"I have a goal in life. Becoming the family's heiress, was one. Something I knew, something I was sure of. I had other plans for my father's company. I love Mr. Alejandro Flores, my dad, more than anything and I don't want that business, or that good name he has built for years, to be tarnished. Now that I'm his heiress, I have so many opportunities. To be my own boss. To have my own name. To have houses, cars in that name. To have a handsome husband and cute female triplets. A happy family. A family I built myself, not the other way around. And that begins from now."
"I don't want anything to stop me from achieving my goal. But right now, I feel like something's shaking my heart."
Michelle nearly gasped.
"What?" Michelle picked an elastic band and tied her hair. She sat properly.
"Tell me. What's happening?" Michelle looked concerned.
"I...I think...I think I like someone already."
"Who? And why do you think that might be an obstacle? Love is natural and...." Gabriela snapped.
"I never said LOVE. I said like." Michelle chuckled.
"So what? Like ends up being love. Tell me, who is it?"
"Miguel." She sighed. Michelle's eyes widened.
"Really? Oh my gosh, I'm so happy!!" Michelle cuddled Gabriela excitedly but she nudged her off.
"Oh please, save the drama."
"Do you think Miguel is a distraction for you? I still don't get it. He's not gonna stop you from achieving your dreams...that's if, he likes you back."
"I don't think he likes me back, Michelle. I know it's something temporary and I'll get over, but sometimes, I just feel this connection. When I think about him, I just bring up ideas to be with him. Even when we fought, I just had to get him to be my friend because I realized he wasn't someone I could fight with." Michelle was smiling. Gabriela rolled her eyes when she saw her mischievous smile.
"C'mon Michelle, I ain't kidding."
"Dad says thinking about a guy at this age, will change my focus. He says I won't be too concerned about making those dreams come true. And he says at the end, it's either he breaks up, or he starts being violent and making the relationship - scary. He might be a gold-digger. He might be promiscuous. And then, I'll be one of those helpless women out there. And I don't want that." Michelle heaved a sigh.
"You see, Gabi. I've known Miguel for a few months now, despite us living together in Mr Jackson's mansion for years. Although I've been mad at him for some reasons, and why he did those things to me was understandable. He was shaken and frustrated at the fact that Dad had another baby with another woman just because his mom was dead. Anyone would feel the same way. But one night on the rooftop, Miguel and I discussed. He has never been in a willing relationship with any girl, never asked any girl out on a date. All he had with Claudia was forced. Miguel is an ambivert. He doesn't open up to just anyone. I knew that night he wasn't ready to tell me some stuff despite the deep discussion we had, but I heard something from Rafael just recently."
"Behind the social and hottest basketball captain in The White's Academy, who makes girls scream and drool, there's a quiet guy who has a lot of dreams and expectations, just like you, Gabriela. He also dreams to continue his father's company, have a good name and a family, just like you. He just happens to be someone with guilty pleasures, you know..."
"But if I were you, I wouldn't think twice before letting out what I truly feel inside. You've always carried the belief that girls should be self-made but what if you date a self-made boy too? They say, behind a successful man, is a woman. And you can make the most powerful and influential family."
"No! I don't wanna be behind any man, Michelle. You don't understand it."
"I do. It's because you have no idea who Miguel is. He isn't a betrayer or a gold-digger. There's absolutely nothing he needs from you because he's just as rich as you. According to Rafael, Miguel doesn't have an age for finding love, and that's what everyone should be. Finding love is natural, like I said earlier. I also said Miguel has never fallen in love, but I've seen, he's obsessed with romantic movies and the expectation of actually finding love. He doesn't know how it feels. And if he eventually falls in love, he'll love hard. He'll love with all his heart. I'm being honest."
"I'm not the one to tell you this. Make up your mind. Do you wanna share it with him? Are you sure about your feelings?"
"No, Michelle. I'm not sure about my...feelings yet. Telling him anything now might ruin our friendship. Do you think he likes me back?" Michelle nodded.
"100%. Can you remember what happened at your father's wedding? How he complimented you, and at my birthday too. The What If question. Losing the basketball rounds when you didn't attend college but winning when you attended." Gabriela gulped. She avoided her gaze, trying not to blush.
"Miguel has never been this way towards any girl. We've not been on good terms, but I've always considered him my brother. And now, we're both ready to correct those mistakes from the past. And you should erase those thoughts about love. Love doesn't pick a date, age or a particular time to happen. It just happens. You just...fall in love."
"And you? Do you like Damien?"
Michelle rubbed her temples.
"He's a nice guy. But I don't like him that way...yet. Perhaps, I'm like you. I'm not sure." They both giggled.
"Will you go to sleep now?" Gabriela nodded and yawned.
★★★★★
The lecture ended and Miguel was the only student left, taking some notes. When he was done, a group of girls burst into the lecture room, sashaying.
