Chapter 25: Scandal

Life isn't unfair, people are. Weeks had passed since that day. Naging okay naman kami ni Zian pagkatapos noon. Balik ulit sa dating gawi, pero ngayon hindi na madalas.

We're now busy with our studies, text and call na lang muna kami minsan. He's busy studying too, too much for being studious. Me, on the other hand, minding my own business with these annoying people around me.

Maayos naman akong nag-aaral, minsan nga ay ginagawa ko pang tutor si Zian. He always encourage me to study well and focus. And I could say I am doing well.

"Mataas ang grades ni Valderama sa first sem kasi sipsip siya kay Sir Vallejos!"

I clenched my jaw after hearing those words outside of a cubicle where I am in. I shouldn't be affected like what Zian's reminders to me, nag-aaral ako nang maayos kaya mataas ang grades ko, and it's not because of that fvcking annoying professor!

They really are unfair. Kung kailan maganda na ang ginagawa ko, atsaka sila aasta nang ganiyan. Well, I should ignore them, but this made me angry.

"What the fvck were you talking about?" I hissed when I went out of cubicle.

They got startled when they heard me. I squinted my eyes when my eyes familiarized these two. If I wasn't mistaken these two have been my enemy too.

"T-Totoo naman!"

I smirked and stepped forward, giving her a death glare. "You fvcking bitch, will you stop sticking your nose in other's business?"

They didn't answer me, but they quickly gathered themselves and left me inside the bathroom.

I shook my head when my attention averted to my phone's beep.

Kurt:

We're having a dinner tonight in our house. Just reminding you, hope you can come. It's mom's birthday.

I sighed and ignored the text. I was planning to go to Rizal!

But then Mommy messaged me, I was dumbfounded at first, ni hindi ko alam na alam niya pala ang number ko.

Mommy:

Come home early. We're having a dinner with the Narez.

Narez, she's talking about Kurt's family. I sighed as I hid my phone inside my skirt's pocket.

"Congrats, Miss Valderama."

I gave a side glance to someone who spoke. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, you can now leave me, Mr. Vallejos."

I am now inside our classroom, wala pa masyadong tao dahil nasa labas at may event. After I went at the bathroom hindi na ako bumalik sa gymnasium at bumalik na lang sa classroom.

"You're so rude."

I lifted my gaze at him. "So what if I am? Can't you give me a space, Sir? What the hell is your problem? Are you planning something? If you have, stop it. Fvck off, professor," mahaba at naiinis na litanya ko sa kaniya.

He's fvcking getting on my nerves and I am sometimes having a goosebumps towards him.

He looked at me in shock until he cleared his throat, his eyes telling me he's hurt after hearing what I said. "I-I didn't mean to... make it that way, Miss Valderama. You're my student after all, and you're one of my responsibilities..."

"You're making me uncomfortable, Mr. Vallejos. Is this a some kind of special treatment? 'Coz I'm not enjoying it, I feel disgusted. Just act normal like what other professors do. You're creeping the hell out of me." I then stood up and walked passed by him to go outside.

"Oh, ba't mukhang miserable iyang mukha mo?" Marga asked and about to laugh when I bumped into her in the quadrangle.

I shook my head. "None of your business," I lazily answered.

After class, I straightly went home as what my mom told me to. Kapag sa dinner ng iba, nariyan sila pero kapag ako laging busy.

Ano pa nga ba? Sanay na ako, at ayos na rin iyon as long as I have Zian. I have slightly changed because of him.

"Wear something good, Audrey," si Mommy nang nasalubong ako sa loob.

"You're early," I pointed out. Mas nauna pa sila sa 'kin ngayon.

"I cleared my schedule, so get changed."

I bit my lowerlip and nodded. Dumiretso muna ako sa kitchen para humingi ng apple juice kay Manang Lita.

"They can clear their schedules whenever they want, after all sila naman ang may-ari. Daddy's a director. Bakit kapag sa 'kin laging walang time, e kung p'wede naman pa lang gawan ng paraan?" pagsusumbong ko kay Manang Lita.

She sighed and gave me a faint smile. "Pasensya na, hija. Bigyan mo muna ng mahabang pasensya ang mga magulang mo."

I hope they will soon realize it. They're too busy, nakakalimutan na ako kaya nga lagi rin akong nasa labas dahil wala naman akong gagawin sa bahay.

"Whatever, bakit kapag si Fiona? They always have time..."

