"Hey, Miguel, guess what I heard?" Cariah said, barely containing her excitement.
Miguel looked up, intrigued, and Cariah continued, "I heard Gabriela Flores attended White's Academy! Can you believe it?" Miguel's face suddenly turned red, and he stuttered, "Y-yes, it's true."
Cariah didn't seem to notice Miguel's reaction and kept talking, "I mean, have you seen her? She's stunning!"
Miguel nodded, still looking a bit flustered, and managed to squeak out a "yes".
Cariah's eyes sparkled as she watched Miguel's expression change, and she asked, "Why did your face turn red when I mentioned Gabriela?" Miguel tried to brush it off, "I'm fine, nothing's wrong." But Cariah wasn't buying it. Her eyes widened as a realization hit her, "Wait, you're also attending The White's Academy, aren't you?"
Just then, Mr. Jackson chimed in, "Miguel and Gabriela are actually very good friends." Cariah's eyes lit up with surprise, "Really? That's amazing! I haven't seen any photos of you two together online, though." She thought for a moment and then said,
"Maybe Gabriela doesn't like posting about her personal life."
Cariah giggled mischievously and teased Miguel, "I've noticed you blush every time I mention Gabriela. Do you like her?" Miguel rolled his eyes and said,
"Aunt, stop being such a baby." Mr. Jackson intervened, "Cariah, come eat dinner before it gets cold." Cariah grinned cheekily and headed to the dining room with Miguel.
Cariah was staring at her phone screen on the dining.
"Oh my gosh, the selfies are so cute! She's with her friend Isabella." Cariah passed the phone to Miguel and she could swear he was mesmerized by her beauty.
Gabriela had tried on American makeup and it hit - different. Cariah took the phone from him.
Cariah read the caption out loud.
"I love to make boys cry. Boys like Miguel." Miguel's eyes widened.
Cariah and Mr. Jackson exchanged glances and he tried to fight his chuckle.
"Did she type that?"
"No. It's just I love to make boys cry."
"No phones on the table, Cariah."
"Right." Cariah's phone was back in her purse.
"You're not sleeping tonight until you tell me the thing between you and Gabriela, exactly." Miguel ignored Cariah.
"They are just friends, Cariah. But if she's my daughter-in-law, I really don't mind."
"Dad!" He yelled and Cariah burst into hearty laughter.
"You're making his heart beat faster than necessary."
"Let me finish this dinner, then you tell me what's going on in your mind."
~~~~~LATER THAT NIGHT~~~~~
"Yay!! I forced the truth out of you Miguel, I won!"
"Of course I always win." Cariah was excited that Miguel finally blurted out his feelings.
"I'm the happiest and proudest aunt right now. But, Miguel, there's a bargain."
"Bargain?" Miguel was confused.
"Yeah. I'm a fan of Gabriela and I've been dying to meet her. You link me up with her and I guide you in confessing your feelings."
"I'm not confessing - its not the time yet."
"What makes you think its not the time?"
"Michelle said...I should probably wait till we graduate. And I also think our graduation ceremony would be the perfect day to tell her how I feel."
"How do you intend to do it?" Cariah questioned.
"I...I don't know. I'm clueless."
"I disagree with the time. Anyway, are we game?" Miguel thought for a while.
If Miguel truly desired to express his feelings to Gabriela, he would need to acquire the skills to do so effectively, and Cariah, with her youthful energy despite being 29 years older, would be the ideal mentor to guide him through this process.
As his second mother, confidante, and effortless conversationalist, Cariah possessed a unique blend of wisdom, empathy, and playfulness that would allow her to connect with Miguel on his level and provide valuable insights.
Given their close relationship, Miguel felt comfortable approaching Cariah with his concerns and was eager to take up the idea of learning from her expertise, hoping that with her guidance, he would be able to articulate his emotions to Gabriela in a way that was both sincere and impactful.
With Cariah's mentorship, Miguel was confident that he could bridge the gap between his feelings and his ability to express them.
"We are game." After a high-five, Cariah was more than honored.
"First, do you think she likes you back?"
"Yeah. Michelle told me."
"I think you have to get used to this, first. You're a man! You should stop being so shy."
~~~~~~~
Gabriela woke up feeling refreshed and happy, eager to start the new school year at White's Academy. She got ready, styling her hair in a high ponytail and accentuating her features with bold Latina makeup.
