Chapter 1

'May we invite everyone to please pause for a  while and observe silence as we pray the Angelus.'

"Finally," I said as I let out a sigh of relief, glancing up at Engineer Olvido, our instructor in Basic Calculus.

I got up quickly, and my classmates did the same. I felt relieved that the sudden test was cancelled. Well, thanks to the prayer leader for that perfect timing.

'Let us pause for a while and pray with me the Angelus. Please all stand...'

Few of my classmates sigh in relief, while some of them laugh secretly. Maybe they’re hungry too. And like me, they do not have enough energy to fight with numbers, specifically mathematical equations.

Numbers are like boys; they're both pains in the ass. They exist to give you headaches and make you suffer.

'The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary...'

'And she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,' we responded.

This is what happens in all Catholic Schools: at exactly 8:00 in the morning, we have Gospel reading, every 11:45 a.m., we pray Angelus, and 3 o'clock prayer every 3:00 p.m.

'As it was, in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.'

The screams grew louder when the prayer was over and when our Instructor came out of the room. I immediately hid my calculator, highlighters, journal inside my bag and hurriedly walked out.

"Hey, aren't you coming with us?" it was Cassandra, my friend. She asked arrogantly because that was how we really spoke with each other. She is often considered a lesbian because of his actions and words, but believe me; there is also a secret flirt hidden in that body.

"I will meet someone," I lied. I really want to be alone to think. These past few days, I was physically and mentally drained.

"Ah! The real queen of flirts!" Vettinah said while fixing her face. Among the four of us, she is the wildest and party, goer. She’s noisy in class and also in bed. Ernisha is the smartest and kindest among us. A matured one and a great killjoy.

"Just like you!" I shouted back before turning my back. Cassandra, Vettinah, and Ernisha are my friends and cheating mate buddy as well.

I was tired of going down the stairs. The school guard blocked my way because I almost forgot to tap out my Identification Card. I'm hungry and also in a hurry. With a deep sigh, I rolled my eyes and waited for my turn to come.

I decided to eat at It's Friday, one of my favourite fast-food restaurants that offer unlimited wings and rice. I eat a lot as I can whenever I have a problem or something in mind.

"Tatiana?"

This can't be. I know that voice! Of course, how can I forget the voice I used to love and miss.

I gulp. It seemed like my feet were glued as I heard the familiar voice of someone. It was Ace, my cheater ex-boyfriend.

The two of us got along well. I even thought that it would be until the end, but it wasn’t. Because the man who promised to love me until his last breath cheated.

I admit that, was wrong for trusting him and falling for his words. Remembering what happened during the vacation break makes me want to vomit.

"How are you?" he asked. How dare him, right?

"I'm fine and thankful." I casually replied while waiting for my order.

I was actually a bit irritated by his presence. He still has the desire to face me and ask me as if nothing had happened. What a thick face!

"Thankful because you left me." I smiled bitterly.

He seemed surprised. His facial expression changed as well. From my peripheral vision, I saw his new toy. Honestly, whoever you are jealous of, will be your boyfriend's new toy after your break up.

"Wait," I said before turning my back. "Let me rephrase it. You did not leave me; God removed you for me. He removed a toxic person like you in my life."

I faked my smile, get my food tray, and paid for my bill. I bitterly mocked myself. Funny, what he used to say is that she’s just his friend. But look at them now, a perfect picture of a couple.

I hate myself because I loved a cheater. He grinned when he saw me staring. He thought that I was jealous, but he did not know that I was disgusted. Gross!

I decided to ignore their presence and continued my search for a seat.

My jaw literally dropped when I saw some of my chicken wings rolled on the floor.

"What the hell!"

His low and baritone voice echoed inside the restaurant. I lifted my gaze and saw him looking at my eyes intently.

In the tone of his voice, he was obviously not happy with what was happening. How can he be happy if one of the chicken wings flies and sticks to his clothes? It leaves stains on it! I noticed that we were slowly getting the attention of others.

I bit my lower lip and took a deep breath before facing him. I was about to apologize, but I was a bit stunned by his stares. I admit he's good looking and attractive. He got the looks and a well-toned body. He can surely make a girl fall into his trap in an instant.

"Are you done checking on me?" he asked arrogantly. I gulped again when he raised a brow, which makes him look even sexier. Her eyes are drowning, and her voice is also captivating.

I wanted to defend myself, I wanted to speak, but my mouth remained close. I can’t seem to find the right words to say, so I just raised a brow.

I was about to go, but the man grabbed my hand, so I stopped.

I stopped not because I was hurt but because I was surprised. It was as if electricity was flowing between us when our skin had a simple interaction.

A grin formed within his lips when he saw my reaction. I blink more than twice when he leaned closer to me.

"Where are you going? Do you really think I will let you escape--"

I kissed him out of irritation and suddenly left as nothing happened. I do not know what kind of spirit joined me to do that thing. I hurriedly walked away as my cheek warmed up.

He called me several times, but I choose to ignore him and pretend not to hear him.

What the hell is wrong with you, Tatiana?

Why did you kiss him? Why did you kiss a stranger? I asked myself.