Mine Alone

Chapter 9

The presence of Dylan and Zander put Dave, Shaye and me in an awkward situation. They don't eat in the school cafeteria, but now they're here making us feel uncomfortable.

"If Karlo saw that scene a while ago, he would not be as calm as he was yesterday. What is going on between the 2 of you?" Dylan asked in a dangerous tone.

"Dylan, you can talk about that in private with Viel. Don't make a scene here." That was Shaye. I looked at her, but she's glaring at Dylan.

"Are you defending that man now? I thought you have a boyfriend, but you go around touching another man's face."

"That doesn't concern you at all. Not even if I sleep with other guys." All of us was surprised with what she said. I was afraid for what Dylan is about to blurt.

Dylan smiled, but I can see that he's pissed. I stood to defend Shaye this time.

"Dave is our friend, Dylan. What you saw us doing a while ago has no malice."

"I'll talk to you later." Dylan left. I looked at Shaye confused. Who's Dylan going to talk with later? Me or her?

"Babe, sit down and eat your food."

"For goddamn's sake, Dave. Stop the drama." Zander answered.

I am torn between sitting down and going with Zander. My knees trembled when Dave also stood and faced Zander.

"You are a scaredy-cat, Zander. How can you win at that rate? Even her brother who is your bestfriend won't approve of you!"

"Trying so hard for something impossible will disappoint you in the end. You know she's mine from the beginning." My heart thumped hard with how confident Zander was. He knew it well, but it took him 3 years to recognize me.

"That's enough. Let's not make a scene here please. I'll go with you, Zander." I said as I picked up my bag.

"I'll see you later, Viel. Take your lunch after you talk." I just feel so guilty for Dave. Zander chuckled. He's the best guy friend I can ever have.

Zander walked fast while I just followed him.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"To the SC Office. I need your help to finish something. I hope you don't mind spending your time in something more productive than just flirting with that man." He's being sarcastic again.

It's lunch time, but he's still working. I reached for his right hand, and as I did, he stopped from walking. He turned to me and I saw his angry face.

"Calm down, Zander. You know my feelings more than anyone. I thought what happened in the party was already enough to assure you that you're the only one I want. I heard you when you said that I'm yours." His eyes were still furious, but his shoulder seemed to relax already.

"If everything's settled, why do you still hang with him? Why did you touch his damn face?!"

"Let's talk in the SC Office." I said.

There was no single conversation between us until we reached the SC Office. He walked directly to his table. It was lunch time, so there were only few students here.

I followed him there.

He pulled another swivel chair beside the one that's already in his table. He gestured me to sit.

The butterfly in my stomach is back. I can't believe I will ever have the privilege to sit close to him like this.

He turned on the laptop in front of us without saying a word. What the hell? Did he asked me to go here because we are really going to finish some work? That kinda disappoint me.

"I don't want you hanging out with him. Shaye is always there to accompany you. You don't need anyone else beside her and me."

He opened his email in 1 tab and his f*******: account in another one.

"He's a good friend of mine. Everything we do has no malice, Zander. I've been wanting to ask this. Did you hurt your hand from hitting him? Just how much force did you use to hurt your hand like that?" I asked seriously as my eyes landed on his right hand.

"If you're acting to be his girlfriend to make me jealous, then you can stop now, Francesca. I'm already jealous." He's speaking discreetly, but every word is being emphasized. I stared at his face and smiled when I saw his ears blushing. He ignored my question about his hand.

"Are you finally saying that you like me, Zander?" I asked while smiling from ear to ear.

He faced me and nodded.

"I'm sorry it's late. I kept doubting myself. And until now, when I look at you, I still can't believe that I found you. It's hard to explain. You may not understand now, but I hope you stay with me in the future when something happens. I love you sincerely for who you are and for everything you've shown me." His eyes showed sadness and genuineness at the same time.

"I will never force you to explain yourself, Zander. I've waited long enough for this, but now, I don't know what to say. No words can explain how much I feel for you." A tear escape my eye. It has to be Zander until the end because I seriously can't imagine anyone else wiping my tear like this for me.

