"What? Where did you hear that? We're not having any..."
"Cut the crap, Dad. I know everything. Why are you doing this to Mom? She's been the best wife and mother ever. Does she really deserve this?" Damien was ashamed of his dad.
"Son...I know it's wrong...I'm sure you realize how much I love my wife. After one night with Jennie, I couldn't stop seeing her."
"You'll have to stop, Dad. If you don't wanna lose us. And you'll have to get her daughter expelled. She's a threat to everyone in The White's Academy. Will you do that for me?"
"I don't think so, Damien. It's almost time for the exams and it wouldn't be fair if I don't allow her write those exams after all her years in the academy."
~~~SWISSTEA RESTAURANT~~~
Carissa and Easton were walking hand in arm after a date.
"You know, I've always wanted to try the traditional caprese salad," Carissa started, a smile beaming on her face.
"It wasn't bad, though." They chuckled.
Suddenly, a thin looking girl stormed towards Carissa and landed a slap on her face that threw her to the ground.
"Who the fuck are you?" Easton roared.
"Oh, who the fuck am I? Wow. Men are so heartless. After screwing me, you're here with this stupid whore? Unbelievable." The girl was fighting back tears at the same time fuming in anger.
"I don't even know who you are." Carissa rose up, her face turned red immediately.
"How dare you steal my man?" She grabbed Carissa's hair and was pulling her back and forth. Easton strongly pushed the girl away.
"Get lost! You must have gotten the wrong person."
"Wrong person? Easton, why are you doing this to me? Why don't you believe me? It's me. Paula!"
"Paula? I've never heard that name in my entire life. Please leave me alone. How dare you come out of nowhere and hit my girlfriend?"
"Your girlfriend? I'm your girlfriend, Easton. You seem to have gotten amnesia. Okay then, that apart. The great news is that I'm carrying your baby."
"What?" Carissa and Easton exclaimed.
"Yes! He's responsible for it! I trusted him and he took advantage of me. Easton, you're extremely evil! I hate you!!!!" The girl screamed. Carissa couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Carissa, she's lying. I didn't screw her. It's all a lie. We've never even met."
"Cut it out, Easton! Stop denying me! Stop pretending!" Carissa needed a break from the drama happening before her eyes. She wanted to leave but the girl pulled her back.
"Where are you going? You stole my man! You should be severely punished."
Paula dragged Carissa by her wrist and before Easton could take action, an angry mob whisked him away.
He tried to break free from them but they held up dangerous weapons at his face.
"Carissa!! Carissa!!!!"
~~~~GABRIELA'S APARTMENT~~~~
"Do you believe Easton or not?" Gabriela asked Carissa, who was sitting next to her heartbroken.
"I...I don't know, Gabriela. I mean - yes, I do. Whatever he has for a girl is real, he doesn't just fuck them and run off."
"Who could that girl be? Did she tell you her name?"
"Her name's Paula."
"Paula? She's the fresher! I saw her with Claudia after the morning lectures. They were definitely up to something."
"Oh fuck that bitch." Carissa cursed.
"Did you step on her toes again?"
"Of course I did. And I'll continue to. Until I gather enough evidence to prove that she killed my sister." Carissa replied with gritted teeth.
"She deserves to go to jail, Carissa. And you don't have to worry. We're by your side. We'll tackle her. We'll pin her to the ground and take every last thing called hope inside of her. We'll ruin her. She'll pay for everything she's done. The upcoming exams, she'll never get to write it." Gabriela's voice was filled with determination and purpose.
It was about to go down.
The next day, Carissa's pictures were pasted everywhere, the bathroom, the science lab, the lecture rooms, the lockers, the cafeteria, the counters and even the janitors' closet.
Words like Cheat, Whore, Bitch and Slut were written on her pictures boldly with markers.
"Oh my..."
"Carissa's dating the science instructor?"
"What are they doing together?"
"Is it true that they were high school lovers?"
"Could they be fucking?"
"This is horrible!"
"Carissa ruined her image big time."
"The Connor family would really need tissues."
"Their daughter is a disgrace!"
"I hated the girl at first sight."
"She's extremely cheap."
"The wannabe Gabriela is a whore."
"What's...going on here?" Carissa arrived at school, shock all over her face.
"You're asking us? Explain. What are you doing with the science instructor, Easton? We agree he's sexy but Paula is his woman. She's carrying his baby. Poor girl. She shamelessly gave herself to Easton. Now he's tryna run from his responsibility." A girl yelled at Carissa, others were coming towards her to surround her, their faces venomous.
"I - I - "
"Shut up, Carissa!" Paula barked.
"How could you? I have no family or friends. Easton is the only one I truly love. Now you wanna steal him. Why's life so cruel to me? I can't let Easton slip off my fingers, not this time! I can't let you hang out with him. He's my man. I'm carrying his child!" Paula was shedding tears.
