. That¡¯s right. I shouldn¡¯t be affected. I shouldn¡¯t react like this. We both only wanted the pleasure and sex in this convenient set-up we had. We were both too devastated and emotionally unstable. We could not afford to be involved in any kind ofplication.

    So, I should really take control of my attraction towards Rupert. I should settle for this convenience.

    ¡°I suddenly became curious too. What is she going to answer if you were able to ask her that question?¡± I asked, forcing a smile, trying to act unaffected, and shoving the bitter feeling to the deepest subconscious of my mind. I remained leaning against the counter as I watched Rupert rummage through the contents of the refrigerator.

    He was stunned for a short while, then closed the refrigerator. He walked to the sink to ce the chicken meat and some ingredients and then turned around to look at me. He scratched his nape and I could immediately feel his awkwardness while looking at me with an apologetic look.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything with that question, Meredith. Like you said at the beginning, you¡¯re not formitment and serious rtionships and so I am.¡± He sighed, his forefinger tapped on the sink, making a small ¡®thud¡¯ sound. ¡°It was just a silly question I suddenly thought. You don¡¯t have to answer.¡±

    I nodded and then tucked my hair over my right shoulder. Then, I shrugged my shoulders before I walked to the dining table. I sat in one of the dining chairs and watched Rupert as he started cooking the chicken.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I also know you¡¯re just kidding me.¡± I watched Rupert on what he¡¯s doing and silently thanked him for not looking at me. At least, I had the luxury of time to watch him. ¡°Let¡¯s just enjoy what we have now. I don¡¯t want to take a risky leap, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°I know, Meredith. I¡¯m not going to force you into that thing because I know how I really feel.¡±

    That stings to hear¡­ and yet also relieving.

    I mean, I didn¡¯t wantplications. Right now, I was not capable to be anyone¡¯s girlfriend. In the first ce, I was also aware that I did not want to be involved in any romantic rtionship ¡­ because of the disadvantages of my prosopagnosia and because of my health.

    ¡°Ava will always be your greatest love,¡± I said to him, slightly smiling at him. ¡°I know that, Rupert. Believe me, I don¡¯t want us to cross the line.¡± I don¡¯t want us to get hurt at the end of everything..

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he answered, which made me frown. ¡°I promised you that I wouldn¡¯t mention Ava again but here we are, talking about her. I¡¯m sorry, Meredith.¡±

    He didn¡¯t even look at me while saying that. He continued cooking.

    I ended up forcing myself to smile. The kind of smile which failed to reach my eyes. ¡°Silly. Ava is your greatest love and she has only been gone for only a year. It¡¯s wrong to expect you not to mention her. Don¡¯t mind what I said earlier,¡± I said before standing up from my seat and starting to arrange the tes and cutlery.

    ¡°No. Please, snap me out of my trance if ever I am talking about her again.¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. I sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t think about what I said before. I understand now that you don¡¯t see Ava in me at all. Most importantly, I know that it still hurts for you that-¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°The pain is still here,¡± he heaved a deep sigh, his head nodding, ¡°but this pain should not be forever here. Ava will always be a part of me but she¡¯s not the whole me. I need to get over her and this pain.¡±

    ¡°Getting over with the pain should not be rushed, Rupert.¡± I approached him after setting the table. I touched both of his shoulders and I felt how tense he was.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to offend you or make you feel anything like that while we¡¯re together.¡± He stopped slicing the chicken then finally turned around and faced me. ¡°So please, immediately call me out when I start talking about her. Right now, it¡¯s wrong for me to talk about her when we¡¯re together.¡± He kissed my forehead and then turned around to continue slicing the chicken.

    I blinked a few times before I calmed myself down from reacting again to everything that Rupert was showing and saying to me. ¡°But this is not a real rtionship, Rupert. So, don¡¯t invest too much and don¡¯t confuse the lines between us by being too considerate.¡±

    ¡°Whatever this rtionship is, I want to remain respectful of you.¡±

    I gasped because I did not expect us to talk so seriously like this. I didn¡¯t think we should have this kind of talk anyway. So, yeah. Maybe, I need to drop the topic now before we start talking about things which mayplicate this.

    I just hugged him from behind and put my chin on his shoulder. ¡°Respectful? Hmnnn¡­ Is that why you¡¯re driving me crazy on bed?¡±

    Just like that, the heavy atmosphere was torn apart.

    ¡°Stop teasing me, sweetie. I might not feed you anymore and end up having you as my dessert first,¡± he uttered, his voice was deep and my insides clenched.

    I tightened my arms around his waist before starting to kiss the crook of his neck. His head turned to the left to give my lips more ess. I grinned on his neck when I felt his hand on my arm.

    ¡°Focus on what you¡¯re doing, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°You know I can¡¯t. Stop it, sweetie. Stop it while I can still hold myself.¡±

    Iughed out loud when he removed my arms from hugging his waist. Then, he pulled my arm until I was standing beside him, his right arm around my waist. ¡°Instead of making me hard and needy for your body, why don¡¯t you help me prepare our food?¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. Gradually the expression on my face turned to a frown. ¡°Rupert, the thing is¡­¡±

    ¡°What? Just help me here.¡± His right arm pulled my waist closer to his body then he handed me the knife which he was holding on his other hand. ¡°You will be my assistant. Please chop the onions and garlic for me, sweetie.¡±

    He kissed my temple before he started heating the pan. His right hand remained on my waist, caressing it while he was busy in front of the stove.

    ¡°Rupert,¡± I murmured, which was loud enough to get his attention. He put oil in the pan before looking at me. ¡°I never learned to cook.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    I gasped and then pped his chest. ¡°I said, I don¡¯t know how to cook!¡±

    I thought he was going tough at me but suddenly he turned off the stove and then he went behind me. I was stunned when he held both of my hands. He put the knife in my right hand and then arranged the chopping board in front of me.

    I looked at him over my shoulder and he immediately gave me a swift kiss. ¡°You¡¯re so cute,¡± he said, before asking me to look at the chopping board in front of me. ¡°Let get this over, my dear assistant.¡±

    ¡°I said, I did not even learn how to cook, Rupert.¡± I whined like a child. I was about to let go of the knife when Rupert literally held my hands. Because of the size of his hands, he could almost cover my whole hand.

    ¡°Hold the knife firmly, Sweetie. You¡¯ll be hurt by doing that,¡± he said, then he let go of my hands just to tie my long hair. ¡°You didn¡¯t learn to cook because no one taught you. So, I volunteer to be your cooking teacher.¡±

    ¡°Cooking teacher?¡± I chuckled but immediately was put to a halt when he cupped my jaw and made me look at him.

    ¡°What? You don¡¯t trust me? I have a talent for cooking,¡± he said, grinning widely.

    ¡°What¡¯s the reward if you be my cooking teacher anyway?¡±

    ¡°Kiss me,¡± he answered immediately and Iughed. ¡°Then let me taste you.¡±

    I almost choked on my ownughter because of what he said next. My eyes widened but he just winked at me. The lust on his eyes made my inside clenched with thrill and anticipation.

    ¡°S-Stop being such a pervert!¡±

    He chuckled even more. ¡°What can I do? You are so damn hot and sexy that I always think about taking you. More importantly, I think you are now my favorite dessert, sweetie.¡±

    My cheeks flustered. ¡°Rupert!¡±

 Chapter 29 Stick to This

    ¡°Rupert!¡± I gaped at him. ¡°I swear you should really stop seeing me as a food you eat.¡±

    He justughed at me because of my scandalous reaction. He even teased me by pressing his hard groin on my behind.

    ¡°Now that we have a deal, let¡¯s start cooking. You have to eat real food,¡± I felt his hot breath just beneath my earlobe, ¡°so that I can eat you too.¡±

    ¡°Come on, Rupert!¡± I could feel how flustered my face was while feeling how the sensitive flesh in between my legs started to get wet by his yful green jokes.

    In the end, we ended up flirting with each other while cooking. There were times that he would seriously give me instructions on what to do while most of the time, he would yfully kiss or touch me while concentrating on what he was teaching me. I was not really sure how he managed to do that.

    ¡°Rupert! Oh gosh, your hand!¡± I scolded him while I was stirring the adobo sauce I was cooking. I red at him as I felt his hands massaging one of my breasts on top of my shirt. He was standing behind me while watching everything I would do.

    ¡°Let me kiss you, sweetie!¡± He teased me when I went to the rice cooker to check the rice.

    ¡°Rupert!¡± I gasped when he suddenly turned me around to give me a deep french kiss. ¡°The rice!¡±

    ¡°This is really soft, sweetie.¡±

    ¡°Stop touching my ass!¡± I swatted his chest with thedle that I was holding and he justughed out loud.

    ¡°What can I do ?! You¡¯re sexy as hell,¡± he said, grinning at me before wrapping his arms around my waist. He leaned his chin on my shoulder as I felt him rub the big birdie on my back again. ¡°Hmnnn¡­ You look even hotter when you cook.¡±

    ¡°I swear, if my cooking tastes bad, it¡¯s your fault,¡± I threatened him and he justughed even more.

    All in all, we finished cooking after a series of scolding and flirting. Rupert taught me how to chop and saute. I also learned how to cook and somewhat learned how to properly make an edible adobo. It¡¯s just that I couldn¡¯t concentratepletely because the man with the big birdie didn¡¯t stop flirting with me while I was trying to cook.

    ¡°So how was it?¡± I looked at him with so much anticipation after he tasted the dish I cooked.

    ¡°You taste better,¡± he said before reaching for my hand across the table.

    I rolled my eyes.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Hmn¡­ I want you more than this,¡± he added. His eyes darkened with desire before tapping hisp, signaling me to sit on it.

    I bit my bottom lip before I followed his wishes. I straddled hisp, facing him while both of my legs were parted on his sides. ¡°So, it¡¯s not delicious?¡± I inquired, feeling a bit disappointed that my efforts did not pay off.

    ¡°Did I say that? I just said you¡¯re tastier.¡± He kissed my shoulder before meeting my gaze. ¡°What I mean is, your cooking is delicious but I crave for you, more.¡±

    I took a sharp breath when he cupped the sensitive flesh in between my legs. ¡°Rupert¡­ Can I eat first, please?¡±

    ¡°Of course, sweetie. You need energy because I¡¯m already obsessed with you.¡±

    Iughed. He kissed me deeply afterwards. Thenn, he fed me. Of course he looks like a fool so I refused but he insisted.

    ¡°This is thest, sweetie. Say ahhhh.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really ridiculous sometimes, Rupert.¡± I took thest spoonful of food he hovered to my mouth.

    He was like feeding a month-old baby. He pped his hands while looking proudly at me. He even showed me the empty te. ¡°Yey! You¡¯re so great, sweetie. You finished your food. Like I said, your cooking tasted good for a first-time cook,¡± he said, before giving me a ss of water.

    I rolled my eyes at him because he was obviously making fun of me. ¡°Another baby talk to me and I swear I won¡¯t let you have a taste of me.¡±

    He immediately lost his grin and then like a gentle sheep hugged my waist. ¡°I was just teasing you, Sweetie. Don¡¯t be like that. Just give me one round?¡±

    My eyes narrowed. ¡°Just one, huh?¡±

    ¡°Are you joking? When did I get satisfied with one round? You know I always like to have you, again and again.¡± Then I felt his hand enter my dress.

    ¡°W-Wait, Rupert¡­ Ahhh¡­¡± His free hand kneaded my breasts while his mouth rained little kisses on my neck. ¡°Wait ¡­ What ¡­ Hmnnn ¡­ R-Rupert, take it easy.¡±

    ¡°Hmnnn ¡­ I¡¯m so hungry for you, sweetie. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t?¡± Then he raised his head, meeting my gaze.

    I was speechless with the hunger and lust in his eyes.

    We were both chasing our breath as we looked at each other. One of his hands was still on my chest while the other was in between my thighs.

    His face inched closer and a few secondster, his mouth imed mine for a deep and open-mouthed kiss. His tongue invaded the insides and I submitted to his domination. I tugged on his hair as I started grinding on top of hisp. My core started getting wet, aching for his touch.

    But we both stopped when a phone rang. I would have ignored it but I immediately pulled away when I recognized the ringtone. It was my rm¡­ For my medicine.

    ¡°W-Wait¡­ Ahhhh Rupert ¡­ Wait.¡± I was trying to push his head but he was so dominating. His lips kept on kissing my neck and his hand became more aggressive. ¡°My phone¡­ Rupert ¡­¡±

    He lifted my dress and exposed my erect nipples to him. He started sucking the left one while his left hand pinched the other.

    He was moaning while sucking my breast like a hungry baby. I clung to his hair and pressed my chest harder against his needy mouth.

    ¡°Ohhh Rupert ¡­ Gosh!¡±

    I was grinding on hisp while he was sucking on my breasts. But I also woke up from the great pleasure when the rm went off and it was reced by my call ringtone.

    ¡°Wait ¡­ Rupert ¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind it, Meredith. I want you.¡±

    ¡°Nope. I can¡¯t,¡± I gasped as I cupped his cheeks. ¡°This is important. That¡¯s Bailey.¡± Then I left hisp and picked up my phone on the counter.

    I answered the call and as expected, Bailey called to remind me to drink my meds. After the call, I hurried to the living room to get my bag. I took my meds then went back to the kitchen.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Rupert asked, getting up from his seat. He immediately hugged my waist from behind and then nced at the three bottles of medicine that I regrly take.

    ¡°Meds,¡± I replied shortly to him. I took all the medicines at the same time before I chugged it down with a ss of water.

    ¡°So, these meds are your maintenance?¡±

    ¡°Yup. You know, my immune system waspromised after fighting cancer. My body¡¯s recovery was slow so I was given meds and some supplements to help me recover.¡± I looked at him and then smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve been sick since I was a child so even though I don¡¯t have cancer cells in my body, the other levels in my vitals are still not okay. I need to drink these everyday to help my body.¡±

    He suddenly looked serious. I chuckled while looking at him over my shoulder. ¡°Stop with your grim expression. I don¡¯t have cancer anymore, if you¡¯re thinking that I am lying to you. I was dered free from cancer cells and its symptoms after my treatment. But I told you, I still need to be in this condition for five years before I can have a deration ofplete remission.¡±

    He sighed before trying to smile. I was surprised when he turned me around to face him. He then suddenly lifted me up. I clung so tightly to his neck as my legs wrapped around his waist. ¡°W-Wait? Rupert?¡±

    He carried me, walking to the living room of his unit. ¡°It¡¯s your executive check-up this week, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯lle with you?¡± he asked. He sat on the sofa that was there while I sat on hisp.

    I grinned at him. ¡°Will you taste me here?¡± I teased him, to divert the topic and of course to continue where we left off.

    I thought I was going to seed in changing the topic but suddenly Ruperty down on the sofa and made me lie, tly on my stomach, on top of him. I looked at him, surprised.

    He kissed my forehead and then his handbed my hair- he had already removed my ponytail. ¡°Is there anyplication in your condition that I should know? You know, undergoing treatment to fight cancer can damage the patient¡¯s immunity and body. ¡±

    ¡°Why are you suddenly asking me that?¡±

    ¡°J-Just answer me, Meredith. I was suddenly nervous when I saw you taking medicine.¡± I could see the concern in his eyes. His arms around me tightened its hold and I could feel his unsteady heartbeat since I was on top of him.

    ¡°There were noplications from my treatment. I am okay. The doctor said because my cancer is not in thete stage and I am still young, so I just finished the fight quickly,¡± I assured him.

    He seemed not convinced though. But he did not force it. He just sighed before hugging me tightly.

    Suddenly, I felt my heart beat faster again.

    Rupert was really blurring the lines here.

    ¡°Why me, Rupert?¡± I finally asked after a few minutes of silence between us. We have lost the flirting atmosphere. I could feel he¡¯s still bothered.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Why did you want to drag a simple one-night-stand to this?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, I am dreaming to do a lot of things to your body.¡±

    I lifted my face to meet his gaze. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t follow you, Meredith.¡±

    I smiled at him before sitting up on his stomach. I removed my shirt and now naked on top of him. ¡°Stop blurring the lines, Rupert. Let¡¯s stick to this.¡± I started rocking on top of his hard groin.

    He groaned while watching me. ¡°Meredith ¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s stick to this- sex and pleasure. Stop confusing me.¡±

 Chapter 30 Little Fight

    Rupert and I went to school together because I slept in his unit. Today is D-day. The results of who would be the final two toplete the debate roster would be announced today.

    I¡¯m nervous. Ever since I woke up earlier, I have had nothing else on my mind but about the debate team. I am really desperate to get in. Let¡¯s just say, I consider it as myst shot.

    I attended one ss first before I headed straight to the Alpha Battuere¡¯s office to see the list.

    I was literally running towards the CAS building when someone grabbed my arm. The shiny thing on his face made me recognize him, ¡°Rupert?¡±

    ¡°Hey, sweetie.¡± He immediately caught my arm and then his hand slid down to mine. He sped my hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go see the result?¡±

    My mouth fell open because he was here. When he started tugging my hand and we started walking, that¡¯s when I realized he¡¯s really with me.

    ¡°W-Wait, don¡¯t you have a ss anymore?¡±

    ¡°Your hand is cold.¡± He chuckled, slightly teasing me. The excitement in his voice somehow calmed my nervousness, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I could feel it. You will get in.¡±

    I slowly smiled because of what he said. My heart was literally beating like crazy against my chest, but that simple sentence increased my faith that I would get this. ¡°Do you know every time I¡¯m too nervous, that means something good will happen to me?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Heughed at what I said before stopping to walk. ¡°Then, it looks like we both feel the same way. You can get it, Meredith. I believe in you.¡±

    When we finally reached the debate team¡¯s office, many people were already there. I was about to turn at the door of Alpha Battuere¡¯s office when Rupert stopped me. He cupped my face with both of his hands and I was shocked when he kissed my forehead.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± Then he dropped his hands on my shoulders then he slowly turned me around until I was facing the door of the office where the result was posted.

    My heart stopped beating for a split second before realization hit me; on the sheet pasted at the door was my name, printed in ck bold letters. ¡°Shit. Oh my gosh,¡± I murmured, my eyes staring at my name- Congrattions, Meredith Kaye Santiago.

    Did I really make it? Isn¡¯t that my name?

    MY. GOSH!

    ¡°I really made it, Rupert! My gosh, I got in!¡±

    ¡°Congrats, Meredith. You don¡¯t know how proud I was when I saw your name,¡± Rupert said from behind me, his hands gently squeezed my shoulders.

    ¡°So, you already knew?¡± I look at him over my shoulder, a bit confused.

    He smiled at me before tucking a few strands of my loose hair behind my ear. ¡°I was here earlier than you, then I checked right away.¡± He scratched his neck so hard before like a child smiled broadly at me. ¡°Let¡¯s just say, I¡¯m even more excited than you so I took a look at it first.¡±

    Iughed at what he said and then gasped in surprise when he gave me a peck on my cheek.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of people, Rupert. You¡¯ve been kissing me too much,¡± I scolded him before pushing him slightly because he would kiss me again.

    ¡°Just kiss me,¡± he whined and myughter doubled.

    ¡°Kiss your face!¡± I raised my fist to his lips when he was ready to kiss me again. I gasped when he actually kissed my knuckles, ¡°Rupert! Get a hold of yourself!¡± I widened my eyes at him.

    ¡°Give me a kiss, sweetie!¡± Then he held my right fist and pulled me closer to him.

    I looked at the other people around us and my cheeks immediately warmed when I saw that we were getting their attention now. ¡°Rupert,¡± I hissed, ring at him and he just grinned at me, mischievously.

    ¡°You have a reward for me, sweetie. Don¡¯t you want it?¡± The glint of pleasure automaticallybined with his yful grin.

    I swallowed an invisible lump in my throat, feeling a bit embarrassed and turned on, at the same time.

    ¡°Rupert, we¡¯re in a public ce.¡± I had to step back from him when his hand held my waist, ¡°You¡¯re not gonna do what you did at the cafeteria,¡± I warned him and he immediately nodded.

    ¡°Fine. I don¡¯t want us to fight.¡± He sighed before extending his hand at me. I took it and he smiled again. ¡°But I¡¯m serious, I have a reward. Will youe with me?¡±

    My eyes narrowed and I smiled at him, ¡°That seems like a different reward, bad rockstar,¡± I teased him before actually wrapping my arms around his right arm.

    He chuckled before he winked at me. ¡°Well, I¡¯m thinking of giving you a wholesome kind of reward,¡± he grinned at me before moving his brows, up and down, ¡°but if you want that unique reward, we can go home to my unit.¡±

    ¡°My gosh, Rupert!¡±

    We ended upughing with each other. It¡¯s actually nice to receive good news with someone who could sincerely celebrate it with you.

    ¡°Thank you for being here with me,¡± I said, smiling sincerely.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    He intertwined our hands before he lifted it and kissed my knuckles. ¡°It¡¯s time to celebrate this, Meredith. Let¡¯s go?¡±

    ¡°So, you really have a ¡®wholesome¡¯ reward for me?¡± I could not hide the glint of yfulness in my voice.

    He nodded, eagerly. ¡°Let¡¯s skip sses for today. Please? Come with me?¡±

    Skipping sses ¡­ With Rupert?

    ¡°You¡¯re sure a bad guy. Did you just hear what you ask me? You invited me to cut my sses. Ohe one, you know I am currently irregr.¡± I smirked at him when he leaned his face closer.

    He winked at me, tugging at the piercing on his bottom lip. ¡°Bad guy can bring you to heaven.¡±

    ¡°Very naughty, Mr. Santos the bad rockstar.¡±

    Holding each other¡¯s hands, Rupert and I decided to go with his n, for the so-called ¡®wholesome¡¯ reward he supposedly had for me.

    But before we could even exit the hallway, someone called me. ¡°Meredith Kaye!¡±

    Rupert and I both looked at the direction where the voice came from. Not until he was just a foot away when I realized who he was, ¡°Hey, Gelo.¡±

    I felt Rupert¡¯s grip on my hand tightened.

    ¡°Congrats to us!¡± I didn¡¯t expect the next thing Gelo did. He suddenly came over and hugged me. ¡°We did it, Meredith Kaye,¡± Gelo whispered, tightening his hug around me.

    It was only a few seconds before I answered his hug. However, I was able to only do that with my right hand because Rupert didn¡¯t let go of my hand that he was holding.

    It was only then that I realized, I didn¡¯t see the name of the other person who got the spot on the roster because I was so overwhelmed with the news about me. So, Gelo and I really did make it.

    ¡°So, time for celebration?¡± Gelo asked as soon as he broke away from me.

    ¡°You can celebrate by yourself.¡±

    I gaped at Rupert for what he said to Gelo. I simply pinched his side as he stepped forward to slightly move Gelo away from me.

    ¡°What is your problem?¡± I tugged at the hem of his shirt to pull him backwards. ¡°Sorry, Gelo.¡± I turned to Gelo whose attention was now turned to Rupert.

    ¡°Your boyfriend?¡± Gelo asked and I wasn¡¯t able to answer when Rupert interjected again.

    ¡°Meredith and I are going to celebrate. Congrats to you, Dude. But we really have to leave now.¡±

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    ¡°What? Do you two have a n?¡± Rupert let go of my hand, only to wrap it around my arm like a kid. ¡°You¡¯reing to me, aren¡¯t you? You said you wanted to see my wholesome reward.¡±

    I was just stunned when he looked like a gentle kitten who even rubbed his forehead on my shoulder before looking at me pityingly. You know, he looked like the Puss in the boots? Those wide and teary kinds of eyes were looking at me.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have a fever, do you?¡± I even put my hand on top of his forehead.

    ¡°Meredith! Let¡¯s go, please?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being childish here, Rupert?¡± I hesitantly smiled at Gelo who was just as embarrassed as I was with how Rupert was acting right now. I gave him a shrug before having a deep sigh. ¡°Uhmnn, congrattions on getting the other spot, Gelo. I mean it. I would love to celebrate with you but it looks like Rupert was having some sort of a situation here. I think I have to bring him to the doctor.¡± I apologetically smiled at Gelo. ¡°We really have to go.¡±

    Gelo rubbed his nape before he nodded, giving me the same awkward smile. ¡°I guess we can celebrate next time. See you at practice.¡±

    I was so embarrassed on the way Rupert was acting right now plus he was giving Gelo unnecessary res. I pulled him away. But he didn¡¯t budge.

    Rupert faced Gelo again. ¡°My name is Rupert,¡± he suddenly returned to the serious version of himself, ¡°and as long as I¡¯m with Meredith, she¡¯s off limits, Dude.¡±

    ¡°Off limits?¡± My mouth dropped open when Geloughed. He moved forward just to tap Rupert¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Funny. If you don¡¯t want any other guy around her, be her boyfriend. But if you can¡¯t do that, stop fooling around and taking ims of her. You¡¯re not a teenage boy anymore to not discern your emotions and to blur the lines by ying like this.¡±

    And I was just stunned by the scene in front of me. I was aware that I was quite beautiful but I never thought that I would ever reach the level of my beauty where two guys would talk like that because of me. I was like the female lead in a Korean drama.

    ¡°You¡¯re no longer a child too to not understand what Meredith and I do when we¡¯re just the two of us,¡± Rupert retorted back and that put me in an awkward ce. Especially when I realized what he was trying to point out.

    My jaw clenched and my cheeks burned in embarrassment. I avoided Gelo¡¯s gaze by slightly lowering my head and then I pulled Rupert¡¯s arm to leave before he could utter some information that would surely ruin my reputation. ¡°Rupert, that¡¯s enough! Come on, let¡¯s go!¡±

    Rupert snorted. ¡°What? Does he not know what we have? Does he not know how I can pleasure-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such a jerk, do you know that?¡± I was stunned by what Gelo said. But I was even more stunned with the next thing he said, ¡°I hope you don¡¯t let yourself settle in this kind of treatment, Meredith Kaye. His mouth is sick and rotten.¡±

    ¡°Gelo¡­¡±

    ¡°What! Hey! Be careful of your words! How dare you say that?¡± Rupert was about to punch Gelo but I was quick to stop him.

    I could already hear the whispers of those around us. ¡°Rupert, I said that¡¯s enough!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not insulting you. You just showed who you are right now. Aplete douchebag and jerk.¡±

    ¡°Gelo! We¡¯re making a scene already!¡±

    Gosh. Just what¡¯s the deal between these two?

 Chapter 31 Annoyance

    Gelo looked at me before shrugging his shoulders. He sighed before he nodded. ¡°I know you know how much you really deserve, Meredith. Don¡¯t settle with this.¡± Then, Gelo left.

    I immediately pulled Rupert away and we stopped in the hallway out of the building. When I saw no one else was around us anymore, that¡¯s when I stopped walking and let go of his hand.

    ¡°That dude is really annoying. Is he really the other person who made it to the roster? Come on, that dude is an asshole, Meredith.¡±

    I stared at Rupert. Gelo¡¯s words kept ringing in my head.

    How much is what I deserve?

    I blinked repetitively just to make sure I was seeing right- his face was red and his jaw and hands were clenched. I could feel his tension¡­ and nasty temper.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever talk to Gelo like that again,¡± I said, heaving a deep sigh.

    ¡°Are you siding with him?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t take sides. But it¡¯s obvious that you¡¯re wrong.¡± I ran my hand through my long hair before giving Rupert a hard punch on his shoulder.

    He winced, looking at me in disbelief.

    I red at him. ¡°Do you really have to say what you had said earlier? Do you really have to let Gelo and the other people there know about our set-up? What? Things we do when we¡¯re alone? Really, Rupert?¡± I expelled a deep and irritated breath before rolling my eyes out of annoyance.¡±Did you even think about the effect that would have on me before you said it?¡±

    He paused before taking a deep breath. He touched both my shoulders. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Sorry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Meredith. I-I was just carried away. I mean ¡­ Who is him, anyway? Why is he acting like that to you? Are you fucking him too?¡±

    I could no longer stand what he said. My hand spontaneously popped out andnded on his right cheek. I immediately felt the intense annoyance and insult as if I wanted to cut the thing in between his thighs.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± He looked at me appalled, holding his right swollen cheek.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± My jaw and fists clenched. ¡°What the fuck, Rupert! Did you hear what you told me? And of all people, that questiones from you- am I fucking him?¡±

    ¡°Meredith ¡­¡±

    ¡°Fuck you!¡±

    I immediately turned my back on him to leave. When he tried to stop me, ¡°AW! MEREDITH! FUCK!¡± I kicked him on the part where it hurts the most.

    He immediately jumped, holding his groin while wincing terribly.

    ¡°I am so angry with you! Don¡¯t even show yourself to me because I swear,¡± I looked at his groin, ¡°I am going to cut that!¡±

    My breaths were as fast as I walked away from him. Maybe if I was in the cartoon, my nose would probably be smoking with anger. How dare he use me of such a thing? Is he crazy? He¡¯s my first time and yet he had the audacity to say those things.

    ¡°Meredith!¡±

    ¡°I said don¡¯t you-¡± I bit the insides of my cheeks when I turned around and it¡¯s not Rupert who called my name. I realized who owns the voice. ¡°Gelo, it¡¯s you.¡±

    ¡°Did something happen? Where¡¯s that jerk you were with?¡±

    I chuckled with what Gelo called Rupert. ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s really a jerk. Can we not talk about him?¡± I heaved a deep sigh, trying to calm myself. I ran my fingers through my hair before smiling at Gelo. ¡°Where are you going? I didn¡¯t expect to see you after that scene.¡± I hesitated to smile at him before bowing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for Rupert¡¯s attitude. And please don¡¯t mind what he said.¡±

    I could feel the embarrassment burning my being now. Rupert and his mouth were only good inside the bedroom. Other than that, he¡¯s no use.

    ¡°I¡¯m about to celebrate what we achieved, Meredith. Wannae?¡±

    Gradually I lifted my head and met his gaze. I could not believe what he said. Did he just ignore the topic about Rupert¡¯s disrespectful stint earlier?

    My shock turned toughter. Somehow, the embarrassment instantly disappeared and I ended up nodding at him. ¡°Where are we going to celebrate? Are you treating me?¡±

    Gelo put his hands in the pockets of his pants before shrugging his shoulders. ¡°You want milk tea? You seemed really in a bad mood because of the asshole you were with earlier.¡±

    ¡°Ohe on! Stop mentioning him please,¡± I sighed in frustration. I approached him and immediately wrapped my hand around his arm. I grinned before tugging his arm so we could start walking. ¡°I want sweets then let¡¯s y in the arcade? I¡¯m up for a celebration now.¡±

    ¡°Hmn¡­ Good idea,¡± he simply answered before tapping the top of my head. ¡°But can I give advice?¡± He suddenly stopped walking so I stopped as well.

    I raised my brow at him, waiting for the so-called advice he¡¯s pertaining to.

    ¡°Stop hanging out with that Rupert guy. He¡¯s a dick and you deserve someone better than him.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    I bit my bottom lip and expelled a deep sigh. The hard part about Gelo¡¯s advice was the fact that Rupert and I were not just hanging. What we have involves intimacy and sex ¡­ But with defined measures. Rupert may be a jerk ¡­ But I couldn¡¯t deny the fact that I enjoy hispany in bed.

    So instead of responding to the advice Gelo gave, I ended up dodging his words with an absurd joke. ¡°Is this the part where a love triangle is forming between the three of us and I have to choose between the two of you?¡± Iughed, trying to lighten up the mood.

    ¡°This is not a love triangle, Meredith.¡± I immediately fell silent because of his quick response. ¡°This is only about you and Rupert and the rtionship you have with him that will only lead you to ruins.¡±

    A bitter smile spread on my lips ¡­ Lead me to ruins?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± I winked at him, my smile turning into a wide knowing grin. ¡°I¡¯m not scared of those ruins. I¡¯ve been the worst because of cancer, Gelo. You know that. There¡¯s nothing worse than that disease.¡±

    He sighed but then put his arm around me. ¡°But still ¡­ Consider what I said as advice from an older brother.¡±

    ¡°Older brother? So this is really not a love triangle?¡±

    Heughed at what I said but nodded immediately. ¡°I told you, I¡¯ll protect you- like an older brother should do.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± I giggled. ¡°I guess I was put in the sibling zone.¡±

    I walked out of the building with Gelo, my new older brother, for desserts and to the arcade. And for Rupert, maybe he put ice on his cheek and his manhood. I don¡¯t really care. He deserved those blows.

    I don¡¯t want to ruin my beautiful day because of him.

    ***

    I received numerous missed calls and texts from Ruper but I didn¡¯t budge to answer any of those. Instead, Gelo and I enjoyed our mini celebration. We went to the arcade and ate at a famous restaurant as nned. After that, we went to Ang¡¯s tomb before finally going home.

    Gelo took me to my dorm which was only a ten-minute walk away from the university.

    ¡°I really enjoyed today, Gelo. It¡¯s really worth it for me not to enter my SocSci ss,¡± I said when the two of us got out of his car.

    ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t have ss today?¡±

    I justughed when he was about to pat my forehead but I quickly avoided it. ¡°You know, I deserve this celebration! Don¡¯t scold me anymore, Big Bro,¡± I teased him before waving the mini-spiderman stuffed toy that he got for me from a w machine. ¡°We don¡¯t have a quiz or exam in that ss, anyway. There¡¯s no harm in taking a day off,¡± I reasoned, running to the gate of my dorm building.

    He chuckled before forcing a nod. ¡°Stop calling me Big Bro by the way!¡± He groaned which made meugh.

    Well, he volunteered himself to be my big brother even though we¡¯re the same age. He did not like it though whenever I was calling him ¡®Big Bro¡¯. But I liked pissing him off. He was such a grumpy dude.

    ¡°I¡¯ming in, Big Bro,¡± I sing-song, hopping my way inside the building.

    ¡°You¡¯re really reprehensible!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what you get for asking me to be your little sis!¡± Iughed, flipping my hair.

    I like this feeling- having someone that I could consider to be my ally no matter what happens.

    ¡°Whatever. I¡¯m leaving. See you tomorrow. No skipping of sses, Meredith Kaye!¡±

    ¡°Whatever!¡±

    I just waved at him. He smiled before he finally got in his car. I watched his car speed away and when he was no longer in my sight, that¡¯s when I finally entered my dorm¡¯s lobby.

    ¡°Meredith.¡±

    Gradually, my wide grin disappeared before I gasped. That deep and naturally husky voice. It was Rupert. What the heck was he doing here?

    ¡°Sorry. Please let us talk.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk.¡± Then I faced him. But I was stunned with the scene in front of me.

    Rupert was standing at the lobby of my dorm building, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. This scene could be an exact situation straight from a romance fiction if only he didn¡¯t do what he did earlier.

    I am still annoyed with his childishness and immaturity. So I just stared at him and then passed. I walked straight to the stairs.

    My unit was on the second floor and yes I have a roommate there. I just really hoped Venice wasn¡¯t there yet. Ever since we became roommates this semester, I rarely saw her going home to our unit. She would just be there once a week and then she would disappear. There was no chance for us to be close so I didn¡¯t think I had the right to ask her about her whereabouts. Also, I liked having the whole room by myself so it was a bit of an advantage to me that she was noting home.

    ¡°Hey, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°Meredith your face,¡± I snapped at him, shaking off his hand. When he tried to hold my arm again, I pushed him away. He was almost off bnce and fell down the stairs. Good thing, he managed to hold.

    It¡¯s not really safe to have a fight in the middle of the stairs but I didn¡¯t expect Rupert to be this persistent. I mean, he¡¯s definitely a jerk.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think being a yer and a jerk like you thought you to be this persistent. I did not expect that.¡± Sarcasmced in my voice and I didn¡¯t bother to hide it in the first ce. ¡°I want to rest now, Rupert. Will you just leave for now. I¡¯m not in the mood to fight with you.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡± He lowered his head before backing down the stairs. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for what I said earlier. I was so wrong,¡± he added before hiding the bouquet he was carrying behind.

    I was stunned by his attitude. Well, I didn¡¯t expect such behavior more than his persistence. I mean, Rupert has a very strong personality. It¡¯s so not of him to act this submissive.

    I stared at him and waited for him to say more. But he remained standing there, head hanging low. I gasped when he said nothing. Fine. I had nothing to say to him either so I turned my back on him and continued to climb the stairs to my room. I had tons of work to do and I don¡¯t think I have the energy to deal with Rupert today.

    Without looking back I went straight to my room. Once inside, I immediately locked the door before leaning against it. Venice was not inside as I expected, so I had the whole room by myself and the opportunity to relieve my stress.

    ¡°Argh!¡± I groaned out of frustration. I was annoyed with Rupert but I felt guilty that I just left him there. ¡°You¡¯re more annoying than him, self!¡±

    I was still pacing back and forth in the room before I ended up opening the door again. I was stunned when I realized what I was going to do. Wow. My weakness for him was severe. I was immediately shaken before closing the door again.

    To prevent myself from running back to him, I immediately went to my bed. I put down my bag and then got a change of clothes. That¡¯s right. Even if I insisted on talking to him now, my conversation would have no purpose because of my temper.

    I immediately frowned when I remembered what he said earlier. It¡¯s really final. I had to really end this day without talking to him.

 Chapter 32 Lie Than Truth

    ¡°Focus on more important things, Meredith Kaye,¡± I said to myself before ncing at my study desk to see where my checklist was.

