Anastasia

CHAPTER 8 : Bad Day ? Maybe not.

Anastasia's POV

I was still shocked until he left. I felt unconditional happiness within me. He congratulated me! Darn it, am I dreaming? I asked myself again, but it seems that I'm in reality. How the hell did he end up here? I'm still coping with the sudden happenings and it seemed unrealistic.

Should I talk to him? Tell him that I'm the girl he saved?

He still remembers me, right?

I looked at my surroundings but he was nowhere. Did I hallucinate? No. It feels real, his smile and those green eyes.

I saw Alyssa walking towards me.

"Congratulations Ana!"She greeted me cheerfully.

"Thank you, Aly."I smiled back at her. But my thoughts are still on him. Where is he? I want to talk to him.

"Girl, you're so genius! Jacob and Tyler were my schoolmates during senior high school, and I heard that they're born programmers."She whispered, still wearing those amusing looks in her eyes.

She appreciates me. She's complimenting me, right? It's overwhelming, for my entire life, this is the first time that a friend has complimented me and appreciated my ability.

I smiled at her.

"Let's celebrate, huh?"She asked.

I nodded at her and we proceeded to the school cafeteria.

"It's my, treat Ana, okay?"She insists.

"Uhm it's okay Aly, I'll pay on my own."I declined. I'm not used to this kind of treatment.

"NO. It's on me."She insisted again. I couldn't disagree anymore because she had been going to the counter already.

While waiting for Aly, someone sits in front of me. She was looking at me intently like I had done something wrong.

"How are you dear?"She asked.

I didn't respond. What do you want now?

"You cheated during the competition, didn't you? It's either Tyler or Jacob who supposedly won but you pulled some strings. Maybe you leached our professor and dean. What a shame that you will be representing our school. I would bet my life that you can't make it to the semi-finals. You'll be eliminated during the first round."She whimpered, glaring at me.

I didn't reply. I let her speak. I don't know what she wanted to tell me, but why does she care so much? I am not hurt by what she said, I know my abilities. But it seems like my silence triggers her more.

"You're getting on my nerves. You b*tch!"She exclaimed and poured me the orange juice she was holding.

It was freaking cold. I am soaking wet. Everyone who saw her gasped, yet, as usual, no one would stop her. Can't I eat in peace in this cafeteria? I didn't move, but I remained calm.

"You deserve it!"She exclaimed again before smiling sweetly as she stormed out of the cafeteria proudly.

"Oh my! What happened to you, Ana?"It's Aly who's holding the food she ordered. I shrugged.

"I have an extra T-shirt in my locker, you should change it! You're soaking wet."She hysterically said. She's worried, I could feel the sincerity in her eyes.

But I shook my head and smiled.

"I'll be going now Aly, I'm a bit cold, though thank you for the food. I appreciate it."I didn't wait for her response. I left the cafeteria.

Everyone who sees me is making fun of me. That's why I walked as fast as I could. I almost ran until I bumped into someone.

It's Dylan.

His eyes widened as he saw my uniform. I saw a hint of pity in his eyes, and that's what I hate the most. Before he says something, I run. I heard him call my name, but I didn't bother to look back or stop.

I saw a park. I don't want to go back to my apartment. I saw kids playing. I smiled, I hope I could go back to being a child. Free from this cruel world.

"Can I sit here?"

I stiffened when I heard that familiar voice.

When I looked at him, his green eyes were staring at me. Not probably on my uniform.

"Y-yeah sure."I almost stuttered. He sat beside me. I can feel my heart pounding so fast like it wants to get out of its cage. Stunned when I felt a warm cloth covering me. For the first time, I felt butterflies.

"T-thank you, "I whispered. I'm embarrassed, I don't know why.

"You're Mr. Williams' secretary, right?"He asked all of a sudden.

"Yes."

Finally, I found all the courage to remain calm and answer his question without stuttering.

But he didn't recognize me. I am the girl you saved Lewis. I wanted to tell him that but there's something that stops me.

"What happened to you?"He asked, still in his poker yet pretty face.

"I accidentally poured juice."I lied and made a laugh.

But he still looks serious and does not buy my sh*t.

"You should go home."He ordered as he stood up.

I stopped him. Don't you recognize me? I wanted to ask that question. But I choose not to.

"Your sweater, "I muttered instead. I can hear my heartbeats.

"Take it. "

I walked to my apartment with a smile plastered on my face. I could smell his perfume in his sweater. It's so sweet but manly. I looked at my watch and I still had 2 hours before work. I lay on my bed to take a rest, still wearing his sweater.

For a few hours, I forgot what Lia did to me. Did I sigh in disbelief? Why does she hate me so much?

Dylan's POV

"What brings you here ?"Dad asked.

I don't know. Maybe to see her?

"I'm bored at home dad, aren't you happy that I'm here in your company instead of going to bars and drinking ?"I asked and gave him my sweetest smile.

"Don't fool me, Dylan, you're not my son if you're not here for a woman."He shot back frankly, still doing his work.

"Nah. I'm just bored dad." He shrugged, of course, he wouldn't believe me. I'm his son. After all, he knows me more than everyone else.

Someone opened the door. It's Anastasia, her hair is a bit messy and her uniform isn't properly fixed. I could guess she almost got herself late for work. I saw her glance at me for a few seconds when she realized my presence but ignored me. There's something in me that's a bit hurt about her acts towards me. Why am I feeling this way? I can't understand myself.

"S-sorry Sir. I'm a minute late tonight, I was asleep and didn't notice the time."She apologized sincerely. Then I remembered what happened earlier, I'd wanted to ask her. But I know she'll just ignore me.

"It's okay Anastasia, you're just a minute late, "Dad replied and gave her an assuring smile.

"Here is the paperwork, Anastasia. Do it first and I'll call you later because I have a meeting with Mr.Evans and I want you to be with me and take down all the important details that will be discussed."He added and gave her a bunch of papers.

I saw her stiffen for a few seconds but gathered her strength to remain calm. She got the papers and went out of the office quickly. She's entirely ignoring my presence.

"She reminds me of someone I know."Dad suddenly uttered out of the blue.

"Who?"I asked out of curiosity.

"Alicia."

I froze for a moment and tried to remember Aunt Alicia's face. But I couldn't. I was still young when I last saw her. But the thing here is...I looked at my father.

"Is Anastasia...? "I paused for a moment. I hope the idea knocking on my head is wrong or else, I'm f*cked up.