"Do you even know what you're talking about?! Carissa has known Easton way before all of you. And he's not dating anyone! Where did Paula come from?" Isabella interrupted, stepping forward to defend Carissa.
"Oh. Do you know Easton's fuck history? Unbelievable. Tell us about it!" They chanted sarcastically.
"How do you know he's not a player? Easton never even looked her way. She was the one seducing him! She's indeed a cheap thing!" Sandra said with gritted teeth.
"Well, that's disrespect," Isabella was confidently standing in front of Sandra.
"Are you finished? Go on. Continue spreading lies. And you, Paula. I have a urinary pregnancy test right here. We can go into the restroom and try it out."
"Can't you see the girl is just too traumatized? She obviously can't do anything!" Kendall commented.
"Isabella, mind your fucking business. This isn't about you - it's about Carissa Connor. The slut."
"Slut? Fine. I accept that. Cheap girls are far better than murderers like you, Claudia Myers." Claudia's eyes flashed and she stepped forward.
"What an accusation! If you don't keep your mouth shut right now..."
"What's gonna happen?"
Sandra pushed Isabella hard and she hit the ground.
"Go away, you ugly thing! I just said this is not about you. Are you deaf, or you're just crazy?"
"Ouch. I heard that line in a movie I watched last night. But you didn't pull it off too well. Say it like this - are you deaf, Sandra? Or you're...weak?" Isabella's sassy aura amazed the other students. Sandra was burning.
She squatted, facing Isabella and she pulled her hair.
"I'm not weak!" Sandra burst out.
"Stop crying, love. Daddy doesn't care. I can feel it in my bones. If he did care, he'd be here in a...split second." A punch followed, and Isabella blacked out.
"You bullies! Get up right now! Take down all the pictures! What kind of a school is this? Why don't they have a bullying control community? This is stupid! Y'all will be expelled!" Mr. Wilson and two bodyguards stormed in, looking furious.
~~~INFIRMARY~~~
"Baby, you enjoy getting in trouble, don't you?" Isabella opened her eyes to see Rafael, again.
"What are you doing here?!" She exclaimed and sat up.
"I thought I heard my dad's voice before I passed out. Where is he?"
"He's taking care of those mean kids. Sandra punched your face. But, that's the last she'll ever do."
"It hurts. I didn't get to reveal Claudia's secret. Too bad, I'll do it next time then."
"Don't do anything, Isabella! Stay out of trouble."
Isabella grinned.
"And what if I don't?"
"You'll have more enemies. I don't want that for you. You're a lovable person." Rafael replied.
"You think so?"
He didn't say anything else. He was just stroking her hair and exploring those deep eyes.
"I must look horrible right now. She punched me so damn hard."
His face was so close to hers that amidst the smell of the clinic, he inhaled her sweet rosy fragrance, the same one when they were together in the rain.
He leaned closer, his hands cupping her cheeks.
Isabella could tell that he was tensed and she grinned sheepishly.
She felt proud that Rafael the playboy was actually shy around her. Rafael placed his hands on her shoulders.
His lips were a soft caress to her cheek, making her heart hammer in her chest.
He let out his tongue slowly, tasting her adorable skin.
Her eyes fluttered close and the anticipation grew.
His lips finally found hers.
His taste was a little different from the other night.
Rafael's slow attempt gradually intensified.
He delved into her parted lips, the tip of his tongue touching hers while she melted in his arms.
Rafael's hands slid from her shoulders slowly while Isabella clung to him.
She was so thrilled that she completely forgot where she was.
Isabella's fingers made their way to his hair and she pulled him closer to herself - wanting more than just gentle bliss.
Rafael kissed her harder and Isabella let out a muffled gasp when he squeezed her waist.
"Ahem!" They broke the kiss awkwardly and were stunned to see the school nurse.
"Your dad's waiting."
"Oh...kay..I'll be there in a sec." Isabella avoided eye contact. She was too embarrassed to look at the nurse's blank expression.
Rafael found her gaze.
"What you said out there....you're a real bad girl, Isabella. It's great to stand up for your friends. But can I request something?"
She blinked.
"Stay out of trouble. I don't want us to meet here all the time."
Isabella smiled.
"I will." She pecked him on the lips and wanted to run away but Rafael pulled her back.
"What are we now?"
"I don't know, whatever you think." She blushed and made her exit.
He licked his lips.
He made it.
He didn't give up on her, after all.
He gained her trust.
The living room was electric, the energy pulsating with every card dealt and every laugh shared. Gabriela, Leslie, Lana, and Miguel were lost in the thrill of the game, their bond radiating like sunshine. Gabriela was on fire, acing the game with ease, while Leslie and Lana were already celebrating their qualification for the next round. Miguel, on the other hand, was trailing behind, his pride taking a hit.
"Girls are the best! Gaby's killing it!" Leslie cheered, as Lana chimed in, "Yaaas, Gaby's got this!"
Miguel chuckled, shaking his head, "I'm letting her win, guys. Don't get too hyped."
