HE WAS COLD LIKE WINTER

CHAPTER 7: A PRINCE FOR A PRINCESS

In every fairy tale, a prince would come running with his horse to save his damsel in distress. That’s how my mom would always tell me every time she would narrate a bedtime story. She said that every princess has its prince. Beating all odds, they will end up with each other’s arms and lived happily ever after. Back then, she would remind me how beautiful love is and that her love story with my dad is one of the best examples of it. Mom made me believe that forever does exist not until when she died and left us, everything became a mess. I lost her and I lost my dad as well. Later on, I thought there isn’t a happily-ever-after thing in life. It doesn’t exist at all. Because if they do, why would mom left. Why would she die that day? She should have begged to live. She should have pleaded. She should have stayed.

But life is full of surprises. The most painful day in my life somehow happens to be a good memory to me as it opened another emotion I’m not familiar with. Zac’s presence painted another shade of color into my world. I didn’t know back then what is it exactly but all I know is I’m happy to be with him. My heart flutter whenever he’s around, whenever he smiles, whenever he laughed a bit, whenever he talked, or even just merely standing.

Growing up was hard especially after losing my mom and feeling distant from my dad, but then my friendship with Zac helped me overcome everything. And when I reached my teenage years, I know I like him. It’s not the kind of like you have with your friends. I couldn’t describe it in words.

The sky finally was at peace as the rain stopped so as the thunder and lightning. We stayed momentarily in the forest and took a shade on the tree since it was dark to find a way out. We decided to let the rain passed first.

“Are you okay?” Zac uttered with calmness in his voice.

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Why did you went outside all alone? It’s so dark out here and it’s raining heavily, too. It’s so dangerous to wander in the forest solely by yourself.” He groused.

“You’re the one who called me out here, isn’t it?” I bragged.

“What?” He blurted out. “I didn’t call you to come here.”

“Why? Because you’re with Amanda?” I mumbled. “I get it out. You don’t have to explain to me everything in detail.”

“Get what?” He mused.

“It’s okay. Now I understand why you’ve been acting so cold at me—why you would easily get annoyed at me and why you would always reject my care and my feelings. Because you liked someone else, right?” I replied with sadness in my voice.

I stood up and was about to leave when he suddenly grabbed my hands.

“I’m okay. This is not the first time I got rejected even before confessing my feelings.” I sighed. “It’s okay. I’ll get over it soon. And…” I couldn’t finish my words as he suddenly hugged me.

After coming to my senses, I tried to let go of his embrace. I can’t let myself be fooled again. I should be strong enough to distance myself from him. The more I came closer the more I can’t let go and the more I’ll be hurt. But he was so strong that I can’t get off from his hug. We just separated when Ethan came together with our teacher and other staff of the resort.

“Andi!” Ethan called. “Are you okay? I’m so worried about you. I mean, we. What are you doing here? You’re all wet. Let’s go so that you can change your clothes. Hurry! You’ll get sick with this condition.”

“I’m okay,” I uttered.

Ethan suddenly hugged me. “You just don’t know how scared I was after hearing that you’re not in your room. I felt relieved now after seeing you with my own eyes not hurt or something.” He added with some worries in his voice.

“I’m sorry for worrying you,” I responded.

***

The second day of the trip began with a trek off to the mountain. But after getting soaked in the rain, I couldn’t get up. My body feels so sore and I got dizzy whenever I tried to move out of bed. A small scent makes me sneeze a lot. I think I have a cold. And much worse, I think I have a fever, too. Thankfully, Cloe helped me took medicine. I feel quite okay but I needed to stay in bed. Our teacher insisted to have someone to take care of me. Cloe voluntarily offered but I insisted that she should go. I know she would want to. I don’t want her to miss this chance to go on a trek with her newfound crush—the assistant manager of the resort who accompanies our class to the trek after our supposed-to-be trek guide back out last minute.

I know how much she was smitten by the assistant manager’s charm. And I know as well, she doesn’t want to leave because of my condition. I know how hard it must be for her as she was torn between her best friend and her crush. That’s why, after eating my breakfast and taking my meds, I told her to go. Luckily, with all the persuasion, she excitedly heeded my pleas. 

