Chapter 7

Hate

I don't know what's gotten into me and why I did that. I just felt the need to rely on someone, to ease the heaviness inside me. And he was the one who was there, in front of me.

His manly scent filled my nose. It's intoxicating that I almost forgot why I am doing this.

It took me a while to calm myself. He kept hugging me, comforting me. Silence filled both of us until I realized what I just did. I quickly let go and wiped my tears.

"I'm sorry," my voice hoarse from all the crying.

Now that I've cleared my head, I've only realized how shameful what I did was. He didn't say anything. He kept staring at me, with pity in his eyes. Seeing him pity me is insulting. But anyone would probably feel the same way. After all, he heard my confession and how I got rejected, not just once but twice.

"Don't look at me like that. I don't need pity. Also, everything doesn't end here," I said firmly.

He scoffed and smirked sarcastically, but I saw the anger that immediately appeared on his face.

“After being rejected over and over again, you're still not giving up?”

My anger flared again at what he said. He was fine until now. I would have appreciated him a little if his tongue wasn't so sharp. I glared at him.

"Don't act as if you know everything. You know nothing. And what is it to you if I force myself on the person I love? As far as I know, it’s none of your business," I said angrily.

I walk past him but he stopped me by the arm. I pulled my arm back but his grip only tightened.

"You really are a brat. Why don't you just accept that he doesn't love you, and he won't love you no matter what you do?" He asked firmly.

I was so angry that I pushed him hard. That was the last straw and I totally lost it!

"How dare you say that?!" I shouted while hitting him in the chest. "Damn you! I really hate you!”

He held both my hands and placed them behind me. I continued to struggle until I was completely exhausted. My cheeks were drenched with tears.

"Someone has to knock some sense on you! You are too blinded by your feelings for him. You don't see reasons anymore,” he sighed. His eyes stared at me softly. "I'm sorry, I had to say that. But if that's what you want, fine. Go ahead.”

He slowly let go of me. I weakly balanced myself. He stood not too far from me.

"You would still go after him, huh? Even though he rejected you several times," he nodded while looking away.

I looked away. For a moment, his words struck me. He's making me feel hopeless. And as he repeatedly shows me how much Xander dislikes me, I lose hope too. Is it really worth it? To fight for something alone? To pursue something very uncertain?

But the hard-headed and stubborn in me is saying otherwise. That I should go for it despite the uncertainty, the rejections, and the pain. So that I have no regrets in the end.

I slowly turned my back on him and walked away.

"You girls go ahead. I will just put these books in my locker,” I said to them when the last class for the day ended.

They both nodded.

"We will wait for you in the parking lot," Elize said.

I nodded and continued arranging my things. The locker room is in the other building so it will take me a while. The girl's locker room is separated from the boys. The restrooms are also there, so they are separated.

I also met a few students. Some, if not more, are strangely staring at me. I ignored their stares and continued walking.

The entire locker room was quiet when I arrived. I only hear noise when I open it.

I was about to finish putting the books inside when I heard footsteps from outside. I closed my locker and turned to see who came. I was slightly stunned when I saw Trina. My brows shot up and glared at her. She's alone.

“Hi, Cianna!” She smirked.

"What now?"

"Nothing, I just want to talk to you." Her eyes are menacing.

She smiled sarcastically while looking at me from head to toe. I did the same, but I made sure it was more insulting and sarcastic.

"By the way, I heard some interesting news. Don't worry I'm not here to fight. And I'm not even worried that you'll steal Lance away," she smirked.

My brows furrowed. She scoffed then laughed.

"You're crazy," I said.

“Oh! I'm sorry. I just laugh at what I remember. Someone told me you confessed to Xander but got rejected. I couldn't believe it, but the person who told me is reliable. And he saw it himself," she laughed again.

My chest immediately trembled. My hand shook out of anger.

"Can you believe that?" She shook her head. "Anyways, I'm sure that news is already spread throughout your department. I can’t believe that the high and mighty Cianna Juarez got rejected?”

"You!" I screamed. I was about to drag her hair when she dodged.

"Oops! Be careful, you might be called to the Counselor if you do that," she laughed evilly then walked out.

I clenched my fist. I was so close to dragging her hair like a wild beast! Whoever said that to that girl will be held accountable!

I ignored the curious looks the students threw at me as I walked toward the parking lot. My friends are waiting for me.

"Let's go?" Maisie greeted me.

They both looked at me innocently. If even one of them spread that nonsense, I would be really disappointed.

"Trina talked to me," I began. They both turned to me, worried. “She found out I confessed to Xander. And that I got rejected," I continued as I watched their reactions closely. Both of them widened their eyes.

"What? How did she know?" Elize asked.

"She said someone told her," I sighed.

I guess it's not them. If so, who?

"Did anyone hear your conversation that day? Or someone saw it?”

I tried to remember what happened that day. I was too down that day that I didn't even think about someone seeing my confession. I only saw Santi that day… Oh my gosh! Santi saw it! Does that mean he told Trina?!

I haven't even confirmed that but my hunch is telling me it’s him. I didn't see anyone that day aside from him. Everyone had already gone home by that time so I'm sure no one else saw us.

My heart boomed with anger. I'm trying to justify what he did inside my head if it was him. But I can't find a good reason. What would he gain from it if he did? I don't know.

I tried to remember all our encounters. The only thing that stuck out to me was our last conversation. He was angry. Is it because I'm forcing myself on Xander? Is that it? Is that enough for him to embarrass me like this? Damn him, then! He messed up with the wrong person!

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. I was thinking of what to do to get back at what he did. I won't just confront him with it. I want to get even. If it's childish, I don't care. He did the same. How dare he say that to everyone?!

I opened my window for some fresh air. I passed tall mango trees on the side of the highway. Then I noticed a delivery truck in front of me. It was full of baskets with only ripe mangoes. That's when I remember their family business.

I smirked evilly when an idea flashed in my mind. Of course, it won't be me who's doing it.

I was early at school the next day. Having my revenge planned out in mind, I graced the hallways toward the school grounds. I could see the murmuring of the students when they saw me. My desire to get revenge only intensified.

Lance smiled at me when I got to where he was sitting. The questioning and concern are in his eyes. I was stunned. I know he'd heard it too.

"Are you okay?"

I wanted to stop him with that question but I stopped myself. I rolled my eyes. I sat down next to him.

"Your offer still stands right?"

I asked while looking at the green field where soccer players are practicing. He became more attentive.

"Of course! Have you thought about it?” Excitement was etched in his voice.

I slowly nodded.

"In one condition…"

I smirked when I saw his reaction. A mixture of shock and fear. Yes, that's how evil my revenge is. Santi started it all. I'm just returning the favor.

“But… isn't what you're doing too dangerous?” He asked hesitantly.

I rolled my eyes.

"Oh come on! It's not like you're gonna kill someone. And besides, it's your preliminary project that's at stake here.”

He was quiet for a while and thought. I stared at him impatiently.

"Are you doing it or not? Because if you can't, I'll just look for someone else," I said, impatient.

I was about to stand up when he stopped me. I smirked.

“I'll do it!”

I can't help checking my wristwatch now and then. It's almost three o'clock in the afternoon. Did he do it?

I checked my phone once again and when I saw no text or call from Lance I looked back at the professor. I stared at the wall clock and when it struck three, I quickly took my cell phone and dialed Lance's number.

"How is it?" I asked when he answered my call.

"Done."

I smirked. I also breathed a sigh of relief. I know it sounds stupid and childish but I felt a lot better now knowing I got even.

To be continued...