The Billionaire's Daughter

Before I went to sleep that night, I remembered that one time Franco and I went to the zoo. He brought me there to cheer me up after one of the encounters with my bullies.

"Saphira Castello, you think you are better than us now that you have a minion?"

"Francine, I don't want a scene. Please just leave me alone."

"Oh really? Well girls, the princess knows how to fight back now that she has a knight in shining armor! Or should I say knight in peasant's armor?"

"Hey! Don't you insult my friend! I am not doing anything to you why do you always pick on me?"

"Just your mere existence annoys me. Can't you feel you are not wanted here? We don't want someone who thinks she is above all of us. Such a snob self centered bitch! A teacher's pet! You are everything I hate in student. All righteous and mighty!" I should have continued answering back and fighting for myself but I was always fearful of confrontations like this. It was hurtful knowing that someone hated me even if I tried hard to be the best person that I can be.

I tried to leave but she pulled my hair.

"Awwww! Francine please..."

"Let go of her!"

Francine pushed me hard to the lockers and I hit my forehead.

"Ooops! Hey! Let go of me! Are you gay fighting with a girl like me?! Why did you push me?"

Franco pushed Francine hard. Being head cheerleader, she was fast. She was able to steady herself before she could fall face flat on the floor. I wished I could have been that fast so my head will not hurt as hell.

"You dare hit Saphira?! She was not even doing anything to you. Why don't you just leave her alone so you can manage your pathetic life you envious bitch!"

I have never seen Franco angry and he was really scary and I would say hot? His handsome face all red in anger.

"I'll tell my boyfriend you pushed me. Then let's see who will be pathetic."

"Right! Go and tell! But don't blame me if I tell the teachers how you were bullying Saphira. She hit her head! She could have been injured and now I have a proof to show them. So Francine, tell me. Who will get into trouble? You or me?" It was funny how Francine's smug pretty face could look uneasy and tormented after hearing Franco's threats.

"Just stay away from us Francine. Consider this your final warning."

She left me with a spiteful glare. If looks could kill, I could have been dead right on the spot. Franco went to my aid the minute Francine left us alone.

"Hey, are you alright? Come on, let's go to the clinic so we can let the nurse see if you're injured." He took my face in his hands and checked my forehead, which throbbed painfully from the impact.

"I'm fine really. I'm used to this. Just that this is my first time to be hit physically. I guess I deserve this for answering back."

"What do you mean you deserve that?"

"I tried to fight back but I got scared then I tried to leave. That's why she got angrier at me."

He caressed my cheeks and tilted my head so I will look at him and his gorgeous eyes.

"Saphira, nobody deserves to be hurt even with words or physically. You really should fight for yourself more. Don't let them trample you like that. You are better than all of them combined."

"Just let this go Franco. Please? I don't want any trouble. Just one year and then I'm off. I will finally free from them all."

"I will let this slide for now, but if I see them hurt you or even look at your direction, I will always defend you. You know I always got your back right?"

"Yes thank you."

"Come on, our last period teacher called in sick and they couldn't find a reliever. Now, we have 2 hours of free time before my shift at the café. Let's go have an adventure!"

"Are you sure about this? An adventure?"

"Oh come on, don't be scared, I'll take care of you. Let's go!?"

"Ahh sure? I'll call the driver."

"Don't you want to take the bus?"

"I want to but you know I can't just shake off my security and driver like that. They will get into trouble."

"You're too kind for your own good. But sure come on."

We had so much fun that day. Franco brought me to the Zoo and Bird Park. I was fine at first, so delighted to be there for the first time that I forgot I have pet allergies. One of the reason for not being able to go there before.

I was laughing from his animal jokes and his making funny faces to imitate the gorillas. He even tried to feed the giraffe even if the signs indicate "Do not feed the animals."

It was on the dog and cat section of the zoo when I felt my eyes turned watery and I have been sneezing uncontrollably. My face and neck turned all red and I remembered I am allergic to pets.

"Saphira, what's wrong? Are you sick?"

"I hab awergies."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I fowgot"

"Do you have medicine with you?"

"In da cawr."

I was holding my pinching my nose as it was turning all watery on me.

"Come on, times up, lets get you treated."

And that was how my first zoo experience ended.00000