    I was suddenly reminded of my uing general executive check-up. I sat in my study chair before taking my checklist. It contained the things my doctor said I needed to observe on my own after myst check-upst month.

    I smiled. So far, based on my checklist, things were going smoothly about my condition. I feel no fatigue, my vitals were doing good ording to my mini check-ups at the university clinic, and my maintenance medications really helped. Also, there¡¯s no swollen portion on my breast.

    That¡¯s right. I had nothing to worry about. I shouldn¡¯t be scared. That check-up was like my other previous one. The checkup results would be okay.

    I bit my bottom lip before I put the checklist back on my desk. I quickly got up and stood in front of the full-length mirror in the middle of the two beds inside the room. I took off my shirt. Immediately, my gaze went to my chest.

    I heaved a deep sigh before raising my left arm. Using my right hand, I massaged my left breast just like how my therapist taught me. I felt it, trying to feel any swollen part ¨C if there was a lump. I did the same thing to my right chest.

    And I was stunned.

    ¡°No,¡± I murmured, when I felt some circr lump in my right breast. I swallowed before pressing the swollen part to make sure I was feeling a lump.

    My raised right arm immediately fell down when I confirmed that there was a lump in my chest. I could be wrong. But then ¡­ I couldn¡¯t stop the fear ¡­ and the tears.

    My tears instantly fell as I looked at my own reflection in the mirror. No. I don¡¯t want to be in that situation again.

    My hands began to tremble as the tears continued to fell. The fear I was trying to hide tripled. I covered my mouth before slowly sitting down on the bedroom floor.

    ¡°Please ¡­ No ¡­¡±

    I let myself cry and cry. There¡¯s no confirmation yet but I had a bad feeling about it.

    I hugged myself while crying. I ¡®m scared. I am so scared.

    I was in that position for a few minutes before I heard my phone ringing. I forced myself to get up from the floor to get it out of my bag. I didn¡¯t bother to wear my shirt and Iy on my bed. I answered the phone, not looking at the screen.

    | Hello. |

    ¡°Papa ¡­¡± I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from sobbing, when I realized who called me. It was my dad.

    | Are you okay? |

    I closed my eyes before hugging the pillow by my side. I had to bite the pillow to suppress my sobs and be heard on the other line. This was what I was scared the most- for my father to be in the same heartbreaking situation again, for the third time.

    | My daughter? Are you okay? Did something happen? |

    My father really knew when things got bad in my life. I was feeling guilty for being this sick and burdening him like this.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I heaved a deep sigh. ¡°I am okay.¡± I tried my hardest for my voice to not shake. I seeded and yet tears just kept on falling

    | Edith¡­ You¡¯re not okay. I could feel it, my child. |

    That was when I could not hold it anymore. My loud sobs escaped my trembling lips. There were tears one after another and I cried like a child while Dad was on the other line. He didn¡¯t say a word but I could feel it- he was also in pain.

    ¡°Dad ¡­ I¡¯m scared ¡­ I¡¯m scared.¡±

    The next thing I heard broke my heart into a thousand pieces; it was my father¡¯s sobs.

    ***

    I was dumbfounded for a few minutes while standing in front of the mirror. My eyes were tired and the ck bags under them proved it. My lips were pale and my arms and legs felt weak. Morning came and I had to attend my sses. However, I didn¡¯t have the will to leave my room.

    There was no confirmation yet but I couldn¡¯t get rid of the fear and nervousness. Suddenly, I dreaded the day of mying check-up. What if my test results didn¡¯te out good? What if ¡­ If my canceres back?

    I was in a deep haze, about to drown with my own paranoias and fears, when my rm rang. I immediately picked up my phone and turned it off. The rm was for my vitamins.

    I tightened my grip on my phone before gasping for breath. I took the bottle of vitamins on top of my desk. I took a tablet. Instead of drinking it, I stared at the tablet in my hand. My teeth gritted with the possibility that my cancer came back again.

    What¡¯s the point of those two years that I tried to live a healthy life? It would all go to waste if my cancer woulde back despite my precautions.

    ¡°Bullshit,¡± I murmured, before throwing the vitamin tablet to my trash can. I took another deep breath before grabbing my bag.

    I left my room to go to school. I was definitely not in the best condition. I was definitely lost.

    It¡¯s really true what they said, when something good happened to you, something bad woulde as a return of the good things. Because life always takes more than what it gives. What an ironic reality.

    ¡°Bullshit. Really bullshit.¡±

    I didn¡¯t know how many times I had already said the same word. But right now, it felt like life was fucking with me again. I couldn¡¯t imagine how I would feel if I would be actually diagnosed again with cancer. I didn¡¯t want to be in that same situation.

    Also, I couldn¡¯t let my debate opportunity go again because of the same reason.

    ¡°Argh. This is really bullshit! Shit. Shit. Sh-¡± I almost fell to my feet in shock the moment I came out of my room. I didn¡¯t expect the scene that would greet me, first thing in the morning. ¡°Rupert?¡± My gaze went on the bouquet lying on the cold floor of my dorm¡¯s hallway.

    Next to the bouquet was a man sitting while hugging his knees against his chest. His face was buried on his knees and he was obviously asleep because I could still hear him snoring.

    Wait? Don¡¯t tell me, he waited here? All night?

    ¡°Rupert? Is that you?¡± I crouched across from him and then shook him slightly.

    He groaned before he raised his face. The shiny metal ring on his lips confirmed his identity. ¡°Meredith, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    I was stunned for a while before I smiled at him. I didn¡¯t know what happened but seeing him now somehow calmed the storm inside me. I was able to smile despite what I was thinking now.

    Rupert being here somehow lifted some of my worries.

    ¡°What are you sorry for?¡±

    I thought he would bow down again likest night. But no. His face leaned forward until I could see him-eye-to-eye. There and then, I saw the regrets and genuine sorry in his eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what I told you yesterday. That¡¯s wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have gotten carried away by my emotions. I won¡¯t do it again.¡±

    ¡°Promise?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t promise. But if I make the same mistake again, I won¡¯t get tired of saying sorry until you forgive me.¡±

    There it was again¡­ The abnormal beating of my heart every time he looked at me this way- his eyes were showing emotions I couldn¡¯t discern.

    He¡¯s confusing me ¡­ But in a warm way.

    ¡°You sure know what to say to be forgiven,¡± I said, standing up. I reached out my hand to help him stand up.

    He stared at it for a few seconds before gasping for breath. I frowned when he didn¡¯t take my hand instead he put the bouquet of flowers there. ¡°The flowers withered already. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll just buy you another bouquet againter,¡± he said and Iughed.

    ¡°You sure are persistent,¡± I told him, taking the flowers. It¡¯s a bit withered but it¡¯s still beautiful. ¡°Thank you for the flowers.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for forgiving me.¡± He sighed ¡°Are we good now?¡±

    ¡°I already took the flower, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    I rolled my eyes. ¡°Yeah. If you don¡¯t believe it then I will take back my forgiveness,¡± I teased him.

    ¡°Of course, we¡¯re okay now? Who said we¡¯re not?,¡± Rupert said, standing up from the floor.

    He was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. I shook my head. ¡°I thought you left yesterday when I left you in the lobby.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave like that,¡± he said, leaning on my room¡¯s door, ¡°not when you¡¯re angry at me.¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. I felt something weird in my stomach because of what he said. He really has an effect on me.

    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s go. I need to attend a ss and you,¡± I looked at him in disgust, ¡°you need to go home to change clothes.¡± I was about to walk when I was stopped by Rupert¡¯s sudden question.

    ¡°Are you okay, Meredith? Is everything okay?¡±

    I turned to him. He was still leaning against the door of my room. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Last night ¡­ I heard your sobs. You were crying.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    My mouth fell open. Gradually, the fake smile disappeared from my lips.

    ¡°I was outside your room the whole night, Meredith. You only stopped crying at one AM. What happened? Was it because of what I did yesterday?¡± Rupert took a few steps towards me. When we were just a foot away from each other, he cupped my face with his hands. ¡°Did I make you cry?¡±

    I took a deep breath and leaned my cheek against the heat from his palm. Spontaneously, my arms wrapped around his waist. ¡°Yeah. I was crying because of you,¡± I lied.

    ¡°Sorry, Meredith. I didn¡¯t mean to make you cry.¡±

    I stepped closer to him while tightening my arms around his waist. I buried my face on his chest and started crying again.

    I felt him hug me back while repeatedly saying his sorry.

    It¡¯s wrong to lie ¡­ But there were instances that it¡¯s better to do it than to say a painful truth.

 Chapter 33 Coming Back

    ¡°Wee back, Meredith!¡± That¡¯s how Minzy greeted me the moment I entered the debate room.

    Minzy and Cherry immediately hugged me as David seemed to be calling a dove with the strength of his apuse.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you back,¡± Sir Romeo said, tapping my shoulder before he gave me a pile of documents. ¡°As much as I want to celebrate your return, we have a lot to prioritize for the regionals, Meredith,¡± he added, making meugh. I immediately epted the documents he provided.

    We all evenughed when he waster on got hit on the arm by Ma¡¯am Juliet. ¡°You¡¯re really a party pooper! It¡¯s just the first day of their training. You¡¯re rushing over nothing, old man.¡± Then, she turned her attention towards me and the usual Ma¡¯am Juliet I knew shrieked in excitement before hugging me. ¡°I¡¯m really d you made it to the cut, Meredith Kaye! I¡¯m really happy that you tried it again!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Ma¡¯am! And at least before Cherry and I graduate, we will be in the same debate room with Meredith again,¡± Minzy said, clinging her arms around mine.

    ¡°This time, I bet we¡¯re going to win it. We already have the debate genius in our team,¡± David said, making our coaches nod in agreement.

    ¡°You¡¯re putting too much pressure on me,¡± I joked beforeying the documents given by Sir Romeo on the table. I got a lot of readings to do- and I am excited.

    This is it. I am finally having my chance again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave us again, Meredith.¡± Cherry sat on the chair beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder.

    The whole room fell silent because of what he said. I could still remember how much Cherry and the rest of the team cried when I had to withdraw my participation in the nationals because of my cancer. Actually, I med myself on why they didn¡¯t win. For sure they lost focus because I was suddenly reced and of course they were worried about my condition.

    And now that I am back, I have topensate. I won¡¯t let that happen again ¨C even if my canceres back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This time, we will get the nationals. I won¡¯t leave you no matter what happens,¡± I said, the determination inside me was now bigger than my fear about my condition. I never felt such desire ever since.

    ¡°But Sir Romeo and I still want you to stay healthy, Meredith. We¡¯d rather choose you than the nationals trophy.¡± I stared at Ma¡¯am Juliet because of what she said. She gave me an assuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that. It¡¯s you over any kind of trophy.¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am Juliet is right, Meredith. We¡¯d rather want you to be healthy than win the nationals,¡± Minzy agreed and Sir Romeo tapped her shoulder.

    I bowed down as my tears began to roll down my cheeks. I didn¡¯t know what I did to have people like them but I was beyond grateful. I would not disappoint them again. I would not disappoint myself again too.

    ¡°Good morning.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    We all looked behind us because of the sudden voice that spoke. It was to my hearing though.

    A tall guy in his shirt and jeans and a beanie entered the debate room. His voice and the way he walks were enough for me to recognize him- ¡°Gelo!¡± I waved at him.

    ¡°Oh. So you already know Mr. Cristobal, Meredith?¡± Sir Romeo asked me before approaching the neer, Gelo. He put his arm around his shoulder which took us all by surprise. Their faces were quite ¡­ Simr?

    ¡°So, you already met him, Sir?¡± David asked, holding one of the articles we needed to read and seemed to intend to start reading right away. That¡¯s exactly him- very diligent with the things he does.

    ¡°Can you believe it? Last weekend, my older brother visited me with Angelo. Imagine my surprise when I got to know that he¡¯s my brother¡¯s brother-inw,¡± Sir Romeo exined as my mouth fell open in shock.

    Woah. ¡°This world is really small,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but say out of amazement on how things were turning out.

    Everyone chuckled and nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Yes, indeed. This is really a small world for people to not be connected with each other. Did you guys also know that Gelo is also a debate champ like our dear Meredith? He already told Romeo and I that he and Meredith used to face each other inside the debate room back in High School as rivals,¡± Ma¡¯am Juliet said and everyone shouted in excitement and glee.

    Gelo and Iughed. He approached me and immediately put his arm around me. ¡°We¡¯re on the same side now so we¡¯ll win,¡± he said proudly, so I immediately hit him on his stomach. ¡°It hurts!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re boasting too much¡± I told him, ¡°Big Brother,¡± emphasizing thest word and he immediatelyughed.

    ¡°You still can¡¯t move from the fact that I put you in the sibling zone?¡± he teased me, making meugh loudly.

    ¡°Ohe on, Big Bro. You are definitely not my type.¡± I grinned at him. ¡°Stop with that nonsense.¡±

    The day went like that. The whole room was filled with an exchange of discussion, debate, jokes and stories between us. Ma¡¯am Juliet and Sir Romeo were very attentive to all of us; checking and teaching us the proper way to speak and present ourselves inside the debate room; giving us all the points to remember about the articles and publications we had to read; and reminding us to always separate reasoning and emotions.

    I felt like I was back to beginning with all these lessons and training. There was the nostalgia that I had to prove myself ¨C that desire to achieve something was burning me deep to my bones. But I liked this feeling. No. I always love this feeling. This is the kind of feeling that you were exactly on the track you wanted to go. I felt so alive.

    ¡°That¡¯s all for our very first training. Don¡¯t forget your readings and of course your very first assignment,¡± Ma¡¯am Juliet reminded after more than three hours of training. ¡°Can you think of a good name for our team?¡±

    ¡°Yes please!¡±

    ¡°Also don¡¯t forget our mock debate next week. It¡¯s Gelo¡¯s team versus Meredith¡¯s team. I¡¯m expecting a good exchange of arguments,¡± Sir Romeo said, before giving us a salute.

    We allughed before returning his gesture d at the same time saying, ¡°Sir, yes, sir!¡±

    Well, Sir Romeo was a frustrated police man. He took a police course for a year before switching to education and now he¡¯s taking upw.

    ¡°See you next week, guys. Thanks for today.¡± I mean it. I am grateful for this day and for theughs I shared with them.

    Somehow, I lost track of my fears for my uing check-up. I was genuinely happy today and I cherished rare moments like this. Ever since I got sick, happiness seemed so hard toe by. I always feel like something bad would happen after being happy. I tried to be positive and live my second life without hesitations ¡­ But what happened yesterday woke me up from my delusion.

    I¡¯m not really well yet ¡­ As long as I don¡¯t haveplete remission, cancer can still take my life. And I¡¯m afraid that day wille.

    ¡°Stop smiling if you¡¯re not really happy.¡± I lost my deepest thoughts and looked at the person who said that. Cherry¡¯s curly hair made me recognize her. She took my hand and intertwined our fingers. ¡°It¡¯s weird when you smile falsely,¡± she added.

    I wasn¡¯t able to say anything when Minzy interjected, ¡°But at least she tried to be happy today. We need to give that to her, Cherry. That¡¯s very considerate of her.¡± Then Minzy turned to me and like Cherry she also held my other hand. ¡°Want to talk about it? It¡¯s been a while since thest time the three of us went out. I¡¯ve been with Cherry for a long time.¡±

    ¡°I hope you asked me if I¡¯m happy to be with you,¡± Cherry said, giving Minzy a nudge on her side.

    I looked at both of them before I nodded. ¡°Sure thing.¡±

 Chapter 34 Obliged

    The moment I agreed with Cherry¡¯s and Minzy¡¯s invitation, they immediately looked at each other with stunned expressions as if it was so impossible for me toe and have fun with them.

    Iughed. It was only now that I realized it¡¯s been quite a while since the three of us bonded together for a girl¡¯s night out. I was a bad friend on that part.

    Minzy and Cherry were my college besties. They were the first ones I had been close to since freshman year and it was touching that even though they were a year ahead of me, they still hang out with me.

    ¡°Gelo and I will head first,¡± David said, smiling at the three of us after fixing his things. ¡°Looks like the three of you have a date,¡± he added, giving us a wave before wrapping his arm around Gelo¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Next time, let¡¯s all go!¡± Minzy waved her hand at David. ¡°For now, this is exclusively for girls,¡± she added in a sing-song manner.

    When David and Gelo finally left, I quickly brought my face closer to Minzy¡¯s to see the expression in her eyes. I¡¯ve been thinking about this for a long time since I saw her with David when I was auditioning for the debate team. ¡°Is David flirting with you?¡±

    Minzy coughed at my question as Cherry burst outughing. ¡°I told you, the two of you are pretty obvious!¡± Cherry eximed, confirming my guess.

    ¡°Cherry!¡± Minzy shrieked in return before cupping her face with both hands.

    That¡¯s exactly how she was like when she¡¯s shy or getting flustered.

    I grinned sheepishly before I slightly tapped Minzy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I knew it!¡± I was so happy for the two of them but there was no way I would not ask her how everything between her and David ended up like this. ¡°The chemistry between you and David is undeniable, Minzy. The moment I saw the two of you together, I instantly felt there¡¯s something going on,¡± I said like it¡¯s the most obvious thing.

    ¡°Our girl¡¯s talk is definitely perfect for today, Minzy. You have a lot to exin to Meredith.¡± Cherry pped her hands together, giggling because of Minzy¡¯s embarrassment. ¡°You¡¯re surely doomed now to the debate genius!¡±

    ¡°Argh! I¡¯m really mad at that boisterous David!¡± Minzy stomped her feet like a child and I rolled my eyes at her.

    ¡°Stop whining like a kid, Minzy. Even if you deny it, it¡¯s obvious that you like David too,¡± Imented, making Cherryugh even more.

    ¡°Oh, even Meredith stated it! So it¡¯s time now to stop denying, Minz. Everyone knows but you,¡± Cherry teased her, and our dear friend repeatedly shook her head.

    ¡°Anyway, let me make a call. It¡¯ll be a while and then we¡¯ll leave,¡± I told them as they immediately looked at me at the same time. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to call your boyfriend? He was that handsome rugged man who was always with youtely, right? The vocalist of Vulture? The rich one and BS Bio,¡± Cherry, who definitely knew everyone in the university, said with her knowing tone.

    Even though I couldn¡¯t see her face clearly, I could sense her using grin.

    ¡°Woah. There¡¯s nothing you don¡¯t know in this university, Cherry.¡± I shook my head before tapping Minzy who was quiet and obviously confused because unlike Cherry, she had no idea on whatever was happening in campus. She was often involved in acads. ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter, Minz. Maybe this woman will add something else too ording to the gossip she¡¯s gathered.¡±

    I took my phone and was about to dial for a call when Cherry held my wrist, stopping me. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t have to call your boyfie anymore.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend,¡± I said, showing her my phone¡¯s screen. ¡°And I¡¯ll call Bailey. We are supposed to meet after our training to celebrate my inclusion in the debate roster.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Cherry was shocked before she pointed at the door of the room. ¡°Well, you have a visitor.¡±

    My forehead furrowed but I turned around towards the direction she was pointing at. To my biggest surprise, Rupert entered the debate room. He was still wearing ab gown and he seemed looking for someone.

    ¡°If you¡¯re in sort of ubeled rtionships, fix that, Madam Meredith. I don¡¯t think a friend will rush here in the middle of ab experiment?¡± Minzy pointed out, tugging Cherry¡¯s arm with her. ¡°We¡¯ll wait for you outside. Looks like you need privacy.¡±

    I stopped them from leaving but the two of them really insisted on leaving. Eventually, I was left inside the debate room as Rupert stood in front of me.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re in the middle of an experiment,¡± I greeted him with a frown on my forehead while I looked at him, from head to toe.

    He brushed his hand on his nape before having a deep sigh. ¡°I was in the middle of culture media preparation in microbiology. There¡¯s a bit of a long waiting time before the media would be finished so I decided to go here to check on you. Are you done?¡±

    I zipped up my bag and nodded at him. ¡°Why did you pass by? Do you need to tell me something?¡± He didn¡¯t say a word for a while so I frowned. ¡°Rupert?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re fine, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    I was stunned by his question. Since yesterday, after I broke down in front of him, I suddenly didn¡¯t know how to act in front of him. I didn¡¯t want everyone to show my weakness. I was so fed up with always receiving pity from everyone. That¡¯s the main reason I didn¡¯t tell him about my concern.

    ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t think about yesterday. We¡¯re fine and I¡¯m not mad at you anymore,¡± I said, smiling at him.

    But he didn¡¯t reciprocate my smile. He ran his hand through his hair before heaving a deep sigh. ¡°Why do I still feel like there¡¯s a problem with us? Like there¡¯s something you are not telling me, Meredith.¡± He expelled another deep breath. ¡°I am deeply and genuinely sorry about what I said yesterday. I¡¯m really sorry, Meredith.¡±

    I leaned over him before pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Say another sorry and we¡¯re going to fight again.¡±

    He grabbed my right hand. His thumb caressed my knuckles for a few seconds before he pulled me closer to him. Immediately, his arm wrapped around my waist. I blinked repeatedly when Rupert wrapped both of his arms around my waist. He buried his face on the crook of my neck.

    ¡°Rupert? Hey. We¡¯re fine. Stop thinking we¡¯re not.¡± I wrapped my arms around his neck and returned his bear hug.

    I felt his body rxed and I smiled with that. Sometimes, Rupert really acts too sweet, caring, and cute. That was one of the reasons why I was so relieved of him.

    ¡°Are youing home? My microbio is myst ss today. I¡¯ll take you home?¡± he asked as he broke away from hugging me. But he¡¯s not really far. His breath was fanning my face and the tip of his nose still was touching mine. ¡°My ss is only a minute away. We¡¯re also finishing theb exercise today. Can you-¡±

    I cut whatever crap he was saying about hisboratory ss with a kiss on his lips. He was surely startled ¡¯cause his eyes were wide as my lips brushed on his lips. I could feel the cold metal of his piercing in every stroke of our lips.

    I sped a handful of his hair as our kiss deepened. His hand hugged my body closer to his. I ended the kiss when he tried to enter his tongue in my mouth. We¡¯re both heaving deep sighs as we look at each other.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye, you¡¯re driving me insane.¡± Then he leaned his forehead against me.

    I gave him a peck on his lips before I smiled. ¡°I decided to have a night-out with my girlfriends today. Sort of girl¡¯s hangout. You don¡¯t need to wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Ah ¡­ Is that going to take long? Where are you going? I can pick you up.¡±

    I giggled before pinching his cheeks. ¡°Is this the part that you have to make up for the sin youmitted so you can have me on your bed?¡±

    He sighed before he pulled my body again. He hugged me and buried his face in my neck.

    I justughed when he whispered something but I didn¡¯t understand. ¡°What the heck are you saying?¡±

    He raised his face and Iughed when he was pouting like a kid. ¡°I¡¯ll take you wherever you¡¯re going. Then I¡¯ll pick you up for-¡±

    ¡°No need, Rupert. I can handle myself. And if you think I¡¯m refusing because we¡¯re not okay yet, I¡¯m really going to hit you.¡± I pinched both of his cheeks.

    ¡°Fine. But you¡¯re not allowed to get drunk. Also, go home as early as you can.¡± He squinted his eyes at me. ¡°Or else, I will check every club here to find you and take you home.¡±

    I raised an eyebrow at his reminder but eventually nodded as well. ¡°So, why did youe here? That¡¯s all you have to do? To make sure we¡¯re really okay?¡±

    He was stunned and then scratched his head. When he averted his eyes, I couldn¡¯t help but to get nervous. I mean, another problem was not wee right now. I don¡¯t think I could manage another concern for now.

    ¡°What ¡­ Uhmn ¡­ Isn¡¯t your check-up the next day?¡± I bit my bottom lip upon the mention of my check-up. I couldn¡¯t help but sighed. I have a departmental exam in physio that day. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t go with you. I¡¯m sorry. The announcement was so sudden, Sweetie.¡±

    I stared at Rupert because of what he said. Honestly, it was favorable for me. I had spent most of the night thinking about what I could say to him so that he would not apany me to my checkup. Now, fate helped me.

    I would not deny that there was a small part of me that I wanted to be with him. Lately, I have be ustomed to his presence. I got used to him being all over me that being away with him- especially at heavy times like that check-up- scares me.

    But I know this is better. I don¡¯t want to burden Rupert in case my results don¡¯t turn out well.

    He was not here with me to be my caregiver. We were only here for sex and friendship and for everything happy and nice. I don¡¯t want him to see me suffer and weak.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I will go with Aunt Bernadeth.¡± I smiled at him and pouted like a child, ¡°But you have to treat me to something nice in exchange of your broken promise.¡± I grinned at him, giving him a mischievous look.

    ¡°Oh sure, Sweetie.¡± He smiled before quickly kissing the bridge of my nose. ¡°And you can sleep at my unit tonight so I will give you a bonus.¡±

    The yful glint on his eyes made meugh. I already know what he meant by asking me to stay over at his unit. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll sleep at your houseter. Surprise me, Mr. Bad Rockstar.¡±

    ¡°You just have to surrender your sensations and I¡¯ll do all the job, Sweetie.¡± I felt his hand drop to my behind and immediately squeezed it.

    I rolled my eyes before getting off of his hands from me. ¡°Whatever. Cherry and Minzy are waiting for me. See youter.¡± I winked at him.

    ¡°See youter. Call me if you¡¯re on the way. No. Scratch that.¡± He looked at me seriously, ¡°When you and your friends are done, text me where you guys are and I will fetch you. I know you can handle yourself but I want to pick you up.¡±

    ¡°Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t refuse. I¡¯ll pick you up.¡±

    I was stunned by his smile. Then the next thing I knew, I found myself nodding at him, agreeing to what he wants.

    That¡¯s so rare of me. I rarely obliged to other suggestions but with Rupert, I always found myself agreeing.

    ¡°Good girl, Meredith.¡±

    Did I really willingly agree with him?

 Chapter 35 Hoping? Falling?

    ¡°So, who is going to tell her story first? With Minzy-girl who was ying with David the Giant,¡± Cherry turned her gaze to me before drinking her beer, ¡°or with you Madam Meredith who is flirting with the Vulture¡¯s vocalist?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overacting, Cherry,¡± Minzy said, taking a handful of the nachos we ordered.

    ¡°Hey! You will eat all the chips again!¡± Cherry pped Minzy¡¯s arm before pushing the bowl of nachos closer to me so Minzy could not get it. ¡°It¡¯s only the two of us who are allowed to drink alcohol now. You have to help me here and stop going after the chips, you beggar. I can¡¯t finish all the drinks we ordered by myself!¡±

    Iughed at their quarrel. God. I really miss their loud bickerings and frankments, most especially Cherry.

    We were in a bar near the university. I thought we would hang out in a cafe or restaurant because they just said we would just talk. But then, I was surprised when they brought me in here and they ordered beer. I would not drink but Cherry insisted that Minzy needed it even though thetter kept on denying it.

    The bar was cozy and quiet. Maybe because it¡¯s too early. There weren¡¯t many people and it wasn¡¯t crowded so the three of us found a good seat ¨C on a couch and at the far end, far from the entrance.

    ¡°So, who will tell her story first?¡± Cherry asked once again, showing how much she wanted to hear what exactly was happening in Minzy¡¯s and mine¡¯s lives.

    I looked at Minzy who was staring at the ss of beer in front of her. She¡¯s not listening, is she?

    ¡°Let¡¯s have Minzy first, Madam Meredith. It looks like she¡¯s going to get drunk now. Therefore, asking herter would only give us nothing.¡±

    Iughed at what Cherry said but I also agreed. I felt like we should listen to Minzy¡¯s story more than my R-18 rated story. They would be surely shocked if they found out what exactly was my rtionship with Rupert. It¡¯s good to have a warm up.

    ¡°So, what exactly is going on between you and David the Giant? It¡¯s pretty obvious you also like him. What¡¯s the point of denying it?¡± and here we go, Cherry, the notorious gossiper, was now starting her interrogation.

    Minzy sighed before suddenly messing up her hair. She frowned before suddenly knocking over her beer ss. She let out a deep sigh before looking up at the two of us. Woah. Her problem with David seemed serious.

    I don¡¯t get it. David is a nice and ideal guy.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you and David?¡± I was the one who asked that. It looked like Cherry already knew the answer and she just liked to increase the pressure that Minzy was feeling. What a good friend.

    ¡°He said he likes me ¡­ Exactly when I was supposed to forget my feelings for him,¡± Minzy said before gently knocking her forehead with her right fist. I could sense her frustration.

    ¡°Ha? Why do you have to forget how you feel about David?¡± I was surprised that Cherry asked that. So, I guess she didn¡¯t know the whole story.

    ¡°He was courting me but he was still taking care of his ex-girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Cherry and I eximed looking appalled with what Minzy said.

    ¡°That¡¯splete bullshit,¡± Cherry said, stating like it was the most obvious thing. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you just let that happen?¡±

    ¡°Cherry is right. What David is doing is wrong. He loves you and he flirts with you but he still talks and takes care of his ex?¡± I drank the iced tea I ordered. I snorted. ¡°You really have to ask him to stop seeing his ex if he wants to really keep you. He can¡¯t transfer between the two of you. That¡¯s lowkey two-timing.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Madam Meredith! What if his ex asks to get back together? What will happen to you?¡± Cherry mmed the table, looking so frustrated. ¡°I¡¯m going to make David bald for his stupidity.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll join you,¡± I said, feeling frustrated as well. Cherry and I sighed before looking at Minzy again. I had to lean across the table to see Minzy¡¯s face and I was stunned when I saw her tearful eyes.

    Cherry immediately moved next to Minzy tofort her.

    ¡°Her ex was diagnosed with depression.¡± Cherry and I were stunned by what Minzy said. We lost the words to say. ¡°She also has stage two cancer.¡±

    I almost let go of the ss of iced tea I was holding. I was stunned for a moment before my hand suddenly shook. I slowly ced the ss on the table because of my shaking hand. Cherry looked at me so I immediately hid my hands under the table.

    I heaved a deep sigh before I looked at Minzy. ¡°Cancer?¡±

    She nodded slowly at me. I noticed that Cherry also closed her mouth and leaned back on the sofa she was sitting on. Suddenly, our frustrations disappeared. We really could not hate David¡¯s ex-girlfriend with her condition. Right?

    How can you be angry with someone who was suffering like that? And most of all, among other people, I knew exactly how it was like to battle against cancer.

    I sighed and leaned back on the sofa I was sitting on. My shoulders slumped as the anger and frustrations I was feeling earlier subsided just like that.

    ¡°So you¡¯re okay with your situation with David?¡± Cherry asked after a few minutes of silence between us.

    ¡°It¡¯s not okay with me. Jealousy and envy are really eating me,¡± Minzy admitted, taking a sip from her refilled ss. ¡°But I can¡¯t criticize David¡¯s ex and I can¡¯t criticize him. You know he¡¯s just like that. He was always nice.¡±

    ¡°He was too nice,¡± I blurted out and Cherry raised her ss as a sign of agreement. She chugged down the contents of her ss before gasping for breath.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°But I bet it¡¯s too painful, Minzy.¡± Cherry tapped Minzy¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re close to giving up, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Giving up ¡­ That¡¯s all we could do if all options seem to not go with the ending we wished to have. And the ending ¡­ the most painful kind of ending was the one you attained after giving up.

    Minzy and Cherry had been drinking one after another after we found out about David and his ex. I was just there watching them. I didn¡¯t have the energy to even drink my iced tea.

    Instead, my mind wandered about my condition. My mind thought of the things I should do if my results ended up telling me I got my cancer back. Of course, I would burden my father again and the people around me. Cherry and Minzy would cry a river again. Gelo had to see me in the hospital again. My chance topete for debate might be ruined again.

    And Rupert ¡­ Should I tell him? Should I let him be with me? Should I burden him too?

    Silly. I was not sure if he would want to see me again when he found out I had my cancer again, if my checkup ended up with a bad result. He couldn¡¯t do sex with a sick person. For sure, he would end things between us. But why was there a feeling inside me that I didn¡¯t want us to end?

    ¡°It¡¯s your turn now, Meredith.¡±

    I went back from my trance because of what Minzy said. Her face was a bit red now and her eyes looked tired. The smell of alcohol was reeking from her mouth. Unlike Cherry, Minzy has a lower alcohol tolerance. Her speech was staggering already and it seemed like her face was burning because of how red it was. to be burning with red in the face,

    Cherry, on the other hand, was still sitting straight and drinking her beer like water. She was just eyeing me, obviously waiting for what I had to spill.

    I gasped with nervousness. I didn¡¯t know how they would react to everything I would tell them. They would not believe I ended up doing those SPG things with Rupert. I won¡¯t go into detail but I have nothing to hide.

    I suddenly thought that if my cancer came back at this time, I wouldn¡¯t be able to beat it ¨C it would be nice if I wasn¡¯t the only one who knew that- Rupert and I happened.

    And at least, in case Rupert denies me after I die, I have my friends to defend me that I was not hallucinating.

    ¡°Prepare the rest of your innocence. You can¡¯t handle what I did.¡± I shook my head before smiling. I was the most timid among us ¡­ But who would have thought I would have the courage to do all those things with Rupert. ¡°Rupert and I don¡¯t have a rtionship.¡±

    ¡°What? ¡®Don¡¯t fool us,¡± Minzy groaned, waving her forefinger at me. The woman was already drunk. She¡¯s acting like a kid now.

    ¡°You can talkter, Minz. Let Madam Meredith finish her story first.¡± Cherry was quick to make Minzy sit beside her again after she suddenly stood up after taking the straw of iced tea. She blew the straw and acted like she¡¯s blowing a flute. ¡°You¡¯re God, Minzy. Let the poor straw in peace!

    Iughed. ¡°Minzy!¡±

    Minzy kept on blowing the straw even though she was now sitting beside Cherry. Thetter, on the other hand, sighed. ¡°It¡¯s really hard when there¡¯s no one to give blow job.¡±

    ¡°Cherry!¡±

    Some looked at our table because of what Cherry said. I widened my eyes at her scandalous mouth and the witch justughed at me. The number of people in the bar was increasing because it was gettingte.

    ¡°What? I just feel sorry for the straw. Your friend here is now sucking it so hard,¡± Sheughed at me before taking the straw from Minzy¡¯s mouth. ¡°Please continue what you¡¯re saying. Don¡¯t use this woman whocks a blow job to change the subject.¡±

    I keptughing at my two friends. Pure madness. I waster shaken and when Minzy calmed down, I continued my story.

    ¡°As I was saying, Rupert and I do not have the ¡®formal¡¯ rtionship,¡± I said, quoting the word ¡®formal¡¯ through my fingers, ¡°We¡¯re sex buddies. Fuck buddies. Sex partners or whatever you call those sexual rtionships of today. ¡±

    Minzy was stunned by what I said as Cherry spat the wine she was drinking back into her ss. I winced at Cherry¡¯s reaction. I was the one who even handed her the tissue.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± Minzy groggily responded. I thought she was drunk and out of her mind already but then she was reacting like how I expected her to be. ¡°So, what are you two doing when you¡¯re together ?!¡±

    ¡°Goodness, Meredith. We didn¡¯t know you¡¯re into those kinds of hot and sexy things and activities.¡± Cherry suddenly transferred to my side and then she cupped my face using her both hands. ¡°You¡¯re really amazing! How long has that been? And how did you end up with that set-up? You just came in and got an agreement right away?!¡±

    ¡°Cherry, your mouth!¡±

    ¡°And your mouth is full of blowjobs,¡± Cherry replied as I scolded her.

    Minzyughed at Cherry¡¯s remark. I, on the other hand, was so flustered that I had to cover my face. ¡°The two of you are crazy,¡± I murmured.

    Cherry removed my hands covering my face before bringing her face closer to mine. ¡°You¡¯re more crazy than the two of us. So crazy.¡±

    ¡°Cherry is ¡­ Cherry is right.¡± Minzy drinks all the remaining beer on her ss and drops it on the table. ¡°Tell us everything. From the start ¡­ Until ¡­¡±

    ¡°Until you reach your climax,¡± Cherry ended Minzy¡¯s statement and I shrieked in embarrassment.

    ¡°Lower your voices!¡± I scolded them again before kicking Cherry. ¡°My God. Your voices even beat the speakers of this bar!¡±

    ¡°Tell me, Madam Meredith. All the details. You won¡¯t miss anything!¡±

    And so, I told them everything. From Rupert¡¯s and I¡¯s first meeting- that 12 midnight kiss- until we ended up agreeing to our peculiar sexual set-up. I told them how Rupert was ¡­ Not the details on how he did me inside the bedroom- but how gentleman and how caring he was in treating me. I even mentioned to them the day Bailey confessed to me and how I met Gelo.

    Then, I almost told them about mytest concern, ¡°Thenst night, I felt something-¡± I bit my bottom lip to stop myself.

    ¡°What did you feel?¡± Cherry asked, she was holding my hand eagerly.

    I smiled before giggling, ¡°I felt important. Rupert was persistent in saying his sorry after all the bad things he said to me. He was really persistent,¡± I was d I managed to divert the topic just fine. ¡°Can you believe it? Because I was not talking to him, he waited in front of my dorm room all night so he could talk to me right away, first thing in the morning.¡±

    Minzy giggled and Cherry excitedly tapped the table with her hands.

