Moonville Series 1: Secret Lovers

After the sumptuous dinner, Bryan took the two sisters to their patio outside the living room. From there they can see the wide asymmetric swimming pool and lush garden.

"There's something I want to show you in the garden," Bryan said to the two.

Angel suddenly felt excited. She also loves flowers, and the garden in front of them seems full of such beauties.

"You go. I'll just stay here," Alex refused.

"Huh?" Angel looked at her sister. "You're not coming?"

"I know you two want to be alone." Alex smiled at her.

Angel looked at her sister worriedly. Alex is smiling, but her eyes are obviously sad. She knows it's because Richard was not able to join them tonight.

"Are you sure?" Bryan asked Alex. "You might get bored here."

"I don't think so," Alex said. "I have pistachios." She indicated the pistachio nuts that were served to them at the patio to munch while chatting. "And the view is nice. The lights reflected by the swimming pool are so romantic." "Are you sure?" Angel asked her sister. She's starting to get emo again based on what she's saying.

"Of course, Ate. Go! Take advantage of this moment that you're alone with Bryan."

Bryan and Angel just looked at each other, realizing they cannot do anything to stop Alex from wanting to be alone.

"Okay," Angel said.

"We will be quick," Bryan added.

Alex nodded, then smiled. She then continued watching the lights by the pool while eating pistachio.

Meanwhile, Angel and Bryan proceeded to the garden. The lush garden is teeming with flowering and ornamental plants, mostly roses and orchids. There are also some hibiscuses and sweet-smelling Camia flowers. There are also some birds of paradise and areal plants attached to large trees.

"Lola Elena is really the one who loves gardening. When she died, this garden was neglected a little. Good thing Mom also loves plants. She was able to revive the garden again when she and Dad moved here, preserving its original beauty." Bryan's words didn't quite cross Angel's mind as she is still bothered by her sister. He noticed that she seemed occupied and a little distant.

"Is there a problem?"

"Huh?" Angel looked at him. It seems that she just realized that they are still together.

"You seem to be lost in deep thought."

Angel sighed. "I'm just thinking about Alex. She's obviously sad that Richard is not here tonight."

"Don't worry too much. For sure, when Richard returned from that event they attended, he will immediately call Alex."

"She expected him to be here tonight," Angel said. "She really made sure to look beautiful tonight for him. She even looks better than me, and I'm the one who's meeting my boyfriend's parents."

"You're also beautiful tonight."

Angel looked at him.

"I mean, as always. But, tonight you're... you look like an angel..."

She smiled. Good thing Bryan is with her. No matter how bad she feels, he can definitely make it better.

Bryan smiled back. "Come here. I'll show you something."

They went to the far end of the garden. Angel thought there were only plants on that part since she cannot see clearly because the place is quite dark and the only lights that illuminate the place are those on the patio and pool area. But at the end next to the wall is a swing made of iron and painted white. There are plant branches on the side of the swing that extended upward and formed an arc. Angel squinted and saw that the arc was made of rose bushes, as she saw the pink roses that were randomly scattered on the bush.

"Wow..." She was really amazed at what she saw. The swing feels so magical. It's like she's inside a movie, especially because the setting is so romantic.

And she's with the person that she loves.

"I'm glad you liked it." Bryan held her hand and took her to the swing. They both sad down. "This looks better when it's still bright, especially during sunset. The view of the sunset here is very nice."

"It's so romantic..." She said, not able to stop herself.

Bryan smiled again. "And I'm with you..." He looked up at the stars.

Angel looked at him. She wants to say the feeling is mutual. But then, she thought, what did he mean by what he said? She could find a million meanings for that, but she wants to hear it from him. She realized this might be the right time to ask him all that she wants to know from him.

"Bryan, why are you courting me?"

Bryan looked at her. "Hmn?"

"Did you do it because you're tired of pretending? That you want to stop lying, so you just made everything real?"

Bryan looked up again. "I'm tired of pretending."

Angel's heart pounded. 'All because of the show... again?" "So you mean..."

"I'm tired of pretending that everything is just a lie. That I don't have feelings for you."

