Montepalma Series 3: A Paradise Between Our Distance

Chapter 6

I stared at my reflection through the mirror for how many minutes. I swallowed the lump of my throat when I saw myself wearing a senior highschool uniform. It left me speechless when I remembered that I used to be a teenage highschool with my parents.

We used to be together and complete.

And now, I'm all alone in this hell with a family that killed my own parents. My father trusts his boss so much because he was able to betray him and kill him. My teeth are clenching with each other while my hands balled into fist.

"You're taking so long," Hansen barked.

He sounds so impatient. Huminga ako ng malalim at binuksan ko iyong pintuan. Ilang inches lang ang pagitan namin dalawa dahil sobrang lapit niya sa pintuan ng banyo.

I arched my eyebrow. "I'm ready."

I saw his adam's apple waving in his throat then his ruthless eyes wandered on my body. The corner of my lips lifted up when he got speechless on how I look today.

"Let's move. I thought we're going to be late?" I mocked.

"You're so…" he paused. Napatingin na siya ngayon sa mata ko. "Beautiful."

"I know."

I looked like a seductress school girl with my neck showing our target weaknesses. My face turned sour when I saw Vivian leaning on the doorway. She seemed waiting for the both of us with a smug face.

"Don't forget the—"

I cut her off. "The second and his third assignment. We got it, bitch."

"Alright. You are both good to go, then." She was looking at me into slits. An exasperated etched on her eyes. "Once I know that you are trying to ask for help… both of you will die."

But once I figured out how to escape, I will not think twice to have my revenge on what they did to my parents. I will f*****g bring this mansion down along with their defeat. I will gather all my power to burn this into ashes that their family becomes a myth.

Hindi ko na siya pinansin kundi nauna na ako maglakad. Habang naglalakad ako ay nakita ko si Uno na nag-aabang sa garahe. He was leaning on it while checking his wristwatch.

"Hello," I greeted.

His head lifted up and our eyes locked. Bigla siya napatayo ng tuwid habang binubulsa ang kamay niya. He gave me his boyish grin.

"Hi, Ivory…" He licked his lips. "Uh, he is your keys."

Kinuha ko iyong susi ng sasakyan mula sa kaniya. Napansin ko na madilim ang titig sa amin ni Hansen pero naglakad na siya papunta sa garahe.

Akmang susunod na ako kay Hansen nang magsalita siya muli.

"Be safe," he added.

I glanced at him. "Thanks."

“Hurry up. We’re gonna be late,” Hansen grumbled.

I smirked inwardly. I don't get why these boys are trying so hard to impress where in fact I am not. I flipped my hair then hopped inside a car. Hansen gazed at Uno sternly before he opened the door then slid himself into the driver seats. Tiningnan ko siya.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"He's weird," he responded. Binuhay niya na iyong makina at pinaandar niya na ito palabas ng mansyon. "I don't get why you are fascinated by him. He has a weird vibe."

I didn't reply to his remark. Instead, I was thinking deeply about his statement. I can't see why he is weird to me. Maybe we were friends before and I am used to him being like that. He is a good guy compared to his brother.

"I know both of you have a past… but I want you to be careful. He is still our enemy who is trying to use us to be their puppets," he added. His tongue pushed on his cheeks then took a glimpse at me. "I hope I make sense."

My lips protruded. "I know what I'm doing, Hansen."

"No, you don't. Whenever he is near or talking to you, your mask falls off. I could see the emotions flickering in your eyes as you looked at him."

"It's your hallucination."

He scowled. "He is trying to lure you, Ivory. I hope you can see that. He knows your weaknesses. They are using it against you."

"I know what I'm doing. Just mind your own business then we're cool."

I want to end our conversation the right way. It's not really necessary to talk about my feelings when I don't have any feelings for Uno. He is so annoying for meddling with my own business. I don't care if he is concerned or not. Merde.

Hindi na muli siya nagsalita. Muling naghari ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin. I really like it when my surroundings are peaceful and quiet. I've learned how to control my emotions. I always stayed outdoors every morning while closing my eyes as the birds were whispering above me. On how the leaves swiftly fell down until it landed on my shoulder.

I really love to connect with nature. It helps me to think alone. And also, it helps me to forget my problems for a while. How I became poor because Raphael took my parent's money.

Now… I wanted it all back.

We arrived at the university and I was the first one to hop out from the car. My hands grip the strap of my bag so tight as my eyes examine the whole university. This university is so expensive as f**k.

