CHAPTER 11

Devil

If you plan carefully for your future because you want this to happen in your life, will everything come true? I know sometimes life will trick you. Even if you planned your future because you wanted, this and that will happen to your life. It wouldn't happen when life will fuck you up.

I was catching my breath after my long swim. I bit my lower lip and looked at the clear sky. The sun rays hitting my skin but I don't mind it. Summer. I'm here at Conch's rest house for the whole month.

I slowly looked up when I felt a towel hug my shoulders. Conch smiling face came into my view. I smiled because of his relaxed face.

"You want to swim?" I asked while adjusting the towel on my shoulders. Even if I don't have a sibling I didn't once ask a question of what's the feeling of having one. Because Conch has been there since I was a child.

He always treated me like his real sister and not just his cousin. The way he treated Naurica. He's so soft towards me. That's why I never asked what it feels like to have a brother because Conch makes me feel like a big brother to me.

Conch shrugged his shoulders.

"No, but I will later. You want some juice?” He asked raising a brow.

I quickly shook my head and smiled at him.

"No, I'll just take it inside. Thank you for this towel.” I said while slowly standing up.

My attention was caught by the phone that rang on the table. I pursed my lips and it lifted for a smirk while I was looking at Conch. his eyes widened and he hurriedly ran towards the table a few steps away from where we're standing.

I laughed weakly when I saw that he was still confused about taking his phone.

"Shoot," I heard him mutter and small curses followed from his mouth.

I fixed the towel on my shoulder and slowly walked into the house. Before I entered, I looked at Conch while he had a name.

"Go Conch, you can do it." I mouthed teasingly at him. He just gave me a smirk but I know deep inside he's so nervous as hell.

I can see the spark in his eyes while he's busy talking. As I've heard he pursues his longtime crush since childhood I guess? I don't like listening or being curious about other people's lives. I just want to mind my own business. Because I won't gain anything if I interfere in their lives.

I can see that Conch is serious towards that girl. The way he talks softly while talking to her is not a question at all.

I sipped on my glass and the sweetness of the orange juice spread in my mouth. I'm counting the days I won't see Keegan. it's been five days and I'll be staying here for a month. I'm not a clingy person but why now I feel like I want to see Keegan all the time.

I badly want to see him...

“Missing your boy toy?” a soft voice is what I've heard asking me.

I looked forward and saw Naurica smiling softly at me. She's smiling innocently while brushing her hair. He obviously just woke up.

I put my serious and no emotion face as I stared at her. she's brushing her wavy hair, her almond shaped eyes looked so tame like an innocent angel. I gave him a lazy smile. Even though I try to fix the traces of the past, there is still a line between the two of us.

Even if I act so nice at her 'cause I wanted us to be close again just like before, but she doesn't want it. She made a line between us. That I can't go beyond that and no matter what I do, that line won't disappear so I can be closer to him again.

If she doesn't want us to be close again just like before then it's okay with me. I understand. I wouldn't let myself seek for her attention if she doesn't even like my presence at all.

I realized that I was less numb. since I came here I feel that he tries to avoid me when no one is looking at me. But if our families are there looking at us. She quickly changed her attitude towards me. And I know it's just so fake. It's so obvious.

As I always said to myself I don't give a fuck of how the way she treats me right now. Because maybe I know why he treats me like that. Maybe I deserve her cold treatment? Maybe I've just hurt her too much that even if years passed by. She just won't forgive me.

"Hmm... what's your question again? Sorry, I didn't hear it clearly earlier." I promised and gave him a smile.

She scoffed and smiled at me fakely before she slowly walked towards my direction. He sat in the chair in front of me. he placed both hands on the table and looked down at me.

She looked at my face closely. She even squinted her eyes and clicked her tongue as if she saw amusement on my face.

"I'm asking if you missed your boy toy already?" she sweetly asked after a second of staring at my face.

What? Boy toys? What does he know about Keegan and me? And the heck? Keegan is not even my boy toy!