The air was alive with excitement, the tension building with each passing moment. And then, it happened – Gabriela laid down her final card, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. Leslie and Lana erupted into cheers, rushing to congratulate her with hugs and high-fives.
"Aww, congrats Gaby! You're the queen of cards!" Lana squealed.
Miguel fake-pouted, scrwing his face into a comical frown. "I let you win, Gabriela. Don't get too full of yourself."
The girls burst into laughter, and it was like music – Gabriela's laughter, in particular, was mesmerizing. Her eyes sparkled, her head thrown back, and her melodic giggles filled the air, a symphony of joy that made everyone's heart smile. Her smile was radiant, her teeth gleaming, and her whole face lit up like a thousand suns.
Miguel's gaze snagged on her, and for a moment, he forgot to breathe. He stared, transfixed, as Gabriela's laughter seemed to wrap around him, drawing him in. Their eyes met, locked in a fleeting moment of connection.
His pants tightened.
How could a girl arouse him this much by laughing?
His stare on her made Gabriela laugh even more and Miguel wished she'd never stop.
"Miguel!" Lana snapped her fingers and he jolted back to reality.
"You both were out of this world. What happened?"
"He never gets tired of staring at his girlfriend."
"Awwnnn..." The twins teased and giggled.
"Next round, please!" Leslie went back to the initial topic.
"Sis, I'm hungry. Who's cooking?" Lana yawned, uninterested in the game.
"The loser cooks and cleans. Miguel, you're doing it." Leslie declared.
"What the fuck? You can't be serious." Miguel exclaimed.
"Does it look like I'm joking?"
"Ugh, fine. I had a recipe planned anyways." He lazily headed to the kitchen.
When he was out of sight, the twins squealed and cuddled Gabriela.
"He's so in love with you!"
"Did you notice his look there?"
"He was captivated!"
"He was breathless!!"
"Wait...you only laughed, right? Did you do anything else?"
"I'd like a man who would love me that much."
They screamed excitedly.
Gabriela was literally blushing at their remarks.
"I'll join him in the kitchen."
Gabriela's sudden presence in the kitchen made the pan fall from his hands.
"Oh gosh, are you okay?" Gabriela looked worried and walked closer to him.
"I'm not, Gaby. I'm going crazy. Why the hell are you this beautiful?" His husky voice gave her butterflies.
"I don't know..." She whispered softly.
"Can you leave me alone for a bit? Staring at you makes me wanna..."
"Wanna? I'm not leaving. I'm here to help out."
He didn't reply. He went on with his cooking.
"Whatever you feel like doing, you can do it right here. I don't have a problem with it."
"Anything like stripping you?"
"Hey! Why are you this dirty? How could you even think that way?" Her face went from serious to a mischief hint.
"I'm your sister." She winked.
"Sister? We already confirmed this so don't mention it again. It sounds terrible."
"Your reaction was so funny when I told you all that. By the way, I went to your dad's mansion." Miguel glared at her puzzled.
"Why?"
"I confronted him."
"What? Why did you do that?!" Miguel yelled.
"Why are you always flaring up about me telling your dad how pathetic he is? He's a failure and since he's got no one to tell him that, I really should. You're a really great guy, Miguel. Since the first day I met you, I knew you were connected to me...somehow but I couldn't really fix the pieces. But as it is, I won't let anyone use you for his own selfish reasons. You are really sweet and caring. You've showed me soft sides of you in the best way possible. I won't let Mr. Jackson say those hurtful words to your face anymore. There's so much I wanna do to him but I stop myself, just for your sake. I just wanna hire thugs to break his bones or land him in jail for physical and emotional abuse on his own child every damn time!" Miguel's heart broke when he noticed she was crying. The words were coming so fast.
"You deserve love, just the way you show others. I admire your strength and I won't let him turn that into weakness. I know you're breaking inside all because of that man."
"What if he harms you, Gabriela? I won't stand that."
"I don't care! I don't care if I get hurt for you! I'd do anything to put a smile on your face! I'm willing to take risks. You've done incredible things for me. I thought what I had for you were mere sparks until you gave me a nice menstrual day... I'll never forget that. I've wanted you since then. I just imagine waking up beside you for the rest of my life...sometimes I feel that's too much to think about but, you're so worth it, Miguel. Your dad hurled words that made me cry but I shook it off and - "
"What did he say?" Miguel growled, his grip on Gabriela's shoulders.
"I demand an answer, Gabriela. What did that monster say?!" His grip was tighter. His face was red with anger.
"Never mind. The food's burning." Miguel turned off the ignition.
Gabriela's shoulders were red.
"Thank you, Gabriela. Thanks for coming into my life and giving it the meaning I want. Since we met, my dad didn't really mean anything to me. Nobody else was worth thinking about. I love the fact that your beauty keeps me distracted."
Gabriela smiled, wiping her tears.
"It's okay. Don't think about your dad or anybody else. I'm here for you, always and forever."