An entire week passed and things gradually went back to how they were. Slowly, I got over the issue and little by little I began to accept that what happened, happened already.

Now I'm  currently scrolling the net looking for opportunities to help me help myself and the house-with all the other bills.

I'm job hunting.

Ear-pads on, I hummed, occasionally singing along to one of my preferred songs on track.

Helps me think clearly. Lessen  headache occurrence.

With my savings running low, and expenses on the rise, I need to get a job as soon as possible. Just as I was about check for further hiring posts online, a knock on the door sounded. Directly, I stopped clicking and typing the keyboard turning to where the sound came from.

Curious, I spared a glance on the clock.

It's almost eight. Those three rarely come here during weekdays.

Unless...

Heading to where the door is I twisted the knob pulling it open.

Something's telling me that the hunch I had in mind is right.

"Stop wasting your tears over that good for nothing jerk!"

"Penny, I think we should stick on comforting her."

Were the introductory line exchange I heard from Jade and Penny. And from Chloe's mascara-stained eyes and cheeks, I could tell what this whole fuss is and would be about.

Love problem, I deduced.

Turns out the guess was right after all.

"And then what? So she could run back to that dick once she feels better?"

"That's not what I'm saying!"

"Well you implied it!"

"What-no, I didn't!"

My shoulders slouched. Some things never change. I allowed the three in, assisting Chloe in the process because technically, they're incapable at the moment. Leaving them and their heating argument, I strode toward the couch.

"What happened?" I gently asked. She had her face buried in her hands, elbows on each of her thighs. The audible sobs I'm  hearing is enough indication that she needs space. So tapping her shoulder a couple times, I stood up and faced the two.

"You're the one who suggested the bar get-away."

"Well you never objected!"

"Whatever, guess what Alex."

Upon hearing a couple details, I think I'm getting what this whole thing is about.

"That bitchy sister of yours was seen mashing faces  with that jackass Jackson. Can you believe that he did that with that leech minutes after he broke up with Chloe?!"

Oh.

Well that I didn't know.

So I took a seat back on the couch and listened to Penny and Jade talk.

Decided that there's no stopping these two, I told them to sit before telling me what happened. Apart from what I managed to figure out earlier, I also came to know that they went to the club after Chloe's break-up with Jackson to at least help make her feel better without knowing that Chloe's former boyfriend would be there with Sophie. My sister.

They continued  spilling the details with the occasional  spat of distaste intended for Jackson and Sophie until their jaws got exhausted and their mouth decided to stop salivating.

Now Chloe's currently on my lap, peacefully sleeping.

Poor her.

Her relentless crying must've worn her out that it only took a few minutes for her to doze off after calming down.

But I guess it's better than drowning herself with alcohol just to sleep, or worse...

"Scary isn't it?" The question pulled me from looking in to  Chloe's tear-stained eyes and cheeks.

It was Penny.

One look, and you'd think she's  looking at Chloe but when I inspected her gaze, the former thought I had  immediately turned out to be wrong.

Her vision might be directed to C, but her eyes seem to be somewhere else.

Somewhere far.

"What is?" I asked after thinking about what she meant by the query.

"Love." Curious about what  she could be thinking, I decided to stay shut and to let her continue.

"One minute, there's rainbow and butterflies, and then you're fucked up the next."

I blinked.

"I'm guessing you know how this feels considering your life's more fucked up than mine." I snorted to that still listening to her talk.

"Don't you hate them?"

"Don't you hate your dad for not legally acknowledging you as his own daughter? Don't you hate your mom for leaving you? Don't you hate me for.."

"For sleeping with Kyle?"

Ah, there's that subject.

A strained smile made its way out of my lips that it eventually turned into a frown. One that made me reprocessed what she just said.

I sighed leaning on to the couch while I caressed Chloe's hair.

"I'm no saint Penny." I muttered as I aimlessly stared into the ceiling.

She snorted

"Says the one who apologized when she saw me grinding her man's goods before excusing herself." The way she said it, I bet her eyes roll.

Silence momentarily enveloped the both of us that I heard Jade's light snores and Chloe's even breathing.

"I hate you for doing that though. I think I'll forever suffer this non-stop nagging conscience  I have."

I hate myself for doing that too. That and all the other things  I did so stupidly.

