The Next Heiress

Chapter 15 - Confusion

JIM SALVADOR.

Everything is going right according to plan.

Located in the district of Malate, this party guesthouse that I have rented is enough to accommodate sixty to seventy people. The event has started at seven o'clock, and the room is already packed, but there are still individuals who keep on arriving. Most of the attendees are my classmates, schoolfellows, and close friends. Some of them have even brought their acquaintances.

As my eyes scan the whole place, everyone seems to enjoy the celebration bash of my basketball team's victory—the Green Pythons.

Expectedly, the room smells like a combination of sweat, various liquors, and strong perfumes. Vanilla and musk win the category of the dominating fragrance scents. As for the alcoholic beverages, there are evident hints of Emperador Brandy and Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin that are lingering within.

Let's have a good time, I tell myself as I reach the last tread of the black metal stairs with a smirk on my face.

Near the billiards, there, I see my teammates. They are busy playing the Sam-yuk-gu, a Korean drinking game, with my girl classmates, including Yvonne Gonzales, who is known for being outgoing and flirtatious. A loud teasing cheer is given to that lady when she fails to clap on her turn, causing her to take a shot.

She will surely get drunk in no time, I chuckle, predicting her fate.

I continue walking. In the middle, several souls are dancing over the roar of the upbeat music. Some of them are blasting their worries off, probably forgetting the stress of school workloads. The flickering lights join them as their bodies move shamelessly underneath.

Is she here now? I ask myself, biting my lips in frustration when I couldn't find the presence of the only girl that I've been wanting to see.

My head proceeds to roam around, and to my surprise, I spot another amusing thing to witness.

I hope they don't eat each other's faces off, I scoff, shaking my head when I watch a few seconds of young adults making out in the corners of the room.

On the home bar, there stands the popular Markus Hernandez from the University of Santo Tomas. He is one of my close friends in the neighborhood. Earlier, after the official announcement of my team's victory, my fingers dialed his number, and I asked him a favor if he could serve as the bartender for my party.

"It's my pleasure, Jim," I recall him replying that in his usual, amiable tone. "Did I already tell you that I love mixing cocktails and talking with girls?"

Of course, with his ravishing appeal, it's not surprising that the ladies flock around him in the home bar. Aside from being active in the dating community, Markus is also a famous part-time bartender, which is why it's pretty obvious that he enjoys his task for the night.

"Enjoying this night, eh?" A voice suddenly snaps me back to my senses.

When I turn around to look, my eyes meet a sweet, attractive face of a gal. Dressed in a see-through white blouse and a short black leather skirt, she's holding a champagne saucer glass in her right hand. Her upturned eyes flutter slowly under the glimmering lights, then a small smirk plays on her drooping lips after.

"Oh, hi, Veronica," I scratch my nape awkwardly. "I didn't know you were here."

"Silly," she laughs, showing her stunning pearly whites. "Of course, it's your party. I can't miss it."

I grin at her in a clunky manner. "Uhm...Yuri is here, by the way."

"Oh, come on!" The lady in front of me rolls her eyes in a playful manner. "You already know that I'm not interested in him."

"I—uh, I just thought you want to see him after how many years...? Oh, two," I answer nervously, thinking of other ways to make this conversation entertaining.

Veronica steps closer to me, lifting a brow. Once more, she raises the corner of her lips, forming a teasing smirk in front of me.

"It is you, Jim," she says with a sultry tone like it's my first time to hear it. "It's always been you."

I gulp, taking my eyes off her appearance. "I'm sorry, but I think I have to go."

"Another rejection?" Veronica pouts.

I stare at her with a blank expression, unable to utter a word at her pitiful state. Conscience starts to cover me, causing my fists to clench softly. If there is one thing that I hate doing in this world, that is the ticklish process of rejecting a woman. I feel bad whenever I do it. It doesn't feel right, but I have to do it straight away, rather than accepting their feelings out of pity.

And, Veronica Chavez is one of those several girls that I have already dealt with before.

