Chapter 2 Time

The night was chilly and Kate has just stepped out of J‘s Bar. Wearing black spaghetti straps and cream baggy pants with chains hanging on the side, she had sung ten songs for the night and was completely exhausted. Her shift was over by 12am and now is time to trudge back to her apartment. As she passed by a grandiose mansion on top of a hill, she took a glance and wondered how her dad was doing. There were two windows from each side of the house with lights still on… perhaps her parents had another fight and slept separately. She wanted to drop by just to see how they were doing but she quickly brushed off the idea and hurriedly walked back to her apartment.

As Kate passed by the park, she reminisced those moments when her dad used to bring her there during his free time. He would buy her a luscious strawberry ice cream with chocolate syrup swirling around that giant pink jewel. She would take her time licking and slurping her wonderful treasure while her dad watches her happily and eats his own chocolate butterscotch sundae. Then, as every daughter would wonder, Kate would ask her dad,

“Daddy, how come mommy’s not with us again?”

“She’s busy with her work sugarbunch.”

“She’s always busy! She doesn’t have fun with us…”

“Mommy’s just working hard to provide you a bright future.”

“Who cares about future when you can never have a complete family outing?”

Alessandro Vallarino Gancia was silent. He too was a bit upset with Delphine for spending little time with their daughter well in fact, she was the one who insisted that he should always dedicate Sunday as a family day. “Now, look who’s talking?” he thought. Being a billionaire doesn’t mean you can focus all your time on your work. He knew everything about Delphine even though he was just an Italian wine merchant. Delphine Arnault, daughter of Bernard Arnault who owns LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton), is one of the richest businesswomen in the world. They met in the World Trade Center of France during an exhibition of the latest Louis Vuitton handbags. It was a funny meeting though. First, they were simply chatting as they drank one of Alessandro’s oldest red wines, which were also being exhibited in the same gallery. Then the next thing they know, they were sleeping together at the Le Régent Montmartre Hotel with their arms on each other. No sooner did they agree to get married and moved to New York. That time, Delphine was already pregnant with Kate. All seems well after they got settled. Children’s parties, house blessings and every important occasions in the neighborhood were not to be missed by the Gancia family. Then business boomed for Delphine and from that time on, all she could think about was work. Exhibits, speeches and money are all Delphine could talk about on the table, that is if she ever gets home earlier than 10pm. And what’s odd is that Alessandro even studied culinary by himself just to be able to cook for his daughter and also for his wife if she was ever present in the house. He was right…marrying an Arnault wasn’t the preeminent decision he ever made. In fact, he considered it his worst but that would be too harsh.

Kate looked at her watch. 12:45am… no wonder it’s getting too cold. She left her jacket at Charlotte’s room at the bar. Shivering, she held her arms close to her and walked faster. “Please… you can reach it…” But reassuring herself made her breathing even heavier. She was a block away from her apartment and was about to cross the road when she had another attack. She held on to her left chest and clutched it tight, trying so hard to catch a breath but to no avail. She shouldn’t have quitted swimming varsity… She fell on the ground with her hands close to her heart…motionless.

A white light… It’s hurting my eyes…

“She’s moving doctor.”

“Poor girl... Her heart can’t take much now. It’ll only be a matter of time before it gives in. A year or two… Call her parents. She needs no more time to lose…”

“Her dad seems to be out of town for business. Her mother’s coming.”

Am I… dying? Ouch… that fucking light is burning my eyes! I have to…get out of here… I don’t want to see her…

“Doctor! She’s trying to get off her bed.”

“Give her sedative now. She mustn’t strain her heart anymore.”

No let me go…I have to talk to my father… NO! I don’t want to see her… I don’t want to… I have to… father…

St. Roosevelt Hospital was awfully cold in the afternoon albeit it was only fall.  “The nurse must have forgotten to switch the heater on,” thought Kate as she tried to get up from her bed.

“Kate! What are you doing? You should not get up! You might overwork your heart again and be careful with your dextrose. You might move too much and…”

Oh boy, here goes my mother… “Mom, shush! You’re mere presence here is already giving me a headache so please, would you mind shutting up even for just awhile?”

“I was only worried about you. You look pale and weak. But don’t worry, I called your friends so that you can chat with them and…”

“You called my friends without even asking me?!”

“Well, you were asleep and I thought you might like some company.”

“Mom, since when did I even want some company? I’m used to having none since dad left!”

“Well I am always here for you dear.”

“Don’t even start that topic again, mother! All you think about is your business!”

“I work hard for you!”

“No! You work hard because you only want to be filthy rich! What about us, your family, huh?”

“You watch your mouth young lady! You’ve never even said thank you for all the things I gave you!”

“Well I didn’t ask for them! You just give and give even though I didn’t ask for anything. Do you think all the things you gave me can compensate for the time you selfishly kept for your work? No! And even if you provide me a mansion, you can never replace dad in my heart!”

Delphine immediately raised her hand, “You ungrateful--”

“Go on! Slap me like you always do!” Fresh tears were now swiftly falling from Kate’s eyes, “Hit me with your best shot mother. Go on! Be the best mother in hurting her daughter!!!”