    ¡°Are you sure that Rupert is just sex? Girl, he¡¯s doing all the things a boyfriend should do.¡±

    Minzy reached for my hand on top of the table and tapped it softly. ¡°I think he likes you ¡­ Ah ¡­ Nope ¡­ M-Maybe he was falling ¡­ Meredith Kaye, I bet ¡­ He is falling on you.¡±

    I blinked and my heart beat faster at that possibility. Could it be? But ¡­

    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re the only one who thinks you only have a sexual rtionship because you don¡¯t want to have a serious rtionship. But maybe for that Rupert, he really thinks of you more than being his ymate in bed,¡± Cherry insisted, her both hands sped each other as she sighed dreamily. ¡°Madam Meredith, I have a strong feeling. It¡¯s impossible to not catch feelings while having sex again and again. If he was only after the sex, then he could have stopped after a few times. Maybe, at first, it was really just for sex. But things can change as time progresses.¡±

    Was it wrong to be hopeful? I don¡¯t know why I want to hope that Rupert might actually like me even though I know Ava still has his heart. Silly me.

    Maybe ¡­ Maybe I was the one falling for him so I was being hopeful like this.

 Chapter 36 Whatever I Want To Do

    ¡°Meredith?¡±

    Rupert is falling for me?

    A bitter smile spread on my lips. ¡°Impossible.¡± I exasperatedly sighed. Then, I refilled my ss of iced tea and drank it. ¡°There¡¯s Ava,¡± I finally said, ruining their nonsense conclusions.

    ¡°Who the heck is that Ava?!¡± Minzy mmed the table with her fist.

    ¡°Hey girl! The table might break! Oh gosh! You¡¯re no one but a broke college student! Get a grip of yourself!¡± Cherry went back to Minzy¡¯s side to calm her down. The alcohol was really making her lose her mind. Then she turned to me. ¡°Who is Ava? Why is she in the picture?¡±

    I felt a pang of pain in my chest. Why is there an Ava? She¡¯s not here but she was still part of the picture.

    ¡°Ava is dead. But she¡¯s Rupert¡¯s first love and he¡¯s not yet over her,¡± I said, running my hand through my hair out of frustration. I just realized I didn¡¯t want to talk about her. I was feeling angry for no reason.

    ¡°F-First love? Bullshit,¡± Minzy hissed, ¡°No one ends up with their first love, Meredith. Technically ¡­ Rupert is yours.¡±

    ¡°This drunk woman is right, whose sentence construction is still straight. Ava is dead. Sooner orter,¡± Cherry took a sip of her beer before giving me a thumbs up, ¡°Rupert will forget her.¡±

    ¡°He was having nightmares about her. That¡¯s how much he still misses her even though she¡¯s been dead for a year now.¡±

    That¡¯s right. Rupert loves Ava. It¡¯s so wrong for me to cross the line when he was not willing to cross the line for me.

    Seriously, what is happening to me? Why am I waiting like this? Why do I care so much about him? Why am I feeling envious of Ava for meeting Rupert first?

    ¡°He can still miss Ava now but is that going to be the same thing after two years? After three or four years?¡±

    I stared at Cherry because of what she said. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Time is the only truth teller,¡± Minzy groaned, concluding what Cherry had said.

    ¡°Minzy was right. Ava¡¯s memories will fade because she¡¯s dead already. When we die, all of us are meant to be forgotten. Even the person who loves us the most will forget us once we leave this world.¡±

    Will Rupert forget Ava?

    ¡°That¡¯s how death works, Meredith. That¡¯s how human life works too.¡±

    I never had a serious talk with Cherry. Bute to think of it, I was surprised to hear such wisdom from her. I guess she was just being funny because she knew exactly when to not be sad and when was the perfect timing to let it all out.

    The three of us ended up talking and talking and talking. It was fun, painful and refreshing all at the same time. It was nice to know their stories ¡­ Especially those moments when I didn¡¯t see them because of my treatments. They had been through a lot in their four years of staying in college. And I was the proudest friend because they were about to finish another stage of their lives, college.

    It was nine PM when all of us decided to go home- Scratch that. It was just me and Cherry who decided because Minzy was knocked out. Cherry volunteered to take Minzy to her dorm and I assured her that I could go home on my own because I didn¡¯t drink. She didn¡¯t want to agree at first but I insisted and she had no choice. As much as she wanted us to go home together, my dorm was out of the way.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Madam Meredith! Be careful!¡± Cherry waved at me. Her voice was a bit slurry, indicating she was also drunk. But good thing for her she¡¯s a heavy drinker. So that¡¯s it, she would take care of Minzy, instead.

    ¡°Be careful you two! Don¡¯t forget to text me once you guys are home!¡±

    When Cherry and Minzy left the bar, I was left on our table alone. I took a bottle of beer. It had a little more alcohol so I poured it into my ss. I smelled the beer and immediately frowned. It¡¯s been a long while since thest time I drank.

    I breathed deeply before taking the ss of the beer to my mouth and took a sip. My face wrinkled more at the bitter taste of the beer. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be drinking, Meredith,¡± I said to myself as I stared at the ss of beer I was holding.

    After a few seconds of thinking, I decided to drink all of the alcohol in my ss. The bitter taste of the alcohol burned my throat. It was a bit painful but after a while it became tolerable. I heaved a deep sigh.

    I bit my bottom lip before I raised my hand to ask for the waiter. ¡°I would like to order another bottle of beer.¡±

    I¡¯m really crazy.

    The waiter listed down my order. ¡°Is that all, Ma¡¯am?¡±

    I swallowed before taking a deep breath. Whatever. I ¡­ I¡¯m tired of sticking to my do¡¯s and don¡¯ts. For what else if only I would get sick again?

    ¡°Make it two-¡± I shook my head and then raised my three fingers, ¡°make it three bottles of beer.¡±

    When the waiter left, I took my phone from my bag. My brows frowned when there¡¯s three missed calls and two text messages, all from Rupert.

    I heaved a deep sigh. I read his messages, ¡°Where are you? Are you going home?¡± Here he was again, acting more than what was expected from him as my sexual partner.

    He¡¯s really confusing me.

    I typed a reply for him. ¡°I¡¯m drinking,¡± I murmured the message I was typing for Rupert, ¡°I am hoping you can fetch me¡­¡±

    I hesitated to send it to him for a few seconds before my risky and impulsive self took over and hit the send button.

    Something inside me was telling me to do all the things I want to do- now that I still have time.

    Who knows? Maybe tomorrow I¡¯ll run out of time.

    After texting Rupert, I trashed my phone back in my bag and then turned my gaze on the three bottles of beers that I ordered.

    I gulped.

    I was feeling guilty and excited at the same time. When was thest time I had a taste of beer? Ah, probably two days before my biopsy results came out and it turned out that the tumor in my breast was malignant.

    Would my cancere back?

    I heaved a deep sigh and gave myself a tap on my right shoulder tofort the guilt I was feeling. I want to forget everything now. I wanted to live normally. The kind of life where I could enjoy the bad things the same way I was enjoying the good things.

    I smiled before taking the first bottle of beer. I chugged the bitter liquid down to my dry throat. The liquor wet my throat and the bitter taste became sweet as I consumed an increasing amount of it. ¡°This is life,¡± I murmured, after drinking half of the beer.

    I looked around the ce- it was now crowded and loud. Earlier, when we arrived, there were only a few people. Now, people were having the st of their lives; dancing and screaming to the roaring music. Everyone was actually doing all the craziest things a person could ever do in their lives.

    I smiled before drinking the rest of my first opened beer. After finishing the first bottle, I burped- loud enough for passersby to look at me.

    I stared for a moment at the empty bottle I was holding. Did I really drink this liquor even though I was not allowed?

    ¡°HAHAHAAHAHAHA!¡± I burst out inughter, realizing the shit that I just did.

    I¡¯m really killing myself.

    But right now, I just don¡¯t care anymore. It¡¯s tiring to fight something that is inevitable to happen.

    Heaving a deep sigh, I went to my second bottle of beer. Tapping my right foot ording to the fast beat of music, I screamed and danced at my table while holding the bottle of beer up in the sky.

    ¡°AHHHHHH! I¡¯M DYING!¡± No one heard me, I guess. Because everyone kept doing what they were doing.

    I left my seat and went straight to the crowd. I danced like there was no tomorrow and shouted everything ¨C everything I wanted to say.

    ¡°AHHHHHH!¡± I shouted a bit louder and the music became even louder than my voice. ¡°This feels good,¡± I whispered after having thest drop of my beer.

    This was the life I chose not to have with the hope that I could free myself from the curse of cancer. But I seem to be hoping for nothing. I just wasted the two years I gave up the things I enjoyed doing because they wouldn¡¯t be good for my therapy or my health.

    ¡°This is frustrating.¡± I sighed, giving the empty bottle to the man who was grinding his hips behind me. I forced a smile on him before staggering back to my desk.

    I sat down on the sofa and held my head. I seemed to have been free from alcohol for too long ¨C my body didn¡¯t have the same tolerance anymore.

    ¡°Down to myst bottle of beer. Good job, Meredith Kaye.¡± I giggled before giving myself a pat on my head. I could feel my cheeks burning because of the alcohol¡¯s effect. My voice sounded slurred too and my head was starting to pound.

    I was on the third bottle of beer I had ordered when suddenly someone stopped my hand from pouring it. I huffed a frustrated sigh before getting off from that hold. ¡°Let go,¡± I said, without even bothering to look at the jerk who was trying to stop me.

    ¡°I said let me go!¡± I struggled harder but was immediately taken aback when the man introduced himself. I gasped when the shiny metal on his face was stricken by the lights of the bar. ¡°R-Rupert?¡±

    He didn¡¯t say a word but he leaned closer to show me his face. Then, he pulled me to stand up. I almost fell over because of my aching head and moving sight due to the liquor I consumed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He then forcibly removed the bottle from my grasp.

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    He got my bag and then paid for what I ordered.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Let me go! Damn! I said let go!¡±

    He didn¡¯t seem to hear me and he just kept pulling me to wherever we were going. I was literally putting all my remaining energy to get off of his hold but he did not let go.

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

    ¡°Shut up, Meredith,¡± his voice sounded stern and his hold around my right wrist tightened. ¡°Are you crazy already? Why the hell are you drinking!¡± he even sermonized me as he pulled me to the back door of the bar.

    My head hurt even more because of the liquor¡¯s effect and his sermon. ¡°It¡¯s my life! I can do what I want!¡± I retaliated, before kicking the back of his knee.

    ¡°Meredith!¡± Rupert recovered quickly and caught my waist immediately. This time, he carried me, both of his arms were around my waist and my feet were about one and half inch above the ground. ¡°Don¡¯t waste my patience!¡±

    ¡°Let go! Let me go! I said put me down! I don¡¯t want to go!¡± Obviously, my stubbornness was powered now by my alcohol intake. Was I drunk? Oh, I was still aware of what was happening but I do feel how burning my cheeks were. ¡°Rupert! Argh!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡±

    We got out of the back door and that¡¯s where he finally put me down. I immediately confronted him to scold him for what he did but I was surprised when he suddenly pulled my arm again. My mind started spinning as Rupert and I ran to damn nowhere.

    ¡°Let go! I said you fucking let me go!¡±

    Rupert did not answer. He just kept dragging me until we reached a building. It was a building with a rustic color of brown and white. My forehead frowned when Rupert pulled me inside. The silence and some ruined portion of the walls, door, and windows told me that the building was an abandoned one.

    He opened the lights and that shocked me. It looked abandoned but there was electricity.

    But what caught my attention more were some of the furniture inside the building. The building had two floors and even though the furniture were dusty, they could still be used when cleaned.

    ¡°Are you crazy already?¡± Then Rupert let go of me and closed the door of the building. That¡¯s when I realized that this was not amercial building- but a house- an abandoned and dirty house.

    ¡°I¡¯m not done drinking yet,¡± I said, rolling my eyes at him. I noticed the tension on how he was clenching his jaw but I did not have the time to actually entertain his grumpiness. ¡°Why do you need to ruin my night? I was having a st, Rupert. You¡¯re such a party-pooper,¡± I blurted out, massaging my temple.

    ¡°You¡¯re drinking your meds, Meredith! Aren¡¯t you? Then what? I caught you drinking in that goddamn bar!¡± He took heavy steps towards me and I gasped when he pushed me to the closed front door. ¡°Just what the fuck are you thinking?¡±

    ¡°Why are you making a big deal about this? It¡¯s my body. It¡¯s my health.¡± I tried to push him to extend the distance between our faces but he did not budge. Instead, he put both of his hands against the door, on both of my sides, trapping me against the hardwood. I sighed frustratedly. ¡°And don¡¯t you dare use curse words at me again.¡± Then I squatted and went under his extended arm to get out of his entrapment of me.

    ¡°Are you killing yourself? Do you want to die?¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. I looked at him violently as my fists clenched on either side of my body. He was standing a foot or two away from me. I could not see his facial expression clearly but I bet he could see mine- he could see my red cheeks, frowning brows, and tearful eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t care about that anymore. If I die- Scratch that.¡± I chuckled as I let tears finally flow to my cheeks. Maybe it was because of the effect of the alcohol or maybe I was just in pain and I was hopeless. ¡°If I want to die, you¡¯re out of this, Rupert. We¡¯re just here to fuck each other and enjoy each other¡¯spany. If I die, please don¡¯t make a big fuss about it. And if I want to die, you are in no ce to stop me. ¡°

 Chapter 37 Can I?

    ¡°This is my life, Rupert.¡±

    Right after I said that, the tears doubled. The next thing I knew, my knees felt weak and I fell on the cold hardwood floor. I cried. My shoulders were shaking. My sobs turned to mourning weeps.

    ¡°I know you think of our rtionship as something that only revolves about pleasure and bed, Meredith. Indeed, we¡¯re enjoying each other¡¯spany. But I¡¯m not a heartless man just like what you thought of me.¡± To my surprise, Rupert suddenly knelt in front of me. He cupped my face and that¡¯s when I saw the emotions in his eyes. He smiled and then wiped away my tears. ¡°You only have thirty more minutes to cry. After that, I will punish you for drinking and for putting yourself in a dangerous situation because of alcohol.¡±

    My mouth dropped open as Rupert kissed my eyes. ¡°Your face is so red. That indicates acidosis, Meredith Kaye.¡± His right hand went down from my cheek down to the side of my left chest. The pad of his thumb caressed the side of my breast, igniting a desirable need inside me. ¡°Your face is so red because of the umtion of acetaldehyde in your body. There is no avable acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in your body but you still drink. Did you know you can be poisoned by high umtion of acetaldehyde?¡±

    I was dazzled by what he said. I don¡¯t understand a thing. First of all, we don¡¯t have biochemistry in philosophy.

    Instantly, my mind forgot about the reason why I was crying earlier. I was just stunned by Rupert as I felt his teasing thumb constantly pressing against the side of my chest.

    ¡°Rupert,¡± I whispered, closing my eyes.

    ¡°I will punish you. Be ready in thirty minutes.¡± Then I felt his hand leave my body so I immediately opened my eyes.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    He stood up in front of me and then started to remove his shirt. I swallowed hard when he next took off the pants he was wearing in front of me. He faced me as I looked up at him and remained sitting on the floor.

    ¡°Do you still want to cry?¡± he asked, his thumb going inside to his boxers, clipping the waistband and pulling it down to his muscled thighs. ¡°Because I am so desperate to punish you.¡±

    Slowly, his boxers came down to his legs until his big and hard manhood finally came out.

    I swallowed an invisible lump in my throat. ¡°Why?¡± my voice came out hoarsely as I was stunned by his manhood pointing on my face. ¡°Why are you going to punish me?¡±

    ¡°For drinking tonight even though you are not allowed to and for bbering nonsense things about death.¡± Rupert wrapped his hand around his length as he closed the distance between my face and head of his length. ¡°On your knees, please.¡±

    My body was in heat- the desire was literally burning me. The alcohol literally hazed my mind and prevented me from thinking right. The next thing I know, I was kneeling on the floor and he was pumping in and out of my mouth while he was tightly holding a grasp of my hair.

    Inside this abandoned house- Rupert filled my mouth with his hot semen. I didn¡¯t even know whose house this was and why Rupert brought me here to be punished. But I don¡¯t care anymore. My body was aching for Rupert¡¯s punishment.

    After Rupert pulled his manhood out of my mouth, he immediately made me stand up and he swiftly took off my clothes. I had to gulp down his release.

    I relented when he tied my wrists to my back using his shirt. I let him when he took the handkerchief from his pants pocket and put it around my eyes to blindfold me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll punish you real hard, Sweetie. All you need to do is ept it and surrender your sensations.¡±

    The next thing I knew, Rupert was standing behind me. Then, I felt his manhood in the middle of my tied hands. His lips were nting kisses on my bare shoulders. ¡°Give me the best hand job.¡± That¡¯s when I felt him start rocking his hips, push and pull, from behind me. His length was fucking my hand and the tip of his manhood was hitting the opening of my behind. I could feel the head of his manhood hit my second hole as he plunged into my bound hands. He was not pushing his length inside my butt but the sensations were too much every time he would tease my second opening with his pulsating head.

    ¡°Ahhhh!¡± I gasped as the head of his manhood continued to hit the hole of my behind. ¡°Oh gosh, Rupert!¡±

    The darkness enveloping my sight was intensifying the pleasure on how Rupert was rocking me from my behind. My moans stopped as the tension inside me eased. I came. For the second time.

    I felt the sticky liquid dripped down to my inner thighs as Rupert kissed my neck and shoulders while still ramming himself on my behind- the head of his manhood knocking on my second hole but notpletely entering me.

    I almost writhed in a strange sensation when Rupert stopped, then his pulsating manhood reached another climax, releasing his essence into my hands just to enter my femininity with his fingers from behind. My body arched as my vaginal walls stretched because of his fingers. Because I was so stretched, I knew he entered me with more than one finger. When his fingers started pumping in and out, hitting that delicious spot inside me, I reached another wave of release.

    I already felt exhausted because of that third orgasm. I was heaving deep sighs and my legs were shivering. I wanted to push Rupert to stop but my wrists were tied and I was blindfolded.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­ Ahhhh ¡­¡±

    He was not done yet. Because after having two climaxes because of his fingers, the next thing I felt, entering my vagina, was his manhood. He slowly entered my womanhood from behind. I gasped in delight as I bit my lower lip. I felt Rupert licked my spine- from my nape down to the line in between my butt cheeks.

    I reached another zenith.

    But I was no longer able to moan because of fatigue and dizziness. My legs gave out and if Rupert hadn¡¯t caught my waist, I probably would have been on my knees on the floor.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­ Ohhh please ¡­ S-Stop ¡­ Ahhh ¡­¡±

    He still hadn¡¯t touched me. He held my waist and made me bend forward. That¡¯s when he continued thrusting in and out of me- slow and deep.

    I groaned and moaned at the same time. I felt sleepy and tired but at the same time so high with how deep Rupert was reaching inside me.

    ¡°The next thing you do something crazy,¡± Rupert gasped as he continued to im me, ¡°and then, instead of apologizing- you would go berserk on me and tell me not to care for you- I will put senses in your head through intense pleasure. Do you understand, Sweetie? ¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ¡­ Oh gosh ¡­ I¡¯ming again.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t stop me from caring for you, Meredith Kaye.¡± I felt him kiss the back of my head as my walls clenched around his length. I came again. He stopped thrusting. ¡°And stop thinking of me as a heartless man. I will not let you destroy your health. And I will not let you push me away when things be uncontroble.¡±

    Then he filled me with another release. He did not use a condom and I could not remember if I was safe today. The alcohol inside my head was killing me and I could not think.

    When Rupert pulled away, he helped me stand up again. He turned me around, and then he cupped my face. That¡¯s when he kissed me fully on my lips. Tired, I leaned on his body as I responded to that kiss. After the kiss, Rupert removed my blindfold and the restraint on my wrists.

    Then he carried me.

    I just closed my eyes and didn¡¯t have the strength to understand where he was going to take me. Momentster, I felt my back touch a soft mattress, a bed. The softnessing from the bedforted my tired legs and aching core. I was nearly drowsing off to sleep when I felt something soft touch my core and my inner thighs- wiping the sticky liquid there.

    When he finished wiping on my womanhood, I snuggled on the pillow beside me and pulled my legs up to my chest until I was in fetal position.

    Before I waspletely swallowed up by drowsiness, I felt a pair of warm arms around my waist from behind. Then someone whispered, ¡°Can I fall for you, Meredith Kaye?¡±

    Was that Rupert?

 Chapter 38 Envy

    ¡± Ava ¡­ Ava ¡­¡±

    My head was terribly aching and my body felt so sore but these constraints didn¡¯t stop me from waking up. The bed, where I was lying, kept on moving and shaking. As I opened my eyes, my head started spinning because of dizziness.

    An unfamiliar white ceiling greeted my sight and a heavy thing was weighing my bare stomach, disallowing me to sit up. I could feel the terrible soreness in between my legs and my face turned into a deep frown because of the pungent smell of the alcohol lurking all over me.

    I didn¡¯t remember much of what happened or where I was but I didn¡¯t have time to think about it because my gaze went to the arm that was tightly wrapped around my waist.

    ¡°Ava ¡­ Don¡¯t ¡­ Please ¡­¡±

    Rupert was beside me, his arm was wrapped around my waist and his face was on the crook of my neck. He was mumbling ¡­ More like groaning ¡­ And having a nightmare.

    His arms tightened around my waist as I tried to remove his arm. ¡°Ava ¡­¡±

    There he was again. It seems like he was dreaming about his first love- his Ava.

    I caressed his cheek and there, the wrinkle on his forehead gradually disappeared. His breathing began to get even and that¡¯s when I knew he was back to sleep.

    I smiled bitterly as my memories flooded back. It was Rupert getting me out of that bar and scolding me for drinking. Something happened between us ¨C he acted like an angry and concerned boyfriend. Then, before I drifted to sleep, I heard his voice ¡­ That question.

    I shook my head because at some point I thought it came from him. But that¡¯s petty of me to think. Rupert would never ask me that- he would never do that because he was still not over her ¡­ He was still Ava¡¯s.

    ¡°Why are you being like this, Meredith?¡± I asked myself looking at the nk white ceiling above me. I took a deep breath before trying to relieve the pain in my chest as Rupert¡¯s hug tightened on my naked body under the nket as he called Ava¡¯s name again.

    It was still Ava for him.

    Minutes passed and when I felt Rupert¡¯s arm loosened around my waist, I took that opportunity to get off of the bed. My legs were tired and my whole body was sore. My head was killing me and my hangover made it harder for me to steady my steps, picking up my clothes.

    I almost fell as one by one I picked up my clothes that were scattered on the floor. I immediately get dressed, not minding the mixture of scents of alcohol and sex all over me. After getting dressed, I picked up Rupert¡¯s clothes and folded them one by one. I ced his folded clothes on the end of the bed, noticing the absence of sheets covering the bed mattress.

    That¡¯s when I roamed my gaze all over the room. It was unfinished- the cemented walls were not painted and the tiles did not fully cover the whole flooring, the rest of the floor was covered with dart cement. Then, I noticed arge cab on the side and a wooden bedside table and a vanity mirror. This must be a woman¡¯s bedroom, judging the design of the cab, table and the vanity mirror. Out of curiosity, I approached the cab and to my surprise, nothing was in there.

    I looked at Rupert who was still sound asleep. Who exactly owns this house? Why did he bring me here?

    I left the room and was greeted by the living room, kitchen and other rooms in the house. There were furniture with white cloth covering them. And the other rooms were locked. This seems like an unfinished and abandoned house for me.

    But I saw that the light of the house was on and that means ¡­ This house was not totally abandoned. I was shocked to think that Rupert maybe own this.

    Maybe. There was no way he would take me here to have sex if it this was not his property. But he had his condo unit and he was still a student. What was this house for? Or maybe, this belongs to his rtive?

    Walking in the living room, I saw my bag on the long sofa that was covered by white cloth. After getting my bag, I went back to the room where Rupert was still sleeping. I sat on the bench chair opposite the vanity mirror to fix my hair. I winced when I saw myself in the reflection of the mirror. I looked wasted ¡­ And tired.

    I took theb out of my bag to groom myself and when I finished, I looked at Rupert again. He was still asleep. Should I leave him here?

    It¡¯s was past seven AM and I was already feeling hungry. Rupert would surely not like it if I left him here. However, I did not want to wake him up.

    I sighed before looking back at the vanity mirror in front of me. My fingers touched its side, tracing the oakwood tree material. Maybe because I had nothing to do and my mind was not really functioning due to the mixture of hunger, tiredness and hang-over, I turned my attention to everything around me. I checked some of the things in the room until my attention was averted on the drawer at the bottom of the vanity table. I opened it.

    I was shocked to see a little red velvet box. It was like those cute box containing a ring. I picked it up before I looked back at Rupert. Did he own this? For whom?

    I bit my bottom lip when my brain answered my question. For whom- of course, for Ava. I found myself opening the small box and was mesmerized to see a pair of silver earrings- with a flower design. I was not familiar with this flower but it had a drooping white flower with small petals.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    I really envy Ava¡¯s luck now for having a love like what Rupert could give.

    ¡°That¡¯s not for Ava.¡±

    I was stunned when I felt Rupert¡¯s familiar presence behind me. The heating from his body made me stiffened as I felt his hands hold my shoulders.

    ¡°What ¡­ Ah ¡­ I was just curious so-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a snowdrop flower. That¡¯s the birth flower of those born in January,¡± he said before his arms wrapped around my neck. I felt his chin resting on the top of my head. ¡°Hmn ¡­ Why did you wake up so early, Sweetie? Aren¡¯t you tired? Hangover?¡±

    I blinked a few times as I stared at the pair of earrings in front of me. Birth flower of January celebrants?

    ¡°I was born in January,¡± I whispered, staring with wide eyes at the earrings.

 Chapter 39 Not Meeting In the Middle

    ¡°Yes. I know. You told me once.¡± Rupert suddenly lifted me from my seat before pushing me slightly forward in the vanity mirror so he could squeeze himself into the bench. He wasn¡¯t wearing anything for Pete¡¯s sake!

    I looked at him confused when he sat on the bench and then made me sit on hisp. He immediately wrapped his arms around my waist before leaning his chin on my shoulder. ¡°Ava¡¯s birthday was in April,¡± he added before pressing his nose on the crook of my neck.

    My mouth fell open at what he said. ¡°My birthday was in January, Rupert,¡± I said incredulously again, notprehending the fact that the earrings were maybe for me?

    ¡°I bought these earringsst week. And yes, that¡¯s for you, Meredith Kaye. Don¡¯t ask me why I bought it for you. I¡¯m also not sure why I thought of you when I saw that,¡± he exined, sounding bewildered.

    I could feel the tickle creeping up my body because Rupert was currently naked and I could feel his hard length against my behind. He was poking me and I could feel the heat creeping into my system.

    I slowly smiled as I stared at the pair of earrings. It was beautiful and my heart was racing to receive such a gift.

    ¡°There¡¯s no asion, though.¡± I was smiling widely before taking the one earring from the box. ¡°But thank you, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°asions were just excuses, Meredith. If the person made you happy, there¡¯s no wrong in giving that person a gift out of nowhere.¡±

    I looked up in the vanity mirror to put on the earring. I could see Rupert on the reflection and how he was intently watching me while his chin was on my shoulder.

    ¡°So you are saying right now that I make you happy, that¡¯s why you bought me a gift?¡± I giggled when Rupert took the other earring and he was the one who put it to my other ear. I watched him do it.

    He kissed the exposed crook of my neck before he looked proudly at the earring I was wearing. ¡°I¡¯m happy when I¡¯m with you.¡±

    I was stunned by him. He was being too direct again and my abnormal heart was about to explode because of it.

    ¡°That was cheesy.¡± He chuckled, giving me a wink on the mirror¡¯s reflection. ¡°But seriously, Meredith. I like me better when I¡¯m with you ~¡±

    We bothughed because of thatst line he said in a sing-song manner. After saying that, his right hand traveled upward from my stomach to my breast, kneading it on top of the shirt I was wearing. His left hand was holding my left arm, softly caressing it as he held my gaze on the mirror¡¯s reflection. He was looking at me intently as I bit my bottom lip and my back arched because of his hands¡¯ motion.

    ¡°The earrings belong to you, Sweetie. I knew it. When I saw that, I immediately thought of you.¡± His lips trailed kisses on my exposed neck, sucking and licking the skin.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you give it to me right away?¡± I sighed, started moving my hip and grinding myself on his erect manhood, poking my behind.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know ¡­ I thought it wasn¡¯t right for me to give you a gift.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± I was closing my eyes when he put his two hands under the hem of my top and massaged my breasts at the same time.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know ¡­¡± Rupert kissed the side of my face as his hands did wonders. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ¡­ Cross the line and ruin what we have.¡±

    I was shocked again because he said that. Our gazes met on the mirror¡¯s reflection. He kept on kissing my face and his hands kept kneading my breasts. ¡°You don¡¯t want to cross the line?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to ruin us.¡±

    ¡°You are drawing out the line,¡± I stated with finality before nodding at him. ¡°Not because you don¡¯t want to break it, Rupert. You just really don¡¯t want it to go deeper because we¡¯re not here for that,¡± I told him, giving him a small smile before standing up from sitting on hisp.

    ¡°Meredith, I don¡¯t understand. Are you angry?¡±

    I heaved a deep sigh andposed myself. I didn¡¯t know why I would be affected like this when I knew from the start, this wasn¡¯t going any further other than sex. I should really wake up.

    I was just here to enjoy the sex the same as Rupert¡¯s reason. I should stop my expectations.

    ¡°I¡¯m not angry. I just want you to know that there¡¯s nothing to ruin between us, Rupert.¡± I faced him with a big smile. He looked up at me and I looked at him seductively. I couldn¡¯t read his facial expression and I thanked my prosopagnosia for that. And at least I won¡¯t feel the pain in case I saw that he didn¡¯t care about my feelings. ¡°I want to rify it again. We agreed that we were only after sex with each other. You took my virginity and asked me to stay as your sexual partner because you wanted to do more things to my body and I agreed to you. That¡¯s exactly what we have. So you don¡¯t have to draw the line because in the first ce, no one between us would want to cross the line.¡±

    Then I knelt in front of him. I opened his legs wide, before I ced myself in between. My hands gripped both of his thighs before I lowered my face and licked his manhood.

    He hissed and immediately groaned with my daring action.

    But I wanted him to know this- that I would not let my crazy selfmit and get broken at the end. I couldn¡¯t let myself love a man who loves someone else. Ava was maybe dead but I could feel it- Rupert¡¯s heart was reserved for her.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye!¡± He grabbed my hair to steady my head. That¡¯s when he started bucking up his hips to pump himself in and out of my mouth.

    I yed with his balls as I took him in my mouth. His moans became louder and I could feel his length growing inside my mouth.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Damn it, Meredith Kaye! You¡¯re a goddess!¡± He came and spurted all of his release inside my mouth.

    I was about to swallow it when he opened his hand in front of my mouth. I spat out his essence in his hand and he immediately stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll just clean myself up. Wait for me. Then I¡¯ll take you to your dorm.¡±

    I was stunned by his emotionless voice. He didn¡¯t bother to help me from standing up. He just picked up his clothes without even giving me a nce. ¡°And don¡¯t worry, Meredith. I get what you said earlier. You¡¯re not interested in crossing the line so I shouldn¡¯t as well. You said it yourself, we should just enjoy this while itsts.¡± He shrugged before heading to the door of the room. ¡°But I want one thing in this set-up. Please tell me directly, straight to my face, if you want out. Don¡¯t you dare leave me hanging.¡± Then he finally left the room.

    I was stunned for a few seconds by what he said before finally finding the strength to get up from my knees. I sat on the bench in front of the vanity mirror and stared at the sparkling earrings hanging on my ears. Why did it feel heavy? Why was there pain in my chest? Why was I so affected?

    I sighed before running my hand through my hair. Don¡¯t leave him hanging? Why? Doesn¡¯t he have any ns to leave our set-up to assume I¡¯m the first one to leave?

    As far as I know, he was the one who couldn¡¯t move on from a woman who was already dead. So if there¡¯s anyone who was most likely to leave this setup first between the two of us, it¡¯s him and not me.

 Chapter 40 Fears

    It was the day of my executive check-up. I didn¡¯t attend any of my sses today and Tita Bernadeth would meet me at the hospital. I was wearing a simple button down ck crop top and wide-legged pants. My long hair was falling freely behind my shoulders and there was a light pink tint on my lips to hide the paleness.

    I heaved a deep sigh and cleared my thoughts.

    Not yet, Meredith Kaye Santiago. Stop overthinking, I told myself, trying to control the depressive mood I was feeling the moment I opened my eyes today.

    After staring at myself in front of the mirror for a few minutes, I just moved when I heard my phone ring. I took my handbag and scooped it in my shoulder before I picked up the ringing phone from the top of my desk.

    I smiled when I saw Bailey¡¯s name on the caller¡¯s ID.

    ¡°Hey,¡± I tried to sound lively but failed miserably. And my best friend seems to have noticed that.

    She sighed on the other line.

    | I know you¡¯re scared and nervous. Do you want to go with me? We haven¡¯t seen each other for quite some time, Edith. |

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯ve been doing this for two years. There¡¯s no reason for me to be nervous or scared.¡± It¡¯s like I said that to myself more than Bailey. But that somehow lessened my depressive thoughts and negativity. ¡°I¡¯m with Aunt Bernadeth. You don¡¯t have to worry about me, Bailey.¡±

    | Are you avoiding me, Meredith? |

    I was stunned by that sudden question. I tightened my grip on the phone before taking a deep breath. ¡°No, Bailey. I was just keeping my distance for a while to give you time to heal. I know I hurt you.¡± I bit my bottom lip upon remembering thest time we saw each other. Yes. Let¡¯s say things got settled quickly because I directly said my stand about how she felt for me.

    But still, I felt guilty for not reciprocating her feelings and maybe¡­ breaking her heart. Thest thing I wanted to do was for Bailey to get hurt but I always ended up causing her pain.

    | Stop keeping your distance. I didn¡¯t ask for that. I¡¯m not happy anymore, Meredith. |

    ¡°But Bailey ¡­¡±

    | Enough with jumping to conclusions. Yes. It hurts that we can¡¯t happen, that you can¡¯t return my feelings. But it hurts more to lose my best friend. I don¡¯t need time to heal away from you. For me, it¡¯s easier to be okay when we¡¯re together. Do you understand? |

    I smiled and even though she couldn¡¯t see me, I nodded. ¡°I miss you, Bailey,¡± I confessed as I headed for the door of my dorm room. I exited my room as Bailey scolded me for not calling her when I missed her already.

    For a moment I forgot the nervousness and fear I felt over Bailey¡¯s reminder to me ¨C we should meet after my check-up and she required me to show the results of my tests. I automatically agreed because I trust her and I think I would be needing her to be with me to deal with the results of my medical results.

    I was maybe a debater but Bailey was someone I couldn¡¯t beat when ites to her reasons.

    | Are you sure you¡¯re going to the hospital alone? Do you want me to pick you up? |

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re really weird.¡± I was walking down the stairs to the lobby of my dorm building when I was halted on my tracks. I was stunned to see him at the end of the staircase, rooted on his spot while looking up at me. His familiar build and his naturally disheveled brown hair as well as his usual get-up of tattered jeans and shirt, made me recognize him. ¡°I can handle myself. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    | Stop saying you¡¯re okay. I can hear it in your voice and I can feel it. You¡¯re not feeling good, Meredith. |

    I stared at the blurry face of Rupert standing at the end of the stairs as I descended into the lobby. I tightened my grip on my phone against my ear as my heart started racing because of nervousness and fear. Why was he here?

    The moment I opened my eyes earlier, I instantly felt it- today was going to be heartbreaking for me- my gut feel was telling me that bad news was about toe my way.

    | Meredith, be honest to me. How are you feeling today? |

    I took a deep breath before being forced to smile. When I reached the end of the staircase, when I was finally standing in front of Rupert, that¡¯s when I answered Bailey¡¯s question in all honesty, ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±

    I moved a step closer to Rupert until the end of my shoes touched his. That¡¯s when I saw his face clearly. His eyes widened and I felt him stiffened in front of me.

    ¡°I¡¯m scared. I¡¯m so scared.¡± My eyes became blurry due to tears that were threatening to fall. ¡°What if my test results aren¡¯t good? What if my canceres back? Why do I feel like I¡¯m going to be in so much pain today?¡±

    | I¡¯ll see you in the hospital, Meredith. You¡¯re leaving, aren¡¯t you? Let¡¯s meet at the hospital. I¡¯ll be with you so don¡¯t be afraid. |

    With that, Bailey ended the call. My hand holding the phone immediately fell to my side before bowing down. I didn¡¯t know why I wanted Rupert to hear that- why I needed him to know my fear.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye.¡±

    ¡°I have to go,¡± I replied weakly to him before I was about to pass to him. But I felt his hands touch both my arms to stop me from walking away.

    ¡°Do you want me toe with you?¡±

    I looked up at him again. Our gazes met. The pad of his thumbs caressed my shoulders, softly. Like he was trying to ease my worry which I didn¡¯t bother to hide. For sure, it was well-written all over my face.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t get in touch with me all day yesterday then all of a sudden you¡¯re going to show up here today?¡± I didn¡¯t hide the sarcasm in my voice.

