Chapter 7 & 8 : First Sparks of Rivalry
” What are you doing here, with me.” Monalisa asked as she moved away from him and away from the umbrella.
The scene from him and Ramona replayed in her head and she closed her eyes, cussing herself inwardly because she keeps thinking about it.
” Don’t be like that right now, it’s raining you will catch a cold.” Miguel said coming towards her again to cover with the umbrella, yet again Lisa moved away.
” And why do you care, we both hate each other remember. I hated you on first sight at the airport and seeing you in the same college as me, irks me. You can do this to Ramona instead.” Lisa said and Miguel stared at her unbelievably.
” Really? Why bring Ramona into this and I don’t hate you.” Miguel said and quickly cover her again. Lisa scoffed.
” I don’t care if you hate me or not, but I hate you and I don’t want you near me. I hate you both.” Lisa said storming off in the rain, though the rain is starting to go down.
Miguel sigh before walking off too, his house is just few miles away so it’s fine.
Next morning ~ Crestwood College •
Monalisa got down from her car and the students around begin to greet her and she nodded. She is not a celebrity but here in Crestwood,she is.
Tiana wasn’t with her, she had gone to her house early this morning so it’s just her again.
She was walking down to her class when Alvin showed up. Lisa rolled her eyes wanting to walk pass him but Alvin held her hand and Lisa looked at him.
” What do you think you are doing right now.” Lisa demanded.
” Just follow me quietly.” Alvin said sternly and Lisa had to follow him.
Miguel who just arrived, saw them both and he glared at them till they were out of sight. He sighted George and walked up to him.
After getting to an empty class, Alvin locked the door behind them and then caged Lisa against the wall in front of them.
” What are you doing?” Lisa asked feeling unsecured and uncomfortable.
” Do you like him?” That was the first question from Alvin and Lisa got confused.
” Who are you talking about?”
” You know who am talking about, the other boy in the library.” Alvin said and Lisa rolled her eyes before pushing Alvin away.
” Is that why you dragged me here like that and why should I give you an answer huh, you are nothing to me and you need to understand that.” Lisa said walking to the door.
” Even though you like him or have any feelings for him, I won’t let him have you. Not him, not anyone. You have to always remember you are mine and I will do anything for you and for me to get you.” Alvin declared.
” It’s best if you get rid of your obsession Alvin, it’s never happening.” Lisa said finally opening the door and walked out.
Alvin smirked.
” Just you wait and see Lisa. You’re mine alone and I won’t let anyone have you.” Alvin said and walked out also.
Rodrigo’s mansion •
Ramona was up in her room ready for college when she heard some noise downstairs. Mariana, her sister already went to school. High school to be precise.
Walking down the stairs, she saw both her parents and tears were on her mom’s face. The pillows on the couch were already scattered on the floor. It’s obvious they were fighting again.
She looked around and saw the maids with their heads bowed, they always do that when her parents fight. She got down from the stairs completely signalling the maids to leave and they bowed leaving to do their various works.
” Mom, Dad.” She called out sadly but they weren’t even listening to her. She didn’t even knew the time tears trickle down her cheeks.
” Just shut up woman.” Mr Rodrigo yelled wanting to hit her but he stopped himself mid away, leaving his hand in the air.
” Am sick and tired of you, I want a divorce.” Mrs Rodrigo said and Romina’s eyes widened.
” Mom.” She finally yelled and they turned to her.
” How long have you here?” Mr Rodrigo asked.
” Are you trying to get a divorce, have you two ever thought of me. What will happen to me, I hate you two. I hate you two.” Ramona said and ran out the mansion in tears.
” You see what you caused huh. Ramona is your daughter,why can’t you even think of her.” Mr Rodrigo said and Mrs Rodrigo hissed walking out on him.
Mr Rodrigo sigh before signalling to the maids to come clean the living room.
After staying in a place and cried her eyes out, Ramona finally went to college. She got down from her car, her face still looking pale.