"Uh, no," I give her a smile. "I was looking for a friend."

Her eyes squint at my response. "Or maybe a girlfriend?" She jests with a slightly annoyed look, then she laughs after. Her reaction makes me feel uncomfortable in my position.

"Nope. Stop. She's not," I shake my head to disagree.

Veronica nods. A smug look is plastered on her face. "Okay, whatever you say."

Immediately, I nod at her, excusing myself from the interaction. As my head moves towards the location of the home bar, finally, I catch the sight of the beautiful, young woman that I've been looking for. She's sitting on one of the black metal stools on the home bar. Her pear-shaped body hugs an off-shoulder bodycon dress with a black hue, sending goosebumps to my body.

It is my first time seeing her dressed in bold and flashy clothing.

"Celine," I mumble her name, trying to collect myself.

I stare at her spot. She is not alone. Her best friend is sitting beside her, asking for another cocktail for Markus. After a few minutes, Yuri suddenly approaches, and he starts talking to them. His actions earn weird looks from the two. They both seem flustered at his presence.

Since they are far from my position and the music is too loud, I couldn't hear their conversation. But, my bet is strong that their talk isn't getting good. When Brielle raises her index finger close to Yuri's face, that's the part where I decide to meddle.

"Hey, guys!" I greet, jogging towards them. "How's the party? Are you all having fun?"

My bosom buddy snorts. "Is this your definition of fun?"

"Quit fussing around," I punch Yuri's shoulder in a playful manner, then tilt my head to talk to the two ladies. "Just ignore him and enjoy tonight."

Celine asks me about him. When I tell them that he's my best friend, a surprised look quickly pops up on her face. There, I explain to both of them how he transferred to our school. With their suspicious reactions, I could tell that they are too intrigued to know his character and background.

"I could hear you all from here," Yuri informs, moving his pint of beer closer to us.

Upon knowing his short switching-school story, Brielle instantly bows to apologize. "I'm sorry for overreacting earlier."

He simpers. "It's fine. Come on, let's just drink."

Well, that's a relief. It's a good thing that they are now calm when it comes to him. Tonight might be a little chaotic, but there's one thing for sure—we are going to enjoy this party for real.

"Yes. Count me in," I choose one of the bar stools to sit down.

Celine gives us a wonderful smile. But before she could order a drink for herself, I notice a slight change of behavior from her. Her hand covers her lower abdomen, and she glances at the nearby toilet.

"Excuse me. I have to use the restroom," she states.

I smile at her. "Sure. We'll wait for you."

She nods and quickly turns her back to walk away from us. My eyes watch as her body becomes smaller and even smaller due to the distance. I tap Yuri's shoulders, getting his attention from drinking his beer.

"Hmm? Why?" He lifts a brow.

I lick my lips. "Could you follow Celine for me?"

"And why would he do that?" Brielle crosses her arms. "I'll do it instead."

I get her arm, halting this girl from her departure. "It's dangerous. I'm sending Yuri to keep an eye out for Celine. She might get in unnecessary trouble."

She removes my grip hardly. "So, are you saying that I can't protect her because I'm a girl? That's sexist."

"Stop being so emotional," Yuri scoffs. "There are douchebags that are scattered everywhere. Jim knows that. He's just concerned about both of you."

Brielle rolls her eyes at him. "Whatever. That was really offensive."

"I'll be right back," the fair-skinned guy says, bringing his glass with him.

I nod. "Make sure that she's safe. I'll look after Brielle here."

The girl grabs my arm. "Hey! I don't need a—"

"Shh," I put my palm on her mouth. "Let's just stay here till they get back."

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I just can't believe it.

"Y-you borrowed Celine's underwear?" I cover my mouth, stifling my laughter.

"Yes, I pooped accidentally on my undies in the mall, and I had no choice," Brielle cackles, tapping the wooden bar table loudly. "So yeah, she ended up wearing nothing underneath but shorts."

