The Best Mistake (GL)

~ It's Because I Like You ~

~ • ~ • ~

Ayen

HEATHE's sincerity and pure intentions were manifesting as the day went by. That was the reason why her family didn't have any difficulties accepting Heathe wholeheartedly. Honestly, at first, she couldn't admit to herself that Heathe's sweet gestures were something that wasn't only seeking friendship. It might've been because she was scared of what other people might say about them if they started being romantically involved with each other. She might've been scared that her family would disagree as well. But she was fortunate enough to grow up in a loving family.

In fact, she had a heart-to-heart talk with her parents. They admitted that they had been aware of Heathe's personality and they were never against it. They also mentioned that even if she was still a minor, they didn't want to interfere with her personal life but they would always be there to guide and protect her, especially if things were going in the wrong direction. Thereupon, she promised that she would never keep a secret from them. That was the least she could do.

"Ayen!"

Her laughter ceased upon hearing her mother shriek.

"What are you doing with Heathe?!" Her mother exclaimed hysterically as she approached them.

When she showed her mother a cunning smile, she only got a smack on the arm from her. "Ouch! What did I do?"

"And now you're asking. Why are you mistreating Heathe?"

"M-mistreating?" Her eyes broadened as she looked at Heathe, who was chuckling while doing the thing that she insisted on doing— chopping firewood. "She's not even finished half of it. Besides, I didn't ask her to do it."

Her mother sighed before turning to Heathe. "This is silly. I know you're not used to doing this kind of work."

Heathe stopped from splitting another log with an axe and faced her mother with a bright smile and sweaty face. "I'm fine, Auntie. I can handle this."

She crossed her arms and raised a brow. "You can't even hit it right."

"Oh, no. That's when you're wrong." Heathe sneered before swinging the axe in the air only to miss the wood she should've aimed accurately.

The failed act earned a burst of laughter from her and her mother.

"Well, I've been telling her that she's sweating for nothing." She stated.

"Another wrong conclusion. You know that I'm gaining something from doing this." Heathe said before throwing a cunning wink at her.

She sneered in return.

How did Heathe get herself in that situation? Simply because she really was persistent. Heathe asked her about the things that she needed to do while courting her for the reason that she absolutely had no idea what to do after dates. Clearly, she wished nothing more than to be pursued properly. And for her, the perfect idea was if Heather did it the traditional way she learned from her parents' romantic endeavor.

She told Heathe about it and she knew right then that her mind worked immediately. Thence, when Heathe arrived early that morning and found her Kuya Kevin doing the wood splitting, she insisted on replacing him. Although Heathe was petite, she was strong. But she didn't have the strength to do such a chore. Heathe just wasn't fit to do basic farm errands. Nonetheless, it was an effort that undoubtedly impressed her.

Her mother was gone for a while to make snacks, and when she came back she demanded that Heathe should stop for a rest. The latter didn't refuse, anyway. She thought that Heathe must've been tired, so she didn't turn up to be stubborn as she always did.

Heathe sat down beside her, sweating profusely. As naughty as she was, she acted as if she was seeking comfort in exchange for her hard work. But she was cheekier when she playfully tossed the towel at Heathe's face while giggling. Heathe feigned a frown as a response.

"Oh, no. Mama should've cooked a different meal." She said while looking at the food that was served on the table.

"Why? This looks delicious." Heathe counterstated, before settling into a bamboo seat.

"I doubt that you eat puto and pancit."

[*puto : steamed rice cake]

[*pancit : rice noodles tossed with stir-fried chicken, shredded cabbage, and sliced carrots, flavored with soy sauce.]

[A must-try Filipino dishes/snacks]

"Hmm... Your mama made these and I really appreciate it. It's not even bad to try, besides, pancit is not new to me. My mother cooks it as well."

She turned to Heathe a bit surprised. "Really? Your mom knows how to cook?" She stated straightway, but regretted it instantly after realizing that she might have sounded judgmental.

Heathe chuckled. "Of course. She knows a lot of things aside from being a good wife and mother. We're lucky, you know. And so are you to your mama."

