As they walked out of the lecture room, Gabriela reached out and placed her hand in Miguel's, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. Miguel's fingers intertwined with hers, and they both forced bright smiles onto their faces. The gesture seemed innocent enough, but it was enough to spark a flurry of whispers and glances from the others.
Students passing by couldn't help but stare, their faces filled with curiosity and speculation. "Are they dating?" someone whispered, eyes fixed on the pair. Gabriela and Miguel walked hand in hand, their smiles plastered on, as if oblivious to the attention.
"I asked you not to insult me, I didn't ask you to date me."
"I'm not asking you out on a fucking date but just play along."
Michelle trailed behind them, her books clutched tightly to her chest, her eyes fixed on the pair ahead. Gabriela noticed her lagging behind and signaled for her to catch up, motioning towards the cafeteria. Michelle quickened her pace, her eyes lighting up with understanding.
As they entered the cafeteria, Gabriela and Miguel made their way to a table, still holding hands. Rafael was already seated next to Isabella, and Damien slid into an empty chair. Michelle sat down beside Damien, completing the group. The table became the focal point of the cafeteria, with all eyes drawn to Miguel and Gabriela's seemingly affectionate display.
The news spread like wildfire, reaching Claudia, Sandra, and Nadia's table in the corner. They froze, their faces falling into embarrassed grins.
"Wait, are they really dating?" Claudia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Sandra and Nadia exchanged disbelieving glances, their mouths agape.
The trio's conversation came to a halt as they struggled to process the news. They couldn't muster the courage to look over at Miguel and Gabriela's table, their embarrassment and surprise rendering them momentarily speechless.
Finally, Claudia broke the silence, her voice laced with amusement. "Well, I guess that's one way to get attention."
Sandra and Nadia burst into laughter, the tension broken. As they started talking, their words flowed freely, speculating about the status of Miguel and Gabriela's relationship.
"Don't listen to them, Gabriela." Rafael told her with a smile.
"That nerd is on the table with them too. What does she want? More embarrassment?" Nadia shot at Michelle and everyone laughed mockingly.
Michelle was hurt.
"Don't listen to them, sis. They've lost their minds." Miguel said to Michelle.
Everyone watched Miguel flowing a discussion with Michelle and Gabriela.
"Didn't Miguel used to hate Gabriela?"
"Are the two dating?"
"What's the thing with Miguel and the maid's daughter?"
Sandra and Nadia started telling Claudia in a low voice.
"Claudia! Rafael is talking to that Isabella. I don't like her, she's ugly! Rafael is mine!"
"Claudia, Damien is talking to that book freak, Michelle. I hate her. I want you to warn her to keep her ass off my man."
"Keep quiet! That Gabriela girl is doing too much." Diana walked to the mean girls' table.
"What are you girls talking about? Keep your eyes off that table." She walked away and they gave her a death glare.
"I feel like kicking her butt."
~~~~~
"What were you doing? Talking to me like that at the cafeteria?" Gabriela asked Miguel.
"I was only trying to be nice."
"And the gaze? I felt it on my skin."
"Please Miguel. This project is the only reason people see us together. When it ends, we end too. I feel a little uncomfortable with what the students are saying."
"You end too." Miguel thought inwardly. Gabriela walked away and Miguel stared at her.
"Bitch."
"Gabriela looks so pretty today, don't you think? I could hear your heart beating as she stared at you." Rafael teased and Miguel's eyes widened.
"What the hell?"
"I was kidding, Miguel. I know she's not your type."
Miguel didn't have an answer to that.
He was changing into his basketball jersey.
"Didn't you say she has your secret? What's the secret?" Rafael was curious.
"Em, she caught me with Phoebe, so..."
"What were you doing with Phoebe? Fucking?!" Rafael gasped.
"Yeah..." He said in a low voice.
"You shouldn't have.....is that your type? She's not even pretty. C'mon, you were with Gabriela that night. If you were super aroused, why didn't you fvck her instead?" Miguel's face flushed red but he hid it.