"What's going on, Miguel? Penny said something about you refusing to make out with her. I'm confused." One of them yelled.
"It's sad, Penny has suddenly become puke to you. Well, I'm still here." They bit their lips in unison and caressed their skin to entice him.
Miguel rolled his eyes.
"You're blocking my way. I have to get to lunch." Their eyes widened.
"What? Lunch? Your lunch is right before you." The richest and prettiest among them, Anya stepped closer and she started caressing his chest. Miguel was feeling uncomfortable.
"Please stop this! I'm not interested." He pushed her and she was shocked. The other girls wore confused looks.
"Miguel! What came over you? What changed?" She cried.
Gabriela who had been peeking and watching the whole scene barged into the lecture room and walked to them angrily.
"What's your freaking problem? You heard what he said. He's not interested in you. Why aren't you backing off?"
The girls exchanged amused glances. Anya gasped.
"Who are you to meddle in our affairs? I've been with Miguel so many times, even before you came into our school. It's obviously because you haven't tasted him." The other girls laughed.
Gabriela had a reply, her voice filled with sass.
"Maybe, I won't...maybe, someday, I will." Miguel's heart skipped a beat but was hidden by his flabbergasted expression.
"You stink like rotten fish. I would blame Miguel greatly for making out with someone like you. Your boba eyes are unattractive. Focus more on your studies and making it big. Making out constantly will turn you useless." Anya was fuming. She raised her hand to hit Gabriela but her wrist was tightly held by Miguel. Anya's eyes widened in anger and jealousy.
"Miguel! Is there something between you and this bitch?!"
"Yes dear, there's a lot between us." Gabriela added.
"Just because you're the richest teenager around, you think you can do anything. You think you can achieve everything at the snap of your fingers. But I promise you, you'll pay for turning Miguel against me."
"Yeah, I can achieve anything. When your mom dropped you at school, she got arrested for littering. That's why she's currently in jail. Oh, you're surprised I found out? It's a pity you don't care about her when you make out."
"If you ate your makeup, you could be prettier on the inside." Gabriela dissed at her and Anya couldn't help but feel shameless and embarrassed.
"You're the reason I have two middle fingers. Shoo." Gabriela pushed her slightly. Anya's girls tried to calm her down.
"Shall we, Miguel?" She stared at him with delight. He nodded and they left the lecture room.
"Arrghhhh! What's fucking happening?" She roared in anger.
~~~~~~~
Gabriela was arranging her locker when Claudia walked towards her with her minions.
"Squaddies with old soldier. What's up?" Gabriela wiggled her eyebrows.
"What's up is you leaving Miguel's house."
"I don't understand. You moved into my room. Do you expect me to stay with you in the same room? I'd stab you overnight."
Claudia laughed in a pissed way.
"Gabriela Flores. Stay the fuck away from Miguel. He's mine. He was mine. He'll always be mine."
"I already know you're an idiot. Stop trying to prove it. I don't understand. Miguel does not love you. Why are you forcing yourself on him? Anyways, I don't care."
"Actually I care." Gabriela winked and Claudia fumed.
"I don't wanna listen to your crap. Leave Miguel Jackson's house as soon as possible."
"Leave my house if you want that. Else, the next thing you might just see will kill you..." Gabriela threatened and walked away.
~~~~~~~~
The lecture hall was abuzz with the murmur of hushed conversations as the students of The White's Academy's business department settled in for their first morning lecture. Professor Geneva, a woman with an air of authority and a hint of warmth, strode in, her eyes scanning the room before coming to rest on the students. "Good morning, class. Today we're diving into market analysis. But before we begin, I have an announcement. We have a new student joining us."
The room erupted into a chorus of curious glances and excited whispers. The mean girls, led by Claudia, exchanged sly glances, their minds already racing with the possibility of a new target for their bullying. But their expressions changed from indifference to awe as the door swung open and a girl walked in.
Carissa Connor was a vision of confidence and style. Her high ponytail made her look statuesque, and her tall heels only added to her imposing presence. She wore a red and black crop top that showcased her toned physique, paired with a tight skirt that hugged her curves. A designer chain bag slung over her shoulder and a matching phone chain sparkled in the light, exuding an aura of wealth. A ring adorned her finger, and a nose piercing glinted, giving her an edgy charm.
Professor Geneva smiled warmly. "Everyone, please welcome Carissa Connor, daughter of Mr. Connor, one of the top 10 richest men in the country. Mr. Connor is also a business partner of Mr. Flores, Gabriela's father."
Gabriela's eyes lit up as she waved enthusiastically at Carissa, her face beaming with excitement. "Hey, Carissa! Welcome!" She couldn't help but admire Carissa's beauty and poise, and she immediately wanted her to join her squad.