"I was really shocked when I heard some rumor towards the playgirl Angel who used to make out with different boys in the campus. i've heard that you're not playing with them anymore because you found something interesting huh?"

"But guess what? I'm more too shocked after I heard the rumor that you're actually playing with some cheap boy. Perhaps with your cheap classmate?” the bitchy smile is written all over her lips while she's mockingly looking at me.

My hold on the glass tightened as I gave her a serious facade. My lips went into a thin line. Is she insulting the man I love right now? Is it still about then? I know I'm so immature back then. i used to play without minding anyone's feelings. The reason why I hurt my own cousin... My family.

Because of my immaturity I've ruined our bond. Because of my pride I lost a friend and a cousin. And I regret it so bad. I know my mistakes and I deeply encourage it and learned from it. I'm deeply sorry for what I've done, for hurting her. Naurica just won't open her eyes to see how regretful I am. How sorry I am. She just doesn't want to forgive me.

I don't want to question why she's so hard on me. I didn't feel the pain I caused her. I don't know what else I should do just to make him forgive me because no matter what we do we avoid each other. Our lives will always be bound to cross because we are family. She's my family.

I laughed out loud because I don't know how to fix what's wrong with me or if there's any hope of fixing it.

"He's not my boy toy." I said bravely while straight looking at her honey eyes just like mine. I saw how her brows twitched upward.

"Really?" she asked so amazed "What should I call him then? Your puppet? You used him for adventure right? Because you're too curious. That's what I know you. Because that's how you are. You don't know anything but it's just a game. The target varies. I wonder why your name is Angel when Dora suits you very well. adventurous flirt.” her words are like an acid dripping down straight to my heart making it bleed.

Yes I am a flirt. Back then okay?! Don't I have the right to change? Don't I have the right to be serious with someone? Do they feel that I'm just a game?

"I'm not the Angel you used to know before." There is a hint of irritation in my voice because if he can speak now it's like he still knows me well.

“Tss. You are still the same Angel I used to know. The flirt, self centered, playgirl and immature Angel. no matter what you do, you can't change the way I see you. Because that's what you really are. Why should I be surprised, right?"

"Someday karma will hunt you down. For all the heart you've hurt. Put that in your little brain couz.” Naurica said sarcastically before she stormed out of the dining area.

I was dumbfounded as I processed what my cousin had said. I drank the rest of the juice in the glass and tried to swallow it even though something was blocking my throat. I closed my eyes tightly. all I can hear is Naurica's voice inside my head. Her hurt voice begging me to leave the boy she loves alone. Her innocent eyes with tears around it. I feel like being stabbed while remembering how she cried and begged me not to touch and use the man she loved just for my own happiness.

But I didn't listen to her. Because all I think back then is myself. She's right that I'm a self centered flirt. I didn't care about anyone's feelings, I only cared about myself.

I truly regret the things I've done to her. I truly am. I know I learned so many lessons from it. But to hear that I will never change in his eyes is hard to swallow. I've tried so hard to understand the things around me. To understand every situation I put into. I don't want to make another mistake and heartbreak again.

But I don't want to force myself on him. Yes, she's my family. I respect her. But I guess she doesn't want to treat me the same. she just hates me so much.

But for her to call Keegan cheap? That's what I can't get over. Even if she will throw harsh words against me, I don't freaking mind. I can swallow it all. But for her to insult my husband. I can't fucking accept that.

Days passed I lost my appetite. My other cousins came here for the summer but I couldn't even come down to hang out with them. I don't want to see Naurica. I can't be happy either because all I can think about right now is getting home and going to Keegan to hug him tightly. I badly want to hear his voice. I missed him so much.

The cold air hugged my skin as I looked up at the sky full of stars. I hear their voices near the sea, having fun.

I jumped a bit when my phone rang. I lazily looked at it on the table. I don't want to answer it. Maybe it's just Mommy and she'll find out if I'm hanging out with my cousins. It's boring to explain to him.

