Stone Heart

I've only been at La Salle for one month, having come from the States. I'm starting to get bored of the faces there, so I decided to study in the Philippines. I can speak Tagalog because I was born and raised here, but I studied in the States. I quickly met a handsome and attractive guy who, as far as I know, is an academic achiever there, and even the president of the whole SHS. It made me lose interest because he's an academic achiever, and I'm not that smart, but I became interested in him because he seemed a bit grumpy. I am joining the music club and also badminton because I want to see him often and I want to get closer to him, so I am joining the clubs he participates in. "Hey, Caden," I called out to him, but he hurriedly walked down the hall, seeming annoyed with me. "Hey, Caden, you're so coy," I said, wrapping my arms around his arm. I saw him take a deep breath and adjust his glasses. "Miss, can you stop following me? I'm not your tail," he said, removing my hand from his arm. "You know, Caden Faulkerson, I'm becoming more interested in you because of your attitude. I like guys who initially don't like me, but eventually fall for me," I said, winking at him and pretending to lean in for a kiss, but he stopped me by holding my forehead. "You know, miss, it's easy to dream, but I'll just say this to you: I don't like flirtatious girls," he said as he walked past me, leaving my lips slightly parted in shock at his words. I felt hurt when he called me flirtatious. Did he know that not a single guy has ever done anything to me? He's the only one who has stolen my heart because he's so handsome and almost perfect. During our teacher's lecture on research, my attention wasn't on him but rather on the window, as my brain seemed to be wandering around because I didn't understand what Sir Briones was saying. "Miss Sy," I heard someone call my name, bringing my thoughts back to the present. I was also wondering if it was already dismissal time for Caden. I hoped to catch him later, as this was our last subject, and I didn't understand anything in business finance earlier either. Being an ABM student is really difficult, as it's more focused on math. I'm not sure why I chose this strand; maybe I should have gone for STEM to see Caden more often. "MS. SY!" I stood up in surprise when I heard my name. "SIR!" I shouted back at him, and my classmates burst into laughter because of what happened. "I've been calling you for a while now, Miss Scarlet Eleanor Sy," he said calmly but seemed angry. "If you know anything about this subject, what is the significance of research methodology?" he asked, and my lips parted in shock. I had no idea what he was talking about because I wasn't listening. I was about to admit that I didn't know anything when there was a sudden knock, and Caden entered the room. I was surprised but felt like he brought light to my night. "Sorry for the interruption," he said as he entered. I waved at him to get his attention, but he ignored me. "The dean said there's a meeting in his office around 6 pm, Sir," he said, approaching Sir Briones and presenting a paper for him to sign. "Thank you, Mr. Faulkerson," Sir replied before returning the paper. Caden nodded in acknowledgment and headed towards the door. "So, Ms. Sy, what's your answer to my question?" Sir asked, gaining my attention again. I glanced at Caden, who smirked as he looked at me, seeming somewhat amused, before he finally left for good. At that moment, I really didn't have an answer. And since I had a thick face, I wasn't embarrassed at least I admitted I didn't know because it was true. Studying and listening to lectures didn't interest me, and I found more enjoyment in parties and to my phone, where I didn't have to think about anything. I'm at a party right now, having fun with a tequila in hand, dancing upfront with my friends Harley and Solen. As I danced, a hand slipped around my waist, and I looked to see a guy holding a drink, giving me a creepy smirk. "Hi, miss, you look sexy," he whispered to me. He had slanting eyes, fair skin, and was tall, but he wasn't my type, so I pushed him away. "How dare you touch me!" I exclaimed loudly, my voice clearly affected by the alcohol. "Oh come on, don't be so coy. I know you're into me too. Did you know, no girl has ever turned me down?" he said with a smirk, approaching me. "I don't care, and besides, I'm not interested," I snapped back, turning away from him. Before I could take a step, he grabbed my arm. Just as I was about to slap him, someone else grabbed my arm to pull the guy off me. I only saw his back, but it looked familiar, tall, fair-skinned, with dark hair. "She told you she's not interested, back off," he said firmly. The guy grinned at him. "I don't care what you say. We were just talking," he replied, looking annoyed by the interference. "I don't care what you think either, but don't touch this girl again or you'll face consequences," he warned, pulling me away