Chapter 32

Seventeen: Mature & Handsome
After the moment on the bench Riguel and I decided to pass the time riding the ferris-wheel. Also it's close to lunch time so we're about to leave here. This is the first time I've been to an amusement park here in Antique, usually because we go abroad during summer break.
I always took pictures every time we went to the high part of the ferris-wheel, Riguel laughed as he watched me.
"My birthday is already near, and in Cavite it will be held." He promised. I looked at him because of what he said.
"I'm inviting you and your family, actually Mom and Dad decided to invite your family." He said while looking intently at me.
"Oh, that's nice. And, Cavite is far from Antique .." I know where Cavite is because Mommy told me that Dad also has a mansion there, and that mansion is a heritage from my Grandfather. Dad's father.
Mama also told me that Dad and I actually stayed there in Cavite when they were kids. I haven't been there yet because we stayed in Antique because the underground base is closer to it, and it's safer.
"After my birthday, three days later it's Jizan's birthday ... the Manchester Zoldyck planned on celebrating Jizan's birthday in Manila, and also invited my family and your family." Is their birthday just around the corner? And of course they will invite us, because Tito Manzo and Dad are close.
"Besides, I found out that an engagement will also be announced on Jizan's birthday." Riguel simply said, engagement? Who will get married? Jizan or Jax?
Maybe it's not Jax because he's still underage, will Jizan get married?
"Will Jizan get married?" I immediately asked, Riguel just shrugged at my question.
"I don't know the exact information, but as far as I know there will be someone to engage with Jizan's birthday. And, I think that's good for him too, because he's turning 24 this year." 24? I thought 23? We're only 5 years apart right?
"24? I thought it's 23?" I asked.
"Jizan is in 1995, why 23?" Riguel asked with a laugh, oh. Maybe when I was born he was 5 years old and then months later he also had a birthday.
So ... we are 6 years apart. Not 5.
"How about you? How old are you this year?" I asked.
"Hmm, 19." Oh, he's young. That's why his aura is pretty cute. But he's mature though.
"You're one year older than me? I thought it was around 20." I laughed saying.
"Eh? Am I that old in your eyes?" Riguel asked me with a laugh.
"What? I didn't say that!" Annoyed I said, I don"t really get myself, why every time I"m with Riguel or Jizan I"m always annoyed.
I saw the glow of her diamond earring and looked down. "Ahm, do you find me attractive?" He asked and I saw his cheek blush at his own question.
Its cute! "Why did you suddenly asked?"
"I'm just curious about what you think of me, physically." I couldn"t help but laugh because of what Riguel said. I immediately pinched his cheeks and I saw his shock.
"You're charming, though." maybe because of the dimples ... actually he's the only man I know who has dimples on one cheek.
"That's an underrated compliment." He also laughed and said, I just fell in love with him. She thanked him and I told her she was charming, only once so I complimented her.
"I just noticed, that's getting more heavenly now." The smile disappeared from my lips because of what he said. What does he mean?
"I mean, when we first met you didn't smile, you didn't even laugh at our jokes. You don't even smile, but now you enjoy smiling and laughing." I immediately avoided looking at him.
"And I am really happy because of that, because you are becoming comfortable to us. And you seem to consider us your friends. I really feel proud that we broke the high wall, you're building." he paused.
"Can I use my second wish?" I was surprised at what he said.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Please be happy always, don't be afraid to be happy."
After that ferris-wheel ride we quietly went to the exit of the amusement park because we were going to eat at the restaurant we saw. I looked at Jizan and saw him looking at Riguel's arm that was hugging me.
I just averted my eyes and looked at Avie, she is now wearing Ryl's jacket anymore. And I saw sadness in her eyes, my forehead frowned because of her face.
Jax doesn't look happy also, tangina? What happened to these? We just broke up with them something happened right away.
I decided to sit beside Avie in the back, I need to talk to her about her sudden change of mood.
Riguel and Ryl are side by side, while Jax and Jizan are side by side, brother to brother.
