Chapter 6: The Past

Kyle Sebastian’s POV:

It’s past midnight and I can’t force myself to sleep. After drinking some wine with Caroline, I should’ve been fast asleep by now. Caroline is sleeping in the guest room, which she disagreed upon. She wanted to share the same bed with me but I can’t and I won’t. We argued about it for an hour but I stood my ground. In the end, I was able to convince her to sleep in a separate room.

I knew that she’s my girlfriend but I should respect her, and I respect her father and our relationship. And as much as I can, I don’t want to take advantage of her. Call me naive, an old soul, I maybe a badass but I don’t want to cross the line. If I want to live a little bit longer. I knew for a fact that if I do something stupid, her Dad’s going to kill me.

I am torn between standing my ground and temptation. I never thought that standing by my values was a hard thing to deal with. And yeah, I think all of my strength leaves me and left me with this cold rush of realizations.

I got out of the shower, dried myself and put some comfy t-shirt and a pair of pajama and put myself in this soft bed.

I am lying here at the bedroom in which Cassy occupied. Her scent still lingers in the pillows and literally everywhere despite the fact that she’s not around.

I personally asked Susan that I’ll be using Cassandra’s room and not to touch or re-arrange anything. What for? I don’t know. It seems wrong but felt right.

Her minimalist room was still the same room ten years ago. The white paint on the wall that gives a refreshing and calming vibes and with a few paintings hang on the wall, a nice veranda that overlooked the whole garden of the Hacienda. A nice plant on the table and around the corner. A study table that filled with papers and nice books. This things made this room amazingly perfect for relaxation.

“Aargh! What’s happening to me?!” I grabbed a pillow and throw it somewhere out of exasperation!

I came back because I need to avenge my father and help Don Juan whatever his plan was. And now this! I am reminiscing the past, again!

I got up and sits at the side of the bed, feeling upset about this surge of mixed emotions.

“What happened to us, Cassy?” I asked myself out of the blue as the memories of the past surge from my memories. And as selfish as it may seem, I am saddened with the thought that I have to set aside this feeling.

* * *

Twelve years ago...

“Wow!” I can’t help but feel awe at the view I am witnessing while looking around the Hacienda Regaña. This place is really beautiful. No wonder why my father said that he’s working at the richest family in Palo. I thought my father’s telling me a joke but seeing this beautiful place proved me to be wrong. 

My father served Don Enrico as much as I can remember, but this is the first time that he took us to where he works. I don't why we were here in the first place but I am thankful -- that once in this lifetime, I'll be able to experience this kind of luxurious life, - - even as a guest.

Look at how many mango trees were planted alongside the road, with ripe mangoes ready for harvesting. I am sure those were sweet! Horses are roaming around freely! Isn’t it fantastic?! At the other side of the road were coconut trees proudly standing and workers working diligently. Counting them one by one would take me a day! They really are rich!

 I can't fixate my eyes on something because my eyes are probably everywhere! I can’t help but admire the scenery in front of me. The landscape design were so fantastic, I could mistaken it as a computer-generated design image. 

As we came closer to the mansion, the more I get to realize how rich they are. Their mansion standing firm in between this huge beautiful landscape is something I look up to.  This mansion signifies the wealth and authority the Regaña has in this town. 

Look at those grand staircases! Anyone can be Prince or Princess just by standing there.

“I hope that the persons living there are nice, or even kind to servants.” says my mother as she looks at the proud Mansion of this Hacienda.

“Wow! How does it feel like to live in a palace-like house?” I exclaimed to myself, dreaming. We are riding in a tricycle and on our way to my father’s working place.

"Father? Why are we exactly here for?" I asked curiously.

"We don’t have any intention of living here but when the strong storm came and ruined our house, Don Enrico offered us whole family to live in their quarters for free. That way, I could provide us with our needs without the need to travel from my workplace to our home. Don Enrico also offered a scholarship to support you with your studies. So how can we say No?"

"I am glad that they're this kind to help us out in times of troubles. How can we repay them for helping us out? Should I apply as a servant, too?" My mother said happily. 

"I'll ask Don Enrico, he'll be happy to come you on board."