"Come on. Time is ticking," Hansen whispered.

I snorted. "Whatever."

Kung wala lang kami lethal bracelet ay iiwan ko na lang siya basta-basta rito e. Kinuha ko iyong papel sa bag ko para malaman ang schedule ko ngayon. First subject ko pa ang kay Mr. Moulin.

Naglalagay pa rin ako ng kaunti na distansya sa pagitan namin. Ayaw ko naman na sobrang dikit namin sa isa't-isa. Kaya nang makarating na kami sa room ay tahimik kaming pumasok.

Everyone is quiet and they are typing something in their laptops. Some of the students are even reading some books. I am surrounded by nerds.

"Ilabas mo na iyong binder mo. Malapit na siya pumasok," he whispered.

I rolled my eyes. Hindi ako nagsalita pero ginawa ko iyong sinasabi niya para magmukhang college student talaga ako. Sa gitna kami nakaupo para na rin madali ako mapansin ni Hubert.

Until our target went inside the classroom while wearing an eyeglasses and a pile of papers under his underarm. Lahat ng mga kaklase ko ay umupo ng tuwid.

"Good morning, class. I am Mr. Hubert Moulin," he introduced. Tumalikod siya at nagsulat sa black board. "Welcome to my Biochemistry class. I hope you are all having a good day."

He wrote his name on the blackboard. Hinaharap niya kami at nakita ko kung paano niya tiningnan ang buong klase. Hanggang sa nagtama ang tingin namin. He looks so surprised but amused.

"Before we start, let's check your attendance."

Isa-isa niya binasa ang mga pangalan ng kaklase ko hanggang sa ako naman ang tatawagin niya.

"Ivory Shayne Ceretti?"

Tinaas ko iyong kamay ko. "Present."

His lips stretched to smile and the side of his eyes crinkled due to his age. I crossed my legs then simply gave him a smirk.

Pagkatapos niya tawagin lahat ng mga kaklase ko ay tumikhim siya. Inayos niya ang mga papel sa harapan niya bago siya naglakad papunta sa harap ng table at bahagyang sumandal.

"Before we start our lesson, do any of you have an idea what carbohydrates are?" he asked. "Please raise your hands if you know the answer."

Naalala ko iyong tinuro sa akin ni Uno dati. Lalo na ayaw ko nga ng Science. Kaya tinaas ko iyong kamay ko.

"Oh, Miss Ceretti?"

My lips twitched. "A carbohydrate is known for simple sugars such as the glucose, sucrose, and fructose."

Mukhang natuwa siya sa sagot ko. Nakakunot lang noo ni Hansen habang pinagmamasdan ako. Umupo na ako habang pinaglalaruan ang ballpen sa daliri ko.

"Very good, Miss Ceretti."

Nagsimula na siya magturo ng introduction tungkol sa Carbohydrates. Medyo nanakit ulo ko pero pinipilit ko makinig. In fareness, magaling naman siya mag explain tapos mahinahon lang ang boses niya. Kaya mga mga iba akong kaklase na sumasagot din sa kaniya.

He was drawing a structure on the blackboard as he explained about Haworth's project.

"I didn't know you are so serious of listening to this fucker," ani Hansen. He seemed bored and irritated.

"Will you please pretend we don't know each other?" I hissed. Nanatili ang mata ko sa harap. "I don't want you to ruin our plan."

He scoffed. "Fine. Suit yourself."

Mabuti na lang ay nanahimik siya by drawing some doodles behind his binder. Napailing na lang ako. Alam ko naman na misyon lang ito pero kailangan ko makinig para makuha ko atensyon ni Hubert.

"I hope you understand how carbohydrates work. Class adjourned," Hubert announced. Umangat ang tingin niya para tumingin sa akin. "Miss Ceretti, could you please bring my things in my office with me."

Napangisi ako. Mukhang nakuha ni Hansen ang atensyon kasi binanggit ang pangalan ko. Confident ako na tumayo at naglakad palapit sa kaniya. Mga ibang estudyante ay nakakunot noo habang pinagmamasdan ako. I was smirking while my hair is bouncing on every each step I make.

I grabbed his documents, class records, and confidential papers. Nauna siya naglakad kaya sinundan ko lang siya.

While I was following him walking to the office, Hansen was silently tailing me behind because we still need to maintain our distance. My eyes are watching the classic french architecture in this university. I am so amazed that I will be able to enter this kind of university premises. It was so cool.

