Moonville Series 1: Secret Lovers

Alex is excited to see Richard that afternoon. Yesterday, they didn't see each other because he needed to go home early to prepare for the event that he attended with his parents. As for her, she also needed to prepare for the dinner they had with the de Vera family.

Oh well, past is past. They didn't see each other the whole day because they don't have similar subjects every Friday. That's why she's very excited to see him after class. She was ready to go to their rendezvous even before their last class was finished.

At last, their last subject ended. The students got out of the room one by one, and Alex is one of those who first got out of the classroom. She immediately went to the school lounge of School of Physical Sciences to meet with Richard. But she was surprised when he saw Richard on their rendezvous. That is because he is not alone, and it seems he is enjoying the company of his acquaintance. And it's not just an ordinary companion. It's not one of Richard's group of friends. On second thought, maybe she is one of Richard's circle of friends?

But this is not just any other girl. It's Kim Agustin, this year's Ms. Business School and one of the candidates for Ms. CPRU. She was Richard's dance partner, or Richard was her dance partner... Whatever! Alex suddenly felt alarmed as she saw them chatting happily.

And because they are enjoying themselves, they did not notice her get near them. And so, her beast mode was activated. Fortunately, Richard noticed him because otherwise, she would really interfere in their conversation. "Alex!" Richard seemed so happy to see her. There isn't any sign of defensiveness or guilt, like he's not worried she'll see him talking to Kim.

"Hi!" Alex's vision immediately shifted to Kim, who looked very surprised at her sudden appearance. And then, was it excitement that she saw in her eyes? Whatever it is, she doesn't like it. The mere fact that this girl is here is already bad news for her.

"Oh! You know Kim," Richard said, very sure of himself.

Which is right, anyway. "Of course! Kim Agustin, Ms. Business School."

"That's right," said Richard who is still oblivious on Alex's tone. "And Kim, this is-"

"Alexandra Martinez," Kim finished. "Hi!" she happily greeted her, which made Alex more annoyed. She seems so happy to meet her.

"You know her too!" Richard looked amused.

"Of course," Kim answered. "The Martinez sisters are very popular here in CPRU. Everyone looks up to them. A lot of students want to be like them."

Should she be glad at what Kim said? Surely, but the problem is, it was Kim who said that. And at that moment, she's on beast mode so whatever compliment has no effect on her.

"Really?" Richard looked amazed as he looked at her.

But still, that has no effect on Alex. She sat down uninvited between them. Then, she looked at Kim, who was obviously surprised at what she did. Alex smiled bitchily.

Richard was also surprised at what she did, though he remained quiet and didn't say anything.

"So, I didn't know that you are close." She eyed Richard.

"Uhm, we're just waiting for her friends," Richard answered.

"Friends?" Alex said sarcastically. "Really?"

Richard frowned. "Yes. They are about to come already."

"Oh! Okay, so, what are you talking about?" She then turned to face Kim.

"Nothing much. Just random subjects," Kim answered.

Alex felt more irritated with Kim's innocence, like she's not suspicious of what's happening to them.

"Random subjects. Cool!" Alex turned to Richard again. To her delight, he's starting to look uneasy.

"Oh! They're here," Kim suddenly said. "I'll go ahead now. Bye!"

"Bye!" Richard said.

"Bye! Take care!" Alex said sarcastically.

Kim went to her friends as Alex breathe deeply to calm herself.

"Well, that was very uncomfortable."

She looked at Richard. That's when she realized what she just did. "I'm sorry."

"I didn't know you have the guts to... intercept like that in a conversation." Richard is not condemning her. He just wanted her to realize her fault.

Which she did. "Sorry. I was just annoyed a little."

"Annoyed... Does that mean you don't want to see me talking to Kim?" Richard seems to enjoy himself.

Alex turned her back on him. "Uhm... Not really."

"Really?" Richard started to smile.

"Just what were you talking about? And why is Kim here? She's from Business School, right?"

"We're just hanging out," Richard answered. "So that Terrence Mendoza won't bother her."

"Terrence Mendoza?" She turned to face him.

"Yes, the nephew of Congressman dela Rosa."

"Yeah, I know him. But, what do you mean he's bothering Kim?"

"Apparently, this Terrence Mendoza likes Kim a lot. It seems like he's obsessed with her so he's stalking her. So wherever Kim goes, he always follows her."

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"That's why you're hanging out with her? Why does it have to be you? Do you even know that Terrence Mendoza?"

