I Don't Wanna Be Your Friend

Valerie POV Sunny day in London, July 1st. There are many things to do like hunt part time jobs, search for low priced apartment, and enjoy summer break! I want enjoying summer break really bad cause I'm so exhausted of school works lately. I wanted to reward myself coz I'm doing great in studies. I've maintained my grades in good place. I'm studying Computer Science at University of Oxford. I had a scholarship. I started working when I was just little. I was 4years old when my mom took me to Modelling industry. I was a child model of a certain well known children's clothing brand before. I used to be a little famous when I was a child. I used to get all that I wanted.. clothes, toys, foods and other luxuries. I even had insurance and educational plan which I am using now in College. I loved my job when I was 4years old but then I had to stop when my mom and dad separated. I had to leave London and modelling. My mom brought me with her to her country, Philippines. My mom's a Filipina and my dad's a British. Mom is a healthcare worker here when she'd known my father and my dad is a businessman. They met in a friend's wedding that they are both friends with. Eventually, they also became friends and turned into lovers. And after years being in a relationship, they had me as their child. That was what I knew to their story.What I didn't knew was the reason why they grew apart and left our family broken. I never questioned my mother, I knew she was too hurt . I still long for my father. But now he has a new family and he just contacts me when he's free which was once in a blue moon.It is okay. I'm not mad at him. It is easier if we would stop seeing each other rather than giving myself hopes that we can get back together as a happy family again. I was 7years old when we went to the Philippines and lived there for 8years.Until my mom had finally moved on. I wished she was. We got back here in London again because I missed my dad, and London itself as well. My mom also wanted me to study at University of Oxford so that I could use my educational plan. Shifting our way of living from one place to another has been difficult for me. I had to find new friends here. Thank God I'm a survivor and I was born in a friendly nature.I found friends that has been so nice to me. I also shifted to being independent and a little carefree sometimes just for me to blend with them. I'm going to meet a friend later who I met a year ago in school. His name is Tom. He is actually my secret crush. He studies Business Management in the same school as mine. My phone rings and he's name flashes on the screen. I answered quickly. "hello Tommy! good morning..! "I greeted him with a wide smile. "hi Anne, I just want to remind you about the party tonight, " what party are you talking about? "me acting innocent, " are you serious? you said yesterday night you wanna come with me? you even said you were excited." "I said I would love to go but I'm not sure I'm going, okay? I'm still busy in searching for my apartment near our school, plus I'm looking for a part time job". " well, about the part time job maybe I can help you with that". "really Tommy?! how? " "yeah, I kind of knew someone who could offer you a job. He will be at the party later. I will introduce you to him" "is he a friend of yours? Are you telling me that just so you have a companion to the party?" "he is more like a friend, like he is a brother to me. And what? no! I just want you to come with me there . So I won't get bored and for you to experience partying.ha ha ha" he said chuckling. "what am I to you? a clown so you won't get bored? and how can you say I never experienced going on a party?! " "okay okay, sorry for saying that, Please ,come to the party with me. I really need you there". suddenly my mom peeked at the door," honey! come downstairs, let's have breakfast together. " I nod and answer her. ."yes mom, I'm coming! " "Whatever Tom! , I'll just inform you later if I can come, is that okay ? mom is calling me for breakfast.bye ". " alright.bye, see you later! ". I heaved a deep sigh. Why don't you bring your girlfriend instead, Tom? I had to find a dress for that party. " sh*t. I don't have a dress to wear! mom??. I went down to the kitchen and saw her. I greeted her good morning and kissed her cheek. "good morning mommy! " "good morning sweety..how are you today? Do you have appointments?" " I have a busy schedule today, there were three interviews I'm going to attend, ..and mom, my friend invited me to a party later and I don't have any dress to wear. Can you help me find something nice but classy? , " "a party? where is this be held? "at the Crowne Plaza Hotel mom. " I answered her while putting some toast in my mouth. "hmm, it must be extravagant , that's a popular and big place. Who invited you? " "It is indeed big. Tom invited me, do you remember him? He is my schoolmate? " "Tom?..yeah!. the one you had a little crush on . You said you don't like him anymore. Why are you dating