It's the weekend.
And honestly? Not excited about this dinner at all. But what can I do?
As if that wasn't enough, there's also this stupid bet I NEED to win. No way I'm flirting with Lucie Lawrence for Jonas. I can't stand that girl. And let's be real... I want that car.
I'm lying on my bed, scrolling on my phone, when Mom walks in.
Mom: — Hey, kitten, have you picked a dress yet?
Me: — Not yet. I'll do it later mum.
Mom: — Alright. If you need anything, just tell me, okay?
Me: — Mmmh.
She leaves, and I'm left to stew in my thoughts.
I have to get closer to Jace for both revenge AND the bet. But that should be easy: he has nothing that could ever make a girl fall for him. Not me anyway. Not caring, not attentive, heartless, completely ''Anti-girls''. A block of ice. Easy. Too easy.
*
Evening comes. I get dressed, and a maid tells me Dad is waiting.
I go downstairs, a little shy, and greet the Ramos family. Jace? Same as always... doesn't care. Perfect.
Mr. Ramos: — Hiyas, sweetheart, you look so beautiful!
Me: — Thank you, Mr. Ramos.
Him: — Oh, don't call me that. Call me Tito.
Me: — Oh… okay, Tito.
The Ramos family is warm and welcoming… except for that block of ice sitting across from me. (Yes, you, Jace Bryan Ramos. How many times have I thought of you today, huh?)
We sit at the table.
Mrs. Ramos: — So, Hiyas, how's school? Classes, friends, everything?
Me: — Yeah, yeah.
(Aside from my grades… and your son with the stone heart, everything's fine, ma'am.)
And then...
Jace: — It's true. She's doing pretty well.
I almost choke. Like, literally choke.
Dad ( To me ): — Hey, are you okay?
Mom: — Drink some water, honey.
I drink, catch my breath.
And then...disaster.
Jace (calm): — You almost choked. Here.
(He hands me a napkin.)
…Excuse me? Is this guy… worrying about me? Hypocrite!
Me: — Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks.
Jordan (the little brother): — Hey, Jace, you're worried about a girl now? Or is it because she's your fiancée?
Me (horrified): — Heeey! We're not engaged! That was just a joke from Tito and Dad!
Everyone laughs. And then...betrayal.
Jace (deadpan): — No. She's my girlfriend.
…Excuse me, WHAT?
The whole room falls silent. Wide eyes everywhere. Including mine.
But then… an idea. What if I use this? For revenge. For the bet. Oh, this could be perfect…
Me: — Yeah. We're together. Jace is my boyfriend.
Jordan: — Then why did you deny it when I said you were his fiancée?
Me (improvising): — Because "fiancée" is a bit strong… We're still in high school… and it hasn't been that long since we started dating.
Jack (the other brother): — How long?
Me: — Four days?
Them: — Four days???
Me: — Yeah.
Dad: — Fine. But take it slow, kids. You're still young, no rushing.
Me: — Daaaad…
I want to die of embarrassment.
*
Dinner ends.
We move to the guest lounge. Just to annoy Mr. "Anti-girls," I sit right next to him. His face changes instantly. LOL.
Tito (smiling, in Tagalog): — Grabe, ang dami kong naaalala kay Faith kapag nakikita ko siya !
Huh? Did I just hear… Faith?
Me: — Tito, do you know… mom Faith?
Tito: — Uh…
Dad (sharply): — Kids, go to the main lounge. We need to talk alone.
Me: — What?
Mom just smiles awkwardly.
What's going on? Tito knows my biological mother? Dad cut him off right away…
Don't tell me I was adopted? No, no. Stop it, Hiyas. Don't even go there!
In the main lounge.
Me (to Jack): — Do you know someone named Faith?
Jack: — I've heard my parents mention her… but I don't know who she is.
Me: — …Oh.
So Tito DOES know my biological mom. And if I ask, he might even tell me where she was buried. But not tonight. Not in front of my parents.
I'm lost in thought when suddenly...
Me: — Heyyyyy!!!
Mr. ''Anti-girls'' just pulled me by the arm.
Jack and Jordan glance at us, but say nothing. Like it's "a couple thing, better not get involved." Typical J. Ramos boys.
This stone-hearted guy drags me out into the garden. Did I ever tell you? My garden is STUNNING. At night, with the lights twinkling in the trees, it looks magical.
But I'm too mad to care.
Me: — Hey, let go! You're hurting me!
Jace (cold, blunt): — Hey, ugly… can you tell me what game you're playing?