Mariela's POV
One week had passed, and I am still living with Archer, and I have learned so many things about him, not his personal life, but of what he is, and I couldn't deny it; Archer Lopez is sweet, caring, and most of all fun to be with, and I could tell he is more than his pretty face, and what I love about him, he never asks me anything about my personal life as well, he waited for me to tell him about my family, and where I come from, but like him; I also avoided talking about my family.
He is a fast learner too, and I was no longer shocked when I woke up Saturday morning, and he had already prepared breakfast for us. And I wondered where he was since I couldn't find him, and I was startled when I got out of the bathroom after taking a bath and found him standing outside the bathroom door.
"Hey, I am sorry if I stunned you, Ella," He said, smiling at me while I was touching my chest over the bath towel, and I could see he was sweating all over his body.
"I take an early run because I wanted to come with you today." He said.
"Come with me?" I asked, confused, and he was beaming at me.
"I wanted to look for a part-time job. Do you think you can help me?" Archer asked as he looked at my face, and I felt so conscious because he was standing so close to me, and I could smell his masculine scent.
"Are you sure? I could tell you grew up with a silver spoon in your mouth, and I don't think working part-time will suit you. You are studying at Nagazville University, the most expensive University in the country, you are not a scholar, and you are not a varsity player, so it only means your family is loaded." I declared, and I saw his face fall.
"I already told you, Ella, I needed to learn everything on my own. And I need a job." He responded, and I smiled at him as I realized he was serious about finding a part-time job.
"I am not sure if the resto-bar needs additional staff, but I will try to speak with my boss, and my work there will only start at four o'clock this afternoon," I stated, and I could see the confusion on his face.
"And why do you need to leave early if your work will only start around four o'clock in the afternoon, Ella?" He asked, and I gave him a weak smile.
"I need to work more than one job to earn more money, Archer," I said, and he looked at me in the eyes for a long time, and I knew he wanted to ask me so many questions, but he didn't raise a single question at me.
"Where are you going then?" Archer inquired.
"I have a part-time job every weekend at the Nagazville Bay Catering," I mumbled.
"Can I come with you?" He asked, and he looked so boyish as he gazed at me, waiting for my response.
"Of course not. I can't babysit you, Archer; I need to work." I said, and he chuckled.
"I am not a kid anymore, Ella; you don't need to babysit me. I wanted to come with you, hoping you can squeeze me as additional staff." He said after his laughter subsided.
"I don't know, but most of the time, we are under staff; maybe you can come with me, and the manager will hire you as a replacement for someone who can not come to work today because of some emergencies, but it doesn't mean there is a vacant slot," I responded, and he nodded his head.
"I understand, just give me a minute, and I will take a quick shower, Mariela," Archer said, and I nodded my head, and he got inside the bathroom while I walked towards my closet and got dressed as fast as I could before Archer could finish his shower.
"Wow! That is quick," I said the moment he got out from the bathroom, and I swallowed my saliva when my eyes darted a glance at his chiseled chest and toned stomach.
"I don't want you to leave me, Ella." He mumbled, and I laughed as I thought he was acting like a kid right now. He put on his clothes in front of me, and I turned around and walked towards the kitchen and prepared the table.
"Thank you for cooking breakfast, Archer; I don't usually eat heavy breakfast; cereal and banana or apple will do," I said when he sat across from me.
"You are welcome, Mariela; I know you have work during weekends, and it is not good to work with an empty stomach; you can't perform your job well," He responded.
"I can perform my work even without breakfast, Archer; once you will become used to it, you will not feel hungry," I said as we started eating our meal.
"Not on my watch, Ella; I want you to have something before you go to your work, starting today." He said, and I smiled at him, and I could feel my heart is dancing with happiness.
"Thank you, Archer," I said in more than a whisper, and I realized it felt so nice when someone would care for you. I felt so afraid if I would get used to this kind of scenario, and worse, I could no longer leave this place, and I can't do that to him, he needs someone who can pay half of the rent, and I am not that person.
And I wonder what happened why he suddenly needed to work. Did one of his parents get fired from work? And I am tempted to ask him, but I zipped my mouth because I don't want Archer to think I am invading his privacy.
We got out of his unit, and I was shocked when I found bags of groceries, flowers, chocolates in front of his room, and I didn't need to read the note on each bag to know it was for Archer because I am sure it was all for him since I don't have any admirer.
"Wow! Now I could tell your fans knew where you are staying, Archer." I said, and I helped him pick up the plastic bags, and we brought the groceries inside.
"It's Kent!" He said, cursing under his breath as he put the groceries on the table.
"Is Kent a girl's name?" I asked, and he laughed.
"No, he is a guy, my cousin." He answered.
"He was the only one who knew my new place aside from you, and I am sure it was him who told my friends that I am living here now; I warned him not to tell anyone because I am sure they will never give me peace." He added, and I could see the frustrations on his face.
