The head of college sat behind the desk, thinking about the altercation between Gabriela and Claudia reported a few minutes ago.
Just then, the school nurse entered the room. "Excuse me, sir," she said, addressing the head of college. "I need to inform you that Gabriela Flores requires immediate medical attention. Her wound isn't deep, but due to her poor health, we need to stabilize her and treat her wound properly to prevent further complications."
The head of college nodded. "Please, go ahead and arrange for her transfer to the hospital."
★★★HOSPITAL★★★
"She wanted to stab me with the object, but thank goodness the wound wasn't deep." Isabella and Diana were with Gabriela, their faces laced with emotion.
"I never knew Claudia was this crazy." Isabella said angrily.
"Well, I told you. She is capable of killing anyone who steps on her toes."
"Who did she kill?" Isabella whispered curiously.
"Long story. Let's talk about it some other time." Diana replied and Isabella nodded.
"The most important thing is...."
"Gabriela! Are you okay?" Rafael and Damien came into the ward, looking concerned.
"I'm fine."
"Claudia is still at college, unconscious. The school nurse says she'll be okay." Rafael added and the girls nodded.
"She better not be." Gabriela mumbled.
"Where's Miguel?" She asked and her friends exchanged glances with the boys.
"I mean....Michelle."
"She's okay. She's in college."
The doctor came in.
"Miss. Gabriela will be discharged in 20 minutes. She's stable and she only needs to apply ointment to the wound to promote the healing process."
"Thank you doctor." Gabriela smiled.
"You're welcome."
"She should be free from stress for a couple of days. College stress and even domestic stress."
~~~~~~~GABRIELA'S APARTMENT~~~~~~~
"I'm so sorry, Miguel. I should have listened to you when you asked me to leave the detention room."
"I was scared to death." Gabriela chuckled.
"I'm fine now. The wound is healing."
"Can I see?"
"No." She snapped. He nodded understandingly.
"Michelle's birthday party is tomorrow night. 8pm sharp. And you're invited." Gabriela's eyes twinkled.
"That's freaking awesome! How old is she turning?"
"20."
"Great. I'm alright now so I'll be there with my friends."
"Speaking of friends, where are they?" He looked around.
"Isabella and Diana went shopping. They'll be back soon. That means you have to go. They don't know that we're friends yet." Gabriela said mischievously.
"True. I'll have to go now to avoid being late for basketball practice." Gabriela nodded.
Miguel stood up to leave.
"I'll text you the address."
"Okay."
"Please look your best." He said to Gabriela and she smiled cutely.
"Trust me."
"Miguel...Let's wear the same color." Miguel's eyes widened.
"Why?"
"I just wanna take revenge on Claudia for what she did to me. But I don't wanna pay her back physically, I want it mentally. When she sees us wearing the same color, she'll go insane."
Miguel thought for a second.
"Okay, sounds like a plan." Gabriela grinned happily.
"Yay, thanks!"
~~~~~~~~
Miguel's luxury apartment was transformed into a vibrant party haven for Michelle's 20th birthday celebration. The spacious living room was adorned with balloons in shades of pink and gold, while a stunning chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.
A lavish buffet table overflowed with delectable finger foods, and a signature cocktail bar offered refreshing drinks.As students mingled and chatted, one of them remarked, "I'm glad Miguel made it clear this is an exclusive event. No poor people allowed."
The comment sparked a mixture of reactions, with some nodding in agreement while others seemed uneasy.Meanwhile, conversations turned to Miguel's sudden change in behavior towards Michelle. "He's been showering her with love and attention, treating her like family," someone observed. "It's like he's trying to make up for something."
Others speculated about Miguel's motives, given Michelle's background as the maid's daughter.Upstairs, Rafael and Damien were perfecting their matching red sweatsuits, striking a pose in front of the mirror.
Outside, Gabriela's SUV pulled up, and the driver hastily opened the door for the girls.
Gabriela emerged, looking stunning in a red short, strapless draped neck dress that showcased her curves and cleavage. She wore black stiletto heels, a gold necklace, and expensive bracelets on both wrists.
She let her curly hair down her shoulders.
Isabella, Diana, and Daniela stepped out of the SUV, wearing elegant ball dresses that sparkled under the evening light. The group was ready to celebrate Michelle's birthday in style.
"Why are you wearing a tank top?" Rafael and Damien were shocked at Miguel's tank top and black tight pants.
"We agreed on blue sweatsuits."
"Well, surprise. Plans changed." Miguel said in a casual tone, his eyes fixed on his phone, typing.
"Who are you texting?" Rafael was curious.
"Gabriela. She's here." The two exchanged weird glances, their eyeballs about to pop out of it's socket.
"Miguel, this is a birthday party. Not an event for you to show off your man power." They whispered about the tightness of the pants.