Manang Lita cleared her throat. "Huwag mo muna iyang isipin, hija. Sige na, at magbihis ka na baka pagalitan ka pa ng ina mo."

I spun around to exit the kitchen when I saw Fiona pretty leaning against the wall. "Jealous of me, little sister?"

I ignored her and walked passed by when she talked again. "Don't be, it's your time tonight."

I shook my head and continued walking until I reached my roon and showered for long before getting dressed.

I was wearing a black backless bandage dress, I put a light make up and ended up styling my hair not forgetting to put the white-pearled hair clip, I curled its end and went out.

"Let's go."

When we arrived, there's a plenty of people inside, especially in their corporate suits.

"Act classy, Audrey. They're powerful people in business industry."

"Ano'ng pake ko?" I answered at Fiona.

"Wala ka talagang modo kahit kailan. Umayos ka kung ayaw mong mapahiya," she warned and left me.

I rolled my eyes when someone approached me. "Hi, you're the younger daughter of the director of Valderma Medical Hospital, right?" a guy in his 20s asked.

I nodded. "Yeah?"

"Nice to meet you. Magkaibigan ang parents natin."

"So?"

He chuckled. "Sungit. I'm Jerry. You?"

"I am not interested, so get out of my sight."

He shyly smiled. "O-Okay... if you need me, just find me over there." Itinuro niya ang side ng garden. There were people chattering.

May catering doon, may fountain ng chocolate at cupcakes na nakapalibot doon. May mga waiter na nag-iikot.

"Ma'am, drinks?"

I accepted the glass of champagne and drank it straightly.

"Audrey, let's go inside." Daddy approached me and guided me the way until we reached the inside of their house.

And they were there. Mommy, Fiona, Kurt, Tita Rowena and Tito Bengie.

"Hija, come here!" Tita Rowena stood up and smiled at me.

"Greet her," Daddy whispered before sitting before Mommy.

"Hmm, happy birthday, Tita. I didn't bring a gift—"

"No, it's okay! Your presence is enough to me. Come and sit." She grabbed me and made me sit on the chair across Kurt.

I saw how Fiona glared at me. I raised a brow before looking on my plate instead.

"So, how are you doing, Audrey? You know, you should come often. I want to see you!" Tita Rowena giggled.

I cleared my throat, feeling uncomfortable. "Uhm, I am busy with studies..."

"P'wede ka naman bumisita paminsan-minsan, Audrey," si Mommy.

I sighed and looked down on my food. "But..."

"Just eat first, Audrey," Daddy whispered beside me.

I sighed in relief. I am somehow happy whenever Daddy's saving me when I am in this kind of situation.

We continued eating while they were talking until it was my time again. Lagi na lang ba talaga akong isasali sa usapan? I don't wanna be included in this.

"How 'bout by the end of the fourth sem? Or let Audrey graduate in high school first before settling with the engagement."

"Mom..." si Kurt kay Tita Rowena.

Tita smiled sweetly at him. "Why? You like Audrey naman."

"O-Oo nga!" Fiona stutterly butt in.

I was just watching their moves, feeling suspicious. I saw how Kurt's face went dark when it met Fiona's stare. Fiona equally glared at him and whispered something.

"The earlier, the better. Para naman mapakinabangan din si Audrey for the business."

"Scarlet, huwag mong pangunahan ang bata," saway ni Daddy.

I clenched my fist as I felt my phone vibrated. Hindi ko na sila pinansin at kinuha na lang ang cellphone sa clutch.

Zian:

Punta ka rito o hindi?

Zian:

Hey.

Zian:

Why aren't you replying?

Zian:

Busy?

Zian:

Hey. Are you okay? I'm getting worried.

I let out a small smile and typed in reply.

Me:

Hey, I am sorry. I am now currently in a some kind of party. I forgot to message you.

Me:

Birthday ng friend ni Daddy ha baka ano na naman sabihin mo : )

"I am sorry, but I have to follow him po."

I lifted my gaze and saw Fiona stood up and half-running towards the hallway. Kurt's nowhere on his seat too.

"What happened, Dad?"

"Kurt walked out."

Hinayaan ko na lang iyon, pero dahil hindi ako makarelate sa pinag-uusapan nila ay tumayo na ako. I excused myself to catch some fresh air. Umabot ako sa backyard ng bahay nila kung saan walang tao at medyo tahimik.

