The surrounding turned quiet, Yuri's face turned pink, and all she wished was for the ground to swallow her so she can escape that awkward situation. But then she didn't know that there were terrible things than crashing hard on a glass door and attracting some people to her misery and it was meeting your crush unexpectedly and he suddenly realized that she lied about taking a sick leave.
The people who helped her talk to Mr. Matthews, and he assured those people he knew her and will take her to see a doctor and check on her immediately. It only took them two minutes before Yuri could dissuade him and not take her to the doctor. Luckily, his girlfriend was a nurse and checked the big bump on her head. "There's nothing to worry about. Aside from a big lump, if you don't experience any headache, then your head is okay. Just massage it with oil and put some ice pack for the swelling to calm down. Poor girl, I bet you didn't see that glass door in front." The gentle nurse said.
Yuri was just staring stupidly at the woman in front of her. She has a bad hunch that this is his girlfriend no matter how she looked at it, even if he didn't say it, she knows!
But before she could even ask, Mr. Matthews had already beaten her to it. "Why aren’t you home recuperating? I remember you filed a sick leave, you even submitted a medical certificate."
Yuri can see that despite his stern face, there was also a hint of concern on his face.
"I..."
"Are you hungry?" The woman beside the young professor suddenly speak.
Yuri looked at the woman beside him. This beautiful woman looked so gentle and considerate. But it looks like she treats her like a kid.
"If you are hungry, you can come with us. It's already late, then you can go home afterward." The woman said with a gentle smile on her face.
They decided on a Korean restaurant and ordered some bibimbap, kimchi, and other Korean foods. While they were eating, they did not ask her about school or the reason for not attending school. The woman beside her handsome professor looked like his wife, serving him every dish and filling his glass with water. She felt redundant…
When the woman excused herself to go to the powder room, that's what Yuri asked him about straightforwardly. "Professor Sam, she's your girlfriend, right?"
Mr. Matthews was not surprised. He knows she will ask. "Yes."
"How old is she? You said she's a nurse?"
"She's 28. She's the head nurse in XX city hospital."
Yuri can't help but add up their age and realized there is an age gap. So… Mr. Matthews like a mature woman… Her spirit dampened…. Oh, well, bye young love… It's been a short while, but it's nice meeting you.
Mr. Matthews was not worried about her question and goes into his teacher mode. "Ms. Rivera, are you sick or you just don't want to attend classes? Is there a problem?"
"Professor Sam, we are not in school..." Yuri said while she chuckles softly.
Professor helplessly sighs. "Do you need my help? Is there something bothering you?"
Yuri's head was down while playing with her food. Is she able to tell him? I mean, who the hell is he to her?! "Professor Sam, can I ask for a favor? Please don't inform my parents. They are not here right now."
"Are you going to tell them yourself?"
Yuri nodded. But avoided eye contact. "I will."
Ms. Rivera, are you still happy in school?"
Yuri doesn't know the answer to this question.
It was never a hard question, and it has never been a secret, Bullying, whatever its form, whatever your status is, is a constant companion in everyone's life… It's just that something like this happened to such a bubbly and adorable girl like Yuri Rivera...
Angel was at the general manager's office and just talking for a while. It was around 5 p.m. She made her way here first thing after school was over. She had just run some errands for her parents and was ready to go home when she spotted Yuri inside a Korean boutique. She can't help but smile. This young, adorable girl blended well with adorable and cute stuff inside that boutique. She was about to walk away when she remembered something; it was that day when she saw Yuri in her miserable state, without her usual smile and high-spirited self. She was bothered by it. What happened that day?
Once again, she looked inside that boutique; it was then she realized that Yuri was not shopping but just looking around randomly and sometimes looking absentmindedly at things.
Yuri was just content with squishing the soft toys. If it was a normal nice day, she would be out with her friends and she will squeal with joy while shopping for cute stuff, just like this toy she was holding right now. But all her enthusiasm evaporated, her school life was ruined and now her budding romance was down to zero, even negative zero; since she didn't even confess.
