"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love." -Sophocles

Always remember that you deserve all the love in the world, Gabrielle. Don't be afraid to give a lot of love as well. -H💋

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"The couple of the century is here!" Faith announced when she saw Xander and me walking towards them.

"Almost couple of the century," Danica corrected. The three of them chuckled and I shook my head.

A day had passed since Xander and I officially became a couple. They don't know it yet because I haven't told them. Faith might probably freak out because we usually tell milestones or revelations to each other the day it happened.

"You haven't told them yet?" Xander whispered.

"No, I forgot," I answered. I did forget because I haven't even talked to them this whole weekend. I kept calling Xander and we would talk for hours.

"Did you tell Maddie?" I asked.

"She knows that we're already together even before your dad gave his approval."

"Why? Did she not understand how the courting thing works?"

"No, I just told her that we're together. I mean, that is how we ended up right now," he said and I nodded, agreeing with what he did. Like I said, telling everyone that we're actually together is easier than explaining our setup. "But I actually want to tell her that we're already married because that's where we'll actually end up," he added.

Damn. My face heated after he said that. We're only together for two days and he's already thinking about marrying me. I haven't even thought of that yet but I do want to grow old with him. It must be nice waking up next to him and seeing his face every day for the rest of my life.

The school bell rang breaking me out of my reverie. Xander told me that he'll be walking to class. I told him to go ahead.

He gave me a kiss on the cheek before walking away. I looked at the girls, their eyebrows are furrowed and confusion can be seen in their facial expressions.

"I thought kissing is not allowed. Even a cheek kiss is not okay, right?" Sunshine asked.

"Not allowed in the courting stage, yes," I answered.

"But he just kissed you so are you–" Faith gasped, not being able to finish what she was saying.

Danica and Shine looked at me in shock. "How?" Danica asked.

I shrugged. "I'll see you guys later. Mind removing the 'almost' for me?" I said, referring to Danica's 'almost couple' remark a while ago before walking to my first class.

They called my name but I didn't look back and instead, just laughed to myself while going to the classroom.

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"How come you didn't tell me?!" Faith asked, referring to the fact that Xander and I are official.

We are currently in the cafeteria and having lunch. We were occupied with classes which is why they only asked now.

"You didn't ask." I shrugged.

"Still you should've told us," Danica said.

"I forgot, sorry," I admitted. The three of them shook their heads.

"When did you become official?" Shine asked.

"Last Saturday," I answered.

"When did your dad give his approval?" Danica asked.

"Last week. Monday, I think," I answered.

"Mom was about to scold Uncle Gabriel when she found out but since everything's alright, Uncle Gabriel is safe," Danica said.

I laughed. Tita Bianca always counters Dad in everything. Dad will always complain and question if he's really Tita Bianca's cousin because she gets along with Mom well. They're best friends since high school so it's not really a puzzle why they get along perfectly.

"Have you guys kissed already?" Shine asked, making me blush.

"OMG! You did! How was it, huh? Was he a good kisser?" Faith asked.

"Can we not talk about it?" I said, trying to lessen the uneasiness I'm feeling.

"Have you done the deed already?" Faith asked, changing the topic.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "What deed?"

"Sex," Danica straightforwardly answered.

"Are you guys f*cking serious?! It's only been two days since we became official!" I exclaimed.

Faith shrugged. "I thought you might have."

"Ew, no! Dad wouldn't allow it."

"He won't know," Danica whispered.

I scoffed. "The both of you are the worst influences! I'm going to sit next to Shine," I said before standing up and sitting next to Shine, pushing Faith off the chair.

"Thanks a lot, Gabbie," she sarcastically said before sitting on my previous seat.

"You're welcome," I teased.

"You wouldn't be able to resist it though. Just take contraceptives like what Faith does," Danica told me.

"Hey!" Faith called out. Danica shrugged.

"You probably do it a lot with Ian," I told Faith.

"What? N-No, of course n-not." She blushed.

"Liar," Danica said.

"Still, I am not planning to do that anytime soon. Mom kept hers until marriage so I'll be doing the same," I told them with strong conviction.

The three of them nodded before eating their food. I continued eating my lunch while thinking of what we have talked about. Xander would understand, for sure. He knows that my parents are strict so he probably knows that we can't do it yet too.

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"Marina, here," Mom said, handing me something.

Two weeks have passed since Xander and I became a couple. We haven't gone on a date again because we were both busy with school but he would sometimes swing by our house to do school works with me.

The conversation I had with the girls always cross my mind so I don't bring Xander inside my room. It's not that I don't trust him, I'm just a little bit paranoid. I can't explain much but the point is there somewhere.