I was all alone in my room feeling a bit sad. I also wanted to join the early morning trek. I also wanted to jog together with Zac. Plus, there’s something I wanted to ask him. That night, before Ethan and the others, came to rescue us and while Zac was hugging me, he whispered something into my ears. His words left confusion in my heart. If they didn’t come that very moment, I could have asked him about it. And with me getting sick, I don’t think I’ll be able to ask him either.

After sleeping for a bit, I walked up feeling some dryness in my throat. I wanted to drink some water but I couldn’t find one. I stood up and get out of my room when I saw Zac sleeping soundly outside my room in a very uncomfortable position—sitting. He was about to fall to the floor when I quickly offered my shoulders. Thankfully, he landed safely—making him sleep soundly.

A few minutes have passed and he slowly opened his eyes.

“Are you okay? Do you need anything? Food? Water? Tell me. I’ll get it for you.” He hysterically asked.

“I’m okay. My fever already lowered. The last time I check, it turns to normal.” I explained.

“Are you sure?” He doubted as he placed the palm of his hands into my forehead to check if I’m telling the truth or not.

Then just like that my heart beats faster again. It flutters again just like how he whispered those words to me last night. He was so close that I could even smell his perfume. “Stop it, heart. You should calm down. Sounding like that would make you off to no good.” I told myself.

“Andi!” Ethan yelled. “Are you okay?” He asked as he checked on me with all those worried eyes.

“Yes,” I responded as Zac and I swiftly stood up.

“Why are you here outside? You should be taking a rest in your bed.” He added. “Even if you’re feeling okay, you should still be resting until you’re fully recovered.” He continues to nag as he guided me inside my room.

“I’m fine. I’m really good.” I assured him. “I just went outside to get some water. My throat feels so dry.”

“Here!” They both offered water. Zac with bottled water while a glass of water from Ethan.

“Why are they acting so weird today?” I asked myself.

Both acting like gentlemen all of a sudden. Something’s not right. Well, the way Ethan is doing this stuff is not new to me. But with Zac? It’s too impossible. It’s far from reality. This gentlemen's act is not his thing.

I don’t know what to accept. I don’t intend to hurt any of them. So, I accepted and drink both. “Thank you.” I expressed.

“By the way, why are you both here?” I inquired. “Did you skip the morning trek?”

“I had an upset stomach as soon as I wake up, so I decided to stay,” Ethan explained.

“Really?” I uttered while looking to Zac urging him to answer. “And you?”

“I got dizzy when I woke up. I guessed I have a bit cold after getting soaked in the rain too last night.” He softly stated.

“Did you take some medicine? Here! Take it.” I worriedly added.

But after sensing how awkward this situation can be, I distance myself from him and seated on my bed. I don’t know but after what he said to me last night, I suddenly feel so uneasy around him. Thankfully, someone’s suddenly barged out into the door and save me from this uncomfortable situation. It was Cloe who save me this time.

“Oh!” She blurted out. “Why are you all out camping here? And what’s with this awkward vibe we have on this room? Huh? Tell me.” She continued to tease.

“What are you talking about?” I spluttered.

“What’s going on?” She coaxed.

“Nothing!” I shouted.

“Oh! Why are you answering? I’m not asking you.” She scorned. “I’m asking them.” She pointed out Zac and Ethan.

“We’re just…” Zac was stuttering. 

“Nothing’s going on. They just visited me to check my condition.” I murmured as I grab both Zac and Ethan’s hands to get out of my room immediately.

Knowing how Cloe’s mind would run in a situation like this, I should act quickly as possible. No more hesitation. No more time to pause and wait for the worst scenario. Before her sixth sense would work at its best, I have to act quickly. The more Zac and Ethan would stay in my room, the more she will ask a lot of questions. The more she became suspicious. I have to act ahead this time especially that I haven’t got any clearer explanation from Zac about what he told me last night.

Luckily, after the series of explanations, Cloe unexpectedly got satisfied. She stopped nagging. That’s my cue to divert her attention and change to topic effortlessly. I ask her about what happened during the trek, especially about her early-jogging-with-her-crush thing. And looking at how her eyes smile even before she could begin talking, tells me something great did happen.

