Xandra became our friend. She's on her 3rd year taking up Mass Communication. She's kind but sometimes she's shy and wouldn't talk unless we will be the one to make the topic. But nevertheless, we got along just fine.

Aside from death glares, Gwen didn't bothered to bully me. It's been 3 weeks since that incident on the cafeteria. We were being reported to the school's disciplinary office. But because me and Xandra were the victims and Joeana and Gwen were the ones who wrestled, they will have a 2-weeks community service as their punishment.

"Bestie, Do you want to go home with me?" I asked Joeana. Xandra left after she received a phonecall saying it was her brother who called her, telling her to come home early.

"You go first, Bestie. I have something to do on the Golden Harvest's office before I go home." Joeana said.

"Ohh, is that so? Alright. I better get going. It's already 6:40 in the evening. You should hurry, mmkay?" I told Joeana while I fixed my hair.

She just nodded as a response. The Golden Harvest was our Campus' School Paper and Joeana was one of the editorial staff.

I walked to the School's parking lot. I have my second hand black Mitsubishi Adventure with me. I bought this with my own money. I worked as an online seller, too. I wanted to buy something from my own pocket. I worked hard for this. And my parents were so proud of me. Although my Momsie always tells me that I shouldn't work because she and Popsie can provide me with everything that I need. Perks of being the only daughter of the Famous shipping magnate Marcus Montreal and the former Ms. Universe, now a well known Psychologist, Filipino-American Adrienna Hera Lawson.

I drove my car towards the direction of a subdivision. Camilla Homes was an exclusive subdivision for rich people, like us. I showed my identification card to the officer-on-duty and he smiled as he opened the gate of the subdivision for me.

I drove slowly unto the streets. Huge houses were seen left and right. Although Camilla Homes was for rich people, they promote a friendly neighborhood community. Because of that, the owners of the houses were friends. And if there's a new neighbor, the owner of the subdivision - who happened to be my Uncle Martin, my Popsi's older brother - would throw a welcome party to them and all of the home owners were invited for them to know the new neighbors and to make friends with them.

Last week, I caught a glimpse of Miss Kathryn Bernardo and Liza Soberano, two of the most beautiful faces that I truly adored. Maybe they were also one of the home owners here at the subdivision. Aside from rich people, many Filipino and foreign celebrities like Bruno Mars and Apl de Ap of the famous band Black-eyed Peas, as well as Politicians and business men and women were homeowners here at Camilla Homes.

I stopped my car in front of a black gate. I horned three times. Eventually the gates opened slowly. I immediately drove to enter. I parked my car in front of the mansion. Mr. Kurt, our valet greeted me. I smiled as I greet him back, handing him the car keys.

The main door opened and I was greeted by the house maids lining up side by side.

"Good evening, Madam. How was your day at school?" Mr. Henry, Our butler asked as he took my school bag and books and handed it to one of the house maids.

"My day at school was fine, Mr. Henry. Thank you for asking. How about yours?" I asked him as we walked towards the staircase. "Did Momsie and Popsie called?" I asked again as I climbed the stairs. Mr. Henry was following behind me.

"I had a good day, Madam. I'm glad you had yours too. Your Momsi called at noon. She's asking about you? I told her you were at school. She said she misses you so much and that she would love to face time with you when you get home.. She will be waiting for your call." said Mr. Henry as he opened the door of my room for me.

"Oh! I would love to! But I will face time her after dinner because I'm hungry. Thank you so much, Mr. Henry." I told him as I walked in to my room.

"You're very much welcome, Madam. Do you have any request regarding your dinner for tonight?"

"Uhmmmm.. Yes! I would love to have Pork Sisig as my viand." I said. "And I would really love if you would dine in with me, together with Ms. Elena and the housemaids again. Pleaseeeee!" I pleaded. I even clasped my hands on my chest while giving Mr. Henry my puppy eyes.

Henry laughed. "Certainly, Madam. Anything for you." The 50-years old man adorably ruffled my hair.