She nodded, while preparing the food for Heathe. "I know. Here," she then handed the platter of snack to her.

Heathe took it under her nose to get a quick smell. "Hmm... Appetising." She commented before placing the plate on the table.

"So appetising that you might forget your name."

"Let's see." Said Heathe with an arched brow.

As Heathe started to dig into the noodles, she remained watching her to see her reaction. Although Heathe had already mentioned that she was familiar with the dish, she was still skeptical about whether she had already tried eating it.

"So, how is it?" She asked, staring at Heathe.

Heathe's forehead pulled into crease as she stared back. "W-who are you?"

"Heather!" She shrieked as her eyes squinted in annoyance before spanking Heathe on the arm. "So pesky!"

Heathe burst out laughing in exchange.

Shaking her head, she also took her own food. They enthusiastically shared the food as they carried on with their conversation. But knowing Heathe, she mostly behaved skittish, which she obviously had gotten used to.

After they rested, Heathe tried to go back to what she was doing when her Kuya Kevin asked her not to, telling them that what she had done for the day was already enough and that she had passed the first challenge. It initially confused her because she should've been the one to confirm if Heathe did well. However, when her elder brother looked at her meaningfully, she realized that it was his only way to make Heathe stop completely. She found it amusing that Heathe could be gullible sometimes.

DAYS passed magnificently. Heathe didn't miss a day to prove how serious she was in courting her. She was very generous when it came to giving gifts. Not only to her, but to her entire family, as well. It was a very thoughtful gesture that filled her heart with happiness. But she didn't want Heathe to get used to that.

Therefore, one time, she asked her to stop spending too much because that wasn't really necessary. Honestly, she was not fond of accepting material things. She only agreed to receive each gift in order to pacify Heathe from her stubbornness. But in essence, Heathe's acts of service were already enough for her to assert that she constantly exhibited nothing but honesty.

"Rise and shine, my angel."

Even with closed eyes, she could already imagine Heathe's face coasting over her head. It had been days since Heathe started to become the first person who greeted her in the morning. Her human alarm clock emanated serene sound. Thus, only making her fall asleep rather than wake her up.

Her protest was cut short when Heathe whispered, "We have to go somewhere."

Realizing how closer they were, she pulled herself up in a swift way. Unfortunately, that reckless manner only caused her to bump against Heathe's face. Simultaneous groans of shock and pain resonated inside the room.

"Oh, sht!" Heathe screamed in fear.

She felt a surge of fright upon hearing her and was about to look up when she felt her soft hand parting her hair to check on her. Regardless of her watery eyes due to the pain in her nose, she could see Heathe with the left eye closed and trying to completely stare at her. She might've collided her nose against her left eye.

"Are you okay?" Heathe enquired.

Her fingers gently caressed Heathe's teary eye before she uttered, "I'm fine. But you look more hurt."

"I'm fine. It's nothing."

"That doesn't look nothing to me. Let me—" She was cut off by Heathe with a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose.

Heathe was beaming as she pulled away. "Does it still hurt?"

"Hmm... A bit. It will go away, anyhow. But your eyes..." She once again touched her left eye with care.

Heathe chuckled as she opened her left eye, which showed redness as a sign of irritation. "I said, it's fine. Go on, prep up so we can leave now."

"Huh? Where are we going?"

Heathe touched her under the chin to lift her face. "Just get ready. I'll wait outside." She uttered before giving her a playful wink.

"Hey! Where are we going?" She asked again but Heathe ignored her as she walked out of her room.

Even though Heathe refused to answer her question, she still got up to fix herself. She just wanted to know if they were going on a date again, so she could dress appropriately. Then she realized that Heathe was merely dressed casually, which gave her an idea what to wear.

When she got out of her room, she saw Heathe in the living room, talking with her grandfather. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by her presence as they both looked at her.

"I'm going to take a bath." She said.

Heathe nodded. "Sure. Take your time."

Her eyes squinted at Heathe as she got confused about her ardent vibe today. It was just different. But she didn't want to destroy her mood, hence, she carried on with what she would do.

