Chapter 6 (Kiss Me)

I was annoyed because of his sympathetic attitude. But still, I feel guilty for being rude to Ezekiel. I don't like him kissing me without my consent. 

"Kim Aurora, Will you come with me later? It's Erik's birthday. We are all invited. Later in the evening, around six." Princes said to me while grabbing the books to carry.

When I went to college, I was busy with school. 

"Where will that be held?" I ask.

"At the Makipot Resort."

I frowned because the land of Montenegro covers all the resorts. I hesitated to nod, especially since I wasn't sure if I would be allowed, especially after what had happened to me before.

Montenegro's managed to imprison Domeng even though his wife begged. I remained silent and grateful for their help.

"I'm going to ask for permission, Ces. Because you already know. Grandma is too strict with me now."

"Aurora, Erik is the daughter of the councilor! So we are safe there. Besides, I won't go if you don't go."

I sighed and took a deep breath. "Alright! I'll see you at the shed."

"Alright! I'll tell Maribel too."

At three o'clock in the afternoon, I went straight home. I caught up with my grandfather, who got water from the well. 

It's six o'clock for our dinner. Grandpa and grandma were talking while eating. "Grandma, I'm leaving later. It's Erik's birthday."

"Erik? The son of Lando?"

"Yes, grandma. At the Makipot resort. It's not dangerous there."

"Who are you with?" Grandfather asked.

"There are many of us. We will go home right after dinner."

"Berni, we should buy Aurora a cellphone. ."

I smiled at the teasing of the two. Happiness is found in someone who gives you joy and loves you, even without expensive material things, because love is the most powerful thing in this world. Money can't buy our happiness.

The light was bright in the cottage Erik rented. There was a video and a drink that surprised me. There is an area without lights. The wind from the sea is blowing violently.

I hugged myself when the cold wind caressed my skin.

"It's good you're here," Erik said with a drink. "There's food there. Besides, I'm sorry if someone's drinking. Don't pay attention."

"Happy birthday! It's okay! We meant the food." Maribel, who I reprimanded immediately.

"Alright! Just eat!"

I noticed that there are people who are not our classmates. 

Princes elbowed me and pointed to a table occupied by men. "They look at you! You're their type."

I frowned and shook my head. "We'll just eat and go home. Grandma and grandpa will scold me if I take too long."

They both nodded. The plan to eat and go home came to naught. The song and conversation entertained my two friends.

Lora handed us a bottle of The Bar, and it was pink. "That's delicious. Strawberry flavor."

I immediately shook my head. "I don't drink."

"Alright, let's try it. I've had a drink before, but it was too much."

"That's cheap! Come on. We are colleges. We still have many parties to go to. Drinking is natural, so you have to get used to it."

I winced when Lora opened it and gave us a shot glass. Shit!

Others are already drunk, and some are already bathing in the sea. I also almost turned pale when I saw someone in the dark cottage.

"Come on! It's part of growing up!" Lora. Lora is in her second year of college and is Erik's cousin. Bali news that the boyfriend will change.

Princes and Maribel had already drunk the third shot while I stared at the liquid inside the shot glass.

"What's the taste?" I asked Prince.

"Come on, Kim Aurora. Just drink this ."

I nodded and drank without hesitation until the night got deep. 

After several shots, I would like to vomit! 

"Maribel. I'll go to the Cr."

"You know where it is? It's on the right, left, and right as long as it's there."

It's different when you're drunk. I

Even though I'm wearing a jacket on top of my dress, I can still feel the heat. So when I was in the hallway, I took off my coat and was relieved. 

I cupped my forehead as I walked down the hall. I really can't smell the bathroom!

I bowed and covered my forehead. My head hurts. I also know that my walk could be more suitable.

But I bumped into someone! 

I swallowed. I avoided him for several months. I Haven't seen him in months.

"I'm sorry, Manuel."

"You drink?" he asked. I closed my mouth and nodded softly.

"Who are you with?"

"My classmates. It's a birthday. Uh, may I go now?"

His jaw tightened, and without saying a word, he picked me up. I gripped tight on his shoulder. 

"Where are you going? I'll take you," he said.

"To the comfort room, please." 

"Alright, hang on," he said, feeling his gentle kiss on my cheek and dropping a kiss on my forehead. 

~~

I'm sipping porridge made by grandma to relieve my headache." Grandma, I'm sorry. You were worried last night."

She stopped sweeping the floor in our living room and faced me.

"I'm not scolding you, Aurora. That's part of puberty. Next year will be your debut. You know what's right and wrong, right? So I won't stop what you want to do ."

She also quickly sat down in front of me. "Last night, Senyor Ezekiel and Senyor Manuel almost fought."

"Huh?"

"Because Senyor Ezekiel should be the one to pick you up. But Manuel arrived just in time from work at the farm. That boy is hard-working. I was so worried last night. That's why I asked for help."

What grandma said puzzled me. I was also very ashamed of Manuel last night for what I said. The courage that alcohol can give you is different! I won't drink again! 

I didn't leave the house all day. We were watering the flowers outside with three of Grandpa's colleagues stopped in our yard, sweating and gasping while running.

"Tessa, Berni Rushed to the hospital!" One said to grandma. Grandma was so panicked that she dropped the mug.

"What?!"

"There, he was rushed to the hospital. Suddenly he passed out!"

I was so nervous while we were outside the hospital's emergency room. I held grandma's hand well. "Grandma, grandpa is stronger than a buffalo, right?"

"G-Grandma, don't cry."

"Y-Your g-grandpa Aurora is old. H-He's been having something in his chest for a long time but doesn't want to be treated. I also want to ask Senyora Patricia for help, but she doesn't want to either because he says he's old."

