An Angel's kiss.

Chapter Twelve

"Young Master is still sleeping in his room, ma'am. Do you need anything?" she answered.

I wanted to ask about my clothes, but the words caught in my throat. It was too embarrassing.

"U-Um... it's nothing important. Thank you. I should get going."

I didn't want to interrupt their work any longer, so I gave them another awkward smile before turning toward the front door.

"Young Master?" I didn't know people still used that title. I'd only ever seen it in novels.

But why were Jacob's maids calling Colt "Young Master"?

Then it hit me.

He even has his own room here... in Jacob's house?

Fortunately, my Uber driver called as soon as I stepped outside to let me know he'd arrived. Since public vehicles weren't allowed to drive through the mansion's gate, he had to wait outside.

I hurried toward the entrance. The security guard greeted me politely before opening the small gate and letting me pass. I awkwardly thanked him.

By the time I reached the car, I was slightly out of breath. I slipped into the back seat and quietly closed the door behind me.

The ride home was quiet. As I gazed out the window, I could finally see and admire the neighborhood around me.

Last night, it had been too dark to notice much, but now that the sun was beginning to rise, everything was slowly coming into view.

Rows of enormous houses lined the streets. No... calling them houses didn't seem right.

They were mansions.

Their grand entrances, towering gates, perfectly manicured lawns, and elegant architecture made each one look more impressive than the last. This village was clearly home to the wealthy. It felt like an entirely different world—one I'd only ever seen in movies.

My thoughts eventually drifted back to Colt.

"I'm sure he doesn't even remember those kisses. He's probably used to things like that... except for the part where I threw up all over him."

I covered my face with my palm, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. The more I replayed everything that had happened, the more embarrassed I became.

I called Janice several times after I got home, but every single call went straight to voicemail.

"Please call me as soon as you hear this, Ja. You're making me worry so much."

With a sigh, I tossed my phone onto the bed and headed straight to the bathroom.

"Sasabunutan ko talaga ang babaeng 'yon."

I scrubbed myself twice, trying to wash away the sticky, unpleasant feeling left from last night's party. I brushed my teeth twice, but I still couldn't get rid of the sour, bitter taste from throwing up. No matter how hard I tried, I still felt like I smelled of alcohol.

After drying my hair, I climbed into bed and did my best to push away all the worries weighing on my mind.

"I'll just sleep the whole day."

Good thing it's Saturday.

"I'll finish all my schoolwork when I wake up..."

I wasn't sure if it was the Advil making me drowsy or if I was still suffering from last night's hangover. At that point, I didn't even know what to blame anymore.

It wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep.

Darkness greeted me when I woke up. I stayed where I was, staring at the ceiling even though I couldn't see a thing.

My stomach was already protesting from hunger, but I ignored it. The only thing I'd eaten all day was a slice of toast before taking the Advil.

At least, kahit papaano, nakabawi ako ng tulog. I let out another yawn as I sat up and stretched my arms before reaching for my phone.

“Past three? I slept that long?”

A few missed calls and messages immediately caught my attention.

Magandang Dilag: I'm so sorry. I was dead asleep all day.

Magandang Dilag: Hey, I've been calling you.

Magandang Dilag: Are you home?

Magandang Dilag: Code red. Call me ASAP.

Then I noticed a few messages from my parents too.

Dada: Good morning, anak! Patapos na ang work ni Dada. Kamusta na ang Angel ko? Huwag kang magpapagutom at magpupuyat. Love you, nak. Miss you.

Mother: Angel, I'll be home tomorrow. Let's go to church together. Remember not to leave the lights on, and don't forget your homework. Love you.

Those messages felt like a slap across my face.

My parents were always so thoughtful. No matter how busy they were, they never forgot to check on me. A wave of guilt washed over me as I lowered my head. If they ever found out what happened, they'd be so disappointed in me.

"I wonder what Mom would do..."

Just thinking about it sent a chill down my spine. As much as I loved both of my parents, Mom was definitely the scarier one when she was angry.

"They can never find out about last night."

I shook my head. Worrying wasn't helping. Maybe talking to Janice would take my mind off everything.

The phone rang only once before she answered.

“Where are you?” she blurted out before I could even say hello.

“Nice. Hello to you too, Dolly,” I giggled. “I’m home. What about you, bro?”

“I’m home too!” she squealed. “Oh my gosh, Angel, you won’t believe what I’m about to tell you!”

“What?” I teased. “You’re pregnant?”

“Silly!” Janice burst out laughing. “How could I be? I just lost my virginity last night. Now I’m pregnant?”

My smile immediately vanished.

“Wait...” I sat up straighter. “Did I hear that right? You and Jacob...?”

“Yeah...” she admitted, unable to hide the excitement in her voice.

For a moment, I couldn’t find the words.

“Oh my God, Ja...” I whispered. “I... I honestly don’t know what to say.”

She giggled. “You sound so shocked.”

“I am.” I sighed softly. “I won’t lie, I’m a little worried... but I know you wouldn’t make a decision like that unless you were sure.”

“I was,” she said without hesitation. “And I don’t regret it.”

I could hear the smile in her voice. If I could see her right now, she’d probably be lying on her bed, hugging a pillow and staring at the ceiling with the biggest lovestruck smile on her face.

“You know what’s making me even happier?” she asked excitedly.

“What?”

“He asked me out!”

My eyes widened. “Like... an actual date?”

“Yes!” she squealed again. “An actual date! I honestly didn’t expect this, especially knowing his reputation.”

I nodded, as if she could see me.

“He called me after dropping me home. He couldn’t even wait until he got home before asking me out. Our date is tomorrow.”

“So... you’re officially a couple now?”

“I don’t know, Gel. We haven’t really talked about labels yet.” She paused, and I could hear the smile in her voice. “He makes me feel like I’m on cloud nine, and whatever this is... that’s all that matters right now.”

“I couldn’t be happier for you, doll.”

Wala na rin akong nagawa. Sa sobrang saya ng boses niya, hindi ko na rin mapigilang mapangiti.

“I am,” she replied softly. “I’ve never felt this way before.”

"If Jacob ever hurts you..." sabi ko habang nagpapanggap na seryoso. "All you have to do is snip off a few strands of his hair, send them to me, and I'll mail them to my grandma in the Philippines. She'll hex him."