The Billionaire's Daughter

I have been receiving mysterious notes and gifts on my locker for the past week. From cheesy notes saying "You light up my day.", "Your smile makes the bright sun seem dull." Or bold statements like "Will you be mine?" "Looking forward to spending time with you." "You look ravishing." Gifts such as chocolates and little stuffed animals. At first I thought it was from Franco but the hand writing says differently and whenever we were together he never mentioned anything.

It was fun at first but after two weeks, I was feeling conscious and creeped out. The mysterious admirer seemed to be watching my every move. He knows my routine and he always knows when to put the notes without me finding out who he was. I tried to catch him a few times but I end up wasting my time.

Last week I told Franco about the gifts and he was concerned that I earned myself a stalker. From then on, during his free time he always ensures I was with him. Even during after school hours at 4 pm we always go to the café he was working. He will work his daily four hour shift during the days when my parents were out of town, which is most of the time, I will wait for him in a corner table of the café studying or browsing the net.

He grew protective of me whenever my guards were not around. He even discussed my security detail with my body guard.

"Saphira, make sure you do not go out of the school alone. Even on the school grounds you have to be careful. No loitering whenever I am not with you." "Don't you think you are over acting here?"

"We have to be sure. We don't know his intentions."

"What if he just wants to be friends?"

"If he wanted that he could have approached you before and not stalking you like a psycho."

"I hope this ends soon. I want to be able to act without feeling like I am being watched all the time."

"Well, technically, you were always watched since you have two bulky guards with you daily. Ouch! Why do you have to hit me every chance you get!"

"You're so witty for your own good, that's why!"

"Come on, I have to go to work. Are you coming there later?"

"Yes. I have to go home first to change and I forgot to bring my laptop."

"Okay I'll meet you later."

""Hey! Why don't I just give you a ride to work?"

"Nah. I prefer the bus. Later!"

"But... never mind."

Since he already ran towards the gate while I waited for my ride home.

"Hey. Saphira right?"

"Yeah. You remembered. Hi."

"I was wondering if you have free time today so we can have coffee?"

"Oh. Sorry, I was just about to go home. I have... some errands to run." "Maybe next time?"

"I guess."

"Good. I'll just see you around!"

And then he left. I was at a loss for words why a popular and hunk guy like Rob will approach me. Maybe he was just bored.

-0-0-0-0-0-

On his birthday I thought of planning a surprise birthday party for him but he warned me he doesn't want any surprises so we just opted for a simple dinner at their house. Just him, his mother and I. Just the three of us. For his birthday I bought him a smartphone, which is the newest and same model as I was using.

"Happy Birthday Bestfriend!"

"Thank you. But you didn't have to give me anything."

"Duh! You gave me the best birthday ever, twice if I might say, and this is nothing compared to everything that you have done for me."

"Saphira, you know I will do anything for you. You don't have to give something back."

"I know. But I also want to give you something that will remind you of me."

"Believe me, no need for that."

I was feeling frustrated at that moment and was about to argue with him more.

"Franco, just accept the gift and be thankful! Open your present so you can see what it is."

"Mom! Why were you listening?"

"You were arguing loudly, of course I can hear you! Our house is not sound proof you know. Go and open it so we can eat. I'm starving!"

I hugged his mother feeling thankful that she helped me put some sense into her son's stubborn mind.

Franco unwrapped the present and when he saw the phone, I found his weird face amusing and I can't help but laugh.

"You look like you saw something disgusting Franco. Such a way to appreciate my gift."

He winced and I knew it was time for his inevitable rant.

"Bestie, this is too much! And I don't even know how to use this."

"Of course I will help you silly! And that's already set up. I saved my number already."

I gave him a wink and that was the only time he smiled. I was surprised that he pulled me into a hug.

"Thank you. I know why you gave this to me. So you wouldn't have to search for me all over school right?"

"You're such a bright boy!" I tapped his back and he hugged me closer.

"Eherm. Come on kids, let's eat."

And we broke from our embrace to continue his dinner celebration.

Though I have been to his house thrice already, that was the first time he officially introduced me to his mom as his best friend and his mother and I got along really well.

I cooked Puttanesca and baked a Caramel Fudge cake for his birthday. His mother also prepared Caesar Salad, Roast Chicken and Ribs.

"I really loved your cooking Saphira. The cake is very delicious."

"Thank you ma'am. Dinner is perfect especially the ones you made."

"Stop calling me ma'am. You can call me Auntie or Mom if you want."

"Ahhhm. Auntie?"

"Better than Ma'am, though I preferred Mom."

I heard her whisper the last words and I was secretly pleased she wanted me to call her Mom.

"Hey you two have you been talking about me?"

"No son. For a moment there we even forgot you were here."

"Ouch. What a hurtful thing to say on a person's birthday."

And his mom and I laughed together when we saw Franco's faked hurt face. He was even clutching his chest for added effect.

That day I felt like finally I belonged somewhere. I may just be a side member of their family but at least I felt like I mattered and I was appreciated. Franco is very lucky to have a mother who was there for him and his mother is also very blessed to have a son like him. They were both willing to sacrifice and work hard for each other.

They may not be blessed financially but as I see the love and adoration they have for each other, I wish that in the future, I'll be able to show my love to my children the same way.0000