Lost in Despair

Chapter 1

Lost in Despair

Chapter 1

The story contains themes and situations that may not be suitable for all readers. It is not an endorsement or support for any immoral actions. Please consider your preferences and beliefs before reading this story.

—-------

Currently, I stand atop a high bridge, ready to jump to end the pain I am feeling. It seems like the rats have revealed themselves, ready to abandon me in my most difficult moments. I got entangled in a world of bad influences and wrong paths. The people I trusted and believed in turned out to be the ones sowing chaos in my life. I forgot my principles and got consumed by the darkness of vices and evil.

I got close to things I knew were wrong, actions that deepened my sadness. With each passing day, I slowly drowned in hopelessness. I lost trust in myself and in others as well. I couldn't see my own worth anymore, as if it disappeared into a large cave filled with darkness.

As I prepare to jump, I recall the time when everything began to change.

—--

Melissa: Ahhh. Good morning. Where's my phone? Here!

Melissa: Good morning, Beb! Happy Birthday! I love you so much!

I have to get up and prepare for school. Hi, I'm Melissa Dela Cruz. 4th-year Marketing Student. I have long black hair, a petite body, I'm 5'4 tall, and have an average-sized face.

Lydia: You don't have a job, you can't even contribute to the household, and it's so messy here, there's nothing to eat. I'm tired from working overtime just to support our needs at home!

Marjun: I'm sorry, hon! I'm trying my best to find a new job. I'll make sure I can do the household chores properly for now that I don't have a job.

Melissa: Good morning, Ma and Pa!

Lydia: Good morning, dear. I hope you're not hungry. Your father's cooking is burnt again.

Melissa: It's okay, Ma. Maybe we can just make something else.

Marjun: I'll go to the store to buy some food before heading to the job fair.

Lydia: Job fair? You've been to three job fairs already and still no job!

Melissa: Ma, Papa is trying his best.

Lydia: Oh, Are you sure he's working hard?

Melissa: Don't worry, Pa. I know you'll find a job soon.

Marjun: Thank you, Mel. Your words mean a lot to me.

Melissa went to the kitchen to get breakfast, but she stopped when she saw the dirty dishes and the messy sink.

Seems like the kitchen is a mess now. I thought to myself.

Melissa: Ma, can we clean the kitchen some time? It's getting hard to find things here.

Lydia: I don't have time for that.

Melissa: I understand that, but maybe we can all help? It's not just one person's responsibility.

Marjun: I'll take care of it, Mel, before I leave.

Melissa smiled at her father's actions, but Lydia quickly left the kitchen to get ready for work.

Melissa: Thanks, Pa. Do well at the job fair later. Take care.

Marjun: You too, my dear.

I kissed Papa on the cheek and left the house. I got into the car and Mama drove me to school.

This is my mother, Lydia Dela Cruz. Despite her age, she seems even sexier now. Her petite figure adds to her beauty. My mother comes from a well-off family and she worked hard to achieve her status in life. She is a marketing manager in a company here in town. But despite all her success, my mother remains kind and focused on our family. She's always there for me, offering love and support when we need it.

And this is my father, Marjun Dela Cruz, a former comptroller in a manufacturing plant here in town. In his youth, he was a model. He is diligent in his work, striving to provide for our family's needs. Papa is a loving and patient father. The only problem with my dad is that he's too focused on work that he hardly has time for the family.

Their relationship started to strain when Papa lost his job. He lost all the benefits and his savings also depleted due to a scandal in their company. He was kicked out by his bosses, and his name became tainted even in other companies, which affected his self-confidence.

During the ride.

Melissa: Ma, please be careful with your words towards Papa. He's doing his best with what we have now.

Lydia: I know that you're always on your father's side.

Melissa: Ma, it's not like that. I love both of you, but you shouldn't always speak ill of Papa.

Lydia: I'm sorry for my behavior earlier. I've just been so stressed these past few days.

Melissa: I understand, Ma. We're all going through a tough time.

I reached out my hand and placed it on Mama's shoulder.

