Gabriela's eyes opened to a colder temperature. She was being stabilized in the hospital. She turned her head a little and gasped aloud.
Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
She saw Miguel first, before Michelle, Damien and Rafael. She sat up, still looking tensed.
"Gabriela, are you okay?" They all looked concerned, especially Miguel.
"I...I...I am...okay.." The doctor came in.
"The patient is awake and stable. She'll be discharged in an hour. Please give her some space to rest."
"What happened to her, doctor? Why did she faint?" Rafael asked.
"We carried out some tests and there's nothing to be worried about. She had a panic attack."
"Panic attack??" They were all amused.
The doctor carried a tray of drugs and left.
"Gabriela, why were you panicking? Is there a problem?" Damien was confused.
"Yeah. You just left the room and came back looking worried and scared. What happened to you?"
"It's nothing, guys. I'm fine." She replied in a dry tone.
"Are you sure? You couldn't have fainted without a reason." Miguel insisted to know what happened.
"I said, I'm fine."
"Maybe it's something confidential and she feels uncomfortable to share it with us." Rafael added.
"Maybe." Damien and Michelle shrugged.
~~~~~~
"Are you sure you're fine, Gabriela?" Miguel asked again.
She was sitting on his bed while she waited for him to get ready.
"I'm okay, Miguel. Stop pretending to be Mr. Caring."
"Oh yeah? We're friends. I have to look out for you and make sure you're okay."
"Indeed. I'm very okay, thanks."
~~~~~~
Miguel and Gabriela stepped out of the house, the cool evening air enveloping them. "I would've let you rest, but there's a movie I really want to catch at the cinema," Miguel said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Want to join me?"
Gabriela's face lit up. "I'd love to! Are we taking the car?"
Miguel shook his head. "Let's walk. It's good exercise, and it'll help strengthen your bones. Plus, it's supposed to reduce panic attacks."
Gabriela chuckled, her smile brightening the night. "You're always looking out for me, aren't you?"
As they strolled, they chatted and laughed, their conversation flowing effortlessly. Before they knew it, their hands had found each other, and they just laughed, feeling comfortable with the natural gesture.
At the cinema, they bought tickets, popcorn, and drinks, settling in for a cozy movie night. Gabriela's laughter echoed through the theater, and Miguel couldn't help but stare at her, captivated by her joy. When the movie ended, he noticed she'd fallen asleep, her head resting on his shoulder. He gently woke her, smiling at the sight of her peaceful face.
The rest of the night was a blur of fun and laughter. They visited a funfair, took silly photos, devoured ice cream, and watched more movies. At the claw machine, Gabriela's eyes lit up, and she played, determined to win. When she emerged victorious with a red heart-shaped keychain, her face glowed with delight.
As the night drew to a close, Gabriela complained of tired legs, and Miguel teased her about being heavy before agreeing to give her a piggyback ride. She settled onto his back, feeling content and happy. They bought more ice cream and headed home, eventually making their way to the rooftop.
As they sat together, Gabriela turned to Miguel, her eyes shining with happiness. "Tonight was perfect," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Miguel smiled.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it."
They were seated close to each other.
"So how did the movie end?"
"Clara ended up with Neil. They had a wedding on the sea."
"Thats so freaking awesome!!!" Gabriela squealed.
"And Victoria?"
"She died."
"I knew she couldn't survive it. Too bad." They were silent for a minute, staring at the night sky.
Miguel gazed at her, admiring her cuteness.
She knew it.
She smiled.
"I love when I catch you looking at me." She spoke, looking at him innocently.
She noticed the ice cream stain on his lip. She leaned in and wiped the stain with her thumb.
His eyes widened, his heart racing in his chest.
Something about this girl drove him crazy.
Gabriela licked the stain off her thumb seductively. He was blown away.
They both chuckled.
"I got you something, actually." Gabriela's eyes lit up.
"What?"
"Wait for me."
Minutes later, he returned and Gabriela was astonished.
It was a twinkling pearl belly chain.
He gave it to her.
"How do you know I love this?" He didn't respond.
"Thank you!" The sudden hug made him shocked.
But this time, he wrapped his arms around her comfortably.
"It's gonna be a long night, Miguel." She broke the hug.
They continued chatting and laughing for hours, until Gabriela fell asleep again.
He smiled gracefully staring at her. He lifted her on his shoulder and took her inside.
"How was the outing?" Michelle asked in a whisper.
"She had fun. Please look after her. Her smile is priceless."
Michelle chuckled.
"I will." He placed her gently on the bed and covered her with the sheets.
Michelle noticed the glint of nervousness but awe in his eyes.
"Go to bed, Miguel. She'll be fine."
"I was terrified when she fainted. Take care of her."
"Leave!" She rasped. They chuckled.
~~~~~~
Carissa walked down the crowded hallway, her eyes scanning the sea of unfamiliar faces. Suddenly, her path was blocked by Claudia and her entourage. Claudia's icy gaze pierced through Carissa, her voice dripping with venom.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Claudia sneered. "What do you want from me, huh? What brings you to our school?"
Carissa raised an eyebrow, a hint of sass in her tone. "Why are you asking me all these questions? I'm here to learn, just like everyone else."
Nadia, one of Claudia's minions, snorted. "Don't play dumb, girl. We all know you've got an ulterior motive."
Claudia's eyes narrowed. "Whether you have a motive or not, I think it's best if you leave our school. For your own safety, of course."
Carissa's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with determination. "Do you know who Marissa is?" she asked, her voice steady.