"Make it fast, Ayen. Heather got here early. It's embarrassing that you always make her wait for hours." Her grandfather reminded her.

"Yes, I will." She responded over her shoulder before completely walking into the bathroom.

Heathe's good mood was contagious that she also started to feel enthused while taking a bath. She was even singing, which she only did whenever she felt happy. That being said, Heathe began teasing her but she just kept backballing.

A little later, they bade goodbye to her family and left.

"Now, could you tell me where we are really going?" She asked again as they steered from the farm.

"Not yet." Heathe responded with a lopsided smile.

"Unbelievanble." She groaned and frowned.

She tried to pull off a fake resentment in an attempt to taper off Heathe's stealthiness but to no avail. They both fell silent, which was unusual for Heathe, considering that she had been excessively communicative these past few days. Something serious might be brewing and she thought she was not ready.

Not long after, when she noticed that Heathe was pulling over into the town hall's parking ground. Her heart started to thump faster upon thinking that perhaps they were going to face a serious matter.

Creases in her forehead were visible as she stopped Heathe from descending the car. "W-wait,"

"Why?" Heathe turned to her as confused as she was.

"W—we're not gonna get married, right?" She bit her lower lip after realizing that she had just asked an absurd question. However, it wasn't outlandish if Heathe had been planning it.

Heathe, who appeared to be flustered, gaped at her. It took her seconds before she burst out laughing.

She couldn't blame her. She also even found it funny and embarrassing at the same time. She couldn't explain why it was the first thing that came to her mind once she saw the town hall.

"I'm sorry. I just can't help it. You're thinking way too impossible." Heathe apologized, shaking her head.

"I'm just curious."

Heathe eased on her seat while wiping off tears due to excessive laughing. "We have to do something very important but getting married is not on the list. Not yet. Unless," She said before leaning closer. "You want to do it now."

She frowned. "We're still young, Heathe. Don't be so impulsive."

"Well, I didn't think that far in the first place."

Despite the humiliation, she absentmindedly glared at Heathe's face, particularly under her left eye. After momentarily checking on it, she gently caressed her face. "I told you... You have a bruise under your eye now."

"I told you," Heathe imitated before holding her hand. "...I'm fine." She beamed sweetly as she took her hand to her lips for a kiss.

Just when she thought that she had already forgotten about the humiliation earlier, Heathe had triggered it again. Her face quickly glowed bright red.

"I think we need to get going." Heathe said, a bit stammering. And as she looked away, she had a chance to take a quick glance at her, seeing that Heathe's face also gleamed in scarlet.

It made her secretly giggle, thinking that she wasn't the only one gushing towards her wooer's sweet gestures.

Heathe

WHEN Ayen told her that she might not be able to attend school this upcoming year, she had already thought of a way that might help her. She really liked the girl that she even had dreams about a future with her. Therefore, she didn't think twice about doing some tasks in order to achieve the result she had hoped for Ayen. She was certain she would like it.

As they entered the town hall, all eyes were instantly riveted on them. Some familiar faces greeted her and she threw them a smile in return. Maybe Ayen wasn't wondering anymore because she already knew her background— as one of the Mayor's twins.

They proceeded to the third floor and were warmly greeted by the Mayor's secretary in the hallway.

"Good morning, Miss Heathe. Everything's all set now. She just has to sign here." She said with a smile on her face as she handed her some papers.

She took it and responded, "Thank you, Raine. You're the best." Then she turned back to Ayen, who seemed more confused. "Sign here first, then we'll carry on to conference room number 105."

Ayen did what she said despite being puzzled. Then she handed back the documents to Raine before they proceeded to the respective conference room, where they met with a staff member and other teens who were busy at their seats.

She offered a handshake with the staff as she introduced herself and Ayen. Even though Ayen remained silent, she was obviously petrified upon hearing the very reason why they were there. When she took a glance at her, she saw the nervousness and excitement in her eyes.

"I'll be waiting outside." She affirmed to Ayen after a brief talk with the staff.