Melissa: You're doing everything you can. We just need to support each other.

The car stopped in front of the school, and I hugged Mama before getting out.

Melissa: Thank you for the ride, Ma. I love you.

Lydia: I love you too, my dear. Have a great day at school.

—--

I'm here now in the school hallway when I saw my best friend. Judy. She's a bit smaller than me, but she's well-endowed. She has chinita looks, short hair, and stands at 5'3.

Melissa: Hey, Judy!

Judy: Hey, how are you, Mel?

Melissa: I'm okay. Still trying to survive the semester.

Judy: Same here. Do you know about our new professor in class?

Melissa: No, what's up with him?

Judy: He seems to be extremely strict. He won't tolerate any nonsense.

Melissa: Perfect. That's what we need to straighten up, haha.

We walk towards the classroom, chatting and laughing along the way.

Melissa: You know, Judy, I'm glad I met you during our first-year orientation. I don't know how I would survive without you.

Judy: Yeah, I know the feeling. We clicked right away, didn't we?

Melissa: Of course. You're playful and mischievous.

Judy: I'm happy being that way.

Melissa: Judy, do you have any plans later? Can you join me? It's my Beb's birthday today, and I haven't bought a gift yet. I've been busy with our projects.

Judy: Sure, Mel. I'd love to. But treat me to Starbucks, okay?

Melissa: I'm trying to save money, but okay.

I'm listening to our professor talking about the lesson for the day. Suddenly, a classmate enters the room and whispers to me.

Classmate: Melissa, you need to go immediately. Dwayne is messing with Carlo again.

Melissa: What? Where is he?

Classmate: He's at the heroes park.

I run towards the park and meet Dwayne along the way.

Melissa: Dwayne, what are you doing? I told you not to bother Carlo.

Dwayne: Who are you to tell me what to do?

Melissa: Carlo is my boyfriend, and I won't allow you to bother him.

Dwayne: Oh, is that so? Well, I don't care. I'll do what I want.

Dwayne leaves, and I continue heading to the park where I see Carlo with blood on his lip.

Melissa: Omg! Beb, what happened? Your lip is bleeding. Let me wipe it first.

Carlo: It's nothing, Beb. Don't worry.

Melissa: Don't worry? He hurt you! I'm going to find Dwayne and punch him.

Carlo: Beb, stop it. Let's go to the clinic and then back to class.

I support Carlo as we head to the clinic.

—--

Nurse: Here's the medicine for the pain. Wait for it to take effect, and you'll be fine. You can go back to your class.

I'm furious about what happened to Carlo.

Melissa: I can't believe Dwayne would do this again!

Carlo: I know, Beb, but it's okay. I'm happy that you're here with me.

I take a deep breath and try to calm down. I just can't stand this bully. It's not right.

Melissa: I'm so angry at Dwayne for what he did to you, Beb.

Carlo: I know, Beb, but let's focus on my recovery first.

Suddenly, the nurse speaks up, saying she's being called by the principal and that she'll leave us for a while.

Nurse: I need to go to the principal's office. You two stay here for now.

Carlo embraced me, and I felt the warmth of his body against mine. He faced me.

Carlo: Thank you for being here for me.

I smiled and felt the excitement in my body subside.

Melissa: Of course, Beb. I'm always here for you.

Carlo approached and kissed me on the forehead.

Carlo: I don't know what I would do without you.

I bit my lip, feeling the heat emanating from his body.

Melissa: I love you!

I said while looking into his eyes. Carlo smiled widely.

Carlo: I love you too, Beb!

He hugged me tightly and kissed me. As we kissed, I felt a thrilling sense of relaxation.

Our kisses grew more intense. Beb slipped his hand into my blouse and caressed my breasts. My body started to heat up. I also noticed a prominent bulge in my boyfriend's pants. He whispered to me, Beb, maybe we should both take a look at his bulge. That made me even more excited, he said.

—-

I couldn't resist the temptation any longer. With a mischievous smile, I slowly unbuttoned Carlo's pants, feeling the anticipation and excitement building up within me. As I pulled down his zipper, his throbbing c**k sprang free, fully erect and ready for action. The sight of it made my mouth water.