    After having sex in an unfinished and abandoned house- after giving me a pair of earrings- he was suddenly gone yesterday after taking me home.

    He suddenly became cold to me after that day and yesterday. I was not able to see or talk to him. So I was surprised that he was here and even more surprising that he asked me thatst question.

    ¡°What exactly are you doing here, Rupert? Didn¡¯t you say you have ab exam today? Why are you here?¡±

    He took a deep breath before suddenly hugging me. His arms wrapped around the small of my waist and pulled me for a bear hug. I tried to push him but he hugged me tighter.

    ¡°Rupert, what the heck?¡± I noticed other dormers passing by the lobby and staring into our embrace. ¡°I have a very special sched today. So if-¡±

    ¡°Are you still scared?¡±

    I was halted from pushing him away because of his question. I blinked repeatedly before my stiff body rxed. I voluntarily buried my face in his shoulder and closed my eyes.

    Mysteriously, I forgot about my fear. Instead, I became more focused on this guy. I was more pissed at Rupert for not seeing nor contacting me yesterday.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m more annoyed with you than being afraid.¡± I giggled, realizing how Rupert could affect me.

    This is really bad. This rockstar made it into my system now.

    I hugged him back and we stayed like that for a while, until my breathing steadied and my worries subsided.

    ¡°Should Ie with you? If you need me there, I can make an excuse to take a special exam,¡± he said after parting with a hug from me.

    I frowned before patting his forehead. ¡°Tell me first, why are you here?¡±

    He was stunned and immediately scratched his neck. He even faked a cough before answering my question, ¡°To ask an apology for not seeing you yesterday. I was¡­ I was annoyed at you.¡± Then he averted his eyes from me.

    I frowned and then pped his arm. ¡°Annoyed? At me?¡± I huffed an irritated sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Why are you annoyed at me? What did I do? I can¡¯t believe you are annoyed with me after you suddenly disappeared for two days. And by the way, I am annoyed now.¡±

    He sighed. ¡°You hurt me.¡±

    I raised an eyebrow before I crossed my arms over my chest. ¡°Hurt you? Excuse me? You¡¯re the one who suddenly ignored me after I made youe.¡± I didn¡¯t bother to censor my words.

    He pursed his lips before bowing down his head as if he was a child being scolded. ¡°Yeah. You made mee. It was really great. But you hurt me,¡± he said, heaving a deep sigh and then raising his gaze at me again. I didn¡¯t really understand what he was trying to say. He immediately shook his head when I was ready to answer the nonsense he said. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you today. So tell the person you were talking with earlier that you don¡¯t need hispany anymore because I¡¯m with you.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I don¡¯t agree with you yet!¡±

    ¡°What? I am the one who should be apanying you if it¡¯s not for my microbio suddenly scheduling an exam.¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy! You¡¯re really ditching your exam for me?¡±

    He didn¡¯t mind my reaction. He frowned at me. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wearing the earrings I gave you? Then you¡¯re talking to someone on the phone in the morning, Meredith. What if you fell down the stairs earlier because you were talking to someone on the phone instead of focusing your attention on walking,¡± he said like a father as we headed to the parking lot behind my dorm.

    ¡°You¡¯re at the end of the stairs. So, if I fall, someone will surely catch me.¡± My words came out before I even thought about it.

    He stopped dragging my arm and then immediately turned to me. I gave him a shrug and he squinted his eyes.

    Why the heck did I say that to him?

    ¡°Are you falling then?¡± Then he pulled my arm slightly until the distance between us was less than a foot.

    I blinked several times at the same time as my heartbeat suddenly increased. Why was he asking me that?

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t catch you if you won¡¯t fall, Meredith. I want you to keep that in mind. Clear?¡± He tucked a loose strand of my hair behind my ear before he smiled at me. He let go of my hand only to cup my face with both of his hands. He leaned forward until his lips were hovering over mine.

    I stared at his lips- how both sides of it were turned upward and yet I could feel Rupert¡¯s hesitation- and uncertainty.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He grinned before he kissed my frowning forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll be with you so you won¡¯t be afraid.¡± Then, he squeezed my face in between his palms. ¡°I¡¯ll be with you so I can make up for a whole day we didn¡¯t meet yesterday.¡±

    I removed his hands from my cheeks then pped his arm just as he was about to pull me again. ¡°How about your exam?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you so you can sleep in my unitter.¡± He moved his eyebrows up and down while a grin was on his lips. He offered his hand to me, afterwards.

    ¡°Rupert! You can¡¯te with me! You have to take the exam!¡±

    ¡°You need me now so I¡¯ll be with you.¡± He winked at me before turning around and taking the lead.

    ¡°Rupert!¡±

 Chapter 41 Bad Feelings

    I walked after him and tried my hardest to convince him to go to his exam. But when we reached his motorbike, he still didn¡¯t follow me.

    He took a helmet and handed it to me but I didn¡¯t take it. ¡°You¡¯re not going with me,¡± I said with conviction and then took a step back when he tried to put the helmet on my head. ¡°Attend your exam. I can manage myself. You don¡¯t really have toe with me,¡± I insisted.

    ¡°Can you?¡± He heaved a deep sigh before he ran his hand through his naturally-disheveled hair. ¡°Who were you talking to earlier? You even told him you¡¯re scared. Is heing? Is that the reason why you don¡¯t want me toe?¡±

    I bit my bottom lip before avoiding his gaze. I wanted him to go with me in this check-up and held my hand tofort me. Lately, he was the only person I confided with all my inner thoughts and hesitations. He was myfort zone for the past few days.

    But I was afraid of the consequences of my results today. If it¡¯s not going to be okay, it would be better if Rupert wasn¡¯t there to hear it with me. I don¡¯t want to involve him in my miserable life.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that, Meredith? Your boyfriend? Suitor? You know I can beat him up for trying to get you from me.¡±

    I couldn¡¯t see his expression clearly but the heavy tone of his voice confirmed his sudden change of aura. He took a threatening step towards me and it took all my remaining courage not to step backwards.

    ¡°No one is getting me from you. Stop with your usations.¡± I pushed his chest to put a safe distance between us but he grabbed my waist and in swift motion, turned me around and pushed me until my back was leaning on his motorcycle. ¡°Rupert!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s that? Why is it okay for him toe while I can¡¯t? Don¡¯t give me the exam shit. I can take a special exam. So who were you talking to earlier?¡±

    I heaved a deep sigh when I realized he was being stubborn again. So, I did what I thought would make him do what I wanted.

    ¡°That¡¯s Bailey.¡± Then I wrapped my arms around his waist. Upon reaching his back, I inserted my two hands into the hem of his shirt until I touched his skin.

    He inhaled a sharp breath with our skins in contact and I took it as an indication that this way would work for him.

    ¡°Bailey?¡± His voice came out hoarse as he hung the helmet on the motor¡¯s handle to fully wrap his arms around my waist. ¡°Your lesbian best friend?¡±

    ¡°Ah-uh.¡± My hands caressed his bare back as he pushed himself closer to my body. I could feel a slight shaking of his motor because of his pressure on me. ¡°Aunt Bernadeth is also there to apany me. She¡¯s our university nurse and my dad¡¯s friend.¡±

    ¡°And I can¡¯t be there because of them?¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be there because of your exam, Rupert. You¡¯re a senior- graduating. I don¡¯t think you should be doing such petty things like ditching your exam for just a girl.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not just a girl for me,¡± he retaliated before heaving a deep sigh.

    I smiled at what he said before tightening the hug around his waist. He had no choice but to lean his body and face towards me. And when his lips were close enough, I leaned upward and imed his lips.

    We shared a long and passionate kiss that seemed to not end- until the motorcycle behind me shook and almost fell.

    ¡°Your tongue is a flirt!¡± I jokingly told him before straightening up.

    Rupert gave me a quick peck on my lips before he said, ¡°So, I really need to attend my exam today?¡±

    ¡°Yup. You have to ace that as well.¡± I told him, tapping the seat of his motorcycle. ¡°Go back to the university now. I can handle myself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you a taxi first.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really stubborn!¡±

    Rupert apanied me back to the front of my dorm. He apanied me to wait for my taxi even though I forced him to leave several times.

    ¡°What if you¡¯rete? You¡¯re really really stubborn!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried, Meredith. That¡¯s the truth.¡± I turned to him when I felt him suddenly holding my hand. He intertwined our fingers together. ¡°You were the one I immediately thought of when I opened my eyes this morning. My gut was telling me I should see you today- that I have to be with you today.¡±

    I smiled at Rupert¡¯s sudden confession. It was the same bad feeling that I had the moment I opened my eyes today. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry, Rupert. I¡¯ve been okay and healthy for the past two years.¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to worry about. Isn¡¯t it Meredith?¡±

    I tightened my grip on his hand before nodding. ¡°Just focus on your exam and make sure to ace it. Show me your score, ¡®kay?¡±

    He nodded before kissing the back of my hand. ¡°I¡¯ll make it perfect for you,¡± he joked before giving me a kiss on my cheek. I looked at him and he immediately brought his face closer. That¡¯s when I saw the serious gaze and concerned expression of his face. ¡°Promise me, Meredith. Will you show me all the results of your tests today at your check-up?¡±

    I was too quick to answer, ¡°Promise, Rupert,¡± thinking I would have enough courage to stay honest with him- and keep my promise.

    But things became a nightmare and I badly wish to wake up from this.

    ***

    ¡°My God! What took you so long, Meredith! I thought something bad happened to you!¡± Aunt Meredith weed me with her usual warm hug but the panic in her voice made me chuckle.

    ¡°Hey, Auntie! I miss you too!¡±

    Like she always does, she held both of my shoulders at arms length as she examined me, from my face down to my feet.

    ¡°My life abroad is okay. How are you?¡± I teased her so I received a crisp p on my arm.

    ¡°You really inherited your father¡¯s craziness!¡±

    Aunt Bernadeth and her usual quirky and loud self were the perfectbination to ease my worry. For the past two years, she was sessful enough to uplift my morale while I was recovering from my disease.

    ¡°Thank you for being with me today.¡±

    Aunt Bernadeth was stunned by what I suddenly said. She nodded at me before taking my hand in her. ¡°I promised your mother, Meredith. I¡¯ll always be here, no matter what happens.¡±

    Though I never told her, I was sure Aunt Bernadeth already knew that I was worried about something. She was there for me like a real mother would do, after all.

    Right now, she was the person I was most thankful for next to my father. And I love her for not asking me questions about the things I could not talk about. She didn¡¯t even ask me what¡¯s with the sudden request yesterday for her to apany me today.

    I just need someone to lean on if ever life fuck me again for the second time around. And one of those trusted people I have was surely Aunt Bernadette.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. I¡¯ll also text Bailey toe back here.¡±

    I frowned at what she said. We were on our way to the second floor of the hospital to meet my doctor. ¡°Is Bailey here already? Where did she go?¡±

    ¡°That kid is very worried. So when you didn¡¯t arrive for about ten minutes, she left to maybe look for you,¡± Aunt Bernadettedughed as she typed on her phone.

    We entered the elevator and even though she was busy with her phone, she was quick enough to hold my hand like she always does before the elevator door closed. I smiled there. I fear elevators- because it was suffocating for me. But I could manage that fear to not interfere with my daily encounter with elevators.

    My fear only doubles when I¡¯m in the hospital elevator. In this instance, I couldn¡¯t stay alone in an elevator- I would freak out and the worst thing that would happen was me copsing.

    ¡°I was justte,¡± I said after Aunt Bernadeth was done texting Bailey.

    ¡°Why are youte anyway? You know how paranoid your best friend is paranoid over your safety. You¡¯re giving her a headache.¡± Aunt Bernadeth chuckled and I shook my head. Indeed, Bailey tends to worry and care for me a lot. And after she confessed her feelings for me, Ipletely understood her gestures. ¡°She thought you would be ahead of him here at the hospital because you left your dorm earlier.¡±

    ¡°Wait. Don¡¯t tell me, Bailey went to my dorm?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    I gasped in the air before picking up my phone. I smiled when I saw Bailey¡¯s text message, saying she¡¯s going back to the hospital. Really crazy.

    ¡°Your best friend already texted you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s going back here.¡± Then I hid my phone.

    Aunt Bernadeth shook her head before she showed me the screen of her phone. ¡°I texted her that you were already here but she replied to you.¡±

    Iughed before I clung to her arm even more. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before? Bailey is always loyal to me.¡±

    ¡°Loyal? Is she a dog?¡±

    ¡°Aunt Bernadeth!¡±

    ¡°Because there is no loyal person, Meredith. When you reach my age, you will understand me.¡±

    Loyalty- I know for a fact that that thing- or some sort of human character, never existed. It was just a made-up excuse for us to trust someone. If you perceive someone to be loyal, then you could trust that someone easily. Thinking about that, I thought that¡¯s the reason why I ended up trusting Rupert. He was so loyal to Ava, even if death already cut them apart. And I was the fool who thought he could do the same thing with me.

    ¡°And here we are. Let¡¯s go. Totoy is definitely waiting for us.¡± Just on time, the ¡®ting¡¯ sound of the elevator was heard and the door opened.

    Laughing, I pped Aunt Bernadeth¡¯s arm because of what she called my doctor. ¡°Don¡¯t call him that!¡±

    ¡°And why? He¡¯s really Totoy!¡±

    Myughter got louder before shaking my head. ¡°He will surely get annoyed when he hears you calling him Totoy!¡±

    ¡°Oh well. I can call him like that in front of his co-workers so he will go berserk,¡± Aunt Bernadeth yfully said and Iughed even more.

    After a right turn on the end of the hallway of the second floor, we reached my oncologist¡¯s office. Dr. Eian Zaldy Baller, also being called Totoy by his mother, was my new oncologist. My previous oncologist was transferred to a remote vige in Pwan, so I had to look for another doctor. Luckily, Aunt Bernadeth¡¯s eldest son ended up specializing with breast cancer among all the types of cancer in the world.

    I was about to knock on Dr. Baller¡¯s office door when Aunt Bernadeth stopped me. ¡°Let me knock on my son¡¯s office.¡±

    Iughed. I let her. But contrary to what she said, she didn¡¯t actually knock and just immediately turned the knob to open the door to her son¡¯s office.

    One rule of Dr. Baller was to always knock before entering his office. But his mother was with me so I just let her go.

    But that was the wrong shit to do.

    ¡°Por Dios por santo! Hey, my child! Do you want me to cut your penis!?¡±

    ¡°Mom?!¡±

    I stood there with wide eyes and mouth as Aunt Bernadeth ran towards her son. She beat her child while the woman we caught making out with him immediately closed the buttons of her uniform. The nurse¡¯s face was red and flustered as Dr. Baller made nonsense excuses to her mother.

    ¡°What the heck is this? New version of Tom and Jerry?¡±

    ¡°Bailey!¡±

    Bailey wrapped her arm around my shoulder and tapped the top of my head as we both watched Dr. Baller and his mother bickered with each other.

    ¡°Some things never really change,¡± Bailey said and I chuckled with that.

    Dr. Baller was older than Bailey and I for about a decade. But we grew up treating him as our older brother since Aunt Bernadeth and my parents were close and I¡¯d always been with Bailey ever since. We witnessed how Dr. Baller was being disciplined and raised by her mom.

    They¡¯re always like this- bickering with each other like friends but Dr. Baller idolized and respected his mother so much.

    ¡°Mom! It¡¯s embarrassing for Vivien!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing?! Well the two of you are even more embarrassing! You¡¯re still here in the hospital! Come here, Totoy! I¡¯m going to cut you off!¡±

    ¡°Mom! My name isn¡¯t Totoy!¡± Dr. Baller was trampling like a child because of what his mother called him.

    My attention was shifted to the nurse who was called Vivien. I winced when I saw how red with shame her face was. Her gaze went on mine.

    I smiled at her before nodding. ¡°You may go,¡± I told her, trying to give her the chance to go away before Aunt Bernadeth shifts her attention to her.

    Embarrassed, she bowed to me and Bailey before finally leaving the office. I immediately kicked Bailey and she immediately closed the door of Dr. Baller¡¯s office.

    When we were the only ones there, we let Aunt Bernadeth scold her son.

    Bailey and I went straight to the small dressing room for me to change my clothes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared,¡± Bailey said suddenly as I was about to enter the dressing room. She tapped my shoulder lightly before offering me a set of hospital gown and scrub for my hair. ¡°Everything is going to be alright just like your previous check-ups.¡±

    ¡°Do you think so?¡±

    ¡°I believe in you, Edith. You¡¯ve been doing this for two years. Today won¡¯t be different from the other times you were here.¡±

    I took a deep breath then epted what she offered. I gave her a faint smile before I stride towards her. I immediately wrapped my arms around her waist and she immediately hugged me back.

    ¡°What if this day is different, Bailey? W-What if everything doesn¡¯t go well for today?¡±

    I felt her hug me even tighter. Her fingersbed my hair as her free hand caressed my back, trying her best tofort me. ¡°Then, we will make it okay again just like before. If there is any bad news thates to us today, we will deal with it with courage.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not brave,¡± I whispered, untangling myself from our hug. ¡°I¡¯m always weak.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not. You¡¯re the bravest person I know. You¡¯ve been through this once ¨C so there¡¯s no reason for you to be afraid of the second or third.¡± Bailey cupped my face, leaning forward until I could see her eyes clearly. ¡°You won¡¯t face the adversities on your own, Edith. We won¡¯t let you be alone. Always remember that.¡±

 Chapter 42 Suffering

    I stared at the big and orange setting sun in front of me. The sky was a mixture of pink, purple, and orange colors. I was standing in front of the big window of Dr. Baller¡¯s office, wearing my original clothes early this morning while my hair was put in a loose bun. My arms were crossed in front of my chest while watching the sun to slowly bid its goodbye for the day.

    I was the only person in the office because I had to change clothes from the hospital gown I wore all day. The nurse who assisted me told me, Dr. Baller and my guardian, Auntie Bernadeth and maybe Bailey, would meet me in this office to discuss the results of my tests.

    The check-up went a bit longer than usual. And by that simple fact, I already knew that some bad news would greet me at the end of this day.

    I hadn¡¯t seen Aunt Bernadeth and Bailey after I was subjected to a mammogram or a breast x-ray. That was maybe after lunch. Then, I underwent a full blood test and some other medical tests to check for my vitals.

    It was a long and tiring day.

    ¡°I¡¯m nervous,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but say out loud how I felt. My heart was in steady pace but my brain was in great turmoil. Slowly, my right hand rose to touch the window ss in front of me. My fingertips left marks on the window as they slowly glided down, following the slow setting of the sun in front of me.

    The sunset was really mesmerizing to watch: It was the only beautiful ending I know. It¡¯s nice to see a day ended because that means another day was about to begin.

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m scared,¡± I said while the fear inside me continued to grow. ¡°Mom, what if my canceres back again and then I don¡¯t win against it this time? Does that mean I have to leave Papa? Will I see you again?¡±

    But there¡¯s no sunset in human¡¯s life. When life is done, it¡¯s done for sure. There was no new morning ¨C human life will never rise again when it sinks.

    I closed my eyes before leaning my forehead against the window ss. This was what Mama used to do to make me feel better every time I lost in schoolpetitions.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Those times were precious. If I could only bring that back ¡­

    ¡°Hey, Edith. I passed by the mall while I was on the way here. I bought a cotton candy for you.¡±

    I immediately stood up straight and simply wiped my teary eyes. I heard Bailey¡¯s footstepsing towards me and I readied my rehearsed smile. One thing I learned about having prosopagnosia was to always put a wide smile on my face since I couldn¡¯t see how people around me react. It was like a defense mechanism to hide my condition and to avoid misunderstanding from people who didn¡¯t know about my prosopagnosia.

    But I suddenly thought that my excuse was just having prosopagnosia. I was forcing myself to smile because I just needed people to see me more than my vulnerabilities. This was just me trying to act tough when I was really a weakling.

    ¡°Can you face me now?¡±

    I could feel Bailey¡¯s presence behind me. Though she was trying to sound happy and okay, I could still hear the restrain and slight hoarseness in her voice. I also feel like she¡¯s being too gentle to me as if I was going to break with a wrong word she¡¯s going to say.

    Thest time she was like this was when I was in hospital, hopeless and desperate to die.

    ¡°My check-up took a long time today. It¡¯s quite bothering me, Bailey,¡± I admitted, finally having the courage to look at her. I smiled, ¡°I could feel it, there¡¯s something wrong right? There¡¯s something bad that I should expect.¡±

    ¡°Edith¡­¡± She avoided my gaze but how her hands clenched in her sides caught my gaze. She was trying so hard to look tough right now for me.

    I kept my smile even though my lips were quivering. I reached for her right hand. I took the cotton candy she got for me before I looked behind her- ¡°I¡¯m ready to hear the results.¡±

    Aunt Meredith and Dr. Baller entered the room. They looked at each other before Aunt Bernadeth nodded. I had a bad feeling about this.

    I couldn¡¯t see their faces and I was thankful for that. I didn¡¯t want to see them in pain because of me again. Again.

    I opened the stic of cotton candy and took a pinch of it. I smiled before taking it in my mouth. ¡°Thank you for this one, Bailey. And thank you for being here with me again.¡±

    Bailey held one of my hands before tapping the top of my head. ¡°We¡¯ll get through this one,¡± she said knowingly before tugging my hand towards Dr. Baller¡¯s desk where Aunt Bernadeth was sitting on the visitor¡¯s chair across the table. ¡°We will make it again. We will not leave you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll start by orienting you with the current status of your-¡±

    ¡°Give me the final findings, Eian. I want the truth. Please tell it to me directly,¡± I said without hesitation while looking intently at my doctor whom I also treated like my real brother.

    Eian Baller¡¯s mouth dropped open before he turned to look at Aunt Bernadeth who was still giggling because of my straightforwardness.

    ¡°Tell it to her, son. We¡¯ve done this before. No need for taking it slow.¡± Then Auntie held my hand because I was just sitting on the visitor¡¯s chair next to her. She sped my hand, squeezing it lightly, as if giving me some assurance. ¡°We will be here for Meredith no matter what.¡±

    Dr. Baller sighed before running a hand through his hair. I know he didn¡¯t like it when I called him Eian- because it would only remind him that I was not just a patient but his little sister. It hurt him when he epted me as a patient. He said he couldn¡¯t witness my suffering but I begged him to take care of me because I knew I could trust him with my life.

    ¡°Your mammogram results showed a lump on your right breast. That¡¯s why we did further imaging tests to be definite.¡± Eian nodded before folding his hands over the table. Then, his hands formed into a fist. I could see his veins under his skin by the manner he was fisting his hands. He took a deep breath. ¡°It was about five centimeters or two inches in diameter, Meredith. This is quite big for a second time. Still, we¡¯re not sure if it¡¯s malignant so we have to perform a breast biopsy. You know that procedure already, right? ¡±

    Biopsy was a procedure done to detect the grade of the tumor and to help in assessing and staging the cancer once found out that it was malignant. I still got my little scar from myst biopsy.

    I nodded hesitantly to Dr. Baller before taking a deep breath. The sides of my eyes started to sting because of the tears that were threatening to flow. Though, it was not still confirmed to be malignant, I didn¡¯t want to put my hopes up likest time. It would break me.

    ¡°If ever it¡¯s going to be malignant again, we have to discuss the treatment, Meredith.¡±

    I felt Bailey¡¯s hand on my shoulder as Aunt Bernadeth tightened her grip on my hand. I, on the other hand, tried to be strong, but I still ended up crying. Tears started falling but no one of them stopped me from crying.

    ¡°There would be surgery to remove the tumor. But since this was quite big, you have to undergo chemotherapy first to shrink it before proceeding to the surgery. Then, you have to undergo further treatment after the surgery depending on the grade of the cancer and its progression. It could be a radiotherapy or a chemotherapy again if the cancer spreads to your lymph nodes. ¡± Dr. Baller then gave me a pamphlet. He reached for my face and wiped away the tears that wouldn¡¯t just stop from falling. ¡°I want you to read about mastectomy, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°Eian!¡± Aunt Bernadeth gasped before she stood up. I could feel her sudden fury. ¡°Meredith won¡¯t take that option no matter what!¡±

    Confused, I looked at the pamphlet given to me by Dr. Baller. On the front cover, a word mastectomy was written and a cartoon picture of a woman with no breast after a surgery.

    My mouth dropped open with the trembling of my hands. I let go of the pamphlet and my cries grew louder ¨C because of the intense fear and pain. Did I really have to remove my entire breast if my tumor was malignant?

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid Meredith has to consider mastectomy this time, Ma. Her gic predisposition and family history gave her a high risk of cancer. If cancer re-grows in her right breast now, then it¡¯s not impossible for her to have it for the third time even after surviving this. ¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy, Eian? Meredith won¡¯t do that!¡± Bailey mmed the desk before she advanced towards Dr. Baller.

    ¡°Bailey!¡± I was stunned when he kicked Dr. Baller¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Fix your work, Eian! Think of another way!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the only way to save her from the curse of her cancer, Bailey,¡± Eian¡¯s calmness didn¡¯t falter at all. He pushed away Bailey¡¯s hand who took him by the cor of his gown. ¡°It¡¯s either she removes her breasts or cancer will make her suffer until her body can¡¯t fight anymore.¡±

    Bailey slowly backed away. ¡°Her breasts? Are you saying both of her breasts will be removed?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still hypothetical. But yes,¡± Dr. Baller turned his gaze to me. He sighed. ¡°Meredith has to remove them to survive.¡±

    I was deaf for a short while. I no longer heard or noticed anything around me. My world seemed to spin because of my blurred vision.

    Aunt Bernadeth hugged me and I cling on to her desperately. I heard Bailey cursed and Eian remained quiet on the side.

    I ¡­ I don¡¯t know what to do.

    I¡¯m scared ¡­

 Chapter 43 Craving for his comfort

    The cold breeze of the wind and the darkness of the night wrapped around me as I stood at the edge of the rooftop. I held on tightly to the railings that reached high up to my waist. The railing was the only hindrance I had to not take a step foot forward and fall from this tall height.

    I didn¡¯t know how many hours I¡¯d been here on the rooftop of my dorm building, standing and watching the people below me, busy with their lives. As soon as I came from the hospital, I went straight here.

    From this height, it was easy to see how people tried so hard in living this life. Everything was fast-paced and everyone was trying not to get left behind. That¡¯s how normal life works; it¡¯s about worrying how to keep up in this fast-paced world.

    My grip tightened on the rooftop railings at the same time as the anger I was feeling intensified. I was already dyed in my life because of my cancer. The people I was with when I started had left me behind. I had missed too many opportunities because of that disease.

    And now, I am in almost the same situation again?

    How should I carry on with my life if the biopsy results of my tumor turned out to be cancerous?

    I was trying to keep up, wasn¡¯t I? Even though my blockmates were graduating now, I still tried to disregard the shame of beingte and went back to school. Even though I failed to participate in the national debate two years ago, here I was, trying to get the same opportunity again and have a better ending.

    Why did things have to go this way when I just started to feel alive and happy again?

    How do I deal with cancer again?

    I looked up to the dark night sky- ¡® Are you watching me up there, Mom?¡¯

    They said when people died, they became stars at night. If my mother was one of the stars in the sky tonight, then I had to be strong. I didn¡¯t want her to worry about me from up there.

    So, I forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯m happy, Ma. I¡¯m happy.¡± I heaved a deep sigh, closing my eyes to prevent the tears from falling. ¡°I was so happy. Everything seemed to be going ording to my bidding. I¡¯m just starting to live my life, to achieve my dreams- but why does it seem like it¡¯s happening again? Why am I here again in the same tragic and hopeless situation?¡±

    When things be easy and you¡¯re happy, the next thing that would happen were difficulties, sadness, and pain. I guess that¡¯s how unfair life was and humans had no other option but to ept such destiny.

    ¡°AHHHHHH!¡±

    Was it okay for me to shout in the middle of the night?

    ¡°AHHHHHH FUCK THIS BULLSHIT!!¡±

    Was it okay for me to curse this life?

    ¡°I¡¯M AFRAID!¡± Was it okay for me to admit it, that I was scared ¡­ And lost? ¡°HELP ME! H-HELP-¡± Tears burst out and my lips quivered, ¡°I-I need help. Shit. I¡¯m so scared! I¡¯m scared¡­ I¡¯m scared.¡±

    My legs gave up. I fell on the floor of the rooftop. I covered my face. My sobs grew louder and my shoulders shook as I buried my face on my folded knees. I was crouching down in fear like a lost child.

    ¡°Mama ¡­ Mama ¡­ Why am I always suffering? W-Why ¡­ Why me?¡±

    I cried my heart out- that¡¯s the only thing I could do to address the fear, frustrations, and anger that were bottling up inside me.

    ***

    After almost an hour of staying on the rooftop, I returned to my room. It¡¯s past midnight and my heart felt a little lighter after having a good cry.

    ¡°Where have you been, Meredith Kaye?¡±

    That familiar husky and deep voice.

    Rupert stood up from sitting in front of my room¡¯s door. He was carrying a bag and he was still wearing the same clothes he had earlier when he went here unannounced. I think he went straight here after his exam?

    He strides towards me and I was about to take a step backwards when he grabbed my arm and pulled me for a hug.

    ¡°R-Rupert ¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried. You¡¯re not answering my call. It¡¯s past twelve o¡¯clock midnight, Meredith. Where were you?¡±

    I bit my bottom lip. I suddenly remembered the conversation we had earlier; I promised him that I would tell him everything about the check-up today.

    Should I? Should he still know that?

    ¡°I was on the rooftop. Just ¡­ Just trying to get some air,¡± I answered nonchntly before pulling off of our hug. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I told you earlier, didn¡¯t I? I am here to fetch you,¡± he said directly which made me stunned, ¡°I think I am waiting for you for almost three hours now. I came about 9 PM but you¡¯re nowhere to be found. What are you doing on the rooftop?¡±

    ¡°Just getting some air.¡± Then I averted my eyes from him. I passed him and headed for the door of my dorm. I was about to open it when Rupert grabbed my hand from behind.

    ¡°Was there a bad result in your check-up? How was it?¡±

    I took a deep breath before facing him again. ¡°How was your exam earlier?¡± I changed the subject immediately. The pain in me was hidden by a fake smile. ¡°I told you to perfect it, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    He slowly smiled at me before taking something out of his pocket. He gave me a folded paper.

    I could sense the pride and happiness in him as I took the paper. This time, my smile turned real.

    ¡°I told you, my exam earlier was just basic to me. You too.¡± Then, he held out his right hand, like asking for something. I knew what he was referring to but I chose to y clueless.

    ¡°What? What about me?¡± Then, I turned around and put the key to my doorknob.

    ¡°Your checkup results. I need to see them, Meredith.¡±

    I went into my room and Rupert followed. I went straight to my desk and obtained my yellow envelope.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Why do you even need to know my results? It¡¯s not your business anyway,¡± I said, getting the papers from the envelope before I turned to Rupert again. But I gasped in shock when he greeted me with a kiss on the lips.

    It was a short torrid kiss- and the next thing I knew, my back was pressed against my cab¡¯s door. Rupert was staring at me intently and the small distance between our lips made me breathless.

    ¡°Did you cry?¡± I was stunned by his question. He tucked a loose strand of my hair before rubbing his nose on mine. ¡°Did something bad happen today? Your eyes are swollen. Did you cry, Sweetie?¡±

    My grip on the paper tightened as my eyes closed when Rupert kissed my lips again. I wanted to break down again because Rupert was so good at making me feel that I could be vulnerable in front of him. But I stopped myself.

    I responded to his kiss with the same ferocity. I felt his arms wrapped around my waist as our kiss deepened. ¡°Uhmn ¡­¡± I felt him push me to the cab¡¯s door and then his hands cupped my behind, pulling my body upwards as if he wanted to carry me.

    So, I lifted myself and wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me, my back was pressed against the cab¡¯s door while Rupert was sucking the breath out of me as his tongue explored every insides of my mouth. His hands held both of my thighs, securing my position.

    He ended the long and deep kiss, ¡°Uhmn ¡­ Tell me everything,¡± raining little kisses on my cheek and jaw, ¡°is everything okay, Meredith?¡±

    I forced a smile and nodded. Nothing is certain yet- so, I decided to not tell him for now.

    Earlier, after crying, I chose to not think about the possibility that my cancer woulde back. I decided to be happy for the time being- until the biopsy results came- which would be two days from now.

    For those two days, I would devote myself to do the things I had to and enjoy what I have with Rupert.

    ¡°Here are the results of my tests today,¡± I pressed the papers on my hand to his chest, ¡°And I can¡¯t join you at your condo tonight because I need to read articles for my debate assignment.¡±

    He lowered me to the floor then took the paper I had given him. Those were tampered results I asked Bailey to get for me earlier. I decided not to tell Rupert. I didn¡¯t want him to include me in his worries. He didn¡¯t have to.

    ¡°Debate? When is thatpetition by the way?¡± he asked, sitting on my bed while looking at the papers in his hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few days from now. And the team is desperate to win the regionals so we can advance to the nationals. Especially me. I want this so bad. You know, I was dyed for two years to do this,¡± I said before sitting down at my desk and picking up the articles I needed to read.

    ¡°There¡¯s really no stopping you from that debate. You really want it.¡±

    I was stunned before smiling. I really wanted this- ¡°There¡¯s no stopping me this time, Rupert. I¡¯ll get it no matter what.¡±

    ¡°And I admire you for that determination, Meredith.¡±

    I looked at him for a moment because of what he said. I raised an eyebrow when I saw him lying on my bed reading the papers I had given him. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re gonna stay the night here?¡±

    ¡°Yup. That¡¯s the only way I can be with you tonight. So,¡± he looked at me, ¡°focus on whatever you¡¯re doing. Don¡¯t mind me. I won¡¯t bother you. I¡¯ll wait for you to finish that and then we can sleep together. ¡±

    I shook my head at his n. I nodded afterwards before turning my attention back to the articles I had to read.

    Cancerous or not, the lump in my chest would not be the reason to stop me from seizing this opportunity. I would get that national debatepetition- even if it means dying my treatment.

    I found myself getting lost in what I was reading, taking down all the important points from the articles and practicing in my mind on how I should deliver it if I was inside the debate room. I didn¡¯t notice the time and I didn¡¯t pay attention to what Rupert was doing in my room.

    He took a bath and then heid on my bed. After a few minutes, he looked at the papers I had to read and then told me that I was amazing at reading those papers without getting distracted. He returned to my bed and busied himself on his phone and then on his lecture notes. Thest time I checked on him, he was also busy studying.

    But when the rm I set before starting to read finally rang, it¡¯s already three AM.

    I looked at Rupert and he was already asleep on my bed. I smiled before finally getting up from my seat. I also yawned because of the drowsiness I suddenly felt.

    When I finally got my things on the table in order, I washed my face and changed my clothes before Iy beside Rupert. The bed was too small for both of us, but Rupert did great on improvisation. Heid me on top of him and leaned my head on his chest.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± He asked, groggily. I felt his arms possessively wrapped around my waist. His eyes were fluttering, trying to open them but he was too sleepy to sessfully do it.

    I buried my face on his neck and hugged him back. I closed my tired eyes and sleep started consuming me. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep, Rupert. I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°Okay ¡­ You can rest when you¡¯re with me, Sweetie.¡±

    He softly caressed my back as if he was trying to make me sleep. It was effective. I dozed off to sleep ¡­ Feelingfortable and assured because of Rupert.

    I really had it bad, I guess.

    I think ¡­ I am starting to really constantly crave for his presence and willingly depend on him when times be rough.

 Chapter 44 Breakfast

    I woke up a bit dazed. The first thing that came to my mind the moment I opened my eyes was about the biopsy results that woulde in the next day.

    I closed my eyes again as I instantly felt sullen.

    I swore to myself yesterday not to think about the biopsy results and just continue living my life, but here I was, thinking about it, first thing in the morning.

    ¡°Wake up, Sweetie. Time to eat.¡±

    I was stunned with the voice I heard. The next thing happened, a strong set of arms immediately wrapped around my body. I almost forgot that Rupert stayed the night in my dorm.

    ¡°So, you really slept herest night?¡± I asked him, grateful that my voice sounded livelier than my real mood.

    He kissed my temple before the tip of his nose brushed on my cheeks. He was beside me and his body was slightly hovering over mine. ¡°You don¡¯t want me to leave. I was supposed to leave at dawn but you stopped me.¡±

    My mouth dropped open and I remembered what he was referring to. I thought I was dreaming. ¡°I tend to sleep talk,¡± I said, pushing his face away when he started kissing my lips. ¡°I haven¡¯t brushed my teeth yet, Rupert!¡±

    He stopped kissing me but, ¡°Rupert! You¡¯re hard early this morning?!¡±

    He pushed me back to the bed then he put his body on top of me.

    I giggled when he kissed my lips again. It was a gentle and slow kiss. He was taking his time. I could feel his hand gently caressing both sides of my waist as the kiss deepened.

    I wrapped my arms around his neck as I responded with the same ferocity. I moaned against his lips when his hand made its way to the insides of my shirt, then his hand enclosed around my right breast.

    It was as if cold water was poured on me when I felt his hand on my chest. ¡°W-Wait ¡­ Rupert.¡± I removed his hand from the insides of my shirt and then pushed him off of me. I got up from lying down andbed my hair.