I looked at the doctor who came out of the emergency room door. Some nurses came here.

"Time of death. 2:36 P.M."

I closed my eyes tightly and hugged grandma, crying even more.

Many people helped us, grandma, pay for and take care of grandpa's burial. I still remember that my grandfather used to like my bracelet made of shells.

My trembling hand picked up the shells in the fine sand. 

I will make a beautiful bracelet for grandpa. I hope he takes it to heaven.

I looked at the dark sky and let the rain hit my face.

But then I saw a dark blue umbrella. I blinked and looked at the owner of the hand holding the umbrella.

"You're going to get sick," Ezekiel said while his white T-shirt was so wet.

I shook my head and bowed. "I-I don't want to go home yet."

"You will be sick," he said with a serious face. I know I was harsh with him before, but I don't have time now.

I looked at the big rock on the edge of the beach. "I-I'm going to sit on the rock."

He frowned when he looked at it and nodded. "I'll go with you."

I shook my head and backed away so he wouldn't fall because he was already wet. He grabbed my arm and pulled me closer. I fell into his chest as he hugged me and carried me to the rock.

He even stroked my hair like a child.

"Oh, you. I know you need sympathy."

He sat on a rock sheltered by a tall coconut tree, so there was only a slight mist. He tapped the other side to make me sit there.

I slowly came closer and sat next to him.

"If you want help, just say so."

"You have helped our family a lot, Ezekiel."

He chuckled and bit his bottom lip looking at me. "Just get used to it. I still have the plan to court you." 

I blinked and grinned. "I don't like you."

"Aw! That hurts!"

"You're old." I joke. 

"It's more awkward when I'm younger than you, Aurora, right? So I must be older than you."

Somehow, I felt relieved for a few minutes until something bit my neck.

"Ouch!" I grabbed it and wiped it away.

Ezekiel immediately grabbed my neck and looked at me. "Does it still hurt?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I think it's an ant."

It was afternoon when he drove me home. He lent me his new t-shirt. But a black car entered before we could get out of the gate. Manuel and Chloe came out.

I saw how Manuel's gaze on Ezekiel and me. Ezekiel nodded at Manuel, but Manuel looked away. 

I was trembling as they came close. I couldn't look until I couldn't bear it. I looked up and saw Manuel staring at my neck. His jaw clenched, and he grabbed Chloe, who smiled at us.

It's like my heart has fallen delicately. That scene stuck with me until the night. The rain has stopped. 

There are many people in our house.

We can't talk to grandma, so I primarily care for it. I also put the bracelet I made in my grandfather's casket. I could hardly look at him inside. I don't want to see his face there.

I told grandma. "Grandma, eat first."

She shook her head dumbfounded. "Berni and I will eat together. So go first."

I stood up and looked for Mother Cora, mother's friend who helped us. My lips parted, and my eyes warmed. Compassionate about what is happening.

"Aunty, please take care of Grandma first. I-I'm just going to get something from the sea."

"Alright, Aurora. I'm here. Get some rest."

I nodded and left. My own feet took me to the beach. My system longs for the sea breeze. It especially gets rid of my resentment sometimes.

Its difficulty. It's challenging now that grandma seems to have lost her mind. I need to learn how to balance my time with her and studying. How to make money every day when grandpa is gone.

My tears fell, and I immediately wiped them away. I saw a small barn on the edge of the beach. It has no light, so there is no one there.

I slowly came there and held the open door. "Knock, Knock?"

No one answered. I opened it and looked for the lamp to light it. I pulled the cord then, and it lit up automatically. At the same time as the light came on, Someone, pulled me by the hand and closed the door. The door slammed shut, so I closed my eyes too much.

"It's late, but you're still going out." Manuel was topless and only wearing sweat shorts. I swallowed because he was so close to me.

"I'm sad because-"

"If you're sad, don't be here!" He hissed at me madly, and it surprised me. 

I saw there was wine and a guitar on the table. Maybe that's what he did earlier, but I disturbed him. I'm afraid of his angry face.

"I-I know this is yours but don't scold me," I said in a low voice. My tears pushed him aside.

"You know it's better with Ezekiel-"

I gasped when he pulled my neck. I feel his soft lips moving on mine. I pushed him, but he was stronger. His lips tasted of wine and mint. His kiss was confusing until my hand gradually gave way and held onto his shoulder.

"Uhmmm." I moaned as his tongue opened my lips and sucked my tongue. I couldn't keep up with his drowning kiss, especially when he grabbed me. He sat on the chair with me on his lap.

I tried to keep my lips away and looked up to breathe, but he grabbed the strap of my dress, and his lips quickly found my breast and sucked and licked it.

My eyes almost rolled, and I couldn't breathe because of the pounding in my chest.

"Hmmm, Manuel. W-Wait.Ah!"

I bit my lip too much when he bit it. He grabbed my waist and pressed himself against me, making me moan and stop what he was doing.

I saw how my nipples turned red from what he did. I was suddenly overwhelmed like a fire sprinkled with cold water. 

I pulled my dress up and was about to leave his lap, but he pulled my neck again and kissed me. My lips parted, and he sucked my bottom lip.

Shit! He's a great kisser.

"I don't want you always with my brother." He said hoarsely. His lips are very close to mine. He kissed my jaw down my neck.

"M-Manuel, you are engaged." I pushed him. 

"I'm going to date you. Could you answer me? I'll drop our engagement. Fuck. I like you, Aurora."

"Huh?"

I couldn't believe what I had heard. He bored my lips for several hours. My dress was already on my waist, and he carelessly touched my breasts. I couldn't do anything but moan at my strange sensation.

". Kiss me." He said and kissed me again. I nodded slowly and parted my lips again as his lips fell on my chest again.