Chapter 43

"Here," Noah hands me a small container without looking at me. It smells amazing. I arched my eyebrow at him, questioning, kahit alam ko na kung anong laman nito. "What? You asked me to pack it for lunch."

I grinned, "Yeah, thank you. Wala naman siguro itong lason o kaya gayuma?" Pagbibiro ko sa kanya. Nilagay ko sa bag ang lunch box na binigay niya.

Noah lazily turns his green eyes to me, "Are you flirting or starting a fight?"

My eyes turning to slits, "Kapal mo!" Hindi ko na hinintay na mag-reply pa si Noah at bumaba na agad ako ng sasakyan.

Me? Flirting? Excuse me! Joke kasi tawag don. Gusto ko lang naman siya asarin kasi lagi niya akong inaasar.

I walked towards the entrance of Welston's University when a sudden feeling of anxiety enveloped my body. Gusto ko tuloy tumalikod at bumalik sa sasakyan ni Noah.

I feel intimidated for some reason. Is three weeks that long? Was I gone that long? 

I don't know what will be my friends' reaction when they see me. Hindi ko pa nakikita si Alexavia pero alam kong igri-grill niya ako to answer her questions.

I haven't entered the University premises yet when I hear Noah's voice, "Skyla!"

I looked back to Noah. I'm a bit surprise. Ito kasi ang unang pagkakataon na tinawag niya ako sa pangalan ko simula nang magkakilala kami.

He's standing at the door of his car, smiling at me like he and I are good friends at hindi niya ako laging inaasar. 

I glared at him, "What?"

"Have fun at school, sweetie," he grins at me. Napatingin ako sa paligid at nakitang may ilang students na nakatingin sa aming dalawa.

Agad ko siyang binalikan at nang nakatayo na ako sa harap niya ay hinampas ko ang balikat niya, "Kilabutan ka nga sa mga sinasabi mo!"

Hahampasin ko pa sana siya ulit when he caught my wrist. He leans forward, napakunot ang noo ko sa ginawa niya.

I felt his breath around my neck then my ears. Bago pa ako makareklamo, he whispers, "Just act natural. You didn't want to be engaged, did you? There are a few paparazzi around. Let them take pictures, and then you can deny the engagement."

I sense Noah's amusement, and I nearly rolled my eyes. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako tinutulungan ni Noah ngayon. 

If I remember correctly, I didn't agree with this plan even though Rylee's suggestion to make Noah my fake boyfriend, for the meantime is pretty practical to put the engagement on hold.

Kahit si Noah, sinabi niya wala sa kontrata niya ang maging fake boyfriend ko. So, anong ginagawa niya ngayon? Is he helping me?

I can feel the onlooker's eyes on us, but I didn't mind. Noah is helping me even if he didn't have to, and I'll use this opportunity to rile up Uncle Bern. 

I'll let them take pictures, publish it in newspapers and magazines for my Uncle to see.

Bahagya kong nilingon si Noah, his lips almost brushing on my cheek. I leaned towards his ear and whispers, "Akala ko ba wala ito sa kontrata mo?"

Noah laughs on my ear, slowly he replies, "Act of goodwill. Just accept my help while it's still available. I might change my mind." Ramdam kong nakangise siya ngayon at gusto ko siyang sapakin.

Kung kanina ay pinipigilan kong umirap ngayon ay talagang napairap na ako sa sinabi niya. Magre-reply pa sana ako nang marinig ang isang pamilyar na boses.

"Skyla?"

Noah and I turned our heads to the source of the voice. Alexavia is watching us with amusement, worry, and question in her eyes. Hindi pa man siya nagsasalita ay alam ko na kung ano ang mga itatanong niya sa akin.

Noah smiles lightly at her and turns back to me, "I'll pick you up later," he pats my head like I'm a kid then gets inside his car.

I watched Noah's car drive away when the reality sinks in. Gusto ko tumakbo pauwi sa bahay niya at hindi na kailanman lumabas pa. Nang makalayo na ang kotse ni Noah ay agad akong hinila ni Alexavia.

"What the fuck was that? You were gone for almost three weeks, and I see you with another guy??!"