There was a knock on the door. “Mrs. Gancia, Kate’s friends are here now,” said the nurse.

“You better wipe those tears young lady before they enter. I’ll be leaving now, still got a conference to attend to. Just call the nurse when you need anything.”

Kate lay silently on the bed as Charlotte and Megan entered her room.

“What’s wrong Kate?” asked Charlotte worriedly.

“Are you okay?” Megan queried with tears in her eyes.

“I hate her… she almost hit me again… I miss my father!” then Kate burst into tears as the three hugged one another.

“Oh Kate… We’re always here for you,” comforted Charlotte.

“Yeah,” followed Megan, “we love you.”

“I hope she does too…” whispered Kate bitterly.

Chapter 1 Risk

As usual, I arrived very early in school. The corridors were still foggy from the rain last night. That reminded me about the time I came to school at 6:00 am because of a project that I needed to finish before the first period for submission. Thick fog surrounded the whole school, making the weather similar to that of December. An eerie ambiance suddenly filled the room and every time I turn around, I felt that someone was looking at me. But then, there were just times when being alone in my classroom just gave me the shivers. Who knows who or what lurks around me as I try to concentrate on my Chemistry worksheet, though I don't even have the slightest idea on how to answer it.

Alex surely is taking her time prettying herself for Duke. She hasn't arrived yet but she only lives a couple of streets from school. Oh boy... I'm gonna be standing outside the classroom again.

The class began to get loud as people entered and left the room while others just kept on doodling on the blackboard. I didn't mind the latter since Kate was the assigned cleaner for that day.

"Haleeeer everyone", shouts Alex as she slammed the door and promenaded with her new Gucci bag and her pair of giant circular dangling earrings while swaying her fawn, with pink highlights, hair. "Bovine here! Check out my new accessories. Aren't they... what's the word... super?"

"Enough bitch, you're blocking the way," says Claire as she pushed Alex out of her way and went straight to the former's seat.

"Hey you meanie! You could have said 'excuse me'. No wonder boys don't like you," whimpered Alex as she looks at the mirror, checking for some dirt and damaged make-ups.

"It's not that they don't like me, they're just too scared to court me. You know me Alex, I AM NOT EASY."

"Whatever. But tell me, got some new juices for me? I know you have! Come on tell me please..."

"Hey Alex, can I borrow your Chemistry worksheet?" I asked nicely.

"Oh Jake, of course no! Can't you see I'm busy here?"

"But I'm just gonna copy it... and you don't need to do anything right?"

"Here Jake, help yourself."

Claire handed me Alex's worksheet. As expected, the genius has all the answer to my problem. Alex sure is lucky to have both beauty and brains.

"Thanks Claire, I mean Alex, err whatever."

"Wha, how... did you get my worksheet?!" exclaimed Alex with her eyes wide in surprise.

"Idiot, you always put your worksheets on the side of your bag that's why I pushed you and got it."

"Oh...."

I managed to finish answering or rather, copying all the answers to the questions I missed a while ago before the bell rang. We formed our line beside the flagpole and sang the National Anthem.

As I gazed at the flapping flag, I noticed the angelic lady raising the flag with the use of a pulley. Her crimson hair in ponytail was glistening as the sun's rays touch it. Her dove-white skin was so smooth that all I want to do was caress and feel its softness. Lana... with your scarlet eyes, you really are a goddess... Yet I can't come close to you... I'm not worthy enough. What good could a guy like me possibly offer you? You're just too high for me... ouch!

"Oi Jake! Move it! Stop daydreaming you pervert!" Something big and hard hit my back and that hand could only belong to a green-minded jock, Duke.

"Pervert? Isn't that you Duke?" I fired back with a smirk.

Duke took my head under his stinky arms and rubbed his fist all over my head. "Oh don't look at me like that Jake. Someday, you'll appreciate the pleasure of getting laid! Look at me, a hunk and girls would kneel and beg just to have a taste of me!"

"Okay, okay just let me go! Eew, I smell like you!"

"Tsk, tsk, that scent would really help you get the babes!"

"Whatever."

Not only was my hair messy, but I stink as hell! I immediately sat  at my seat and washed my hands with alcohol. But I felt that wasn't enough so I sprinkled some all over my sweat-smelled hair. Oh Duke, I'll get you for this! As I was turning around to look outside, I saw Lana entering. She seems to be looking at my direction. She must have noticed me sprinkling alcohol all over my head. Shit! She actually saw me doing that ridiculous act! Oh god! I immediately dropped the alcohol and it fell on my head. Darn did it hurt! Then I heard a giggle behind me.

"Do you really love acting like a dork in front of Lana?"

Irritated, I cried, "Shut up Claire!"

"Jake Lawrence!" exclaimed Mrs. Bernadette, "What's the reducing agent in question number five?"

I quickly stood up though I don't have the slightest idea what the teacher just said. "Umm... I...." I really looked like a doofus...

"Well, well. Talking during class discussion, for me, means that you totally understood the lesson, Mr. Lawrence. But in your case, I think my theory was just not applicable for you. Now if you and Ms. Dynes would rather chitchat about your date later, then you both might as well get out of this classroom now before i lose my temper."