The students looked at her weirdly, some looking at her like she’s some kind of ghost, while some with pity.
👥: what’s wrong with her.
👥: are you fine Ramona.
👥: am sure something is wrong, please be fine Ramona.
The students said to her but she ignored them all. Miguel finally got to her and stood in front of her.
Without saying anything, Miguel held her hand dragging her away and Ramona followed quietly.
They stopped at a corner and Miguel released her hand, but Ramona wasn’t looking at him.
” What’s wrong? I know am not in the right position to ask but am concerned.” Miguel asked and Ramona shaked her head.
” Say something Ramona, you were never like this. Is something happening to you?” Miguel asked.
That instance Ramona burst into another tears that she’s been holding and Miguel looked confused.
” Hey, why are you crying. Is everything alright?” Miguel asked but Ramona kept crying.
Miguel not knowing what to do, pulled her in a hug to comfort her and Ramona reciprocated the hug, hugging him more tightly as she buried herself in his chest with her hands by his waist.
Miguel patted her slowly. Monalisa who was walking by with Tiana finally got to that corner and met them in that position.
Lisa didn’t move nor say anything, her face was blank while they were on Miguel and Ramona.
” Hey, is everything okay?” Tiana asked when she saw Lisa’s face but she didn’t respond.
She looked at the scene in front of them and at Monalisa, not understanding why Lisa kept staring at them.
Chapter 9 & 10 : Miguel and Ramona’s Private Moments
Ramona disengaged from the hug herself and clean the tears on her face.
” Are you….” Miguel was about talking when his eyes went to Lisa and Tiana, his eyes basically on Lisa.
Ramona noticing this looked at the direction and saw them, she faced Miguel back.
” Thank you.” Ramona said and Miguel turned to her.
” It’s fine.” Miguel replied looking at Lisa again.
Lisa nod her head before storming off the place and Tiana had to follow.
” What’s with her?” Miguel mumbled.
” You should go after her.” Ramona said and Miguel furrowed his brow.
” No, why should I. Common, let’s get you something to eat.” Miguel said as he held her hand but Ramona jerked it off.
” What do you think you are doing?” She asked and Miguel was confused.
” To..to get you something to…” Miguel said not understanding her again.
” I don’t need it thanks.” Ramona said walking away.
She stopped midway and turn back at him.
” Because you saw me cry today doesn’t mean anything, we aren’t friends and I can’t be friends with someone like you. Thanks for comforting me.” Ramona said before walking off completely.
Miguel stared in disbelief, he never knew Ramona was also like this. He thought she is way more different than Lisa.
” What do I expect, these rich people always think ahead of themselves.” He mumbled and walked off to his class.
Getting to the class, he sat down with anger making George to glance at him.
” Hey, what’s wrong?” George asked.
” It’s nothing.” Miguel replied under his breath.
George was about to ask more when the professor came in and the lecture started.
Ramona got to class and her eyes went to Lisa’s seat, and she was there busy with her phone while Tiana was jotting down somethings in her note.
She walked to them and stood besides Lisa, Lisa had to look up. Lisa stared at her, same as Ramona.
” What the heck is happening to you.” Ramona finally spoke up.
” I don’t get.” Lisa said.
” Why do you always act weird, why do you always like you want everything to be yours. If you don’t want it then take your mind off it and stop being nosy.” Ramona snapped, that was when the whole class turned to them.
” What on earth are you talking about?” Lisa asked and Ramona scoffed.
” You know exactly what am talking about, think about it.” Ramona said before walking her seat.
” What was that?” Tiana stated but Lisa didn’t reply.
” What were you talking about?” Barbie asked but Ramona shrugged it off, taking a look at Lisa again before bringing out her books.
Monalisa stared in the air for a while, she knows exactly what she was saying but she is trying to not agree with her words.
It’s definitely not it. She assured herself.
The Triple Diamonds Suite•
Alvin was on his bed staring at the ceiling, then Kelvin walked in.
” You really should learn how to knock.” Alvin said and Kelvin scoffed.