After a long journey, we finally arrived at the Mansion and my father is ushering us towards the entrance. We got out of the tricycle and placed our things on the ground to address Don Enrico himself, who happens to be going outside.

“I am so happy to see you again, Sir." My father greeted the man. He is in his early fifties. But looking fit and proud. As expected from the head of the Family. 

Don Enrico nodded at us and was ushered by the Head Butler towards the garden.

"Come here, my wife and son! Let me introduce you to Don Enrico and his family. Don’t worry, they are all nice. ”

My father held my mom’s hand and walk towards the garden where the boss' family are eating breakfast. A servant came and took our bags, probably taking them to where we are staying.

“Good morning Julio! Is this your wife and son who arrived today?” I heard someone asked.

“Good morning, Madam. Yes, my family just arrived this morning and I want to introduce you to them. This is my wife, Sonia and my son, Kyle Sebastian.”

“Seb, Sonia, this is Don Enrico, Doña Katrina and their daughter, Cassandra.” My father introduced us to the family who claims to be helping me with my studies.

“Is he really your son? What a handsome young man!” Doña Katrina exclaimed with astonishment. “Don’t worry, Hijo, I will help you with your studies. From now on, you will be going with the same school with my daughter.”

“How old are you, young man?” Don Enrico asked me in a nice and friendly way but his face remains an epitome of class and authority. “I am eighteen years old, Sir.” I responded shyly. Facing him and talking to him brought chills to my system. Is this what they called ‘aura’? Because if this is it, his aura is oozing with tags that says ‘respect’.

“He’s just a year older than you, Cassy. I think you two can be friends.” Doña Katrina said with a bright smile. Cassandra looked at me with her charming eyes. “Why not, mom.” then she smiles at me.

And that’s how I meet the most beautiful lady in my life- Cassandra.

She is charming, sweet and innocent- looking. She will pass to be an angel.

* * * * *

“Their school is also nice!” I said to myself as I entered the school premises. Students were equally handsome and beautiful, no doubt that students here are all rich. Looking at them and thinking of socializing with them made me a bit nauseous. Making me belittle myself. “I don’t belong here but I need to, to have a better future. Who cares if I am a nobody?” I encourage myself, heaved a loud sigh and dragged myself to find our classroom.

But after a few minutes of searching, I realized that this school is too big to wander. The buildings are quite similar to each other, I can’t even recognize the differences. Passageways were like a maze with so many corners. Plus the surge of students to and from made me dizzy.

I’ll be late for our first subject if I didn’t find our room right away. I need to ask someone for directions. I am beginning to feel anxious because of the strange people around. I am also starting to feel uncomfortable so I had to find my room.

“Are you lost?” asked a sweet familiar voice behind me so I slowly turned my head to see it and I froze! It was Cassandra!

“S-señorita Cassandra!” I almost shouted in surprise. Which is not necessary because I know for a fact that we are in the same school now. Stupid me!

“Need some help?” she asked nicely.

“Y-yeah. I .. I can’t seem to find my school building and classroom.” I said shyly, my sight fixed on the floor because of embarrassment. Did she notice me stuttering?

“No need to worry, I’ll help you out. We are at the same grade so I assume that your classroom will not be that far from ours. We might be even classmates, who knows?” her voice immediately calms the raging storms starting to build up within myself. Her words seems to soothe all of my senses. And my chilled energy, started to get warm.

“If it’s okay with you, Señorita” I responded almost in a whisper. Eyes still nailed on the floor.

“Come on, then! Let’s look for your classroom. And please, don’t call me ‘Señorita’ here at school.” she began walking and I followed her.

“B-but —”

“No buts, please. Calling me that makes me uncomfortable. Just call me Cassy. That’s what my friends call me.”

“Okay, Señorita. Err, I mean, C-cassy.” I said that with amusement. She’s really something. I knew it, she’s not just beautiful but also a kind person.

I followed her while taking right turns, and then left, another left, then right. Then— I don’t know how many turns after until she stopped at a bulletin board near us.

“See? We are classmates?” she said that with a wide smile and then entered to one of the classrooms.

I froze with that smile! Damn! She’s got a nice set of teeth and a dimple that will mesmerized anyone!

