Behind Flashing Lights
”Are you okay?”
My doziness stopped when Aciel asked me. I looked at his face . He touched my hand that’s touching the ladle that’s mixing the soup I’m making for our dinner.
I look at my hand that’s being caressed by him.
”You’re shaking.” he uttered under his breath.
I chuckled awkwardly and let go of the ladle. He did the honor to do it. But I can still feel him glancing at me. Maybe wondering why I’m acting like this.
”Are you good? You’re hungry or tired?”
I smiled lightly and shook my head. He narrowed his eyes on me.
”Something happened while you’re out?”
I shook my head half-heartedly. I’m amazed by how he managed to sense that there’s something wrong with me.
”I guess you’re tired.” he smiled sincerely. I smiled back at him.
He put down the ladle and put the lid on the pot. He then held my shoulders and made me face him fully.
”I shouldn’t have come into your room last night.”
My eyes widened and I felt heat spreading into my face. Why does he need to mention that. It’s making me embarrassed.
”Aciel,” I tried to reprimand him.
He smirked and kissed my lips. “I’m sorry. I couldn't get enough of you.”
This is the moment where my knees wobble because of how tender and sweet he is. If he annoys me, it will immediately fade away because he always does this.
”I’ll make sure to give you enough sleep, next time.”
My lips protruded as I avoided his gaze. Because it’s true. I slept late last night because he came into my room, knocking. He told me he just wanted to say good night and that ‘good night’ escalated into a situation that deprived me of sleep. So here he goes, acting like a baby.
Well, these were just the times that are precious to me. I may not be showy when it comes to our relationship, but the truth is I’m really happy I have him. He made me feel things I never knew I could feel. So days or weeks are like blink for us.
”Like duh! As if I would like to be with her after she told everybody that I flirted with his ugly boy friend.”
I listened to Zoey’s rants. We are at her house. She just invited me because she’s alone. And we took that chance as well to study together. But I don’t think we’re fulfilling that because she’s just doing her nails now while ranting.
”You must be fine, Zoey. Try not to give interest to those kinds of people. They’re not good for your soul.” my advice.
”Well, though I really want to ignore all of them, It’s just a normal complex for me, you know? I’ve been into the modeling industry and it’s full of toxic people. So I don’t know if I’m used to it or I adapted to it.” she giggled.
”You’re a model?” my whole interest is on her last words.
She pouted and nodded. “Yes. But my mother is not supportive. My dad was. So I was able to experience it at least.”
I nodded in awe. No wonder. Zoey is gorgeous, her body is curvy and well shaped. Her physique is different from mine; she's more lean and slim. I’m taller than her though, but we’re really different.
”Oh!” she clapped once, my eyes went to her again. “Now that you’ve mentioned it, why don’t you try and visit some Go-sees?”
My brows furrowed. “G-go sees?”
Her lashes flapped.”Yes. Go-sees. It’s like an audition for some projects in the modeling industry. You have a huge chance! You’re tall and sexy.”
My ridiculous smile showed up after I understood what she’s trying to say.
”I don’t think that’s possible, Zoey.”
”What do you mean it’s not possible? Can you see yourself? With that Italian and British face like, no wonder you would pass being a model. Oh my gosh, I’m so bright!”
I look at her standing up and fanning herself with her hands. She’s hysterical and looking pretty at the same time.
”You must apply. I’ll help you.”
I shook my head, so sure. “I don’t think I can. I want to focus on my studies.”
Her shoulders dropped because of my answers. She sat again on the carpeted floor and continued doing her nails.
”Right. I forgot. You’re one hell of a studious student. What a waste, you could gain for a living.” She said,
I pursed my lips and listened to her.
”Right. You don’t need that. You’re rich. How would you even afford the university if you’re not. Haha!” All of her words are more like just talking to herself.
I just decided not to answer her. Zoey doesn’t know anything about me. We might be friends but of course it’ll be weird if I tell her about my life. And now that Aciel and I are together, I feel like it will sound ridiculous for her as well.
But come to think of it. She has a point. I was only able to go into university because of Aciel’s power and wealth. Everything I have now is because of him. And I’m beyond thankful. But wouldn’t it be great if I have my own?
I shrugged deep inside. It’s too complicated for now. Maybe it’s possible? But not now.
”You’re here again?”
I lifted my head because Zoey spoke. I thought she was talking to me but when I saw the man coming near us, I immediately got it.
”Of course.” he smirked and got a chip in the bowl that Zoey and I were snacking.
I saw him glancing at me. It’s just my natural reflex to be cold when I don’t feel like it. For my whole stay there, gladly he had some senses to not talk to me. Because I don’t know if I could even do that.
Just when I was about to go home, he appeared again. Like as if he really knows the perfect timing. Zoey had to go back to her room to get the modules so it’s getting into my nerves that we would be left alone. So what I did was, I walked outside so I could avoid him.
”In a hurry?”
I breathed through my nose before looking back at him. If he wants to hear it all from me then fine.
”Stop following me. Or better, stop talking to me.”
His brows twitched as he portrayed an arrogant smile.
”Playing the good girl now?”
I gritted my teeth. “When did I even say I am?”
He stepped nearer and I stepped back. He chuckled at seeing me do that.
“Am I that scary? Don’t worry, I just want to give you something.”
Without waiting for my words he took something from his pocket. I saw a paper thing. Though I’m skeptical, I still got that paper he’s offering.
”What is this?” I asked, looking at him intently.
He smirked. “Cause you’re lacking research. Adios.” He then passed by me, leaving me there.
I don’t know why but this is not how I see Angelo before. I thought of him good but now? He’s really getting on my nerves!
I opened the folded paper he gave me. My brows met each other seeing this page of a magazine with Aciel’s face on it. It’s a candid picture of him wearing a navy blue formal suit and tie. I
I unfolded it properly and saw some articles about him which are not new. I scanned the whole paper and there, I saw what I’m supposed to see.
It might be dark because of the flashing lights that’s focused on Aciel but the people from his back are still quite visible. My knees wobbled and my mind glitched seeing the familiar face at the back of him.
”M-mom?”
