YOU'RE MINE

Flora Amor was already inside the classroom that noon, yet she couldn’t get the couple she saw at Mang Inasal out of her mind.

The woman was stunning—lips red as roses, skin smooth and fair, sexy, unmistakably an office girl. She was the perfect match for the man Flora had bumped into earlier.

She didn’t even notice her own furrowed brows in reflection.

Out of all the couples in the restaurant, why was her attention fixed on just those two?

Was it because the man had smiled at her and introduced himself, making her feel like they were friends and sparking her curiosity about his love life?

Or was it because of the way he had looked at her earlier, like he wanted her, and that made her feel jealous of the woman beside him?

Yikes!

Since when did she feel desire for a man?

A blush crept onto her face at the thought.

When she had bumped into him outside the mall, there had been nothing attractive about his face.

So why, inside the restaurant, when their eyes met again, did her heart race like a runaway horse?

She couldn’t explain the feeling. Honestly, she had never felt that way about any man—not even Anton.

Could this be… love?

Yikes! Who was he for her to fall in love that fast?

“He’s not my type!” her mind blurted out.

“Who, Beshie?” Mariel immediately asked, curious.

“Huh? No one!” she quickly retracted.

“Bakla, it seems your girlfriend isn't here yet ,” Mariel teased, elbowing Anton in the arm.

Flora Amor glanced behind them. Phoebe wasn’t there, and neither was Elisse.

Probably, they had wandered off somewhere and lost track of time, which was why they missed the afternoon class.

“Poor Elisse,” she overheard a classmate whisper.

“Her own fault. She shouldn’t open her mouth so much,” replied someone beside her.

Flora frowned as Anton squeezed her arm while linking his arm with hers.

Why? What had happened to that girl? Could she have been bullied and didn’t know how to fight back?

“I heard they’re a family of pushers,” she recalled Elisse had said that yesterday.

Her lips parted slightly as she searched for the person who had entered with them yesterday.

She observed Megan closely from her seat in front, but she could only see her back. She’d been Megan’s classmate for almost two years, yet Megan didn’t seem like the type to fall for empty words unless it was serious.

Shock and nervousness were written all over her face before she turned back to the chalkboard. So there were people like that? They seemed nice, but… a little devilish.

Flora’s eyes darted back to Anton, who wore a serious expression. She was glad her friends were honest with her.

Anton removed his hand from her back when their instructor for Fundamentals of Accounting walked in.

“Beshie, what happened to Elisse?”

Flora Amor nudged Mariel and ducked behind the classmate in front.

“She got transferred, Beshie,” her friend muttered with a shrug.

Flora nodded and settled back into her seat, her gaze inevitably returning to Megan. Were her parents that influential? Just because of what Elisse said yesterday, she got kicked out of school?

She couldn’t believe it and glanced at the teacher, even though her mind wasn’t on the lesson.

..................

“BESHIE, I’ll drop you home,” Anton said as they descended the stairs of the building.

Class was over, and she didn’t have any assignments, so she could head home early.

“Hey, Beshie, I’ll go first, okay? I’m tagging along with Mom to buy a dress for your dad’s party,” Mariel said to Anton before turning to Flora Amor.

“Beshie, I’ll use your makeup kit, okay?” she giggled.

Flora laughed. “Sure!”

“Go ahead, Beshie. I have errands to run,” she added.

“I’ll come with you,” Anton insisted.

“No, Beshie. I have something to buy too.”

He stared at her intently, but noticing she wanted to be alone, he didn’t insist further.

She walked slowly along the covered walkway, counting her steps silently, head bowed. She wondered if she should go to the market, but she didn’t know which part her parents might be or which stalls they occupied. They didn’t like her going there alone, especially without them.

Yet she wanted to find out if the man she saw at the mall that morning was her father. What was he doing there? It was impossible that he was buying fish in bulk.

“Hi!”

She barely heard the voice, lost in thought, and was startled when someone grabbed her arm.

She immediately pulled away from the audacious man, and when she looked up, the one she had bumped into earlier stood before her.

She froze mid-step.

She glanced at him briefly, then quickly looked away.

“Remember me? I’m Dix,” he said with a smile.

She forced herself to look at him blankly.

“I noticed you walking here, so I thought I’d come over,” he explained awkwardly, gazing at her face.

“You mind if I walk with you?”

He seemed like a gentleman, so even without answering, she didn’t refuse.

She started walking again, and he kept pace.

She was confused. Earlier, she couldn’t explain what she felt when their eyes met. Now, seeing him again, she almost felt annoyed. What was wrong with her?

“I also graduated here, you know,” he said casually.

She just nodded, neither smiling nor frowning.

“By the way, I’m Dix Amorillo, 22 years old.”

He suddenly stopped and faced her. She had no choice but to stop as well.

“May I know your name?”

She stayed silent. What should she say? She wasn’t rude, but she wasn’t particularly friendly either.

“Oh, I remember!” he exclaimed.

“Flor, right?” His eyes stayed on hers, smiling.

“Can I have your number?”