"Then forgive yourself. Forget what happened and move on. I told you, it's fine."

"You see?! Ugh, you're hopeless!"  She stood up looking exasperated.

"I'll go sleep in the other room, I don't want to see you." She said moping.

She was about to storm off when she stopped short, turning back to face me. Her mouth opened like she's about to say something then it closed as quickly as it parted.

"You know what? I really hate you."

I gave her a smile  chuckling to myself when I saw her leave. Shaking my head I leaned on the couch before shutting my eyes close.

Yeah, I hate myself.

-

"Georgina Alexis Torrens." The professor called. I've been fidgeting non-stop. Last week, my performance in class weren't so good. It won't be a surprise if my paper's sporting a large red mark on it.

"What in the world are you waiting for?! Christmas? The teacher's waiting moron!" Penny hissed under her breath nudging me to stand up. I cleared my throat, still hesitant to stand.

When I reached the teacher's desk, I didn't miss the stern look she gave once I took the paper from her hold.

"Do better next time Ms. Torrens." Was all she said before resuming her gaze to the sheets on her table.

"What, you failed?" Penny whispered when I reached my chair.

"What did you get?" Asked Jade so I flipped the paper.

Fortunately, I didn't.

"What a lucky bitch."

"Ow!"

I winced loudly when Penny smacked my head hard enough for it to hurt. Unfortunately, the teacher heard it calling our attention with few reprimanding lines along her words causing the whole class to look at us.

Great.

On the way to the cafe, I thought of checking if any of my applications got a response online. I'd take any job now-jobs if possible.

I felt disappointed when some responded that their vacant slots have already been filled in.

Still hoping, I continued checking, searching for other part-times as well.

"I swear that teacher hates me."

"No Penny, you failed that's why you got an F."

"Whatever, what did she give you?"

"C plus."

"Psh, sounds crappy. Chloe, what did she give you?"

"B."

"Geez. You passed. What's with the sour face? And why is Alex not talking?"

With dad gone, and my mom as well, I can't afford the upcoming school fees. I think I need to look and apply for scholarships as well. I'll stop by the dean's office later.

"Alex."

"Hey, Alex!"

"You're about to-"

If I came to realize one thing at this moment, it's to stay aware of whatever's happening around you, or at least leave one or two senses environment-conscious.

I was so focused into the phone, so absorbed into my own thoughts that I didn't see the group of approaching teachers. If it wasn't for the strong arm that pulled me out of the way, I would have continued walking till we collided because they seem to be consumed in their own group chatter as well.

My steps faltered due to the sudden pull that my back landed on to something definitely firm and solid.

"Ah, Mr. Andrews, it's good to see you!"

Andrews.

"Likewise, Mr. Johann."

The hand on my waist tightened when I angled my head upwards to see if it really is Daniel. I swallowed audibly when I saw his intense eyes matched my curious ones.

"And this is..?"

The open inquiry beckoned me to look at the number instructors who seem to be spectating and speculating at the moment. Some wore inquisitive looks, some with raised brow, and some can't even take their eyes off Daniel.

Tongue-tied. Speechless. Immobile. I stood there. Leaning on Daniel's torso with panicked thoughts. I swallowed continuously hoping even a single would would come off my mouth to at least appear  deferent to the school instructors but my body's not cooperating.

"Georgina Torrens, an education student. I'm  guessing  she's under your area of  expertise sir." He answered smoothly.

"Yes, I remember her. It's good to see you Ms. Torrens." Indifferent. That's what I thought when I saw how he shortly acknowledged my existence then went right back to adulating the guy behind me. He's not even handling any of his subs nor do the ones behind him. I guess they just know him. Everyone does.

It's Daniel Andrews after all.

They resumed their chat and now, some instructors joined into the talk. I straightened up slowly making my way out of Daniel's grip. Trying to be subtle, I gently tugged Daniel's arm on my waist, pulling it lightly so he'd get the message.

"I apologize for cutting our conversation short but I have something important to discuss with Ms. Torrens."

He said catching my attention. The former task I had instantly ceased upon the mention of my name. I went to look back at the teachers only to see them eyeing me.

Most of them looked lightly taken aback by Daniel's statement. They glanced my way the second time as if trying to assess what significant matter does Daniel have with me.