"You're sick." Rafael erupted into laughter.
"Wait, did you just blush?"
"No, I didn't."
"It's evident, man! You blushed!" Rafael whispered cheekily, "That means you're secretly in love with her."
"No, I'm not!" Miguel took a football and was bouncing it. Rafael touched his chest and took his hand off dramatically.
"I can feel it race." He whispered and danced. Boys glanced at them, thinking Rafael was going crazy.
"You fell for Gabriela so hard, you forgot that we aren't footballers." Miguel grunted that he had taken a football and tossed it back. He took the basketball.
"Are you going to lead the way to practice or stand here talking about Gabriela?"
They were walking to the basketball court.
"Fvcking Gabriela wouldn't be a bad thing, but as a nice friend, I wish everyday of my life that you possess all good things. Good things like Gabriela." Rafael winked. Miguel rolled his eyes.
"I don't like her one bit."
"You can always tell me if plans change." Rafael shrugged.
"Plans will never change."
"Do you like Claudia?"
"Nah. I'd rather fall for a lunatic."
"Then who do you like in school?"
"No one. Shut up." Rafael chuckled.
★★★★
It was time for Professor Liz's lecture and students were rushing in. Gabriela took a seat between Miguel and Phoebe.
"What is Gabriela doing on Diana's seat?"
"Why is Gabriela next to Miguel?"
"Are there really dating?"
"What are you doing here, Gabriela? You should be in your seat." Miguel asked her, confusion etched on his face.
"I should sit wherever I want because without my dad, I'm sure the college won't have any seats. He donates here."
"Proud bitch." Miguel mumbled.
"Huh??"
"Nothing." Throughout the lecture, Gabriela noticed him stealing glances at her but she pretended to be fixed on the professor.
"I'll head out now. Get your projects ready before Monday for submission and grading."
~~~~~~~FLORES MANSION~~~~~~~~
The sun shone brightly on the grand estate, casting a warm glow over the vibrant wedding party between Jennie and Mr. Alejandro Flores. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds, creating a serene atmosphere.
The venue was transformed into a fairytale-like setting, with elegant white and cream-colored decorations adorning the tables and walkways. Delicate flower arrangements and lush greenery added a touch of whimsy, while the soft glow of string lights and candles created a romantic ambiance.
The tables were set with fine china, crystal glasses, and exquisite linens, awaiting the guests who would soon arrive to celebrate the union of Jennie and Alejandro. The aroma of delectable cuisine wafted from the kitchen, teasing the senses and building anticipation for the feast to come.
In the bridal suite, Jennie was getting ready to walk down the aisle. Her maid of honor, Rachel, carefully helped her into her stunning lace wedding gown, adorned with intricate beading and delicate embroidery. The dress hugged Jennie's curves perfectly, accentuating her beauty. Rachel styled Jennie's hair in loose, flowing waves, and applied a light dusting of makeup to enhance her natural features.
As Jennie slipped on her delicate heels and veil, she felt like a princess. Rachel handed her a bouquet of white roses and baby's breath, and Jennie couldn't help but smile at her reflection in the mirror.
Meanwhile, in the groom's quarters, Alejandro was getting ready to meet his bride. His best man, Carlos, helped him into his tailored tuxedo, complete with a crisp white shirt, black bow tie, and a sprig of rosemary on his lapel. Alejandro's eyes sparkled with excitement as he adjusted his cufflinks and smoothed out his jacket.
As Alejandro caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and love. He took a deep breath, feeling grateful for this moment and the love he shared with Jennie.
With both the bride and groom ready, the wedding party was set to begin. The music started, and the guests took their seats, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Jennie and Alejandro. The ceremony was starting, and the anticipation was palpable.
"Professor Grandma is getting married."
"I can't wait to see her."
"Where's Claudia? She must be on cloud nine."
"This feels like a teen wedding."
Students from The White's Academy were present, dressed in glittery, shiny, expensive outfits. The poor scholarship students were allowed too and the rich kids were irritated that Gabriela invited them.
