Chương 8: Memories From Last Year-Part 5

Maya's POV

Rich supported me down the stairs until we reached the ground, where the party was still happening. I am trying my best to hold back my tears since I don't wish the guests to know something happened to me. I tried to look for my sister and Ariana, but I couldn't find them.

"Do you want to dance, Maya?" Rich asked me, and I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, Rich, but I am not in the mood to dance again. I prefer to go home," I said while I continued to walk, leading to the driveway of the Monleon's mansion.

"Maya, it is already late at night; Ariana told me you are going to spend the night here." He stated.

"That was the initial plan, but do you think I can stay here, Rich? After what happened to me and Adonis?" I asked him, and I could see his face softened.

"Yeah, I understand. Do you think I will allow you to walk in going to your house? No bus is available at this hour, Maya. I will drive you home." He said, and he got the car key from his pocket.

"You don't need to do that, Rich; you know I can walk. Besides, I am used to walking how many kilometers to attend school if I can't catch the bus," I replied.

I am late for the bus because I prepare breakfast for my grandparents and do the house chores, and I opted to walk every morning to save money.

"I know, but do you think you can walk wearing those high heels?" He asked, looking at my feet and I realized he was right, and now that he mentioned my shoes, I could feel the pain all over my feet.

"You just arrived, Rich; enjoy the party, and don't mind me, I can walk," I replied.

I was shocked because Rich picked me up and lifted me as if I weighed nothing; going to his car, he opened it and put me inside the passenger's seat.

When I turned my head to look at the Monleon mansion, I found Adonis looking at us with anger on his face. I am uncertain if he saw Rich carried me to his car, but why did he have that expression? Does Adonis feel indignant with me because I am poor, and he doesn't want his best friend to be friends with me?

I don't care what he thinks anymore. He murdered my heart tonight, and he humiliated me in front of his best friend. Rich got inside his car after he informed Donya Esmeralda he would drive me home.

He turns the ignition on and drives the vehicle, saying nothing. And this is what I like about Richard: we can spend our time together without talking, and we understand each other through the silence.

"I'm sorry, Rich, you should be there celebrating the party," I said as we traveled down the road; we were still in the driveway of the Monleon's because the archway was so far from the main house.

"I already greeted Don Miguel, so it was enough. Besides, I can't have fun knowing you are walking in the middle of the night alone. So, it was Adonis who made you cry?" He asked, and I didn't answer his question.

"If you wish to keep it to yourself, go ahead, but if you need to share it with someone to lighten the burden in your heart, you can share it with me. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Besides, it is not a mystery that you like Adonis, Maya." He added, and my eyes widened.

"Why do you look so surprised? You may not tell me how you feel about him, but I am your friend Maya, and I can say it the way you look at him even though you mostly avoided him because you always clash with him every moment you are near each other." He continued.

I realized maybe Adonis knew about it too, that is why he asked Jake to play some games with him. Why can't I stop myself from drooling over him when I was in High School? I hate myself right now.

"Yeah, I always like and adore him, but what he did tonight was beyond crazy. He made a bet with Jake. If he can kiss me tonight, he will win the latest iPhone model released recently. And my foolish heart believed him." I stated.

"I experienced my first kiss because of a stupid game played by the wealthy boys," I added, leaning my head on the car window while I watched the banana plantation before my eyes under the moonlight. How can I forget Adonis when all I can see around me belongs to his family?

"I couldn't believe this, Maya; you know Adonis is my best friend; we have been friends like forever; we grew up together because we belong in the same society; he is an excellent person, Maya." He said.

"Rich, he may be a great person for you and to all the wealthy individuals all over the country, but not to me. You have witnessed how he bullied me for many years; thanks to you and Ariana, you always defended me." I responded.

"I tried to understand him because maybe he was spoiled and needed attention from his parents, but now he is already an adult. Rich, how can you explain his behavior towards me?" I asked, feeling hurt and frustrated.

"Well, I don't know his reasons, but I promise to talk to him. And I am sorry for what he did to you." He answered, and I smiled.

"Wow! Do you realize you have the most beautiful smile? You can light up the darkness in San Antonio, Maya. That is why many rich boys like you, but I knew you always stay away from them, and now I realize the reason is because of Adonis." He added, and my smile faded as I frowned.

"Hey, you better smile than scowl. You look so lovely tonight, Maya, and the dress looks great on you." He continued, and I blushed with his compliments.

"Ariana bought this for me; how I wish her twin brother had the same personality as her," I softly replied and let out a heavy sigh. Then, I noticed Rich stopped the car, and I realized we were already in front of our tiny house.

"We can still talk, Maya. I don't wish you to cry again. If he played with your heart tonight, don't show him you were hurt. Try to hide your genuine feelings towards him and be strong. I am here always willing to listen." He replied.

"Does it mean you are going to spend your summer on your farm?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, I will be here only for a few days. I need to go back to the city but don't worry, I will spend more time with you next time. I promise to devote my entire vacation here in our place next year." He responded that even though my excitement was cut short, I still felt excited to be with him next year.

Richard is handsome. Many girls in our place, poor and rich, want to be with him because he is down to earth and very friendly, and I felt so lucky to be close to him.

He had a horrible experience, and I am glad he is now okay. He had an accident three years ago together with his father and grandparents on his mother's side, they were on their course to one of their plantations when their car plunged off the cliff, and it was a miracle he survived without a scratch, but I know the trauma he had been through was difficult. I admire his personality, and how I wish I fell for him instead of Adonis.

"Hey, why are you looking at me that way?" He asked, and I turned my head away from him.

"Nothing, I just feel so lucky to have you as my friend; you are not only handsome but rich." I blurted out, and he laughed.

"Thank you, Maya. I just want you to know I will always be here for you, no matter what happens. You can talk to me about anything." He replied.

"I know, Rich, thank you for everything; I think you better go back to the party now. I am sure your mom is already waiting for you to come back," I said and climbed out of his car.

"Goodnight, Maya!" He added, and he drives away from me. He left me feeling so alone on the side of the road as I watched his car drive away.

I only get inside when I can no longer see the tail lights of his car. I felt guilty because I escaped without saying goodbye to my sister and Ariana, and I just hoped Rich would find an excuse for why I left the party.

I know Ariana and Adonis are very close to each other; that is why I don't want her to discover what happened tonight between her brother and me.

The entire house is so quiet. I know my grandparents are sleeping already. I went inside my room and changed my clothes. I felt so tired and troubled, and I got too lazy to bathe. I removed my makeup using cotton balls with a facial cleanser.

I hate Adonis for hurting me, and I despise myself more for thinking about the passionate kiss we shared. I love the way he touched my body and the manner he explored my lips and mouth, but how could he injure my heart this way?

What should I do with Adonis? I loathe him with all my heart, but I know at the back of my mind I want a repeat of tonight's event, the part where we were intimate with each other; why can't I stop myself from touching my lips and reliving the sweet kiss we shared? I hope I can sleep tonight, and the pain will just go away.

I was hurt because he broke not only my heart by kissing Cassandra but also by insulting our family by stating the obvious that we are, and I am, way out of his league.

I promise to make him realize one day that I am an important person in his life, and when that time comes, I will no longer care who he is because I will do everything I can to forget my friend's arrogant brother.

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