"Miguel??"
"Gabriela, I'm not doing this." He clicked red and the line went dead.
"Is he mad at you?" Alejandro asked.
"No...I mean...kind of. I pulled a show at his house and I know he didn't tell me but he was mad at me. That's why he asked me to avoid him."
"He really likes you, Gabriela. I think he wants you to focus on things that are more important. You know what, give him more time."
~~~~EVE NIGHT~~~~
The night of the White's Academy finalists' Eve party was finally here, and the air was electric with excitement. The graduating students were looking absolutely stunning, ready to celebrate their success in style. Gabriela, Isabella, Michelle, Carissa, Diana, and Veronica were beaming with joy as they headed to the Head of College's office to check their results. The boys were equally thrilled, grinning from ear to ear.
Meanwhile, Claudia and Sandra were sipping on drinks, looking fierce in their matching red corset outfits. Diana sashayed over to Claudia, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Cheers to a successful college!" she said, clinging her glass to Claudia's.
Claudia's eyes narrowed, but she played along, their glasses touching with a soft clink. As they drank, their gazes locked in a silent standoff. Diana's smile never wipped, but her eyes flashed with a warning. "We'll let bygones be bygones... for the graduation party," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But watch your back. We are going to get you soon."
Claudia rolled her eyes, and Diana turned on her heel, strutting away. Carissa and Diana's outfits were the talk of the night, their golden one-shoulder dresses turning heads. The party was in full swing, and Gabriela managed to avoid Miguel and Claudia, lost in the crowd.
~~~~GRADUATION~~~~
The atmosphere was electric as the students gathered for their graduation ceremony. Some were capturing the moment with selfies, chatting, hugging, and laughing with friends, while others were more subdued, their attention fixed on their phones.
Isabella and Diana were giving their fans a front-row glimpse into their morning, live on Instagram. "We're finally graduating," Diana said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "It's been an incredible journey, and we're so grateful to share it with you all." Isabella chimed in, "And we're looking pretty great, if we do say so ourselves." They shared stories of their time at school, from prank wars to study sessions, and the bond they formed with their friends.
Outside, the air was abuzz with anticipation. Students were spilling out of the auditorium, trying to catch a glimpse of Gabriela, the stunning valedictorian. She stepped out of a sleek white Mercedes, her elegance commanding attention. Her hairstyle was a sophisticated low bun, and her makeup was understated, yet striking. A soft pink lipstick complemented her natural beauty, and her smile lit up the room. Her dress, a beautiful imported silk, hugged her curves perfectly, and her crystal-clear heels added a touch of glamour to her overall look.
As she made her way through the crowd, the whispers started. "She looks like a queen."
"Gabriela, you look stunning."
"That dress is incredible."
"Aah Gaby, always dressed to kill!"
"I love you, Gabriela!" Gabriela smiled graciously, acknowledging the compliments with a poise that was quintessentially her. Isabella and Diana quickly swooped in, cameras at the ready. "Gaby, come give us a twirl. We need to get a shot with you." They pulled her into their Instagram Live, and the three of them made a memorable moment, one that would be replayed for years to come.
Claudia approached Gabriela, her eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and nervousness, as Gabriela greeted friends with warm hugs. "Gabriela, it's our graduation now," Claudia said, her voice loud enough for those around them to hear. "Let bygones be bygones and let's forget everything that's happened." The air seemed to freeze as students nearby turned to stare, murmuring among themselves. "How could she let bygones be bygones?" someone whispered.
Gabriela's face was a mask of polite surprise, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Of course, Claudia. By the way, you look nice... but next time, don't wear a fake diamond ring." Claudia's face flushed with embarrassment as snickers erupted around them. Diana stepped forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Why are you suddenly playing nice, Claudia? Have you finally admitted that Gabriela is better than you? Have you admitted that you can't have what she's got?"