Her brows rose in surprise.

“I mean, if you don’t mind.”

He seemed like a gentleman, yet so eager to get to know her. Was this how men approached women nowadays? She had no idea. Her classmates never acted this way, and only Anton had ever noticed her in school, so she didn’t know how to respond.

“My boyfriend would get mad,” she said instinctively, or maybe she just wanted him to know she didn’t have a number—her mom didn’t even own a smartphone.

“So it’s true, you’re his property,” he said nonchalantly.

She was taken aback.

'Someone’s property?' her mind echoed.

Did he think she was something anyone could claim as their own?

Annoyed, she stepped away, ignoring whether he followed.

Who in their right mind would claim her like that?

This guy must be crazy, with nothing better to do, for approaching her.

She walked faster, leaving the school gate, heading straight across the highway, head down, unaware of a speeding vehicle approaching.

“Amor!”

The shout startled her, and she looked back. Someone grabbed her hand, and her face was pressed against a broad chest. The crowd’s shouting filled her ears.

Fear gripped her. What was happening?

“Damn!”

She heard the man curse as he held her.

Before she could recover, he took her hand and pulled her away from the school gate toward a parked car by the roadside.

“Watch where you’re going, idiot!” a student shouted.

Only then did she realize she was on the edge of the highway, dragged along by a man.

When they reached the car, he let go and leaned her against the door.

“For God’s sake! What were you thinking out there?!” his eyes burned with anger, veins prominent on his neck.

In her whole life, she had never been yelled at like this by a man—especially a stranger.

Her knees trembled uncontrollably.

“What… what happened?” she stammered like a child.

He wanted to punch the car in frustration but stopped, pressing his palm against his face.

Earlier, he had smiled while looking at her; now, he was furious.

“Do you know you almost got hit by a jeep just now?” he said, trying to calm himself.

She froze. She had thought she was just at the gate, not yet crossing the street.

Her knees weakened further. If he hadn’t pulled her back, she might have been hit. No wonder people shouted when she pressed against his chest.

“R-really?” The words barely escaped her lips, fear still coursing through her.

Tears welled up unexpectedly. Seeing this, he panicked, unsure what to do.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, hugging her tightly, trying to comfort her, regardless of whether she was angry.

“Hey, I was just scared. I thought I lost you.”

His voice—the way he spoke—struck her to her core.

Her heart raced uncontrollably. She barely had the strength to push him away.

He noticed and composed himself.

“If you’re okay now, I’ll take you home,” he said formally.

“No, it’s okay,” she whispered weakly.

He reached for her hand again, opened the car door, and gently helped her inside.

She remained silent, exhausted and still weak, too drained to resist.

Once inside, he started the car but slowed when he noticed her gripping the foam of the seat tightly. He smiled at her reaction.

“Sorry, it’s my first time in a car like this,” she admitted, cheeks burning.

He fastened her seatbelt, then continued driving.

She caught a whiff of his cologne, intoxicating and lingering.

“You’re really interesting, Amor,” he said, grinning.

Fortunately, he wasn’t looking directly at her, or he would have seen her face flush bright red.

She had no idea what to do; she wasn’t used to fast cars, and even jeepneys made her nauseous if the driver went too fast.

She stole glances at him as he smiled constantly. She didn’t know if he was teasing or genuinely amused, but either way, she was mortified. Probably thought she was some country girl who knew nothing of the world.

Seeing her quiet, he stopped the car again and faced her.

“Are you okay now, sweetie?”

She nodded, head down. How could she meet his gaze? Her cheeks had been red all morning. Each time he uttered terms of endearment, her heart raced.

“Amor, you’re really interesting.”

When she looked up in surprise at how he said her name, their lips nearly met. Her eyes widened.

His voice—she had heard it before, calling her name. The eyes that had locked with hers in the mall!

“Amor, have you been kissed before?” His tone was cold yet teasing, magnetic, pulling her closer.

She shook her head slightly.

“Then let me be the first.”

He cupped her chin and pressed his lips to hers.

Her eyes widened in shock, but the kiss urged her to close her eyes and savor it.

She did, a soft moan escaping. This was what a kiss felt like—sweet, delicious, like a thousand volts coursing through her body, a strange ache deep inside.

He pulled back gently, and she stared at him.

“Oh, sweetie. Stop staring at me,” he said, almost pleading, emotion breaking through as he looked away.

It was like a splash of cold water hit her. She sat properly.

Why had she let him kiss her? They had just met, yet her body, heart, and mind followed his every word.

She could hear his steady breathing as he drove.

Then silence fell.

She stayed quiet, eyes fixed on the road, but her mind raced. Why hadn’t she slapped him? Why hadn’t she bolted from the car?

Why??

She felt the car stop again. He leaned toward her, unbuckled her seatbelt.

He smiled, noticing her face turn away.

“You’re mine from now on, Amor. No one else is allowed to touch even your skin,” he said, then opened the door.

She jumped out and ran as fast as she could.

How she got home, she didn’t know. All she knew was her body was trembling, knees shaking, and she could still feel his lips on hers.