Carlo's eyes darkened with desire as he watched me, his breathing becoming heavier. I could feel the heat radiating from his body, matching the fire burning within me. I licked my lips, unable to resist the urge any longer.

Without hesitation, I wrapped my hand around his hard shaft, feeling its pulsating warmth. My fingers glided along his length, teasing the sensitive skin. Carlo let out a low groan, his hips instinctively thrusting forward, seeking more of my touch.

I leaned in closer, my lips brushing against the tip of his c**k. I could taste the salty pre-c*m that had gathered there, and it only fueled my desire. With a hungry look in my eyes, I took him into my mouth, savoring the feel of him filling my mouth.

Carlo's fingers tangled in my hair as I began to bob my head, my tongue swirling around his throbbing member. I could feel him growing harder, the veins pulsating against my lips. I moaned around him, the vibration sending waves of pleasure through both of us.

Lost in the heat of the moment, I continued to pleasure Carlo with my mouth, taking him deeper and deeper. His breaths became ragged, his grip on my hair tightening. I could sense his impending release, and I wanted nothing more than to taste him.

With one final deep-throat, I felt Carlo's body tense, and then he exploded in my mouth. His hot, salty c*m filled my senses, and I eagerly swallowed every drop, savoring the taste of his pleasure.

As Carlo slowly came down from his orgasmic high, he looked at me with pure satisfaction in his eyes.

—--

After we finished getting ready, the nurse arrived and apologized. Beb escorted me to my classroom afterwards.

Carlo: Alright, Beb, we're here. Are you ready for your next class?

Melissa: Yes, thank you for taking me here.

I entered our classroom and sat next to my closest friend, Judy.

Judy: What happened to Carlo?

Melissa: He got teased at the park.

Judy: Are you okay?

Judy placed her hand on my shoulder.

Melissa: Yes, I'm fine. He was treated by the nurse at the clinic, and then he escorted me here before going to his next class.

As the class began, I found it difficult to concentrate on the lecture. I was thinking about Carlo and how I wished he could defend himself the next time he's teased.

Judy: Mel, are you okay?

Melissa: Yes, I'm just thinking about Carlo.

A smile appeared on my face as I reminisced about how we first met during the late nights of their first year in school before becoming friends and falling in love.

He's such a smart student, topping their class, I thought to myself with a sense of pride in my eyes. And he's active in school organizations and activities. But sometimes, it feels like he doesn't include me in his plans.

I'm sure he has his reasons, I reassured myself.

But I'll still support him and do everything I can to be a good girlfriend to him.

When the buzzer rang, I packed up my things and fixed myself.

Judy: What's up, girl? Ready to go?

Melissa: Just fixing my makeup. Let's go.

—-

We are here at the mall now. It seems like my best friend is even more excited about going to the mall. We walk around the stores, looking at different clothes and accessories. We are both excited and happy to be out and about.

As we explore the stores, my anticipation grows. My heart races with excitement as I spot a gorgeous dress on display. Its vibrant colors and intricate design immediately catch my eye. I grab it off the rack, feeling the soft fabric between my fingers, and turn to Judy, my best friend, who is equally thrilled about our mall adventure.

Melissa: Oh, this is so beautiful. Do you think it suits me?

Judy: Yes, try it on.

Judy replies with a smile.

I can't wait to try on the dress and see how it looks on me. We enter a fitting room, and I quickly slip out of my current outfit, eager to slip into the dress that has captured my attention.

As I stand before the mirror, wearing the dress, I can't help but gasp at my reflection. The dress hugs my curves in all the right places, accentuating my figure and making me feel like a queen. I twirl around, admiring how the fabric gracefully flows with every movement. This dress is a work of art, and I can't believe how stunning I look.

Unable to contain my excitement, I swing open the fitting room door and show Judy. Her eyes widen, and a smile spreads across her face.

Judy: You look absolutely amazing!