Due to our funny discussion, the people around the home bar give us some sharp glances, but we don't care. We have been talking for a few minutes, and her story is too hilarious for me to be conscious of my state.

"I thought Celine is lucky 'cause you can handle her mood swings," I shake my head playfully, still chuckling at their amusing experience. "Turns out that you're the one who's so lucky. Imagine, walking around the mall like that."

"Yes! I agree!" Brielle claps in approval, expressing her amusement. "Sometimes, she could do absurd things just for me."

A sweet smile forms on my lips. Celine Suarez is something else.

That girl can be moody at times, and she may overreact to some situations, but no one can deny her kind personality. She is the type who could risk moving out of her comfort zone just for her best friend. I don't want to exaggerate, but imagine what she could do for her mother, and of course, for the man that she loves.

Does she already have someone in her life? I can't help but wonder.

Just thinking about it pinches my heart.

We have been friends since seventh grade. She is one of those very few girls that I'm comfortable teasing. Every time I try to piss her off, she would always show this iconic reaction.

Her done brows would squish together.

Her chubby cheeks would form into two big balls.

Her always glossed lips would part to express her annoyance.

Her round eyes would squint and roll as far as they can.

I find it so adorable and entertaining.

Very cute, I whisper to myself as I recall her charming face, grinning like an i***t.

"Why are you smiling?" Brielle asks, stopping the engine of my train of thoughts.

I glance at her. "Nothing, I was just thinking of—"

"Oh, hi, Justin!" She suddenly interrupts, making my head turn in the direction of her eyes.

She chuckles. "I didn't know that you'll be here. You let your books take some rest, huh?"

No response is heard from the guy. Instead, he walks closer to me. A blank expression is written on his face. It seems like he is searching for something...or maybe somebody.

"Have you seen Celine?" He asks me. His tone comes out anxiously.

I am right.

"Woah," Brielle gasps, putting her glass down. "You came all the way here for her?"

My head tilts with a hint of annoyance. "And why would you ask me? Do I look like a receptionist?" I reply to him, taking another drink from my shot glass.

I am waiting for an annoyed reaction from him, but nothing funny comes out of his face. Instead, he just ignores me and turns to my company to ask the same question again. In return, Brielle gives him the answer that he has been waiting for.

"She went in the restroom."

He nods in response, nodding later to give appreciation to her information. After knowing it, he quickly disappears from sight by jogging away from the home bar.

"I think he likes her," Brielle says, taking another shot of her cocktail.

"Nope," my brows furrow, forming a frown. "He's just bored since you're both giving him time by talking to him."

A smirk casts on her lips. "Someone is being jealous."

"What? No!" I scoff, brushing off the awkward tease.

Brielle stares at me in a mischievous manner. Being fiddly, my eyes shift to Markus. To avoid the growing topic, I ask him for another liquor. This time, I choose the Andy Player Black Blended Whiskey.

"Man, are you planning to get drunk?" He chuckles, pouring the rich golden bronze liquid on a new, lowball glass.

I flick my right hand. "Stop. I'm just enjoying today. This isn't your—"

"Ow! I'm sure that hurts!" A young man exclaims from the other side of the room, interrupting my conversation with my bartender friend.

Before I could get off my stool, Brielle is already gone. As my head turns around, the massive crowd has stopped dancing. Immediately, the sound of the music fades. Everyone is busy watching something that I don't know.

"I'll be right back," I gulp the new drink, finishing it till the last drop. Quickly, I put the glass down on the table and pat Markus on his shoulder.

"Sure," he nods. "I think something's happening. Go and check it."

In a swift manner, I stand up from my seat and jog toward the mob. My arms push various people, setting aside their bodies from the path to creating a space for me to walk on. Finally, when I come to the center, my eyes widen in shock. Justin and Yuri are exchanging strong punches.

"Hey! Both of you! Calm down!" Brielle pacifies the two, desperately trying to separate them from each other.