Halos sigawan ako ni Alexavia. Agad kong tinakpan ang bibig niya gamit ang kanang kamay ko, "I'll explain later."

Mariin niya akong tinignan at hinawi ang kamay ko na nasa bibig niya, "You better, Skyla. Do you have any idea how worried I was? You wouldn't tell me where you were. Hindi ka rin namin ma-contact."

"I'm sorry. I promise, sasabihin ko sayo lahat. Can we at least get inside the campus first, please?" I pleaded, may napapansin kasi akong mga reporter sa malapit. Hindi pa ako handa sagutin ang mga tanong nila sa akin.

Hindi ako prepared! At lalong hindi ko rin inaasahan na magbabago ang isip ni Noah. So, I guess he's my fake boyfriend now? I'm sure whatever pictures they took earlier will be posted or printed in a couple of hours.

Ang nakakainis pa ay hindi ko alam kung anong cellphone number ni Noah. Sana nga totoo ang sinasabi niya na kukunin niya ako mamaya pagkatapos ng mga klase ko. I still don't know how we're going to play this plan out.

Sa oras na makauwi ako mamaya ay kakausapin ko si Noah. Mabuti na yung planuhin naming dalawa yung mga gagawin namin para hindi kami mabisto ni Uncle Bern at Anthony. We should plan it out thoroughly para naman kapanipaniwala kaming dalawa.

Agad kong hinila papasok ng campus si Alexavia, "What's going on, Skyla? Sino yung lalakeng kasama mo? Why is he all over you? Anong nangyari kay Ivo?" sunod-sunod ang mga tanong niya at hindi ko alam kung ano ang uunahin.

I bit my lower lip, "I'll see you later in lunch. I have to rush to the registrar's office to change my schedule."

Alexavia is surveying me carefully and then frowns at me, "Huh? Magpapalit ka ng schedule?"

Kung papatagalin ko pa ang usapan namin ay paniguradong hindi na ako makakaalis sa kinatatayuan ko hanggat hindi nakukuha ni Alexavia ang mga sagot sa tanong niya.

Bago pa man siya magtanong ulit ay inunahan ko na, "I have to go. I promise. I'll tell you everything, Alexavia." Kinuha ko ang kamay niya at pinisil ito bago umalis.

"Skyla, wait---"

Hindi na ako hinabol ni Alexavia nang marinig niya ang University bell. When the students started to flock, I used the opportunity to hide away from Alexavia's gaze. I'll deal with her later.

Agad kong tumungo sa registrar office para baguhin ang schedule ng mga klase ko. Once this is finalized, baka hindi na kami maging magkaklase ni Alexavia sa iilang klase. It saddens me, but I have to do this.

Wala masyadong mga estudyante sa registrar office at madali kong napalitan ang schedule ko. I transferred all of them in the morning to work at the coffee shop in the afternoon to observe the Capos of Costa Mafia.

I probably missed a lot of things in school. Buti nalang at mahilig mag-send ng class notes ang mga Professor ng University namin kaya kahit matagal ako nawala ay kaya ko pa rin humabol sa mga klaseng naiwan ko.

"Thanks," I smiled at the girl who helped me changed my schedule. Tipid ang ngiting binalik nya sa akin at may mga tanong sa mga mata niya, "Uhm, is there something wrong?" tanong ko sa kanya. Her stares are a bit uncomfortable.

She leaned forward and scanned the area for a bit, then she whispers silently, enough for me to hear, "Are you really marrying your adoptive brother?"

I can feel myself pale at her question. I know I shouldn't be surprised at her question considering the news is published on every damn newspaper. Ang ikinagulat ko lang ay talagang hindi siya nagalinlangan na tanungin ako.

Didn't she at least think that her question may offend me? Are people just naturally nosy these days? Will I be asked the same question later? Mas maganda ata kung hindi ako pumasok ngayon.

I forced myself a smile, "Nope. I have a boyfriend."

I tried to sound confident and not bothered with her question, but I can tell na hindi siya naniniwala sa akin.

Napatingin ako sa nameplate niya. It reads Mia. She smiled knowingly at me, "Ano ka ba. Marrying within the family is common. Hindi rin naman kayo magka-dugo, right? Kaya okay lang yan."