I looked at Avie and she immediately raised an eyebrow.
"What the fuck happened?" I asked.
"He rejected me ..." He said softly ...
"Ryl?" I asked and he nodded.
"What? But why?" I asked her.
"He doesn't like me raw, because I'm spoiled and he only sees me as a sister." I could see the sadness in Avie"s eyes because of what she had experienced.
"That's fine, atleast you tried." I tried to console her.
"But why? Am I not pretty enough? Or maybe he wants someone else?" Avie asked me tearfully.
"Oh come'on, you have Santillana blood in you. And none of our race is not handsome or beautiful, you resembles Dad. And if you think you're ugly then are you saying that Dad is ugly too?" I asked her.
"Kasi naman e, he said I'm spoiled, Am i?" She asked me. I didn't answer that and just smiled at her, Avie is really spoiled but I don't want to make her feel worse now so I just smiled.
"And Jaxryl is mad at Raj."
"What? Why?"
"Because Raj rejected me, and Jax was angry because Raj didn't seem to be considerate." He says. What the fuck? Seriously Jax? Considerate? Tss.
"I'm nervous, because they might break up their friendship just because of me." He said softly.
"Come on Avie, we are Santillana's we shouldn't worry about the things that aren't meant for us. If Ryl isn't the one for you then don't worry about him, we can easily find another man that worth loving. " I just said.
"Your right ..." He whispered softly.
"How about you? Do you like someone now?" I was surprised by Avie's sudden question to me, I immediately looked at her and shook my head.
"Why would I like someone? You know me Avie." I said.
"Eh, Riguel and Jizan are very close, don't you have a type for them?" My forehead immediately frowned at what Avie had said. Just close, crush right away? Tss.
"No. I don't like them, annoying ones." I immediately said.
"Then why did you dress up for today? You usually don't dress up for things like this." He says. He is right. Why am I dressed for this gala?
"I just felt an urge to dress up." I tried to cover up.
"Well, it's up to you."
"But for me choose Jizan, Men like him handles relationships very well. And men like him, loves tenderly, also ㅡ"
"Men like him are just lustful." I cut to what he had to say. Admittedly, older men love things like that.
"Oh yeah? But don't you like it? He will handle your bratty attitude very well. And I think he is an expert when it comes to mature relationships." He said. I was just stunned by what Avie said.
"As for Riguel, maybe he's mature in a relationship too. But I don't think so you'll last because men his age loves to play a lot. And he just wants fling-fling." He said, is he insulting Riguel to me?
"Don't slander Riguel, you won't be rejected by his brother, you'll feel sorry for his brother." I laughed saying to her, she pouted in front of me.
"Ah basta! I still think Jizan is the right man for you he's mature and handsome, san kapa?"

Eighteen: Darkness & Viciousness
Days passed and the college students became busy, so Jizan could no longer spend lunch with us. I was always with Riguel because Riguel and I decided to help Avie make Ryl like him.
I'm really glad though that Riguel is helping us. I'm not really affected by what's happening to Avie and Ryl, but I can't help but worry about Avie, because these past few days she's always been sad and she's not rude because I know she's too kind to be angry.
But, he doesn't seem like he used to be. I pity her for feeling like that, so Riguel just helped me make his sister Avie like him.
They don't really want to be crushed anymore, they start to be friends and they become close.
"So the plan is to make Ryl see Avie in a different way? He can't see Avie as a spoiled brat?" I asked Riguel, he immediately nodded at me.
We're here at the library to talk about this because it's not possible in their house because he has cousins ​​because his birthday is coming up.
Speaking of his birthday, it's Saturday and I'm also thankful that he won't be working next week Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, because of the teachers' seminar so I can also go to Jizan's birthday.
"Yes, Raj is really difficult to persuade. It's even more difficult for babies, so we'll have a hard time." I just laughed at what Riguel said.
"You're just like your brother. Do you all mind babies?" I will ask. He looked at me seriously.