with him? " mom said teasing me. I just smiled at her, "stop it already mom! We're not dating. He is a nice friend to me and it is nice to stay that way. We're happy with the friendship that we have.. " "why do you sound very sad when you mention him being just your friend? " "I'm not mom.. " I answered her smiling so that I wouldn't look guilty. "just wait for me here, I'll find a dress for you.." mom said. Looking back to the time when I met Tom, I really had an admiration on him because he's handsome and a gentleman. He was also intelligent, he even helped me on my homeworks on my 3rd year. Until now I admire him but I chose to be just friends with him and he also maybe want it like that too. In fact, he has a girlfriend. I already feel lucky we had this friendship. He is popular in our school. "here you go sweety. try this dress,! " mom showing me a sexy black dress, it's the third one she showed me. "that is really beautiful and elegant but I don't think I can wear that mom. it's backless.. you see that in front? it's too low, you know I'm not used to wear dresses like that" , I said. In Philippines, I lived with a very conservative family that's why I'm not used to wear sexy clothes that's daring. My grandma there taught me how to be conservative, she's the one who took care of me when mom had to work for us. But now being with my mom alone, I experience the freedom of being a teenager, i've been hanging out with friends, have a little drink with them and girls night out sometimes. But I still know my limits and i'm still being so careful with my doings. I don't want to neglect my studies for my grandma and my mom. I don't want to disappoint them. "sweety, you know, your already eighteen next month, it's not bad to show a little sexiness of you, you have a nice body and face that you inherited from me and it's not appropriate if you wear hoodies and pajamas in an elegant gathering. The Venue itself says it is luxurious, for sure there will be women who would look like models, also rich and famous women you would encounter. I don't want you to be out of place. You are a model before, aren't you? Show them what you got! Bring back the confidence in. And your grandma isn't here so you don't have to worry." she adds. I sighed showing me I surrender. "mom ,you know how to convince me very well. so sure you're right. I'll try this." "that's my girl! " she messed my hair a little bit. " only if you will enroll me into driving lessons this summer?! " I trick her. she scoffs"Okay, you'll be needing it anyway in the future so sure you can. Just be careful." I squirm in excitement. " I'm much excited to learn how to drive a car than to wear this dress for the party! We laughed together. I promise I will be veeeery careful. I love you so much mom. " I then kissed her cheek. "I love you very much too, my baby". we hugged each other. I glanced at the clock , " oh my God! . I must hurry, mom, I have a job interview at 9 AM". I finished my breakfast and said goodbye to my mom. At five in the afternoon, after I attended some interviews on some companies where I applied around the city, I called Tom to confirm I'm going with him. He asked me if I have a dress to wear for the party. I said to him I already found one. At 7o'clock, he arrived at my house and drove us with his car to Hotel Crowne Plaza. " you're so stunning tonight, babe", said by Tom when we got out of his car. He raised his right arm so I can hold onto it while he never take his eyes off me. Sometimes I thought he also like me the way I liked him. Like what was happening this time. I slap his cheek softly."hey, don't drool at me, also don't call me babe, I'm not used to you calling me that! " "why not? you really look like a lady tonight..not just a lady, but a pretty hot lady".he said winking at me. " stop it!! do you want me to back out and leave you here alone? " "so you wanna go home right now? fine..go then. " "of course not! I don't want to go home yet.,just don't piss me off,will you? " If you say so, sassy girl! ". He gave the car key to the valet parking attendant as we started to walk in."you know what , mommy now allowed me to go to driving lessons!" I shared my news to him. " is that so? well I'm happy for you. You know what also Anne? You should also find a boyfriend too" ! there he go again teasing me. "you think so? " Yeah. So that there will be someone who can take care of you wherever you go ". " Why are you telling me that? ".. nothing. I just thought about that because we might not see each other often once I graduate school. " Yes it will happen eventually. We're going to be busy with our own lives in the future. But will you please promise to give us time to catch up sometimes? " "sure. " "then I want also to meet your Friend now. I should make him my bf, the one you're gonna introduce to me later. " I joked him. "how sure are you that he's gonna like you to be his girlfriend, huh? " why not?, why wouldn't he like me? I am attractive. My mama says that! " He chuckled at