Claudia's smile wivered, but she pressed on. "I want to give us a chance. Maybe the two of us can go shopping or see a movie together tomorrow. Our first outing as sisters." Gabriela's face lit up with a warm smile, and she pulled Claudia into a hug, catching everyone off guard. The crowd gasped, then erupted into murmurs of amusement at the sudden display of friendship.
As they hugged, Gabriela whispered, "Congratulations on our graduation. I can't wait to go out with you... But I'm still gonna reveal your secret." Claudia's eyes widened slightly, and she whispered back, "What secret?" Gabriela's smile turned wicked. "Oh, you know... each one. You have many secrets, so I'll reveal each one. And do you know the shocking thing? I'll reveal the secrets... today."
Claudia's heart pounded in her chest as Gabriela spoke, her tone laced with playful menace. She broke the hug abruptly, her smile tense and faked. Gabriela's smile, on the other hand, was pure sass. They exchanged a loaded glance, the tension between them palpable.
The last diploma was handed out, and a roar of applause, cheers, and a few sniffles filled the air. Parents beamed, some openly weeping tears of pride, others embracing tightly. As everyone settled back into their seats, the Head of College boomed, "Now, for the wine and dine!" Instantly, the hall plunged into darkness before neon lights flickered on, painting the room in vibrant hues. An electric pop song pulsed through the speakers, and the energy shifted. Parents, still buzzing, began to filter towards another auditorium for their toasts, leaving the graduates to the burgeoning party.
Then, a new sound cut through the music – the rhythmic click-clack of heels on the polished floor. Heads turned, and a hush fell over the room, the pop music suddenly seeming too loud against the unexpected silence. All eyes were drawn to the figure now gliding into the space. She wore a long, black silk dress that flowed with her movements, revealing beautifully toned shoulders. Her hair, styled in a sleek low bun, matched Gabriela's own elegant coiffure. Her makeup was soft, angelic even, yet held an undeniable, bold edge. Recognition rippled through the crowd. Murmurs began, growing in intensity.
"Is that Gabriela's sister?"
"Daniela Flores is here!"
"She woke up!"
"Oh my gosh, she looks so stunning."
"Why didn't Gabriela tell us her sister woke up?"
"She looks even prettier than I remember!"
"Daniela is back!"
Amidst the stunned whispers, only Gabriela and Miguel exchanged knowing smirks. Daniela approached Gabriela, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Congratulations, sister," she said, pulling Gabriela into a heartfelt hug. Across the room, Claudia watched, a storm of anger and confusion brewing in her eyes.
~~~SIX DAYS BEFORE~~~
Miguel opened the door almost immediately when he sensed that Gabriela was standing there.
He wrapped his arms around her.
"Woah," she sighed.
"Gabriela, why did your dad call earlier? I was so scared he was going to....have a problem with me seeing you."
"He doesn't. So why did you hang up?" She walked in and Miguel slammed the door.
"Because I...was nervous. I needed to get a hold of myself."
"I'm sorry that happened, Miguel. I didn't know he'd go that far - "
Gabriela, mid-sentence about the intricate symbolism of her thesis, was suddenly silenced. Miguel's hand, warm and firm, cupped her jaw, and his lips met hers. There was no preamble, no hurried grab, just a gentle, almost lazy press.
Gabriela, braced for the usual spark, the familiar rush of anticipation that accompanied their kiss, found… nothing but softness. It was like sinking into warm water, a complete release. His lips moved against hers with an unhurried tenderness, a slow exploration that asked for nothing but presence.
There was no demand, no underlying current of what might come next, just the pure, unadulterated sensation of their mouths together. A sigh, barely audible, escaped her, and she felt her entire body relax against him, surprised by the sheer, unburdened peace of it. It was a kiss that promised only the moment, and in its gentle simplicity, it was utterly breathtaking.
He broke the kiss and their eyes locked.
"I'm finally ready to tell you what I've been meaning to for so long, Gaby. I chickened out when Mr. Alejandro was on the phone but it doesn't mean I'm..." A phone ring interrupted the moment. Gabriela took her phone from her purse and her expression turned fearful.