She felt like her world was depressing. She should've accepted her cousin's invitation and studied overseas. It's not that late to transfer schools, is it not?
"Hello, Yuri."
Yuri absentmindedly looked around. It took her a few seconds to realize that she was looking at Angel.
Angel Samonte is here?!
"Are you out shopping? This store is full of cute stuff. Do you know what I think when I saw you here a moment ago? This store is perfect for you." Angel said. She was looking around and touching random items with a smile on her face.
Yuri was clueless about what Angel was doing. Is she here for a casual chat? "Are you here to run errands for your mom?" she asked.
Angel looked at her, then laughed softly. "Yes. You still remember the first time you talked to me. You said that I should act like a normal teenager. Since that day; I keep thinking maybe you are my mom's real daughter. She tells me the same thing over again."
Yuri laughed. "You are too serious for your good. Come one day, and you realize that you grow old without even experiencing how it feels like to be a normal teenager."
Angel smiled. "You should teach me then."
"Why? You have your friends. Aren't you going out for fun lately?"
Angel shook her head. "Those girls were not adorable enough. They don't even act cute, as if you didn't know."
Yuri nodded her head subconsciously. "You're right, they were the so-called ice beauties, and they were not adorable like me."
Angel laughed out loud. Yuri is hilarious. She can't imagine those girls' reactions if they were here.
"Your laugh is rare. Sure, I always see you smile. But this is the first time I heard you laugh. Now you look like a normal teenager."
Angel was taken aback by Yuri's compliment. "Thanks. I should laugh more often..."
They looked around for another ten minutes before Angel realized that it was getting late and she should be home for dinner. "Hey, I need to go home now. See you at school."
Yuri looked at her watch. Her sunny mood dampened once again. She was thrilled a moment ago. It was like having a friend for a little while and now it just ends… "Oh. Yeah, go home now. Thanks for your time..."
Angel takes notice of what she said. She has been right all along… This adorable girl has been bullied and lonely, poor little thing. "Do you have your driver? Do you want to come to my house?"
Yuri could not speak for a while and she widened her eyes. It was not because she was shocked but looking at her sparkly and dog-like pitiful stare, Angel knew that Yuri wants another soul for company more than ever. Yuri looked so funny with her eyes wide open, but she forced herself not to laugh.
"Really? You mean it?!"
"You need to call your parents first, for them not to worry."
"It's okay. They were out of the country these days. You know what you're right. I think I still need to call them."
Yuri was so excited her hands were shaking. Once she called her parents, she also told her driver that she will go to her classmate's house and will call home when she was ready to go home.
The two girls chat while on their way to Angel's house. Angel called her mom as well to inform her beforehand. Her mom gladly approved and was happy to have someone over for dinner. When Yuri came down from the car, she looked around first. The house looked so adorable on the outside. It has a Modern Mediterranean ranch-style house to it. After you pass by the huge wrought-iron gate, you will be greeted with huge tropical trees and a white concrete pavement that leads to the front of the house, there were small lights lined up on the side of the pavement to illuminate the walkway, The design is great as it is to comprise terracotta, exposed wooden beams and bright colors was used throughout to style the whole house, It has lots of whites and greens. Overall, it was like staying in the countryside while you were at the heart of the city. Yuri was in awe while looking around.
"Angel, I like your house, and why is the wind different here? I feel like I was on holiday right now."
Angel was glad that Yuri appreciates her house. "Mom used to tell me that dad wants to live in the countryside, but then he can't go on without thinking of the hassle and bustle of city life, and so they both thought of this idea for our house. The trees make the air fresh."
"Wow, I will call mom to renovate our garden..."