She was about to leave when she felt the hem of her shirt was being slightly pulled behind. She turned back to meet the worried face of Ayen. "H-hey, what's wrong?" She asked as she cupped and lifted her chin.

"I'm scared."

A smile formed on her lips as she uttered, "You'll do great. Just trust yourself, my angel." Then she kissed her forehead, hoping it would calm Ayen down.

Ayen's face lit up a bit despite being startled by her unexpected gesture. Honestly, she was just as surprised. Kissing Ayen on the forehead was just a foolish idea in her mind. But she couldn't think of anything to make Ayen loosen up, and she figured that her words weren't enough. If she could only tell her the truth to get rid of her uneasiness, she would. And the truth was that Ayen had already been granted a full scholarship, whether she passed the exam or not.

Nevertheless, she was certain that Ayen would never accept an offer freely given. That being said, she had thought of another way for Ayen to assent to this opportunity, thinking that she deserved it because she worked hard for it.

What was the sense of being a La Rivas, a mayor's daughter for that matter, if she could not make things possible?

She felt relieved as she left Ayen in the room. While waiting outside, she suddenly spotted her father who was walking towards her. She met him midway and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek.

"Raine told me that you're here. We were together last night but you didn't mention you'd have business here today." Said her father.

"I know how busy you are. I didn't want to give you any trouble. Besides, Raine offered a helping hand, so it wasn't hard to work this out."

"Yeah. I heard from Raine that you have a friend who's applying for a scholarship."

She nodded in affirmation.

"And who's that friend of yours we're talking about?" Her father asked in an intriguing tone.

Her lips curled into a timid smile. Her father really was a jester and great at talking to them as if they were only friends. Hence, she and her twin sister were comfortable establishing any kind of conversation with him.

"She's from the East farm, actually." She answered.

"You don't say. Tell me more about her."

"You'll meet her soon, dad."

"How come I sense that she's special?" Her father added with more curiosity in his tone.

Her smile widened. "She is."

He chuckled and tapped her shoulder. "All right then. I'll be going." He leaned closer as he whispered, "Take good care of your friend."

Her father's playfulness had never failed to make her cackle. He really knew her.

Ayen

SHE was confounded after Heathe had finally revealed her surprise. She just didn't anticipate it from her. Since Heathe's reputation was not remarkable, she kept reminding herself not to expect too much. Apparently, Heathe kept on proving that she could change into being a decent person.

She couldn't have been happier.

"I passed!" She gladly broke the good news to Heathe as soon as she was out of the room.

"Yeah, I—"

She cut her off by a sudden embrace. She felt that Heathe had gotten stiffened momentarily. And hugged her back once she recovered from getting startled.

"Thank you." She smiled while slightly breaking free from the hug.

Heathe's lips stretched out for a broad smile. "You're always welcome, Ayen. You deserved it."

"My parents will surely be happy once they know about this."

"That's for sure."

JUST as she thought that Heathe's surprise had already ended in the town hall, her heart became overwhelmed with happiness when they were greeted with smiles and congratulations once they arrived home. The shock was evident on her face after seeing a large tarpaulin that was proudly hung between poles.

"Congratulations, Ayen. We can't express how happy we are for you." Her mother stated with teary eyes.

She closed their gap to accept her warm embrace, which was then followed by her father. They were as thankful as she to Heathe. Being able to attend college because of the scholarship was indeed something significant. She could now foresee living her dreams after graduating from college. And it was because of none other than Heathe.

They both became busy as time passed. She was talking with her family and hosting visitors while Heathe was cheerfully chatting with her grandfather. It was evident how they were very close. It was just silly that whenever they had gotten a chance to take quick glances at each other they smiled and that would make her secretly gush over it. Heathe didn't have any idea that everything about her had been affecting her so much.

The party was not grand, which she liked, by the way. It was a perfect celebration together with her family that she would never forget. Let alone the presence of the special addition to the important people in her life— Heathe.

It was already sundown when she got a chance to be with Heathe. It seemed that they'd been away from each other for so long, when the truth was it wasn't even 5 hours yet since they had become busy talking to other people. Wasn't she being so cheesy?