As she arrived at school, she noticed the changes that the Flores family's donation had brought - modern facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Her eyes widened as she saw the noticeboard displaying the names of students who passed the last exam.
Scanning the list, she spotted her name at the top - number one out of 65 students in the Business department. Michelle was second, followed by Isabella, Rafael, and then Miguel, who was fifth. Diana ranked sixth, Carissa seventh, and Damien eighth. Claudia's name, however, was way down at 56, despite her mother being a professor.
Gabriela couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and curiosity, wondering how Miguel was doing. As she turned to leave with her friends, they couldn't resist teasing Claudia about her ranking.
"Guess someone's mom being a professor doesn't guarantee success," one of them joked, chuckling.
Just then, Claudia appeared, fashionably dressed and surrounded by her minions. She was holding an expensive chain attached to a cute puppy, which was barking loudly and causing a commotion. Carissa's eyes lit up as she watched the puppy.
With a mischievous grin, she whispered to her friends, "Watch me."
As the scene unfolded, Gabriela couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between her own confidence and Claudia's attempts to buy her way to popularity. The Flores family's donation had certainly elevated White's Academy, but it seemed some things remained unchanged - like the social dynamics and rivalries that made college so interesting.
Claudia tried to avoid Carissa but she blocked her way.
"Where in life did things get so wrong with you, bitch?" Claudia's eyes widened.
"Hey. I'm not interested in fighting with you, Carissa. Just...back off. Please."
"Really? I'll like you to stop wearing Gabriela's hand-me-downs. She used to wear that crop top when she was fifteen." The students around giggled, not believing what they were hearing.
"How did you get it?"
"Gabriela, you're so nice giving your old clothes to your sister just to look nice." Claudia was fuming.
She stomped her foot on the ground in anger and just wanted to disappear. Gabriela blocked her way and pushed her.
Claudia staggered back.
"How dare you make a comeback with some weird looking little puppy?"
She leaned closer to whisper.
"After killing Fluff...and Marissa?" Claudia was struck by lightning.
Her heart pounded hard in her chest.
"How the fuck did she...did she know?" She thought.
"Shut up, Gabriela. Its not like you know anything about Marissa and her stupid kitten."
"Of course I do. Wanna hear it from the Head Of College?" Gabriela winked. She led the way and her friends followed, leaving Claudia and her minions, standing there washed with embarrassment.
"Nadia, Sandra, Biscuit isn't safe. Don't let anything happen to him, else, you're both dead." They nodded.
~~~~~~~
Michelle and Gabriela were heading to the library discussing about a novel.
"Um...Where's Miguel?" Gabriela changed the topic.
"Why are you asking about him?" Michelle tried her best to look innocent.
"It's....it's because I haven't seen him all day.." Michelle burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"What's wrong with you? You're so fucking loud." Gabriela felt awkward. They entered the library and fell silent.
"Damien asked to sit on the same table during lunch." She spoke softly.
"Really?" Gabriela was astonished.
"Sounds nice. Can I come too?"
"No. Its just us."
"Do you think he wants to ask you out on an official date?"
"Maybe."
~~~~~~
As the long lecture break came to a close, the boys on the basketball team hastily changed into their jerseys and made their way to the indoor basketball court. The court's bright lights illuminated the polished floor, and the sound of sneakers squeaking on the wood echoed through the room. The bleacher seats, usually empty during practice sessions, began to fill with supporters, mostly female students, who had caught wind of the team's schedule.As the players took to the court, a group of girls, including Carissa, Diana, and Isabella, swarmed in, snapping selfies with the athletes.
The team members good-naturedly posed for photos, laughing and joking with the girls. The library nearby emptied as students poured out, curious about the commotion.
The coaches arrived, and the noise level decreased slightly as the players turned their attention to the upcoming practice. The supporters, mostly female students, settled into the bleacher seats, their eyes fixed on the players.
Cameras clicked as they took pictures, and whispers of admiration filled the air, particularly about Miguel's athletic build.Miguel's team coach began discussing the upcoming match, outlining strategies and emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
While his teammates listened intently, Miguel's mind wandered, his gaze drifting off the court. He seemed lost in thought, his usual focus absent.As practice commenced, the supporters' cheers grew louder, echoing off the walls as the game intensified. Miguel's team clashed with their opponents, each side vying for dominance. When Miguel missed a crucial shot, a collective gasp rose from the crowd.