Angel laughed again. When they go inside the house, Yuri was still busy looking around. She thought the outside was beautiful enough, but the inside was more beautiful! It looks modern, but more woods and concentrated colors were well-defined inside. It has this homey feel to it. The first thing you will notice was the ceiling. There was a branch-like kind of lighting, a Mediterranean-style foyer to welcome anyone who comes in, big windows and big doors, and more tropical plants surrounding. Most of the furniture looked vintage but had an elegant look to it. Yuri was still engrossed in admiring the big house when she heard the voice of a woman-cheerful yet gentle.
"Welcome home, Angel. It's nice to have someone over for dinner. Come in."
"Mom, this is Yuri Rivera, my classmate."
Angel said. Her mom kissed her cheek and smiled at Yuri. In return, Yuri introduced herself.
"What's your father's name?"
"My father is Robert Rivera; auntie."
"Oh, does your family own the salon chain here in the city?"
"Yes, we do."
"Oh, so you are Bert's daughter. Angel and your's father are golf buddies, do you know that?"
Yuri widen her eyes, "really? That's nice. Dad loves golf like mom loves shopping."
Angel's mother laughed. She already likes this adorable girl a lot. "Angel, darling, why don't you lead her up to your room first, change your uniform, and then we'll call you once the dinner is ready."
The two girls go up and went to Angel's room. Yuri was in awe again when she saw Angel's room. It was all white, so simple yet cute. The queen-size bed in the corner looked extra soft. There was a coffee table in the middle and fluffy bean bag chairs and floor cushions, and most of the colors alternated from white and pastel colors.
"Your favorite color is white?"
Angel laughs, "No, it is the color of my room these days. Mom believes that one's mood depends on one's surroundings, so she makes it a point to redesign our rooms at least two times a year.
"Wow, your mom is great with this."
"My aunt, mom's little sister, is a psychologist. I guess it was auntie's influence."
Yuri giggles and continues her little tour. Angel's room is not small, but not too big. The first thing you will see once you open her bedroom door was her small living room, with no sofa, only bean bag chairs, and floor pillows. Under it, there was a round velvet rug. There was a long white drawer at the side and a study table attached to a bookshelf. Going inside, to the left was her queen-size bed, and to the right is another room that leads you to a vanity table, to its left was another door to the bathroom and on the right side of the vanity is the walk-in closet. It was neat, a bit minimalist since Angel doesn't want too much stuff in her room.
"Wow, Angel, your bedroom is just like you..."
"What? Just as boring?"
Yuri laughed, "Uhm, a bit?"
Angel laughed again. They were seated in the little living room. They had tea and Yuri was giggling while telling her stories.
Angel holds her teacup and cautiously opens another topic. “So, are you going to school tomorrow?"
Yuri stopped laughing. "I… don't know."
"Why care to share?"
"My cousin told me about this awesome boarding school in England, and that princes and princesses were going there, I thought that would be awesome to have a princess as a friend who knows I can catch a real prince charming, you'll never know..."
Angel was sad. "Are you telling the truth? Do you mean it?"
Yuri put down her cup. "I'm thinking about it. It's not that bad. I will learn how to be independent..."
Angel contemplates what to say next when Yuri speaks again. "Maybe I will find better friends there..." She said whispering, almost telling these words to herself instead.
"What about me? Am I not a friend to you?"
Yuri looked at her, Angel will be the most ideal friend, if only her friends could go to St. Claire, if only they stayed in the country and not study overseas then maybe, she will not be alone and be desperate to find fake friends… Maybe she will not feel hurt and abandoned… Her tears fell one big fat tear after another until they became stream-like water.
Angel looked at her. She sympathizes. Yuri is such a good girl. She may be blunt and playful, but she never hurt or abuse anyone. Sure, her immaturity may annoy anyone, but it was adorable sometimes. She knows that Hayley and Raeven will get along with her. She pulled out her tissue box and handed it over to the teary girl. While Yuri was busy blowing her nose, a soft knock was heard on the door. Angel smiled at Yuri reassuringly and stand up from her seat. Yuri watched her go to the door and when she opened it, she heard the mother and daughter pair talking about dinner. Angel said they will be down soon.