from the crowd. "Hey, where are you taking me? Who are you to..." I started to protest before stopping in surprise as he turned to face me. "Oh my gosh, Caden?" I exclaimed, smiling despite being drunk. I couldn't believe Caden was standing in front of me, defending me just now. Maybe he does like me after all, but was just playing hard to get. "If you don't want guys to disrespect you, maybe you shouldn't drink," he said, putting his hands in his pockets. He looked even hotter with his comma hair and in his black knitted short-sleeve shirt with two buttons open and white suit pants, which made him even more attractive to me now. "I'm with my friends anyway, so don't worry, I'm fine," I said with a smile, about to reach out and touch his arm, but he brushed me off. "Hey, I wasn't worried about you. I just wanted to get you away from that guy earlier. I was actually planning not to help you, but I might feel guilty if something happened, so don't assume I was worried about you," he replied sternly. "If you weren't worried about me, does that mean you're jealous?" I approached him and leaned closer, causing him to inhale sharply and face me squarely. I couldn't help but smile upon seeing his face up close, especially without his glasses. "Watch your words, I don't like you so I'm not jealous, miss. You're just assuming," he said firmly, walking past me. "Oh come on, Caden, you're just playing hard to get. Look at me, I'm Scarlet here chasing after you, and you're still not interested," I teased, looking at him as he faced me again. "I'm not playing hard to get. I just really don't like girls who assume and party, drink alcohol, and can't even tell from their attire alone. And another thing, they don't know anything about academics, so let's call them non-serious girls," he said seriously and turned away from me completely until he left the club. He spoke so harshly, as if he was disgusted with my character. On top of that, everything he said felt like he was stabbing me with the truth. I looked hotter with my bodycon mini dress that suited my milktea ash-colored hair. Didn't he like it? After what happened earlier, I said goodbye to my friends because I lost interest. When I got home, I found them eating dinner with him. "Look at her, she came from school but went home wearing party clothes," Dad said as I was about to go up the stairs. "Simon, just let the child be," his second wife replied. "I came from school, just changed my clothes, and enjoyed with my friend. What do you want, should I go to the party wearing a uniform?" I retorted sharply, glaring at him. He folded the newspaper he was reading and looked at me. "You know, young lady, you're not doing anything right. Your teacher reported to me that you're not paying attention in any of your subjects, that's why all your grades for the first quarter are failing!" he said loudly, and I gripped tightly the paper bag I was holding that contained my uniform. Of course, all my teachers have been reporting everything I do at school to my dad because his friend is the school's owner, so he knows every mistake I make. "Why don't you imitate Lorein, who's a responsible girl and has achieved-" "It would be better if you don't know what I'm doing at school if you don't want to get stressed..." I cut him off. "And don't compare me to your Lorein. This is about me, and I don't want to imitate the responsible behavior of your goddaughter," I said, emphasizing her name and went upstairs to my room. I threw my mini flap bag and paper bag onto my bed. I ran my hands over my face and sat down at my study table. I didn't realize it was already the first quarter grading. I know I'm failing everything. I haven't been doing anything right for myself, and it's true that I'm just making mistakes. "Why did you leave me in this situation, Mom?" I said quietly as I looked at our picture frame, trying to hold back tears. After Mom passed away, Dad got married again a few years later to his woman, and I found out she was actually his first love before he met Mom. They broke up back then, and that's when he met Mom, and I came along. After Mom was gone, they got back together. I'm frustrated because can't he just not remarry? He replaced Mom with his ex, and he always makes it seem like I can't do anything right. With what he's doing, I've realized that it's true—I feel like I don't have an ally in this house except for our maid, Manang Belen, who has been serving the mansion for a long time. I fell asleep at my study table and hadn't changed out of my clothes, so my back was sore when I woke up. I immediately headed to the bathroom and soaked there for an hour. I put on my bathrobe right away and came out of the bathroom to dry my hair. I quickly opened my hidden clothes using the remote, and as the wall split apart, revealing my spacious closet. I applied makeup first before choosing to wear something formal at school because of what Caden said last night, as it seemed he didn't like what