    ¡°Hey, is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Ah ¡­ I¡¯m going to pee.¡± Without looking back I went to the bathroom and quickly closed the door. My forehead leaned against the back of the door. I gently knocked my forehead on the surface of the door.

    ¡°Shit.¡± I winced as I touched my right chest. I could instantly feel the pain, now that I was aware there¡¯s a tumor inside it.

    It took me a few seconds before the pain subsided. Before going out of the bathroom, I first made sure I looked good. I washed my face and told myself to act normal today. Do what I have to do and stop pitying myself.

    ¡°Breakfast sh lunch is ready. Dig in.¡±

    I raised an eyebrow for three reasons. First, because of the breakfast served at my desk; second, because of my things that were packed in a bag; and third, because of Rupert being topless in front of me. He looked more delectable than the breakfast he prepared.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± I approached him.

    He was sitting on my bed, busy rummaging through my school bag as if he was looking for something.

    ¡°When did I allow you to go through my stuffs?¡± My eyebrow raised, looking pointedly at whatever he was doing on my things. I put both of my hands on my waist while standing in front of him.

    He chuckled before he stopped what he was doing. With a wide smile, he parted his legs and made me stand in between them. Then, he hugged my waist. ¡°It¡¯s already near twelve in the afternoon.¡± Ibed his messy hair as he looked up at me. ¡°I like thatcy red panty of yours. So, I packed it.¡±

    I gaped at him in amusement before I moved his hand from my waist down to my behind, teasing him with a swift and wet kiss on his lips.

    Rupert was quick to respond, groping the cheeks of my behind while I was leaning forward, sharing a hot and fiery kiss with him. Momentster, Rupert grabbed a handful of my hair, pulling it until my face was raised. I gasped as his kisses descended on my chin, neck, and corbone.

    He was not satisfied and he pulled the ends of my waist-length hair even more, until my gaze met the white ceiling of the room.

    ¡°Ahmn¡­¡± I bit my bottom lip when Rupert pulled my body to lean furthermore. Momentster, I was looking up while bending forward to him. I held on to both of his thighs for bnce. ¡°Rupert,¡± I whispered.

    ¡°Do you want to eat the breakfast I prepared for you or do you want me to eat mine first?¡± Rupert slowly let go of my hair and slipped his hand onto my behind. He lowered my shorts and panties until they were on my knees.

    My mouth dropped open as I felt his finger, beginning to touch the wet lips of my womanhood. I was so wet and my throbbing core was anticipating his every move.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s your breakfast?¡± I asked breathlessly, closing my eyes when his fingers slid inside me. He slowly pumped in and out while his thumb was circling on my pulsating clit.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna have a naked and edible Meredith Kaye Santiago for breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Shit ¡­ Ahhh R-Rupert ¡­¡± My legs trembled and softened as his finger moved faster. I wanted to stand straight but Rupert stopped me from doing so by trapping my legs in between his thighs and his free hand firmly holding my nape. ¡°F-Faster ¡­ Rupert, I¡¯ming!¡±

    ¡°Uhmn ¡­ Don¡¯te yet. I¡¯m not full yet.¡± Then he pulled out his finger fro my womanhood and my eyes widened when he sucked on that finger.

    My knees gave out due to a mixture of pain and pleasure. There¡¯s an itchy and stinging ache in my core and a tension in the middle of my navel because of Rupert stopping suddenly just when I was about to reach my release. And then, there¡¯s this pleasure while watching him taste my essence wrapped around his fingers.

    ¡°Why the heck did you stop?¡± My tender legs couldn¡¯t take it anymore and I fell to my knees between Rupert¡¯s thighs. ¡°I need to reach my release.¡±

    ¡°But I haven¡¯t eaten you yet.¡± He yfully promised before I could get up from the floor. He thenpletely removed my underwear. I was half naked, from waist down, when he made me sit on my desk chair. ¡°Let me have my breakfast, Sweetie.¡± Then he knelt in front of me. He opened my thighs and ced my legs on his shoulders.

    My burning body slightly leaned backward as my legs were wrapped around Rupert¡¯s neck. I was held in his arms when he pulled my hips slightly until my womanhood met in his mouth.

    ¡°Oh gosh ¡­ R-Rupert ¡­ Ohhhh ¡­ Ahh ¡­¡± I covered my mouth with one hand to stop the loud growls. My room was not sound-proof and the other dormers might hear me.

    But when I felt Rupert¡¯s tongue enter my hole, when I felt his finger apanying the intense pleasure that his mouth gave, that¡¯s when I lost it.

    ¡°Ah ¡­ Alright ¡­ Gosh! Rupert, that¡¯s ¡­ That¡¯s heaven ¡­ I-I¡¯ming. Please¡­¡± My hands gripped his head and I pulled his mouth even more to my femininity. I was still not satisfied and my hips began to move, forward and backward, as he repeatedly licked and sucked on my clitoris and the very tunnel of my womanhood. ¡°Yes, Rockstar ¡­ Eat me ¡­ Fudge. Gosh ¡­ Eat me. Ahhh ¡­¡±

    Then, Rupert licked my folds up and down when I finally reached my release. He cleaned me with his mouth before he stood up in front of me. ¡°Now, let me feed you a real food, Sweetie.¡± He kissed me on the forehead before lifting me up like a child. My arms and legs were wrapped around him, my breathing was ragged, as he sat back on the bed with me sitting on hisp.

    He wiped my forehead with a towel which I was not sure where he got. Then, he made me wear my underwear again before I settled myself, sittingfortably on hisp. I was in dazed and cloud nine after that body shuddering orgasm he made me feel, so I didn¡¯t have the energy to move. I just leaned on Rupert¡¯s chest as I felt his hand caress my back.

    ¡°How about you?¡± I asked him, sniffing his manly and natural scent. Even though he was sweaty, he still smelled good.

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you. I could feel how hard you are right now.¡± Pertaining to his big bulge poking my behind.

    He chuckled before he kissed my forehead. ¡°Can we continue itter? Inside the bathroom while we¡¯re taking a shower?¡±

    Iughed at his suggestion before inserting my right hand between us. I touched his proud bulge and he sighed heavily. He leaned his head on my forehead while I rubbed him with my hand on top of his shorts.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need my help?¡± I whispered, teasing him by slightly squeezing his bulge.

    ¡°You¡¯re already hungry, Meredith. For real food. You have to eat first,¡± he said in constraint before he took my hand and kissed my palm. He then sucked it before slightly bucking up his hips to press his groin on my throbbing flesh. ¡°Eat first then I¡¯ll take you in the bathroomter.¡±

    ¡°I only have a small bathroom here,¡± I negotiated, grinning. ¡°I bet we can¡¯t do it there. We won¡¯t fit, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Meredith,¡± he hissed.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Stop teasing me.¡±

    ¡°Sto denying me,¡± I said, getting my hand from his hold to touch him again but he yfully captured both of my wrists on his one hand and then put them behind me.

    ¡°I¡¯m not denying you. I said, you have to eat first because it¡¯s bad for you to go hungry. And then, I¡¯ll have you.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t fit in my bathroom anymore.¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll take you here, on your room¡¯s floor.¡±

    My mouth dropped open as Rupert had a chance tough.

    I stared at him before struggling from his hold. When my hands got away, I cupped his face then gave him a peck on his lips. ¡°Take me from behind. Doggystyle.¡±

 Chapter 45 Something Vague

    ¡°Can you take me from behind, Rupert? You know, me on four while you are taking me from behind.¡±

    He swallowed hard at what I said. Then he greedily squeezed my behind.

    A shudder ran down my spine when he deliberately slipped his hand into my womanhood. He cupped my core before saying, ¡°As you wish.¡± He handed me the te of food that sat on the small table next to my bed. ¡°Now, eat. Eat more so you don¡¯t faint while I fuck you, doggystyle,¡± he said darkly, igniting my desire and anticipation.

    I was a bit flustered hearing him say that, doggystyle, but at the same time, I was turned on.

    I left from sitting on hisp and took a seat next to him. Rupert gave me the te of food he prepared for my breakfast sh lunch. ¡°Where are you going?¡± I immediately asked when he stood up when I was ready to eat.

    I watched him as he moved behind me and sat there. ¡°Rupert?¡±

    The next thing I knew, Rupert¡¯s fingers delicately wrapped around my hair, taking all of the strands in a grasp. Then I felt him tying my hair. ¡°Wait? Are you trying to braid my hair?¡± I took a quick nce at him.

    ¡°I just want to try. Last night, while you were busy reading, I watched a video on YouTube on how to braid hair,¡± he exined while solely focusing on braiding my long hair.

    My attention returned to what I was eating. I couldn¡¯t help but to let a wide smile spread on my lips. I could feel the thing most people called butterflies on my stomach. And my heart was beating fastly as I felt giddy all over my body.

    ¡°It¡¯s not easy.¡±

    My wide smile turned into a loudugh. ¡°Lucky you, the length and thickness of my hair will make it harder.¡±

    ¡°I like it this way, Meredith. I like the softness of your hair and its fragrance.¡±

    I was stunned before I felt the heat on my cheek because of what he said. ¡°Stop ttering me,¡± I murmured.

    ¡°Nah. I really like your hair this way. It suits you and,¡± I felt him leaned closer until his breath was fanning my exposed neck, ¡°I like to hold on to your strong hair when I am taking you. So yeah. It¡¯s just the right length, ¡± he whispered, making me whimper in anticipation and desire.

    As I ate, Rupert continued to braid my hair. There were times he would tease me by kissing my cheek or sucking my earlobe; while most of the time, he wouldin how it was hard to braid my hair. I justughed andughed at him until I had finished my food and he had finished braiding my hair.

    ¡°Are you excited?¡± he asked, holding the mirror and looking expectantly at me. He was standing in front of me while I was sitting on the edge of the bed.

    ¡°You seem more excited than me.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I want you to see my work of art.¡±

    ¡°Work of art?¡± Then he raised the mirror up to my face until I could see my reflection. ¡°Pfft-¡± I immediately covered my mouth so as not tough but in the end, ¡°Wo-work of art? Pfft- Oh gosh!¡± Iughed hard, looking at my reflection.

    ¡°Meredith,¡± he warned.

    But I couldn¡¯t help it. ¡°Are you sure? Is this it? Is this your work of art? Really?¡± I closed my eyes even more as I couldn¡¯t believe what he did to my hair. It was so trying hard. There were loose strands everywhere because the braid was not that tight and he didn¡¯t part my hair evenly. It was a mess. ¡°Is this really it, Rupert? Did you give your all with this? To be honest, I think- Rupert!¡±

    ¡°I will make sure you give my all in the next thing I will do, Sweetie.¡± Then, he pushed me to bed and he immediately ced his body on top of mine. He kissed me fully on my lips as his hands greedily raised the hem of my shirt until my chest was exposed. ¡°I¡¯ll give my all until you are moaning for my name rather thanughing at me.¡±

    ¡°Rupert!¡± I gasped when he lowered the cup of my bra and sucked my left nipple. I felt him fiddled on the waistband of my shorts and the fabric slid down off my thighs. He also took off his shorts but because he didn¡¯t want to let go of my nipple with his mouth, I had to use my legs to take off his shorts and underwear. ¡°Ahhh¡­ Gosh!¡±

    He didn¡¯t waste any time and he entered me with his hard length. He really did give his all and we both moaned loudly. I cupped his face and lifted it up, then I kissed him. He started mming his body on mine, thrusting in and out of me. He was hitting that delicious spot inside me and I immediately had my release.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t use a condom again ¡­ Ahhhh ¡­¡±

    His movements became faster and I reached the seventh heaven again because of my second release. Then, he withdrew from me.

    He climbed on the bed until he was sitting next to me. He grabbed my braided hair and lifted my face. He next inserted his manhood into my mouth. His huge manhood pumped inside and outside of my mouth.

    I was holding on to his thighs as he rocked on top of me. He curled my braided hair to steady my head and then he became even rougher, banging my mouth.

    ¡°Shit ¡­ Ohhh ¡­ Meredith! This is so heavenly. The heat of your mouth ¡­ Ahhh ¡­¡±

    He was rough and too deep. I was gagging. But I enjoyed it when I could pleasure him.

    Momentster, he pulled out his throbbing manhood and then released his juice on top of my chest. Then, he got off of me and immediately got a tissue from my desk. He cleaned my breasts and I was heaving deep breaths, watching him. My hand caressed his hair as he sucked on my nipple again while wiping my other breast with tissue.

    ¡°Why are you taking care of me this way, Rupert? I¡¯m getting used to it,¡± I suddenly said, closing my eyes while still catching my breath. I was tired and my mouth was so stretched, it was a bit painful. But Rupert¡¯s mouth tickled my chest differently. ¡°Don¡¯t let me get used to it. Stop being so caring and ideal.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    His mouth stopped from ying with my breasts and then adjusted my bra. He pulled down my shirt and then I felt him wipe my wet core. ¡°Is it bad to take care of you? Is it also bad for you to get used to my care? I don¡¯t see any problem with that, Meredith Kaye.¡±

    I opened my eyes and then sat on the bed. He pulled up my shorts and underwear again and adjusted that. He then kissed both of my knees before he attended to himself.

    ¡°You have no obligation to take care of me. We¡¯re only in for sex and nothing more,¡± I told him.

    He paused for a moment before throwing the tissue in the trash. He then arranged what I ate before facing me again. ¡°You changed my life.¡± He shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s why I like to take care of you while we¡¯re here.¡±

    That¡¯s not enough reason. ¡°Why?¡±

    He took a deep breath beforebing his hair with his hand. ¡°¡®Cause we¡¯re friends?¡±

    ¡°Friends?¡± I nodded. ¡°I see. So, you¡¯re like this to all your friends?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    My forehead furrowed and I could not speak for a moment. I bit my bottom lip andid back on my bed. ¡°I¡¯m not getting this.¡±

    ¡°Me too. But I am enjoying this and I got this feeling that I don¡¯t want this to end sooner orter.¡± Then he came to the bed and reached for my two wrists.

    ¡°I want to rest. I¡¯m tired, Rupert.¡±

    But he still pulled me back to sit on the bed and hugged my arms around his waist. ¡°Stay at my condo tonight. I have a gigter. I want you to be there.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because I want you to watch me perform.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with endless ¡®whys¡¯?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with you giving me vague answers?¡±

    He took a deep breath before touching both my cheeks. ¡°You¡¯ll get a more certain answer tonight. So, you have toe with me. We need to rify and talk things out.¡±

    I was suddenly consumed by nervousness. Confrontation and honest talk were never my cup of tea. ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Us.¡± He bent down and kissed my forehead. ¡°You and I. Us.¡±

    Us?

    Do we have that?

 Chapter 46 Thereéˆ¥æªš Us

    Crowded, loud, and blinding. That¡¯s how the bar greeted me the moment I stepped inside.

    Rupert came here earlier than me because he and his band had to set up the instruments while I finished first the articles I had to read on Rupert¡¯s condo. I also made a draft for our mockup debate with the debate team today so I kinda didn¡¯t notice the time.

    I was almost two hourste from the time Rupert asked me toe. So I was not surprised when his band was no longer performing.

    ¡°Where is he?¡± I tried to call him but he was not answering his phone. There were also too many people so it¡¯s hard to find where he was.

    In the end, I decided to go to the bar counter and send another message to Rupert.

    I waited for his reply or call but after almost thirty minutes of waiting, there¡¯s none. I gasped at the thought that they might have left. Maybe he was not able to wait for me because I was toote?

    I groaned in frustration. Why didn¡¯t I be mindful of the time?

    I asked for ady¡¯s drink from the bartender and asked him as well. ¡°Is Vulture done performing?¡± That was Rupert¡¯s band.

    ¡°They just performed a song earlier and then they stopped the set first. I¡¯m not sure why, Ma¡¯am.¡± He even scratched the back of his neck before pointing out to many people, ¡°Actually, other customers are also waiting for Vulture to continue their performance.¡±

    I raised an eyebrow at what the bartender said. Rupert and his band stopped their performance? Why?

    I bit my bottom lip. Was it because I didn¡¯t arrive yet?

    ¡°Here¡¯s your drink, Ma¡¯am.¡± I lost my mind from my trance and turned to the bartender. He gave me the drink that I ordered. But I frowned when he handed me another ss. ¡°A man from table six gave it to you.¡± Then it pointed to my right.

    I averted my gaze to the direction the bartender was pointing at and I saw a guy sitting and seemed to be looking at me. I couldn¡¯t see his face so I just forced myself to smile. I didn¡¯t recognize his build, so chances were he¡¯s just a random guy looking for some girl to flirt with. Then, he waved at me. I think my forced smile turned into a deep frown.

    So before I could be damned with my uncontroble facial expression, I turned my attention back to the two sses of liquor in front of me. As if I could drink these liquids.

    I heaved a deep sigh, taking the ss of thedy¡¯s drink that I ordered. I smelled the fruity scent- my brain immediately tried to remind me of how this liquor actually tasted. My throat was dry from not being able to drink the liquor.

    So, I just smelled it and imagined the taste. Somehow, it worked. My craving for alcohol subsided.

    I was about to smell the ss of Gin and Tonic that I received from the unknown man when the crowd suddenly cheered. The lights dimmed and the spotlight focused on the stage. I turned my attention to it.

    I couldn¡¯t see the faces of the people who were now setting up their instruments on the stage- but something inside me was telling me it¡¯s Rupert¡¯s band.

    And I was not mistaken.

    ¡°Good evening, everyone. I¡¯m really sorry for the interruption and sudden halt to our performance earlier. This is Rupert Santos, your vocalist.¡± The crowd became even wilder. I suddenly remembered the first day we met. It was in the same ce- I was trying to live my life to the fullest and Rupert came to fulfill it. ¡°This is the Vulture and we prepared a very important song for a very important purpose.¡± Rupert faked a cough before he stepped in the middle of the stage, in front of him was the microphone and stand and he was holding a guitar.

    I got up from my seat and then walked closer to the crowd. Everyone¡¯s attention was on the stage.

    ¡°I waited for this person to arrive tonight. It took her,¡± he looked at his wrist watch and I heard the click of his tongue on the microphone, ¡°almost two hours toe here.¡±

    Was he talking about me?

    ¡°Well, you see, this person is very special to me. In a short time, she changed my life. I was a lonely man but she came.¡± I was rooted on my spot as whispers and giggles from the crowd became louder, ¡°Meredith Kaye, I was lonely and then I met you in this bar. That night, I was unexpectedly happy. And afterwards, I was able to smile and the loneliness became bearable. ¡±

    I gasped. He said my name. He¡¯s talking about me.

    People around me started murmuring who Meredith Kaye was. They started looking around. And when I started to take steps forward, people started to notice me. They made way for me- realizing I was Meredith Kaye.

    ¡°You are special to me, Sweetie. Then, you became my priority. Yes. I was taking care of you because you¡¯ve been my priority without me realizing it until yesterday.¡±

    Was this a confession? Was this the reason why he said I would be getting a clearer answer tonight?

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to dodge my feelings for you anymore. I decided to cross the line no matter how you will respond to it. I¡¯m not asking you to reciprocate it but I¡¯m asking you to believe me. Meredith Kaye , I ¡­ We ¡­ You ¡­ Yes, you.¡± He started strumming on his guitar, ¡°You are my new beginning and I am ready to move forward for you.¡±

    People walked away as I slowly walked closer to the stage. The soft melody of Rupert¡¯s guitar contradicted the fast beating of my heart. I could feel it; the warmth and desire inside me were burning my whole being.

    It¡¯s so warm to know ¡­ There¡¯s us.

    Yeah. I think I am falling. The rapid beating of my heart and constant need to be with him was because I had fallen.

    Rupert became someone I would love to depend on when waves became too strong; someone I would love to share my happiness and sadness with; and someone I would cherish.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    The fact that Rupert chose to move forward for me ¡­ It felt so warm.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye, I¡¯m falling ¡­ Hard and fast. Please let me stay by your side and take care of you. Please tell me if there¡¯s something wrong and I promise to be right there and conquer them with you. Please let me love you and I¡¯ll prove to you how much you mean to me. ¡±

    The whole crowd pped and cheered for us. The ce became romantic and it felt surreal. One moment I was hesitating with what we have and now, Rupert was clearing things out between us.

 Chapter 47 Try Me

    ¡°This song is for you, Sweetie. Thank you foring tonight. Can I say it now? Ah ¡­¡± He stopped strumming for a while only to say, ¡°I love you, Meredith Kaye. Please believe me.¡±

    Rupert continued to strum the guitar he was holding and his beautiful voice soared and embraced everyone in the club.

    | It¡¯s 12 o¡¯clock and I need your attention |

    My vision became blurry as Rupert serenaded me with the most sincere intention. His voice embraced my racing heart. I could not believe he felt something for me. I really thought this was going to be unrequited.

    I was happy to hear it from him ¡­ That he loves me and that he was willing to move on from his past to love me. I know it¡¯s hard. Ava was only gone for only a year but here he was willing to try it out with me.

    However, my tears fell and couldn¡¯t stop when Rupert¡¯s face became clearer- little by little, his face became recognizable. The features of his face became distinct.

    My mouth dropped open with sobs.

    | If tonight ever makes a difference

    The way that I feel

    The way that I¡¯ll remember it |

    Was this real? Was I really seeing Rupert now? His eyes ¡­ He was looking at me with all those longing, determination and need. His lips were moving steadily as he sang the lyrics of the song he was singing. And his thin and pointed nose- it¡¯s utterly admirable.

    I covered my mouth as I watched Rupert. I can already see his face. His face was no longer blurry like the rest of the people here. Even though I was far away from him, I could still see him now, eye-to-eye.

    My sobs could not stop. I was feeling a lot of emotions.

    I stride towards the stage until I was standing at the front row. My heart was beating erratically and that¡¯s when I knew, the feelings between us grew at the same pace- and now, we¡¯re meeting halfway.

    I ¡­ I love Rupert.

    | We¡¯ll make it out, You¡¯ll see |

    When the song ended, Rupert smiled at me and I smiled back. He was taken aback and I nodded at him. His wide eyes looked at me in confusion and amazement.

    I was just crying on the spot.

    I was happy and broken at the same time. Why did when I was starting to be genuinely happy, there would always be hindrances to stop me?

    I could see the face of the man that I love and who loves me back. I was happy about that.

    But my happiness was countered by the fact that I had arge tumor on my breast; and the man who was asking me to let him love me didn¡¯t know about it.

    Should I tell him?

    ¡°Meredith Kaye? C-Can you see me?¡± Still confused and amazed, he asked while holding the microphone.

    I giggled before I dried my tears. I nodded at him and he was in awe. I couldn¡¯t believe it. It¡¯s my brain¡¯s problem that I had prosopagnosia. But my doctor said, it was also up to my brain if ever I would be able to recognize anyone¡¯s face. This was the first time ¡­

    And I guess, that¡¯s how much I love Rupert now. My brain wanted to remember him and that¡¯s why this miracle happened.

    In the middle of the sea of blurry faces, there I was looking in the eyes of the man I love. ¡°I see you, Rockstar.¡±

    ***

    Vulture, Rupert¡¯s band, had to finish their set of songs for tonight. So, I had to go back to the bar¡¯s counter to wait for Rupert.

    After his little confession- nah. It¡¯s not a little confession.

    I smiled before sitting in the vacant seat at the counter. I ordered another drink before my mind went back to what just happened a few minutes ago. Rupert confessed in front of everyone that he ¡­ He loves me! Did that mean he did not love Ava anymore? Is it really me now?

    Is it really possible for that to happen?

    Ava was his first love and their rtionship didn¡¯t end well. It was just a year after she died. Is it possible that Rupert¡¯s feelings will really change despite the short time we¡¯ve been togetherpared to what he had with Ava before?

    Suddenly, my shoulders dropped at the thought. I needed to rify that thing to Rupert, especially that I was able to finally admit to myself that I had feelings for him too.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your drink, Ma¡¯am.¡±

    My forehead furrowed as the bartender put down two more sses. He bowed his head and immediately turned his back at me before I was able to ask him a question.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the free drink?¡± I murmured, looking at the ss of Gin and Tonic.

    ¡°Hey. I hope you don¡¯t mind if I join you.¡±

    I was about to smell the ss of liquor I ordered when I was halted because of the unfamiliar male voice. I was stunned when the stranger sat on the vacant seat next to me. I looked at the man, his face was blurry, but judging by the way he was dressed tonight, I could sense he was looking for some woman to warm his bed.

    I smirked. That¡¯s obviously not me. Oh gosh. ¡°Is this from you?¡± I had no hesitation in questioning him before pointing out the extra ss the bartender had handed me earlier. ¡°I don¡¯t drink,¡± I added before looking him in the face. It¡¯s more like, I faked it that I was looking at him when in fact I couldn¡¯t see his face.

    He was very aggressive against it. ¡°W-What do you mean you don¡¯t drink? You order that,¡± he pointed out to the ss of liquor I ordered.

    I rolled my eyes and did not even bother to answer him. Instead, I sniffed the aroma of thedy¡¯s drink that I ordered and imagined I was really drinking it like before.

    ¡°Miss?¡±

    I expelled a deep breath, ¡°I¡¯m not interested, Mister. Find another girl. I have a,¡± I bit my bottom lip before having a deep sigh, ¡°boyfriend,¡± I finished.

    ¡°Boyfriend? I don¡¯t see him here.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t wait for him. When he beats you up, it¡¯s not my fault,¡± I said, dismissively, and focused on sniffing the ss of liquor under my nose. ¡°Just leave.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t. You¡¯re just ying hard to get-¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m the boyfriend and you are?¡±

    The unknown man and I both looked up at the speaker. It was Rupert and I grinned immediately.

    ¡°Leave my girlfriend alone while I am still asking nicely.¡± Then, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder before standing straight beside me.

    Smiling, I just looked at his face. I didn¡¯t care about the unknown guy and focused my whole attention on memorizing the Rockstar¡¯s face. I think I have a new hobby now. I enjoy staring at Rupert¡¯s face.

    I still couldn¡¯t believe I could see his facial features even though he¡¯s far away. This was really a miracle.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir. I thought she was single-¡±

    ¡°Leave.¡±

    I watched the small guy left. I shook my head before I averted my gaze back to Rupert¡¯s handsome face. I gasped when he grabbed my arm and pulled me upright.

    ¡°Wait? Are we going home?¡±

    ¡°Why did you order alcohol? You¡¯re not allowed to drink this, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t drink that. I just smelled it.¡±

    Unknowingly, I found myself smiling when I saw the deep frown formed on Rupert¡¯s forehead. ¡°Smell?¡± Then he pulled me away from the bar.

    ¡°Wait! I don¡¯t want to go home yet.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Rupert! What the hell are you doing?¡± I tried to get out of Rupert¡¯s grip but he wouldn¡¯t let me go.

    ¡°We need to go home, Meredith Kaye.¡± Then, he turned around and looked at me. We were at the back exit of the bar. ¡°Do you think it¡¯s fun to see the woman you love talking to someone else?¡± He didn¡¯t even bother to hide the sarcasm and anger in his voice.

    ¡°I am not doing anything.¡± I rolled my eyes at him and turned away to go back to the inside of the bar but Rupert grabbed my wrist and pulled me back. ¡°Rupert!¡±

    He pushed me and I had no choice but to step backwards. The next thing I knew, my back was pressed against the tiled wall of the women¡¯s bathroom and Rupert was trapping me against it with his body.

    There¡¯s an obvious irritation and anger on his face. But my legs pressed against each other when I saw the desire in the way he was looking at me, intently. ¡°I¡¯m jealous. Why are you entertaining other guys?¡±

    I bit my bottom lip and my gaze lowered down to his sexy lip piercing. I swallowed. My heart was beating rapidly as Rupert pressed his lower body against me. ¡°Kiss me now, Rupert.¡±

    I didn¡¯t have to ask twice because he immediately imed my lips. The metal ring brushed against my lips and I moaned. Rupert wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me.

    In between our heated make-out session- my lips uttered my feelings for him. ¡°I love you, Rupert.¡±

    He was stunned for a moment before reiming my lips. The kiss lingered before he smiled at me. ¡°Damn. I love you more, Meredith. I promise to take care of you.¡±

    I stared at him because of his promise. Would he still stay and take care of me when I tell him my health situation?

    ¡°Will you stay true to your promise?¡±

    He tucked a loose strand of my hair, looking intently at me, ¡°Try me, Sweetie.¡±

 Chapter 48 Assurance

    The confession we had about each other¡¯s feelings ignited the desire and pleasure. He loves me and I love him too. There¡¯s a mutual understanding and feelings between us and I ¡­ I couldn¡¯t get any better than now.

    At some point, I forgot about everything. It¡¯s just me and Rupert and our little bubble.

    When we got to his condo unit, he immediately picked me up. I was cupping his face with my both hands as he carried me straight to his bedroom. I just dropped the bag I was carrying on the floor and I was the one who removed the guitar hanging behind him.

    I was staring at him and so was he.

    ¡°Do you really see me now?¡± His breathing was fast and shallow, intently staring at me.

    ¡°This is a miracle,¡± I murmured, the pad of my thumb touching the piercing on his soft lips and my gaze memorizing every feature of his face. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened. But I just suddenly saw you. I see you, my Rockstar.¡±

    I heard the bedroom door click after Rupert closed it. He slowly approached the bed and lowered me there. Then, he was quick to strip off his clothes and I watched him hungrily.

    My heart was beating fast as I watched him. He stripped his clothes slowly while holding my gaze with his. My hands fisted the sheets when Rupert took off the only clothing he was wearing; he slid down his boxers and his hard and long manhood greeted me.

    I swallowed as I watched his proud length pointing towards me. The tension inside me was sending tingling sensations down to the center of my navel. The fact that I could see the lust and love mixing in Rupert¡¯s brown eyes was burning my already anticipating body.

    Tonight was definitely going to be different for the two of us.

    ¡°Time to show yourself to me, Meredith Kaye. Take off your clothes for me, Sweetie,¡± Rupert asked. His voice was hoarse and low. I could feel the heat emitting from his naked body.

    But I want something else to happen tonight. I wanted to show him how much I love him.

    ¡°Let me take the lead, Rupert.¡±

    He was shocked by what I said but I couldn¡¯t wait for his reaction. Despite the trembling of my legs, I forced myself to stand up from the bed.

    I saw how Rupert¡¯s eyes stared at me with so much hunger and desire. I smiled at him before my eyes roamed from his handsome face, to his broad chest and then to his mighty hardened length.

    I bit my bottom lip when Rupert gasped.

    ¡°Meredith¡­¡± He immediately closed his eyes and raised his face to the ceiling when my hand wrapped around his manhood as I stood in front of him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you heaven tonight, Rupert,¡± I whispered before slightly squeezing his throbbing manhood.

    ¡°Shit.¡±

    I was still not satisfied and I bent down slightly to suck his right nipple.

    ¡°Holy shit, Meredith Kaye.¡±

    I was watching his face while nibbling and sucking his nipples, alternately. Of course, my two hands were getting faster and faster ying with his manhood and the two balls below it.

    I could hear his muffled groans and deep sighs. I watched him carefully; how he moaned and groaned because of how much I could pleasure him; and how he would beg for me to do more.

    The happiness and pleasure I was feeling right now was the first time I felt it. I have someone now to love me as I love him too. And there¡¯s no more satisfying than this miracle, to see the face of the man I love.

    I guess my psychologist was right when he said- Prosopagnosia is a brain defect. Yes, it¡¯s not a disorder but it¡¯s one of the manifestations of theplex and mysterious nature of the human brain. To this day, we still do not know much about the human brain. It¡¯s still a mystery how prosopagnosia is actually triggered and how its mechanism is- how a person does not see or remember the faces of those with whom he or she meets.

    But seeing Rupert after years of not being able to see anyone¡¯s face was a miracle.

    I don¡¯t know how but I¡¯m sure of how I feel about this man. I never felt so sure about anyone even to myself. But Rupert ¡­ I guess, he was a different case.

    ¡°W-Wait. What are you going to do, Meredith?¡±

    I grinned at Rupert before pushing him onto the bed until he was now sitting on it. Then I stood in front of him and took off my clothes one by one.

    He was cursing under his breath as he watched me like a hawk. He was tugging on his piercing with his teeth and that was so sexy. I could see the lust on Rupert¡¯s face. His cheeks were red and his eyes were sharp and melting my insides.

    ¡°Let me taste you now, my Meredith.¡± He gulped when I finally removed my remaining clothes. His manhood was so erect in between his slightly parted legs as he sat on the bed. ¡°Fuck. I want you now.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    I grinned wider and then picked up the bra I took off. Yes. I was wearing a brassiere tonight and I was grateful about that. ¡°Let¡¯s y first, Rupert. Then you can take me from behind. Don¡¯t you like that?¡± I yfully asked him before I parted his legs even more. I stood in between them and then, using the bra in my hand, I covered Rupert¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Damn. I¡¯m so hard. Why are you torturing me?¡± He heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Damn it. I love you, Meredith.¡±

    I giggled. ¡°I love you too.¡± Then I kissed his lips.

    ¡°Let me go first and then let¡¯s y?¡± Then, he pulled down the bra cups covering his eyes, looking at me expectantly.

    I shook my head. ¡°No. I want to y. I want to take a lead, Rupert. I¡¯ll do it. You¡¯ll just enjoy it now.¡± I returned the bra cups to cover his eyes. He was blindfolded using the cups of my bra and he didn¡¯t remove it this time.

    I could feel his anticipation. His chest was rising rapidly and his manhood was so erect. I stared at his proud length and how the veins of it actually make it more pleasurable to look at.

    I gulped before I finally took in how Rupert looked right now. So, this was how I looked every time Rupert would blindfold me. Indeed, it was such a hot and arousing scene. I could already feel the wetness of my femininity just because of how Rupert looks.

    ¡°Thank you for letting me lead tonight, Rupert. I¡¯ll take care of it, just moan,¡± I said, yfully, kneeling in between his thighs. I immediately felt Rupert¡¯s hands on my head as I started to eat his manhood.

    He groaned loudly when I spit on his length and then licked it. Momentster, my head was moving up and down on his manhood and his both hands were gently massaging my breasts. My hand went to my throbbing core and I yed with it while giving Rupert a head. My fingers moved up and down of my wet folds as Rupert¡¯s hips started thrusting in and out of my mouth. The bed was shaking because of his movements.

    ¡°Meredith ¡­ Enough ¡­ Ahhh ¡­ I-I¡¯ming.¡±

    I sucked him- until he came inside my mouth. He sighed, his hands were caressing my hair as I licked him clean.

    After making Ruperte, I stood up. I stared at him. His mouth was slightly parted, heaving deep breaths, while his eyes were still covered with my bra. My fingers sped a handful of his hair and then I sat on hisp. I felt the head of his manhood in the opening of my core. I couldn¡¯t resist it. I rubbed myself on his hard length as I grind on hisp. ¡°R-Rupert.¡±

    Damn. This is heaven.

    I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and I pushed Rupert toy horizontally on the bed. I moved myself until I was sitting on his chest, my wet core was in front of his mouth. My back arched when his tongue automatically invaded my folds. ¡°Oh gosh ¡­ Yes ¡­ There ¡­ T-There.¡±

    I grunted as his hand crawled to my chest. His hands cupped both of my breasts, gently caressing them as his tongueshed in and out of my core. I squirmed and secondster, I reached my release.

    I fell on top of him because of the intense pleasure after reaching my climax. I was still recovering from the body-shuddering feeling and still wasn¡¯t in my right mind when his manhood entered me ¡­ Slowly ¡­ And deep.

    He grabbed the cheeks of my behind with both of his hands as he bucked his hips upward to move in and out of my core.

    I growled loudly as he mmed himself to me. Though his eyes were blinded, he knew what to do- he knew how to simply stimte my sensations.

    ¡°Shit. Meredith Kaye, so tight,¡± he groaned.

    From lying tly on my stomach above him, I sat up. Our sexes didn¡¯t disconnect with the change of position but I moaned on the feeling of how he buried deeper because of the new position.

    Then, I rode him. I mmed my sex into his manhood, groaning with so much pleasure. He was buried deep- so deep that he was hitting that exact delicious spot. As I rode him, I pulled down the bra from his eyes. When our gazes met, my insides automatically clenched and we both moaned.

    ¡°Rupert!¡± I came again.

    I could see the intensity of lust in Rupert¡¯s eyes. When my vaginal walls clenched around his length, his mouth formed an ¡®o¡¯ and his eyes dted with pure lust.

    ¡°It¡¯s my turn, Sweetie.¡±

    Rupert removed me from his top and made me kneel on four on top of the bed. Then, he entered me from behind and mmed himself mercilessly.

    ¡°Ah. Ah. Uhmnn ¡­¡± My back arched as Rupert¡¯s hand reached for the sensitive flesh in the middle of my womanhood. He yed with my clit like a guitar while thrusting in and out of my kitty from behind.

    My long hair was all over my face when my weak arms failed to support my position. My face sank into the bed¡¯s mattress and if Rupert hadn¡¯t just caught my waist, my legs might have fallen as well.

    He thrusts fast and rough.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye ¡­ Ohhh ¡­¡±

    My moans were muffled by the bedsheets and I came again and again, before Rupert pulled himself out and pped my behind three times.