"What's this?" I asked, grabbing it.

"Tickets to the 102nd floor of the Empire State," Mom answered.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Why would you give me this?" I asked.

"We were supposed to go tomorrow with Khaila and Drew–"

"OMG! Is Drew going to visit?" I asked, cutting her off.

"They were supposed to but Drew has an important event in his school and as much as he wants to go, he can't," Mom answered.

I sighed. "What am I going to do with four tickets to the Empire State?"

"Bring your friends with you or take Xander and Max," she suggested.

"Why the hell would I take Max with us?"

"Your brother needs to get out of the house more often so I suggest you bring him with you. Make him your photographer for the day or whatever." Mom shrugged.

"Okay." I sighed.

"You'll see Drew next month, don't worry," Mom assured and that made me smile.

"Okay, okay." I nodded and she squeezed my hand before walking out of my room.

I looked at the tickets she gave me. I could bring the girls but we have been there lots of times already. I'll bring Xander and Max then.

I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and called Xander. He answered after three rings. "Hey."

"Let's go to the Empire State Building tomorrow," I told him.

"Bit random but okay," he answered. "Why the Empire State though?"

"Mom and I were supposed to meet with some friends from out of town but they canceled so she gave the tickets to me. You're okay with going, right?"

"Of course. To be honest, I haven't entered the Empire State yet so it'll probably be a nice experience," he said.

My eyes widened. "How is that even possible? Never in your 18 years of existence?"

"Never," he answered.

"You're in luck then. We'll be going with my brother."

"Okay."

"See you tomorrow, babe."

"See you tomorrow," he said before ending the call.

I walked to Maxwell's room after that. He was busy playing games as usual.

"You're coming to the Empire State with me tomorrow," I announced.

"Can't you go alone?" he asked, irritated.

"Mom told me to bring you."

"Who are we going with?"

"Xander," I answered.

He looked at me. Max isn't really close to Xander. Well, not yet. He likes Jay better than Xander because he can play with him but I know he'll be close to Xander too one day.

"No, thanks," he answered.

"Why not?" I pouted.

"I don't want to be your third wheel, Ate."

"That's too bad. I was going to invite Penny to come with us but you declined so I'd have to go with just Xander and Penny then," I said before turning back.

"Wait," he said, making me smirk.

Amanda Penelope, Faith's younger sister, and Maxwell's ultimate crush. She is the sweetest. I've been to Faith's house a million times already and Penny would always hang out with us. I know that she has a crush on Max as well. I don't think they know that they like each other.

I cleared my throat before facing him. "What?"

He sighed. "I'll come with you tomorrow."

☔︎・☔︎・☔︎

"Have you been to the 102nd-floor observatory, Penny?" I asked Penny who was beside Max. I wanted to break the awkwardness between the two of them.

We are now inside the elevator going to the 102nd floor.

"I've been to the 86th. Mommy and Daddy brought Faith and me there," she answered.

"Faith's little sister is cute. I always want a little sister to take care of," Xander whispered.

"You have Maddie," I replied.

He chuckled. "I actually wish that I was with her growing up."

"That's alright. You can make up lost time now," I told him and he gave me a small smile.

"Wow!" Penny chirped when we finally reached the 102nd floor.

My eyes widened when I was greeted by the beautiful view of the New York City Skyline. Penny and I immediately got out of the elevator to try and see the view clearly.

It was really beautiful. Since the sun is setting, the sky's colors are a mix of pink, orange, and purple. It was absolutely breathtaking.

"I've been here lots of times and the view here never failed to mesmerize me," I told Xander who is now beside me.

I looked at my left side and saw Penny and Max standing next to each other. I smiled when I saw them holding each other's hands.

I then glanced at Xander. He's looking outside and admiring the sunset.

"Wish you came here sooner, huh?" I asked.

He looked at me. "No. If I came here before then it wouldn't be as special as now."

"Why? What's so special about it now?" I asked.

He hugged me from behind. "It's special because I'm with you," he answered and I felt my heart race.

I held his hand that was on my waist. "I love you," I whispered.

I felt him stiffen. I closed my eyes and sighed. What the f*ck did you just do, Gabbie?! Maybe he still doesn't feel the same way. You're really so stu–

"I love you, too," he whispered back, making me look at him with eyes widened.

He chuckled at my reaction before kissing me on the forehead.

"Can you say it again?" I asked.

He smiled before planting a soft kiss on my lips. "I love you, Brielle," he said after pulling away. "I love you so much."