Chapter 4

NIKKI

"Nikki, wake up! We need to get ready for school." ugh! Why can't he leave me alone? I'm still sleepy and I don't want to get up yet.

"Five minutes more, Milo." I said, eyes still closed.

"Nope. You need to get up now. Faye is already downstairs and waiting for us." my eyes automatically opened when I heard what he said.

"Say what? Why is she here at this time? It's like what, 5am?" I tried not to shout, but I couldn't.

What is she doing here this early? Does she need something or whatever?

"She asked if she could go with us to school since their driver can't take her to school today.” he answered and I could see the excitement in his eyes.

Of course, he said yes. Why would he say no to the fucking love of his life.

"Why can't you just go together and leave me here!" I said, annoyed.

How can he ruin my precious sleep just because of that girl?

"Because you know that I can't still drive." I hate it when he has a point.“But if you want----“ and he really knew me so well. He knew that I wouldn't let him. Not when we lost our parents due to a vehicular accident.

"Ugh fine! I got your point. Now, would you be so nice to get the f—out of my room so I could get ready?" I said sarcastically and he gave me a big smile.

"Alright. We'll wait for you downstairs." he even sing-songed that last line.

Because I wouldn't want my brother's girlfriend to wait that long, I didn't waste any time and rushed to the shower even if I'm still sleepy.

My brother should really be grateful that I love him so much or else, his girlfriend will endure the wrath of the Queen Bee.

Still annoyed and frowning, I immediately went downstairs because I heard my brother called my name.

"There you are, Nikki. We've been waiting for you.”he said and giggled when he saw me pouting.

"And what's with the long face this early?”oh wow. He really has the audacity to ask? He should be asking himself why!

"Seriously? You really have no idea why I am this grumpy? Would you want me to remind you how you ruin my sleep just because you wanted to impress your g---“ he automatically covered my mouth when I was about to say that Faye is his girlfriend.

The eff?!

"We both know that you won't get angry or annoyed with me for long, Nikki.” he still seemed nervous but he tried to be as sweet as he is. Yep, he's hugging me too.

He’s right though. I could never hate him that long.

"Of course. Because you do know how much I love you, right?" I gave in. I'll stop being grumpy and will try to smile when his girlfriend show----

"Good morning, Nikki.” my mouth formed an‘o’shape when I heard that voice. I didn't know she's here. I thought she was waiting outside.

So that is why my brother stopped me from uttering the word‘girlfriend'.

I smiled before looking at her since I wouldn't want to embarrass my baby brother.

"Good morning, Faye.”yep, I can be nice sometimes.

AGAIN, SOMETIMES.

***

FAYE

And there's that smile again. Seriously Faye, why are you feeling this way whenever she's smiling at you? Remember, she's your love of your life's sister.

I was feeling guilty when I saw her frowning when she went downstairs. I know that it's my fault that she had to get ready this early since I am the reason why Milo woke her up a while ago.

Actually, I was planning to commute and take the bus or a cab since Mang Raul couldn't make it today, but Milo saw me when I was waiting for a cab outside our house, he insisted that I should just wait for them since they also needed to go to school this early.

I wanted to butt in and say sorry, but when I saw Nikki's expression softened when Milo smiled and hugged her, I froze. I really like it when I see her smiling.

I wish that I could make her smile like that, too.

Huh? And why would you want to make her smile? Is it because of your little lesbian crush with your best friend's sister?

Of course not! Since I'm one of her friends now, I think, it's just normal to think of her happiness, too. Right. That's just the reason why I thought of that. No more, no less. And it was just a 'pronoun' mistake. It should be him and not her. I was talking about Milo's smile. Yep, definitely Milo's.

You sure? Because I didn't see you look at him the way you were looking at Nikki a while ago.

Are you out of your mind? I was just really want to make her happy so she wouldn't be a hindrance in her brother's and I's relationship in the future.

So that's also the reason why you baked her some goodies last night?

Yeah, it's a thank you gift for all the clothes that she gave me last night.

OKAY. IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WANTED TO BELIEVE.

Good. At least it's settled. I like Milo and only feel this awkwardness with Nikki because I wanted to get her approval for Milo. That’s it. End of conversation.

“Uh-oh. She’s having a fight with herself again.”I shot daggers at my best friend when I heard him say that. Really? Did he really need to say it out load for her sister to hear it?

When I turned my attention to Nikki, she was smiling while looking at me. Of course. This is the second time that she witnessed how stupid I am to fight with my own self. Way you to, Faye. You embarrassed yourself again.

"Are you sure you were able to drink your meds before leaving your house? Or would you want us to go back there and get it for you?”and there was that giggle again.

She should be grateful that she looks so cute right now, or else.

Seriously, CUTE?

I ignored my stupid conscience since I don't to make a fool out of myself again.

Not when they were still making fun of me until we reached the campus.

"I need to go ladies. I have to check something in the library.” Milo said once we got off the car.

"And Nikki, please look after Faye. We'll never know when she would fight herself again, lol!" I glared at him because he's not funny! Why would he say that in front of his sister?

"Don't worry, bro, I'll look after her.” then, a laugh.

Ugh! And I couldn't glare at Nikki even if she's also making fun of me.

And why is that?

JUST STOP! I wouldn't want to embarrass myself again.

We were walking towards our classroom when I remembered the cookies that I baked for her. I took it out of my bag and handed them to her.

"Uh, please accept this as a thank you gift for what have you done for me yesterday.”I was trying not to blush and stutter because I didn't want her to feel awkward too.

She was hesitant and surprised, but she took it and smiled.

"You're sweet, Faye. And thank you for this. Though, I wasn't really asking for anything in return, since I really enjoyed your company, but, I'll accept this.”she paused before continuing. "Erase that. Actually, the only that I want you to do, is to make my brother happy, and please, don't ever leave him.” she said and I couldn't help but admire her again.

She really loves her brother so much.

I smiled and nodded.

"Of course. He's my best friend, remember? I will always stay beside him.” I promised.

She gave me a sincere smile and I tried to stop this unfamiliar feeling whenever she's smiling at me. Or maybe I'm just feeling this way since I am happy that she's now my friend. Yep, that just it.

We were about to enter the classroom, when I saw a hunky guy approached her and handed her a bouquet of roses.

"Hi Babe, good morning.”I looked away when I saw him kissing her. It felt awkward, and I don't know why.

He must be the boyfriend. And he's really a good-looking guy and he seems nice.

"Good morning Babe! I' m sorry for bailing again yesterday. I really needed to do something urgent." I wrinkled my forehead when I heard what Nikki said.

Urgent? We just went shopping last night, remember?

Does that mean that she chose to be with me rather than his boyfriend? Interesting.

Why do you seem so happy? Are you feeling the butterflies---

I said, stop! 

"It's ok, Babe! I have to go now. I need to go the gym to talk to coach. I love you! ” then he waved goodbye.

"He's really sweet.”Nikki muttered while looking at the flowers.

I went inside without her since she's busy with her flowers, ew! My cookies are better than those stupid flowers!