    ¡°Oh gosh!¡± My face looked up again because of the mixture of pleasure and pain from that blow. He pped my butt cheeks while still sliding the tip of his manhood, up and down, on my throbbing and wet folds. He was not entering me but he was teasing me and it was such a turn on. ¡°Ahhh Rupert! I¡¯ming again!¡±

    I came.

    And then I felt Rupert¡¯s release soaking my behind. The sticky fluid was dripping from my behind down to the back of my thighs.

    ¡°I love you, Meredith Kaye.¡± Both of his arms wrapped around my waist to pull my upper body up. I knelt on the bed as I leaned on his shoulder. I think he was kneeling too behind me as I could feel his tired manhood pressed against my wet behind. ¡°I love you.¡± He buried his face on my hair and his hug tightened.

    ¡°How about Ava?¡± I found myself asking, looking for assurance.

    ¡°Her memories will stay but I know my love for her has finally epted the fact that she¡¯s no longer here and I need to let her go.¡± His lips rained kisses on my hair. I leaned against his bare chestfortably. ¡°Ava was never mine and it¡¯s selfish for me to hold on to her when all she wanted was to rest.¡±

    I smiled at what he said. I looked back to face him. Our gazes met. He was really a nice guy.

    His eyes never left mine when he said the next things he said, ¡°I want you to know that I loved you as Meredith. Not to rece Ava. This might be too sudden- but ¡­ Love is love. It was never predictable. . ¡±

    ¡°Do you love me from the bottom of your heart, Rupert?¡±

    Rupert kissed my hair and his hand went up to my right breast. I stared at him when I felt his hand tracing the scar of my previous surgery on that part. His fingertips were slightly tracing the vertical surgery scar on the side of my right breast. ¡°In the deepest part of my heart, there is love that is meant just for you and you alone.¡±

    I stared at him. My heart was beating rapidly and my emotions were welling up. With all the bad things that were happening now; I couldn¡¯t believe I would have Rupert to clear the raging storm even for a while.

    I reached for his face and just stared at his eyes. I¡¯m just so d I can see him now. At least, if my canceres back- and I fail to win for the second time- I will not regret not seeing his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy that I can see you now, Rupert. Thank you for bringing me calmness and peace.¡±

    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± He was quick to notice the tear I shed. He immediately turned me around to face him.

    In the middle of the bed, he sat on the mattress and made me sit on hisp. We¡¯re both naked but the lust wasn¡¯t there anymore. It was just warmth and love.

    I leaned my head on his shoulder and I ced his hand on my right breast, right where I could feel the slight ache from the new lumps there. The warmthing from his rough hand made the ache to subside. The pad of his thumb was caressing my scar.

    He let me cry and didn¡¯t ask why. He just let me cry and that¡¯s what I need.

    Like a child I hugged him while crying. His free hand was caressing my hair and I could feel his lips kissing my temple, as if reassuring me that things would be okay.

    But I know, it¡¯s going to be hard.

    And now, I feel twice as scared. I don¡¯t want my cancer toe back. I don¡¯t want to hurt the new person who loves me because of my degenerate health.

    Why now? Why when I am already living happily?

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry ¡­ I love you, Meredith Kaye from the deepest part of my heart. I will love all the imperfections, scars and difficulties.¡±

    My cries grew louder. I don¡¯t want to see him like my Dad, Aunt Bernadeth, Eian, Bailey and my friends crying because of me.

    ¡°Hey, Sweetie. Is something wrong with you? I¡¯m a bit scared now. Please stop crying.¡±

    I gripped his hand, the one that was on my right breast, tightly. I guided his hand on the lump in my breast and made him feel it. I winced as his thumb passed the lump in my chest.

    That¡¯s when he stiffened.

    And I cried even more.

    ¡°I¡¯m scared ¡­ I-I¡¯m scared of leaving you too, Rupert.¡±

    He immediately caged me in his warm embrace. Both of his arms protectively hugged my shaking body. It was a very tight hug- it was warm and sad at the same time.

    ¡°No. I won¡¯t let you leave. No one is leaving,¡± he whispered and he consoled me. His arms protectively hugged me until I fell into a deep slumber, wishing that God could hear my plea and may He grant my wish- I hope the tumor wasn¡¯t malignant.

 Chapter 49 What if I donéˆ¥æª›?

    ¡°Why?¡± I asked Rupert.

    I heard him sigh and then his arms wrapped around my waist. He made me sit on hisp and then kissed my chin.

    I bit my bottom lip, trying my hardest not to cry out of my frustrations and disappointments. I lifted both my hands to cup his face. ¡°I thought I will forever see you, Rupert.¡± My hands caressed both of his cheeks. I leaned my face closer to see his eyes. ¡°I saw youst night. I can¡¯t be wrong, Rupert.¡±

    My fingertips touched his eyes down to the tip of his nose and then to the cold metal ring on his lips. I clearly remembered what he looked like. But then, I woke up today only to see his blurred face again.

    My heart ached.

    ¡°Rupert,¡± I sobbed. I could no longer hold back the tears. I was so happyst night- and now, it turned out, it was just for a while. ¡°N-Not again ¡­ I-I can¡¯t see you again. W-Why?¡±

    All my life, I thought I was okay with myself not seeing people¡¯s faces. I got used to it. I was so used to it that it became part of my system; to look straight at people¡¯s faces when talking with, faking that I could their facial reactions; to pretend that I know people who were calling me from afar; to carry on with this life, interacting with blurred faces; and to ept the fact that my prosopagnosia was permanent.

    I even epted the fact that I would never see Rupert¡¯s face.

    Butst night ¡­ It was so vivid. How he was standing on that stage, singing his heart out while looking at me with his eyes full of love. How he was making love with me while staring at me with his loving eyes.

    ¡°Sshh ¡­ Meredith, it¡¯s okay-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not okay ¡­ I-It¡¯s not okay. W-Why did I see youst night and now I can¡¯t? W-Why did the miraclest only for a moment? Why can¡¯t it be permanent, Rupert?¡±

    Rupert pulled me closer. His hands cupped my face too and then he kissed my forehead. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Meredith. At least you saw me. At least you saw how much I love youst night.¡±

    Was it selfish for me to get angry right now? My neurologist already exined to me that my condition didn¡¯t have a cure. But ¡­ I hoped. Last night, I believed. I thought ¡­ That¡¯s right.

    ¡°I-I want to see you smile, Rupert. I want to see how annoyed or jealous you are. I-I want to know when you¡¯re sad or angry.¡± My hands desperately caressed all the features of his face- I tried to remember his face that I sawst night; his smile and his eyes. I wanted it to remain in my damaged brain. ¡°I-I hoped. I thought, I can live normally.¡±

    It¡¯s true what they say ¨C once you¡¯ve experienced it, you¡¯d be selfish enough to wish for the experience tost.

    ¡°Stop crying, Meredith. Sshhh ¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s unfair, Rupert! It¡¯s so unfair! This life is exhausting.¡±

    After almost two decades,st night was the only moment I clearly saw people and their faces. I grew up hating social interactions because of their scary blurred faces. It was so difficult to act normal when you¡¯re not.

    ¡°It was just for a moment, Meredith. But what¡¯s important is that you saw me,¡± Rupert wiped off of my tears before leaning closer. The tips of our noses touched. ¡°At least, you know what I look like. At least, you saw me smile. At least, you saw me singing my heart outst night while being hopelessly in love with you.¡± He then rubbed the tip of his nose on mine.

    I closed my eyes and forced myself to stop sobbing. ¡°I-I¡¯m tired of this life. I don¡¯t want anything to happen right now if I can¡¯t see you, Dad, Aunt Bernadeth and Eian, Bailey and my friends.¡± I leaned against Rupert¡¯s chest and silently cried. ¡°Can¡¯t I really get that? Don¡¯t I deserve to see the faces of the people I love?¡±

    Rupert¡¯s arms wrapped around me again. His hand caressed my hair as I felt him kiss my head. ¡°If you can¡¯t see in my face how much I love you, then I will show it to you, Meredith. And if I¡¯m angry or disgusted or jealous, I¡¯ll tell you right away.¡±

    ¡°I-I want to see you ¡­ I want to see you again.¡±

    Rupert took a deep breath before he slightly separated me from him. I didn¡¯t expect it when heid me back on the bed then ced himself on top of me.

    I was crying like a child. I was hurt and desperate.

    ¡°Rupert, I am desperate to see you. I want to see you for the rest of my life.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to see me.¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. I frowned and he chuckled. I was stunned when he took my right hand and lifted it. He ced my hand on his hair- the tips of his hair strands were ticklish.

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m getting older that¡¯s why it feels like my hairline is getting higher. You can actually feel my wide forehead now.¡± He then ced my hand on his forehead and a small chuckle escaped his mouth.

    My mouth fell open because of confusion. My tears stopped falling. ¡°What the heck are you saying?¡± From this distance, I could see his yful gaze. ¡°Why are we talking about hairlines?¡± I wiped my tears away and frowned at him.

    He chuckled even more before nting a soft kiss on my lips. Then, he lowered my hand to the corner of his eye and then to the bottom of his eyes. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s not very clear to you, but I already have wrinkles on the side of my eye and my eyebags are big and ck. Anyway, I don¡¯t want you to see that.¡± He guided my hand to his lips. ¡°I had dry lips today. But since you can¡¯t see, you can enjoy my kiss.¡±

    ¡°Rupert-¡±

    ¡°My point is I am okay with your prosopagnosia because it¡¯s helping me to hide my imperfections. You also can¡¯t see if someone is more handsome than me and you can¡¯t know if someone is more macho than me.¡± Rupert kissed my nose before pinching it. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t see me. I will make sure you can feel me in every way possible.¡±

    I sighed as he pressed his lower body against mine. I felt his hard and big bulge poking me. ¡°Rupert!¡±

    ¡°See. You can feel me, Sweetie.¡± Definitely, he got another meaning for that. ¡°Your other senses can recognize me even though your eyes can¡¯t.¡±

    I gulped when he put my hand in the middle of our bodies until I could feel his manhood getting angry again. ¡°You can touch me anywhere and you can hear me.¡± His face came even closer. He licked my earlobe, ¡°You can also eat me, right?¡±Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    A shudder ran through my spine. Obviously, he was trying to lift my mood up. But he couldn¡¯t really get rid of his perverted and sexy self. ¡°You¡¯re really a pervert,¡± I whispered in his ear before giving him a yful smile. I pushed his chest to remove him on top of me. He left and helped me sit up in bed.

    He knelt in front of me and held my hands on top of myp. ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is I love you ¡­ Including the imperfections and difficulties. I don¡¯t mind if I have to wear the same kind of clothes or hairdo everyday for you to remember me. As long as,¡± he took my hands to his lips and kissed them, ¡°you just let me be by your side. I want to take care of you.¡±

    I inteced our fingers together and I smiled at him. ¡°What if I asked you to leave me if the biopsy result stated that my tumor is malignant?¡±

    He was stunned. I couldn¡¯t see his facial expression from this distance but I didn¡¯t lean forward. I don¡¯t want to see his reaction. I was scared and hurt.

    ¡°What if I wanted you to leave Rupert?¡±

    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to leave you, Meredith.¡±

    I bowed and nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go through the same pain as mine. That¡¯s the reason why I will ask you to leave if it¡¯s cancer again.¡±

    ¡°I will disagree. I will pester you until you let me stay; until you let me take care of you.¡± Rupert tugged at my hands. I had no choice but to meet his gaze when he slightly lifted himself up until our faces were just an inch away. ¡°We¡¯re both in this rtionship. You¡¯re hurting me already for excluding my decision in this matter. You¡¯re making me feel like you don¡¯t trust me. You¡¯re making me feel like you don¡¯t believe in how I feel for you.¡±

    I took a deep breath. ¡°If the tumor in my breast is cancer, the next thing to happen will be difficult-¡±

    ¡°So? Does love surrender if things be difficult?¡±

    ¡°What if you surrender?¡±

    ¡°What if I don¡¯t?¡± Rupert kissed my lips. It was a passionate and slow kiss. ¡°Try me, Sweetie.¡±

 Chapter 50 Trying to be Okay

    Prosopagnosia had no cure. It was a permanent neuro-degenerative disease affecting my facial recognition system. I had this when I was a kid- my neurologist diagnosed me as being born with it. It¡¯s a gically-induced condition, for my case.

    ¡°That¡¯s already a miracle, Meredith. People born with prosopagnosia tend to have the least chance to see anyone¡¯s face. Most people, throughout their lives, haven¡¯t had a chance to see the faces of people important to them.¡±

    I stared at Dr. Gregorio Baller, Aunt Bernadeth¡¯s second husband. He had been my neurologist since I was a kid. He knew my prosopagnosia like the back of his hand.

    After I told him what happenedst night, he told me it was a miracle. I was stunned. The anger I felt earlier subsided.

    ¡°You already experienced a miracle for a prosopagnosia patient, Meredith. The fact that you can still see people¡¯s facial features at some point when you move your face closer to them was a miracle already.¡± Greg held my hand and tapped it as a sign of reassurance. ¡°I can¡¯t ask you to really be thankful that you had it less worse than the others because living with this kind of disease is nothing to be thankful about. But I want you to appreciate it.¡±

    Then and there, I realized that I should be thankful that I saw Rupert¡¯s whole face. At least, his features were retained in my memory.

    I read a lot of prosopagnosia cases. Almost all of them were never given a chance to see anyone¡¯s face or even their own faces. While here I was, at least I could still see someone¡¯s eyes, nose, and lips if I moved a little closer to that someone¡¯s face. Although it was not that clear, I could still see my face in front of a mirror. Andst night, the happiest moment in my life, I was able to see my man¡¯s whole face.

    Indeed, there were miracles in between our struggles in life.

    ¡°What happenedst night can be repeated, Meredith. There were people from the US with prosopagnosia who experienced the same thing. In specific moments, they can see people¡¯s faces. Those chances are short but that proves that prosopagnosia can be cured once the human brain is fully understood. ¡±

    Cure.

    That would be nice. I wish ¡­ I can have that cure.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know when that day will happen again but I will be here, Meredith. I am not going to leave you. As your doctor, I promise to tend to everything you will need.¡± Greg let go of my hand and nodded. ¡°Eian and your Aunt Bernadette will also be there. Especially in difficult times.¡±

    I smiled and finally lost the anger I was feeling. Right now, I should be thankful that I had people who never get tired of helping me.

    ¡°Thank you, Greg. This means a lot to me.¡±

    ¡°I want to meet the man you were withst night. He could be the reason why that miracle moment urred,¡± he mentioned, catching me aghast.

    ¡°Rupert?¡±

    ¡°Is he your boyfriend?¡± I heard the yfulness in Greg¡¯s voice and I couldn¡¯t help my cheeks to get flustered. ¡°You have to really introduce him to me and to your Dad. We have to assess his intentions. There¡¯s no way he can have his ways to you without meeting us¡±

    Iughed at Greg¡¯s remark. I just nodded at him, thinking that it¡¯s really toote for them to stop Rupert from having his way with me. He reached home run already. It¡¯d been a long time.

    ***

    Like usual, I put a wide smile on my face the moment I set foot in the campus.

    Somehow, I felt relieved after Greg exined to me the situation about my prosopagnosia. I was d that I decided to see him before going to the university. He cleared my mind. And the anger and frustrations I felt earlier subsided.

    Rupert had an early exam, so he wasn¡¯t able to be with me in consulting Greg. But he promised that he would pick me upter after my debate training.

    There were a lot of things on my te right now. After my prosopagnosia stint, tomorrow was going to be the release of my biopsy results. And then, three days from now was the regional debatepetition.

    Technically, I could patiently wait for another miracle moment where I could have a chance to see Rupert¡¯s face again. Greg said, it could happen when I became excited, anxious or a bit shaken. Those unexpected moments could trigger an increase in my blood pressure and thus, could also increase the oxygen flow in my brain. Right now, it¡¯s what Greg thought as the reason why I saw Rupert¡¯s facest night.

    I was so ted and so ¡­ shocked with Rupert¡¯s confession that my blood pressure pumped enough oxygen in my brain.

    The forced smile on my lips turned into a real smile when I remembered Rupert¡¯s sweetness. I still couldn¡¯t believe that a one night stand could actually lead to something beautiful like this.

    ¡°Meredith!¡±

    Someone called me. I turned around and saw a tall man approaching me while waving his hand. By estimation, I think he was close to six-nine in height. It could be David or Gelo.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    ¡°How was the check-up?¡±

    It¡¯s Gelo. He was the only one from my debate colleagues who knew about my general check-up.

    I immediately averted my eyes from him before shrugging. We both stopped walking in front of the debate room¡¯s door. I was about to open the door when Gelo held my arm.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer my question? Did something happen?¡±

    I forced a smile and then finally faced him. His face was blurry like it always is. ¡°There¡¯s a lump in my right breast again. I did a biopsy,¡± I briefly exined to him.

    His hand around my arm tightened and then he pulled me inside the debate room. ¡°Gelo!¡±

    ¡°Exin everything to me,¡± he said silently.

    My eyes widened. ¡°Inside?¡±

    Gelo stopped and then let go of my arm. He opened the door of the debate room wide open. ¡°No one¡¯s here. I saw Cherry at the printing shop then David and Minzy were together in the cafeteria. Sir Romeo and Ma¡¯am Juliet said in their text earlier that they had to attend a sudden meeting.¡±

    ¡°They texted us?¡± I was about to look on my phone to check on our trainers¡¯ text message when Gelo spoke.

    ¡°Stop acting that you¡¯re okay. You are not, Meredith. I know you¡¯re thinking a lot. I am here to listen.¡±

    I looked back at Gelo and spontaneously lost my wide smile. I sighed before heading into the debate room. ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice to see through people just by looking at their facial expressions?¡± I couldn¡¯t hide the bitterness in my voice.

    I went straight to the debate tform and sat on the right side where the affirmative side of a debate was often assigned. I thought Gelo was going to sit next to me. But I was shocked when he stood on the other side.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice to not see people¡¯s faces and how they hide their true intentions by faking smiles?¡± Gelo asked me again.

    I frowned before shaking my head on our current set-up. He was standing on the opposite side like we were in a debate. ¡°What is this? Are we having a debate now whether having prosopagnosia is an advantage or not?¡± I joked, letting a heavy breath escape my mouth. ¡°Believe me, it¡¯s tiring to see people with blurry faces. They look like monsters that can eat you at any time because you can¡¯t see who the real ally is and who isn¡¯t.¡±

 Chapter 51 Leaving?

    ¡°I beg to disagree, Ms. Debate genius.¡± My forehead furrowed as he stood up in his seat as if he were really debating. ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice to know people without looking at their physical beauty but to look at what¡¯s inside their hearts? Isn¡¯t it nice to be casual and friendly with everyone, even with your enemies? Is it nice to not see people faking smiles and rolling their eyes at you?¡±

    I smirked. ¡°In all the questions you¡¯d asked, ¡®no¡¯ is my answer. None of them are nice or good to experience.¡± I sighed before smiling bitterly. ¡°You¡¯ll only look stupid and people will take advantage of you.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it nice to love a person with your heart and your heart alone?¡± Gelo sat on the chair before he gave me a salute. ¡°You¡¯re doing just fine, Meredith. Don¡¯t discredit all the efforts you¡¯ve done to live a normal life just because of your prosopagnosia and that lump in your chest. Not everyone can handle what you¡¯ve sessfully conquered.¡±

    ¡°But I think it¡¯s back,¡± I said weakly before lowering my gaze. My hands sped each other as the slight ache in my right breast reminded me of the situation. Right now, my prosopagnosia was not the problem. It was the curse of cancer and the consequences I had to go deal with just to escape the curse. ¡°I think this is cancerous.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no biopsy results yet. And if it¡¯s cancer, I am hoping that you have no intention of giving up.¡±

    I raised my head when I heard Gelo¡¯s footsteps. He strode towards me and stood in front of me. He stroked the top of my head gently. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you not to give up, Meredith. I¡¯m actually expecting you to fight like you did before. Angel will guide and help you. Your mom too. So, you have nothing to fear if it¡¯s cancerous. We will hold your hand. We will go through this with you.¡±

    I blinked repeatedly because the sting I felt on the sides of my eyes due to the tears. It immediately came to me. I have Rupert and Gelo now. There were a lot of people who were willing to stay by my side and fight with me.

    ¡°W-What if I end up hurting you all eventually? What if I lose this?¡±

    Gelo stroked my hair for a while before he turned around. He leaned on the table in between us before he crossed his arms. ¡°Are you talking about him? That Rupert guy?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s obvious how you two feel for each other. I think it took some time for the two of you to realize it. But,¡± Gelo gave me a short sideway nce, ¡°I bet he confessed now.¡±

    My mouth dropped open and I looked at Gelo in disbelief. His face was blurred but looking at him made me feel like a normal person conversing would do. ¡°How did you know?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a man. And from thest time I met him, he already crossed the line for being a jealous jerk. He wouldn¡¯t be that jealous if he didn¡¯t like you.¡±

    ¡°He confessedst night. It¡¯s,¡± I sighed. I frowned before smiling as I remembered Rupert¡¯s little surprise to mest night. ¡°the happiest and realest thing that happened in my life.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re happy. Don¡¯t lose him then. The joy in your eyes because of him shows.¡±

    My smile instantly vanished. I sighed. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of ending us and leaving him if this is cancerous,¡± I finally said. The heavy feeling in my chest made me clench my fists.

    ¡°And what? Act like this is some kind of tragic romance novel?¡±

    I averted my gaze back to Gelo. He leaned forward until I could see his eyes. He looked at me with sympathy. He even patted my head before touching my cheek. ¡°This is real life, Meredith. If the lump in your chest is cancerous, you won¡¯t leave the person you love. Instead, you will seize every moment with him because you won¡¯t know when it will be thest. Is there tomorrow for the both of you? Will you wake up the next morning to see him? Will you survive to be with him longer?¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t want him to suffer because of my illness.¡±

    ¡°He definitely doesn¡¯t want you to suffer without him by your side. He loves you. Loving includes the pain and difficulties, Meredith.¡±

    I suddenly felt guilty for what I was nning to do. Was it really okay for me to stay with him even though my future wouldn¡¯t be sure because of my health?

    ¡°Leaving is for the cowards and for the people meant to live in regrets for the rest of their lives.¡± Gelo kissed my forehead and then he stood straight.

    He nodded before turning away from me. He started walking down the podium to the audience¡¯s area.

    ¡°Gelo,¡± I called, which made him stop on his tracks. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    I suddenly realized that I was wrong. It¡¯s wrong for me to push away the people who love me. It would be wrong for me to decide for Rupert.

    ¡°The debate topic for our training today will not be about abortion. Sir Romeo changed it,¡± he said before turning to me. ¡°I¡¯m sure you can rte to the new topic.¡±

    My forehead furrowed. I was about to say something when the debate room opened and Minzy entered. David and Cherry and then our coaches followed her arrival.

    ¡°Good morning to the two of yah!¡± Minzy cheered, literally running to the podium.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    Gelo chuckled when she asked for a high five. ¡°The topic for this training changed,¡± Gelo said. I heard the knowing tone in his voice. ¡°Our team will win today. Meredith and her team didn¡¯te prepared for this.¡±

    ¡°Yeah oh!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s unfair!¡± I argued, getting up from my seat.

    ¡°Well, my team will beat you today, Meredith,¡± Gelo said, going to the negative side with Minzy.

    I looked to my right when David hugged me. Cherry stood up on my left.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of those two. They don¡¯t have any emotions. The three of us are still better than them.¡±

    I looked at Cherry, confused. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, you also know that Sir Romeo changed the topic for today¡¯s topic?¡±

    ¡°Yes. David texted me. It¡¯s about pathos. Emotional arguments will be our training today. Again, to appeal emotionally to the people so that they will listen to our arguments.¡±

    I turned to David. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you text me?¡±

    David scratched his head. ¡°I texted you. Did you not receive it?¡±

    I frowned, simply shaking my head.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I prepared arguments for the abortion topic,¡± I muttered before sitting down. I pursed my lips out of annoyance.

    Cherry and Davidughed at me. They sat on the vacant spaces on either side of me.

    Too annoyed with myself, I no longer looked at Sir Romeo and Ma¡¯am Juliet who had already climbed the podium. I heard Cherry gasping and David said, ¡°What is he doing here?¡±

    But I didn¡¯t look up because I was really disappointed with the sudden change of the topic for this mock debate training. The arguments I studiedst night were all trashed. Now, I literally came unprepared. And I hated that so much. I didn¡¯t like things not going ording to me.

    ¡°Okay. Since, there are only five of you and it¡¯s unfair on the side of Gelo and Minzy that they are only two. I invited someone to be the third member of their group,¡± Sir Romeo said and I heard Minzy whistled. She always does that when she¡¯s excited.

    So I was curious as to what Sir Romeo was referring to. I raised my head to see who was Gelo¡¯s third member.

    And I got my biggest surprise. The familiar shirt and pants. His hair, height, and that shiny thing on his face.

    ¡°Please wee Rupert Santos. He¡¯s a Biology student and ended up a good student of minest semester. He took a Criminal Code ss as an extra course so I met him. He did really well in that ss.¡±

    My mouth fell open. Cherry nudged my side, giggling.

    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure to be up against the debate genius, Sir Romeo,¡± Rupert said which caused my cheeks to heat up.

    ¡°Wait? Do you know Meredith?¡± Ma¡¯am Juliet asked.

    I bit my bottom lip. I didn¡¯t know how he would introduce me to them.

    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am. She¡¯s my girlfriend.¡±

    So, are we really?

    ¡°Girlfriend ?!¡± Cherry, like always, did the most ridiculous reaction out of all the people here. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say until then-¡±

    ¡°Cherry!¡± Minzy, from the other side of the stage, and I shouted at the same time to stop whatever Cherry would say.

    Cherry did a peace sign before she covered her mouth.

    Othersughed while I was feeling giddy. My heart was pounding because of Rupert¡¯s introduction of me.

    ¡°Enough with the bickerings. By the way,¡± Ma¡¯am Juliet tapped my shoulder, ¡°It¡¯s nice to know your boyfriend, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°T-Thank you, Ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°For today, our topic will be on how you¡¯ll use pathos and logos in dealing with a situation that is requiring a logical decision yet an emotional appeal.¡± Ma¡¯am Juliet took her little notebook and read the topic she prepared for us. ¡°Why does a person leave? Is it because he or she hates him¨C or herself?¡± Then he pointed to our side, ¡°Or is it because he or she hates the person he/she left?¡±

    I was stunned. The first reason was definitely my perspective. I hate myself ¡­ That¡¯s why I wanted to leave the person I love.

 Chapter 52 Marry Me

    Why does someone leave? Why does someone leave a person behind? Why does someone leave without giving a proper goodbye?

    ¡°People don¡¯te and go. But people choose when toe and when to go.¡± Rupert stood up. It¡¯s time for him to say his argument and defend their group¡¯s stance; a person leaves because he hates the person he has to leave behind. ¡°If you love a person, there¡¯s not enough reason to leave. But if you hate a person, that hate is enough drive you to walk away. It¡¯s simply because hatred fluorish anger and then destruction.¡±

    Hatred is a strong emotion. When you feel angry, it will eat away at your logic and right thinking. Then, you¡¯ll end up doing the wrong things and irrational decisions.

    I¡¯ve been there.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been there,¡± Rupert continued, putting me into a halt. My gaze stayed on his blurry face as he carried on, ¡°I hated you, Meredith. I was so close to leaving.¡±

    I was stunned by what Rupert said. I blinked multiple times before I was able to process what he just said. My chest hurt because of what he said.

    ¡°W-What?¡± I whispered.

    Suddenly, everything fell silent while I still didn¡¯t fully understand what was going on. Why was he saying this?Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

    ¡°I hated you. I hated you for making me appreciate you as you. I hated you for making me smile and for taking away my pain. I hated you because I forget about Ava when I¡¯m with you.¡± Rupert walked. He left behind the table where Gelo and Minzy were sitting. He stood at the center of the stage, a few feet away from me. ¡°You made me forget about Ava and I felt guilty. I hated you for that; that hate almost made me leave, Meredith.¡±

    I swallowed along with the dryness of my throat. What was he trying to say here? This felt so heavy to hear from him.

    ¡°You should leave then,¡± it spontaneously came out of my mouth. I never liked forcing people to stay with me.

    Cherry held my shoulder but I didn¡¯t give her a nce. I kept my gaze on Rupert¡¯s face. His blurred face hindered me from seeing his facial expression. And that¡¯s frustrating. I couldn¡¯t predict where this was going.

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°What exactly are you trying to say, Rupert?¡± I asked, exasperatedly. I was about to stand but Cherry and David stopped me. ¡°I don¡¯t get this. We were okay earlier and then you suddenly said those things? Last night was ¡­¡±

    ¡°Listen, Meredith.¡± He took steps towards me until he was standing an inch away from the table in front of me. ¡°I hated you for making me love you. It was ¡­ so hard to admit it to myself. I felt like I was cheating on Ava at first so even though I felt like I had fallen for you already, I did my best to stop myself. And when I can¡¯t help it anymore, I came up with an idea to end what we have and leave. But my heart ached with that thought. ¡±

    I frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t get this, Rupert.¡±

    He chuckled before he put both of his hands on the pockets of his jeans. I didn¡¯t see his lips but I felt it- he was smiling.

    So, this is not a break-up speech?

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave you. And when I fully epted the reality that my heart only wants you,¡± he ced his right hand on his chest, ¡°and not Ava anymore, I decided to confess. The hate I felt before immediately vanished and all I want to do is to take care of you and to make you happy. ¡±

    Everyone was watching us. I remained seated on my seat while Rupert continued what he was saying, ¡°Butst night- what you confessed to me scared me to hell. I can¡¯t lose you. I can¡¯t let you leave.¡±

    ¡°W-What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°For the short while, I¡¯ve known you enough to predict your next decisions, Meredith. Something inside was bugging me that you will leave me if you received a bad result from your biopsy.¡±

    My mouth dropped open and my eyes immediately turned to the others inside the debate room. I didn¡¯t tell them yet but when I saw Cherry bowing her head and David tapping the top of my head, I realized they already knew.

    I turned my gaze to my coaches and Sir Romeo answered my confusion, ¡°Your father and Nurse Bernadeth told us already.¡±

    My jaw clenched. The guilt instantly caved in. I wanted to disappear. I hated myself for always burdening people that I love with my staggering health. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± I murmured. ¡°I need to leave.¡±

    I was about to stand up from my seat when Rupert reached for my arm. He held it tightly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hate yourself, Meredith. It¡¯s not your fault that we wanted to stay with you,¡± Rupert said, letting go of my arm. ¡°I want to stay with you through the good times and the bad times. So please don¡¯t push me away just because you feel you are bing a burden to me ¨C to us. We want to help you in carrying your burden.¡±

    ¡°B-But-¡±

    I was left with no word to say when Rupert went down with one knee.

    For several times, I blinked at Rupert¡¯s position. I looked around me and everyone was carefully watching us as if they already knew where this was all going.

    Cherry even giggled in excitement, hugging me from my side and whispering, ¡°Congrattions, Meredith.¡±

    And that¡¯s when I heard it.

    ¡°Will you marry me, Meredith Kaye Santiago?¡±

    I gasped with his question. I stared at the small red velvet box that Rupert was holding. There was a shiny ring in there- and he was offering it to me.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­ What is this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you to spend your tomorrows with me. I¡¯m asking you to ept me as your strongest soldier who will protect you from everything that will hurt you. I¡¯m asking you if I can love you for the rest of my life, Meredith Kaye. ¡±

    Things were fast.

    It was never the kind of life that I had. Ever since I had cancer, I have slowed down- in my education, in my dreams, and in my happiness.

    But Rupert came and shook my slow-paced world. Changes rapidly urred and emotions crashed down on me like aggressive ocean waves.

    And I think I like this more.

    The fast-paced trantion and changes. It¡¯s a bit overwhelming but ¡­ It made me feel alive and free.

    ¡°If I say yes, I¡¯ll be the most clingy fiance. If I say yes, I¡¯ll be the hardest-to-handle kind of fiance. If I say yes, and my biopsy states I had cancer, you might end up taking care of a sick fiance and might end up being a widow at a young age.¡± I sighed before forcing a smile. ¡°Are you sure about this, Rupert? I can¡¯t promise you that I will be your ideal wife.¡±

    ¡°Who said I want an ideal wife?¡± Rupert shrugged before he wiped off his eyes. Is he crying? I¡¯m not sure but I can feel his overflowing emotions by the way his voice sounded. ¡°I want you, Meredith. Only you. Like I said before, there¡¯s a spot in the deepest part of my heart that only belongs to you.¡±

    Tears started to fall from my eyes. I couldn¡¯t believe that skepticism then would be the greatest certainty today.

    ¡°Yes,¡± I said, standing up from my seat to go to Rupert.

    Everyone started pping while I wore the ring Rupert was giving me. ¡°This is my surest yes in my life, Rupert Santos.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Meredith Kaye. Always. No matter how hard or no matter how painful.¡±

 Chapter 53 Acceptance

    I slowly walked into the hospital church.

    I expected it but it still hurts.

    My biopsy results stated it was malignant and the stage of my cancer was in grade two or three. Further tests would be conducted to assess my cancer¡¯s grade.

    Eian suggested mastectomy again as my only way to free myself from the curse of cancer.

    I think that¡¯s what bugs me the most. Wasn¡¯t it enough that I would go through the fight against cancer again? Why did I even have to remove my breasts?

    When I was in the first row of seats, my cellphone in my pocket vibrated. I checked it and my heart ached to see my Dad¡¯s name on the caller ID.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Pa.¡± I turned off my phone.

    Right now, I wanted to be alone first. I wanted to deal with the turmoil in my mind and the heavy pain in my heart by my own. I just wanted a time to ept my biopsy results.

    I sat on the empty pew in the second row and turned my gaze at the big cross in the middle of the church¡¯s altar. The hands on myp turned into fists while Eian¡¯s voice echoed in my head.

    ¡®This tumor is big, Meredith. This will require chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. This is a second or third grade cancer. It may also spread to your lymph nodes. I¡¯m afraid this is more difficult than before. ¡®

    I didn¡¯t care about the difficulty, to be honest. I just wanted to be okay again, no matter what it takes. I wanted to be okay again for the people around me.

    ¡®The tumor can spread fast. As much as possible, we have to stop its proliferation. Your left breast doesn¡¯t look good either. Think about having a mastectomy, Meredith. A contrteral prophctic mastectomy to be exact. ¡®

    I took a deep breath. I felt like I had a sore throat now because of my suppressed cry. There were a lot of options to take but I never expected that mastectomy would be offered to me.

    ¡°Is this Your n?¡± I asked the cross. ¡°To make me suffer for the second time around and then, only to remove these breasts at the end?¡±

    I chuckled bitterly. When Eian told me about my options, especially about mastectomy, I thought of nothing but Rupert ¨C my fiance.

    Would he love me still if there¡¯s something missing in my body? Would he still want my body when it¡¯s no longer the same? Would he still touch me like he always does after my mastectomy?

    Could I still satisfy him? After the mastectomy, would I still be enough for him?

    There were so many things running in my mind and so many questions that I was afraid to know the answer. What if Rupert leaves me? I¡¯m sick and I don¡¯t have breasts. How fucked up of a fiance am I? How fucked up is this?

    ¡°Should I trust You? This time, should I just rely everything to You?¡± I asked the Lord- the one who promised to save us all.

    ¡®Meredith, we have to do the treatment right away. I don¡¯t want to say this but you may have to stop everything you¡¯re starting now.¡¯

    ¡°I¡¯m just starting again but I have to stop everything again? I don¡¯t want to.¡± I lowered my head before slowly letting the tears to escape my eyes, ¡°I want to continue everything. I want to pursue what I wanted. Will You help me?¡± I looked up again at the cross on the altar.

    I forced myself to smile but the sobs escaped my lips. My shoulders started shaking and I cried in front of Him.

    ¡°Can you hear me? Why did it had to be me again? Why do I have to do it again?¡± I covered my face and let myself cry. ¡°I was trying ¡­ I was trying to live.¡±

    I didn¡¯t know how much time was spent. I just cried and begged Him. I cried my heart out- because after this, I had to be stronger and braver. Not just for myself but for the people who would join my fight again.

    Most importantly, to the man who offered me marriage and asked me to spend the rest of our lives with each other.

    ¡°He listens to you, Miss. He will not forsake you.¡±

    I raised my head to see who said that. I was stunned to see an old woman sitting at the other end of the pew. She was looking at the altar while holding a rosary. She was wearing a hospital gown and she was carrying her IV by her side. Was she there before?N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    Then and there, the moment when I met Ang came back to me. It¡¯s almost the same scene- I was in deep pain and then Ang consoled me.

    I stared at the old woman. Her face was blurry but I couldn¡¯t help but to stare at her face. It¡¯s not scary like those blurred faces of strangers I interacted with. Somehow, there¡¯s something light about her.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have breasts when I was thirty because of cancer. It wasn¡¯t easy and it was very hard to ept. My husband also left me because of that.¡± Then, she turned her gaze at me. ¡°But do you know what I learned from that incident?¡±

    I found myself asking, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be angry with myself because I got sick. I shouldn¡¯t be angry with God because I got sick,¡± she took a deep breath before she extended her hand to reach me. She was giving me something, It was the rosary, ¡°People who truly love you will stay no matter how difficult the situation is. Don¡¯t push away those who want to stay by your side. Let them apany you through pain and hardship. It will be easier for you to fight then.¡±

    She stood up after sharing that. She left her rosary with me and I watched her leave.

    When she was gone, I looked at the rosary I was holding. Something caught my gaze. There¡¯s a little ribbon wrapped around the little cross of the rosary. My mouth dropped open when I saw the name on it- Marine .

    It was my mother¡¯s name.

    My tears flowed again but I smiled. I looked up at therge cross in front of me. ¡°I will trust You. Please don¡¯t drop my hand,¡± I murmured, holding the rosary tightly in my hand.

    Concurrent with my decision to trust God was my decision to ask Rupert again about our marriage.

    I would tell him about the mastectomy procedure. I would remind him of the difficulties of being with a sick woman like me.

    If he still wanted to stay and marry me, I would do everything to live.

 Chapter 54 Sacrifices

    ¡°This is more emotionally and mentally difficult than what I thought. I cried a lotst night. It¡¯s hard to ept it. It¡¯s hard to believe it.¡± I chuckled, cing my hand on top of the white marble. I traced her etched name on the surface as if I was touching her face. ¡°Mom, do you think I can handle it again? Can I survive for the second time around? I am hurting Papa again.¡±

    I sighed before a small smile returned to my lips. I was sitting on the grass, across from my mother¡¯s grave. Yesterday, my biopsy result revealed that my cancer came back and I had to deal with it again. Rupert was there with me to receive the bad news. But I asked him to leave and give me my ¡®me¡¯ time to process everything.

    ¡°I met a guy, Ma. His name is Rupert. I¡¯ve done a lot of crazy things with him and I¡¯m sure you¡¯re going to scold me big time if you¡¯re still here,¡± Iughed at my own story. The first day I met Rupert came back. He was my definition of living freely back then. I took the risk with him and ended up enjoying every moment we spent.

    ¡°Rupert is my salvation. He made me realize that I can learn from my mistakes and I can be strong with my weaknesses. I,¡± I just realized it was not because of sex why I took the risk and went with Rupert that night. It was more like security¡­ and freedom, ¡°I am happy and free when I¡¯m with him. I love him, Ma. And he confessed to me too. He feels the same way as me.¡±

    I was close to making a decision that I would regret in the future. I was so sure to leave Rupert so he could find the better and healthier woman he could spend his life with.

    But this was harder than I thought it would be.

    ¡°My breasts have to be removed just so my cancer won¡¯te back again. Eian said- by the way, he¡¯s my doctor now. Yes. Aunt Bernadeth¡¯s son,¡± I clenched my fists, ¡°it¡¯s my gics to me why I had to do a mastectomy. Did your doctor also present to you the same option, Ma? Most probably, right? Because it¡¯s our genes to me. Then why?¡±

    I brushed my long hair before staring at the tulips I bought for my mother. I stared at her tomb. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do the mastectomy, Ma? You could¡¯ve lived longer. You should have a longer life in exchange of your breasts.¡± The bitter taste in my mouth made the words I said to sound like I was ming my mom. ¡°Maybe you also thought about Papa? Maybe he¡¯ll change the way he looks at you when you lose your breasts. Maybe you thought about what the other people around you will say? What kind of woman doesn¡¯t have breasts, right?¡±

    Losing my breasts was a hard decision to make. But to be honest, it¡¯s bearable to do it if it guarantees me a longer life.

    However, I couldn¡¯t help but to think about other people¡¯s perspectives. I will be everyone¡¯s topic ¨C if they don¡¯t judge me because I don¡¯t have a chest ¨C they will surely pity me. How about being a mother? Can I still have a baby after taking my breasts out? I couldn¡¯t give my baby my own milk in the future.

    ¡°I want to do the right thing, Ma. At least, I want to save Rupert from the pain of being with me,¡± I heaved a deep sigh. The smile that was on my lips disappeared. I looked up at the sky, ¡°But it¡¯s wrong for me to leave him. Isn¡¯t it, Ma? It¡¯s wrong for me to push him away especially if he wants to stay by my side. He said he wants to protect me. But ¡­ Leaving him is the most effective way to lessen the pain. I want to save him from my struggles. It¡¯s for his sake. ¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not for my sake, Meredith.¡±

    I was stunned by the speaker. I immediately turned around to that familiar voice. A man was walking towards me. I knew immediately that it was Rupert because of his clothes, his hair and his voice.

    I asked him to be here because I wanted to tell him about the treatments I should get for my cancer.

    I stood up and waited for him toe to me. When he was standing up a foot away, he immediately said, ¡°It¡¯s not for my sake,¡± he said again. He put both of his hands in his jeans pockets. ¡°You¡¯re just being selfish.¡±

    ¡°I am not being selfish. I want to help you. I want to give you the freedom to live a better life. It¡¯s for you,¡± I replied to him.

    He shook his head. ¡°For me?¡± He took a step forward. Then he cupped my face with both of his hands. ¡°¡®I want to help you¡¯, ¡®I want to give you the freedom to live a better life ¡®; it all starts with ¡®I¡¯ ¡­ You are the subject and not me. It¡¯s not for me, Meredith Kaye. ¡±

    My mouth fell open at what he said. He ced his forehead on mine and that¡¯s when I saw his glistened eyes. He was crying and it was like my heart was broken because of that.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t leave me. Just don¡¯t push me away,¡± he murmured. His eyes were teary and begging.

    I could feel it. He¡¯s in pain but he wanted to stay.

    ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t cry. I won¡¯t leave, Rupert. Instead, I want you to stay.¡± His tears fell and he started sobbing. I held his face and kept his gaze on me. ¡°I want you to be there when they will inject me with my chemo drug. I want you to be there to hold my hair when I have to puke because of my medicine. I want you to be there next to me when I cry because my hair is falling out. I want you to be there to consume the foods I can¡¯t eat because my body hurts so much from the treatment.¡±

    I sobbed with him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I hugged him closer. He snuggled his head on my chest and I told him the things I want him to do for me while I am fighting my disease. It was an endless list of sacrifices from his end- almost all of which he alone would give.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­ That¡¯s how selfless you should be if you want to stay with me. I can¡¯t give you anything while I¡¯m fighting my illness. I can¡¯t think if you¡¯re sad or if your day is good because I¡¯m focusing on myself and my miserable life. I will only think about myself.¡± I caressed his hair and kissed the top of his head. ¡°Are you still sure you want to marry me? Are you really sure you¡¯re not going to be tired doing all the sacrifices?¡±

    ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t cry. I won¡¯t leave, Rupert. Instead, I want you to stay.¡± His tears fell and he started sobbing. I held his face and kept his gaze on me. ¡°I want you to be there when they will inject me with my chemo drug. I want you to be there to hold my hair when I have to puke because of my medicine. I want you to be there next to me when I cry because my hair is falling out. I want you to be there to consume the foods I can¡¯t eat because my body hurts so much from the treatment.¡±

    I sobbed with him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I hugged him closer. He snuggled his head on my chest and I told him the things I want him to do for me while I am fighting my disease. It was an endless list of sacrifices from his end- almost all of which he alone would give.

    ¡°Rupert ¡­ That¡¯s how selfless you should be if you want to stay with me. I can¡¯t give you anything while I¡¯m fighting my illness. I can¡¯t think if you¡¯re sad or if your day is good because I¡¯m focusing on myself and my miserable life. I will only think about myself.¡± I caressed his hair and kissed the top of his head. ¡°Are you still sure you want to marry me? Are you really sure you¡¯re not going to be tired doing all the sacrifices?¡±

    I felt his head nod and his hug around my waist tightened. ¡°Just ¡­ J-Just don¡¯t leave me. Just fight. J-Just don¡¯t leave me.¡± He raised his head from leaning on my chest and then he kissed my chin. ¡°Just don¡¯t leave me- Just stay by my side, Meredith Kaye.¡±

    I smiled, realizing how certain he was about me.

    I found myself nodding. I then kissed his forehead. We sat on the ground. His head rested on my shoulder as I wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

    Now, I had to tell him about my options.

 Chapter 55 Plot Twist

    ¡°I have to undergo chemo and then surgery to remove my tumor. Then, I have to undergo radiotherapy after the surgery.¡±

    ¡°I will hold your hand throughout those treatments, Meredith. I will always be waiting for you outside the therapy room and the surgery room,¡± he said, making me immediately smile even more. He inteced our fingers together and then kissed the back of my hand. ¡°After your treatment, we will have our church wedding.¡±

    I took a deep breath. I needed to tell him. ¡°My doctor suggested mastectomy.¡±

    He stiffened.

    And that scared me.

    ¡°My doctor said I am susceptible to the recurrence of my cancer because of my genes. He thinks mastectomy can be a help to free myself from the curse of cancer. Both of my breasts will be removed,¡± I said without even blinking an eye.

    He was silent and the bitter feeling instantly caved in.

    He removed his head from leaning on my shoulder and he also let go of my hand.

    My eyes immediately stung. When he faced me, I was quick to lower my head just so he would not see my face. I tried to hold my tears but the pain of losing Rupert was too much. The tears fell without my permission.

    I expected this. He was still a man. Of course, he liked me first because of my body. After all, sex was the reason we met each other.

    ¡°Are you backing out on every promise you said?¡± I asked him. I thanked the heavens above that my voice didn¡¯t shake even though my tears kept falling on my cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can understand. I didn¡¯t wear the ring you gave me because I-I expected this reaction from you.¡±

    I was about to wipe my tears when Rupert cupped my face with both of his hands. He lifted my face and our eyes met.

    ¡°Are you going to do it? Are you going to have a mastectomy?¡± he asked me. I wanted to look away from him but he stopped me. He kept my gaze on his.

    I reluctantly nodded. My heart was racing. The thought that Rupert would be gone was very painful. ¡°I want to live freely- free from cancer. It¡¯s my way to survive, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Will you be okay after the mastectomy? Did your doctor guarantee that your condition will be fine after the procedure?¡±

    I looked at him confused. I could hear the concern in his voice.

    ¡°I¡¯ll remove both of my breasts. I¡¯ll never have breast cancer again and it will decrease the risk of cancer cells growing in my other organs.¡±

    He nodded and then kissed my forehead. ¡°You? I know this is a difficult decision for you but I still want to ask; can you handle that change in your body?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna leave me?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°No way. There¡¯s no way I¡¯ll leave you. I¡¯m going to marry you, Meredith. Not at church first because you need to get well. But I don¡¯t have any n of leaving you.¡±

    Is Rupert for real?

    ¡°Even if my breasts are removed? My body won¡¯t be the same, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°Tss,¡± he gave me a peck on my lips, ¡°I love your scars- no matter how many. I love every imperfection of yours, Meredith. Let¡¯s just,¡± his lips smiled, ¡°stay with each other through the good and bad. ¡±

    I was stunned and stared at him. I just stared at him, fascinated by how his face, little by little, became vivid. His blurred face gradually brightened in front of me. Simultaneously with my heart beating fast with joy, I gradually saw the totality of his face just like the night when he confessed to me and made my heart swell with so much happiness.

    I gaped at him. ¡°Rupert.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making me even more proud of you, Meredith. Only a brave heart can do what you¡¯re going to do.¡± He was looking at me with admiration and my heart melted. ¡°I¡¯m just behind you in everything you face. I love you.¡±

    I nodded. I smiled at him before taking his face in my hands. ¡°I can see you again,¡± I whispered, intently looking at his handsome face.

    ¡°For real?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My fiance is handsome,¡± I told him and my smile widened when his cheeks reddened. ¡°Thank you for choosing to stay. Thank you for loving me. I love you, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re staring too much, Sweetie.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t me me. I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll see you like this again.¡±

    We stayed like that. I was just staring at him and he was making weird facial expressions- from a happy face, ¡°This is how handsome I am when I smile,¡± to a grumpy frowning face, ¡°This is my face when you have a period and we¡¯re not allowed to do it.¡±

    Iughed.

    Like what he said, I memorized his facial expressions. I printed it in my head- how he smiles, how heughs, how he frowns, how he jokes, how he will tell me I am beautiful and how he will say how much he loves me like an oath.

    Do you see this man, Ma? He¡¯s the guy I am talking about. His name is Rupert Santos. I will marry him and he promised to stay with me. He loves me and I love him. He epts me and my difficulties. Somehow, things are a bit lighter because of him. Don¡¯t worry about me.

    Momentster, aforting silence enveloped us and we stayed like that. Until¡­

    ¡°Hi. I¡¯m Rupert Santos. I will marry your daughter.¡±

    I was stunned and immediately turned to Rupert. His face was a bit blurry again but I didn¡¯t mind. I still remember his face and that¡¯s already enough for me.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked him.

    He took my hand and then kissed it. Then, he faced my mother¡¯s grave again. ¡°I am a band vocalist and I n to be a doctor. This year, I will graduate with my undergrad degree. I¡¯ll soon enter medical school and be busy. But I promise I will love Meredith and I will take care of her as her husband. I will apany her in everything she wants to do. You can count on me. I hope you will ept me for Meredith. ¡±

    I smiled. This man was beyond any woman¡¯s ideal guy.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t sing to her ¡®Marry Your Daughter¡¯,¡± I teased him, knowing how cheesy he could get.

    Rupert smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll sing that to your Dad.¡±

    ¡°What the?¡± Iughed and he just yfully winked at me.

    Rupert told Mama a lot about what happened between us, so we stayed there for a while. ¡°You¡¯re being talkative again,¡± I pointed out, grinning widely at him.

    Heughed out loud before kissing my cheek. ¡°I have a lot of talent in my mouth.¡± Then, he pecked my lips.

    I was blown away by his antics. ¡°So, are we leaving?¡±

    He was stunned then tightened his grip on my hand. He heaved a deep sigh. ¡°Let me talk to Ava.¡±

    My forehead furrowed.

    He kissed my forehead and then he turned his gaze to the tomb next to my mother.

    My mouth fell open.

    Then and there, that strange memory came back to me.

    That day, I was released from hospital after months of treatment, and I went straight to Mama¡¯s grave and saw a man sitting next to my mother¡¯s grave. He looked pathetic that day.

    I looked at the name on the marble tomb next to my mother¡¯s. ¡°Ava Peony Lazarte,¡± I murmured, shocked.

    I heard Rupert chuckled before he kissed my temple. He put his arm around my shoulder. ¡°I met a woman here, almost a year ago. She has long hair and a pretty annoying mouth,¡± he said, knowingly.

    With wide eyes, I looked up at him. I couldn¡¯t see his face again but I bet he was grinning.

    ¡°I would never forget what she told me that day- Sometimes the road not taken was a lot much worse .¡±

    ¡°You¡­ So, you¡¯re that pathetic guy?¡± I gasped.

    He tucked a loose strand of my hair. ¡°You¡¯re cute when you¡¯re greatly surprised, Sweetie.¡± I heard the teasing tone in his voice so I pped his chest.

    Heughed and I gave him the deadliest re.

    That scene came back to me. I couldn¡¯t believe this.

    ¡°I told you, didn¡¯t I? We met already even before at the bar.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re naughty. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Heughed out loud. ¡°You called me an asshole that day, Meredith Kaye Santiago. I don¡¯t think you left a good impression on me to be friendly with you,¡± he said, amused.

    ¡°Just shut up.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°sh news. You love this asshole and you¡¯re going to get married to me.¡±

    ¡°Can you shut up?¡± I giggled, rolling my eyes at him as he enjoyed my still half bewildered and shocked expression.

    Then and there, I realized we were destined to meet each other. We¡¯re both broken souls trying to live life after a tragedy.

    Now, we¡¯re going to live life with each other. What a plot twist we have here.

 Chapter 56 One Year Ago

    One year ago ¡­

    ¡°Congrats, Edith. A year has passed. I don¡¯t think you should worry anymore. Everything is going to be okay from here.¡±

    I looked at Bailey because of what she said. I nudged her side before getting off of the car¡¯s passenger seat. I turned around at the driver¡¯s seat and then peeked at the window. ¡°Five years, Bailey. Eian said- I mean Dr. Baller, I have to be healthy for five years straight to say I don¡¯t really have cancer anymore,¡± I reminded her before sighing a deep breath.

    ¡°One year was still a long time,¡± she replied to me before patting my forehead. ¡°It¡¯s not because the standards are five years to say you¡¯re cancer free, you¡¯re invalidating the one year you¡¯re healthy. You should be thankful for that.¡±

    I frowned at her before yfully swatting her hand away which was patting me like a kid. ¡°One year is only twenty percent of the five years. A lot more can happen. I still can¡¯t figure it out. My cancer can stille back.¡±

    ¡°Stop your negativity. You¡¯re ruining it. You just received a very good result from your tests and then you¡¯re ruining the good news right away.¡± She started the car¡¯s engine before averting her gaze back at me. ¡°Just tell your mom that you are healthy for one year after recovering from cancer. For sure she will be happy.¡±

    I shrugged my shoulders before I nodded at my dear best friend. Although we often did not get along, I am very grateful that she did not leave me during the hard times. ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± I told her before waving her goodbye. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Mama for maybe an hour then I¡¯ll head straight to the karaoke bar near here.¡±

    Baileyughed at what I said. ¡°You¡¯re really weird in terms of celebration. Karaoke, really? Very old school.¡±

    I rolled my eyes at her. ¡°You said I should celebrate the fact that I¡¯ve been healthy for a year and now you¡¯re making fun of my way of celebrating?¡±

    Bailey chuckled. ¡°Whatever. I have to leave. I have some business to take care of. Again, congrats for your one year, Edith.¡±

    She was about to raise the window of the car when I stopped her. I grinned at her. ¡°Are you gettingid tonight?¡±

    She coughed at my question before pping my hand that was holding the window. ¡°I¡¯m going. Stop being nosy. Go home right away after talking to your mom. Stop causing distress to your dad.¡±

    I smirked at her. I hope everyone really has an active sex life. I just shook my head as Bailey¡¯s car pulled away. I just waved at her before turning around and finally entering the cemetery.

    I was here to visit my mother¡¯s grave.

    It had been a year since I left the hospital after months of medication against my breast cancer. My tumor was sessfully removed after a surgery and my cancer cells were also removed after months of radiotherapy. But ¡­ I still needed toplete that five years.

    That¡¯s the only time I could really say that I was free from cancer. I didn¡¯t really want to give myself false hopes. It would be more painful if I did.

    I took a deep breath before adjusting the strap of my shoulder bag. I held the bunch of tulips in my hand tightly as I walked towards the big white gate of the ce.

    I greeted the guard at the entrance before walking to the cobblestone pathway that would lead me to my mother¡¯s grave. I put some loose strands of my hair behind my ears. Then, I put a big smile on my lips.

    Of course, I was still notfortable. It was just a year since the day I was diagnosed with cancer and I cried at my mother¡¯s grave because I thought I was going to die.

    And now, I am still here. I couldn¡¯t deny the fact that I am happy today.

    It¡¯s nice to see things were finally going my way after some time of struggles and pain.

    When I arrived at Mama¡¯s grave, I immediatelyid down the flower I was holding on her stone. I¡­ I honestly don¡¯t know what to say.

    So I just stood there, smiling as if my mother could see me. I hoped my smile was enough to tell her that I could manage and she didn¡¯t have to worry about me from wherever she was.

    ¡°I¡¯m stronger now, Ma,¡± I whispered through the cold wind breeze.

    Yes. I was way stronger than I was before.

    I was about to sit on the ground next to my mother¡¯s grave when someone sobbed.

    I raised an eyebrow as I turned to my right. There¡¯s a man, sitting on the ground, crying like hell. He was crying at the grave next to Mama. It looks like the tomb is still new because there is no grass around the tomb and obviously the soil was just recently dug.

    I looked around us but no one was around. It was just him and I.

    I ran my hand through my hair, getting frustrated from everything he was saying while sobbing like a baby.

    Tss. He was just saying sorry. But what else can sorry do? The human he is apologizing to is already dead. It¡¯s worthless to say his regrets to the dead- it¡¯ll just get buried.

    I winced at how loud he was sobbing right now. I shook my head after a few seconds of looking at the pathetic man before I looked back at Mama¡¯s grave. I did have a lot of regrets and words unsaid to my mother- but a dead person deserves peace.

    ¡°This guy is really getting on my nerves,¡± I muttered to myself after some minutes passed and he was still crying.

    I¡¯m just here to tell Mama that I managed to stay healthy for the past one year and I only have four years to deal with it. But I guess, I couldn¡¯t do that. Not when there¡¯s a man here who would probably get an acting award for the amount of tears he already shed.

    I was even more annoyed when I heard him say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I didn¡¯t protect you.¡±

    Again, what can he apologize for? The person is already dead!

    That¡¯s thest straw. For me, the most disgusting of all kinds of people is the hypocrite. The one who felt sorry or hurt in the end but when he had the chance to utter the apology he did wrong, he didn¡¯t do it or say it.

    ¡°Sometimes the road not taken was a lot much worse,¡± I said, giving him a sideway nce.

    I couldn¡¯t see his face because of my prosopagnosia but by the way his hair was messily brushed and the tattered jeans he was showing- I guess, he had an out-of-control kind of personality. A deviant.

    He was stunned because of what I said. His bodynguage seemed surprised for my sudden intrusion.

    I immediately looked back at Mama¡¯s grave. I smirked.

    Finally, he stopped sobbing. He was such a nuisance.

    After a while, the long silence was cut by my own loud sigh. I looked at him again and then I noticed his hand was ced on his neck. I suddenly remembered the henna tattoo of a dragonfly on my neck.

    I guess that temporary tattoo caught his attention.

    I shook my head before peeking at the name of the tomb he was crying at. Ava?

    Ah ¡­ So, it¡¯s a woman. Maybe his girlfriend.

    Suddenly, I felt sorry for him. Judging by the way he dressed and cried earlier, I guess he was young- or the same age as me.

    It looks like for the rest of his life he will bear the death of his girlfriend. That sucks.

    ¡°Why did she die?¡± I asked, after a couple of seconds of silence.

    I heard the hesitance in his answer, ¡°To escape the pain.¡±

    I raised an eyebrow before realizing what he meant. I smirked. Escape the pain? That¡¯s a very romanticized way of describing that awful thing.

    ¡°You mean suicide?¡± I couldn¡¯t hide the sarcasm in my voice.

    Whenever I knew someone who did the same bullshit I once tried after being pathetic because of my cancer- I couldn¡¯t help but to be infuriated. Obviously, because suicide was never the answer tobat pain or any negativity. It¡¯s just bullshit.

    Why did you do that, Ava?

    ¡°I guess, I couldn¡¯t sugarcoat it huh?¡± He smirked before brushing his hair. He stood up and then put both of his hands to the pocket of his jeans.

    A long silence passed the both of us before I said what I was thinking. I faked a cough before looking at the blue sky. ¡°Why bother to say sorry if the person was dead already? She can¡¯t hear you. You should have said everything before she died,¡± my voice was emotionless and probably my face as well. The only thing in my voice were disgust and frustrations for people like him.

    The thing about life- once it expires, you couldn¡¯t do anything to have it back. So, why are there people like him who wait until death to apologize ¨C before expressing their true feelings.

    ¡°Stop imposing your opinion on my life,¡± the man replied to me.

    I faked augh before nodding. I took a deep breath to calm my annoyance. ¡°I see. You¡¯re a dumb person.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    I smirked and then turned at him. I¡¯m just d I wouldn¡¯t remember him. I don¡¯t like people like him in my life. ¡°Your voice is quite hoarse but it has a good pitch. Your perfume is also manly- too manly for my nose.¡± I grinned before shrugging. ¡°Good thing I won¡¯t remember you. I don¡¯t want dumb people in my life. Those kind of dumb whose minds are close from other¡¯s perspectives.¡± Then I turned my back on him.

    I was still not satisfied and I raised my right hand. I raised my middle finger to the sky before giving him very helpful advice, ¡°Live in regrets, asshole!¡±

    Then, I left the cemetery. Like what Bailey said, I should celebrate this year because my cancer has note back. So I didn¡¯t have time to listen to that man¡¯s cruelty. He lost the chance and so I forbid him to regret it. We shouldn¡¯t regret things that were noting back. That¡¯s hypocrisy.

    Like I told Bailey, I went straight to karaoke near my former high school. It has been my haven ever since, especially when there are important things happening in my life ¨C good or bad. I was here when I won a debate for the first time. I was here when I had my first ever crush. I was here when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. And I was also here when she died.

    I was here too when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age of twenty.

    ¡°Meredith?¡±

    I smiled at Kuya Oscar who is the owner of this karaoke bar. The top of his head is bald and it looks like he¡¯s carrying a four-month-old fetus because of his big and round beer belly.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± I told him, excitedly.

    I was shocked when he did not immediately answer me. But when he wiped his cheeks, that¡¯s when I chuckled.N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    ¡°Finally you¡¯re back, Edith.¡±

    Edith ¡­ That was what most people who knew me during high school used to call me.

    ¡°I¡¯m still alive, Kuya Oscar. Don¡¯t make me cry,¡± I teased him before pointing to my favorite karaoke room- room 12. ¡°No one is in my favorite room right? I will reserve it.¡±

    He chuckled before nodding enthusiastically. ¡°Room 12 is free now. You really know when toe here and reserve that room,¡± he joked to me before handing me the song book.

    Iughed before grinning widely. ¡°Really? It¡¯s free? Are you sure about that? I might be here all day. Imagine the money you can earn if you make me rent Room 12?¡±

    ¡°Take this,¡± he pointed out in the song book, ¡°before I change my mind!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m easy to talk to, Mang Oscar.¡±

    ¡°I missed your jokes, you kid. All right. Get drowned on singing inside. I hope it¡¯s for something good, Edith.¡±

    I gave him a salute, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. This is a celebration,¡± before heading straight to room 12. With a wide grin on my face, I sat on the old cushion in front of the karaoke machine. The lights were dancing ording to the beat of the music being yed by the karaoke machine.

    ¡°The heck?¡± I looked closely on the TV screen just to make sure I was seeing things correctly. ¡°Why are there so many saved songs here?¡±

    Yes. As in, there were a bunch of saved songs that were soon to be yed. Don¡¯t tell me, thest user of room 12 didn¡¯t finish these songs and just left? Crazy. Each song actually cost five pesos.

    I smirked before I took the microphone. I don¡¯t want to cancel the song. Most of them are actually my favorite. I guess thest user of this room got the same music interest as mine. Most of the saved songs were either from FM static and The Cab.

    | I remember the days we spent together

    Were not enough |

    This was thest song on the saved songs. Tonight by FM Static. One of my favorites and probably the best song to mirror what I feel right now.

    It¡¯s still clear in my memory ¡­ That night- when the doctor told me, my mother gave up after months of battling it out against cancer.

    It hurts ¡­ And I was angry.

    But now, all I could say was that I was so proud of my mother for fighting and at the same time for epting that she had to give it up. As I grew older, I realized that there were battles you couldn¡¯t fight ¡­ And there were chances that were only meant for giving up.

    | Tonight I¡¯ve fallen

    and I can¡¯t get up |

    Watch me there, Ma. I¡¯ll make you proud.

    Just when the second verse of the song entered, the door of the karaoke room swung open. The familiar manly scent entered my nostrils. My forehead furrowed when a man wearing tattered jeans and messy brown hair entered.

    He was wearing the same clothes as the pathetic man from the cemetery. I could be wrong, though. Maybe it¡¯s just a coincidence that they have the same clothes and smell.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± That¡¯s all I could tell him when he kept going.

    He took the microphone from my hand and then sat in the vacant space beside me. He didn¡¯t even look at me.

    He just continued what I was singing and I couldn¡¯t get the microphone back from him because of his nice voice.

    He could sing ¡­ No, he was a singer.

    | When it hurt so bad sometimes

    Not having you here ¡­ |

    No. Let me correct myself. I can¡¯t get the microphone back from him not because he¡¯s good at singing ¨C it¡¯s because I can feel the intense pain in his voice. His voice was shaking and he was holding the microphone a little tighter than he should. I couldn¡¯t see his face but I could definitely feel his pain.

    Was this because of the girl lying on the grave beside my mother¡¯s?

    | I sing,

    ¡°Tonight I¡¯ve fallen and

    I can¡¯t get up,¡± |

    I bit my bottom lip when the song ended. Silence filled room 12. I looked straight at the TV screen in front of the two of us.

    I thought the silence wouldst eternity when he spoke. His natural husky voice filled my ears.

    ¡°I rented this room. Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Kuya Oscar said, there¡¯s no one here in room 12. Why did you leave? Someone took your ce,¡± I smirked.

    He sighed. ¡°Yeah. Why did I leave? Someone stupid took my ce.¡±

    I was stunned by what he said. What I said was supposed to be a sarcastic joke. But for him, it sounded like he meant something more.

    ¡°Huh?¡± I looked at him.

    He sighed again. ¡°If I didn¡¯t leave, she wouldn¡¯t know that idiot. All the stupidity she went through wouldn¡¯t happen to her.¡±

    I stared at him ¨C at his blurred face.

    ¡°This would be nice if I could see your face. You look like you¡¯re blushing with anger,¡± I guessed when I finally realized what he was saying.

    I see. It¡¯s about him and the dead girl in his life.

    ¡°Did you know that the idiot who took my ce made Ava his mistress?¡±

    I raised an eyebrow before looking back at the TV screen again. ¡°Ah ¡­ Is it like how I sang out of tune all the songs you saved? You could¡¯ve sung it better but you left and lost your chance to sing them,¡± I said, grinning at the metaphor unfolding right before my eyes.

    ¡°Exactly. I could¡¯ve loved her better if I didn¡¯t leave. She wouldn¡¯t have met that idiot if I had stayed.¡±

    I shook my head before tapping him on the shoulder. ¡°As if she will let you love her if you stay.¡± I took a deep breath before leaning back in our seat. ¡°From the way you said it, you and the ¡®idiot guy¡¯ are the exact opposites. And the girl you are talking about fell to a guy who ispletely different from you. Do you get what I¡¯m saying here?¡±

    ¡°That even if I stayed, she would still love him?¡± I could feel the frustrations in his voice. He looked at me from my peripheral vision but I remained looking at the screen.

    ¡°You can¡¯t change a person¡¯s preference. Especially those preferences that grow roots in their hearts.¡± I remembered my mother. ¡°There are just things that won¡¯t change no matter how much you try to change it.¡±

    He fell silent and I took it as a chance to tell a story. He¡¯s a stranger, I don¡¯t think I will meet him again. Better seize this opportunity to have someone who will listen to me and then will forget what I said.

    ¡°My mother died after giving up on her treatment. Do you know how much I begged her to fight back? I knelt down in front of her. I cried.¡± I smiled bitterly remembering that painful moment. ¡°She said she loves me but she added that she needs to leave me.¡±

    ¡°Are you mad at your mom?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I need her. I can¡¯t afford to lose her. I doubted her love because of anger.¡± My fists clenched. ¡°Butter on, I regret that I felt all that. Because when it was my turn to fight against cancer- I immediately chose to give up. That¡¯s when I realized that it¡¯s not the cancer or the chemotherapy that hurts when you acquire cancer.¡±

    He sighed and I found myself letting my tears fall.

    ¡°You know what hurts? It¡¯s so painful to see the people you love and are important to you hurting and suffering because of you. That¡¯s when I finally realized why my mother gave up and left.¡± I expelled a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s like freeing me and Dad from the pain ¡­ She doesn¡¯t want us to get hurt because of her.¡±

    I cried. And he cried as well.

    Inside the room 12, we used each other¡¯s shoulders as a strong wall to lean our heads and cry.

    Just cry ¡­ Until our tears got tired of falling.

    ¡°I fear that Ava is still suffering even in the afterlife.¡±

    ¡°I fear that my cancer wille back in the future.¡±

    We looked at each other. For sure, he could see my runny nose and swollen eyes. While all I could see was his blurry face.

    ¡°I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°No need to say your name,¡± I interrupted his introduction. I smirked at him. ¡°Believe me, I won¡¯t remember you.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°I won¡¯t introduce myself. I just want to say, I¡¯m thankful for the talk. That¡¯s all.¡±

    I snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not thankful.¡±

    ¡°Yeah right.¡±

    ¡°Yeah right too.¡±

 Chapter 57 Choosing to Live

    I looked at Rupert who was sitting on the front seat of the audience area. Next to him were Bailey, Sir Romeo and Ma¡¯am Juliet. On hisp was arge handbag full of my things; my lunch, some extra t-shirts, and medicines. He was in an unusually clean casual today- neat white polo with casual jeans and rubber shoes. His curly brown hair was put in a fixed brush up style.

    So I was no longer surprised that every woman we met entering the venue was attracted to him.

    ¡°Are you ready, Meredith?¡± Cherry asked me, holding my right arm to assist me.

    I chuckled before I freed myself from her hold. ¡°I¡¯m okay, Che. You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°But you had a nose bleed earlier. If you don¡¯t want Cherry to support you, let me,¡± Minzy argued.

    I immediately shook my head. ¡°Please don¡¯t treat me like a weak patient. I don¡¯t want to remember my condition on this important day.¡±

    Cherry and Minzy were stunned. David put his arm around Minzy and ruffled her hair. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on thepetition. We have to win. We¡¯ll take Meredith to the nationals no matter what happens,¡± David said and that made me smile.

    Regionals came. And because of this, I had to dy my treatment.

    My body was bing weak as days passed by. Gradually, I began to feel the effects of my cancer. I got tired faster. I had difficulty breathing and I lost my appetite. My body ached more frequently, especially my chest. I was having difficulty breathing most of the time.

    ¡°Get up on the stage then,¡± Gelo interjected before tapping my shoulder. ¡°We have to prepare for our battle.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    I nodded to Gelo who was our team captain. Cherry and Minzy looked at each other before simultaneously saying, ¡°Fighting!¡±

    Iughed as David looked at the two for what they just said. ¡°You¡¯re being unnecessarily too cheerful. It¡¯s creeping me out,¡± he teased them. ¡°That¡¯s what you get for watching too many Korean dramas,¡± he added, earning a re from Cherry and smack on his back from Minzy.

    I just shook my head before looking back at Rupert¡¯s ce. I smiled at him, giving him a weak wave. Even though I couldn¡¯t see his face clearly, I felt him smiling back at me. I just felt it.

    It was a difficult and painful decision for Rupert to agree with what I want; to dy my treatment just so I could attend this debatepetition. He did not agree at first.

    ¡°What? Meredith, are you for real? Did you hear what you said?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Rupert. But this is my decision. I¡¯ll dy my treatment even though my doctor disagreed with this. My father and Bailey also had the same sentiments. But¡­¡±

    ¡°But what?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to dy myself again. I think if I stop now, I won¡¯t be able toe back again to continue what I left behind.¡±

    Chances. No one was really sure when you were going to have the right chance to do something. After recovering from cancer, I didn¡¯t waste any time and got back to where I left things off.

    I promised myself that I would live to the fullest in this second life of mine. But in that promise, I didn¡¯t consider the fact that my cancer coulde back. I thought I had a long future ahead of me so I didn¡¯t fear starting again. A lot of things would happen and I was so sure I was ready to take all the opportunities that woulde in my life.

    But then ¡­

    ¡°Meredith? Where are you going?¡±

    I looked back. Gelo was waiting for me toe up to the stage. We have an hour to discuss our arguments for our debateter.

    ¡°I need to talk to him first,¡± I said, heaving off a deep sigh.

    ¡°We only have an hour to plot the things we will do,¡± he reminded me before nodding.

    I smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll never miss this chance, Gelo. I sacrificed something big this time.¡±

    I sacrificed my life ¡­ For this goal.

    I was somehow having some second doubts after looking at Rupert. Is this worth it? I decided to dy my treatment and that meant allowing my cancer to progress. This could cause my life- and this could hurt Rupert big time.

    I went down the stage then went straight to Rupert. I felt the excitement of the coaches as I approached them. I even heard Bailey calling my name.

    ¡°Meredith? Do you need anything? Are you feeling sick? Nosebleeds again?¡± Rupert immediately stood up to greet me. He was holding the big bag in his hand and he was quick to catch me in his arms.

    I hugged him tightly. This man was loving me more than I expected him to.

    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± I asked him while my embrace around him tightened. My arms were around his neck and my face was buried on the crook of his neck.

    He was caressing my back and I felt him kissing my hair. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is something wrong with you? Do you feel sick? And why would I be mad?¡±

    ¡°Rupert, are you mad at me? Because I chose this debate over starting my treatment?¡± I asked him. I buried my face on his neck.

    I felt his hug tightened around me. ¡°This is not just a debate for you, Meredith Kaye. That¡¯s what I realized when you told me about your decision.¡± He slightly separated me from him. He kissed my forehead and then cupped my cheeks. ¡°I am proud of you for doing this. Although, I am so concerned and scared right now for your condition, I am proud of you for being driven to your goals in life.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for supporting me, Rupert.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not just going to support you here. After this day, you¡¯ll be my other half. Expect me to support you at every step of the way- now and to the future ahead of us.¡±

    I finally lost the weight on my chest because of what he said. I nodded my head and then gave him a peck on his lips. Then I raised my left hand where he was wearing the engagement ring he gave me. ¡°I¡¯m excited to be Mrs. Santoster.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Meredith.¡±

    ¡°I love you too, Rupert.¡±

    And just like that, a little more courage was added to me. Rupert gave me one more hug before he cheered for me to do well.