” What’s wrong with the both of you, Jayden has been sulking down. He is not even here, are you guys not going to stop.” Kelvin said and Alvin look at him.
” You should be saying this to him instead, he doesn’t get to talk to me anyhow.” Alvin said.
” But..you know whatever he said is right.” Kelvin said and Alvin glared at him.
” Are you on my side or on his side, if you are here to criticize me then out of my room.” Alvin said.
” Am not on any one’s side, it’s just the truth. Think about it.” Kelvin said and stood up before leaving the room.
Alvin scoffed after him and his gaze hardened as he remembered Lisa’s words.
He grabbed his jacket and walked out of the room.
•Somewhere around the school •
Jayden lean on the wall, staring at nothing in particular. A hand on his forehead, he really hates it when he fight with his friends. Basically, because they’re childhood friends.
Alvin’s words rang in his head and he scoffed before the migraine hit him again. He basically weak right now.
” I was only telling him the truth and he dare insult me like am nothing.” He mumbled.
Barbie immediately rushed there.
” Hey, what are you doing here and you… What happened to you.” Barbie said holding onto him.
Jayden looked at her weirdly.
” Why are you here, I called Tiana and not you.” Jayden said and Barbie rolled her eyes.
” Am the one here, so let’s go back to your suite.” Barbie said.
” No, I don’t wanna go there.”
” You have to go, let’s pass the short way .” Barbie said as she hung his arm on her shoulder.
” But…” Jayden’s state couldn’t let him continue.
Barbie started walking with him slowly as Jayden groan silently.
Their path was blocked by someone, Barbie looked up and it’s Tiana.
” Leave him to me.” Tiana said and Barbie frowned.
” Yahh, Tiana is here. Let’s go off me.” Jayden said as he staggered off Barbie and Tiana quickly held him.
” What do you think you are doing, you told me you don’t have anything to do with him.” Barbie said with folded fist.
” Yeah, but right now he needs me more than you. Anything else?” Tiana said and Barbie glared at her with anger.
Tiana said walking off with Jayden, she held him properly.
” Tiana.. you…” Jayden mumbled.
” Sorry, I was late. How did you suddenly developed an headache Tiana said.
” I don’t know.” Jayden mumbled.
Tiana started walking with him, passing a short route to his suite where students wouldn’t see them.
Behind the restroom •
Some group of girls can be seen bullying a girl. The poor girl was in tears.
” Hey, pack those sands and start eating them. Don’t worry, I will buy you a bottle of water.” The leader, Rosie said as her minions smirk behind her.
” No no, please forgive me.” The girl being bullied, Kaylee said.
” I don’t forgive, you should know after Lisa and Ramona, I am the next famous person here. Now start eating.” Rosie said and she held Kaylee head downward to the sand.
Kaylee struggled and struggled almost wanting to eat the sand when a voice interrupted.
” What do you all think you are doing.” It’s Kelvin.
The girls immediately stop and release Kaylee, they were literally shivering.
” We..we were just playing with her, right?” Rosie said looking at Kaylee to talk but she didn’t say anything.
Unluckily for Rosie, Kelvin is her long time crush.
” Leave before I do something crazy.” Kelvin said calmly but his voice was cold.
Rosie and her minions immediately scram off. Slowly, Kaylee stood up avoiding Kelvin’s eyes.
” You don’t have to be scared okay? Next time, you should stand up against such people. Am with you.” Kelvin said and she looked at him unbelievably.
I thought he is part of the triple diamonds, the bullies.* She said inwardly.
Nevertheless, she nodded.
” Th..thank you.” She said.
” Name?”
” Kaylee.” She replied and Kelvin smiled.
” Am sure you know mine already, so we’re cool.” Kelvin said and Kaylee nodded.
Kelvin noticed her strange behavior and already knew why, he was about to say more when Kaylee scram off.
Kelvin smiled staring at her retreating figure.
The college finally closed for the day but Lisa had to quickly use the restroom,so she had to hurry before they close the school.