"It's from the hospital..." Her lips quivered.
"Fuck, they should have called me if they had news." Gabriela answered the call.
"H-hello?"
"Miss. Gabriela, we hope you're having a wonderful day." A nurse's cheerful voice came from the other end.
"Yes, what's the problem?"
"It's all good news. Your sister is making movements and it looks like she'll wake up soon. You should be here to see that." Gabriela's heart leaped for joy.
"Okay, okay! I'll be there in a bit!"
~~~HOSPITAL~~~
The first sign was a flicker, a subtle tremor in Daniela's eyelid that Gabriela, ever vigilant, almost missed. Then, a soft, almost imperceptible groan, a sound that brought Gabriela bolt upright in her chair, her heart leaping into her throat. Doctors, nurses, a flurry of hushed activity – it was all a blur. But then, the moment. Daniela's eyes, those familiar, deep brown eyes, slowly, hesitantly, opened. They were unfocused at first, a little lost, but they were open.
For Gabriela, it was like the world, which had been muted and monochrome for nearly three years, suddenly exploded into vibrant color. A choked sob escaped her, a sound she hadn't realized she was holding in for so long. She reached for Daniela's hand, her fingers trembling, and felt a weak but definite squeeze in return. It wasn't a grand, dramatic awakening with immediate recognition and witty banter. It was slow, disoriented, filled with the exhaustion of a body and mind slowly returning from a long, dark journey.
But for Gabriela, every small movement, every slight shift in Daniela's gaze, every whispered, raspy sound was a symphony. The sheer, unadulterated joy was a physical ache in her chest, a lightness that made her feel as though she could float. It was the return of a piece of her soul she thought was lost forever, the promise of a future she'd stopped daring to dream of. It was the quiet miracle of a sister's breath, a sister's presence, a sister's eyes finally, truly, seeing the world again.
"Daniela..." The tears just rolled down her cheeks.
"I'm so freaking glad you're up...after all these years... I'm so.." her voice was cracking uncontrollably.
"Stop crying you cute little ass." Daniela giggled weakly.
"I can't stop..." She buried her face in her palms and sobbed.
"If you cry then I'll cry too. You don't want me to cry, right?" Gabriela shook her head.
"No."
"Then you have to be strong. It's been so long. You look even more gorgeous than I remember. I mean...I hardly remember anything that happened or caused the...coma. What happened? Can you please say something and stop being such a crybaby?" Gabriela was taken aback.
She turned to look at the doctor who was examining Daniela.
"What's happening, Doctor? Why is she asking me..."
"We're sorry, Miss. Daniela. She was out of control so we had to put her on a particular treatment that keeps her brain relaxed and erases everything that made her tensed when she was unconscious. She can't recall anything since her childhood."
"What?" Gabriela's legs trembled and sweat dripped from her face.
She couldn't believe her ears.
Daniela was looking so clueless.
On the other side, it was a relief.
She wouldn't remember that she was ever r@ped.
The memories of Claudia were all gone from her head.
Her smile was wistful.
"Tell me, Gaby. Is something wrong?"
"The thing is...you fell from the stairs while we were having a dinner party at Dad's mansion. You hit your head and have been unconscious since then." She lied, sniffing.
"Woah. You must have been really creeped out. I should have been more careful then."
"How is she, Doctor?" Gabriela asked again.
"She's alright now, Miss. Gabriela. She'll be discharged in three days time. See me in my office so I can give you some tips on how to deal with her. She just woke up and needs enough care and love."
"Okay."
"What about Dad? And Mom...did you visit her burial site? We planned to do that a couple of hours before I fell...right?"
"I visited her without you."
"Okay... I'm hungry, Gabriela. Cravin' anything?" Daniela raised a brow.
"Vanilla ice cream." Gabriela whispered excitedly and they both giggled.