I hugged Mr. Henry and said, "Thank you, Mr. Henry. You're the best!"

Mr. Henry then closed the door after bidding his goodbye.

I was left alone in my room. I sighed as I walked to my bed. I sat on the mattress. My parents were in Europe. Europe has always been the place where I used to find comfort. I grew up there. But then, when Popsie, decided to come back here at the Philippines because he's planning to extend his shipping business here. Together with Momsie, we visited Popsie's country of origin for a vacation. At first, I was irritated because it was very hot! I needed time to adjust.

But then, I eventually got used to the climate and started loving the new environment. I instantly loved the food, especially the Bicol Express and the Pork Sisig. And I was fascinated because of the way Filipinos treat their visitors. It was heart warming. It's true that Filipinos were very hospitable and kind.

My supposed to be vacation lasted over 3 months and I decided to stay here for good. My parents agreed eventually, so they bought this mansion for me to stay while they went back to Europe. Popsie would come and visit me occasionally because of the business he's starting to build here.

I tend to go back to Europe after I graduate but I would love to come back here in the Philippines to stay here for good.

I stood up and went to the shower to take a bath. After that, I put on my house dress and went down the stairs to the dining room. There, I found the housemaids standing in one corner, waiting for me.

I sat on my chair and looked at Mr. Henry, puzzled. "What's wrong, Mr. Henry? Aren't you going to join me for dinner?"

"Yes, we will join you for dinner but we waited for you first, Madam." Mr. Henry said.

"Oh! I'm sorry it took me long to get dressed. Come! Sit down. Will you please call Mr. Arnold, Mr. Fernan and Mr. Roger?" I requested. Mr. Arnold was our driver, while Mr. Fernan and Mr. Roger were the security guards.

"Of course, Madam." Mr Henry said as he walked out of the dining room. Minutes later, he came back along with the three that she mentioned.

"We just locked the gates, Madam. But we should hurry back to our post." Mr. Fernan said, shyly scratching the back of his head.

"Oh! Well then, what are we waiting for? Let us pray and eat." I said enthusiastically. We prayed first before we started eating dinner.

I joined in on their conversation. I laughed as Mr. Roger keeps on joking. He's always been the joker. Then, they would tell me how kind and humble I am. They would tell me that my beautiful face fits my personality. They said I am beautiful, inside and out. I shyly smiled at them.

After eating, I immediately stood up to get some water.

"Madam, just sit down and I will be the one to get you some water." Mr. Henry politely said.

"Oh no, Mr. Henry. Thank you! I just get it myself. Just continue eating." I said softly as I made my way to the kitchen.

After I drunk the water I put the glass into the kitchen sink but it slipped off my hands and crashed on to the floor.

"Madam! Are you alright? Are you hurt? What happened?" Mr. Henry came rushing. Behind him were the house maids. A worried expression was evident on their faces. Mr. Henry walked closer to me and pulled me gently away from the broken shards. He checked my arms, hands and feet frantically. When he didn't see any cuts, he sighed in relief.

"I'm good, Mr. Henry. It just slipped off my hands. I'm sorry to alarm you." she said shyly, her cheeks blushing.

"It's okay, Madam. Come sit down again. Elena, will you please sweep off the shards of glass?" Mr. Henry requested Elena, one of the housemaids, as he guided me back to my chair. Elena obliged and went to get the broom and the dustpan.

"Mr. Henry, I feel nervous all of a sudden." she said. Voicing out her feelings.

Suddenly, my phone started ringing. I fetched it inside my pocket and looked at the screen. I saw Joeana's name registered on my screen. I swiped it to answer my best friend's call.

"Hello, bestie?"

"Hello, goog evening. Is this Miss Venus Montreal?" the man on the other line said. My forehead knotted.

"Yes, how may I help you?"

I listened very carefully. After the caller finished talking, I can barely move. My hands were shaking. I put my hand on my mouth as I fought back the sobs. I wickedly stood up and walk but then my knees became wobbly so I lost my balance and fell onto the floor, butt first.

Mr. Henry eventually walked closer to me and comfort me.

