Mine Alone

Chapter 4

After I ate with Shaye, she left to meet her boyfriend. I decided to go to the SC Office to help with something. I was expecting for some paper works to do, I felt sleepy upon entering in that air-conditioned office. I sat in front of my laptop thinking of ways how to make Zander jealous, but that only made me sleepier.

I leaned on my desk to take a nap. The glass door made a sound when it opened, but I'm too sleepy to look to whoever came in. It hasn't been a minute since I closed my eyes, but I lifted my head when Zander's scent scattered in the place. With my eyes closed, I can tell it's him.

He looked surprised with my sudden flex. I pouted when he just passed by my table without even smiling. He walked directly to the table of our adviser to give the folder. He looked more arrogant today than yesterday. Whatever. I watched him graced the office with his charm. Again, I start imagining things about him. He would look so perfect in white tux on our wedding day.

He laughed at Ms. Cernia's joke, but I know that's only out of courtesy. His eyebrows made him look smart just as he is. His red lips, damn that red lips. I wonder how many girls have been kissed by those lips. Is he a good kisser? He should be.

Before he could see me, I leaned again on the desk and pretended to be busy with my phone. I remember Keizer was asking for help in selecting a gift for his girlfriend. I texted him to confirm that I'm free later.

When I looked at Zander again, he went to his table to get his laptop bag. I immediately fixed my uniform and headed out before him. I waited for him to get out of the office before I hit the elevator button. I'm going down, but he might have a class in 11th floor.

He just stood beside me.

"You'll go to Kuya Karlo's party, right?" He showed a smirk.

"If you promise not to be a nuisance on that night." What? Is he provoking me?

I let it slid since he's extra handsome in this afternoon.

"Who are you going to take with you?" That sounded obsessive. I didn't mean to spout it that way. I bit my lower lip.

I am offended that he acted like he didn't hear my question. He remained standing while looking straight at the elevator.

"Now, you don't want to talk to me anymore." I took a deep sigh after saying it softly. I bet he didn't even hear that.

"I thought it's you who said that we can keep our personal life out of each other's business. If I am wrong then let me answer your question. I always go to party without a date, Francesca."

He put a stress in saying my name. He can recall what I told him that night. I thought he was too drunk to even remember seeing me.

After my last class on that day, I called in our house to ask for the driver to get my car. I will meet Keizer in the mall and he will take me home after we buy his gift.

It's been a long time since I last saw him. We used to be so close back in our highschool days. Nevertheless, we stayed close even we don't belong in the same section in 2nd year.

"When is Yssa's birthday?" I asked him when we are already in the jewelry section. I'm so jealous because he already got a girl! Everyone's getting into a relationship, and I can't even make the man I like look at me.

"Next week, but I'm excited 'cause I will meet her parents on that day."

The sales lady assisted us as Keizer scrupulously study the differences between each necklace. He liked the heart-shaped blue sapphire necklace. Love must have hit him hard to spend that much for a birthday gift. If I can remember it right, he's a cheapskate in our class. He was born a business.

"So where should we eat after this?" My eyes widened when I hear that familiar raspy voice.

I instantly look for that person only to see that he's already looking at me. I am flustered with that gaze. Even the sales lady who is assisting us can't stop looking at Zander.

My eyes landed in the lady beside him. She has a fair skin complexion and long blonde curly hair. My jaw dropped when I saw that girl's arm wrapped around Zander's. I don't have to ask him; they are dating.

I turned to Zander, I don't know how I look at that moment, but this is the first time I caught him with a girl. His eyes were asking as he gazed at Keizer. I don't want to breakdown here. I somehow managed to force a smile before turning to Keizer.

"Keizer, do you have something else to buy?" I noticed that he was also shocked with Zander's presence. He knew how much I love that guy. But I am not sure if Zander knew him. Aside from being a businessman, Keizer is also a model of renowned clothing brand.

"I'll treat you to a dinner." He said after the sales lady handed the paper bag that contains the necklace.

While walking to the restaurant where he decided to treat me, my mind is still occupied with the thought of how beautiful the girl with Zander is. She looks like a model. That may be his ideal girl. For some reason, I lost my appetite. If only Dylan would leak information about Zander's lovelife, but he wouldn't.

I don't know much about the social life of my batchmates because I am not active in social media.

"How long have you been in a relationship? I didn't know." I said smiling.

