I don’t remember when I invited a guy out. But I really want to try that kind of event again. And I only have one person in mind that I'm comfortable with except for Janice and Enzo. Just Rustov. He's not my type of company but passable.I don't know when I started feeling comfortable around him. Maybe in our little interactions. Although I know he has his own judgments of me, he doesn't treat me badly so it's okay.Rustov:What? Go out? Are you drunk, Audrey?I stopped looking for something to wear.Me:There seems to be a party in town tonight. I want to come and I want you to accompany me.His reply took a while. I had already chosen what to wear when he texted again.Rustov:I can't be with you. I'll be with my friends.I stopped and sat down on the ottoman, disappointed. I can already choose what to wear and after all, he won't let me? He knew I had no one else to be with! And what? He will be with his friends and that girl? Maybe there's something really in them?I threw the dre

He did not ask anything about what had happened. But with his dark look, I know. He wanted to know what happened. But he won't force me to say anything. He wanted me to speak for myself. Because he respects my silence. He respects my privacy."In Mom's room you sleep," Rustov said.I combed my hair with my fingers. He showed me his mother's room. Not as big as mine but tidy and organized enough for a one night stay. He arranged the sheets and pillows while I just stood there on the side.I wonder if her Mama is here and will let me sleep in their house? I mean, they're not responsible for me and I'm not related to them in any way. But maybe that will be allowed as well. Tita Gracia is a good person. I'm sure she will also do what her son is doing. After all, Rustov and I can be called friends, can't we? So it's okay?"Is it okay for Tita to have someone else sleep in her room?"He turned to me. "I'll tell her tomorrow. She will understand.""Okay," I nodded."Take a rest." Then he wen

Mommy again convinced me to attend Gov. but in the end, he didn't force me either so we just talked about my upcoming debut. She wanted to throw a big celebration, but I told her I only want a private dinner for it. He didn’t like that either, so I we ended up almost fighting in front of our food. What's the point of a big party if I don't want to be there?"What are you, Audrey. It's your debut, it should just be a grand celebration! Years ago, you told me you want a grand debut ..." said Janice who also couldn't understand the flow of my brain.“Things had changed,” I said."Maybe it's because you're rebelling against Tita that you don't like what she wants?"I sighed and looked at her."If I want a grand debut, then I will make that happen. You know me. What I want, that's what I will do. And throwing a grand celebration for my birthday isn't part of those."She sighed."What do you plan to do then? What about a short vacation abroad? Say, Paris? London?""Not anymore. A private di

I was right. I just need a break to forget that. I occupied myself about other things, eventually also lost in my mind. And maybe I analyzed my feelings the wrong way. Maybe I was so fond of him, I thought I was starting to develop weird sentiments. It's impossible that I have something for him. For sure it's just the loneliness, to fill the void, I convinced myself so bad.Mommy didn't stop me from spending my break in Ate's house. In Pampanga I spent Christmas and the new year. I received messages from Rustov during those days. I thought that was normal, so I let it go. I didn't reply at his every text, though. Aside from the fact that I don’t always hold the phone, I feel like I need to distance myself from him a bit."What course will you take?" Ate Diana asked while we're eating. It's one of those days Klyde is away for business matters. Though, I’m not convinced of that.I looked at Zach who was straining to reach for the glass of water. I gave him a drink first before answering

Our friendship was healthy, I thought. In the days that followed we went back to normal. Sometimes, we study in the library together and he shares his knowledge about the topics I find hard. Every Saturday I visit them and we go to the Dales.I didn't deal too much on my negative thoughts. I’m happy when he’s with me and that’s what matters."You did it wrong, Audrey," he said. It's one of those days that he checks to see if I did the assignment right.I sniffed and looked at the sea ahead. For some reason, Dales became our favorite place. Maybe because it's peaceful here."It's hard. I got confused ..." I said."I'll do it. Just study it later," he said."Okay!" I smiled at him.I watched him do that, very seriously. I can't help but admire how he can be so passionate about studies. Until the end, I just focused my attention on him. I watched how his eyes drifted to me after. My heart was pounding. But still, I managed to smile."Thank you," I said."You're welcome."I stood up and t