Then, the last day of the trip finally came. It was a bit sad because I haven’t made any special memories with Zac after getting sick and just stayed in bed the whole day.

“Can’t I stay here?” Cloe lamented as she won’t be able to see his crush.

“Hey! Let’s go.” I drag her onto the bus.

“Cloe! Sit here.” Liam offered.

“I don’t want to. I’ll be sitting with Andi.” Cloe barked.

“You don’t want this?” Liam enticingly waved his hands while holding a piece of paper. “I just got the number of the assistant manager of the resort.

“Really?” Cloe’s eyes rolled into surprise and excitement as she seated beside Liam. “Give me his number, please?” She pleaded acting like a child.

I looked around for a vacant seat. And my eyes saw Ethan on the left side waving his hands telling me to sit beside him while Zac was gazing at me with a look of take-this-vacant-seat beside me. There it goes again. Just like how both of them offered water to me earlier, they also offered to take a seat beside them.

“Who should I choose?” I asked myself. “It’s not like I can take both seats.”

But even before I could decide, someone just passed behind me like a lightning. It was Amanda. She runs quickly towards Zac.

“Did you reserve this seat for me?” She happily exclaimed. “How sweet of you! Thank you. I appreciate it.” She added as she linked her arms into Zac.

After seeing how Amanda snatched my chance to be close to Zac, I voluntarily walked towards Ethan and took the vacant seat. I feel disgusted at how my sluggish actions lead to Amanda’s advantage.

Even after coming out of the bus and walking home, I still feel pissed off at how things go out my way. Zac was walking ahead of me. I was staring at his back while thinking how he just let Amanda draw closer to him easily after what he told me in the forest. Although I haven’t heard any clearer explanation from him about it, his words that night sounded like a confession to me. All I need is a confirmation coming from him—from his mouth directly that he also likes me. But then I realized not until I could hear it from him, I should not assume things. Too much expectation can sometimes lead to frustration. I should know.

Before going inside the house, I called Zac. “Hey!”

He stopped and turn around. “Why?”

I stopped for a while. I exhaled and mustered up my courage. “About what you said… in the forest when you hugged me tightly. I wanted to know what you mean by those words. You said, don’t get over with it. Don’t stop it. What exactly do you mean with those words?”

“Well, you’re the only friend I have. I can’t afford to lose you.” He explained quickly as relaxed as he used to be.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “It wasn’t meant the other way around? And besides, I’m not your only friend, Zac. You have Liam, Cloe, and Ethan. They are also your friends.”

“Of course.” He responded.

After feeling that I don’t have any chance with him at all and realizing that I will always be a friend to him—nothing more and nothing less, I decided to leave first. “I’ll go ahead.” I motioned. “Bye.”

I took as large steps as I can that I even didn’t hear Zac’s response loudly. I barge the gate as soon I entered the house. I directly went inside my room and locked myself there. I left a note outside my room. Hanging on my door, the words, “Don’t disturb. Strictly, off-limits” were scribbled in bold letters. I couldn’t sleep a wink at night. His words keep on repeating in my head like crazy—“We’re friends.”

The sun rises boldly which means school days are about to begin. And the fact that I was able to witness its supremacy means I never had a good sleep last night. Looking at all distress, I fix myself and get dressed up for school. 

“Goodbye! I’m off for school.” I uttered and walked like a ghost into the door.

I was about to leave when dad called.

“Are you just leaving without having breakfast?” He asked with some strictness on his tone.

“Andi! Your dad is right. You should eat your breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day. And, I know how much you miss eating together with your dad.” Nanny softly whispered. “We prayed it together every night, right?”

With all those comforting words, I walked towards the dining table. I took a bite quietly. Ever since dad is back, I feel like walking on an eggshell. I feel like I have to pay attention to my actions. I can’t afford any mistakes. I have to be perfect. Because if not, dad might just leave again. Just like how he left after failing to win in the national ballet competition. He just left without even hearing my reasons. All my memory left from that day was his back turning away and walking far—far away from me.

“Are you sick?” He asked.

“No!” I quickly responded.

