MIRABEL "Now go and get ready. You don't want to arrive there late, " Mom said with a smile, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Anger filled my body system, as I directed my gaze from my mother to Derek, who kept his eyes on me, grinning like a saint. I don't want this! I don't want to go anywhere with Derek! Could it be that he knew I was invited to the party before Mom called? "He must have planned that fight with Antonio to get me alone! Gosh! He's... He's up to something!" I panicked within, thinking of refusing Mom's order. But if I do so, Mom would get mad and assume I don't want her to be happy. She might mistake my detest for Derek as a fight against her future with Mr Hallman, and I don't want to be the reason for her sadness. I... I don't want to hurt her. "Why are you still standing there? Go inside and get ready," Mom said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I lifted my eyes at both of them and gave a sigh. "Okay Mom," I responded, slowly walking back
MIRABELThese few days have been great with Antonio by my side. From movies to shoppings... Everything has been so awesome for me.I now feel like a new person, walking around the school with my shoulders high. I no longer feel worried about what people think about me. In fact, my new appearance has brought others closer to my side.My classmates now want to sit with me during studies or at the cafeteria, inviting me over to their parties.The last one I was supposed to attend a few days ago, I couldn't go because Mom wasn't comfortable with it.It was overwhelming for her, so she didn't allow me to go that night. And also, because Derek and Antonio coming along, so she didn't feel comfortable.But tomorrow night is going to be awesome! I was invited to another party, in which I begged my mom to allow me to attend this time, promising to take Antonio and Derek along.She didn't believe me when I mentioned Derek's name, but to prove it to her, I said, "He's going to come over and pick
DEREK"Son, what happened?" My father asked, standing beside my car with me.I was feeling upset with Mirabel's behavior, but still managed to hide my mood, lying to my father. "It's nothing. Mirabel was just showing me something and Um... Something like a bee flew by, " I lied, trying not to look at him or at my step mom, who stood at the other side, looking at the house with worry in her eyes, then at us."A bee? Are you sure?" Father asked, almost as if he was doubting my words."Yeah, I'm sure," I said, nodding while breaking a light smile.With what I said, father took in my words and decided to let it be. "Okay, I thought you two were having an argument or something.""No, we weren't," I lied again.A bit relieved, he went over to meet Mirabel's mother to tell her that everything was okay. But deep down, I know nothing was fine."I should be heading back home now," I said to both father and my step mom, getting into my car and driving off, with my whole mind on Mirabel."I just
MIRABELDinner was set. We all sat down at the dining, talking about the games and how the guys made the school proud. Where I sat, right next to my mother, I was looking at Derek with annoyance within. His presence is the only thing preventing me from enjoying this gathering.I don't know what he's here.I would have asked mom that question, but I know she'd have shunned me or taken it as my stubbornness. So instead, I decided to go with the flow, watching how my stepbrother laughed along with Mom and Mr Hallman, talking about the games and how he scored like a pro. Bleh!"You were amazing out there, Derek, " Antonio joined in, singing Derek's praise. His voice got me navigating my eyes at his direction, as I smiled at him, feeling glad to have him here with us."Who knows what would have happened if he didn't agree to attend this dinner? Maybe I would have fainted a long time." I giggled, about to eat my meal."Why are you silent?""Huh?" I uttered, looking at Mom, who threw that
MIRABELLooking at Antonio's expression, made me hot all over. But why did he have to come with Derek?His presence and expression to my dressing left me feeling uncomfortable, that I had to slowly wrap my arms across my chest, lowering my gaze down."You wore the dress, "Antonio finally said, breaking the silence.I lifted my eyes to see him drawing nearer with a smile on that charming face of his, while Derek remained behind, looking lost. The only thing he could do was gaze at me, with his face turned red.If not for Antonio who stood in my front, blocking my view from Derek, I would still be staring at him. I... I don't like it when he's around me. It makes me feel unsafe."You look gorgeous," Antonio commented, tucking my hair to the back of my ear.I blushed at his compliments, thanking him. But my voice didn't sound convincing, and Antonio noticed it. "What's the matter? Don't you like the dress?""I... I do, " I whispered, trying not to speak out loud for Derek to hear. He sti
MIRABEL"I really enjoyed myself today. Thank you, Mirabel," Antonio appreciated from his end.Here I was, laying on my bed at night, facing the ceiling. We have been on call for over an hour, but when Mom came over to remind me of bed time, I had to hasten the conversation with Antonio. He also heard my mom's voice and began to chuckle from his end, suggesting we do as she wants. "You don't want to offend your Mom. Let's listen," He said, still chortling.A smile crept across my face when I heard his sweet laughter. It's so contagious, and I like it."Fine. We can continue in school then. I still have to attend to some works I missed and get myself back on track fully, " I shared my plans with Antonio, thinking of the classes I had missed.He also agreed with my idea and even advised me to stay away from some of my classmates that used to downgrade me. "With Tania and her girls gone, everything is going to be different for you. Try to use this freedom to make a name for yourself. Be