"Oh, of course. I'm hoping to see you again Mr. Andrews." We're majority of their parting line before they left and resumed their group convo.

When they were several meters away, out of earshot, I stepped out of his grasp. Catching the light crease on his forehead when I faced him.

"Thank you." I breathed. "I would've... crashed into them if you didn't... pull me out of their way." I uttered stopping at certain time intervals, gauging his expression. His stoic look made him impossibly difficult to read. I can't tell what's on his mind or what he's about to say. But the knit in his brows is making me feel uneasy. I just stood there, not knowing what to do.

"Ehem!"

I jolted in surprise, not missing the squeal that came out of my mouth. I almost forgot that we're in the hallway.

Eyeing the source of the interjection, I saw my friends gaping, flabbergasted, and suspicious. It must be because of the guy  beside me. I mean, I was with them whenever they would fangirl over Daniel. My senses  are the live witnesses of their deep, dark, Daniel obsession.

"We're about to have lunch Alex, in case you forgot-which you probably did."

The heat of embarrassment flamed my face red that I parted my lips to say something however I failed when Jade beat me to it.

"Oh no! Hahaha! We're fine!" She remarked tapping Penny's back hard and loud enough for us to hear.

"We we're just heading to the cafe ourselves, feel free to talk to our friend." She waved dragging Chloe and Penny past us.

"What the hell are you doing?! What about Alexmmpphh!!"

"Hahah! Take your time!"

Jade shouted before they rounded the corner. Leaving me with Daniel alone and the increasing awkwardness in the atmosphere. Scratching my temple trying to think of an excuse. I thought of telling him that there's somewhere I needed to be.

"Actually I was just-"

"Have lunch with me."

Tongue tied. To disagree was the supposed response when he suggested the lunch thing but I don't know.

Own it Alex. You're a sucker in saying no.

I ended up walking in the hallway towards the cafe with him.  I attempted to decline. To say no, but it never came. It never happened. Maybe it has something to do with the way he asked. How formal it sounded. How gently he said it. Or it's just my general tendency to have difficulty in saying no.

When we reached the cafe's entrance, hesitation bothered me that I subconsciously glanced at Daniel when he stepped to side allowing me to go in first.

I would have commended the chivalrous gesture if I didn't have this inner tribulation which I'm currently bearing at the moment.

"Uh, what exactly is it that you wanted us  to talk about? Can't we just talk about it here so we could..you know.." I began, trying to look and sound casual. But when his eyes narrowed, gaze studying my apprehensive features, I felt bared making me feel more queasy.

"Let's go somewhere else then, if you're uncomfortable." The on-point inferrence bugged me.

I must be so easy to read.

My emotions are probably all over my face!

"No-it's fine. It's just..I'm  just-"

"Uncomfortable." He finished. Eyes still watching me intently. "With me? Or those people inside?"

Would he get mad if I tell him both?

One, I went through several days to get over our encounter.

Two, I don't want to be the content of everyone's gossip which would surely happen when I enter this very door right here in front of me with Daniel.

Three, it's  Daniel Theodore Andrews! I'm just Alex Torrens. There's no way in any normal circumstances that someone like him would be in the same ground as me.

"Georgina."

Huh?

"What? What did you say?"

"You're overanalyzing everything. Let's go." No words nor complaints left my mouth when his slender hands grabbed mine pulling me along with him when he pushed the door open.

The initial chatter that buzzed the cafeteria slowly died down till it turned into puzzled stares. I saw how most of them paused but Daniel seem to be oblivious to the fact that the rackety lunchroom stilled when he came in. Curiosity overlaid their baffled looks that I didn't know what else to do, so I  resorted to looking down to avoid seeing the different glance directed our way.

"Eat."

I don't think I can even if I want to.

I'm grateful that he chose the spot where the rest of the crowd remained distant but this whole thing-add the captive stares of those people behind him-is really not making this entire lunch break comfortable.

"What's this about?" I cautiously asked him before I cupped the glass of water beside my plate.

He looks unaffected. In fact he looks so casual you wouldn't think something's wrong.

Is something really? I mean, he just asked me to lunch. Clearly nothing's wrong with that. So why do I feel like this?