Mia said it as if she knows me well and my relationship with Antony and Uncle Bern. I wanted to be irritated at her pero alam kong hindi siya ang huling taong magtatanong kung talaga bang papakasalan ko si Anthony.

Alexavia, Tyrone, and Aoede will be asking me.

Nosy people like Mia will be asking me, and I can't do anything to avoid them. If there's something I am capable of doing, that is ignoring them. It was a mistake to answer Mia in the first place. I don't owe her or anyone for me to answer their questions.

I narrowed my eyes at her, "Thanks again, but mind your own business."

Mia's face flushed. Realization dawned on her, but it's too late. Hindi ko na hinintay ang paumanhin niya. I grabbed the new schedule at tuluyan na akong lumabas ng registrar office.

Pero mukhang malas talaga yata ako dahil si Kev Conti lang naman ang sumalubong sa akin.

He looked confused for a few seconds as he stares at me from head to toe. Para bang hindi siya makapaniwala na nasa harap niya ako ngayon.

"You're alive," he says, almost disappointed.

I smiled sweetly at him, "I am, Kev. I'm sorry for ditching you. I hope it didn't cause you too much trouble."

Kev waves his hand on me, dismissing my apology. "It's fine. It gave me time to think of some things... you know?"

I can sense

Time to think?

Right, an ample time to find ways to kill me.

Gusto kong sabihin ang mga salitang iyon pero nanatili lamang sila isipan ko. I have to act like I don't know who's after me. I can't let Kev know na may idea ako kung sino ang mga taong gustong pumatay sa akin.

I have to act natural around him kahit gusto ko ng tumakbo palayo sa kanya, so I asked, "How was the conference though? Can I see the pictures you took?"

Kev observed me, eyeing my every move. Sana lang ay hindi masyadong tense tignan ang mukha ko para hindi siya maghinala sa akin.

"Something has changed with you," he says, Kev's eyes are intense as he stares at me. Kung tignan niya ako ay para akong isang malaking puzzle na hindi niya ma-solve.

I laughed nervously, "Yeah, maybe it's my skin? Masyado kasing mainit sa pinuntahan ko at lagi akong nasa labas."

I hope he believes my lie.

"Hmmm," Kev hums. He reaches for my hair and touches it. I tried my best not to flinch at the contact, "Is that so?" he asks softly—the baritone of his voice pulsating in my ears.

Kev still scares me, and I need to find a way to deal with this. Gusto ko ng matapos ang araw na ito.

"Ye-ah, why? Do I look bad?"

Kev shook his head, "Nope. You looked like someone so familiar for a moment..." he whispers, still touching my hair. I can see his jaw tensing, and there's anger in his eyes.

Napalunok ako. Gusto kong tanungin kung ano ang ibig sabihin niya pero natatakot din ako sa kanya.

"Ms. Vielle? You're back!" Sabay kaming napalingon ni Kev kay Professor Castillo. He's wearing his weird turtle necktie again. I smiled at him.

Umatras ako at naglakad papunta kay Professor Castillo. Para akong nabunutan ng tinik ng makawala ako kay Kev.

"See you later, Skyla. It's good to have you back." Napatingin ako sa kanya and he's smiling at me. It's almost genuine, but I wouldn't allow it to fool me.

Tumango lang ako sa kanya at pinagmasadan ang kanyang pag-alis. Binalik ko ang tingin ko kay Professor. "Hi, Professor Castillo. Long time no see po."

He grinned at me, "Balita ko nag bakasyon ka? Napaaga ata ang honeymoon nyo ng magiging asawa mo?"

My face heated at his statement pero hindi dahil kinikilig ako kung hindi dahil sa kahihiyan. But he looks so happy when he asked, and I can't bring myself to be mad at him.

Hindi ko alam kung paano siya rereplayan. In typical situations, most people would respond happily, but this isn't a normal one. Alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako magpapakasal kay Anthony.   

Anthony is an awesome guy and a great catch. He's smart, hard-working, handsome, and I know the one he will love will be fortunate to have him. He has the qualities of a lifetime partner, but he's not mine to catch. I only see him as a brother.