Without even looking at the name on top, if it’s the Ladies or the Gent. She quickly entered.
After doing her business, she came out to wash her hands. There, she saw Miguel.
” You? What are you doing here?” Miguel asked.
” I should ask you that.” Lisa said coming to watch her hands.
” Excuse me, this is the Gent.” Miguel said and Lisa raised her head, gazing around the restroom before it’s finally dawn on her that Miguel is right.
” Shit, why did I come here.” She mumbled, then she received a call. It’s Tiana.
Tiana: where are you girl.
Lisa: am at the restroom, don’t worry. I meet you outside soon.
Tiana: will be waiting.
Lisa ended the call and walked to the door, turning the knob but the door refused to open. She pulled harder but it didn’t bulge.
“Hey, why is the door not opening?” She asked rhetorically and Miguel faced her coming to the door.
” I’ll try.” He said and she left the door for him.
Miguel also tried to open it but it didn’t open, he then faced Lisa.
” Seems we have been here together.” Miguel said and Lisa’s eyes widened.
” What!!!”
Chapter 11 & 12 : Promises and Boundaries
Miguel ignored her and walked back to the basin, angrily Lisa walked up to him.
” How dare you ignore me.” Lisa said and Miguel sigh.
” What am I supposed to do, am I supposed to go out through the door. Don’t you have the security number or something?” Miguel said and that’s when she calmed down. She breathe out and rested her back by the basin.
” I don’t have the number.” She muttered, she immediately took her phone and dialled Tiana’s number. She picked up on the first ring.
Tiana: aren’t you done yet? She half yelled
Lisa: umm Tiana, I suddenly remember I had to go somewhere. Take my car and go to my home, please make my mom’s mind be at ease. I don’t want her worried.
Tiana: but why this all of a sudden, it’s almost late.
Lisa: don’t worry about me okay, keep your mind at rest. I just went to do some important things, I might not be able to go back home. Don’t worry am safe. She said and look at Miguel who scoffed hearing the last statement.
Tiana: okay then, see you tomorrow. Bye.
Lisa responded before ending the call.
” How sure are you that you are safe here.” Miguel asked.
” I saw you hugging Ramona, am sure you won’t do anything bad.” Lisa said.
” Are you saying you trust me… And about Ramona, you behaved strangely when you saw us.” Miguel said and Lisa looked away remembering Ramona’s words.
” I don’t trust you… Not yet.” She mumbled the last statement.
” You’re ignoring the question.”
” I don’t wanna talk about it.” Lisa said
” But I want to talk about it.” Miguel said and Lisa stared at him.
” Why did it looks like you stormed off angrily.” Miguel said.
” It’s didn’t look like it, I stormed angrily cause I was angry.” Lisa said and Miguel squinched his brows
” Why?”
” I don’t like her, she is just trying to gain attention.” Lisa said and Miguel stared at her for a while before ignoring her and sat on the cold floor resting his back with his knees crouched upwards.
Lisa raised a brow and scoffed, sitting down but some few distance away from him.
” Why do you always act weird, I really hate that. She wasn’t trying to gain attention, your level of thinking is somehow.” Miguel said and Lisa turn to him swiftly shifting towards him.
” Hey, do you mean I have a low IQ?” Lisa said and Miguel chuckled.
” You said it yourself.” Miguel said and Lisa fumed with anger.
” You know I will keep telling you, I hate you and I still do. It was hate at first sight.” Lisa said.
” Just like love at first sight.” Miguel said softly and Lisa’s anger calmed. She crouched her knees like Miguel and rested her head backwards also.
” What do you mean?” Lisa had to asked. Silence followed for a while and Lisa looked at him.
” Are you trying to know more about me?” Miguel said and Lisa scoffed.
” No, the only thing I know it’s that you are a poor rat and I hate your gut.” Lisa said and Miguel chuckled.
” What’s funny about that.” Lisa said.
Miguel closed his eyes before breathing out. Lisa looked at him once again.