"Wait, don't tell me the rumors between you and Gabriela are true. What changed?" Rafael asked.
"Nah, we're not dating. But we are friends."
"Friends. That explains why she wanted to see Miguel at the hospital."
"That also explains why Miguel called her sexy at her father's wedding." Rafael and Damien wiggled their eyebrows mischievously. Miguel rolled his eyes.
"It's not a crime to make a new friend."
"Does your changing of outfit relate to Gabriela? Is she wearing red too?"
"You're choking me." Miguel left the room. The two laughed loudly.
"Wow, unbelievable!"
~~~~~
"Happy birthday Michelle." Damien tried to approach her in the best way possible. He was holding a small present box.
"Thank you. Come in." Michelle said nicely and welcomed him into her room.
"How's my dress?" Michelle asked and twirled. Damien was happy to see her smile broad.
Her white strapless ball gown shone with the room's lights.
"It's beautiful. You're really beautiful." Michelle's eyes widened a little.
"Thanks." She smiled shyly.
"I wanted to present you this before the party began. Here." He handed her the box and she opened it with a curious expression. Her hands flew to her mouth. She sat on the bed near her nightlight to have a clearer look. She took out the necklace and gasped. It was an expensive tiny gold necklace.
"Wow. This...this is...so nice of you, Damien. Thanks."
"You're welcome." He took the necklace from her.
"Wanna try it on?" She nodded.
He went behind her on the bed and placed the necklace gently on her neck. He leaned closer, his jaw gently on her shoulder.
"Michelle, don't ever let anyone take away your smile." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Michelle's heart was pounding. She blinked multiple times, feeling a chill run down her spine. She felt thrilled that he was close to her and frightened at the same time.
Damien was about to kiss her shoulder when she jerked him off and ran out of the room in embarrassment. She left the door open.
"Darn." He bit his lip, equally feeling awkward.
★★★★
"OMG Gabriela."
"She's so beautiful!"
"Her outfit screams luxury."
"Oh, to have those racetrack curves!"
"She's slaying!"
"Her dress is much better than Claudia's."
"Why is she wearing Miguel's shade of red?"
"Are they really dating?"
"What's up with the two? Why are they twinning?"
"Gabriela is here, she's a diva!"
"Latina Mami, Gabriela Flores is the standard."
"Gabriela glows every freaking time."
"She never missed a moment to outshine Claudia."
"Where does Gabriela get her clothes? She's stunning!"
"Everyone's talking about Gabriela Flores." Nadia said to Claudia.
"That bitch. She'll regret hitting me like that." Her nose, head and hand was bandaged.
Some eyes were on Michelle, Miguel, Gabriela, Isabella, Rafael and Damien standing together having a chat. Others danced to the pop music.
Claudia stared at the group, especially Gabriela standing closely beside Miguel and she was fuming.
"Argggh!!!" She roared. Nadia and Sandra tried everything to calm Claudia down.
"Have some water, Claudia."
"Stop staring at them."
"Eat a little."
Gabriela noticed Claudia's angry stare at them and smirked.
She moved closer to Miguel, nudging him slightly. He stared at her with a smile and she winked.
Their arms were touching.
"That's it!" Claudia said with gritted teeth. She barely took three angry steps when Diana pulled her back forcefully and suddenly. She hit the wall.
"This is Michelle's birthday party. How come you're here when you hate her so much, huh? You're here to show off and create a scene, nothing more, nothing less. But I won't let you do that. Find yourself a seat. And enjoy - silently." Saying this, Diana walked away. Claudia was dumbfounded.
After the cake-cutting and opening of presents, Michelle's birthday party didn't seem to slow down.
Michelle sat on her bed, phone pressed to her ear as she listened to her mom's warm voice.
"Happy birthday, sweetie," her mom said, her tone tinged with a hint of sadness."Thanks, Mom," Michelle replied, a smile spreading across her face.
"I'm afraid your birthday won't be much of a celebration this year, as usual," her mom continued, her voice laced with melancholy. "But tomorrow, get a cupcake and blow out a candle, okay? At least make a wish."
Michelle chuckled, feeling a surge of excitement.
"Actually, Mom, I don't need to do that," she said, her voice barely containing her grin."Why not?" her mom asked, curiosity creeping into her tone.
"Because Miguel and his friends threw me a birthday party,"
Michelle said, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"And students from college are having the best time of their lives."There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Michelle could almost hear her mom's surprise. "Miguel? As in, that Miguel?" her mom asked, her voice laced with shock.
Michelle nodded, even though her mom couldn't see her. "The same one. Dad's son. Things have changed, Mom. He's making up for everything."Her mom's tone turned thoughtful.
"I thought he hated you, sweetie. I don't understand."
Michelle smiled, feeling a sense of closure.