"It will be a year next month. I also did not expect that it would feel this much gratifying to be with a person who appreciates you. Yet, we are taking everything slow." The way he talked yells he's deeply in love.

"I'm glad that you found the right one. I can say from your glow now that you're so happy." I am sincerely wishing them to last to the end.

"After three years, don't tell me it's still Zander?" He gave me a serious look. I don't know but my tears started to build up with the way he asked that question. I avoided to feel pathetic towards myself, but I can't help it now that I saw him with someone.

I forced a smile. I made it sweet, so he won't think that I already feel pathetic for myself. You can't suppress the feeling of being in love with someone; not even pain can quash it away.

"You know, Viel, we can't get everything we want in life. You've been chasing him all your college life. Are you sure he's even worth it? You got everything a man would wish for his woman, why don't you consider entertaining other men?"

I don't like another man. Maybe not until he hurt me enough.

"I just.. love him too much." He shook his head while sipping in his iced tea.

"I believe there's nothing in this world you can't get if you pursue enough. I won't stop until I'm completely crushed by my own indiscretion. You see. Destiny keeps giving me hope. I saw him here accidentally."

"You saw him with a woman accidentally. That's how it should be." His lips signaled me to look at the table next to us. I avoided Zander's gaze by looking away. Of all the restaurants in this mall, why do they have to be here?

"You shouldn't have let me know." I whispered to him.

"Are you sure there's still a chance?" He leaned on the table to get closer to me. He whispered something after that. "I have lots of friends that I can introduce to you. You deserve someone better." I snorted and lightly pushed his forehead with my finger.

"There's no one better because for me, Zander is the best. I'll treat you to any restaurant you want when he becomes my boyfriend. Remember this day and that promise." I answered confidently.

"Alright then. I'll throw a party when that happens." He's looking down at me.

I can't chew my food properly because of intimidation. I can feel his gaze. I did my best to resist looking at their table every time I hear Zander's laughter. Before we leave, my heart has found itself a complete mess. I want to drag Zander out of here, so he won't have to be so happy with that woman.

"Stop smirking. He's looking at you from time to time." Keizer sounded like he's about to smack Zander.

"Stop looking at them, Keizer." I said and hold his face to look at me only.

I stood and get my bag. I gesture Keizer to not provoke Zander as we pass by at them.

"Do you have anything to buy? If none, I'll take you home now." Keizer loudly said when we pass near their table.

"It has no effect on him now, Keizer. He has to like me first to get jealous," I laughed with how ridiculous he looks now. He's trying hard. He took a deep sigh while watching me laugh.

"Alright. What do you like so much about him? If he doesn't have the name and genes he has now, he's no one." I didn't contest that although I didn't agree.

Keizer parked in front of the gate of our house. The guards walked to us and opened the door for me. Until now, Keizer is still afraid of Dylan.

"Bye. Thank you for tonight!" I sent him a flying kiss.

"I should be the one thanking you. See you around the campus." He even got off the car to watch me get in. Such a gentleman.

I woke up feeling tired and down. My heart aches for picture of what happened last night. I hurried to get to school without eating anything that morning. Dylan was already in the school when I left.

In the parking lot, I saw his car in the reserved space for the administrators. He benefits well from his mom's administrative position. As expected, he is already in the office when I arrived. And goodness, he's wearing a white long sleeve that perfectly fits him as if it was tailored for him. His perfect curves are defined. His black formal slacks and black leather shoes perfected his get up. He dressed too formally for the preparation for Froshies Meet Up.

"Good morning, Viel!" I smiled at Troy. He's being nice to me not calling me names today.

"Morning."

"Are you sick?" He checked my temperature by placing the back of hand on my forehead.

"I'm not." I answered

"Did you have breakfast? We need energy to get through the day." I nodded. I appreciate his concern for me.

I faced Zander. I want to ask him directly who's that girl with him last night. He's already looking at me when I met his eyes. His brows indicated that he's a bit upset with something. I am not late. In fact, I'm 20 minutes earlier.

"Troy, you will work on the bleachers. Work on the label for each section and place it on the seats following the initially planned sitting arrangement. I sent to your email the copy. Go with Trisha and some volunteers." He commanded.

It's early but he is already being cranky. I put my bag on my desk, but I haven't put it down when he called my name.

"And you, Francesca, you go with me in instructing the hosts and guiding the maintenance group in setting up the stage."

I looked at him and that made me blush. Three years have passed but he has the same effect to me.

Wait...

