Mine Alone

Chapter 5

My foot felt better in the noon. Zander assigned me in fixing the designs and props. Zander looked at me from to time, maybe, to make sure I don't cause any trouble.

We had lunch all together with some professors who checked the status of preparation. Even I assure him that I'm alright, he still assists me like I am disabled. He walked after me. I like it, but the way others look at us made me uncomfortable.

"What happened to your right foot, Viel?" Troy appeared from nowhere and imitated my way of walkings. I spanked his left arm.

"I stepped on a thumbtack." I answered.

"Does it still hurt?" His voice became worried.

"I'm fine. Thanks for your concern." He's my senior, but he made me feel like it's okay to talk to him casually.

"I have slippers in my locker. Do you want me to lend it to you?"

"Zander will already lend his. Thank you so much, Troy." He's too kind. He nodded and gave me the look. He's teasing again.

After lunch, Zander gave me his size 9 slippers. I looked at him with disbelief. Do you think I'll be able to use it well?

"A, Zander..."

"That's comfortable. No worries." He said while locking his locker.

I won't return this slippers. This is mine now, Zander. My heart is happy when we went to the Pio Hall in the afternoon. Everything is set. The freshmen will start moving to the Pio Hall at 1:30 PM. We still have 30 minutes to check the audio and visual system.

Zander gave new tasks to each committee. He assigned me to the Audio Room that is located at the back of the hall. I have 2 more committees with me.

"Mic test.." I bit my lip when I heard Zander's voice. I stared at him as he looked at our way.

He spoke at the mic which is connected to the speaker here in Audio Room.

"Kindly increase the volume of Mic 2 and lessen the echo."

Joel did as he requested.

"Mic test.." He raised his thumb finger after that.

When all the soft copies of music that will be used in the whole duration of the program have been turned over to us, we concluded the testing by playing a background song. It's 10 minutes to go before the freshmen arrive.

The man in blue long sleeve came in the hall with the Program Supervisor from College of Medicine. Wow. Zander Tee keeps surprising me. In a span of 10 minutes, he was able to fix himself from hair to clothes. He looks fresh.

He stood at the entrance of the hall to greet the Program Supervisors from the College of Business who came in group. He's smiling wide and he shows no sign of intimidation. He comb his hair using his hand which appeared so hot to me. He might not know that, but everyone can see.

"He's so damn handsome. I am not surprised you fell for him." Jane said. I know, right?

"He's not just handsome, he has everything he needs." I added.

The freshmen seemed to enjoy the event and Zander received his credit for that as he gave the closing remark. He received applause from the crowd and wild screaming from the girls. I just can't help but smile. Despite everything, that guy remained humble and considerate. He thanked God for the success of the event. He also thanked us, SC officers and volunteers, next for the effort that we exerted to make this possible. He didn't forget the presence of the administrators and supervisors who found time to come in this gathering.

"Call your driver to pick you up. It's dangerous to drive with 1 foot." He gave me the paperbag that contains my shoes and socks.

"I'll go to the celebration party," I insisted. I won't let it slid. I don't want to miss the second one!

He crossed his arms in his chest as he stared at me. Here he comes again trying to intimidate me. But this time, I have to persuade him to allow me to go with them.

"The whole day of working on the props is enough, Francesca. Rest for now." his husky voice again.

"I want to go. We'll be celebrating in the B. Hugh Bar, right? I heard you talking with Troy a while ago." I smiled.

I can't allow him to win this time. I need to go to watch for him in case some girls will try to make a move on him.

"Go home, Francesca. That is not a place for you." He said impatiently. Is he insulting me again? He's not the only one who has the right to go to bars! I am already 22 years old.

"I'll go. You are the president of SC, but that doesn't give you the right to make decision whether I go or not in that party." I said calmly, but firmly.

"Do you want me to be honest, Francesca? I don't want you to go because Troy goes wild when he gets drunk. So please." My jaw dropped. That's his excuse why he does not want me to go to the party? Too lame.

"Okay. You gave your reason, but I still decide to go. I will just have to avoid Troy." I was about to turn my back when he speaks.