She exclaims, her voice filled with genuine admiration. I can't help but blush, feeling a surge of confidence and beauty wash over me.

An idea sparks in my mind, and I reach for my phone. I strike a few poses, capturing the dress from different angles. I want to remember how beautiful it made me feel, even if it's not mine to keep just yet. The pictures become a tangible reminder of the confidence and allure it brought out in me.

Then reality crashes down on me like a wave. I remember that I simply can't afford to splurge on this dress right now. Disappointment fills my heart, and I sigh softly.

Melissa: I love it, Judy, but I can't buy it at the moment. I promise myself that I will get it in the future when I can.

Judy's expression softens, understanding my financial constraints.

Judy: I completely understand, Melissa.

She says empathetically.

Judy: It's important to prioritize and be responsible with our finances. But remember, you can always come back for it when the time is right.

Her words offer comfort, reminding me that this dress can be a future reward for my hard work and financial stability. I take a moment to gather my thoughts, realizing that our original purpose for coming to the mall was to find a gift for my boyfriend, not indulge in personal desires.

—--

As we left the store without buying the dress, a pang of disappointment washed over me. However, Judy's reminder to prioritize our finances and the promise of a future reward brought me comfort. I took a moment to refocus on our original purpose for visiting the mall – finding a gift for my boyfriend.

Just as we continued our leisurely stroll, lost in conversation, we unexpectedly ran into Carlo's parents, Uncle Alfred and Aunt Racquel. Excitement filled the air as I introduced Judy as my best friend, and warm greetings were exchanged. Uncle Alfred extended his hand to shake Judy's, and Aunt Racquel invited us to join them for a snack at a nearby restaurant. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with Carlo's family and deepen our bond.

Entering the cozy restaurant, we settled into our seats, the aroma of freshly prepared food filling the air. Aunt Racquel beamed at us, her eyes filled with genuine affection. Engaging in light-hearted conversation, we ordered our food and indulged in mouthwatering snacks. Throughout our time together, I couldn't help but notice Uncle Alfred's attentive gaze towards Judy. His eyes lingered on her with a mix of curiosity and interest, an energy that seemed to go beyond mere friendliness.

As the conversation flowed, Uncle Alfred listened intently to Judy's stories, hanging on to her every word. He actively participated in our discussions, offering insights and sharing anecdotes. A subtle tension seemed to arise between them, a magnetic pull that I couldn't quite comprehend. Was it just my imagination playing tricks on me, or was there something more going on?

After a delightful chat filled with laughter and warmth, we bid farewell to Uncle Alfred and Aunt Racquel, who kindly escorted us outside the restaurant.

As we walked away, I glanced at Judy, trying to gauge her thoughts. She wore a puzzled expression, hinting that she had noticed Uncle Alfred's peculiar behavior too. We exchanged a knowing look, silently acknowledging the unspoken tension that had filled the air.

Determined to put aside any lingering doubts, we redirected our attention towards the Men's Section to find the perfect gift for Carlo.

Carefully selecting a shirt and a wallet, I sought Judy's opinion.

Melissa: What do you think of these? Do you think Carlo will like them?

Judy: Absolutely! He'll love them. You have great taste, Melissa.

Judy enthusiastically approved it, assuring me that I had made a good choice. With confidence in our selection, we proceeded to the checkout counter to complete our purchases.

With our purchases in hand, we headed towards Starbucks to treat ourselves to a well-deserved break, where I wanted to treat Judy for accompanying me. Excitement filled the air as I eagerly anticipated presenting my gifts to Carlo.

Melissa: I can't wait to see the look on his face when he receives these.

I exclaimed with a smile. Judy shared in my excitement, assuring me that he would love the thoughtful presents.

Judy: Oh, Melissa, you know Carlo is going to be thrilled with these gifts. He's lucky to have someone as thoughtful as you in his life.

I blushed at her words, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest. Judy always had a way of making me feel special and appreciated.

Melissa: Thank you, Judy. That means a lot to me. I just want to make him happy, you know?

Judy: Of course, Melissa. And I have no doubt that he'll appreciate the effort you put into choosing these gifts. You two have something really special.