Then, he looked at her. Intently. She stiffened.

"Because, truth is, I really like you. Like, from the moment that I first saw you."

Angel felt her body froze. Her brain seems to suddenly stop processing and all he can see is Bryan. She can only hear what he's telling her. It's as if her brain only functions to absorb Bryan's words to her, making them penetrate her heart. "I... really like you, Angel. From that first day of class of our freshman year, when I first saw you enter the classroom. I was already gotten."

Angel can still remember that day. Just like any other first day, she reluctantly entered the room of her first subject of her first year as a college student in CPRU. Yes, she is the fierce and tough Angelica Martinez, but what other people don't know is that she has the lowest self-confidence when it comes to dealing with other people. And she has to deal with the new people on her life, her newest classmates for some months, or even years.

"But, you were so distant; you were so... so mysterious. Like you have your own world," Bryan continued. "And, believe me, I really had a hard time getting your attention. You always ignore me, so I thought I don't have a chance. And then, this thing happened, and I got the chance to be your boyfriend. Instantly. Right now, I feel like I'm the luckiest guy in the world because of that."

"But you always tease me." At last she found her wit to comment. "You always play prank on me."

"Because I wanted to get your attention." Bryan suddenly looked embarrassed. "I did everything, all the techniques and moves that Dad taught me. Whatever kindness, however gentleman I acted, it's still no use. And so, if I can't get you through gentle means..."

"You'll try acting savagely?"

Bryan chuckled. "Yeah, sort of."

Angel also giggled at what she said. "That didn't sound quite good."

"Right..."

They both laughed together. They just stopped when Bryan took her hand to his. They both looked at each other again.

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"I courted you because I really like you, Angel. I wanted to join The Echo because I wanted to get close to you. When you asked my help to confirm if Alex is seeing Richard, I agreed because I really wanted to help you. Just like when I decided to join Mr. BS. I eat lunch with you every day because I don't want to see you alone. I feel sad for you whenever I see you alone. I think that's one of the reasons why I fell for you. I wanted to take you away from that loneliness that encloses you from the world. I wanted to see you smile even just for once. I don't know the whole story back then, but now that I do, the more that I want to do those things for you."

Oh, my God... So that's how it feels to be confessed on - overwhelming like you are about to cry because of joy. Especially because Bryan is so sincere on what he told her. Especially because she also likes the person confessing his love to her. "I really want to be your boyfriend, Angel. And I want you to be my girl, for real."

It feels like Bryan's eyes are begging her. Actually, his whole being is begging her. Angel just gazed at him not knowing what to say. Will she tell him that she loves him, too? Isn't it too soon? Maybe she needs to let him court her for some more. But, for how long? How many months? Or years, maybe?

She looked away. What is she thinking that just confused her mind? She's getting distracted and the romantic moment she has with Bryan is getting wasted.

"I'm not forcing you to answer me right now," Bryan said. "I will respect and wait whenever you are ready. And I promise you that while waiting, I will show you how real my feelings are for you. I will show you that I deserve to have a spot in your heart."

She smiled at what he said. "Mr. Bryan de Vera..."

"Hmn?" Bryan frowned. "Did I say something wrong?"

She giggled. "Are you still applying for The Echo? I didn't know you are poetic."

Bryan smiled. "Richard said that when you're in love, you become a poet. But if I still can join the Echo, then I would gladly join you. But of course, what I really want is that vacant slot in your heart." He winked at her.

She giggled. "Poet? More like pick-up lines."

"I thought they would do," Bryan joked.

"Well, it would be a great help if you join The Echo. But I know you're busy with basketball. You might not have time to court me anymore. How can I still give you a slot in my heart then?"

"I will skip The Echo. Your heart is more important to me."

They both laughed. Angel looked at her hand that Bryan is still holding. She likes the feeling it gives her. She likes the feeling that Bryan gives her. But, this is not yet the right time. A little more effort from him before she gives him the spot in her heart that he wants to have.

"I think we better go back inside," she told him.

"Sure." Bryan stood up.

They walked together hand in hand as they went back to the patio where Alex is waiting for them.