She felt drained as she approached Heathe, who was sitting all by herself on a long bamboo chair. The day might have been exhausting but she was delighted. She got her attention, which instantly put a smile on her face, as she sat down beside her.

"Thank you, Heathe..." She almost whispered while looking straight into her eyes. "I don't know how I'm supposed to pay you back for all the things you've done."

Heathe heaved a sigh. "Don't worry about it. You know that I'll do anything for you. Rest assured that I won't require you to pay me back. Just finish your studies and make us proud."

"Correction, you also have to graduate alongside me. Promise me that we'll achieve our dreams together."

Heathe chuckled whilst rubbing her nape. "Yeah, I know. So, which school do you have in mind?"

"Uhmm... Rio de Graciaz is nearby. On top of this, it offers the course that I'm going to take."

"What?!" Heathe almost yelled in shock, subsequently making her jolt a bit. "Don't you wanna be with me in GEU?" She asked before she could state her query.

"Did you enroll in GEU?"

"Well, it has been my preferred university ever since."

She was about to convince Heathe to attend the same university as her when she realized that Cole's family was the owner of Rio de Graciaz University, or simply known as RDGU. A stroke of guilt suddenly consumed her because they wouldn't be attending the same school and that was her fault. Heathe had been prioritizing all her needs all this time but she, unfortunately, failed to think about her.

She let out a nervous sigh. "My bad. I'd chosen RDGU for a long time. And, to tell you the truth, Cole and Trini will be there."

"I knew it. When it comes to your friends, you just can't refuse, right?"

She shook her head, firmly. "That's not it. I—"

"Then be with me in GEU so, we can always be together. I don't wanna be away from you, Ayen."

She didn't want to make Heathe feel insulted, but she couldn't refrain from laughing at her statement. "That really is domineering."

"I only want us to go to university together. And I can drive you home, as well. That way, I can be sure that you will always be safe. Is it that bad?"

"I'm certain I'll be safe at RDGU."

Heathe raised a brow, which she only laughed off. "So, you've already decided and I can do something about it, anymore."

"We can still see each other, anyway. It's not like Rio is so far away. You know, I also think that I better go to a closer university so that when you're unable to fetch me I can go home conveniently."

"That'll never happen. There's no reason for me not to drive you to school or home." Heathe refuted, frowning. "I was actually expecting that you had chosen GEU, because, of course, you would think that I wouldn't be studying in Rio."

She held her hand and squeezed it lightly. "Please forgive me. Promise, I'll make it up to you."

Heathe stared at her for a moment while her one brow was still arched.

"Please...You can still drive me to Rio and back home even if we attend separate universities." She pleaded, pulling off puppy eyes.

"Of course, I'll still do that." Heathe cried before murmuring, "Be thankful that I like you."

"Come again?" She asked when, in fact, she heard it clear as a bell. It honestly flattered her.

Heathe shook her head more in disbelieving her reaction rather than refusing to repeat what she had said. She let out a sigh as she pulled herself up before extending her hand to her. "Let's go."

"W-where to?" She asked, but held out her hand, anyway.

Heathe didn't respond.

As soon as she was up, she got confounded straightaway. Loud explosions blasted out simultaneously, lighting up the dark sky.

"For you, my angel." Heathe whispered in her ear.

"Sky flowers." She drawled while looking up.

"Sky flowers?"

She turned back to Heathe. "I'd thought they were much better to refer to as sky flowers because they were like blooming flowers in the sky. They are so beautiful, Heathe. I'm so happpy."

"I can see it, my angel." Heathe said while gently tucking some loose strands of her hair behind her ear.

"Thank you for everything."

"Anything for you, my Ayen."

They both stuck-stared at each other for a moment while the sky flickered through the sky flowers. The outbursts were nothing compared to the thumping of her heart. The happiness she felt at that moment was inexplicable. It was the most blissful moment that she would willingly revisit, again and again. And she wanted no one but Heathe to be with her while at it.

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