"He's trying to make amends, Mom. And it's working out really well."Her mom's voice softened.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that. Go have fun with your friends, okay?"Michelle's smile broadened as she said goodbye and hung up the phone. She sat there for a moment, feeling happy and content, before a wide smile spread across her face.
Miguel and Rafael sat in a table, chatting and sipping cocktail.
"It was a good idea to do this for Michelle. She's so happy." Rafael mentioned.
"Yeah..." Gabriela walked towards them.
"Hi." She waved at Rafael and stood beside Miguel.
"We took some really amazing selfies. Look!" Gabriela swiped on her phone screen. Selfies with Isabella, Michelle, Diana, Damien and other students. Miguel saw nothing but Gabriela's attractive lower lip bites and pouts with sass and allure.
He was breathless and unable to speak. He had an unreadable expression.
"What are you thinking about?" Gabriela nudged him and placed her arm around his shoulder. He bit one side of his lip hard in embarrassment.
"He has never been this close to such a beautiful lady in his entire life." Rafael joked.
"Aw, killin' me." Gabriela said cutely.
"We haven't taken our selfie, Miguel." Gabriela clicked the front-facing camera and raised her phone to her desired angle.
Their faces touched and Miguel felt fluttered, blinking in nervousness.
"Stop blinking like that and smile!" Gabriela half yelled at him. She pouted and he smiled tensely.
They took a few shots and Rafael joined in.
Gabriela noticed Daniela talking to Isabella.
"I'll be back. My sister's here." Gabriela walked away but Miguel didn't stop staring.
"What's wrong with you Miguel? You've been fidgeting."
He didn't respond.
"I think I know what's wrong."
~~~~~
The students were having a blast at Michelle's birthday party, laughing and chatting with each other. Diana stood up, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Alright, guys! It's time to play a game!"
Those who were interested began to gather in a big circle, while others opted to watch a movie or sit on the sidelines, observing the commotion. The excitement was palpable as the students formed the circle, and Diana placed a bottle in the center.
"Which game are we playing?" someone asked, curiosity etched on their face. Nadia suggested "Truth or Dare," but Diana shook her head. "No, let's play 'What If' instead."
The students looked at each other, intrigued. "How do we play it?" someone asked. Diana explained, "It's a game where we ask hypothetical questions, either to create a humorous effect or to trick people's brains. The questions can be funny or tricky, and the person answering has to respond in just one sentence, without saying just 'yes' or 'no'."
She elaborated on the rules, "When the bottle is spun, the person the cap points to will be the one asking the question, and the person at the bottom of the bottle will be the one answering. And here's the catch – the person answering can't refuse to answer the question."
Kendall, one of the students, was chosen to spin the bottle. As the bottle whirled around, the students cheered and chanted, "Let's do it!" The anticipation was building, and everyone was eager to see who would be asking and answering the first question. With the rules set, the game was ready to begin.
"What if you were alone in a room with one person here, who would it be?"
"Gabriela Flores."
"What if you could have a superpower? What would it be?"
"Making webs, bruh!"
"What if we made out?"
"I would puke!!"
"What if someone could constitute a perfect day for you? Where would you choose?"
"An ice cream date."
"What if I died?"
"I would cry my eyes out." The air was fun, full of laughter, intrigue and excitement.
The cap pointed to Sandra and the bottom pointed to Rafael.
"Okay, so Rafael, what if...you and I were dating?"
"I would break up with you the next second." The students erupted into a fit of laughter, mocking Sandra.
Next were Claudia and Gabriela.
Tension filled the air, as their eyes locked.
"What if you could talk to your dead loved one? Someone like your mom." Students shot at Claudia, finding her question rude and offensive.
"Remember, Gabriela, you can't refuse to answer the question." Nadia added.
"I would tell her to take you from this world so you'll never bully anyone again."
Another round of laughter from the students and Claudia's eyes widened furiously.
Kendall spinned the bottle again and this time, the tension was heavier.
Miguel was asking and Gabriela was answering.
Glances were exchanged, anticipating Miguel's question.
"What if I kissed you?" Everyone fell silent.
Gabriela froze. Her heart skipped a beat and her palm flew to her mouth, stopping herself from gasping.
"What?" Her voice cut thick and by her expression, students assumed that she was full of rage.
"Gabriela, please answer the question." Gabriela's heart was pounding hard in her chest. She was unsure of a response. She was surprised, confused and astonished.
When she noticed Claudia fuming, she smiled sexily.
"I would deepen the kiss." She replied, her voice dripping with confidence. Giggles filled the air, others praising Gabriela for her bold response.
"You know what guys, I think Gabriela should get out of this party." Claudia announced.
"Says who?" Diana turned to Claudia.
"She's doing too much." Nadia said.
"Yes! Get the fuck out of this party, Gabriela!" Sandra yelled at Gabriela.