He went closer to me. I closed my eyes when I thought that he was going to kiss me again. I smiled when he kissed me in the forehead instead. I smiled because it sent more shiver to me than a peck on the lips. I stared at him and laughed after a while. I'm too happy to utter a word.

"I believe we can work better now that we settled everything. I will send to your email the pullout form for the Strategic Marketing Seminar. Please print it and have it signed by the signatories indicated. Leave it on my table afterwards. I'll be the one to scan it and send it to them." I almost forgot that we are in the SC Office.

"Okay. You'll stay here with me while I do that, right?" I even pouted.

He smiled and stood.

"I have to attend my class now. See you later." He left me just like that. I shook my head in dismay. I watched his sexy back as he walked out of the office. Perfect. I hope he won't hurt his hand again to fight for me. I want a peaceful life with you, Zander Tee.

He didn't even bother shutting down or putting his laptop to sleep. I turned it off and put it back in his laptop bag. I went to my own table to print the document that he sent. I called the Office of the Dean to ask if our dean is there. Instead, the secretary told me to bring the pullout form, and leave it there. They will just inform Zander if it has been signed.

I picked my bag because I will go straight to my class after bringing the form to the Office of the Dean, but someone came in. My brow raised when I saw Zander holding a paperbag of a fastfood. Our eyes met as soon as he went inside.

"Thought you have a class."

"I can't let my woman starve." He sat in my table as he placed the food beside him.

It took me a while before I could recover from this impossible event. I can't believe Zander is acting sweet to me!

"You didn't ditch your class just to buy me food, did you?" I crossed my arms in my chest.

"Do you want me to drop that class, so we can have a longer lunch time?" Aside from his looks, his sweetness could be jaw dropping too.

"I never saw this side of yours before, Zander. You keep surprising me." I said and sat in my chair. He pulled Troy's swivel chair to sit beside me.

"I loved you first, Francesca. I was struck by you the first time I saw you. I can remember how loud the crowd applauded you when you were hailed as the Face of Day during the 'Freshmen Meet Up' of your batch." Damn. I didn't know he knew me from that time.

"I also won't forget how loudly the girls screamed when you stripped during the sportswear walk when you represent the College of Business for Mr. Stallion University. I was left in awe after you won."

He shook his head looking shy with the memory. I was really amazed by his looks on that day. But on the days that followed, I fell for his wits and confidence. Now, I like everything that he is.

We ate the food that he brought. Everyone who would enter in the office can't ignore us. They will either give us a surprise look or they will ask if we are already a couple. I can feel all the blood in my face, but Zander remained composed.

After we finish eating, I told him that I have to bring the pullout form to the Office of the Dean for the signature. He offered to walk me there and go straight to class after. That day was too unreal. When I thought he's done startling me, I was wrong. He texted me right after my last class.

'From Zander Tee

I will drive you home.'

"Aaaaaaa!" I giggled as I read his message. I showed the screen of my phone to Shaye who's leaning on his desk after a good sleep.

"What the..." She didn't finish her curse.

"Are you, guys, really going out now?! I am so happy for you, bestfriend! You're finally getting the treatment that you deserve! Tell him that even he's the president of SC, I won't let it slid if he hurts you." I nodded and fixed my things immediately.

"Bye, Shaye! See you tomorrow. I hope your talking with Dylan goes smooth. Love you!" I didn't receive any message from Dylan, so I assume that his last words are for Shaye. That's right. They should fix what they're trying to deny.

We had dinner at the nearby restaurant in our house. I didn't ask him anything, I just listened to every story he told. I know he's still adjusting to our untitled relationship. This stage must be nicest. I don't have to think of anything that's coming next because the present is so satisfactory. Then he drove me to our house.

"Will it affect your friendship with Dylan if you pursue me?" I bit my lower lip when that question escaped from my mouth. I've been thinking about it even before.

"It won't. Dylan may look tough, but he can't make decisions by himself. He's the type of man to honor our friendship's vision to grow old all together. Dating you is the hardest decision I have to make so far in my life. I have to put Dylan in between. I can't give you up either." His jaw tightened and his fist gripped the steering wheel harder.

"Don't leave me, then." I challenged him.

"That's not even something to voice out. I will stay even you leave."