I sat down quietly with my face down. I was totally embarrassed that I can even bring myself up to look at the board. From that time, I just knew I lost another chance to ask Lana Summerfield out.

"What's wrong?" asked Alex while placing her tray on our usual lunch table.

"Same as always..."

"Summerfield? What did you do this time?"

That question just drove me to the very edge... and I exploded. "What did I do?! It was Claire's fault that I was humiliated by that old hag in front of everyone especially in front of Lana! I was just simply doing my thing there but Claire just won't stop teasing me that's why..."

"That's why you popped?" Claire asked with her usual right eyebrow raising before she placed her lunch box on the table.

"Nevermind..." I said with a sigh. There's just no use arguing with Claire, knowing I'll just end up losing.

"So what's your food Jake?"

"Porkchop. Alex?"

"Eww... chicken again. Dynes?"

"Ox tongue... you know what this means."

And we all shouted, "Lunch trade!"

We often trade our food during lunch time. Alex is fed up with chicken from the cafeteria while Claire despises exotic food. As for me, I eat anything as long as it doesn't contain bitter melon.

"So what's with the long face again Jake?"

"Claire's right. Why do you always look like you lost a million dollars?"

"Summefield..."

"And what's wrong with her?" queried Alex.

"I just know I'm done for... I can never ask Lana out anymore especially with what happened a while ago..."

"Have you tried asking her Jake?"

"Why would I risk being rejected, Claire?"

"Well see, that's the problem with you! You see the world as a threatening place and because you do, it turns out to be a threatening place. You hate risking because you're afraid of failing but what if she said yes? Then you'll regret for the rest of your life not being able to ask her out? Understand this Jake. Risking is part of our lives. All successful men and women in this world are risk-takers. They succeed because they're not afraid of failing. What hinders you from achieving what you want is your fear of failing. Trust my advice Jake - risk."

Classes ended a bit late today because Ms. Janis asked us to copy some Trigonometry problems as our assignment. Walking down the road, I kept thinking about what Claire said. True, I'm afraid of being rejected because it hurts my pride and of course, this is my first time. But if I'm not going to try, I might just lose her to some rich guy. Oh god... what should I do? Why do we always have to risk for the ones we love?

By the time I got home, the moon was already high above the sky. After having dinner, I finished my homework and studied in advance World History. I'm sure we would have a surprise test tomorrow... I hope or everything I studied today would be in vain. I closed the lights and before I tucked myself in bed, I looked outside my window. The moon sure is bright... I guess I'll give it a shot. It doesn't hurt to try... right?

Prologue

I got my books from my locker and was about to go out when I suddenly bumped into Kate. Her eyes were red…family problem I guessed. She took her bag and hurriedly went to the bus station to meet up with Charlotte, my cousin, and Megan Perry. Then I heard a loud bang and saw Duke Matthews just outside the detention quarters with a magazine on his bag. Hmm…maybe he got caught looking at those naked ladies again. He looked at me and I saw a grin forming on his face. “Not interested Duke.” “Suit yourself dude!” Winking at me, he then went straight to the gym to join his basketball team for training. I, on the other hand, am late for sure for my volleyball training since I still have to bring my things to the bus and I can barely think straight…sleepy in fact.

6:30pm and I was on my home when I felt something hard hit my back. Yup, it was Claire’s hand. She walked home with me from school and had been asking nonstop about Lana Summerfield. My heavy bag's killing me and she's making it even worse. Why did I tell Claire about what I feel? Yeah she's my best friend but does she really have to see what my brain's thinking every moment of my life? We were only a block from my house and I was planning to lock her out but her keen sense beat me to the door. Dammit...

"What is it that you want to know?" I asked irritatingly with a hint of exhaustion, "I already told you everything." I was really burned-out because of varsity practice and lack of sleep and also a bit pissed off because Claire just won't stop minding my business.

"Fine," she smirked, "I'll just tell Alex that you don't want to share secrets no more. Hope you finish that chemistry worksheet!" She moved aside and was about to leave.

How bitchy can she get?! Argh! I quickly grabbed her hands when all of the sudden, she turned around, pushed me to the door and stared at me with her hazel eyes. I noticed how smooth her face was and how I envied it for being free from pimples and blemishes. Then it hit me. We looked like we're onto something especially with her hands over my chest. She was rather heavy yet I find that scene of my life very cute. We stayed like that for a minute or two before she finally spoke.

"Jake," raising her right eyebrow, "do you like Lana because you really love her? Or is it because you just want to have a girlfriend?"

I looked down. The grasses were a bit overgrown and needed some trimming. Then I remembered Pao-pao lying all alone in his kennel at my backyard. He must be hungry by now. Oh shoot! Chemistry worksheet was due tomorrow! I gotta hurry.... Think Jake! "I don't know..." I mumbled, "and what's the difference anyway? Both of your questions seem the same." Stupid Claire...

With a sigh, Claire patted my head and walked down the porch. A cool breeze shook the leaves of the mango tree across my house. Turning her head, she said faintly, "Then you're not yet ready to love at all."