he saw me wearing. So, I opted to wear a navy blue denim long skirt and a white polo top. I paired it with Mary Jane black shoes and matched them with white Lolita mesh socks. The bag I'm using today is the Gabrielle purse bag, where I placed my makeup and other items. When I left my room, I found them eating in the dirty kitchen and they seemed surprised to see me, as if it was the first time they'd seen me dressed like this. I gave Lorein a nasty look because she smiled at me, but I don't really like her because she's fake. I know she has a bad attitude and only pretends to be nice in front of me. "Come on, dear, have breakfast," Manang said, inviting me to sit down. "No, thanks, nanny, I no longer have the appetite to eat," I said as I turned away from them, feeling like they were truly becoming a family. I just smiled bitterly. "Let her be, Manang Belen, that child never brings anything good," I heard my dad say. I just shook my head. "So true, enjoy your breakfast, happy family." I shouted before heading to the garage and choosing the blue convertible car to use. I arrived at DLSU Manila quickly and parked my car. While walking on campus, some guys approached me. "Hi, Scarlet," one of them greeted, holding a bouquet of flowers and chocolate. He handed it to me, but I just looked at it. "F-for you, ahm, I hope you'll accept it," he said, stammering, and his companions cheered, drawing the attention of other students. As far as I know, he's a basketball player and famous on campus, but he's not my type. He's handsome, but I'm loyal to Caden. "Is it okay if I don't accept it because I'm loyal to Caden Huxley Faulkerson?" I said, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes. I walked past him and went inside. While I was in the hall, I saw Caden entering the elevator with a girl just as it was about to close. I stopped it, and they both looked at me, but Caden just gave me a brief glance and returned his attention to his companion. "Hi Caden, good morning!" I greeted Caden, but he didn't respond. "I'll message you later, Pres," said the girl with him, who I know is Faye, the vice president of SHS. "Maybe I'll be the one to message you. What time is the meeting because I might be short on time, let's see if I can come early later," Caden said to her. I was curious about their conversation because it seemed like they were meeting later. "Are you going to meet later?" I interjected into their conversation, and they both looked at me. "Miss, interrupting and eavesdropping on other people's conversations isn't polite, you know that?" he said as he adjusted his glasses. Just then, the elevator doors opened, and the two of them stepped out. Before they fully exited, the VP who was with him apologized. I was really hurt by what he said, but despite that, I found myself liking him even more. It seems I fall even more in love with a guy when he doesn't like me back. Faulkerson, I won't give up on you until you like me. I just smiled and pressed the button for my classroom floor. I went to my locker, and when I opened it, numerous letters fell out. I just smiled and placed them all in a paper bag, then put them back in the locker. "Wow, Scarlet has so many admirers. It's really different when you're beautiful," teased Niela, my classmate, as she picked up one of the letters I hadn't noticed. "Hey, this one's from Xavier," she said excitedly, showing me the letter from Xavier, whom I didn't know. "Look, wow, girl, you're so beautiful that you caught Xavier's attention, and many people are crazy about him," she said, thrilled while reading the letter. I nodded, but I wasn't interested. "Who's that?" I asked while locking my locker. "You don't know? Oh, right, you're new here. Xavier is the leader of the band. He's really handsome, and he used to be with Caden in the band." "Caden was in the band before?" I interrupted her, and she nodded immediately. "Yes, they were together before, but I don't know why Caden left the band, and they didn't stay together," she said sadly. As I imagined how handsome Caden must be while in a band, I sighed, thinking he's almost perfect with all his talents. When we arrived at the classroom, I couldn't help but wonder why Caden left the band—maybe something happened between them. And who is this Xavier? Hi Scarlet, I always see you in the hall and in the library, and now it seems you've captured my heart. I even wrote a song for you. Can we meet at the coffee shop today at 5 pm? I'll wait for you there. I hope you come. See you. I grimaced while reading the letter he wrote. This guy seems to know how to woo a girl, but he can't get me right away. Our professor arrived for fundamentals, and everyone fell silent. While he discussed, I really didn't feel like listening. When lunchtime came, I went straight to the cafeteria with Niela. "Wow, Caden is so handsome," she said as we arrived at the cafeteria. I looked at where she was staring. We chose a table for ourselves, and Niela volunteered