"Madam, what's wrong? Are you alright? What did that caller told you?" asked Mr. Henry worriedly. I didn't pay attention to what he's saying. The only thing that keeps on repeating in my mind was the words I heard from the caller.

"My name's Jace. I'm Joeana's brother. Please come here at Tetangco General Hospital. Joeana is in a critical condition. She's been comatosed..."

I held Mr. Henry's arms, trying to get some strength and stood up. He immediately assisted me.

"I-I need to go t-to Tet-tangco General H-Hospital, Mr. Hen-ry. My best friend..." I trailed off as I can't control my sobs. "Sh-she's in c-c-coma. P-Please help mee-eee" I looked at Mr. Arnold's direction.

"Y-Yes, of course, Madam. I'll get the car ready." Mr. Arnold immediately went out of the door.

"Calm down, Madam. Rose, please pack Madam a few clothes. Calm down, Madam. Everything's gonna be okay." Mr. Henry said, trying to console me. He kissed the top of my head. Mr. Henry has always been a good person to me. He's like my second father. I hugged him while sobbing uncontrollably.

"Here's your bag, Madam. Come, we will accompany you to the car." Rose said while she's holding my back pack.

"Thank you, Rose." I murmured while sobbing. I walked towards the main door. The maids opened it for me. I saw Mr. Arnold quickly opened the back seat door for me.

"We will be up all night so that if you need anything you will be able to call for our assistance. Rose, did you bring Madam's cellphone charger?" asked Mr. Henry to Rose.

"Yes, I did Henry." Rose replied.

"Thank you, Rose." Mr. Henry politely said then turned his gaze back at me. "If you need anything, call us, Madam. Okay? Stop crying. We know how much you love Joeana. We will ask Sonia to pray for her." Mr. Henry said as he guided me towards the car. Mrs. Sonia was one of the maids and his wife.

I nodded, still sobbing. Mr. Henry closed the door and we drove off to the hospital.

After almost 10 minutes of driving, we arrived at Tetangco General Hospital.

"Just leave me here, Mr. Arnold. Thank you for bringing me here. I will just call Mr. Henry if I would want to go home." she said softly.

"Okay, Madam. Stop crying, okay. You know, we will get worried upon seeing you cry. Especially Henry, you're like a daughter to her." said Mr. Arnold. I nodded and smiled softly.

Mr. Arnold quickly got off the car and went to my side to open the door. He assisted me on getting out of the car.

"Thank you, Mr. Arnold."

"You are always welcome, Madam. I better be going. Be careful."

I nodded. I turned around and started walking inside the hospital.

I asked for Joeana on the front desk. "She's in the emergency room, Maam. Just go straight on that corridor then turn left."

"Thank you." The nurse smiled at me. I started walking on the direction the nurse had pointed. When I got outside the emergency room I saw Joeana's family.

Her mother told me what happened. Joeana was walking home together with her younger sister when suddenly two men came out of nowhere and snatched their bags. Juliet, Joeana's younger sister give her bag but Joeana refused so they slapped, punched and kicked her until she lost consciousness. When they saw a police car approaching, the two robbers flew immediately. Unfortunately, they didn't catch the robbers as they quickly got out of sight.

Joeana was on a critical condition. I just helplessly sat on one of the chairs outside the emergency room and cried again. I don't want to see my best friend in that state. I can't take it.

"Don't cry, Venus. She doesn't want to see you crying, remember? We will pray for her. God has mercy. God will never let anything bad happened to Joeana. Go talk to her. They said, Coma patients can be able to hear you. You should talk to her. Tell her everything you want to tell her. Make her feel that somebody will be fighting beside her." Joeana's Mom, Jewel said. Her voice cracking. She fought back the urge to cry.

Her younger sister Juliet luckily had just a scratch on her left arm. I asked her if she knew the men but she said they were wearing masks.

I did what I've been told. I put on the hospital scrubs and hairnet and I opened the door to her room. I saw her, lying on the hospital bed. Her face has so many bruises. She had a bandage around her head. The doctor said she had a major injury on the back of her head. A heavy object was being hit on her head. The doctor said she would undergo CT scan to check if there's any internal damage.