Hubert halted from his tracks when he engulf the key from his pockets. Mukhang nasa opisina kami. Sumisipol lang si Hansen para bang hindi kami magkakilala.

"Get inside, Miss Ceretti," Hubert declared.

I blinked briefly. Mukhang natauhan ako kaya pumasok na ako sa opisina niya. Napansin ko agad ang nagtataasan na bookshelves sa opisina niya. Marami rin mga equipments na tungkol sa Biochemistry.

Maingat ko nilapag iyong mga gamit niya sa lamesa. Umupo na siya sa harap ng office table niya at pinagsiklop ang kamay.

"I thought you were kidding that you are gonna study here," he said, as his eyes danced in amusement. "I must say that you are such a clever girl. I'm really delighted that you're here."

"Mr. Moulin, I learned so much from you. I am looking forward to seeing you further," I responded.

Nakatayo pa rin ako sa harapan niya habang magka hawak ang kamay ko sa likuran. I bit my lower lip as I slowly tilted my head to show my neck. Mukhang gumana nga kasi napadpad ang mata niya sa leeg ko habang napapalunok.

He really has this weird fetish, huh.

He cleared his throat. "From now on, you're gonna be my student assistant. You should always carry my things for me, Miss Ceretti."

"You're too formal, Sir. Just call me Ivory."

"Hmm. Ivory it is, then."

My lips twitched. "What time am I gonna go here?"

"You should be here before the class. I like your presence alone in my office, Ivory."

When he gave me a creep smile, his eyes wrinkled. Halata ang malagkit niyang tingin sa akin.

"Noted, Sir. You can always count me in."

Dapat aalis na ako ng opisina niya pero narinig ko siya nagsalita. I smirked inwardly.

"Wait a minute," aniya at napansin ko inayos niya ang reading glasses niya. "If you are having a hard time comprehending a particular topic from my class, just go here alone. Or we can also meet in my house."

"Wow! Thank you, Sir!"

He gave me a nod. "You may now leave. Thank you for bringing my stuff here."

Kumaway pa siya sa akin kaya kumaway din ako pabalik sa kaniya. Paglabas ko pa lang ng opisina ni Hubert ay nakasandal sa pader si Hansen. He was crossing his eyes as his anticipating hawk eyes waits for me. I could see the embers igniting through his eyes.

"How was it?" he probed.

I put my index finger on my lips because he might hear him! Kailangan lumayo muna kami kaunti bago mag-usap. Yakap ko ang libro sa dibdib habang naglalakad na palabas ng unibersidad.

"It was okay. He just wants me to be his student assistant and he is inviting me to his house," I answered. Ngayon nilingon ko siya. "How about you? Ginagawa mo ba ang task mo?"

He arched his eyebrow. "I did my task. I was leaning there in case you needed my help."

Humalakhak ako sa kaniyang sinabi. Mukhang nakalimutan niya na kaya ko naman patumbahin si Hubert nang mag-isa. Ang kailangan niya na lang ay maghanap ng impormasyon tungkol sa kaniya tungkol sa mga sekreto nito.

"Oh, okay. I forgot that you're great and stronger than me. Geez thanks," he added. Mukhang nainis siya sa reaksyon ko. "I know what's running inside your mind. You are always f*****g belittle me. Wait until I pin you down."

Nilagpasan niya na ako pero binibigyan niya lang ako ng tamang distansya sa pagitan namin. Napailing ako sa kaniya. Hindi ko masabi kung moody ba ang isang Montepalma. Sometimes he is flirty, sometimes he is funny, and sometimes he is mad. I really don't know.

Ang mahalaga may nagawa akong pangalawang assignment. Kaya nakangisi ako habang naglalakad sa parking lot. Napansin ko na nauna na siya sumakay sa kotse.

I opened the door then slid myself inside the car. He was clenching his jaw menacingly. Bumungisngis lang ako.

"What are you giggling about?" he barked.

He really seemed upset and offended. I just gave him my sweetest smile.

Shrugging my shoulder and replied, "Nothing. I was just excited to lay down and eat something delicious."

"What do you want to eat, then?"

Sumandal ako sa kinauupuan ko habang nakapikit tila nag-iisip kung ano ang kakainin. Narinig ko na binuhay niya na iyong makina kaya mas lalo ako napangiti.

"I miss eating fastfood while sitting on a roof watching the peaceful city…" Napanguso ako habang naalala ang mga gawain ko dati kapag gusto ko mag-isip. "I miss doing everything…"

"Let's do that, then."