"And I will talk to him later." He continued as we made our way to the elevator.
"Don't bring your car, Archer; if you want to save some money, and we need to take the bus," I said, and he smiled as he nodded his head, and I felt glad the bus had arrived just on time we reached the bus stop. And I could see few passengers since it was still early.
"I don't have a card," He said.
"Don't worry, and I still have enough balance on my bus card," I replied as I climbed the bus ahead of him.
"Thank you, Ella." He softly said after he sat beside me.
"You are welcome, and you don't need to say thank you, I am staying at your place and eating your food for free, but I will give you my share on my payday, Archer." I declared, and he was looking at me intently.
"I begged you to stay with me, and we have a deal, Ella; instead of paying me, all you need is to teach me everything about living your life on your own." He said.
"Archer, I need to pay even a little; if you don't allow me, then I don't have a choice but to move out." I declared, and his face fell.
"Let me feel I am your roommate in that way I can live comfortably with you, and allow me also to buy some groceries, and I don't want to eat all your food, Archer," I said, and I couldn't read the expression on his face.
"Okay, but for now, I don't think you must buy groceries. Can't you see the bags of groceries we found outside our door?" He asked, and I smiled.
"Well, you are right, and I could say maybe it was an advantage having the hottest guy in Nagazville University as my roommate." I blurted out, and I could see a broad grin on his face.
"Do you find me hot, Ella?" He asked, and I had to clear my throat before answering his question while trying my best not to blush.
"I would be lying if I say I don't find you hot, and I don't want you to tell me I am blind; of course, you are attractive and handsome, Archer, and I am sure those girls will never go crazy over you if you don't have oozing sex appeal," I said. He smiled sexily at me, and I needed to control myself because I could feel the racing of my heart as he looked at me with intensity.
I pretended to look outside the window as I could feel the heat of the morning sun on my skin that penetrated the glass. When I turned to look at him, I blushed as I realized he was staring at me, and I knew I should stop myself from wishing because I can tell Archer will never like me, and knowing his family is having financial problems right now, I am sure he will never choose me. What am I even thinking? I know for him; I am the only girl on campus who doesn't find him attractive, and that is why he made me his roommate.
And I could tell when the right time comes, Archer needs to make a choice and make the richest girl on campus his girlfriend, and she will become his wife in the future, and all he needs to do is choose. There is a daughter of a shipping magnate, the only heir of the airline company, and many more, and they all wanted to be his girlfriend. And someone like me has no right even dreaming of becoming his girlfriend, and I need to remember all the time I am simply his roommate.
Archer's POV
I know lying is bad, but sometimes we need to make white lies to save ourselves from further embarrassments, like what happened when Ella found me caressing her face, and I told her I tried to wake her up. And I felt so glad she bought my alibi, and I knew I needed to stop myself or I would end up hurting her. I could tell Mariela was so different from any woman I met.
She doesn't have time for herself, and I wonder how she will enjoy her life when all she does is study and work part-time, even during weekends; I am sure Ella has no social life, and no wonder she doesn't have any account on social media, or she kept her account private.
There are so many things I wanted to ask about her, but I wanted Ella to open up with me, and I could tell there was a reason why she almost had no time to sleep because of her working schedule, and I felt so glad she was able to teach me the basic in cooking.
It has been one week that I was living in peace, I avoided my cousin and our friends as possible, and I knew I should stop socializing because I couldn't afford to spend more money, and I know at the back of my head, I wanted to stay at my new place because of Ella, I don't want to come home so late since I don't want to disturb Mariela on her sleep.
I know this kind of feeling is so raw, and even if I know it is a little dangerous, I couldn't stop myself from thinking about her beautiful face, and even if she always wears long and baggy pants, I could tell Ella has a perfect figure, and I know most of the time after she got out from the bathroom after she took a bath, I will close my eyes.
But there are moments I couldn't help myself but steal a glance. And I have seen how beautiful her legs are, and I know I am making myself a fool for fantasizing about my hot roommate, even if I know she is way out of my league.
It was Saturday, and I woke up early because I wanted to cook for Ella. After all, she had been cooking the entire week, including my dinner, she cooked it in the morning, and I would put it in the oven when I got home. Our place is so tidy and clean, and I wonder how she managed to clean our room, wash our clothes and cook with her busy schedule; and I wanted to give her an award for being so diligent.
And now, as we rode the bus going to one of her part-time jobs, I felt like I was a different person, and the moment we arrived at the place, I realized they were catering a wedding as I could see the backdrop of the stage with the tarp of the couple. I was standing on the sideline waiting for Ella to come back, and I could see her smiling as she strode towards me, and I could tell she was bringing good news.
"Am I hired?" I asked right away, and her grin broadened.
"You are so lucky, Archer, one of my fellow waitresses texted my boss she couldn't make it today, and Wilma wanted to see you," Ella said. I walked with her towards her boss, and I could see how Wilma's eyes widened in shock after Mariela introduced me to her.