me. I pretended surprised, " wait, wait,wait! is he a gay? !" He laughed. "What? I don't know, maybe you should ask him when you meet him" said by him still laughing at my question. "looks like you're happy here making me annoyed!".I rolled my eyes to him. He said that we were meeting his friend that was like a brother to him. I hoped it would be a nice guy like him but now I'm not sure if it is a gay or what. I'm not searching for a boyfriend, but I also want to meet my future someone. Maybe when the right time comes and when the right person arrives.. " we're here. " He exclaimed. My mom is still at work at this time. She worked again as a nurse in St. Thomas Hospital.I texted her where we are so that she won't worry.We finally arrived at the venue. I was very amazed by the elegance of the hotel we're in. From the lobby, to inside the elevator, to the floor where the party will be and the whole place looked so luxurious.Its just so fabulous and the beautiful guests, too. We arrived here very early that the party will start at 8pm. The recreation room is at the 43rd floor. Once I got inside, I felt nervous somehow, who doesn't? I'm with some richest and highest people in London. This was a gathering for VIPs and CEOs. And it's the Anniversary of this Hotel.The hotel staffs greeted us nicely. The entrance had banners that says it's their anniversary.I now dream to work here someday. It was such an amazing place! . I took a lot of pictures with the place, random poses with Tom, with me drinking wine and even the foods, I want to post these pictures to i********:! There were also musicians playing beautiful sounds. It's still 7:20 but I'm starting to get bored sitting. My companion is busy talking and greeting with other guests. "I never thought you could be these famous. Are you somehow related to the host of this event Tommy?" "I will tell you the truth,okay? I am related to the owner of this hotel. " I gaped . Wow. He really is from a rich family. There were random people approaching him. He greeted them politely as I kept silent to his side and just smile to them. I also shake hands with them sometimes when I was introduced by Tom to them. But it's like something is pulling me to go outta here.I wanna take more selfies at the whole place. And the real reason is I felt uneasy meeting these highly rich persons. I have nothing to be proud of. I don't know what to say to them so I excuse myself for a while. "where are you going? " as I was leaving, "I-I'll look for the bathroom. I need to retouch." "sure, but can it be later? I'm waiting for someone, I can't accompany you . " "don't worry, I'll be back in a bit. You can wait for him here. I can go find the comfort room alone .Trust me, I can handle myself". I assure him with a smile. When I got out from the powder room, I saw someone who is familiar. I went near the familiar man and found out it was daddy! I'm not mistaken, I know it's really him. So hurriedly I walk fast to follow where he goes. But the elevator he got in closed before I reached it. When I reached the lobby, I approached the receptionist and asked for some informations" Excuse me, may I know if a person have a reservation here?" I was acting like i'm a rich girl. The hotel receptionist attended me courteously.I am enjoying to pretend like i'm a daughter of a billionaire. But I wasn't able to get the information about my dad ,if he had a room reservation here or why was he at this hotel . The hotel has rules in protecting their clients and guests informations.Anyways, the hotel staff was very friendly. He even said to me I looked like a celebrity and asked me if I really was. And I can't stop myself from smiling. All of a sudden, I felt someone staring at me while I spoke to the receptionist. I glanced at that someone, he is a guest probably. He looks like he's not an ordinary person and he's too young to be an Executive . Maybe he was a son of a rich businessman here. Why is that man staring at me? Hmm, never mind him. Don't get caught you're a fake rich girl, I thought. I felt uneasy with his stares so I decided to go out of this place. I thanked the staff and walked fast going out.. I passed by the man who looks at me intently. I can't look at him back. But I saw it as I looked at him a minute ago, he is so handsome. Gosh! what am I saying? ...and where am I even going? I am such an i***t right now. C.K. POV Here I am standing outside my car in front of our hotel. It happens to be the venue of the party thrown by my father in celebration of 20th anniversary of this hotel. I'm still not graduated my masters in Business Management, but I know I someday will be called boss' of Rothschild's Co.That's why my dad always includes me in these events.He wants me to be recognized. I'm his only son. Our company runs some hotels, advertising agencies, and BPO's.I was pressured by the upcoming responsibilities. I know I'm still young and inexperienced.I'm here waiting for Tom, Tom R. Shelton. He is my cousin, first son of Helena Rothschild Shelton, my