Why can't my nerves calm down?

"Relax Georgina, just eat." His unperturbed gaze is telling me that this internal struggle really is one-sided.

Well news flash captain, I can't exactly do that knowing the whole cafe's attention is on you and me. I thought to myself downing the glass of water in one large gulp hoping it'd somehow calm me. Looking back at Daniel, I saw smile flirting across his lips and amusement is evident in his eyes that I dared raise my brows at him.

Does he find humor seeing me like this?

"Do you find this amusing Mr. Andrews?" The former anxiety I felt earlier unusually vanished that I managed to meet his eyes without wavering my gaze.

Am I getting pissed?

"No, I'm enjoying our lunch Ms. Torrens." Was his plain response. He gestured for me to start eating which I did eventually.

The apprehension still linger, magnifying each time my line of sight went past Daniel and on to the confined eyes of the audience behind him.

"So what is it that you want us to talk about?" I asked expectantly. His response was a mere shrug, one that came so quickly that it  irked me to furrow my brows.

"You said it's something important." I said straightening up.

What's he on about?

"It is."

"What is?"

"This lunch."

"Why?"

"I want to get to know you Georgina."

What?

I had to backtrack to comprehend what he said. I feel like my tongue got disinclined for a nano-second that I subconsciously licked my lips to test if it's still functional.

"What?" I voiced out, thoughts still drifting.

Why does he want to know me?

Is this because of what happened? Is he thinking-

"Look, Mr. Andrews." I started. Is he thinking that I'm one of those who engage in occasional hook-ups? Does he think of me that way? Is that why he invited me to lunch because he wants to propose a non-romantic affair? One that would offer us convenience whenever we prefer?

"I had no idea how we ended up in bed that night. I can't even remember any of it. Whatever happened between us that night was-"

"A mistake?" He finished. His tone challenging me to respond.

I had no idea how many times I got lost for words. I met his stormy gaze and all thoughts I had in mind faded till it left me grasping for them. To say yes was on the tip of my tongue. Little effort exertion is enough to utter the words out but his challenging stare. His stormy eyes that seem to be holding so much and hiding so many stopped me from saying the word out.

Why do I feel like saying yes would make things worse?

Why do I feel like it would offend him? Hurt him.

Duh! Having sex with Daniel and then telling him it was a mistake is really offending. Think for once Alex! You'll deflate his ego.

Then if that's the case, why is my subconscious telling me that there's something else. Something behind those eyes. Something along with the said words.

"Why do you want to know me Daniel? Wouldn't it be better if we go our separate ways? If we forget what happened?" Isn't that what they usually want? How things go?

"Like I said. I want to know you."

"You're stubborn." I commented crossing my arms. The action seem to amuse him because I saw the light curve of his lips when he mirrored what I did, as he leaned on to his own chair. The former serious look he had on is long gone and I had to admit I'd rather deal with this than his prior dark and dimmed aura.

"And you're difficult to deal with Ms. Torrens." I rolled my eyes upon hearing his retort feeling my own lips curve.

"What time will your class end tomorrow?" Daniel asked while we walked our way in the hallway. He insisted to walk with me to my next class after lunch. I mustered the guts to politely refuse but he was persistent so here we are now.

"Three. Why?" I stopped walking when I reached the door of my next class. Turning in to face Daniel I waited for his reply.

"Basketball practice. Be there." I laughed. Anxiety and hesitance gone. It's like the few minutes we spent together at the cafe somehow melted the suffocating tension earlier that now, I honestly don't  feel any sign of discomfort.

"Now you're ordering me around." I playfully lifted my chin up daring him to dispute what I said.

"Fine. Please be there. I'll be waiting." Shaking my head, I agreed still feeling the gleeful curve my lips is making.

He started walking ahead while I remained standing on the door when he told me he's going. I watched him go with beaming delight. I probably look like I'm fangirling over Daniel Andrews now.

What just happened? -

Did that really happen?

Am I not dreaming?

Hallucinating?

Did I really had lunch with Daniel?

Talked with him?

Did he really tell me he wants to know me?

Did all of those really happen?

Series of giggles left my lips when I realized it really did.