"Are you sure you want to work with my catering? Aren't you going to apply as a model or actor perhaps on some talent agency?" She asked, and I beamed at her while I could see the smile on Ella's face.
"Yes, Ma'am, I wanted to work here, and I hope you will give me a chance to work for you," I replied.
"Well, you are considered hired, and I want you to be part of my team from now on; I didn't know Ella got a handsome boyfriend." She said, and I could see Mariela's face turn crimson.
"I don't know why she is not proud of me, but I am proud being her boyfriend," I answered before Ella could react.
"I know Ella is a little secretive, but I felt glad she is normal after all," Wilma responded, and she left us after she instructed Ella to orient me on what to do.
"Archer, I told Wilma you are my friend, and why did you let her think I am your girlfriend?" She asked, and I could see the disappointment on her face, and I felt hurt.
"I am sorry, Ella, it is better that way so that no one will ask me any more questions, and I am sure they will be asking you about me," I responded, and I saw her shaking her head while she asked me to follow her.
"Do you understand?" Ella asked me after she briefed me on what to do, and I find it so funny because I was staring at Ella's face the entire time. After all, I couldn't stop being so fascinated by her beauty. She looked so sexy now, wearing a long white-sleeved shirt with a black vest and a black miniskirt with high heels.
I don't need to learn because it was all basic, and my mom hosted so many social events in our mansion, and attending fine dining, cocktail, and buffet, is not new to me. And I know all about dining and even the drinks, and I know I didn't do the work as a waiter, but by watching them all the time I understand what they are doing.
"One more thing, please remove your coat, Archer, or else they will think you are one of the guests and wear this instead," Ella said as she handed me a black vest similar to what she was wearing.
"Okay, thank you, Ella," I said, and she smiled at me, and I felt so happy to be the receiving end of her smile, and I could tell I was becoming an idiot because of Mariela.
The guests arrived, and I became so busy, and I couldn't deny a lot of female guests kept asking for me. Wilma told me to be the standby waiter to assist the presidential table. I did my best not to be captured in the camera because I didn't want to be in trouble, and I could tell many guests would upload their videos. I hope none of them have friends at Nagazville University, but I know it would be impossible.
"Wow! I couldn't believe many guests have booked me, and it means more work for the coming weekends, guys, and don't forget about our event tomorrow." Wilma said after the wedding reception, and we had already put everything on the catering truck, including the chafing dish. She dismissed us after giving us our earnings for the day, and we received a big tip from the groom and bride.
"Can I have lunch with you?" I asked Ella as we made our way to the bus stop, and I was walking beside her while I put my coat on my shoulder.
"Are you hungry? Wilma asked us to eat before the catering started, don't tell me you didn't eat." She said, and I beamed at her.
"Well, I am now hungry, and I wanted to treat you, Ella," I said.
"You better save your money, Archer," She replied, and I smiled as I realized this was the first time I got paid by someone; it felt so rewarding, and I felt so grateful for Ella that she helped me a lot in becoming independent. I know I am bothering her, but she didn't show it to my face that she got irritated by my presence, and I felt so guilty that I claimed her as my girlfriend.
I came with her to the resto-bar, and it seemed like the odds were with me since Ella's boss allowed me to work part-time. It was a long night, and this time the resto-bar filled with third-year students from Nagazville because one of my classmates dine, and she saw me and texted all her friends I was working at the resto-bar, and then our boss was smiling from ear to ear because all my friends came from wealthy families.
"Wow, it seems Ms. Ramirez will no longer need to promote her resto-bar. Your presence alone was enough to make her bar afloat for the entire year." Ella declared as we made our way to the bus stop.
And I realized I must bring my car so we could get home early, but I wanted to try everything with Ella, and it felt so lovely riding with her on the bus, and I smiled when her head was on my shoulder as she fell asleep the moment she sat down on her chair and I realized she felt so tired.
I woke her up when we arrived at the bus stop, and she still looked groggy as we got off the bus, and I held her hand since I feared she would stumble on the ground. My heart was racing the moment I felt her smooth palm brush my skin, and I felt glad she didn't pull away until we rode the elevator. I was still holding her hand, and my steps faltered when I found Kent waiting for me outside my door.
"Ella, this is my cousin, Kent, this is my roommate, Ella," I introduced Mariela to him, and I wondered what he was doing here at this hour.
"Hello, Kent, it is nice meeting you," Ella softly said, and I could tell she was blushing because Kent was looking at our hands, and Ella pulled her hand away from me.
"The pleasure is all mine, Ella." He responded, and I asked Ella to get inside while I walked Kent back to the elevator.
"Roommate or girlfriend? Why are you holding her hand if she is only your roommate, Archer?" Kent asked right away the moment we halted in front of the elevator, and I knew he would never believe me if I told him Mariela was just my friend and roommate since he saw me holding hands with Ella.
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