She kept replaying the kiss, tasting the sweetness, smelling his scent.

Swayed by her emotions, she didn't even notice she touched her lips with her finger and bit it.

“Ouch!”

...............

“WOW, what a miracle! The house is so clean today!” her mother exclaimed as soon as she entered.

Flora Amor smiled and took the two grocery bags from her.

“Looks like you have a lot of money today, Ma,” she said, putting away the fish and vegetables in the fridge.

“No food left in the fridge , so I went to SaveMore before coming home,” her mother explained, taking out two bags of hotdogs and three bags of tocino.

“This tocino is for you so you won’t be embarrassed eating at the school with your friends.”

“I still prefer eggplant omelette, Ma,” she replied.

“What did you eat that made you clean the house today?” her mother asked curiously.

“Feels like I don’t clean the house at all,” she pouted.

“Why, isn’t it true? You leave everything to your siblings. You just eat and sleep here.” Her mother teased casually.

“Hmp! I’m busy with school projects every day,” she defended herself, blinking rapidly.

“Hush! You still make excuses,” her mother smiled, sneaking glances at her.

From the dining table, Aling Nancy stepped into the living room and sank onto the old sofa.

Flora Amor watched her mother while hastily putting away the groceries.

“Ma, let’s buy juice,” she suggested.

Her mother nodded, handing her twenty pesos. The store was just outside, so she returned quickly with a pouch of Tang pineapple juice.

Within minutes, she handed her mother the prepared glass.

“Is it cold?”

“Yes, Ma.”

After her mother drank, she returned the glass. Flora sat beside her.

“Ma…” she coaxed.

“How old were you when you dated Papa?” she asked mischievously, handing her mother the remaining juice in the glass.

“Fifteen,” her mother answered.

“Wow, Ma! Fifteen?” she exclaimed in disbelief.

Her mother laughed loudly.

Flora Amor stood at her mother's back, pretended to massage her shoulders.

“Ma…”

“Hmm?”

“Did Papa kiss you right away when he courted you?” she asked casually.

Her mother’s eyes widened, brows raising.

“Why, have you been kissed by Anton?” she teased.

“No!” she hit her mother’s shoulder.

“Why would I let him? He’s not my boyfriend. Just a best friend,” she replied, sitting beside her mother.

Her mother laughed again.

“Ma,” she said, adjusting her position.

“When a man kisses you, then says, ‘You are mine,’ does that mean you’re his girlfriend already?” she asked curiously, lips parted, waiting for an answer.

Her mother frowned, staring at her. She studied Flora Amor carefully before speaking.

“It depends. Why, did someone kiss you?” she asked with a teasing smile.

Even if her mother was gossipy, when it came to serious matters, she didn’t get mad as long as she told the truth.

Flora blushed, looking away, sipping the juice, and swallowing.

“First love, anak?” her mother asked, curious.

She nodded shyly.

“When did you meet him?”

“This morning, Ma.” Her face burned red, and she looked down.

“When did he kiss you?”

“Just before I came home.”

Her mother lightly tapped her. She nearly fell onto the table but braced herself with a hand.

“Ma, come on!” she protested.

“You’re so silly!” her mother exclaimed.

“You just met him this morning and let him kiss you already? You should’ve waited a week, at least!” she scolded.

“Ma, that’s not done anymore. Nowadays, some girls are pregnant before my age,” she said, frowning, adjusting her seat, knees still trembling from nervousness. What if her mother got angry?

“And what will that man think? That you’re easy to get?” her mother continued lecturing.

“Who is he?”

Flora Amor glanced at her mother, noticing she was no longer angry.

“I said, who is he?”

Her mind went blank. She knew he had introduced himself, but she couldn’t recall the name he gave.

Her mother tapped her shoulder.

“How can you say it’s your first love when you barely know him and let him kiss you? You’re really foolish!”

She scratched her head.

“But Ma, you’re not angry?” she asked quickly, studying her mother’s expression.

Her mother’s face softened. She weighed everything carefully, then smiled.

“It’s your first love, and he kissed you. What more can I do?” she said, shrugging.

Flora Amor giggled, hugging her mother.

“I’m really proud of you, Ma.” She planted a quick kiss on her mother’s cheek, and they both giggled.

“Just kisses, okay? And when you meet him again, get to know everything—address, parents’ names, what course he’s taking. You never know; he might just be hanging around and not studying,” her mother advised casually, as if speaking to a friend rather than a child.

Flora Amor giggled again.

“And your siblings, check on them first. Go to Mamay Elsa. I’ll call Harold when your school-going siblings get home,” her mother instructed.

“Ma, you’re not mad? You won’t tell Papa?” she asked, seeking reassurance.

“Nope.”

She happily stood and almost ran out the door, but paused before leaving and glanced back.

“Ma, what about Papa?”

“Don’t bother looking for him. We still have lots of unsold fish from earlier. He’ll sleep at the market until midnight,” her mother said.

As she finally stepped outside, her thoughts froze, and tears began streaming down her face, eventually breaking into full sobs.