The Last Dance

Chapter 5 - Daddy?

Aside from the trainers that my college hired for me and Leysam, my mother arranged her own group of trainers to help me prepare for the competition. On the third week, my schedule became tight and I had to give up my piano lesson until this competition is over.

My professors and friends were supportive as they consult me often how my preparation is going. I hate the idea that I have to keep my strict diet right after my debut celebration. I thought I can eat whatever I want already, but I am disappointed.

"Have lunch with Symond. He dropped off at home a while ago, so I cooked lunch for the both of you." I read out loud mom's message. My friends are looking with a big smirk on their faces. They have the fattest crush on Symond and Leysam, so lately they have been vocal on how jealous they are for having those two take care of me.

"I guess we'll get to eat with Symond again!" Faye giggled. She's one of 'chics' of Stallion University, so I am not surprised everytime there's a man who would sit with us when we eat. Despite that, she is single and doesn't show any interest in any of those guys. We are all wondering why.

"You should have told your mom to cook for us too!" I rolled my eyes. For sure, she cooks for them too. More than anyone, mom knows that the three of us are glued to each other.

Before I call Symond, I received his message saying that he'll be waiting at the school cafeteria. After our last class in the morning, we hurried to get there. Faye and Bleian are excited to flirt with him again because he entertains them.

As soon as I opened the door, my eyes laid on the man in white hoodie. He was smiling wide while talking with the Camille, and I felt my blood curdled in anger. What is Marco doing with that girl again?

"What are you staring at?" Bleian tapped my shoulder and followed where I was looking. Marco didn't notice us because he seemed to be enjoying the moment between him and Camille.

"Oops. There goes that b***h again," she said in disappointment.

"Let's not make a scene here, Alisha. You're not in her level. That one is the biggest cheater I know. How can she smile like that to Marco when she's already with the Nitro San Jose?" She is talking about the famous actor who goes in this school.

I will let him off this time because Symond is around. If my cousin is not here, I would be sitting beside him and being sarcastic with that woman. I rolled my eyes before I walked to where Symond is sitting.

"You're here." He looks shocked when we sit with him. I feel quite guilty because mom asks him a favor when he's obviously busy with his thesis.

"Hi!" Faye and Bleian chorused as they joined us in the table. Symond unpacked the lunch that mom prepared. I looked around to make sure that no one sees us. This will be completely fine with me if I were still in high school, but we are already in college. Somehow, this is embarrassing for me.

When I looked at Marco's way, he was looking at us. I rolled my eyes, but he did not show any reaction. Does he expect me to go to them and say hello? He knows well that I don't like that woman for him.

Symond cleared his throat which made me look at him. His brows were furrowed and I know what he wants to say. Marco and Symond are not in good terms for unknown reason. They used to be friends before, but something happened between them which is still unknown to us along the way. When they were in high school, they stopped talking with each other. They were invisible with each other.

"Let's eat." We started eating the vegetables that mom prepared. Faye cannot stand eating pure green, so she bought a whole box of pizza. Faye and Symond ate the pizza with her, and they made it in a way that made me crave. I avoided looking at him, but the smell of pizza was the biggest temptation that time.

"Are you sure you"re fine not taking a bite at all?" Symond asked sarcastically. I took a deep sigh and shook my head. I am used to them doing this to me, so they cannot tempt me this time. The competition is getting near.

I watched them finished the whole box while giving comments how delicious the pepperoni and cheese are. Symond was such a devil for looking right into my eyes while eating.

Someone placed a glass in the table. When I looked up to see who that person is, his manly perfume dominated the place. Marco pulled a chair from the next table and sat beside me.

"Tea." He said while smiling. He crossed his arms on his chest and looked at the people with me in that table. I can't stop staring at his red lips. It's been a while since we hang out together, and I miss him.

"Thank you. What is this tea?" I smelled it.

"That's good for diet. How's your preparation going?" And when did he start having interest in teas? As far as I remember, he hates colored drinks. He's fine with water and alcohol.

"It was fine. How did you know about this tea? Are you finally considering tea part of your diet too?" He's strict with his diet as of the moment because he wants to build his body before the graduation and summer.

"I did a research on what's best for diet because Camille keep turning down my request to eat together, and one of my cousins recommended that tea. I'll send you and Aunt Serene some boxes---" I didn't let him finish his sentence. So it's because of that woman.