"I'm not a baby, maybe the woman I want will just say that she also wants me, I'll be guilty of that right away." I smiled a little because of what he said.
"Oh? You're so fragile?" I smiled at the promise.
"Yeah, you can call me that." How can Riguel fall in love? Maybe the woman will be lucky because Riguel is very jolly and happy to talk to her. And he was a very sincere man.
Well how about Jizan? Jizan is always a pretty serious type, and doesn't move much but maybe, he's caring when it comes to the woman he loves.
"How can you tell when you like the person?" I asked him. She raised an eyebrow because of what I said.
"Why? Do you have someone you're not sure you like?" He asked. I was shaken by him.
"Nah, just curious." I said.
"Oh well, first you want him to always see you. Second, you always miss him. Third, you don't want him talking to another woman. Fourth, you want him to be yours. Lastly, if you're nervous whenever he's around. " Oh? So that's how it is?
"But it also depends on you, but for me that's how I knew I wanted him." I nodded to his statement.
Riguel is good at words of wisdom. It's obvious that it's really good with the word.
"Tell me if you like anything." He immediately said.
I laughed. "It's impossible for that to happen, I'm too young for that, and I'd rather just lock myself in the house."
"Really? Be careful with your words, there was never too young and too old for love." She said smiling.
He"s right, Dad fell inlove with Mom when he"s 15. And they really became for each other. Whenever I remember the story of Mom and Dad I can"t help but marvel at their love story. They both sacrificed too much for their love.
They have gone through a lot, but here they are now. Very happy and contented with life, and I badly wanted to be like them, that whoever I will love first is the one who really is and no one else.
It's lunch time and I was shock to see Jizan on our table again, he's with Kylie again, maybe to talk about their feasib.
Riguel is next to me now and we are talking about Avie and Ryl. We already have codenames for them so we won't be noticed, which is Romeo & Juliet. Funny right?
"Isn't your birthday coming up? What if we'll set Romeo and Juliet to be locked up in one room? And open it up, tomorrow early in the morning?" Riguel suggested.
"No! You can't do that, Juliet's parents will be crazy, if they can't see their child." I laugh at the promise.
"Well yes, you're right. I'll think of another plan again, as long as it has to happen on my birthday." I nodded at him.
I looked at Avie and saw that he was not comfortable facing Ryl, even though he was next to Jax he was still not comfortable.
I understand her though because I know she was really hurt by what Ryl said to her. He's also crazy, he's just going to reject, he's going to say hurtful words. Tss.
"Oh, so you mean maybe we will pass this feasib even without my help?" I turned my ear to Jizan and Kylie talking.
I can"t help but be annoyed with Kylie, really? Passing without helping? What about the complacency of this woman? Thick face too ah.
"Yeah, I don't mind really. Besides, you told me you'd go grocery this Saturday so you can't come with us, right?" Jizan asked.
"Yes eh, and I'll go to my Lola's house for her birthday. But don't worry, if you need my help just call me, okay?"
"Yeah, sure." Jizan agreed. So they have each other's number? Pake ko? Stop it Eveanna, you should never interfere about their businesses.
Don't stick your nose in someone else's business.
"But you can come with me! You can help me with the groceries, so that you can talk to me about the feasib while nag-g-grocery."
I can"t help but be blown away by the wind because of what Kylie said, seriously? Obviously, she likes Jizan, and she simply invites him on a date by accompanying her to groceries.
Tss, smart too e.
"Hey? You okay?" I looked at Riguel because of his question.
"Yeah why?" I asked.
"You look like you're holding back a laugh, is there anything funny?" He asked curiously. I wanted to share the pitiful Kylie so I immediately whispered to Riguel.
"Kylie obviously wants to date Jizan, it's a pity to hear that." I said and giggled with laughter.
Riguel looked at me and whispered as well.
"Don't listen to what they talk about, they're always flirting. They're supposed to be together." Riguel whispered, I immediately looked at Riguel as if I couldn't believe it.