"Watch what she eats, too. She needs to be perfectly healthy."
"Okay ma'am."
~~~~GABRIELA'S APARTMENT~~~~
"Having this small bowl of ice cream wouldn't hurt." Daniela said as she filled her mouth with a spoonful.
"Small bowl? To you, it seems." They were sitting next to each other, while Gabriela's eyes were fixed to her phone screen.
"Do you live alone?"
"I live with Isabella and Diana, remember them?"
"I don't think I can recall who Diana is."
"I met her in college."
"Okay. Didn't you say you were craving ice cream? You shouldn't miss this one for the world! Here, have some." Daniela raised the spoon.
"I'm not hungry anymore. I've been fed by my boyfriend. I'm thinking so much about him lately, we haven't had the time to talk."
"Look who's got a boyfriend now!" Daniela exclaimed.
"I've missed out on so much fun, haven't I? Who's the lucky guy? Is he a college heartthrob?"
"Yeah..actually. He's a basketball player and he's so damn hot. We started as enemies but I couldn't stop the feelings, especially when we began to understand each other. His name is Miguel. Miguel Jackson." Gabriela explained with a cute smile.
"Aw, too bad I can't remember him. Did I have a boyfriend?" Gabriela burst out laughing hysterically.
"Oh fuck, you? I didn't know if you were crushing on anyone but a boyfriend? The last time someone asked you out was the 56th of Neveruary."
"Hey! Don't say that!" Daniela shouted.
"Does that mean I'm unattractive?"
"No, Dani. You haven't met the right person yet."
"I don't give a damn about meeting the right person for now because I really want to watch Seether. Can I?" Daniela took the remote.
"Seether? That aired like a decade ago."
"But I miss it."
"Let's watch something new. There's a newly released thriller. You'll love it so much."
~~~~11PM~~~~
"It feels like a dream, Miguel. That she's right next to me sleeping peacefully." Gabriela smiled gracefully, on a phone conversation with Miguel.
"I'm sure you didn't even want her to sleep." Gabriela giggled.
"You're absolutely right. I thought she'd somehow slip into a coma again. The thought of it was terrifying. Hearing her voice, taking care of her and laughing all day....I've wanted to do that for such a long time."
"Its good you're happy, Gabriela. Now let's talk about us." Gabriela bit her lip and chuckled nervously.
"What is there to talk about?"
"Are we official now?" He asked, his husky voice making Gabriela melt in her chair.
"You waited this long for me, so thank you and yes. We are."
"I'm honestly ecstatic to hear this, Gaby. Can you come over tomorrow with Daniela? She could get along with Leslie and Lana."
"Yeah, I will."
~~~PRESENT~~~
"What is she doing here?"
"How did she...when did she wake up?" Claudia and Sandra's faces turned white.
"It's honestly great to see you again, Daniela. You look amazing." Miguel complimented.
"Thank you!!" Daniela turned to greet the others and students couldn't help but surround her.
Claudia was fuming and wanted to make the exit.
"Claudia!" Gabriela called.
"Where are you going? The party is here; you shouldn't isolate yourself from us or all the fun. It's our graduation after all, sister."
"Sister? Who is she, Gaby?" Daniela whispered, sounding inquisitive.
"Dad got married. She's our stepsister."
"Oh yeah..." Daniela walked towards Claudia, her face welcoming.
"Congratulations, sister." She grinned.
"Th... thank you, Daniela. I'm glad to see you."
"You should head home, Dani." Gabriela added.
"Why? I came to celebrate with you all!"
"Unfortunately, we have something to settle. As young mature adults. And it shouldn't involve you in any way."
"Oh, all right. I'll wait for you in Isabella's car." Isabella and Michelle followed Daniela after exchanging a knowing glance with her.
"Let's go, Isabella! It's been ages! You've gained weight!"
The air was filled with tension, the music going almost off as everyone anticipated whatever Gabriela had for the evening.