But not everyone was as thrilled. Claudia's eyes narrowed as she took in Carissa's confident demeanor. The professor's next words made her stomach drop. "Carissa is also the sister of Marissa, one of our past students who... faced some challenges during her time and sadly passed away."
Claudia's mind racing, she felt a chill run down her spine. Marissa's sister? Was she here to take revenge? She glanced at Carissa, trying to read her expression, but Carissa's face was a mask of calm confidence.
Carissa took a deep breath and introduced herself, her voice clear and assertive. "I'm Carissa Connor, 20 years old. I'm here to make friends... and enemies." The room fell silent, with some students exchanging shocked glances. Claudia, however, felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew exactly what Carissa meant.
Professor Geneva raised an eyebrow but said nothing, instead gesturing to an empty seat near Caleb. "Why don't you take a seat over there, Carissa?"
But Carissa had other plans. With a sly smile, she walked over to Claudia, her heels clicking on the floor, and plopped down beside her. "I think I'll sit here," she said, her voice dripping with confidence.
Claudia's eyes locked onto Carissa's, a silent challenge passing between them. The game had begun, and Claudia was determined to know what Carissa wanted and how to keep her quiet. Little did she know, Carissa was not someone to be underestimated.
Gabriela, Diana, Isabella and Carissa had instantly clicked and started hanging out.
That angered Claudia the more.
"Carissa is not the only one who will be eliminated. Gabriela will not be spared too."
Isabella and Carissa were walking in the hallway.
"What do you think about our school?"
"The ambience is really friendly and cool. I love the basketball team already." Carissa winked, her voice filled with excitement.
"Really? Who's your favorite?" Isabella was curious.
"The basketball team captain was the first I heard about, and seeing him, he's actually hotter than I expected. I mean, Miguel Jackson. But, another one caught my eye. Rafael. I love his hair! I hope he notices me. I'd love to go out with him." Isabella's eyes widened a little, stopping the gasp from escaping her lips. She gulped before speaking,
"He's..taken." Her voice was firm.
"Taken? Aww. Who's the lucky girl?"
"I don't know, but she won't like you messing around with her man." Carissa nodded.
"I'm not here for that." They both laughed.
"I know you're here for Claudia. Please tell me what you know about your sister's death. Did Claudia kill her?" Isabella was whispering.
"Yes."
~~~~~~~
The school day was over, and students were heading home.
Michelle was packing her books.
"Hey, Michelle!" Damien greeted her with a smile.
"Oh, hi Damien."
"I need your help. Can you teach me some math tonight? Just for the test?" Damien asked.
"Of course," Michelle replied.
"I'll be glad to." Damien was delighted.
"Thank you so much, Michelle. I really appreciate this."
"You're welcome."
~~~~~~
The tired friends threw themselves on the sofa and without thinking twice, Rafael switched on the TV.
"C'mon Rafael, we're having a quiz soon. Don't you get tired of movies?" Rafael didn't reply. Damien walked upstairs.
Gabriela and Michelle entered, chattering about the day's lecture.
They went to their room, took a shower and changed their outfits.
Michelle was eating a bag of chips.
"What are you eating for dinner?" Michelle asked her.
"I don't know but I'm definitely not cooking."
"Please, Gabi, your food is so good."
"I don't feel like." Gabriela replied dryly and left the room.
She headed to Miguel's room.
The door was slightly open and she peeked in.
Her eyes almost popped out of it's socket.
She froze.
A towel was tied around his waist and he was in front of the window.
Her heart raced as she stared.
His broad shoulders stretched across his back like a canvas of toned muscle, each curve and contour etched beneath his skin like a work of art. The width of his shoulders framed his physique, giving him an athletic and powerful build.
His muscles rippled subtly as he moved, a testament to strength and fitness. The V-shape tapered down to his waist, accentuating his masculine presence.
As he wore his white tight T-shirt, Gabriela shook with desire and immense awe.
He was about to take off the towel when Gabriela gasped loudly and shut the door.
"Gabriela?"
She ran to her room and the door slam distracted Michelle from her reading.
"What's poppin', Gabi?" She asked. Her lightened face switched into worry and concern.
Gabriela was seated on the bed, sweating and panting heavily.
Her hand was on her chest, her heart pounding hard.
Michelle placed her arm around Gabriela's shoulder.
"What happened?"
"Water..." Her heavy breathing intensified. Michelle went to the table and poured a glass of water from the jug.
"Gabriela, calm down. What happened? Did you see something?" Gabriela nodded. Michelle felt her body temperature rise and the panic attack was getting worse.
"Let's go to a hospital.." Michelle was trying to help her up. Gabriela fell to the ground and fainted.
"Gabi! Gabi!! Help!!!!" Michelle ran out of the room, horrified.