Thunder roared in the sky loudly all of a sudden and Lisa freaked out moving close to Miguel and clutching onto him instantly, burying her head lower.
Miguel opened his eyes slowly, he wasn’t even moved by the thunder sound. He looked down at Lisa expecting her to raise her head away from him.
Slowly, Lisa began to raise her head. Her face was so close to Miguel’s face, they had to stare at each other for awhile. Their face was so close with their lips almost touching.
Lisa regain herself and moved away from him. The rain started immediately.
” Gosh, it’s going to be cold.” Lisa mumbled but Miguel heard her. She rubbed her hand on her arm cause she was wearing an armless shirt.
” Why does it have to rain right now.” She said again taking her phone as her mom’s call came in.
” Why’s she calling now, I don’t want to lie to her.” Lisa said.
” Just inform her, you are with a friend.” Miguel said.
” But we aren’t friends and besides Tiana is the only friend she knows I have.” Lisa said.
” Tell her you made a new friend today.” Miguel said again and Lisa bought the idea. She picked the call.
Lisa: hello mom.
Mrs Joanna: Lisa baby, where are you. Tiana told me you had something to do.
Lisa: yes mom, actually I won’t be coming tonight. I will be staying with a friend.
Mrs Joanna: but Tiana’s your only friend I know about.
Lisa bite her lips, she really hate lying to her mom.
” Don’t worry, it isn’t a lie. Am your friend.” Miguel assured her noticing her state.
Lisa: I made a new friend mom, mom don’t worry about me. Am a child, I will take care of myself. Have a good night rest mom, I will be home early tomorrow.
Without hearing her mom’s reply, she swiped the red button. She breathe in and out after that.
She looked at Miguel who already close his eyes, she started feeling cold. She looked at Miguel again but he wasn’t opening his eyes. She closed her eyes tightly, hugging her body to herself before feeling something on her.
” I don’t wanna be a bad guy.” Miguel said covering her with his jacket. Lisa almost smiled.
” But you, won’t you be cold?” She asked concerningly.
” Stop worrying about me.” Miguel said and Lisa bit her lips turning her gaze away, wrapping herself well in the cool jacket which smells so good.
” Do you bully too?” Miguel asked.
” Seldomly.” She replied. He didn’t say anything, Lisa looked at him and could feel he’s feeling cold also.
Slowly, she shifted to him. Miguel opened his eyes, giving her the ‘what’ look.
” Am trying to make you warm okay? Don’t think too much.” Lisa said before, hugging him to herself and slept on his chest.
” What are you doing.” Miguel asked but she didn’t reply.
They both could feel like they’re getting warm, Miguel had to hug her more tightly. Soon, Lisa fell asleep, Miguel gazed at Lisa one more time before drifting off also.
Next morning ~ Crestwood College •
The school already opened but they weren’t out yet. The students already filled the school surroundings.
The college janitor, came over to open the restroom. He went over to open the ladies first and then the Gent.
But after opening the Gent, his eyes widened with the scene in front of him.
” Holy Jesus.” He screamed and the students nearby had to stop and come near.
” Why did you yell like that Mister.” One of them said but his eyes was the scene.
The students soon made their way inside and their eyes widened by that scene.
👥: Holly Molly, Lisa with him?
👥: can’t believe my eyes right now
👥: I don’t know how to describe this
Ramona too came noticing the commotion, her eyes also widened.
Their noises and murmuring had to woke up both Lisa and Miguel. Tiana, Barbie, and the triple diamonds came also and their eyes widened too.
Lisa rubbed her eyes before it’s cleared off, seeing the students in front of her made her stand up. Miguel also stand up also, covering Lisa with the jacket well and the students jaw dropped.
👥: I don’t understand what’s going.
👥: someone should explain.
Lisa made her way out of the restroom and angrily Ramona followed. Seeing Ramona’s attitude, Miguel followed.
Lisa was still walking away when Ramona grabbed her swiftly making her to turn to Ramona.
A resounding slap followed next as all the students gasp.