"Really?" I said softly, Riguel nodded like an innocent child.
I looked at Kylie, beautiful, smooth, sexy, matured and just the same age as Jizan. Maybe Riguel is right, that his types are the likes of Kylie.
"I never thought Jizan would have a girlfriend soon." I whispered to Riguel again, Riguel turned to me and patted my forehead.
"Fuck!" My voice grew louder so that those at the table looked at us.
"Hey, what is it, Brother, are you hurting Evie?" Jax asked.
"No! It was an accident." Riguel said with a laugh, I looked at him badly but he just smiled at me.
But I was shocked when he suddenly stroked my forehead.
"Sorry ..." he said and grinned.
"You're not sincere!" I said angrily.
"I'm sorry, Eveanna Katriel." I looked at him sharply but he kept smiling from ear to ear so I couldn't help myself and laughed.
"You're really crazy!" Annoyed I promise.
Riguel smiled at me and continued eating, I also ate and then I looked at Jizan. His forehead is now creased, and I know he"s in a bad mood.
What's the problem with this one? Is it mens? His jaws tightened again and again, and when he looked at me, I was shocked because of the darkness and viciousness in his eyes. He looks like a tiger ready to land.
I just looked away from him and got up to leave the Cafeteria. Riguel followed me and at the same time we entered inside our classrooms.

Nineteen: Mature Relationship
Tomorrow is Riguel's birthday, so we're leaving for Cavite tomorrow. I'm also a bit excited because I haven't been to Cavite yet, and I really want to go there so that I can see how Mom and Dad grew up there.
Soren is bringing his friends, Khadin and Leviathan. As far as I know, they are from the size of Manila, and they are here to learn about business managing.
I looked at Avie and saw that she was smiling and she was back from her old self again. Jolly attitude is back again. And I never felt been so proud before.
I picked up my cellphone and texted Riguel.
To: Riguel
Guess what, my sister's mood is back!
He immediately replied.
From: Riguel
That's very nice to hear. (:
I smiled because of the smiley emoji at the end of his message. I immediately get into the car to take us to SIA. When we arrived we immediately talked about Riguel's birthday which will be held tomorrow.
'I heard the Santillana's and Zoldyck's are going.'
'Where is it?'
'I didn't hear about that e.'
My lips twisted because of the amount of gossip that spread at school. Did I think it was an elite school? Why are there gossips?
I felt someone walking next to me and I saw that it was Riguel.
"Good morning." He greeted.
"Good morning." I said and smiled a bit. He smells like McDonalds, did he eat there?
"I'm excited for tomorrow." He said while smiling and exposing his dimples.
"Me too. It's my first time to go to Cavite." I said.
"Oh? Me too." He laughed and said, what about the fun of this mokong? What did it eat? McChicken?
"After the celebration tomorrow we will take a bath at the resort." My face lit up because of that, I love beaches. Because I calm down when I"m there.
"So your two days birthday celebration?" I asked, and he nodded.
"Yup, because on the Third Day, we're. Going to Manila for Jizan's birthday." Oh right, Jizan's birthday, I almost forgot about it.
Maybe later I'll buy gifts for them. Riguel is a basketball player so maybe I'll buy him some basketball stuffs. While Jizan is the type of person who likes to attend formal events, so maybe a cufflinks for him?
"We're just absent for the whole week, Jizan and you are still embarrassed. Spend the day." I laughed and said, even though he laughed too.
"That's what will happen because there will be a feast held underground for Jizan's birthday after the normal celebration, tomorrow is a feast." He promised, I heard a lot about feast.
That was the honorable ceremony for the next heir. I bet Riguel will also have a feast but not yet because he is still young. It usually starts at the age of 22 for men, and 18 for women.
"Oh, I see. And about the engagement? Who will engage?" I asked.
"I also don't know, there's no leaked info. Besides, Zoldyck said." I nodded at what Riguel said. Zoldyck? Who among the two? Jizan or Jax?