Tipid akong ngumite kay Professor, "I'm sad I won't be having your class anymore."

Pag-iiba ko ng usapan. He looked at me sadly, "Yes, I received an email about it. Why? Is it because of your upcoming marriage?"

Mukhang masisingit ata ang mga salitang kasal at engagement sa buong araw na ito. Umiling ako kay Professor Castillo, "Hindi po. I'm working in the afternoon, so I moved all my classes in the morning."

"Ganoon ba? Masaya ako para sayo, Ms. Vielle. Basta wag lang masyadong mag pagod."

"Yes, Professor."

"Anyway, congratulations once again, Ms. Vielle. I hope Anthony will make you happy," he says, gleefully.

I forced myself to smile, "Thank you, Professor Castillo." Hinawakan niya ang balikat ko para tapik-tapikin ito, and he left.

I sighed to myself. I didn't know what to say to Professor Castillo, and by lunch, I'll be facing Alexavia, perhaps Tyrone and Aoede.

Imbes na isipin ko ang mga mangyayari mamaya ay minabuti kong pumasok na lamang sa mga klase ko ngayon.

Catching up with my classes took my mind off of things pero hindi rin ito naging madali. With a new schedule, I met unfamiliar faces too. May iilan akong mga kilala pero mas marami pa rin ang hindi ko kilala. However, their stares made me feel like they know me and unwelcomed.

May iilan sa kanila na mausisa ang mga tingin. Some are looking at me with wonder in their eyes, and the others are judging me silently.

These people are probably thinking I a disgusting person because I am marrying my adoptive brother. I had four classes in the morning at sa tuwing pumapasok ako ng classroom ay parang nakakita ng multo ang ibang estudyante.

Hindi ito naging madali dahil wala akong kakilala pero pinilit kong tapusin ang lahat ng klase ko para makahabol sa mga lessons na napagiwanan ako.

When the lunch bell rang, ako ang unang tumayo at lumabas ng classroom, I felt my phone vibrated in my right pocket. I fished my phone out, may isa akong text message na galing kay Alexavia.

From: Alexavia

Get your pretty little ass over here.

I groaned, reading her text. Parang ayoko ng tumuloy sa cafeteria. Mas maganda siguro kung dumiretso nalang ako sa coffee shop.

Pero hindi ko rin naman pwedeng iwasan ang mga kaibigan ko. I can't avoid them forever! Papahirapan ko lamang ang sarili kung gagawin ko iyon.

The cafeteria is downstairs of the building kung nasaan ako ngayon. I'm sure that Alexavia is already there waiting for me. But when I got there, hindi lang siya ang naghihintay sa akin. Nandoon rin si Tyrone and Aoede.

Aoede saw me first and waved at me excitedly. Some students are staring at me at nakaramdam ako ng hiya. Bahagya akong yumuko at naglakad papunta sa table nila.

I heard some students whispering habang naglalakad ako. Damn, I can't wait to get out of this school.

Nang makalapit na ako ay agad naman akong niyakap ni Aoede. Mahigpit ko rin siyang niyakap pabalik at napansin ang bagong kulay ng buhok niya. "Wow, purple! You look so cute. Bagay sayo, Aoede!" ngise ko sa kanya.

"Awww, thanks, Skyla. Buti ka pa at na-appreciate mo." Aoede pouted, "Itong si Tyrone tinawag ba naman akong Barney?!"

"May probema kasi sa mata si Tyrone, Aoede," sabay halakhak naman ni Alexavia.

"I just don't like the color. Psssh." ani ni Tyrone, then he picks his French fries and eats it. Aoede pouted again and sat beside Tyrone at ako naman ay naupo sa tabi ni Alexavia.

Hinawakan ni Aoede ang braso ni Tyrone, "Ano bang kulay ang gusto mo?" malambing na tanong niya kay, Tyrone.

Laging nag-aasaran si Aoede and Tyrone pero ito ang unang beses na nakita ko silang dalawa na ganito. Lalo na si Aoede. She's usually shy around him, but it's different today.

Siniko ako bahagya ni Alexavia, "You missed a lot while you were gone." bulong niya sa akin pero hindi ko pa rin maalis ang mga tingin ko kay Tyrone and Aoede.