"You're right, Francesca. I can't control your decision, but I can control whether the party pursues or not. I'll give you options, then. First, you will go home straight to rest. Second, you will go to B. Hugh, but I will cancel the celebration party." He left me speechless.

"Y-you don't have to go that far, Zander. I understand you don't want me there."

"I don't want you there because I won't enjoy the night. I will feel the responsibility towards you because you are my bestfriend's sister. Go home and rest. See you next week." It hurts me when he's being honest. He clearly looked down on me when he said he'd feel responsible for taking care of me. Damn. I'm 22 years old. I can take care of myself!

"Okay, then. Enjoy the night, Zander." I forced a smile. Someday, you'll get tired of hurting me.

I didn't wait for Zander's respond. I unlocked my car and went inside. I shut the door and instantly started the engine. He leaned on the door of my car and knocked on the windshield. I didn't mind him. He was overreacting when he said I can't drive.

I slowly get my car out from a parallel parking. Zander didn't expect I'll move the car with him leaning on it. I'm so upset that I feel like my tears is about to fall.

While driving, I've decided that it's about time to level up my game. I need something that will make him notice me. 3 years of wanting him made me wicked. All his fault.

I went directly to my room as soon as I got home.

I texted Dave to ask if he's busy but instead of replying to me message, he called.

"Good evening, Viel. I called because I can't believe you texted me first. We've been friends for forever, but you never texted me first, so this is just a special moment." I laughed. He's overreacting.

"Sorry, Dave. I texted you because I have a favor to ask." I already feel guilty even now that I haven't told him my favor.

"Anything for you, Viel. Just tell me." He's the nicest.

I took a deep sigh. I'll ask him this favor because he's the only friend I know who won't take advantage of me.

"Be my fake boyfriend, Dave. I need to make Zander jealous." I don't know if I sounded insane but I just want to get Zander's attention! He's been confusing me for 3 years. He won't accept my feelings, but he won't also give me a definite rejection. He pushing me and pulling me at the same time.

I almost dropped my phone when I heard him laugh on the other line. There's nothing funny in what I said. I heard something cracked.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"I was taken aback for a moment, but that's so funny. Are you that desperate to get Zander? Your brother is his bestfriend, and yet you're here, putting yourself in an awkward situation. Wait. My cup of coffee fell off." He continued laughing. I thought something serious happened to him. I took a deep sigh.

"You don't have to feel pressured, Dave. I'll give you a week to think."

"I'll do it. I never imagined you as my girlfriend, but let's do it anyway. I will just have to fake it, right? I've been wanting to teach Zander a lesson. He's too confident when it comes to you because you give him assurance that you won't look to others." My heart thumped hard with what he said. He's giving me hope that Zander somehow felt mutual.

"T-thanks, Dave. This won't take too long; just until I get the answer I need."

"How should we act? Can we kiss? hug? hold hands?" And then he laugh again. Damn! If he's in front of me I would have smacked the back of his head already.

"No hug, Dave and please you're giving me goosebumps. No kiss. Let's settle with holding hands and sweet little things. I'm certain you're expert when it comes to these things."

"Okay. Okay. I remember when we were freshmen, I court you and you turned me down in front of your brother. I was really scared of Dylan back in those days. You were the worst. But here you are now, giving me the chance to do sweet things to fool that guy."

I smiled when I remember that day. I was young and inconsiderate. I'm still sorry for him because Dylan would still make fun of him about that day until now.

That conversation took a little longer. We go back to some memories we shared in the three years of friendship.

Dave surprised me one Monday morning. He was in the sitting room holding a flower while talking with mom. I can't help but smile when I realized that he's acting more than what we need. He even took me out to have breakfast before going to school. He's like a brother to me.

I felt like a lightning struck me when I saw Zander's car parked in the reserved area for him. I composed myself before I went out. I'm sure Dave saw him too.

"I hate morning classes." Dave said while looking at Zander. I know Zander really goes to school early, but I am not sure about Dave. I hope I'm not the reason he woke up early today.