"No need. I have everything I need, Marco. You can drink this too. I don't want it." I get my bag and walk away from there. I heard footsteps behind me, so I thought my friends followed me.

As soon as I set foot out of that cafeteria, someone grabbed my arm and pulled me to face him. My eyes were surely venting anger. Why is everything he does about her? What did he see in her?

"Alisha.." Marco called my name. He looks angry too. He might have think what I did was rude, but I don't care.

"Don't touch me, Marco." I said loathing.

"What did I do?" His voice was soft unlike the fire in his eyes.

I sighed and tried to remove his hand from my arm, but he held me tighter.

"Alright! I will tell you what's wrong!" His left brow raised.

He set me free, and watched me closely. I had to take a deep sigh to compose myself.

"Everyone knows how intelligent you are, Marco. We have talked about it hundred times already, but you're still doing what you want. Why are you still latching around Camille Rivero even you know that she got a man?" His expression became serious. He hates being dictated. No one can question his intelligence, but he's so dumb when it comes to love.

"We are not doing anything wrong, Alisha... not yet." He smirked. I rolled my eyes again. I am tired explaining that he can be conflicted with Nitro if he continues flirting with his girlfriend.

"You never listened, Marco. You're working hard to create a name in business, but you don't realize that being an asshole who steals someone else's girlfriend can destroy you anytime. Stop being a playboy too! That's not cool at all."

He nodded and that irritates me more.

"I heard you have a practice every afternoon after your class. Can I watch you later then? If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask for my help." Of course he can settle everything with one call. Being the nephew of the owner has its perks.

"Camille and I are not the same. I will do things my way without your help. I don't want to sound good, but honestly want a play competition."

"That's the person you are, Alisha. I will be watching your practice this afternoon. Stop being mad at me please." He was about to hug me, but I walked back. He can do whatever he wants without thinking about the consequences because the discipline officer can never touch him.

He pouted and walked closer to me. He handed a tissue, but my brows raised to question him.

"Your lipstick is smudged. I'll see you later." He wore a triumphant smile after that. My face was so heated when he left. I bite my lower lip, and turned around to watch him leave. Damn him.

He was present that afternoon to watch my practice. He was looking at his phone for almost the whole time that's why I was shocked when I asked him what he thinks about my walk and attitude on the stage.

"You have a good shape, Alisha, but you still have to watch your posture like what your coaches told you. I don't know if it's because I grew up with you, but sexy clothes don't suit you at all." I glared at him with what he said last.

"Is that a compliment or are you insulting me?" He gathered my things, and stood up. He stretched his arms and legs before looking at me.

"Let me take you home." He does not seem busy today.

"What's with you today?" I just find it weird that he's exerting effort and making time for me.

"It's been a long time since we hang out together. I just want to catch up with you. And your cousin is quite busy these days to prepare for their thesis defense, so I can stick with you." Symond does not want me to hang around Marco despite us being long term friends. It's because he does not trust Marco. He's a playboy after all.

"Can't you really fix it with Symond?" It is awkward when they are at the same place.

"Let's not talk about him. He won't like it. Is there anything you want to eat? Forget about your diet tonight. It's been ages since I saw you eat a complete meal." I can never say no to him.

He brought me to an expensive hotel for a full course meal. If I can remember it right, this property is a branch of their mother company. The staffs know him, and they seem surprised when he appeared out of nowhere. He is very similar to Symond when it comes to managing power and connections. They were aware of the great power that their name hold.

"For sure, there's a lot of guys who are showing motives to you now." He said while staring at me. There was a sweet piano instrumental playing in the restaurant, and that just adds to the wild beating of my heart.

"Yeah. The next time you know I already have a boyfriend." I joked, but he took it seriously.

"As if someone will qualify to your standard." A smile flashed in my lips.

"As if you know my standard, Marco. I never told you who I like." He gave a singular laugh.

"You shouldn't, Alisha. You are still a baby in my eyes. I don't want you to play games with men. I haven't seen anyone who deserves you, so I am not giving you permission to be in a relationship."

"Are you my father?" He's stricter than dad. Damn him.

"Up to you if you want to call me daddy. I am fine being your sugar dad---" I cut him off.

"Damn you. Shut up! You're disgusting!" He laughed as he leaned on the table.

"I am serious. Don't get entangled with any man because no one deserves you." That fluttered my heart. I avoided his gaze and looked around the restaurant. The dim light made it romantic, and the music helps. I keep reminding myself not to fall too hard for the man in front of me.