Gabriela stood in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection as she got ready for the wedding. She slipped into her stunning white body-hugging strapless tube dress, which accentuated her curves perfectly. The dress featured intricate shiny designs that caught the light, making her sparkle like a diamond. The strapless design showcased her shoulders, and the tube style emphasized her petite waist.
On her feet, Gabriela wore a pair of expensive high heels that added a touch of elegance to her overall look. Around her neck, she wore a dazzling diamond necklace that sparkled with every movement. A matching diamond bracelet adorned her wrist, and a stunning diamond ring shone on her finger. Her makeup was done in a classic Latina style, with bold eyeliner, luscious lashes, and a subtle glow on her cheeks.
Gabriela let her curly black hair cascade down her shoulders, framing her face with soft, luscious locks. She looked like a vision in white, exuding confidence and beauty.
Daniela walked into the room, wearing a similar dress, but with straps. She looked lovely, but her eyes betrayed her unease. "I don't know, Gabi," Daniela said, fidgeting with her dress. "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with Mr. Alejandro seeing me like this on his big day." Gabriela quickly came to her sister's side, reassuring her with a warm smile.
"Don't worry about him, you'll be fine with me," Gabriela said, placing a flower in Daniela's bun. She kissed her little sister's forehead, and Daniela's worries began to fade away.
Just then, Isabella walked into the room, wearing a gorgeous red strapless tube dress that matched Gabriela's style, but in a bold, vibrant color. Her hair was tied up in a sleek bun, and she looked stunning. The two friends admired each other's matching styles, and Gabriela couldn't help but grin.
"Look at us!" Gabriela exclaimed, gesturing to their similar dresses. Isabella laughed, and the two friends shared a warm moment.
"Um....are students from college present?" Isabella nodded.
"And Miguel?"
"Yeah he came in with Rafael and Damien not too long ago."
"And Michelle?"
"She was with them too."
"Okay...."
"What is Miguel wearing?"
"What has gotten into you, Gabriela? You're suddenly Miguel-ling."
"Miguel-ling?" They both laughed.
"Obviously, I'm 'Miguel-ling' because of Michelle. It's not like I give a damn." Isabella shrugged.
"Rafael is so hot in his tuxedo."
"Really? Can't believe my little Isabella is falling in love so fast."
"Woah, woah, woah! I'm just admiring!"
With Daniela by their side, the trio made their way downstairs, and all eyes turned to admire their beauty. They walked into a sea of admiring glances, their confidence and poise radiating like a palpable aura around them.
"Miguel didn't come for basketball practice."
"He's right in front of you, ask him what came up."
"I don't think so." Rafael and Damien shook their heads before giggling mischievously.
"Miguel."
"Miguel!!!"
"Earth to Miguel Jackson!" Rafael snapped his fingers and he jumped out of this thoughts.
"Why were you staring at Gabriela like that?"
"L...like..what? What do you mean?"
"We were talking about the basketball match we had in a few weeks before the semester ends. You were lost."
"Oh." Miguel rubbed his temple.
"I got lost for a moment. I'm sorry. Everyone was staring, so I just joined in."
"Gabriela is extremely beautiful."
"I know, right? Her makeup screams elegance." Miguel watched Rafael and Damien chat about Gabriela and Isabella.
"Hi guys!" Gabriela greeted.
"Woah, Gabi. You're the hottest."
"Yeah, you look outstanding."
"Thank you! You guys don't look bad either." She winked.
"Hey, boys." Isabella greeted.
"Miguel, how do I look?" Gabriela asked with a cute smirk on her face.
"Beautiful. Sexy." The others expressed their surprise and Gabriela's eyes widened a little at the compliment. A blush crept up her cheeks.
"You can say that a thousand times again." She smiled cheerfully.
"Claudia, you're so beautiful!" Her minions admired her.
"When I arrive at the wedding, I'm sure Miguel and others won't be able to take their eyes off. I deserve all the attention, not that bitch Gabriela."