father's sister. Unlike me, he was excited to manage this big company.He idolize my father.I want him to take over for me tonight, I don't want to attend the party. I'm sick of my father's stunts to introduce me to his business partner's daughters. I just felt like I am not able to find a wife on my own and does not have my right to choose a partner who I really like.Like he already wants me to marry at this early. While puffing my cigarette I called him on the phone, "bro, where are you now? ". he answers" I'm already here at the hotel. I'm with a friend.. where the hell are you C.K?, " . "i'm outside the hotel. But I'm preparing to leave now. I changed my mind. I'm not going to attend now. I 'll have a date with Ellen. Thank you by the way bro, just tell dad I can't come." I tell him. "Not now C.K. ,Why are you escaping again? I can't believe you are frightened to the women you're father is pushing on you, they won't harm you dude! , could you go up here now? I have someone to introduce to you? " " and who is it "? I asked Curiously, "hey I'm not afraid of anyone, especially my dad's league of friends. It's just that, I'm not ready to marry. " "you wont know who if you're not gonna be here, dude. It is ok if you're not gonna stay here long, just give us a minute. Uncle wasn't arrived yet". " fine, I will meet you with your friend, make sure I won't waste my time there or else I'm gonna tell your girlfriend you have someone with you . " "I don't have a girlfriend anymore. We broke up yesterday. " " so it's your new girl you want me to meet now? " "no, she's just a friend, nothing else. I want you to meet her, I'm sure you will like her. " She's pretty and sweet. I just don't know if she will like you. " he laughs softly. "I won't care about her liking me. Why do you want me to meet her?" "she is special to me and I want you to help her", he answers. " help in what?.. okay wait for me, I'll be there but just to meet you and your so called friend. " I shook my head but I smiled.I know Tom just wanted to brag his new chick.I'm curious who that is. He has a long time girlfriend but he always hang out with girls lately. He always introduce me to his girl friends.I had one more puff to my cigarette before I throw it and walk my way inside the hotel. Even though I don't really like to be in here, I can't say no to my cousin , he's a very good friend to me also. He knows me very well. We used to be partners , we grew up together here in London. We were like real brothers actually. I knew many things about him. I know his first love, and it's his adviser in 6th grade.As for me, I don't think I had ever fallen in love.. I used to hangout with girls when I was in high school. I was friendly to them , in fact I always end up having them as my ex girlfriends.I didn't court them. We become friends first then it's them who confess they are in love and want me to be their boyfriend. In college, it's hard to be in a relationship , I'm very focusing on my studies and I don't really have time. I broke up with my last girlfriend a month ago because I had to focus on my upcoming career. I was being trained at our company.Dad, had no one to rely too. My mom and dad nearly separated two years ago, maybe because dad is such a workaholic and he loves his businesses too much. Well, we will never be in this position right now, if he's not as dedicated as that for the sake of his business empire. I'm thankful mom chose to stay and support dad and understand him.We still have a complete family. She even manages some of our business to help my dad. She is in US right now. "good evening, Mr. Rothschild! ", the employees greeted with smiling faces as I walk inside then I answered them good evening too and nod at them. " did my dad arrived yet? " "No, he's not yet here,sir. " a female staff answered smiling. " it's good to know. do not inform him that I arrived here. okay? " He knew that I'm not coming because I texted him last night I'm in a business meeting in New Zealand.I look around and all of a sudden, I noticed a woman at the right corner talking to a male receptionist.She wears her dress confidently.She looks like a model. She's wearing a long but a sexy black dress. She just smiles adorably, and I can't take my eyes off her. I stopped and watched her still talking for a minute with the staff. She looked familiar. is she somewhat my ex? I questioned myself in my mind. I feel like she's familiar to me. Stop staring, it's rude ,speaking to my mind . She glanced to my direction for a second. Suddenly I felt anxious, so I looked away abruptly. My phone vibrates from my pocket, I hurriedly put it to my ear. I looked again to where the girl is and I'm surprised she's walking near me.did she noticed me? My heart's beating fast right now. She walks beautifully towards me smiling, looking at the other direction. As she came nearer, I became stiff. When she passed by me I was able to recover. I thought at first that she will approach me but she just walk passed by me. I still