My eyes wander around, searching for Celine. When I find her, she's standing stiffly on the side and staring at the three people on the middle with an empty reaction on her face. She tries to calm the two by screaming at them to stop, but her pleas are unheard. They still continue thumping each other.

Feeling frustrated, I run toward Brielle, joining her to hush the two fighting guys.

"What the f**k is wrong with you?!" I yell to both of them. I get Yuri's arms to go to the left side, and Brielle pulls Justin to the right.

"That punk started all of this!" Yuri shouts, attempting to punch him more.

Justin doesn't respond with his statement. Instead, he lets out a deep sigh, then he glares at him sharply.

"Just stop! Okay?!" Brielle retorts. "You two are acting like elementary kids!"

Before I could add another sermon to agree with Brielle, a loud cry is heard within the circular crowd.

"Help!" A girl wails. "This girl's leg is bleeding!"

As my eyes meet the direction of the lady's voice, my mouth gasps in horror. Immediately, I release Yuri from my grip and run toward Celine. She is lying on the floor helplessly. Her eyes are closed, and her body continues to bleed. The rich red blood comes from a big wound on her right leg.

"W-where did she get this?" I ask, panting due to nervousness.

"I don't know," a tall guy with tanned skin responds. "I was just flirting with her when she suddenly fainted."

When I look up to the person who's speaking, my hands take action with his shirt's collars, crumpling them with fury. "What did you do to her?!"

"Relax," Derek answers, raising his hands in defeat. "I just caressed her back...that's all."

"Remember this," my eyes squint, tightening my grasp on his collars. "Just because you're my teammate doesn't mean I'll let you be a douchebag with girls."

Upon saying it, I release him from my clasp. Derek gives me a smirk, shaking his head in disbelief. I rush back to Celine. With my arms, I swing her up and enfold her pitiful body. Her head draws back involuntarily between her shoulder blades as I stagger on the floor with her weight.

We disappear from that night.

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Slowly, the lady's eyes flutter. As they open, they wander around, scanning the place thoroughly. When she realizes that she is in a different location, her back quickly bends upwards, attempting to stand up from the bed. But, when she feels the pain of her freshly stitched leg, she lays her body in a calm manner back on the bed.

"Where am I?" Celine asks. Her eyes are still roaming around. "Why am I in a hospital?"

"Hey, shh," I shush her down, tapping her shoulder gently. "Your doctor says you need some rest."

She takes a look at her leg. It is covered with a thick layer of white gauze bandage. "It hurts," she glances at me with puppy eyes.

"I know. That's why I'm here," I reply, forming a smile on my lips. "Anyway, I'd texted Mrs. Suarez this morning. She'll be here in no time."

Celine just stares at me.

"Wait," I stand up from the metal chair. "I'll get you a glass of water."

Suddenly, her hand grabs my arm, stopping me from walking. "Jim...let me out of here."

"What? I can't do that," my forehead crinkles. "You still need to rest."

I gaze into her eyes. Tiny circles of shimmering liquid are emerging on them. "Please...I need to see him," she says, her tone coming out like a sob.

Him.

As soon as my ears perceive that pronoun of a male, I could feel my heart slowly embracing the great ball of distress. With control, I try to maintain my cool in front of her.

"Who is he?" I ask.

"I saw him. He's at the party last night," she answers softly. "He even touched my back..."

"Oh, it's Derek," I scoff. "I apologize, Celine. I've already dealt with him. He's kinda a douche—"

"No," she interrupts. "He's a different person. I know it...I saw him."

I haven't moved from my position. How could she say that? I saw it all too.

"So, please let me," she pleads. Teardrops are already falling down to her cheeks. "He needs me."

I lower my head. My fists clench on their own. Despite of my heavy feeling, I still manage to give her a small smile. "Don't worry, I'll let you meet him. Just take some rest first, okay?"

Finally, a beam sets up on her face. "Thank you, Jim."

I nod. "Just a minute."

As I turn back to get her a glass of water, I can't help but ask myself; Who is he in your life, Celine?

Slowly, my smile fades.