Other Way Around

#ES1OWAChapter4

Cousin

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The next day, my eyes were fluffy. I didn't get enough sleep and I had to wake up early because today is the first day of our class. I'm so torn about being excited in meeting Rious again and feeling sad about Amara's break-up. Nevertheless, I decided to start the day with positivity and continue with my morning routine.

Amara and I decided that we'd meet each other at school. Even though she's already in her first year of college at DLSU, and I'm still in my 11th grade. I saw her at the school gate. I immediately welcomed her into a hug. She does not look good. A typical heartbroken woman. Since it's our first day, we decided to ditch our classes. We sat down on one of the benches, surrounded by the trees and a view of our campus soccer field.

"What happened?" I gently asked her.

"I don't know exactly." Her eyes started to get water. "He just called me last night and ended our relationship through a call. He didn't even explain anything! Can you believe that?" She's wiping her tears. "It's like he forgot about us being together for five years!"

"What the? Did you call him again? Maybe it's just a prank?" I said, what's on my mind. It's ridiculous, but what if?

"Prank? I hope!" Okay, that's a really dumb suggestion. "But it's not. I tried calling him again, but he's out of reach already. I want to go to his house, but I'm afraid we'll get caught by his family. You know how much he values them." I tapped her shoulder to console her. That's the thing about secret relationships. It's hard to make a move.

Clyde has always been the obedient and golden child of the Forest family. He's the eldest, and expected to run their company in the future. Plus, their family has been known to be a believer in arranged marriage. Maybe... But I don't want to conclude anything. This is already too much for Amara.

"You know how badly I want to shout to the world that I love him more than anything. That he's my boyfriend! But he said, he wanted to keep it low-key. He just wanted to find a perfect time to reveal it." I just let her pour her heart out. "I-I trust him, Rhyme. I trusted him with my heart. I waited for his perfect time. I believed in his promises. Because I love him so much. I gave him all of me, that there's nothing left for myself!"

I don't know how to make her stop crying, so... I just let her cry. Hoping her tears would ease her broken heart. "Did you talk about your arranged marriage?" I carefully asked, afraid to something in trigger her. I mean, that could be one of the reason.

"Yes, he's the first one I told about it. We've decided on a plan to break off my supposed marriage." Okay, so that must not be the reason. So, what exactly is the reason?

"Who is the man your family set for you?"

"It's Killian Soren."

"Oh." I paused a bit. The name is familiar. "But I heard a rumor that he's in a relationship with Marga Dominique, right?"

"Yes. We have a plan already, alright. I-I can see my future with him, Rhyme. How can he do this to me!" I hugged her. She continued to cry in my arms. Love is really unpredictable. Even then, Amara and Cloud, whom I saw as a perfect couple back then, broke up.

When she calmed down, we decided to go back to our classes. We go on our separate ways. I went to the auditorium room for my orientation. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the school. It's beautiful. As I was making my way through, I met Zorene.

I tried to avoid his ways, but he noticed me anyway. As usual, he's with his friends and girlflings.

"Rhyme? It's you! You're also studying here?" He cheerfully asked me. Isn't it obvious? I sighed and nodded at him. He's Rious brother, if I get onto his good side he can be a great help. With making my move to Rious.

"Ooh, that's great! So, we'll see each other more often, huh?" I hope not. Unless, of course, if he's with Rious. I remained silent and made it obvious that I didn't want to talk to him any longer. I was about to leave when his group cornered us.

"Zorene! Who's this cute girl? Introduce her to us, man." The man was wearing sunglasses, and he looked... okay.

"Don't be greedy with your girls, Zor!" A girl who was wearing a guy's outfit shouted from the back. She looked boyish. Black shirt, baggy trousers, and short hair.

I eyed them and back at Zorene, who looked at me with embarrassment. "Stop it! She's a family friend and my mom's lost daughter. Off limits!"

"Lost daughter?" I questioned Zorene. "I mean, you're my Mom's goddaughter." I nodded at him. Daughter-in-law, perhaps.

"Ah, Rhyme. They're my friends, Percy and Chesca." He introduced me. I nodded and slightly smiled at them. "Hi, You can call me Rhyme."

"Who's Chesca? My name is Frances, Zorene Silas!" She pointed her knuckles at him and the boy who I assumed to be named Percy restrained the girl's arm.

"Oh! Easy, man! There's a pretty girl here, Frances! You can knock him off later." Percy consoled the angry girl. He looked so gentle to her. Hmm, there must be something with these both.

"Tss!" She composed herself and boyishly smiled at me. Geez, she looked creepy to me. "Hi, Frances here. Nice to meet you, baby- I mean Rhyme." I just smiled at her and nodded.

"You're so tricky at getting girls, France." Percy looked disappointed, but when he gazed at me, he smiled. "Percy. It's my pleasure to meet a beautiful girl like you, Rhyme. Where's your room? I'll pick you up later." What? We just met, and he already wants a date with me. Nice. "As a friend, of course! You know, maybe you need some help?"

"Ah, no need. But, thanks for your offer." I responded. Percy just nodded while I noticed Frances or Chesca rolling her eyes at Percy. Right, she must be disgusted by how Percy flirted.

"Right!" Zorene caught my attention back at him. I shot him a brow. What now? "Mom would be glad if I invited you to dinner at our house. Would you mind, Rhyme?" His charming smile almost made me want to puke. I mean, is this his way to get his flings? Cheap. Or maybe I'm just assuming?

"Ah," I'm not really sure if I want to go since I still need to be there for Amara later. But I'll meet Rious if I go to their house. Argh, I'm so torn. "Okay, I'll come with you."

"Great! That's good to hear. So, I'll meet you later at the gate?"

"Sure. But I'm bringing my friend with me. Is it okay?"

"Friend?" He looked puzzled. "Who?" He curiously asked.

"Amara Scalar, my best friend." I could see his knotted eyebrows like he didn't like the idea, but nodded anyway. This may help Amara to divert her mind over their break-up. And my conscience wouldn't let me go to their house either, knowing the situation my best friend was going through.

I shifted my pose and straightened my back when I remembered the things that I needed to ask him. Well, he's here in front of me. I might as well use this chance. I just need to confirm if it's really true that...

"Zorene, may I ask you a question?"

"You're already asking, Rhyme." He chuckled. I rolled my eyes at his sarcastic remark. "Shoot."

"Well, Amara has been asking me about this lady named Katherine Deisel. And she's been... You know... Amara idolizes her and wishes to meet her-" Before I could finish my word, he already cut me off.

"Kathy? That's my cousin!" Oh my god.