    I suddenly realized I was lucky to have a supportive and understanding support system. I am lucky that I have a good doctor and friend who is ready to help me on my journey without invalidating my desire to live normally. I¡¯m lucky that I have a dad who doesn¡¯t get tired and I have Rupert who is willing to support me.

    I was right in loving him and epting him in my uncertain life.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not tired after this, we will go straight to the mayor¡¯s office for the civil wedding,¡± Rupert reminded me and that made me smile even more. ¡°Your dad will be there.¡±

    I smiled. ¡°You¡¯re lightening the weight on my chest, Rupert. In the middle of this painful battle, I¡¯m d I found you.¡±

    After my regionals, Rupert and I decided to do our civil wedding. I will never forget the reaction of Dad, Aunt Bernadeth and Bailey when I said that.

    ¡°Are you getting married ?!¡± Aunt Bernadeth and Bailey asked in unison.

    ¡°Rupert and I wanted this to be a small civil wedding for now. We don¡¯t want our marriage to add to our financial struggle because of my treatment. Also, this is so sudden to even n for something bigger,¡± I told my dad who kept his silence. Rupert¡¯s grip tightened on my hand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a reason to keep things slow, Sir. I love Meredith. I want to protect her and I want to be at her side through everything.¡±

    Dad took a deep breath. I was so scared he would disagree but then, ¡°Love and marriage are two different things, Mr. Santos. I hope you and Meredith are aware of that.¡±

    Rupert and I looked at each other. He squeezed my hand before he looked back at my father. ¡°Love is appreciating her good sides and recognizing her achievements,¡± he said, making me stare at him, ¡°On the other hand, marriage is still loving her after knowing her bad sides and staying with her after she fails or she suffers.¡±

    That day, my dad shook Rupert¡¯s hand and tapped his back. He epted him as my fiance and approved of our wedding.

    ¡°Watch me nail thispetition,¡± I said to Rupert whoughed.

    ¡°It¡¯s too early to say this but I know you will win. There is no one better than my future wife,¡± he replied to me, which made meugh as well.

    ¡°You certainly know what to say to make my heartbeat flutter.¡±

    ¡°I love you, future Mrs. Santos.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back. See youter.¡± I kissed him on the cheek before waving goodbye at my coaches and Bailey.

    I was about to return to the stage when someone took my hand. It was Bailey. She gave me a lollipop and even though I couldn¡¯t see her face clearly, I knew she winked at me like she always does just like before.

    ¡°I almost forgot about your magic lollipop. Break a leg, Meredith. It¡¯s nice to see you up on that tform again.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for being there ever since, Bailey.¡±

    After saying goodbye, I faced the stage again. My team was on the right side of the stage, representing the affirmative side. I could feel my adrenaline running in every nerve in my body. Because of that adrenaline, I lost my headache and weakness. I was energized while taking my steps towards the stage.

    It felt like it was just yesterday, when I was standing on a very big stage while people were calling me ¡® debate genius ¡® for presenting arguments that were hard to counteract.

    I smiled. This is what I called living- doing the thing I wanted to do while the people who were important to me were there to cheer and support me. Even if this would cause my life to cut short, I just knew, here and now, that I would not regret this decision.

    This is how I want to live and I will keep living like this. Fuck my cancer. My illness could no longer hinder my desire to live. Living is choosing yourself over the depressing situation you are in. I will not choose my cancer again- This time, I will choose myself and what makes me happy.

    If my time in this world was short, at least I could say I did the things I wanted to do the most- Win the nationals with my friends, make my father happy, and be with Rupert ¡­ For the rest of my remaining life.

 Chapter 58 Sleep and Rest

    Everyone was here. Everyone who was important to me came.

    My dad, Aunt Bernadeth, Bailey, Eian, Uncle Greg, Gelo and my debate team, my coaches and Rupert¡¯s father.

    I was wearing a simple white dress reaching just above my knees. My long hair was falling freely behind my back. Rupert was wearing a simple all-white suit and I know he looked good in it.

    I looked at Rupert who was holding my hand. I smiled at him while tears were welling up in my eyes. I couldn¡¯t clearly see his face aside from the shiny metal ring on his lips. It¡¯s frustrating and ever since the wedding ceremony started, I keep wishing to see his face on this special moment.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye Santiago,¡± he slid the wedding ring on my finger, ¡°you¡¯re so beautiful.¡±

    I giggled. He was supposed to say his vow but here he was,plimenting me for the nth time.

    ¡°Proceed to your vow, Mr. Santos. I¡¯m quite tired,¡± I murmured before winking at him.

    That¡¯s the truth. After the debate, I couldn¡¯t deny how weak I was feeling now. And even though I rested and fell asleep before our civil wedding started, I still feel tired. Maybe it¡¯s because of the medicine I was taking or maybe it¡¯s because of my condition.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

    Rupert took a step forward and circled his arm around my waist. I was surprised but I didn¡¯t push him. Instead, I wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned my head on his chest.

    I heard the whispers of our guests. There was a smallmotion from them and I was so sure, that was because they were all concerned about me.

    ¡°Tell them, I¡¯m okay,¡± I whispered, hugging Rupert tightly. ¡°I just want to hug my husband.¡±

    Rupert sighed butter on, I felt him kissing the top of my head. He then whispered, ¡°We haven¡¯t exchanged vows and rings yet. The wedding isn¡¯t over yet. I¡¯m not your husband yet.¡± I could hear the yful tone of his voice and that made me smile. I know he was trying to lighten up the mood and for that, I am very thankful.

    ¡°Calm down, everyone. My wife really loves me so she wants us to exchange vows like this,¡± Rupert said in his energetic voice and yet the way he was holding me- tight and very gentle- confirmed his deep worry for me.

    I love this man. I would love to hold him like this until myst breath.

    The surroundings became quiet again and Rupert let out another deep sigh. He caressed my hair before he started saying his vow.

    ¡°To be honest, I didn¡¯t see youing, Meredith Kaye Santiago. I was nning to spend this life on my own not until I saw you again. That night- when you said you wanted to live and not just survive. There and then, I knew. I knew that my life would change because of you. And you know what I did, right? I embraced the change. I jumped without thinking much. And I¡¯m d I did. ¡±

    I am d too, Rupert. I will never regret the night when I embraced what it was like to actually live. I was d Rupert was with me that night.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been together for a very long time and there¡¯s no certainty of what will happen next between the two of us. But who cares? I just want to be with you, Meredith. I will always hold your hand and I won¡¯t get tired of taking care of you. I will treasure all the moments with you and enjoy all the things we will discover together in this marriage. I love you, Meredith. Thank you for rescuing me when I almost gave up in this life. ¡±

    I smiled before closing my eyes. My hug tightened around Rupert¡¯s waist before taking a deep breath. I opened my eyes. I gathered all my remaining strength for the day to say my vow.

    I slightly pulled away from hugging him then he was surprised. My hand reached for his face and I softly caressed it.

    This man ¡­ Was the light in this dark tunnel that I was walking through. He was the reason why I started living and why I was continuing living.

    ¡°I¡¯m d that the people around us didn¡¯t question our sudden marriage. They all came here to support us. Is that because I am sick?¡± I giggled.

    That was supposed to be a joke- me trying to lighten up the gloomy mood of my wedding. But when I heard a sob- my tears automatically welled up my eyes.

    ¡°Cherry, stop that,¡± I heard someone hissed.

    The suppressed sob ¡­ Was followed by louder sobs. This time, I know that it¡¯s not just one person who cries.

    ¡°I am sick and I have prosopagnosia, Rupert. But you still love me. Thank you for giving me space in your heart. Thank you for making me feel different emotions and for making my second life a little bit more extraordinary.¡±

    My tears were falling ¡­ But my heart was swelling with so much love and happiness right now.

    Though, my reality sucks- ¡°I am d you are part of my reality, Rupert Santos. I love you.¡± I put the ring on him. I kissed the ring on his finger before I let my sobs escape my mouth. ¡°I-I love you ¡­ I love you so much.¡± I took the medal from the stand beside me. It was the medal I received after we won in the regionals. I hung it around Rupert¡¯s neck. ¡°Thank you for understanding me even though this is also hard for you.¡±

    We were all immersed in our lives- the reality where we were all experiencing different situations. I hope everyone can be happy no matter what situation they are in.

    ¡°I love you more, Meredith. Thank you for being my wife today,¡± he whispered to my ear before he wrapped my arms around his neck. The next thing I felt was Rupert lifting me up. He carried me, bridal style.

    My eyes fluttered close as tiredness seeped through my weak body.

    I heard the priest saying, ¡°You may now kiss the bride.¡±

    Rupert kissed my forehead then I heard him whisper, ¡°You did a great job today, Sweetie. I love you.¡±

    I forced my eyes open onest time. Although I was having a hard time, a big smile spread across my lips.

    ¡°I ¡­ I see you, Rupert.¡±

    He smiled at me. ¡°I love you, Meredith. Rest now. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    I closed my eyes in contentment. I¡¯m happy that there is still tomorrow for the two of us.

 Chapter 59 Vulnerability of Humans is Love

    ¡°Loving someone is a manifestation of human¡¯s vulnerability; the risk of hurting someone and being hurt by another person.¡± I smiled before my eyes searched for Rupert¡¯s seat in the audience area. ¡°We lost, we burned and we got hurt ¡­ But we can¡¯t deny the fact that this abstract thing called love is the connection we need as a social being. Without love, this life will be meaningless. Without love, this world will be cruel. Without love, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stand on this stage and carry on in this debate. My love for debate is what kept me going and the love of the people around me is what motivated me to not surrender. ¡±

    Love is being vulnerable.

    And although many of us get hurt after loving someone, ¡°The important thing is the lessons we learned and the memories we had with the person who made us happy. So, it is still better to love even though you might lose. Because a quitter will never be a winner but a loser can eventually win. Same goes with love, to be brave is the only way to really find the love that will make you happy. Don¡¯t resent love. ¡±

    The audience pped their hands after my concluding statement for our team¡¯s side; it is better to love even though there is a risk of losing in the end.

    It was how the nationals went. As Sir Romeo said, the nationals were always unpredictable- and the topic was beyond the generic pattern of debatepetitions.

    I don¡¯t know what the result of ourpetition will be today but one thing is for sure- I am happy. I feel so alive.

    ¡°Love is a destructive thing. Our side still believes that the world will be better if humans didn¡¯t develop the concept of love. If we didn¡¯t let the emotions linger- if we didn¡¯t let the pain be felt- if we didn¡¯t let love nt roots in our hearts- our life would be much simpler and easier. For our conclusion, we would like to remind everyone that love is just an emotion and humans should be the one to control it and not the other way around. To love is to be vulnerable as our opponent argues. But, always remember that no one ever entered a war without armor. ¡±

    Another round of apuse was given for our opponent¡¯s closing remark. After that, a half an hour of recession was dered.

    That¡¯s when I fell on my feet.

    I could no longer disregard how weak I was feeling ever since the debate started. I endured enough time standing. I sat on the floor and Gelo quickly helped me to stand again on my feet.

    ¡°Meredith! Meredith!¡± Cherry and Minzy tried to help me to stand up too. But my legs were getting softer and weaker. My eyesight was also spinning and I had a very bad headache since I woke up today.

    ¡°Oh gosh! Meredith!¡±

    I heard people screaming- and then there was the sound of footsteps rushing towards me.

    ¡°Meredith! Don¡¯t fall asleep! Open your eyes!¡±

    But just a few secondster, as my eyelids grew heavier, my hearing began to decline. I felt someone holding my weak body- that person was holding me tightly.

    ¡°Meredith Kaye! Open your eyes, Sweetie! Please ¡­¡±

    Darkness became more dominant as seconds passed by. I leaned my body on the person who hugged me tightly and let my eyelids fallpletely.

    The pain in my chest was excruciating. The numbness enveloped my body. The next thing I knew, everything went dark and thest thing I heard was Rupert¡¯s familiar deep and husky voice. He was calm when he whispered to my ears, ¡°Hang in there, Sweetie. Please ¡­ Please don¡¯t leave me. I love you.¡±

    I forced myself to nod ¡­ With eyes closed, I answered him in my weak voice, ¡°I love you too¡­¡±

    ***

    ¡°Kris.¡±

    My personal nurse immediately approached me and then helped me remove the wig I was wearing. A month of chemotherapy made me lose all of my hair again.

    I smiled at the mirror¡¯s reflection. Although I couldn¡¯t see my face clearly, it still felt different seeing my head without my long hair.

    ¡°You¡¯re still beautiful, Ma¡¯am Meredith,¡± Kris said as she stood behind me. She was fixing my IV to my wheelchair.

    I was wearing a long white dress reaching my ankles. Around my shoulders was a cream colored shoal. Kris put on my make-up. I was sitting on my wheelchair because my legs were too weak to even stand.

    I stroked my head. ¡°It took me two years to grow my hair long, Kris. It¡¯d been crazy for the past few months to watch my hair fall out, one by one.¡± The smile on my lips left and I sighed heavily to stop myself from crying.

    ¡°Until now I¡¯m still wondering why you didn¡¯t agree to shave your hair before the treatment started.¡±

    I took a deep breath. Why? It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t know the consequences of chemotherapy.

    ¡°Maybe because it¡¯s really hard to just throw away the two years I waited to have my hair that long.¡±

    Time ¡­ It¡¯s the most valuable thing most of us took for granted. And my hair made me realize that. The two years I spent growing my hair long were also the two years that I experienced life with a healthy body and mind.

    ¡°I feel like when I shave my hair, it¡¯s like I¡¯m throwing away the two years I had been happy ¨C the two years I had been free of my pain.¡±

    She caressed my shoulders to console me. I appreciated that. For the past month, Kris became more than my personal nurse. She became another friend of mine. She was the one who was there on asions when I was weak after a session and I didn¡¯t want Rupert to see how I was struggling and hurting.

    ¡°Thank you for being with me throughout my treatment, Kris.¡± I held her hand on my shoulder. The warmthing from her hand never failed to make me feel better.

    ¡°You¡¯re the first cancer patient I¡¯ve taken care of, Ma¡¯am Meredith. It¡¯ll hurt so much if your surgery doesn¡¯t go well. I hope you don¡¯t get tired of fighting.¡±

    I nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best. Many of you are waiting for me after my surgery. I don¡¯t want to disappoint all of you.¡±

    My surgery will be tomorrow. It would be a double surgery; to remove the tumor and to carry on my mastectomy. I was especially nervous and Eian had already warned me of possibleplications. But whenever I would see the determination and hope in Rupert¡¯s eyes- my heart grows stronger.

    ¡°I will pray for your recovery, Ma¡¯am Meredith. We will pray a lot for you.¡±

    Yes. Everything would be just up to Him.

    Kris pushed my wheelchair toward the door of the room. I tightened my grip on the small box containing a ring. Today, I would like to renew my vow to Rupert.

    There is no certainty of the oue of the surgery tomorrow and ¡­ I don¡¯t want to regret it if ever I would not be with Rupert after the operation.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am Bailey called me earlier while you were getting dressed. Sir Rupert is waiting for you at church.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    I nodded and let Kris push the wheelchair I was sitting in towards the church.

    I only have one request now. I hope to see Rupert¡¯s face for onest time.

    When we were in front of the church, I stopped Kris just as she was about to open it. I felt her confused gaze at me and I held her hand tightly.

    My vision was blurred by tears. ¡°W-Why do I feel like this is thest time I¡¯ll see the man I love?¡±

    Finally, I was able to name the heavy feeling in my chest since the moment I woke up today.

    Kris was stunned and immediately knelt down in front of me. She cupped my face and wiped away the tears that were on the brink of falling from my eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. You¡¯re here to strengthen your love.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s also what I want to believe, Kris ¡­ But ¡­ But I feel the pain and weight,¡± I closed my eyes and clutched my chest, ¡°I kept on denying it but this feels like myst goodbye. Why does it feel like I am about to leave?¡±

    Gut-feeling. Suspicion. Vision.

    Most of us don¡¯t believe those concepts because no one could predict the future. However, there were moments when human instincts provided an urate intuition.

    And I don¡¯t want to believe it ¡­ But the feelings felt so strong.

    ¡°Sssh ¡­ Ma¡¯am Meredith, stop crying. You won¡¯t be gone yet. You¡¯re not going somewhere far. After the surgery, you¡¯ll go back to your family ¨C to your husband.¡±

    But I could not stop crying.

    The next thing I knew, the door of the church opened and Rupert rushed towards me. He immediately hugged me.

    ¡°Please ¡­ P-Please Rupert.¡± I hugged his waist and buried my face on his shirt.

    ¡°Meredith. Stop crying ¡­¡± He separated me from him then knelt in front of me. He cupped my face and then kissed my forehead. ¡°Everything is going to be okay. Trust the process and trust God.¡±

    I took the ring I had prepared for today. With shaking hands, I put the ring on his finger. I kissed his hand and then I forced a weak smile on my lips.

    ¡°Meredith ¡­ Please ¡­ Stop looking at me like that.¡± Rupert¡¯s voice trembled. Though I could not see his face clearly, I knew he was about to cry. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like y-you are saying goodbye.¡±

    My tears didn¡¯t stop from falling and my heart broke when Rupert started crying too.

    He suddenly leaned his head on myp while holding my hands tightly.

    I caressed his hair and tried my hardest to remember how it felt through my hand. I remembered the sound of his sobs and the warmth of his tight hold.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t remember me in my darkest days, Rupert. We have other memories together.¡±

    If I could never go back to him, I hope all that is left for him are the good memories we have together.

 Chapter 60 Ever After

    ¡°How are you? I hope you¡¯re doing fine there. Please, be happy wherever you are.¡±

    I was standing beside Rupert as he talked to Ava. He was sitting on the grass opposite its tomb. After finding out that he was the same man I called an asshole a year ago, he asked me to stay for a while- because he was supposed to talk to Ava.

    And so, here we are.

    I was watching him as he talked to his first love. In my hand, I was holding a bunch of roses.

    ¡°I want you to meet her.¡± Rupert turned to look at me. I was not sure if he¡¯s grinning or what. But when he stood next to me and held my hand tightly, I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°She¡¯s Meredith Kaye Santiago, the woman I will marry and will spend the rest of my life with. Isn¡¯t she beautiful? She¡¯s also an inspiring woman and she¡¯s a fighter. I¡¯m actually proud of her. I love her so much , Ava. ¡±

    My mouth dropped open at what Rupert was saying. When he raised my hand and pointed at the ring on my finger as if showing it off to his first love made me feel giddy and really happy. ¡°I bought her a ring and then asked her if she would like to marry me. I was never so sure not until that day I bought the ring.¡± Rupert kissed the back of my hand and then wrapped an arm around my shoulder. ¡°Ava, I could not love any other woman the same way I loved you, that¡¯s for sure. But another thing that I know is that,¡± Rupert pulled me closer and then kissed my temple, ¡°I love Meredith more than I loved you. Thank you for being part of my life. But this is me saying my final goodbye, Ava. From now on, my life is reserved for the woman I will marry.¡±

    ¡°Rupert ¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still friends, aren¡¯t we? Can I make a request from you? Consider this request as your wedding gift.¡±

    I bit my bottom lip when Rupert heaved a deep sigh and then he looked at the bright blue sky above us. ¡°Please, help my wife to win against her cancer. I-I still want to be with her longer. Please ¡­ Take care of her from there. I don¡¯t know what will happen to me if I lose her.¡±

    My arms wrapped around Rupert¡¯s waist. I buried my face on his chest. Hearing someone saying he wanted you to live longer- was soothing and painful at the same time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fight, Rupert. I¡¯ll try to win again,¡± I said before I looked up at the sky too. It was so bright and blue. When will my life be calm and peaceful like this sky?

    ***

    ¡°Mavia! What do you like to say to Mommy?¡±

    My eyes widened in shock when Rupert put our daughter on-the-spot. I pped his arm for what he did.

    Mavia Nanna Santos, our twelve-year-old daughter, was stunned for a while before she took the microphone that Rupert gave her. Mavia was wearing a beautiful pink silk dress reaching her knees. She has a flower crown on her head and a small flower corsage on her right wrist. Her long hair reaching her waist was in soft curls.

    I smiled when I felt her looking at me. Rupert and I held hands as we looked at our daughter who was in the first row of seats.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say a word if you don¡¯t like, Mavia,¡± I said because I knew how shy my daughter was. I gave Rupert a deadly re before pinching his side for what he did. ¡°Stop forcing her,¡± I scolded him.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t force her to speak today at the reception,¡± Rupert said before he kissed my cheek. Our guestsughed. ¡°Mavia asked me for this favor. She volunteered.¡±

    I looked at my husband in disbelief. He¡¯s no longer wearing his piercing since he entered medical school. The shiny thing on his face was gone but I no longer need that to recognize him. I just knew everything about him- because I knew him by heart. I bet he looked dashing in this all-white tuxedo he wore for our church wedding.

    ¡°Mavia wanted to speak in front of these people?¡± I looked around at everyone- whose gazes were all at my daughter.

    Today is my church wedding. And right now, approximately, there were almost a hundred people at this wedding reception. Mavia was neverfortable in front of a crowd. So I looked at her with so much worry.

    Rupert caressed my back to calm me. He then whispered, ¡°Our daughter seems quiet and timid but she loves you so much,¡± Then he wrapped his arm around my waist. He even adjusted the hem of my dress for this reception when I almost stepped on it. We both looked at our daughter who was standing there, holding the microphone, and heaving deep sighs.

    Rupert kissed my temple before he whispered again, ¡°I think Mavia is going to have a panic attack. I shouldn¡¯t have consented in her favor.¡±

    ¡°You know that Mavia fears attention and-¡±

    I was lost for words when Mavia finally opened her lips and said the first four words that really warmed my heart.

    ¡°I love you mom.¡± She was holding the microphone tightly as she kept herself standing.

    For five years since Rupert and I adopted Mavia- this was the first time she said those words.

    Rupert¡¯s grip tightened around my waist. My eyes dimmed with tears. I was so happy and thankful that I was able to still be a mother after all the things I went through.

    ¡°I love you, Dad,¡± Mavia continued before she reached for something on the table in front of her. It was a paper- No. Probably a letter.

    I leaned my head on Rupert¡¯s shoulder and together we listened to Mavia¡¯s message. I know it took a lot of effort and energy from her to stand in front of these people and give us a message.

    ¡°I-I love you two. Thank you for considering me like I am your biological child. Thank you for keeping me away from all the sadness and difficulties. Thank you for protecting me and loving me.¡± Mavia folded the paper and I thought she was done with her speech but- ¡°At first, I didn¡¯t want to get adopted because I thought you would be like thest couple who adopted me. I was afraid I¡¯d be hurt again. I was afraid I was not the child you dreamed of having.¡±

    No, Mavia. You saved me from drowning in my depression and my loneliness. If I hadn¡¯t met her five years ago ¨C maybe even if I had recovered from my cancer, I still wouldn¡¯t be happy. I felt so iplete back then. I removed my breasts and it¡¯s difficult for me to get pregnant because of the cancer treatment I underwent and the mastectomy.

    Not until Rupert brought me to an orphanage. He said we could adopt. It was a hard decision. Part of me felt guilty for not being a capable wife to give Rupert a child. But he assured me and that¡¯s why we ended up at the Sweet Smile Orphanage where we found Mavia- a seven-year-old girl who was so shy- and aloof. She experienced very and abuse from her previous adoptive parents.

    And when I saw her that day- I just knew.

    ¡± Hi. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be adopted. I-I want to grow old here.¡±

    I smiled at that little memory that shed in my head. It has been exactly five years since I recovered from cancer. And it was also five years since Rupert and I became Mavia¡¯s parents.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you regret that you adopted me then,¡± she chuckled and the whole crowdughed as well, ¡°but I don¡¯t regret that I bet on you and got adopted by the two of you. You are my dream parents. Thank you for continuing showering with love; for loving Loki and I like we are your own children.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds this content.

    My gaze went to the ten-year-old boy sitting beside Mavia¡¯s seat. Loki was another adopted child. Rupert took him to me after he was left by his own mother in the hospital where Rupert was working as a resident doctor.

    We both decided to adopt him as well. Unlike Mavia, Loki was the extroverted one. He was always yful and full of energy.

    ¡°I love you too, Mom and Dad! The food here at your reception are all delicious!¡± My boy giggled.

    ¡°Oh gosh, Loki! Stop ruining everything!¡±

    The whole reception hall burst intoughter when my two children got into an argument. Well, Loki always knows how to crack Mavia¡¯s alwaysposed self. Because of his yful quirks, the frown on her sister¡¯s face disappears.

    ¡°Our children are beautiful,¡± Rupert said, which made me look at him.

    I smiled before I leaned forward and kissed his chin. ¡°You raised them well, Dr. Santos.¡±

    ¡°No. You are the best mother for taking care of them so well, Mrs. Santos.¡±

    I smiled. I wrapped my arms around his waist. I lost track of the guests watching us. I kissed him on the lips. ¡°How about as a wife? Do I meet your expectations?¡±

    He swallowed before he pulled my body closer to him. ¡°You¡¯re the best wife. So, I won¡¯t let you restter on our honeymoon.¡±

    ¡°Get a room guys!¡±

    I turned to one who shouted. No other than my dear best friend, Bailey.

    That¡¯s when I realized that the microphone was near Rupert¡¯s mouth and the crowd heard what he said.

    ¡°Rupert Santos!¡± I pped him on the shoulder out of embarrassment.

    He hugged me before bringing the microphone back to him. ¡°My wife and I are really going on a honeymoon, Bailey, because we just got married!¡± Rupert said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

    ¡°There are kids, Rupert!¡± I scolded him.

    ¡°Of course. Forgive me, my wife.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy.¡±

    ¡°Crazy for You.¡±

 Chapter 61 Epilogue

    ¡°Rupert?¡±

    I was stunned to see Rupert entering our bedroom. My eyebrows went up as soon as he finished closing the door, he next took off his necktie.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you on duty now in the emergency room, Dr. Santos?¡± I got up from lying down and sat on the end of the bed.

    It¡¯s already eight PM and my husband is in his second year residency- and he told me he was on duty in the emergency room of their hospital tonight.

    ¡°I miss you, my dear wife.¡± He then took off his long sleeves and dropped his hands on the button of his pants. ¡°Emergency room isn¡¯t busy. Someone relieved me. Can you believe how lucky I am?¡±

    I chuckled, realizing how my husband never really wasted any time. I could hear the yfulness in his voice. The way he was walking slowly- very very slowly- towards me as if he was strip-teasing in front of me made meugh so hard.

    ¡°We¡¯re too old to do that, Rupert!¡± I got up from the bed and approached him. I grinned when he cussed under his breath. I immediately knelt down in front of him and I took off his pants. ¡°Does this mean, I have you all by myself tonight? Right, wife?¡±

    I looked up at him. In front of my face was his growing bulge in the middle of his boxers which was the only dress he was now wearing.

    He caressed the top of my head before he nodded. ¡°I was nning on doing some sensual y, wife.¡±

    ¡°Hmnn ¡­ My husband wants sensual y? Do you want it hard and rough or slow and deep?¡± I teased him. I slowly pulled down his boxers. His hard length sprung open in front of me and I immediately caught it with both of my hands.

    ¡°M-Meredith Kaye ¡­¡±

    Although I could not see his face, I could discern by the manner he was tugging at the end of my hair- how much he wanted me.

    I smiled. After all this time, Rupert never failed to make me feel wanted. He didn¡¯t change the way he looked at me even after I had removed my breasts ¨C and even though I wasn¡¯t the ideal wife because I couldn¡¯t give him a child, he always made me feel the love I deserve. I never felt that I wascking ¨C that I was not enough for him.

    Rupert just loves me for who I am. And it was my greatest treasure in my life. And next to that was our family.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s do that sensual y, Dr. Santos.¡± I squeezed his already hard and huge length before I licked its head. He looked up with a suppressed growl. I was still not satisfied and I sucked the head of his manhood.

    ¡°Ah ¡­ W-Why can¡¯t I moan out loud?¡± I could hear the restraints in his voice as I started to pleasure him with my mouth. Obviously, he should not moan. The kids were just at the other room next to ours.

    I felt Rupert thrusted his hip ¨C forcing me to swallow the whole of his length. He wanted to fuck my mouth.

    But I have other ns.

    I kept on sucking his dick¡¯s head, ying it with my tongue and slightly grazing my teeth on the sensitive hole.

    ¡°Meredith,¡± he sighed when I finally let go of his length.

    Rupert¡¯s breath was ragged as he stroked my hair. I remained kneeling in front of him with a grin on my lips. ¡°Let¡¯s y now, husband.¡±

    ¡°What game?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°Close your eyes and then cover your eyes with your hands. Don¡¯t you dare peek at whatever I will do to you. Also, don¡¯t move your hands away from your eyes. Those are the simple rules,¡± I said while stroking his length with both of my hands. Slowly, I raised my head to watch him obliged of what I wanted him to do. Pre-cum wasing out from him. ¡°If you break those two rules, I¡¯ll punish you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be the death of me, Meredith.¡±

    I bit my bottom lip while continuously stroking his length. ¡°You can also moan as long as it¡¯s not too loud. Be mindful of our kids.¡±

    Rupert took a deep breath before nodding. When he closed his eyes and covered his eyes with his hands, I took that as a signal to stand up and remove all of my clothes.

    When I was finally naked, I stepped forward until I was standing close enough to hold his length and for my mouth to eat his nipples. My mouth alternately sucked on both of his nipples while my hand was busy stroking him, up and down. My hands also yed with his balls and that¡¯s when I heard him begging for me to stop.

    But I didn¡¯t listen. I continued what I was doing. The two of us stood facing each other and both naked. I was pleasing him and he was groaning and moaning my name.

    ¡°My legs are getting soft, Meredith ¡­ Ah ¡­ I¡¯m close ¡­ Oh ¡­ Mrs. Santos, you¡¯re doing it so well.¡±

    My lips went down from Rupert¡¯s breasts down to his thighs ¨C to his abs ¨C until I was on my knees again. I took his hard and throbbing length inside my mouth and he suddenly became quiet.

    I looked up at him as my mouth moved forward and backward along his length. He was not making any sound but his breathing was fast and shallow. His hands were holding his eyes tightly for him to not vite our game¡¯s rules.

    So I love it even more. My hand made its way to his balls while I pushed him deeper in my throat.

    ¡°Shit,¡± he groaned.

    I swirled my tongue, sucked him good, and took him as deep as I could. His manhood grew even bigger and when I felt it throbbing, it was a sign that he was about to reach his release- so, I removed him from my mouth.

    I was quick to stand up and then pushed him to the bed. Hey down while his hands remained covering his eyes. ¡°I have a very obedient husband. I see.¡± I stepped on top of the bed and put my femininity in his mouth. I settled myself kneeling on his chest with both of my knees on the side of his face. My face was facing his length as I felt his breath fanning my femininity.

    My hand touched him again. ¡°Eat me, Rupert. Eat me good.¡±

    When my hand began to y up and down with his manhood, that was the same time I felt his naughty tongue on my throbbing femininity. ¡°Ahh ¡­ You¡¯re doing good. Yes. Lick me there. Oh ¡­¡±

    We were in sixty-nine position and it felt so good. But my libido and body heat doubled because of the full length mirror at the end of the bed where I could see what Rupert and I looked like in this position. He was eating me while I was stroking him.

    My gaze darted to my naked upper body. There were two diagonal scars on my chest- that used to be the position of my breasts. Those scars are big and ugly. I could not remember how long it took me before I epted those scars ¡­ And love them.

    Yes. Now, I am not disgusted by my scars. I love them- I got attached to them and I am proud of them. Therefore, I did not proceed with my breast imnt and restructuring operations. I learned to ept what I have and who I am.

    All thanks to my loving husband who has a very good and hot tongue ¡­

    ¡°R-Rupert!¡± My back arched from the intense pleasure when he started to use another thing to help his mouth in pleasuring my wet core. I felt his fingers enter my core and that made me want to scream. So, to shut myself up from moaning loudly, I took his length inside my mouth. ¡°Hmn¡­ Hmnn¡­¡±

    I watched myself in the mirror as I moved my mouth up and down on his manhood. I was grinding my hips against his mouth as he kept on eating and finger fucking me.

    After a while, I reached my release. Despite my gasping and softening orgasm, I was quick to change my position. I sighed as I sat down on Rupert¡¯s manhood.

    ¡°Fuck ¡­ You¡¯re so hot, Wife.¡± I felt Rupert¡¯s two hands touch both sides of my waists. He guided me in moving on his length.

    ¡°You disobeyed the rules my dear husband.¡± I gave him a quick nce. I turned my back on him as I keptunching myself on his manhood, holding tightly on his thighs for support. He was so deep inside me. It was making me crazy. ¡°You have to be punished.¡± Then I looked back in the mirror.

    I lifted myself up then slowly seated on Rupert¡¯s manhood. I even held his hands on my waist as he slowly entered me.

    The scenario was so hot as I watched it in the mirror.

    We had a very slow yet satisfying rhythm.

    ¡°Move faster, Meredith. Ah ¡­ Faster, wife.¡± I felt Rupert sit up from lying down. His arms wrapped around my waist as I kept on moving up and down at a very slow pace.

    ¡°No ¡­ T-This is ¡­ Ahhh ¡­ So huge.¡± I looked up at the white ceiling of our room as I felt how his big and long shaft was buried in my womanhood. ¡°T-This is your punishment ¡­ Ohh ¡­ for breaking the rules.¡±

    I felt him kissing my neck as his hand yed with my clit. My tempo didn¡¯t change with the movement over Rupert¡¯s manhood.

    ¡°Oh ¡­ Being inside you is so warm, Meredith. Gosh. Sweetie. You¡¯re driving ¡­ Fuck ¡­ I¡¯m going insane.¡±

    The next thing I knew, Rupert was meeting my movement by bucking up his hips. It became more pleasurable for the both of us.

    I watched ourselves in the mirror; how our bodies collided with each other ¨C and the excitement intensified when I saw Rupert looking in the mirror as well. Our gazes met in the mirror. I kept on moving up and down on his length while he kept on thrusting upwards to meet me.

    It was so erotic ¡­ And sensual.

    ¡°Ahhh ¡­ Rupert! I¡¯m ¡­ Oh ¡­ I¡¯ming.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Meredith Kaye. I love you from the deepest part of my heart.¡±

    When I came out ¨C I thought it was over because Rupert wasing out too. But no. Instead, he removed me from hisp and made mey on four in the middle of the bed, still facing the mirror. He positioned himself at my rear, kneeling. Hepped my core for a few minutes before he inserted his shaft inside me again. Rupert imed me in doggystyle and my mouth formed a big ¡®o¡¯ when I felt him hitting the deepest and most delicious part inside me.

    ¡°I love you, Rupert.¡±

    He came inside me. ¡°I love you so much, Meredith.¡±

    We still can¡¯t figure out what happened after that delicious love making when his phone suddenly rang. I giggled when I recognized the ringtone. It was the ringtone assigned to hospital calls.

    ¡°Oh! They said I¡¯m off-duty now?!¡± Rupert whined like a child.

    I justughed. I took his phone. Indeed. It was a call from the hospital where he was working. I handed it to him then started getting dressed.

    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t get dressed, Meredith. We¡¯re still up for round two!¡±

    ¡°Round two your face. That¡¯s an emergency, Rupert,¡± I pointed to the call.

    ¡°You know how much my coworkers always act like annoying cockblockers, right? This is not really important.¡±

    I rolled my eyes and picked up his clothes from the floor. ¡°Don¡¯t fool yourself. You¡¯re only a resident doctor now and you¡¯re already gettingzy in your duties?¡± I teased him before I handed him his clothes. ¡°Answer the call, Dr. Santos.¡±

    ¡°Meredith! I just want us to have alone time together!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making excuses again! Answer the call!¡± Then I stood beside him and hugged him from the side. I smiled when he kissed me on the lips before answering the call.

    And like I expected- there was a sudden emergency. A major traffic ident happened and an extra doctor was needed in the emergency room.

    ¡°Why did I choose to be a doctor again?¡± He sighed before he took his clothes.

    I let him get dressed. He was still stomping his feet and pursing his lips like a child. I just shook my head.

    ¡°I¡¯m proud to have a doctor husband. You¡¯re saving lives, Rupert.¡± I stood up while holding his necktie. I put it on him and arranged it for him. ¡°You¡¯re a hero. Don¡¯t ever hate your job. You¡¯re doing good.¡±

    He cupped my face and then kissed my lips. ¡°Thank you for being the most understanding wife. I love you. I¡¯m also proud of you because soon enough, you¡¯ll be awyer.¡±

    I chuckled. I yfully squeezed his cheeks. ¡°Crazy. I still have a long way to go. I¡¯m just starting.¡±

    ¡°Starting?¡± Rupert kissed my forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that beginning something is already an indication of sess?¡± He kissed my forehead again and then hugged me tightly. ¡°You won¡¯t be awyer if you didn¡¯t even start to be one, Meredith. You¡¯re doing good too. Me, Mavia and Loki are proud of you.¡±

    I sighed in contentment. ¡°That¡¯s enough of you flirting with me. Go to that hospital and save as many lives as you can.¡±

    ¡°I love you, Meredith. I love you and our kids so much.¡±

    I smiled and then kissed his forehead. ¡°I love you more, Dr. Santos.¡±

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