Did he just say that we will work together? OMG! I am not ertain but I think my eyes sparkled with the good news he spilled. He might think I'm too overwhelmed with the idea of being with him all day, so I tried to calm myself.

I can't even answer him. He turned his back after saying that. Rude.

I sat in my table while waiting for other officers. I am more than satisfied with my view. I watched him fold his sleeve to his elbow. I just have to mention that those veins in his arms are sexy. He put the lapel microphone in the collar of his long sleeve. I was tempted to stand and help to fix that for him. He hung the small speaker beside the pocket of his slacks. I can't help but smile. The man in front is too adorable.

When the officers arrived, we started working. The Pio Hall is temporarily closed to give way to the setting up. The SC Officers are all pulled out for the whole day while the hosts will be pulled out from their classes in the afternoon. Zander and I are currently in the stage to instruct the design committee.

We have been standing for almost two hours. It's worse for Zander because he has to roam from time to time to check if there are problems. I removed my heels, so I can work comfortably.

He remained calm while giving instructions to each committee. I am quite offended that he's not giving me any instructions. It's like he just wants me to sit pretty here. I am stapling the letters that will be hung as the background of stage while watching Zander's sexy back where sweat is lucky enough to slither. I want to be that sweat.

Everything's fine until I remember the scene last night. Who was that with him? I'm just waiting for the perfect timing to ask him. I've stared enough at his back, I want to see his face. I walked discreetly going to him.

"Ouch!!" I screamed as I felt a sudden pain in my foot. I sat in the floor to check what happened. I remember I'm just wearing socks. Before I could remove my socks, someone touched my foot and checked it. To my surprise, Zander held my shoulders to let me stand. He pulled a chair and made me sit there.

"Dammit, Francesca! Your skirt is not as long as you think of it. What happened in your foot?" He asked violently.

I looked around and saw the students looking at us. The embarrassment enveloped me at that very moment. I tried to hide in Zander's big frame. But he went down on his knees and carefully placed my right foot on his leg to check it. I couldn't be any more flustered than I am now. The touching of our skins sent shivers to my spine. I can't control my breathing.

I tried to withdraw my foot, but he resisted. He held it tight as he removed the socks. I am shaking with his every touch.

"What the hell!" He exclaimed as he looked at me with furious eyes. I felt the pain twice because of his reaction. He's overreacting, I know I just stepped on something. I admit that I am a little clumsy sometimes.

He stood and that made me sit straight.

"Don't move. I'll get the first aid kit." He said emphasizing each word. The muscles in his jaw are doing their thing again. I exhaled in the realization that I added to his work. I was left smiling in that chair on stage like a total crazy woman. It hasn't been 3 minutes since he left, but I can see him again now carrying the kit in his right hand.

"Why are you not wearing your shoes?!" He put my foot on his legs again. I can't even answer his question.

"You stepped on a thumbtack. Where are your shoes?" He's really mad this time.

"My legs hurt from the heels. I didn't receive the message last night that officers may wear casual today."

His brow raised when I answered and he stopped cleaning my wound. I bit my lower lip. I refuse to push his button.

"Are you blaming me for what happened?" His eyes were challenging me. That's partly his fault though.

"Of course not, Zander. I just want to ask why you leave me in everything. You told all the officers that they may wear casual, but intentionally missed me." I didn't stop myself from smirking.

"I made the announcement yesterday afternoon, but you weren't in the school anymore. I asked Trisha to tell you but she forgot. Tell me if it's my fault that you are hurrying to leave yesterday for a date."

I was speechless. I avoided his gaze. He continued cleaning my wound.

"I also don't like the idea that you're sitting anywhere with that short skirt. I told you a while ago to remain seated here. Why were you roaming around?!"

My heart skipped.

"Who's the girl with you last night?" His jaw moved with that question.

"You don't need to know."

"Is she your girlfriend? Don't I really have a chance on you?" He put a bandage on my wound.

"She's my cousin." A smile automatically formed in my lips because of that. There's no reason he would lie because if he's dating that girl, he must be proud. But thank goodness she's just his cousin.

"I won't take my woman in a cheap restaurant like that for a date." He uttered. I didn't ask.

"Are you talking about me?" He didn't respond.

"I helped him pick a gift for his girl." I said after he's done putting all the things in the kit. He gave me a warning look.

"Stay there! Don't you dare stand if you don't want to stay in the clinic." That was the sweetest threat.