“How was your school trip? Was it fun? Did you enjoy it?” He added. “You didn’t come out of your room for dinner last night. Did something happen? Did someone bully you?”

But instead of answering, I was staring at dad looking so clueless. Maybe because I’m not used to his unexpected-father-care. I was staring at him for quite a moment.

“Why?” He asked. “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing,” I answered.

“I’m sorry.” He suddenly blurted out. “I know you’re not used to these things. I’m sorry, my daughter. It took me so long to finally come home.” Then, he went into tears. 

***

 At school.

“Everyone! Listen! As a wrapped up of the successful sports event, the teachers have agreed to have a victory ball.” Our teacher announces. “It’s not just a simple ball where you will dress up nicely. It's a ball for a cause. We will have fun while giving back to the less fortunate people. Isn’t it great?”

“Yes!” We all cheered.

“Hey! Do you already have a dress for the ball?” Cloe excitedly asked.

“Not yet.” I sadly replied. “What about you?”

“Me, too.” Cloe laughed. “But I’ll be visiting mom’s favorite boutique this coming weekend. Do you want to go with me?”

“Sounds great.” I happily agreed.

“By the way…” Cloe uttered. “Who are you going with to the ball? Zac? Or, Ethan?” She teasingly added.

“Hey!” Is that necessary?” I confusingly asked.

“Of course.” Cloe quickly responded. “In a ball, every girl who will attend should have a boy as her escort. A prince for a princess.” Cloe shook her head in disbelief. “You’re very clueless on this matter. It’s okay my friend. I’m here to guide you in everything you need to know.” 

***

“Andi! Hurry!” Cloe waved her hands. “Come here quickly. Walk stealthily.”

“Why?” I puzzlingly asked.

“Zac is inside the room all alone. This is the perfect time to ask him to be your escort for the ball. Here, take this strawberry milk.” Cloe explained. “Give it to him, okay. He won’t surely say no for this.” She added. “Hurry! Before Amanda will ask him out. Fighting! Go, Andi! You can do this.” She added while pushing me in.

Zac was sleeping soundly in the art room. Looking at all the books scattered on the table, he might fall asleep after reading a lot of those. He is indeed very diligent. He won’t falter even a single moment. I was watching him silently when he suddenly woke up. Feeling so nervous, I immediately hide the strawberry milk at my back and try to act normal.

Glancing at Cloe telling me to say what I have to say, I left with no choice. After breathing in and out, I started talking.

“Zac?” I uttered.

“Why?” He asked while arranging his books and cleaning the table.

“About the ball…” I couldn’t finish my words as I saw a box of chocolate with a note of, “Will you be my escort for the ball? From: Amanda.”

I was flustered upon seeing the note. Amanda already asked him out. It’s my fault for stalling so long. I was very slow. Cloe is right. The early bird catches the worm. But I was too late every time.

“What about the ball?” Zac asked curiously.

“Nothing.” I sadly answered.

“Okay.” He said.

“Zac wait,” I called him.

“I have to ask him,” I told myself. “No matter what. I have to know the truth.”

“Are you going to the ball with Amanda?” I asked.

“No.” He quickly answered.

“Really?” I asked him twice. “But you accepted her gift.” I pointed to the chocolates.

“Liam accepted it. He said he wanted to eat this badly. He ate all of it in one go. But, he suddenly left after having an upset stomach. See? It’s all gone.” He showed the empty box.

We both laughed. I felt relieved after knowing what happens. Thank goodness. Zac is not coming to the ball with Amanda. Now is my time to ask him out. I handed over the strawberry milk I’ve been hiding behind my back.

“Here!” I spilled.

“Thank you.” He smiled.

My heart skips a beat. I can’t believe he accepted my gift easily and even smiled so cute.

“So…” I was stuttering. “Would you like to be my escort for the ball?”

Finally! I was able to say what I wanted to say. And I was hoping to hear a “yes” from him. My heart keeps on pounding faster. I guess I’m just too nervous right now. And it would be a lie if I’m not expecting something good after seeing how he finished the drink quickly.

“No!” He strongly rejected me.

“Why?” I was taken aback. “Are you going with someone?”