There, I saw Fiona and Kurt, arguing so I stepped back para sana umalis na nang may nakakuha ng atensyon ko. I then decided to eavesdrop instead of leaving.

"You need to be engaged with her! Your parents like her, so do you. Hindi ba't gusto mo naman talaga siya? Then why are you acting like you're against with it?!"

My forehead creased.

"Fiona, listen. Yes, I like Audrey. And I don't think she'll be happy with it. Naisip ko na mali iyon, hindi siya p'wedeng pilitin sa bagay na ayaw niya!"

"Edi, ikaw ang mapipilitan! I want you to marry her soon!"

What the fvck, Fiona? Ang kapal naman ng mukha mo para magdesisyon.

"I want but she doesn't! Napag-isipan ko na iyon, at buo na ang desisyon ko. Kung ayaw niya, hindi ko siya pipilitin. Para saan?"

"No, listen to me, Kurt!"

"Why are you doing this, Fiona?! Akala ko ba ayos na tayo?—"

"I'll leak our sex video if you won't do what I tell you."

My eyes widened in fraction. I covered my mouth in shock. They... they have a sex video?!

Oh my fvcking gosh! That feeling malinis bitch.

"What the f— you filmed us?!"

"Yeah, I did. And once it leaked, good bye..."

"You'll gonna ruin our image in university, Fiona!"

"Well, I don't care with my image and name."

"What the hell are you saying?"

"Hindi ako matatakot, Kurt at huwag mo na alamin kung bakit. I'll destroy Audrey if you won't agree."

"You devil..."

"So what? People don't care about me, what's the point?"

Tss. Don't care? Ano'ng kaartehan na naman ba ito, Fiona?

"That's not true. I care for you as your parents do."

"Shut up, Daddy doesn't like me!"

I scoffed in disbelief. What a pathetic bitch. E, halos siya na nga lang ang nakikita ng magulang namin.

"He does. Your mom loves you too."

"Yeah, I know. Pero, hindi iyon sapat! At alam ko na alam mo ang dahilan!"

I sighed, that was so boring. Magsapakan na lang kayo malilibang pa ako. Inuubos niyo lang ang laway kakasigaw baka mamaos pa kayo.

"Fvck that inheritance, Fiona! Gano'n ka ba kainggit kay Audrey? Ni wala nga atang pakialam iyon sa mana, ikaw lang 'tong nagmumukhang pera—"

I heard a slap before Kurt could finish.

"What if they abandon me, huh? Paano ako? I need it in the future, pero nakalaan iyon lahat kay Audrey! So, you better engage with her!"

"Are you using me to get a half of it? Hindi ko naman makukuha iyon dahil hindi naman akin 'yon, Fiona! Huwag mo nga akong gawing magnanakaw!"

Bago pa ako tumagal doon kakakinig ay umalis na ako. Iyan lang ba ang concern niya? Ni hindi ko nga naiisip iyang mga iyan. Masyado siyang sakim. The love and attention nasa sa kaniya na, tapos gusto niya pang akuin ang kung anong mana?

Isaksak niya lahat sa baga niya ang mga iyon, wala akong pake dahil hindi ko naman ikakasaya iyon.

"I HEARD you have a sex video, Fiona."

Tomorrow morning, I planned to annoy her since I have nothing to do, Zian's busy so he wouldn't be in that house.

She was shocked and gave me a scared look. "W-What the..."

"You couldn't deny it. You're caught in the act. How was the feeling, Fiona?" I smirked.

"Demonyita ka. That wasn't true!"

I smirked and shrugged. "Kunwari maniniwala ako. I couldn't believe you. You're so low. Pang blackmail ba kaya ka nakipag—"

She slapped me. "Mind your own fvcking business!"

I clenched my jaw and held my cheek. Calm down, Audrey, you started it so accept the consequences.

Later that afternoon, I saw a guy from our kitchen. I actually don't know him and I thought he's a thief.

"Who the fvck are you?!"

His eyes widened, after getting on himself he cleared his throat and bit his lower lip. "I-I am Fiona's boyfriend..."

My forehead creased. "What? What are you doing here?" And for Pete's sake, my parents are here in the house!

"She invited me over... may kukunin lang daw siya sa taas kaya iniwan niya muna ako rito..."

I smirked. "Really?" I stepped towards him and arched a brow. "Are you serious with Fiona, huh?"

He swallowed hard and nodded. "Of course..."