Angel walked back inside and told Yuri to freshen up. When they went down to have dinner, Yuri noticed that there were additional people at the table. Angel introduced her father and her older brother to Yuri. The table was full of traditional Filipino food. Angel's family didn't like fancy western food when they were at home. While they were eating, Yuri noticed that Angel's family was like her family, so she was not embarrassed about eating with them. She suddenly missed her parents. When her parents went overseas, she thought it will be fun that she can do whatever she wants, she can go to a shopping mall and stay out till night, she has plans for a slumber party before, she'll invite her friends over and maybe even organize a party, etc. That was the original plan before that thing happened to her… But now all she wanted was her mom's cooking and her father's 'dad jokes'… Her eyes almost teared up but then she felt Angel's hand on her shoulder when she looked at her she was smiling and asking her if she is available tomorrow, after class…
And that day, for whatever reason, Yuri can’t help but think of what Anne Frank wrote in her diary during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. ‘I keep my ideals because, despite everything, I still believe that people are good at heart.’
That night Yuri goes home with a happy smile on her face. No more gloominess and heavy heart, but only lightness and excitement: tomorrow is another day!
The next day…
Yuri was happy when Angel introduced her to her two friends. She was the last member of their English group and was very excited when they brainstorm for their book review; she didn't even bother with the evil stare at her back. It was like the past humiliation and hurtful treatment never mattered now that she has friends again. Well, she knew Angel was her friend, for sure. And getting along with Raeven is not that bad, especially for Hayley. She may look like she's always mocking you, but she has a charm of her own. During lunch, she even got to go to the rooftop and tasted Angel's cooking for the first time! Everything is especially yummy when you were with true and honest people for sure….
One fine afternoon, under a glorious sky, it just rained. There was a rainbow above that was so mesmerizing to look at… Angel invited her newfound circle of friends for a picnic in the park, the three girls who were invited had nothing to do and so wholeheartedly agreed to her invitation.
Looking at her mirror, she was displeased with how she looks she looked like a pitiful panda with those big eye bags. Last night, she talked with her parents and told them what she went through the whole week, though her parents sounded too anxious and want to go back home ASAP, she assured them she already come to terms with her emotions and bullying was already at the back of her mind. She said that she just realized how she has grown so much in just a few days they were away. Her mother even cried not because of how she pitied her daughter but because of how she is so proud of her, she's no longer her little spoiled girl, talking with her gives her this feeling that the tiny little fat girl she's so fond of was now waving her small pudgy hand's goodbye, her young lady has come… it will only take a few more years and her daughter will grow into a woman… it will only take a few more years and she will be an independent creature who won't need her parent help anymore… Just thinking about it, as a parent makes it hard for her to breathe…. Proud, but at the same time, sad.
When Yuri makes it to the park, she saw three girls in the middle of the park, there was a nice colored picnic blanket laid out, two baskets, and small blankets for their laps, most of the food has been spread out, and looks so enticing just by looking at it. But the most captivating and irresistible view is the three girls who smiled warmly and genuinely at each other. They looked like enchantresses that can be found only in an enchanted forest. Their presence makes the plain-looking and boring park look so magical.
"Yuri!"
She was awakened from her dream by Angel's voice. When she looked and saw her friend's smile it was blinding and warm… Yes, her friend, finally she found a friend that she can count on… No matter if she had friends that surround her every day, Angel's offered friendship is a whole new level, crazy as it seems but that's what she felt. According to her mom, she's growing, then maybe that explains why she thought of Angel with admiration…. She's maturing….
Raeven and Hayley are smiling at her, which is a new thing for her. These two were different when they were at school. Their 'smiling selves' and their 'cold selves' at school were like black and white in comparison…. This is how they show how important Angel is to them…
"Hello guys, have you been waiting?"
Hayley raised her eyebrow. "We're not even waiting. We are enjoying the view until you came."
Yuri looked at her, confused.
Raeven nudged Hayley's arm gently, "what she meant is, we're not here waiting, remember we are here to enjoy the weather..."