“Are you dumb?” He naughtily asked. “I’m the class president. I shouldn’t go to the ball with a party because I’ll be one of the judges for the King and Queen of the Night. Remember?”

He’s right. I clearly remembered it now. Our teacher was discussing the guidelines for the ball but I was too preoccupied at that time to listen as my wild imaginations start to fly. It just came in from my right ear and immediately came out from the left ear.

“Bye!” Zac waved his hands while teasing me.

“Hey!” Cloe sneaks in after Zac left. “What happens? Did you ask him out? What did he say? He said yes, right?”

I nodded. “He said no.”

“What? Why?” Cloe was shocked.

“He’s one of the judges for the contest. He’s not allowed to go with a partner.” I sadly explained.

“But Amanda ask him out, right?” She confusingly asked.

“She didn’t,” I murmured. “She was just giving him something just like what she usually does.” I handed down the note that drops onto the floor after Zac showed me the box.

“Have a good day, Zac!” Cloe read the note. “What a sly fox!” “It’s okay. Isn’t it great news? Zac is not coming to the ball with anyone.” She happily uttered.

“So what?” I sighed. “Zac was teasing me for being so dumb. I don’t think I have the face to see him after what happened.”

“Don’t feel disappointed, okay. Since he’s not an escort of anyone means you can dance with him for the cotillion. That would be so romantic, right!” She added.

***

Then, the day we all waited for—the victory ball. The whole venue was decorated like a ball in a prestigious palace with all the lights that filled our eyes. Everyone looks great. The boys were dashing like a prince while the girls look a beautiful princess and I’m one of them. Thanks to Zac’s mom who helped me with my hair and make-up. I achieved the look that I want. It was so unexpected for her to help. But after we got to bump into each other while Cloe and I went shopping last week and volunteered to help us buy some make-up, accessories, and even shoes perfect for the dress we choose, she also wanted to help me with my overall look. And because I don’t have anyone to ask for help regarding this matter, I accepted her help.

Cloe and I decided to be a partner to each other while Liam and Ethan walked behind our back looking like their partner of each other too.

After walking to the red carpet, the ball ceremony begins. Everyone was enjoying the night. We dance. We eat. We laughed all night.

“Everyone! Are you still hype for the party?” The host commented.

“Yes.” We all cheered.

“So, without further I do, let’s choose our King and Queen for the night to begin our cotillion!” He added. “All votes from our respective class presidents have already cast in. Who will it be? This year’s King for the Night is… Ethan Manansala!”

Everyone clapped. I guess everyone was in unison with the result. Ethan looked amazing tonight. He looked like a prince.

“Congratulations!” The host expressed. “Now, who will be his queen?” (Drum rolling) “This year’s Queen of the Night is no other than… Andi Cruz!”

I’m so happy to be selected as the Queen for the Night but I’m half-hearted. It would be nice if my king was Zac. But I should not let Ethan feel my disappointments. After all, he’s a good friend of mine.

“May I have this dance?” Ethan smiled.

“Sure,” I replied.

Then, the real party begins. Everyone was dancing at the center. I moved back to our table to ask Zac for a dance but he wasn’t there. I searched for him outside but I couldn’t see him. I was about to go back inside the venue when Amanda and her friends cornered me.

After saying hurtful words to me, they splash some red paint into my dress. I couldn’t fight back since they are many compared to me. I was crying all alone. I wanted to go home so badly but I can’t. My phone was inside my pouch which I placed at the table. Nor I couldn’t go to the comfort room inside the venue hall because I don’t want anyone to see this shameful situation.

I walked and saw a pool. I dive in so that the paint will get off my dress. But as I was cleaning myself from the mess, something unexpected happen. I was about to get drowned after getting trapped with my ball gown. And everything suddenly turns dark.

Luckily, I gained back my consciousness. I was coughing hardly as I drank some pool water. I don’t know what happens. But the last thing I remember after losing consciousness was someone dive into the water to rescue me just like how a prince would save his princess in a dangerous situation.

“Are you okay?” I heard a manly voice.

“Yes.” I opened my eyes and I was too surprised to see the person who saves me. It was him. The one I’ve been looking for after the king and queen dance. The one I wanted to dance in the ball. It was him. It was my prince. It was Zac.