Goodness! I probably look like a hopeless romantic squealing and screaming inside while looking stupid and giddy outside. I can't even stop the smile from my lips even if I wanted to-which I don't-

"OWW!" I hissed under my breath when I felt a strong slap on my shoulder ruining the euphoric mood I was starting to enjoy.

It stings!

"What time will your class end tomorrow?"

"Three. Why?"

"Basketball practice. Be there."

"Now you're ordering me around."

Jade and Penny replayed Daniel and I's conversation earlier. Jade tried to copy Daniel's deep masculine voice while Penny made mine overly high-pitched and added exaggerated cringe-worthy giggles to every  end of my line.

I rolled my eyes attempting to exit this group circle but Chloe's blocking my direction.

"DON'T think of escaping Torrens. The whole class saw your PDA with Daniel Andrews!" Penny exclaimed loudly. Geez! This woman can't do subtle.

"I was not PDA-ing with Daniel." I defended myself eyeing the three suspecting eyes.

"You had lunch with him! The entire cafe saw! And he walked you to class! Did something happen that we-your bestestfriends in the whole planet-are unaware of?" Jade interrogated. Her index finger's currently trying to drill a hole into my cheek.

"Nothing!" I piped in with excessive enthusiasm that  three doubtful eyes narrowed into slits.

I'm busted. I thought.

I guess there's no other way but to tell them the truth.

"WHAT?!"

I covered my ears, face scrunched when they all shouted in unison. And let me tell you. The volume's enough to deter your eardrums.

The three forced their way into my doorstep. They even threatened to throw all my peanut butter jars if I don't tell them the deets after class.

"You did the hanky-panky with Andrews?!"

"You did it?!"

"No way, so basically you're...deflowered?"

"Geez, really Chloe? Deflowered? What are we, five?"

"That's not the point Penny."

"I thought you're mourning over your breakup?"

"Well I'm over Jackson and our relationship  now so let's talk about Daniel."

"Jealous?"

"What-no I'm not!"

"Well I am. That's Daniel Andrews bitches. You're so lucky!"

"Ow!" I whined rubbing the stinging spot where Penny just smacked.

I lost count of the number of slap and smacks Penny gave me. I think I lost it after the tenth-or was it the eleventh?

"So you're telling us that he wants to know you?"  I nodded sipping the hot chocolate from my mug as I snuggled close into the cushion trying to make myself  comfy. We're all in our pajamas now and it's  past eight o'clock already.

"So are you guys dating now or something?" The question Chloe randomly threw got my attention.

Are we?

Psh, stop assuming Alex. He just wants to know you. That's it! Don't get your hopes up.

"Isn't he with Hannah? We saw them together the last time right?" I eyed over Jade when  she said that.

She's right.

What about Hannah.

"Psh, that Hoennah's a biatch. I saw her at school earlier swapping spits with Zander."

"That's impossible Penny. Hannah's not like that."

"Well I dare say she is-"

I yelped when my phone suddenly buzzed immediately gaining their attention. Fishing it off my butt-pocket, I stood up swiping the screen to see what's in it.

UNKNOWN

It's me.
8:50PM

At first I was dumbfounded when I read the two-worded message. I mean, how am I supposed to know who this person is? But then when I thought that maybe it's him.

Daniel.

I couldn't help the  grin that slowly etched my face despite the crease my forehead is currently sporting.

It's Daniel.

"Molly dotted cow-is that Daniel?! He just texted!  That's him right?!"

"That's definitely him. Oh emgeee!"

"Oh my gosh! Text him back! Hurry!"

I almost staggered and dropped the phone down the floor   due to my friends' frenzied push and pull.

My phone buzzed again and another one of his texts popped.

UNKNOWN

You agreed. I'll  be expecting
tomorrow. Sleep well Ms. Torrens.
9:00PM

"Aaahhh! Oh my fudgenuts! I'm totally shipping you two!

"I can't believe you got Daniel!"

"I too can't believe it!"

"What lucky ass you got bitch!"

"Oh please tell me he has a brother!"

"Please! Please, grant me someone like Daniel!"

"Oh my, he's indeed someone you'd want to wish for and wouldn't want to let go."

🌻🌻🌻

A/N: Hi guys! This chapter's quite longer than the former ones. Let me know what you guys think-or want. Feel free to leave any comment.

Stay safe!💜