It rang again that made my forehead creased. Mommy you are persistent! I pursed my lips and got my phone. I answered the call but I didn't speak. I waited for Mommy to speak on the other line but I didn't hear a voice. I looked at my cellphone in wonder. my lips parted when it's an unregistered number.

Who the fuck is this? And why does she have my number? I'm so ready to end the call and put the phone down when I heard a familiar voice that made me still.

My heart suddenly pumped a bit harshly. Impossible...

"Hello..." a soft whispered echoed inside my ears making my breathing hitched. My eyes suddenly went misty hearing that soft voice.

"Hello..." repeated on the other line causing me to snort. I took a deep breath and sighed as I felt my heart clenching because of the happiness I felt. Is this really him?

Please tell me I'm not dreaming right now.

"Hmm...?" I hummed while biting my lower lip.

"Angel!" I can hear the excitement in his voice as he muttered my name.

he spoke on the other line and laughed softly "I thought I called the wrong number." he laughed lightly making me smile. I wiped away the tears that fell from my cheeks and just listened to his soft laugh. I missed you...

"Miss you..." I suddenly dropped my cell phone because of the shock. My eyes widened. My heart beats abnormally inside my chest. I quickly looked for my cellphone and put it back to the side of my ear. I cleared my throat. I can feel my cheeks burning right now.

I can't believe he just said the words I want to tell him. It's past 10 and I know he's working right now. Maybe he's on break right now, reason why he has a time to call me.

"I missed you too. Whose cellphone are you using?” I asked in a low voice with my eyes closed.

"Ah, it's Jacen's. I borrowed it for a while.” he whispered on the other line causing my eyes to widen. Jacen huh? If I tell her to stay away from Jacen will she do it? Angel you're at it again. You're being selfish again. Can't you let him be friends with that Jacen? once you find a friend, you want to be banned.

I massaged my nose as I calmed my nerves.

"When are you coming home?" I sat up because of Keegan's question. I bit my lower lip and suppressed a smile. do you miss me too?

"Why are you asking? did you miss me that much?" I teasingly asked.

I heard him inhale on the other line.

"Yes, so much.." I heard his deep breathing on the other line making my heart ache painfully.

"I will soon be able to buy a cellphone. I have saved a lot. Don't worry this is the first and last time I will borrow someone else's cellphone. Maybe next week I will be able to buy. I can call you whatever you want.” I can feel my tears pooling in the corner of my eyes as I was listening to him. Why is he talking now? I'm not used to it. He just spoke very sparingly. I am changing. But I can't deny the fact that I like this side of him.

I can feel that he's slowly opening his self to me. He's slowly showing the real him behind his shy shadows.

"I have many packs of potchi here. I'll just give it to you when you get home. Use it all up." he ordered like a baby boss.

Even if he didn't see me right now. I nod. I couldn't erase the smile on my lips while listening to his voice.

"Where do you go to school?" he suddenly asked in a curious voice. I licked my lips first before answering.

"Hmm... I want to take nursing and I know, that school is the best. So, I've decided to enroll in VU. ” I promised lowly.

"Hmm... VU... I also plan to study crime there." he muttered. I can hear the uncertainty in his voice. But I didn't pay attention to that because I was standing up because of joy.

"Are you really in VU too?" I asked excitedly. But suddenly my smile disappeared when I remembered that tuition at VU is expensive.

I opened my mouth to ask him questions but he already bid his goodbye.

"Angel, my break is over. I will call again when I buy a cellphone. Goodnight, my yuki." he said softly and the line went off.

Wearily I sat down again. My mind is still flying from our conversation. for me it's not a problem if he's going to enroll in VU. I'm just thinking about the tuition fees. Should I call my Dad right now? I'm sure he can help me. Voltaire University is not a joke. It's the most famous school in our town.

I really want to go home so I can talk to Daddy about my enrollment at VU, maybe he will consider helping Keegan.