to order, giving me the chance to go over to Caden's table. All of his friends looked at me when I approached. "Hi Scarlet," I smiled at them. "Hi guys, hi Caden," I addressed Caden, but he didn't even look at me or respond. "Uh, Caden, I just wanted to let you know that I sent you a friend request on f*******: and i********:. Can you please accept it?" "Isn't it not good if you force me to accept you? It seems like you're becoming desperate, Scarlet Eleanor," he said seriously, looking straight at me. I couldn't help but smile when he mentioned my full name, so he must know me. "Wow, where did you get my name?" I teased, and he sighed. "You're a bit slow, aren't you? Of course, you sent a friend request, didn't you? Don't give it meaning right away," he continued eating. "And stop following me around. I'm annoyed with you for always tailing me, and I didn't accept you so you'd be aware and not keep hoping I would." He grabbed his tray and walked away, leaving me behind, and his companions quickly followed. "Scarlet, sorry for my friend's behavior, he's just stressed," one of his companions apologized. I smiled. "No, it's okay. I understand," I forced a smile, and despite feeling hurt inside, I kept it to myself. Niela arrived soon, and we started eating, but I only ate a little because I lost my appetite. In the afternoon, we didn't have class for research, so I went straight to the parking lot. I happened to see Caden getting into his car, and I remembered he had a place to go today. He stopped at a coffee shop, adjusted his grey long sleeve shirt, and inserted it into his black pants, looking very formal, which made him even more attractive. When he entered, many people noticed him. I decided to get out of my car and went inside. I saw Caden sitting with the vice president, Faye. I thought maybe there was something between the two of them, which is why Caden wanted me to stop chasing after him. "I'm glad you came," I was surprised when someone spoke behind me, and when I turned to look, a man smiled, showing his dimples. He was tall, slightly fair-skinned, and handsome, with messy hair and an outfit that suited him—a white t-shirt with a black denim jacket and jeans that matched his look. "What do you mean?" I asked in confusion, but he smiled and extended his hand to me. "I'm Xavier," he said, and I was surprised. So, he is Xavier, and it just sunk in that he invited me here, and I happened to come. How do I explain to him that he wasn't the one I came for? I glanced at Caden's table, and just then, Faye looked at us, along with Caden. As soon as I realized who he was, I shook Xavier's hand. "Scarlet," I said with a forced smile, and he gave a firm handshake in return. "Such a beautiful name," he remarked, and I could tell he was quite the ladies' man. He quickly found a seat for us, and I couldn't help but glance over at where Caden and Faye were sitting. I noticed Faye looking in our direction while she was talking to Caden. Xavier ordered something for us, and soon the food arrived. While he was speaking, my attention was still on Caden's table. "I thought you wouldn't come, but I'm glad you did. By the way, I mentioned I wrote a song for you. Can I sing it at the event?" he asked, his eyes directly meeting mine, showing his experience as a band member. "Sure, no problem," I replied, and he smiled. "You look even more beautiful up close," he added, making me smile awkwardly. How do I get away from this situation? Just as I turned to where Caden was sitting, our eyes met directly. Internally, I almost screamed because it seemed like Caden was jealous, but maybe I was just assuming. After Xavier and I finished, Faye left, and Xavier offered to take me home. I told him I had my own car, so I suggested he leave first. As Caden walked out of the coffee shop, I approached him. "Hi, Caden," I greeted, but he ignored me. "I didn't expect to see you here too," I added, following him. "Stop following me," he said seriously, and I stopped in my tracks. "Oh, are you heading home?" I asked, and he stopped walking. "How much do you like me to the point of being desperate? How many times have I told you, Scarlet, that I don't like you? You're clingy and flirtatious, always with different guys. You're also not very bright, chasing after someone who doesn't want you. You're a party girl, and I won't ever like you. Do you even know the kind of girl I want? It's not someone who does what you do." His words made my lips quiver, and I felt deeply hurt. "So what kind of girl are you into, Caden, so I can do what it takes to make you like me?" I asked, desperate to understand. "I want a girl who is wholesome, who does things that you don't do. But even if you were to do those things, I probably still wouldn't like the real you." He said this and turned away from me. I'll become the type of girl you'll like so that you'll notice me, Caden. Even though your words hurt me, my feelings for you won't change because I really like you.