Nilagay ni Aoede ang ulo niya sa balikat ni Tyrone and kissed him on the cheek na ikinatuwa naman nito.

Kung noong una ay parang nagtatampo pa si Tyrone ngayon ay inakbayan at niyakap niya si Aoede. Hinalikan niya rin ito sa pisnge. "I'm only joking, Aoede. Any color suits you. Kahit rainbow pa ang maging kulay ng buhok mo ikaw pa rin ang pinakamaganda para sa akin."

"Ackkkk! Yuck!" Alexavia's making gagging and puking sounds. She sprayed alcohol on Tyrone and Aoede. "Tangina niyong dalawa. Wala ba kayong respeto?"

Ngumise ako sa kanilang dalawa. They look so cute and compatible together. Ang lakas ng chemistry!

Kailan pa naging si Tyrone and Aoede?

Alam kong matagal ng crush ni Aoede si Tyrone. Kaya ngayong sila na at masaya ay hindi ko rin mapigilan ang maging masaya para sa kanila. I wonder how it happened. Sino ang umamin?

"Sa ugali mong yan, Alex. Malabo talagang magka-boyfriend ka." Panunukso ni Tyrone, "At sa table na ito, ikaw lang yung single." ngumisi siya pero hindi ako ngumite. Does Tyrone and Aoede believes I'll marry Anthony?

Napatingin sa akin si Aoede. Concern showing on her face. Hinampas niya sa ang kamay ni Tyrone na nasa balikat niya, "What the hell, Tyrone?"

He looked at her, confused for a moment. Tinignan niya ako when the realization hit him. "Shit."

"Yeah, shit mo mukha mo." singhal ni Alexavia kay Tyrone. "Hindi magpapakasal si Skyla kay Anthony. Hindi pa nasisiraan ng bait itong kaibigan natin."

Napatingin silang tatlo sa akin na para bang hinihintay ang kumpirmasyon mula sa akin.

"Ito ba ang dahilan kung bakit ka naglayas, Skyla?" tanong ni Aoede. "Nakwento kasi sa amin ni Alexavia ang nangyari noong nag-dinner ka kasama ang Uncle mo. She said you ran away. Is it because of the marriage?"

Well, yes, partly pero hindi naman talaga ang rason kung bakit ako nawala ng halos tatlong linggo. I nodded at Aoede, "Yeah, I was just so upset that night. I'm sorry if I made you guys worry."

"So, what's your plan, Skyla? The people and media think you were on vacation. Wasting your numbered days as a single woman. That's what he told in an interview." Tyrone says and then adds another question, "Have you met your Uncle and Anthony?"

Umiling ako, "Hindi ko pa sila nakikita pero I'm planning to meet them soon. I can't marry Anthony."

"And you won't. Aren't you with Ivo?" Alexavia asks, then her eyes widen, "Sino yung lalakeng naghatid sayo kanina?!"

Napaatras ako ng pagkakaupo dahil sa sigaw niya. I guess there's no backing out now. Si Noah na mismo ang nagsabing tutulungan niya ako.

Noah becoming my fake boyfriend won't put the engagement on hold right away, but at least I can buy some time until I figure things out nang matigil na si Uncle sa kahibangan niya.

If there's one thing that my Uncle hates, it is when things don't go according to his plans.

Noah becoming my boyfriend isn't one of them. It will cause quite a stir, and I'm pretty sure the pictures the paparazzi took this morning will be out soon, or maybe they're already out.

I smiled at them, "Ivo and I are friends."

Aoede looks disappointed, "What? For real? I thought you guys were together lalo na noong nakita ko yung mga pictures niyo sa University forum."

Napalunok ako, remembering the good times with Ivo. Kamusta na kaya siya? Did he see the news of my engagement? What did he think when he saw it? Does he believe it?

There's a pain somewhere in my chest at the thought of Ivo pero pinilit kong isantabi ang aking nararamdaman dahil may mga bagay na mas importante.

"What guy?" tanong naman ni Tyrone. He's looking between Alexavia and I. "Akala namin sumama ka na kay Ivo kaya ka nawala at hindi na magpakita." dagdag niya pa.