"Dave, stop staring at him." I whispered. Zander is smart, he might find out that we are just acting.

"But he's staring at my girlfriend. I can see how jealous he is when in fact I haven't made my moves yet." He whispered back. He wrapped his arm around my waist. I didn't anticipate that; I don't know how to react.

I can hear Zander's footsteps behind us. And I can I can hear his voice every time he answers to people who greet him. I removed Dave's arm around me because we might get caught by the discipline officer. I am maintaining my clean record.

We were about to enter in the building when I stopped walking.

"Thanks for walking me up to here. Go to your class now. I don't want you to be late." I tried to be sweet with matching hand gesture. I pinched his face and that earned an awkward smile from him. I'm trying hard not to laugh, but if Shaye caught us, she will be disgusted.

I stepped back when his face get close to mine. He murmured something.

"You pinched me too hard, Viel. That really hurt." I laughed discreetly. So that's the reason he's smiling awkwardly.

"Go now, BABE. I'll text you later." I said sweetly and I made sure that Zander heard that. Dave's brow raised up.

"Okay, babe. See you later. I love you." My jaw dropped with the I love you. That may be too much. I'm afraid Zander would get an idea about what's really going on.

I tried to say I love you too, but I just can't.

"See you."

He walked away while I went to the elevator. It's 10 minutes before my first class starts.

"So you got a boyfriend now, Francesca. From what I remember last week, you confessed your feelings for me. You've already moved on?" His smirk made my heart race. His scent is making me tremble. Finally, he's noticing me.

"You dumped me, but you're not the only wholesome guy I know. Life goes on." I'm a good liar. Praise to you, self.

"You crave to be loved so bad, Francesca. Do you think a love like that would last? That's not even love, that's lust." I looked at his reflection in the elevator. The muscles in his jaw moved.

"Ofcourse, Zander, that will last. All women want to be treated like a princess. I bet you don't know because you've never been in a relationship. In the end, I realized that what I need most is someone who can make me happy and support me in things that I want." I wish that would be you, Zander. So please give in soon.

He didn't show any expression. I kept watching his reflection. I thought the conversation has been concluded, but he's not done hurting me just yet.

"Do you think I will be startled because you have someone you call babe a week after you confessed to me? You even cried. I was watching you walk a while ago, and all I can feel is pity for you. You don't have to pretend to like him too because I can see how awkward it is between you and him. You won't last, I'm sure." I bit my lower lip. I am triggered, but I can't agree more with what he said that Dave and I are awkward with each other. I have to hold my laugh.

I did not answer. I am afraid to part my lips because I might burst out to laughter.

When the door opened, he went in first. He stood in the side of control buttons. He pressed the 8th floor and didn't even ask me.

I have to take a step closer to him to press the 3rd floor. He didn't move even a little to give way to me. And all this time, I thought he was a gentleman. He might detest me now that I ran to Dave after confessing to him.

After a while, the elevator opens and I was ready to walk out when he pressed the close button. I looked at him with my eyes asking what did he just do?

He looked back at me and walked closer. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped when he pulled me in the waist. Am I still dreaming? I was flabbergasted when his face went close to mine. I literally held my breath when he showed a smirk as he tilted his head a little. I couldn't take it anymore. I closed my eyes.

How many seconds has it been? I opened my eyes, but at the same time, his lips claimed mine. I can't breath and I can't move when his lips start moving in a slow pace. It's as if he's tasting every inch of it. I am drowning in pleasure especially when hi bit my lower lip. I closed my eyes when he parted my lips and used his tongue to tease me more.

The sound of the opening doors of elevator made me quiver. I pushed him away in case someone see us. I took a deep breath when there's no one in the hallway when the elevator opened.

"I've always wanted to know how it felt to bit your lip, Francesca. You do that so often that I am tempted to taste it. I wish you would last with your boyfriend even for a week. That's long enough."

His adam's apple moved when he gave a genuine smile to end his sentence. He pressed the 3rd floor button before leaving. I literally screamed when the elevator door closes.

WHAT DID JUST HAPPEN?