I fell asleep thinking how to talk to Daddy about my plan.

Summer days end smoothly. I didn't realize I was back home. next year I don't want to spend the summer in any rest house my family has. I want to spend my summer with Keegan.

I've already talked to my Dad about Keegan's tuition. I just want to help him. So that he won't be in trouble. There's nothing wrong with helping him.

In all the enrollments that have occurred in my life. I just felt so excited. College life is coming, I know the responsibilities are not a joke anymore. I need to study hard to impress Keegan and not anyone. I take nursing because of Keegan.

He will go to be a policeman while I'm his nurse. Is he going to be hurt by the profession he picked. I'm there by his wide willingness to help and aid him. Whenever I close my eyes I can literally picture out of ourselves five years from now.

We live in the same roof. Happy and in love.

When I got out of our car, I immediately saw many students busy walking in the campus while holding some papers in their hands. I walked inside with my serious face.

Many looked at me with their curious eyes. because the school is so big, I can't immediately find the room for the nursing students.

But thankfully there's a map on google of this University. My face brightened when I found the room. Keegan texted me earlier. He said he already bought a phone. I'm so happy for him. I can't wait to see him.

When I entered the room there were still a few students filling up their forms. I walked to the farthest seat and sat there. A staff came and gave a form. I finish it quickly so I can finish quickly.

I'm busy filling the last requirement when I felt someone staring at me. I'm not uncomfortable when I feel someone staring at me. I tilted my head to my left side to see who's this shameless freak.

I raised my right eyebrow at the girl. Her eyes widened a bit.

"Angel..." she whispered bewildered.

“Nursing?” she asked with a mixture of shock. I want to roll my eyes at her. I'm bothered because she's smiling happily while looking at me. Like I'm some kind of idol she looks up to.

"Do not you know me? I'm your classmate in grade 11 and 12...” she said enthusiastically

I pursed my lips and looked closely at her face. Yes, I know her face but not her name. And I don't have a plan to know her name either. She's that girl who always gives me paper even if I didn't ask her to give me one. but I always gave the paper she gives to Keegan.

She suddenly laughed awkwardly "Ah, yes, by the way. You do not know me. Sorry. I'm just surprised that you took up nursing. I thought you were going to be a model." she then pouted her lips.

My forehead knitted “I know your face but I don't know your name. you're that girl who always gave me papers.” I said making her eyes twinkle.

Her lips parted and she screamed silently "Oh my goodness. You remember." She happily said, "I'm lucky." she whispered but I clearly heard it.

I just ignored her and continued filling up the forms. When it was over, I immediately stood up and handed it over. I walked straight out the door.

I texted Keegan if where we're going to meet. I did not receive a reply immediately. Maybe he's still enrolling.

My lips parted when someone suddenly blocked me. I'm irritated again because it's the girl from earlier. She held her chest while catching her damn breath. What's her problem?

"What?" I asked with irritation in my voice. I even raised an eyebrow at her to let her know that I'm not happy with her doings. But she just smiled sweetly at me.

She even extended her right hand in front of me. I looked at her hand and looked at her blankly.

"Hi Angel, my name is Devil." she uttered cheekily. My eyes widened when she suddenly got my right hand and she shamelessly shook our hands.

What the heck is she doing? And what is her name? Devil?

I was about to confront her because I didn't like what she did, but I was suddenly frozen in place when she suddenly hugged me very tightly. She also quickly let go and smiled sweetly at me before running away quickly.

She disappeared from my sight like a bubble. I pinched myself to make sure that I'm not dreaming. When I felt the pain. I snorted because it was true. Someone just hugged me without my consent. I felt my heart to see if I was feeling irritated or angry. But I can't find that kind of feeling. My lips twitched upward for a smirk.

What a shameless girl. But I love how it feels to be hugged by someone with pure intention. I suddenly laughed a bit when I recalled her name. She said she's Devil and my name is Angel. Is this a joke?