Well, I was with Ivo and his friends. Maybe I'd be with them too two weeks ago, not with Eli and Noah if things didn't go wrong between us.

"No, I was with someone else..." I whispered.

Alexavai's forehead creased. "Who? Yung lalakeng kasama mo kaninang umaga? Halos maghalikan na kayo sa harap ng maraming estudyante na papasok ng Welston!"

I blushed kahit alam ko sa sarili kong hindi naman ganoon ang nangyari. From the onlooker's perspective, Noah and I probably looked like any regular couple whispering sweet nothing on each other and chasing kisses early in the morning.

Hindi ko alam kung paano ipapaliwanag sa kanila na boyfriend ko si Noah. Well, fake boyfriend. Alam kong tatanungin nila ako kung paano ko nakilala si Noah at kung sino siya sa buhay ko.

If I announce that Noah is my boyfriend, I'm sure it will surprise them since they're all thinking that Ivo and I were romantically involved.

When did Noah came into picture when Ivo and I was seen together in the past? Anong kasinungalingan ang dapat kong sabihin para makumbinsi sila na totoo ang relasyon na meron kami ni Noah. 

If I can't convince my friends, I am sure that I won't persuade Uncle Bern and Anthony.

I was pulled out of my reverie when Aoede says, almost quietly. "You're right, Alexavia."

"Of course, I am. I am always right. Patingin nga!"

Tyrone is also looking at Aoede's phone and whistles, "Hot damn."

She's staring at her phone and raised her eyes to me at binalik ito sa smartphone niya. "Wow," Aoede says in awe. 

"What's going on?" I nervously asked. Are the pictures out?

Hinarap ni Aoede ang smartphone niya sa amin ni Alexavia at sa headline unang gumala ang mga mata ko.

The article's headline is 'Vielle Enterprises Heiress seen with another man. A scandal in the making?'. 

Then my eyes moved to the picture of Noah and I. May dalawang larawan ang article na nakunan kaninang umaga.

The first picture was me leaning forward and whispering on Noah's ear. I was smiling at the picture too. Hindi makikita ang mukha ni Noah dahil nakatalikod ito ngunit sa pangalawang larawan ay makikita kung gaano kalapit ang mga labi niya sa pisnge ko na tila kakahalik niya lang sa akin.

The picture is so intimate, and I can't stop the redness forming on my cheeks. Mas lalong sumipol si Tyrone, "Who's he?"

"Wow, Skyla. He's handsome." Aoede says. Tyrone looked at her in disbelief. She laughs and kisses his cheeks, "You're more handsome to me." Hinalikan naman pabalik ni Tyrone ang nobya.

Hinablot ni Alexavia ang smartphone ni Aoede at pinandilatan sila ng mata. "Kanina pa kayong dalawa ah. Isa pang halikan sa harap ko ay sasamain na kayo sa akin."

Aoede and Tyrone only laughed at Alexavia at kahit ako ay natawa rin. "Dang it, Skyla. These pictures will surely make your evil Uncle angry." 

Alexavia is staring at the pictures carefully, "Sabihin mo nga sa akin. Who is he? May kapatid ba ito na kasing gwapo niya kasi I'd ask his brother to spill maple syrup all over my body."

Tyrone grimaced at Alexavia's statement habang kami naman ni Aoede ay pinipigilan ang pagtawa. Kahit kailan talaga ang bibig ng babaeng ito. "Seryoso ako wag niyo akong tawanan." dagdag pa niya.

I stopped giggling when I felt another presence sat next to me, "I'm sorry, but my brother is married." He says and smiling at us. Nakatingin kaming lahat sa kanya ngayon. Kung kanina ay sa larawan lamang ngayon ay eto na siya sa personal.

I am staring at Noah with my mouth opened. Paano siya nakapasok ng University? Hindi naman siya estudyante dito.

WHAT IS HE DOING HERE SITTING CASUALLY WITH ME AND MY FRIENDS?!

All thoughts and questions are gone when Noah snaked his arms on my waist and pulled me to him. He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before he rests his chin on my shoulder, "Hi, I'm Skyla's boyfriend."   

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