"It's weird if it's Jax, isn't it? He's still young, maybe Jizan." I said, I looked at him and he looked at me.
"Uh, I don't think so, it's not supposed to get married until Lina can move on." I just nodded at what Riguel said.
"Who is it? Tito Manzo doesn't have any other children?" I asked, Or maybe there is? Did he adopt again?
"We'll know that too, so let's just wait." He said, I just nodded there.
As I was walking I was surprised when Jizan suddenly appeared in front of us and looked at the two of us.
"Stop talking, you're late." That's all he said and walked to their building, I looked at my wrist watch and my forehead furrowed when I saw there - 45 more minutes. Tss, is that crazy?
Riguel and I looked at each other and just shrugged. When I got to the classroom, I immediately sat in my chair and so did Riguel who was just next to me.
"Hey Evie! I heard you're close with Senior Jizan!" I looked at my classmate who suddenly spoke, this is the first time my classmate has talked to me.
He saw the confusion on my face so he laughed. "I'm Gwen, and I really ship Senior Jizan with Senior Kylie!"
Smiling she said. I frowned at what he said, what?
"Oh, okay? What's wrong with me?" I asked. She just laughed and shook her head.
"I wanted to know the real score between them e, I wonder if they naba or not." She paused.
"But I heard them already, Linda said they were already raw." And who the fuck is Linda? I don't know that, and I really don't care.
"So Evie? Since you're close, have you heard from Senior Jizan that they're already together?" Gwen asked, I know she's hoping I'll say 'yes' to them, but duh? The hell I care.
"Just ask Jizan, I am not really interested about his life." I said. Gwen snickered at me so I raised an eyebrow.
"You mean, they really are but I can't admit it because Senior Jizan still likes them!" He said angrily.
I laughed. "What are you fighting for?"
"I am just asking that they are? Because you are close." She said again. I just sighed because of what Gwen said. Hayst.
"As for your gossip, don't be a pakealamera, they're alive." I said. I could see the shock in Gwen's eyes because of what I said.
"Ugh! Fine! You're so rude, you thought you were beautiful, you're just the mayor's son!" He said angrily.
"Get out of my sight, my eye hurts ah." Annoyed, I heard Riguel's weak laugh next to me so I looked at him.
"What? Why are you laughing? Nothing's funny!" I was annoyed with his promise.
"Nothing, you're just so cute when you're disgusted. I can't help but be happy." Smiling he said, I rolled my eyes at him.
"I'm just in the washroom." I said.
I went to the washroom and entered a cubicle just as the two women who were talking entered.
"Omg, Ky! Are you Jizan?" I heard a girl asked.
"It's embarrassing to say but yes, we're Jizan but he wants to keep it private." I heard Kylie said.
"Oh girl, I heard a lot of people like your boyfriend there. Especially the Mayor's son! What's his name? Is it Evie?" Uncertainty says one.
What the fuck? And who said I like Jizan? I didn't say anything like that, did I?
"What? That Evie is his younger brother? But I heard them and Riguel?" And where did that come from again? Riguel and I are not! Tangina talaga!
"My god, that woman's flirting. Riguel is already flirting with your boyfriend!" The girl said.
"Calm down, Greta. I can handle that Evie, she's immature, because she's young." Kylie said with full confidence. Me? Immature? Tsk! Maybe Soren will think more mature of them!
"The important thing is, Jizan and I. And no one can take him away when he's with me." This is Kylie.
"Yeah, but I heard that Evie was also thorny ㅡ"
"Can you just shut up Greta ?! My Jizan okay ?!" I was shocked by Kylie"s sudden scream, I couldn"t help but laugh because of what Kylie said.
It's a good thing Kylie didn't hear that, it's funny that someone is too desperate.
When I got out of the washroom I was surprised to see Jizan talking to Kylie. Jizan is serious while Kylie is crying and seems to be having tantrums.
I was blown away by the wind and walked straight. I guess Avie's right, Jizan can handle a relationship maturely.