Claudia's swallow was barely perceptible, but Carissa caught the flicker of nervousness in her eyes. "Should I?" Claudia replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
"She's my sister," Carissa said, her gaze piercing. "And I'm here to find out who killed her."
The hallway fell silent, the only sound the distant chatter of students. Sandra, another minion, spoke up, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Good luck with your findings."
Carissa's eyes locked onto Claudia, her voice taking on a deadly tone. "You know, Claudia, I think I'll start with you. Why did you kill my sister?"
The bell rang, shattering the tense silence. Claudia's face twisted in a mixture of anger and fear. "You better stay in your place, stop accusing me," she spat, before turning to leave. "Class is starting. You shouldn't be late."
As they walked away, Carissa called out, "This isn't over, Claudia." The hallway seemed to grow quieter, as if the very walls were listening, waiting for the next move in this deadly game of cat and mouse.
~~
Diana and Michelle sat with Gabriela at the cafeteria lunch table, giggling about Claudia. "We've been making her life hell," Diana said, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We've been making her do all the dishes, hiding her snacks, forcing her to do our laundry... and when she refused, we hired some able-bodied women to pay her a visit."
Gabriela and Michelle burst out laughing. "And the pièce de résistance?" Diana continued, grinning. "We switched her warm bath to scalding hot, and she got burned."
Just then, Isabella joined the table, and Gabriela turned to her, her expression serious. "What's going on with you? You've been acting strange since I left."
Isabella's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "What are you talking about?"
Gabriela's gaze narrowed. "Don't play dumb. I know you've been distracted by some boy. Who is it?"
Isabella dodged the question, and Gabriela didn't press further, her attention diverted by Diana's admiration of her belly chain. Carissa joined the table, oohing over the chain, and Michelle mentioned that Miguel had gotten it for Gabriela.
Diana and Isabella exchanged surprised glances, and Isabella winked at Gabriela, saying, "Now who's with a boy?"
Gabriela's face reddened with anger. "Miguel is just a friend, nothing else!" Michelle intervened, calming Gabriela down, but Isabella looked upset and left the table.
Claudia stormed over to the table, her face twisted in anger. She threw Gabriela's door keys at her face. "This is the key to your room. I'm leaving."
The girls exclaimed in unison, "Finally!!!" Claudia's expression turned smug. "That's because Heiress Claudia Flores has gotten a new apartment and a brand new car."
Gabriela's eyes widened in shock. "Heiress? What are you talking about?"
Claudia smirked. "The company is in my name now. That makes me the heiress."
Gabriela's face paled. "Show me proof."
Claudia shrugged. "Ask your dad. He knows."
Gabriela felt dizzy, trying to process the information. She grabbed her bag and rushed to the female restroom, leaving her friends staring after her in concern.
"Dad! Dad! What the fuck did you do?" She roared, on a call with her father, Alejandro.
"What do you mean, Gabriela? Is that a way to greet your father?"
"What do I mean? What was Claudia saying about being the heiress? You promised me these things. What changed? How could you, Dad?" She cried.
"Gabriela, calm down and listen."
"I'm not interested. I don't wanna hear anything from you!"
"Not even an explanation?" Gabriela was quiet, fuming and crying silently.
"Gabriela dear, I fooled Jennie. The documents are still in your name and it'll always be. What makes you think I'd change it? I love you, my daughter and even if I'm married now, I respect my wife in making you my heiress."
"Prove it, Dad."
"I'll send you the pictures. Everything is still yours, my daughter."
She gulped.
"I'm sorry for yelling."
~~~~~
"You make my heart skip a beat."
"Cuddling you will be the best thing right now."
"You're my special someone."
"Send your prettiest selfie."
"Stealing your heart was the perfect crime."
"Good night, heartbeat. Come to my dreams."
"What?" Gabriela couldn't help but shudder at the love texts from the mystery guy on Isabella's phone.
"Okay, what is this, Isabella?" Isabella came in and was startled to see Gabriela in the room with her phone in her hand.
"What's what? I don't understand."
"What don't you understand? Isabella you've changed. And now I know why. This guy is getting butterflies in your tummy. Who is he?" The contact was saved as 'Hottie.'
"We're not dating, we're just friends."
"Who is he, Isabella?" Isabella chuckled.
"You sound like my mom right now. Please, I'm not in for your questions. You're back and you should be hungry. Why not go eat dinner?"
"I'm not eating dinner until you answer my question. Who's the crush?"
"Rafael." Gabriela's eyes widened good-naturedly.
"Wow. Little wonder he's always on his phone. But why did you hide it from me?"
They both sat.
"Why should I tell you? If I did, you'd say 'i've got a bad feeling about it, I don't think you should date anyone now, you're too young.' blah, blah, blah. Gabriela, I'm 20. And love can come anytime. It's here and I think he's the one, Gabi."
"Don't come to me when you breakup." Isabella frowned.
Gabriela giggled.
"I think Rafael is a nice guy. You're lucky."
"And Miguel? The belly chain he got you is stunning." She winked. Gabriela faked a frown.
"We're not in a relationship, Isabella. He just got it because he knew I use belly chains. It's nothing serious."
"Calling you sexy at Mr. Alejandro's wedding is nothing serious?"
"It's nothing serious."
"Diana made dinner. I'm famished." Isabella got up, took her phone and left the room. Gabriela heard her phone beep in a message.
Her cheeks flushed to see the text from Miguel.
"You left without saying goodbye. I miss you already."