Just then, the doors burst open, and Gabriela and Michelle strode in. The room fell silent as all eyes landed on Gabriela, who wore a red sports headband adorned with the iconic badge of Miguel's team. She was the first non-basketball player to ever wear the headband, and the supporters went wild with speculation.
Murmurs and whispers spread like wildfire as everyone wondered about the significance of Gabriela's gesture. Was she signaling her support for Miguel, or was there something more to it?
Claudia, seated in the front row, looked like she had been punched in the gut, her face pale with shock and anger. She seemed frozen in place, her eyes fixed on Gabriela with a mix of disdain and incredulity.
The practice session continued, but the atmosphere had shifted. The supporters were no longer just cheering for the team; they were invested in the drama unfolding before their eyes.
Gabriela went to sit next to Claudia.
Miguel's eyes locked with Gabriela's for a second and she winked, vibrant with her usual seductive beauty.
"Why are you wearing the headband? How did you get it?" Claudia questioned interrogatively.
"Wanna cry?" Gabriela smirked.
"Answer my question, you hideous thing."
"Keep shut. Let me watch this."
"Miguel!" The practice session was over and Gabriela found him alone in the changing room.
"Hi." He greeted with a smile.
"I left so many texts last night. Did you fall asleep?"
"I spent the night at my Dad's. My favorite aunt; she's staying for a few days." Gabriela's eyes twinkled with surprise.
"You must have been so happy to see her."
"Yeah. I was." The smile playing on his lips told stories Gabriela was confused about.
"Let's go out after school."
"We can - but not any other place. My Dad's mansion." Gabriela blinked rapidly trying to process the information.
"S-sure. I'm buzzed but out of fashion ideas."
"Let's go shopping." Miguel suggested.
"Really? I'd love that. Its on you!"
"Of course."
~~~~~~
Gabriela and Miguel strolled through the grand entrance of the city's most luxurious shopping mall, their matching T-shirts and baggy jeans making them look like siblings - more like couples.
Gabriela's twin braids bounced with each step, and Miguel couldn't help but grin at her carefree spirit.
Their mission was clear: to indulge in the finest shopping experience, with Miguel as Gabriela's generous benefactor. They began at a high-end boutique, where Gabriela was greeted by a personal shopping guide who helped her select exquisite dresses.
She twirled in front of mirrors, holding up designer gowns and snapping photos to send to her friends.
Miguel chuckled at her antics, joking, "You're going to need a separate closet just for these designer labels!" Gabriela giggled, playfully rolling her eyes, and the guide assisted her in trying on various outfits.
Miguel offered his opinions, complimenting her on every dress she tried on. "You look stunning in that one!" he exclaimed, as Gabriela struck a pose in a sleek, red evening gown.
Next, they visited a luxury jewelry store, where Gabriela's eyes widened at the sparkling displays. Miguel picked out a beautiful diamond necklace, fastening it around her neck.
"You shine brighter than the diamonds," he whispered, making Gabriela blush.
Their shopping spree continued, with stops at upscale shoe stores, where Gabriela tried on stilettos and boots, and a cosmetics counter, where she sampled high-end fragrances and makeup.
Miguel teased her about her "addiction" to shopping, and they took silly photos in front of a backdrop, making funny faces and poses.
As the evening drew to a close, they exited the mall, laden with bags and boxes.
Gabriela jokingly thanked Miguel for footing the bill, and he smiled, saying, "I told you, being friends with you is the best idea I've ever had. I just wanted to try it out, and now I'm hooked."Gabriela's eyes sparkled with amusement as they walked to the car. Inside, they continued to chat and laugh, reliving the highlights of their shopping adventure.
"I never knew shopping could be so much fun," he said, smiling at her.
Gabriela smiled back, her eyes shining with happiness.
"It's not just the shopping, Miguel. It's the company that makes it special."
"Let's do this again."
The drive home was filled with easy banter and laughter.
"If it's this thrilling being just a friend, what if I was his girlfriend?"
"Gabriela!" He called.
"Huh..." She jumped out of her thoughts.
"What's with the silence?"