I Knew I Loved You

Chapter Six

~ A Promise Fulfilled ~

The piercing ring of my cell phone shattered the peaceful silence, jolting me awake and sending pain reverberating through my entire body. With my eyes still half-closed, I groggily reached for the phone and answered it.

"H-Hello..." I croaked, my voice barely audible.

"Ada! Springtide University called me! You've been absent for three days?" Richmond's concerned voice came through the line.

I rubbed my temples, feeling the pounding headache from last night's drinking with Wella and her friends. "Yeah," I admitted lazily. "As if there was anything new about my absence. Psh!"

I heard Richmond sigh on the other end. "Can't you just do this for once, Ada? I will be away for a month. I thought we already talked about this?" His patience was wearing thin.

I remained silent, the pain in my head persisting. Leaning back against the headboard, I closed my eyes again.

"Dad and Mom said you haven't been answering your phone," Rich emphasized.

What is it now? Dad and Mom calling could mean there is a problem or because they are here in the Philippines. As if they care!

"I understand that they may have their flaws, but please, Ada, I urge you to mature. This isn't about me; I'm only worried about you," Richmond's voice pleaded.

I clenched my teeth. We had discussed this before he left for the seminar in Himamaylan. With a new restaurant being built there, he needed to oversee its development. That's why he couldn't drop me off or pick me up from school anymore. I felt a sense of loneliness without him.

"Please come back soon, Kuya," I said, my voice tinged with melancholy. I couldn't explain why I felt this way, but there was always a void when he wasn't around, and it vanished when he was by my side.

"Do you want anything? What souvenir do you want?" he tried to cheer me up.

"Why do you ask?"

"You only call me 'Kuya' when you want something. Tell me, do you want me to bring you some corn? Or oysters? There are plenty of oysters here."

A smile crept onto my face. "Just go home safe, Rich. I… have to go to school now."

He sighed, "Good. That's all I wanted to hear. Call me anytime. And… you know I love you, Ada."

"Yeah, I know."

I stared at the screen of my cell phone for a few minutes, contemplating. When would I become as responsible as my older brother, Richmond, who was only four years older than me? Despite harboring resentment toward our parents for their lack of presence, he managed his responsibilities with grace and never rebelled against them.

Every now and then, our father visited the Philippines alone to oversee our restaurants in Visayas, while our mother spent time with her friends and returned to Athens, where the only international branch of RFC, renowned for Filipino delicacies, was located. I had gone there once, but the homesickness overwhelmed me, and I came back to Rich, who took care of me. We had material possessions, but true fortune eluded us.

Despite the overwhelming fatigue and the excruciating pain pulsating through my body, I summoned the strength to rise from my slumber. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but notice my puffy, swollen eyes. It was time to gather myself and confront the mistake I had been avoiding for three long days.

***

Getting dressed took longer than usual. Besides hiding my eye bags with some concealer, I remembered I had to find a pair of flat shoes, so I stopped by a*****e to purchase one.

And then, I realized I had forgotten to bring anything to hide my identity. As I entered the store, the saleslady recognized me and alerted the manager, causing the staff to gather around me, asking for autographs and taking photos. The pounding headache persisted as I obliged their requests, enduring the attention.

Once I managed to leave the store, I made my way to Springtide University. Numerous eyes followed my every move, yet no one dared to approach me. Whispers circulated among the students, their curiosity piqued by my presence. Perhaps they also wanted my autograph or were simply intrigued by my sudden reappearance. With a nonchalant flick of my hair, I adjusted my necktie and scarf, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

Mrs. Madrid, our teacher, was already waiting inside the classroom when I entered. I headed straight to my seat, feeling Thorn's surprised gaze meeting mine. He probably never expected to see me again. However, I couldn't blame him entirely for his reaction.

"Ms. Rhyce, glad you decided to show up?" Mrs. Madrid asked sternly, standing at the front of the silent class. I remained calm, grabbing my notepad and pen, unwilling to engage in unnecessary conversation.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, I moved on to my next one.

"You have until Friday to prepare. The submission is due on Monday. Understood?" our next teacher declared, furrowing her brow.

"Monday? Is it that urgent?" I couldn't help but question.

I felt the weight of the class's judgmental eyes on me.

"Yes, Ms. Rhyce. This Monday," the teacher emphasized, her tone tinged with sarcasm.

Three days of absence shouldn't warrant such urgency, and it irked me that my classmates seemed to align with the teacher's viewpoint. Maybe I shouldn't have come to school today, but I had made a promise to Rich. Damn it!

Although I owned a MacBook, I disliked carrying it around. Instead, I headed to the library, where internet access and available laptops awaited. I needed to select the restaurants to interview for our research-documentary paper. The assignment required us to investigate three establishments and write an in-depth report, complete with references and photographs.

The teacher emphasized that our reports should not include writing about our personal family restaurants or businesses, and I made a conscious decision not to seek assistance from my parents. A pang of pain shot through my temples, reminding me of the need for a painkiller.

As I sat down at a vacant table in the library, ready to open my laptop, I heard a voice behind me.

"Shut it down."

I turned around, surprised to find Thorn standing there. What was he doing here?

"Don't bother me," I replied, attempting to focus on my task. He should keep his distance. Why was he trying to assert himself? I hadn't even pursued him. Or maybe...

A sly smile formed on my lips. Could it be that Thorn Reid Weston wanted another night with me?

"Come with me," he urged, his tone commanding.

I let out a rough sigh. So, it‘s true. He wanted us to do it again. He possessed an unwavering confidence, bordering on arrogance. Just like any other guy out there.

"One time is enough. Two is too much. Go away, Thorn," I snarled.

Thorn sighed deeply, unplugging the laptop I was using. "I said, come with me!" he commanded firmly.

Before I could respond, he took hold of my hand, his grip firm yet surprisingly gentle. It defied rational explanation. Our actions drew some attention, prompting me to compose myself and follow him. Thorn led me through the library and out into the parking lot. "I have my own car," I stated, raising an eyebrow at his insistence.

"Nonsense," he replied without hesitation, swiftly opening the car door for me.

I climbed into the car, and a silence enveloped us as Thorn took the driver's seat. I expected him to take me to my place or perhaps a hotel, but to my surprise, we arrived in front of a large Chinese eatery.

Confused, I turned to Thorn. "What are we doing here?" I asked, searching for answers.

"Start your research here. I'll be with you," he responded, his voice tinged with a hint of mystery.

He stepped out of the car, and I couldn't help but smile to myself. So, he was actually here to help me.

The Chinese eatery appeared spacious, with a pleasant ambiance and a tantalizing aroma of authentic cuisine wafting through the air. Thorn conversed with someone inside, their gaze occasionally directed toward me. After a brief exchange, he introduced the person as the manager. It seemed Thorn was well-known in this establishment, as several individuals waved and approached him.

His assistance allowed me to immerse myself in my research, capturing snapshots of the menu, the dishes, and the diners. As I delved into my work, I couldn't help but wonder about Thorn's motives for helping me. He went to an unoccupied table, engrossed in his cell phone.

Suddenly, a group of women entered the eatery, and my eyes instinctively followed their every move. They made a beeline for Thorn's table, and one seductive lady leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek.