The glow in her eyes came back. “You know what? You should see him. He’s in the next building. He’s an Architecture student. And just like us, he’ll be graduating next year as well.
“Alexis is three years older than us. He’s turning twenty-three. According to the rumors, he’d been kicked out a few times before. There are many reasons circulating here and there. But who knows? Maybe it’ll be different here. Maybe he’ll take things seriously here. After all, he looks smart.” Laurice suddenly sounded defensive as if she was already close with this Alexis guy. “Maybe he’s just going through something that’s why he’s like that.”
I stared at her wide-eyed. “You already found out all those things about him? But you said you just saw him yesterday.”
Laurice proudly raised her chin as she winked at me. “I have my ways, my friend.”
But then again, I shouldn’t have doubted Laurice’s resourcefulness. I mean her father was a major shareholder here in Saint Gabriel Academy. If she wanted to know something, all she had to do was use her connection.
I laughed. After I was done fixing my things, I rose from my seat.
“I have to go now. You can resume your stories tomorrow. Or better yet, just go find somebody who can relate to that kind of topic. No offense, but you know me. Just be sure not to talk about it with your latest beau though.” I winked at her. Laurice’s boyfriend was also in the next building who was taking up Engineering. “You know him. He’ll get jealous.”
“I will never trade Clarence my love for anybody.” Laurice also stood up and linked her arm with me. “Don’t you get it? You’re beautiful and smart but when it comes to things like this, you’re a little slow. Of course, you are the reason why I’m saying all these. I want you to be inspired again. And maybe this Alexis could help spark that fire in you. Honestly, when I first saw him the other day, you are the first thing that came to my mind. You two could be a great pair. I already pictured it in my head. You’re the campus sweetheart, the reigning Miss Saint Gabriel. Of course, you deserve-”
“Do you know what I truly deserve, Laurice? Your silence.”
I giggled when I saw how Laurice’s mood dampened. She rolled her eyes.
After slipping out of the classroom, we went our separate ways. She was heading to the gym because her boyfriend, who turned out to be a varsity player, had a match today.
As for me, I went to the open field. The academy was planning to build another building there in the following months. This place was where I usually hang out. It was just at the back of our school building.
My parents are currently in Europe, having their much-needed vacation. That’s why instead of going straight home, I’d find myself in this place before or after class. This was the only quiet spot in the campus unlike the other places which were constantly crowded with students.
I brought out the pink towel from my bag and spread it on the Bermuda grass before I laid there.
I closed my eyes and for countless times, Yves’ face crossed my mind. He was my first boyfriend. He used to spend his time here with me. It will be his death anniversary a few days from now. My chest tightened at the thought.
It had been almost two years since Yves passed away. Unlike me, he came from a simple family. But because he was smart, he was granted a full scholarship to Saint Gabriel Academy. He used to be our classmate.
He had caught my attention the first time I saw him. That’s why when I caught his interest and he courted me, I said ‘yes’ right away. At first, my parents were against our relationship. They believed I was still too young for it but Yves charmed my parents until he was able to win their favor.
Yves was a sweet and caring guy. He was everything I’d wanted. We never had major problems. But four months before our second anniversary, he died.
Dad had lots of enemies related to our family business. We had always been aware of that. Dad and my uncles eat death threats for breakfast. That’s why then and now, my parents had always been very strict thinking that there was a big possibility that his enemies might not spare me which was true.
The day Yves sent me home, we were ambushed. There was a guy who rode a motorbike and shot at us. But Yves shielded me with his body. He was the one who caught all the bullets meant for me.
That was the beginning of my nightmares.
I’d been restless since then. Yves’ family hadn’t forgiven me yet and of course, I understood why. They blamed me and my family for his death and they had every reason to do it. We had already offered financial help to them many times but they rejected it although we haven’t stopped trying to earn their forgiveness.
The cops were able to catch the culprit later on along with the mastermind. And we confirmed that it was dad’s business rival. Since that day, dad had been extra careful. My bodyguards became two. Right now, they were waiting outside the campus, beside our bullet-proof car.
I took a deep breath. I couldn’t see myself entering another relationship after Yves. I still had suitors, but I never entertained any of them. I guess I haven’t moved on. I still carry the pain from that day.
There were days when I still blamed myself. If only I hadn’t said yes to him, we wouldn’t have been in a relationship and he wouldn’t have died.
It would have been okay if we’d never been in a relationship. At least, he would be alive.
After he died, I tried to live the best way I could to make Yves proud.