I bit my lower lip as a plan popped in my mind. "Well, let's see..."

I slowly tilted my head and went closer to reach for his lips. He kissed me back.

I pushed him after a seconds and glared at him. "Fvck you, cheater." I tested him and if he won't bite with my plan, he's telling the truth, but he did just kiss me back and didn't even taken aback. Asshole.

Napapikit pa ako nang mariin nang sumagi sa isip ko si Zian. "Bastard, get out of here!" I yelled and was about to storm out to wash my mouth when I saw Fiona in front of me.

"Kung sino-sinong pinapatulan. Kating-kati lang, Audrey?" She raised a brow and raised her phone. "Hey you, thank you for accomplishing your mission. You can now get out, I'll talk to you tomorrow for the payment."

I was dumbfounded. She planned all of this? What a brilliant idea to make me look stupid.

"Little sister naman, mukhang hindi yata nakayanan at pati nagpapanggap na boyfriend ko ay aahasin mo?"

"You hypocrite!"

"Well, yeah. Mommy should see this and... hmm." She shrugged like she thought of something and chuckled. "What's the guy's name again? Oh, forget it I have my way." She turned her back at me while I was left, looking stupid.

"Audrey, what kind of a scandal is this?!"

Nabalik ako sa ulirat nang pumasok si Mommy sa kitchen island at ipinakita sa akin ang cellphone na may picture. It was me and the guy earlier... kissing.

I clenched my jaw as I deathly glared at Fiona behind mom.

"Mommy, Fiona planned all of that!" I defended.

"Are you a whore, Persian Audrey? Hindi ka na nadala nagdala ka pa ng lalaki rito!" Hinampas ni Mommy sa mukha ko ang cellphone na nakapagpasinghap sa 'kin.

Nahulog ang cellphone kaya kinuha iyon ni Fiona, may gana pa siyang punasan ang screen noon bago ibinulsa at bumalik sa puwesto niya kanina.

"Mommy! I didn't bring that asshole here, Fiona did!" I yelled as  I held my cheek. It was hurt.

"Tama na ang paninisi sa ate mo! You disgusting whore, bakit pa kita ipinanganak?!"

I felt my heart clenched inside me. Disgusting whore... and she regretted bringing me to this world.

I bit my lower lip as I fought the urge to cry. No, Audrey. Don't you ever show them your weakness.

"Mommy, can you believe me for once? Fiona's a whore and not me! She has a sex scandal, Mommy!" I don't have any cards on me, kaya iyon na ang ginamit ko.

Mommy slapped me again. "Sinisiraan mo pa talaga ang anak ko! You have no evidence, Audrey! You're just ruining her!"

"What the hell is happening here?" I heard a baritone voice from nowhere.

It is Daddy.

"Pagsabihan mo iyang malandi mong anak, Peter! She brought a guy here and made out!" pang-aakusa ni Mommy.

I couldn't hold my tears anymore, it fell like a river especially when Daddy's expression darkened after Fiona showed him the picture.

"Audrey, what the hell is this?" si Daddy.

I shook my head, tears falling. "Daddy, it's not what you're thinking!"

"Then how would you explain this picture?!" Parang kulog ang boses niya nang sigawan ako.

Mas lalong kumirot iyong puso ko, I bit my lower lip and wiped my tears. "Daddy... it was just a kiss! How about Fiona having sex—"

"You bitch, wala kang ebidensya! Liar!" Fiona interfered.

"Okay lang sana kung sa labas iyan, Audrey! You even brought a guy in this house! You're such a disgrace! At gagawa ka pa ng istorya sa ate mo?!" si Mommy ulit.

Fine. I won't explain, I won't force them to believe me. What's new? Fine, I was at fault... pero bakit ganoon? What does it have to be Fiona always? They always taking Fiona's side!

"You're grounded—"

"Why are you all doing this to me? Kasalanan ko ba, Mommy na nabuhay ako? You did this that's why I am here in this fvcking cruel world! I didn't wish living this fvcking life! Go and punish all you want, Daddy! And you, Fiona! Siraan mo ako hangga't gusto mo! What kind of a family all of you?! Ni kahit isa hindi niyo man lang ako pinakinggan, it's always been this fvcking ugly bitch!" I yelled with an anger before storming out of the kitchen and straightly went outside.

Sumakay ako ng grab papunta sa Rizal. I need Zian right now. I know he'll understand me.

I hope he will...