Hayley rolled her eyes. She can't see what's wrong with what she said.
Angel was smiling the whole time she offered Yuri some freshly baked muffins and hot flower tea. It was the best food she ever tasted! She sighed contentedly. The view, the food, the companion… it was all great! Is this her new life now? How she wishes this day will never end.
Hayley looked at Yuri for a second before she opened her mouth and asked what was bothering her for a few days now. "Hey, little girl, do your fake friends have any stupid misunderstandings with you?"
And the world stands still…
Yuri became quiet. She's not emotional, but remembering it brings back the sadness and humiliation she experienced.
Now it's Raeven's turn to roll her eyes.
"I don't know, either way, I don't care if they misunderstand me or not… I just realized that what I need is good and true friends, so it's better that I know this now rather than later..." She said.
Hayley smiled after a while. "You're so cute."
Yuri blushed and continued eating her food.
Raeven and Angel looked at each other like they communicate through their eyes, "this looks good..."
It didn't take a while before Yuri looked at Hayley. She stared for a while, hesitating if she will ask her or not. When Hayley caught her staring, she thought she could no longer back out, so she cleared her throat before asking. "That our school president, Mr. Moretti, are you… and him… you know..." she said in a broken sentence.
Hayley widened her eyes first, "of course not, I don't do casual sex..."
And at that moment, Angel and Raeven were elegantly taking a sip and appreciating the exquisite taste of their flower tea. That's when they heard Hayley's bold answer. They choked on their tea and had a hard time breathing between the endless coughing.
Yuri was stupefied and looked at the two girls coughing. "I didn't mean it in that way." She said innocently.
Hayley raised her eyebrow. "Oh." Like she doesn't even care whatever she means.
"I saw you get out of his car before, and so I thought you and him were dating!" She said, red in the face.
Hayley laughed out loud. She had never laughed like this before. "Why are you even shy about it? It's just normal to send someone in their car. He's a family friend...
Yuri nodded her head. Yeah, of course, it's not like they kissed after he dropped him off the school! "Well, he's handsome and most girls would kill just to have him as their boyfriend. You know, he's tall and handsome and mature and rich..."
Hayley stared at her. Is this girl fishing for information?
Raeven joined in. "Well, he looks like the domineering type, you know, like in those novels… I thought Hayley would love that kind of love story..."
Hayley laughed sarcastically, "sure why not? I would hate to see your disappointed face if this matchmaking of yours didn't go through."
Raeven just laughed.
"How old is he, I wonder," Yuri asked. She was now full of speculations in this matchmaking session.
Hayley remembers Damon's face when his mother disappointingly mentioned how old is he now… He hates it when his age is mentioned. "Uh, he's a few years older than me."
"Oh. It's nice to have someone older than you. They say a mature guy takes care of you more. I like mature guys."
"Yeah right, the way you look at professor Sam, says it all." Hayley teased her.
But that teasing didn't end well. Yuri's mood dived an all-time low. "He has a girlfriend now… Maybe they were seeing each other for who knows how many years now... They probably thought about getting married."
The three girls looked at the downhearted girl. How pitiful, and that she even thought that far and created that kind of story… She must be broken-hearted.
"How old is the girl? Is she pretty?"
Yuri looked at Hayley with a defeated look on her face. "She's 28. She looked beautiful and mature. I think he likes older women..."
Hayley sighed and lay down on the blanket while looking at the pink sky. "Oh, well, you can't contest with his taste, given the fact that you're only a high school student, you still look so young, you won't be able to arouse him with that young body of yours."
Angel looked so scandalized by how Hayley talked. She can't believe this young lady could even say that without even blushing! While Raeven was laughing so hard, she was already leaning down on the blanket.
Yuri's face was not even blushing. She was deep in thought, with the only thing on her mind. "yeah, that's right. I'm not sexy enough. I should do some workout and diet starting now."
When she heard the three girls laughing at her, she realized she'd spoken out loud instead of thinking about it.
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