"Well, he seems to... regard me as someone superior." Richard shrugged. "Kim said he's insecure with me."

Alex laughed. "And why would she say that? And you even believed her? Knowing Terrence Mendoza..." She shook her head in disbelief.

"That's what she observed last night."

"Last night?"

"Yes. During the reception party at the wedding in Melting Pot Hotel. Kim was also there, and so was Terrence-"

"Wait! Kim was with you last night?"

"Well, it just happened that she and her dad were also invited. Thankfully, I've seen them because I was bored last night I was feeling sleepy already. Then, Terrence came..." Alex is not listening to what he's saying anymore. The only thing that matters to her now is the fact that Richard and Kim are together last night. Last night, when she was expecting to see him at the dinner with the de Veras. The worse part is, it seems like Richard enjoyed his time last night. Whereas she was so envious of her sister being with her pretend boyfriend because of how sweet they are to each other.

Richard just continued talking. "And so, I promised her that if ever I have time, I'll hang out with her until that Terrence would stop bothering her. By the way, I will also be her and Nick's dance instructor for Mr. & Ms. CPRU." "You'll be their dance trainer?"

"Yup!" Richard is obviously excited. "I already have a concept for them. For sure they will win best talent for that night."

Alex completely lost her interest. She thought that her problem will be gone once Kim left them. But then, that's just the prelude. She can't tell Richard to not train Kim and Nick because she can see how excited he is about it. She doesn't want to suppress her happiness.

Also, she's not yet his girlfriend officially. That's why she doesn't have the right to influence his decisions. And even if she is his girlfriend, it's not enough reason for her to make him change whatever he likes. She should just support him, advise him, and not control him.

*********************

It's already ten in the morning, but Alex had just woken up. It's Saturday, and she doesn't have to go to school. That's why she allowed herself to sleep late last night by thinking about her problem with Richard.

She is still in her pajamas as she went down to the kitchen. Since it's weekend, all of them are just home. Her parents might be in their home office doing some work stuff, or maybe they are hanging out in their room or in the garden. She heard her sister in the living room talking to someone. She peeked in and saw Bryan. She sighed. It's Saturday but she's with Bryan. Can't they get enough of each other? 'Perfect.' And again, she can't help but get envious. Upon entering the kitchen, she went straight to the refrigerator and opened it. She looked what's inside, but it seems she has no appetite. She has to eat, though. So she just took some loaf bread and mayonnaise. Then she made some coffee on the coffee maker.

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She put the coffee on the kitchen island and sat down. She lazily ate her sandwich. That's how Angel saw her when she entered the kitchen.

"Well, good morning, Sleepy Head!" Angel went to the cabinet where they put their chips. She took a pack of potato chips and transferred its content on a bowl. "Don't you and Bryan get tired of each other?"

Angel looked at her. "That's how you are when you're in love." She winked at her.

Alex smiled. "Happy for you, Ate." Though she's not feeling any happiness right now.

Angel took some canned juice from the ref. "We're doing a project together. We need to finish it before next week so we can focus on reviewing for the finals. And, there's the CPRU Intramurals and Bryan will be busy for the basketball team. And also, as part of The Echo, I will also be busy covering the events."

"You make a perfect couple."

Angel looked at her again. "Are you okay? There's some leftover food in the ref, just reheat them in the microwave."

"I don't have appetite, Ate." She drank some coffee.

Angel sat down beside her. "Is there a problem?"

"None."

But, can she even hide from her sister? "Is it Richard again?"

She just sighed.

"That's how you are since that dinner with the de Veras... Don't tell me, you confronted him why he was not present that night?"

"No, Ate. That's not it."

"So what's the matter?"

"Nothing!" She was a little annoyed, thought she immediately realized her sister is just worried about her. "I'm sorry."

Angel is really the most understanding sister in the world. "It's okay. Just remember that I'm just here if you need me, okay?" Alex nodded. "Thanks, Ate."

Angel smiled. She took the bowl of potato chips and canned juice, then went back to the living room. Alex also continued eating her sandwich.

After eating her brunch, Alex decided to go back to her room. As she passed by the living room, she saw Angel and Bryan again, happily chatting while working on their project. She smiled sadly.

She continued on her way to her room. At least, her sister is happy. At least, there's someone among them who is happy. Well, she can be happy again once this jealousy she's feeling subsides. She just needs time. A lot of time, maybe.