—

We entered Starbucks, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloping us. We ordered our favorite drinks and found a comfortable spot to sit, enjoying the ambiance and each other's company.

As we approached Starbucks, we decided to indulge in a well-deserved treat.

With anticipation and gratitude in our hearts, we stepped into Starbucks, ready to enjoy our treats and share in the joy of giving.

As we sipped our drinks, the conversation naturally shifted back to the encounter with Uncle Alfred and Aunt Racquel. I couldn't help but bring up the unspoken tension that lingered between Uncle Alfred and Judy.

I asked curiously.

Melissa: Judy, did you notice Uncle Alfred's excessive interest? It seemed like he was captivated by you.

Judy is smiling.

Judy: Oh, Melissa, I think you're imagining things. Uncle Alfred was just being friendly and engaging in conversation. Let's not read too much into it.

Melissa: Are you sure? There was something in the way he looked at you, a spark that felt different.

Judy: Trust me, Melissa, it's nothing. We were just having a pleasant conversation, that's all.

After hanging out at Starbucks, Judy said goodbye, saying she'll go ahead.

Judy: I'll go ahead, Mel. I'll meet up with Von.

Melissa: Judy, I thought you said it was over between you and Von. Are you sure this is a good idea?

She sighed.

Judy: I know, Melissa. I promised myself that I would move on and stay away from him, but sometimes, I just can't resist. I'm weak when it comes to him.

A mixture of concern and frustration washed over me. I had seen Judy go through the emotional rollercoaster of her relationship with Von too many times before. But as her friend, all I could do was support her choices and be there for her. Thoughts raced through my mind as I tried to process the situation.

—-

As I gathered my thoughts, I decided to take a moment to myself and stayed at the Starbucks. I sat down at a table near the window, sipping on my coffee, trying to calm my racing heart. My mind was still reeling from Judy's unexpected revelation.

Just as I was about to leave, ready to face whatever awaited me outside, a strong arm suddenly wrapped around my waist. Startled, I turned my head and came face to face with Dwayne. The sight of him made my blood boil.

Without hesitation, I instinctively pulled away from his grasp and unleashed a sharp slap across his face. However, much to my frustration, he managed to block my strike, his hand catching mine mid-air. The audible gasps from the people around us only served to intensify the already tense atmosphere.

In a low and menacing voice, I confronted him, my anger simmering beneath the surface. "You're so damn rude. What the hell do you think you're doing? You've been causing trouble for me all morning. Back off!"

Dwayne, seemingly unaffected by my outburst, attempted to downplay the situation, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Dwayne: Calm down, Melissa. I was just joking around. No need to make a scene. People are staring.

I glanced around and realized that indeed, curious eyes were fixed upon us. Feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration, I grabbed Dwayne's hand, forcefully leading him away from the prying eyes and into a secluded corner of the mall.

Once we were hidden from view, I glared at him, my voice dripping with disdain.

Melissa: What do you think of yourself? Don't you understand how much it hurts to see someone I care about being bullied by you?

Dwayne's lips curled into a smug smile as he responded, his tone dripping with arrogance. Dwayne: Alright, I'll stop tormenting your precious boyfriend... on one condition. Give me a chance to taste you, and I'll leave him alone.

My eyes widened in shock and disgust, unable to comprehend his audacity.

Melissa: What the hell is wrong with you? You're disgusting!

Unable to control my anger any longer, I balled my fist and delivered a powerful blow to his face. The impact sent him stumbling backward, his balance lost, and he crashed to the ground, clutching his cheek in pain.

Dwayne: "Aargh!"

Dwayne groaned, a mixture of pain and humiliation evident in his voice as he writhed on the floor.

Without sparing him another glance, I swiftly turned and made my escape, rushing outside to hail a taxi. As I sat in the backseat, my heart still racing, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with a tinge of guilt. I hadn't expected such a dramatic and intense encounter at the mall, but I refused to let anyone bully the person I loved, no matter the consequences.

To be continued…