After looking at the bulletin board and checked if we are really classmates, I excitedly entered our classroom. I never thought that a change of place to live and school will be this sweet. With Cassandra around, everything will be different.

* * * * *

I got home feeling dumb, I thought that being classmates with Cassandra will make me more closer to her, only to be slapped by the aching truth. She’s like a shiny star — far from my grasp and too hard to reach not even a million bridge could span it.

I figured out that she is the current Student Council President and I soon found out that she was also the school’s Cheer Leader and the Top-Student in our batch. She’s not just rich and beautiful, she’s also intelligent and talented.

Our conversation last Monday morning was the last conversation we had throughout the week. I never had the chance to talk to her or get near her because she’s always surrounded by her friends and her fans.

I seated on the back so I could see her during classes hours. It’s totally fine with me sitting on the back with no seatmate because I prefer to be alone in the meantime, watching her from afar is enough to give me peace and comfort.

After every classes, I followed them at the gym and I can’t take my eyes off her during their practice. She is dancing so beautifully -- she outshined other dancers. Well, call me a stalker or what, but she’s the only person I know on this school. I followed her silently wherever she goes because I am not familiar with the school premises yet.

Okay! Fine! I lied. Saying that she’s the only person I know in this school is a lame excuse for following her. The real reason why I stalked her is something I am forbidden to feel. I can’t bear to admit that I already liked her.

I can’t help myself to heave a loud sigh. I lay down on this comfy bed, feeling this insurmountable surge of emotions.

Am I fool for believing that I can be close to Cassandra because we’re classmates? Well, I think I am. A fool that somehow he would see me as an equal. Was it because of her kindness towards me that made me anticipate? Maybe. She’s nice with everyone, that’s what I should remind myself daily.

Her smiles, her gestures was all because she’s kind and not because she considers me as friend. Nothing else. Period.

But why do I have to feel disappointed about it? I feel sad so suddenly. The thought of not talking to her anymore makes me blue. What is this I am feeling? Is this the cost of me liking her?

No! Erase that! She’s the daughter of our boss and I am just their scholar. Our worlds are apart. I shouldn’t feel anything for her. Or else, I’ll be broken.

Yeah right, I should try to avoid her to forget this silly feelings I have for her.

It will wear off eventually, right?

For that thought, I heaved another loud sigh and tucked a pillow on my face. I should take a rest now.

* * * * *

“Hi!”

I was taken aback by the familiar voice in front of me. I slowly turned my head to confirm it. And yes! Cassandra is flashing her pearly-white teeth and waving her hands at us. She’s wearing a pink sleeveless blouse and pink shorts and a flat sandals. Even a simple dress makes her look amazing.

I immediately turned my head as if I see nothing. I tried to avoid her for a week now and even tried not to cross paths with her here at the Hacienda. I am trying to alienate this feeling for her.

But seeing her now, makes my heart jumped out from my chest. The beat of my heart is so loud I can’t hear anything but this crazy drumroll inside me.

We are currently reaping some mangoes and placing it in a huge basket. It’s Saturday morning and I am helping my father here at the mango plantation.

“Good morning, Señorita Cassandra” farmers greeted her in chorus. They all stopped for a while to face and greet her and goes back to work immediately.

“What brought you here, Señorita? Do you need some assistance of some sort?” my father kindly asked while wiping her sweat that is dripping in his face.

I tried not to look at her direction and continued to work. Trying my best to camouflage what I really feel. I hope they won’t notice my hands trembling.

“My mother asked me to tell you all that the snacks are served at the table.” She’s referring to the buffet table near the rest house.

“Thank you ma'am, but you don’t have to go all the way here to tell us that. You should have told one of your helpers to relay the message. It’s so hot in here.”

My mother politely intervened and ushered Cassandra near the mango tree for some shade.

“Don’t worry about me Aling

Sonya, I’m used to this. I always want to get involved with everything that concerns the Hacienda.”

Cassandra politely answered while she sits on the broken branch laid on the ground.

“Hi, Seb!”

I froze for a moment before I was able to utter the words “H-hi!”. I saw the stop-what-you’re-doing look from my father so I placed the last mango on the basket and walk towards her.

“Are you avoiding me?” her voice sounds suspicious. Her brows arched, hands on her waist.

“W–WHAT?!!”