look at her making her way out of the hotel. I want to call for her, know her name and number.. but she's gone.. that fast? " hey! hellooo! " it's Tom on the phone. I realized I answered his call a minute ago and my phone is still with my ear. "yeah. I'm here now at the lobby". I ride the elevator and head to where he is. " okay. My friend got bored. she's not familiar with the people here. and I got a bit dizzy with the drinks too" "you can try to entertain her, don't get drunk ',. I'll hang up now, I'm already here. " There were full of guests. Some of my dad's friends recognized me but I don't like entertaining them. "Good evening Mr. Rothschild, it's nice to see you again! An old lady greeted me , probably she's one of dad's business partners. " nice meeting you too, ma'am? " I forced myself to smile and talk to her. " oh it's Mrs. Randall. You already forgot me" "I am sorry .Good evening too, Mrs. Randall! " we kissed each other's cheek . " it's sad my daughter Camila didn't come with me tonight . I'm sure she' would be glad if she meets you again. " I just smiled at her not knowing what to talk about with her. " it's okay ma'am. I'm sure there will be other time to meet her. In fact, I won't be here for long. I'll leave right away. " "oh, is that so? " "Yeah. If you would excuse me, I have to speak to someone? " " Sure son! I just tell your dad.. "no! please don't tell him I came here. thank you, Mrs. Randall. Enjoy the night! See you again." I stopped what she has to say. I looked for Tom and he saw me waving as a signal to follow me.I hurriedly walked out of the hall in order to avoid some guest. But upon walking outside the hall, I bumped into someone. "Ouch!! ! " she complains and glared at me. "Miss, I-i'm so sorry! 'Y-you okay?" I'm stunned with who I saw, it's the lady at the lobby a moment ago. "hey! Anne, where did you go? are you alright? " Tom came towards us. She looked at me and then at Tom. " I'm okay. " she said looking annoyed. "By the way, C.K., this lovely lady right here is my friend, Valerie Kroff, she's studying in school same as mine." .. and.. "this is C.K. Rothschild". He then finally introduced us. " Hi! CK. " " Hi, it's nice to meet you.. Valerie. " I offer her a handshake and smile back. "so you and Tom we're friends for how long? "we've met a year ago in school." I nod."uh maybe Let's go back inside, the party seems to start. " The three of us talked about what's going on with our lives.Valerie grabs a drink from time to time whenever she got silent. I suppose she's got bored of boy talks. "do you really drink that much?" I asked her. She shrugged but smiled sweetly, "this tastes good really, and I don't feel anything upon drinking it. " Tom all of a sudden stand from his chair ,"im sorry I had to make this call, excuse me ." We both nod at him. " You may not feel dizzy at the moment, but later you will.I see you had a lot. that wine you're drinking is fortified, it has more alcohol content ." I warned her. "really!? How did you knew about that? I wanna see if you were right. Let's see later if I will get drunk. " "I'm amazed that you know about wines. Do you often go to parties like these and drink? she asks. " Yes. I go to clubs also.And i've been familiarizing alcoholic beverages. Would you mind if I ask you.. do you have a boyfriend? " We look at each other intently. "I am single. But I don't want relationships right now. " Does that mean you don't like me? There was silence again. we just look at each other again. Its getting awkward. " I think I don't want to dance. " How did she know I was about to ask her to dance? "then I won't ask you to dance with me". I'm a little upset about the fact that she's been neglecting me. " so what are we going to do now? and where did Tommy go? " "I don't know where he is right now. Let's just wait for him. Did you liked the foods? " "I did. Everything here is delicious. " she replied. "I meant the foods. " I chuckled about what she just said. "You said you're looking for a job? What position are you applying to? " for the meantime, any position will do. I just want to have a working experience.I'm not yet finished studying. Tom told me, you can help me with it, Can you? " "..You want me to help you? ". " l don't know what to say. That's for you to know. If you wanted to help,just do it. " she smiles as she stands from her sit and drank her wine. "nevermind about it. come on, let's go for a walk . " she continues. "where are we going? " "I have no idea. Does this hotel have a roof top? Can we go up there? " "wait up, Valerie. Aren't we waiting for Tom?, he might worry if he didn't see you in here. " " let him find me. He was the one who left me in the first place !". We are here now at the elevator. "what floor? "she turns to me asking. "47th floor" She was shocked a little bit,"are you a resident in here, how did you know this place has 47 floors?! " "I just googled it. " " wow! this place is heaven! I love it here..the air is sooo coool! " she says to me. "I love it here too. "