I fought back the urge to cry. I slowly walked beside her bed.

I cleared my throat as I spoke. "B-Bestie, you must fight. You must wake up. I will be fighting by your side throughout the process. I love you, bestie." I said. I hold her hand. I did everything just to make my voice normal and happy. But my tears keep on falling down my cheeks...

**********

It's been two weeks since Joeana had been comatosed. I visited her occasionally. I shouldered all the expenses, even though her Mom told me not to. I know they hardly had enough money to buy something to eat so I volunteered to help.

Two weeks had already passed but the doctors keep on saying there's a progress yet I don't see any. It's been two weeks since I started to walk alone in the corridor. Every student who would walk pass me would say.

"Venus, she will wake up soon. Don't lose hope. We will pray for her."

I just smiled and thanked them.

I was walking towards my locker to get some books on my Anatomy class when I heard a familiar voice talking. I peeked slowly and saw Gwen talking with two guys. Based on the two guys' uniform, they were from the Engineering Department.

"I must say, you did a great job, Lincoln. Didn't you know that that bitch Joeana was still in coma?" I heard Gwen said. Lincoln was Gwen's rumored boyfriend.

I just stood there. Shocked was an understatement on what I am feeling. I know that Gwen was a bitch but I never thought she would become this ruthless.

As I stood there, I heard Gwen told the two guys, "One more thing. I would like you to do the same with Venus Montreal. You know her right?"

"Yes! That girl with an angelic face? I've heard from the Supreme Student Council President that she will be the next Campus Queen, not you." said the other voice.

"I know! Don't insult me, Rico. That's why I wanted you to make sure she will get my painful revenge. It's better if you kill her. I am Gwen Steffani Sandoval. And I can do what I want." Gwen said through gritted teeth. "After you did everything, you boys can have me. All of me." Then she said seductively.

She peeked a little and saw Gwen kissing Lincoln. The other guy who goes by the name of Rico, put his hands on Gwen's butt cheek and squeezed it.

I grimaced on what I saw. Filthy bitch! She would kill someone out of jealousy and make her body be the reward?

After almost half an hour, the three walked away. I got out from where I was hiding. Astounded. Nervous.

I've decided not to attend my next class, instead I drove my car to Tetangco General Hospital. There I stood in one corner of the room where Joeana had been confined. Still I can't see any progress on her condition.

I closed my fist as I recall what I recently found out. Gwen was behind all of this. She did all of this. She had put my bestfriend in this poor situation because of her jealousy. She's jealous of me. I swear on my Grandpa's grave I won't let her get away with this.

I will make her pay.

I will... kill her.

I immediately left the hospital and hailed a taxi cab. I know where she's living. But I told the cab driver to drop me off two blocks away from her house.

I hid myself on a tree not far from her house. And I waited for her arrival.

At about 12:00 midnight a car parked in front of her house. The car wasn't tinted so I recognized Gwen sitting in the front passenger's seat. I also recognized the one driving the car, it was Lincoln, her rumored boyfriend.

I saw them kissing inside Lincoln's car. They're not ashamed of making out even though the car was not tinted. 'Go on, Gwen. Seize the moment. Feel the sensation because not long after you will never feel anything, ever again.' I uttered inside my mind as I watched them making out.

Moments later, I saw Gwen sat astride Lincoln as they continue kissing. But then, they were separated when a flashing headlights of a car passing by struck Lincoln's car.

I saw Gwen laughing flirtatiously. She kissed Lincoln again and got off the car.

"We will make it happen after you do your job. Good luck, babe." Gwen said as she closed the door. She stood there while watching the car moved away.

She then went to the gate of their house and opened it. I noticed her staggering as she walk. Maybe she was drunk.

I followed her. I saw the security guard of their house sleeping on a chair. I shook my head. This is going to be easy. She didn't even noticed that I am following her. I looked around, looking for CCTV cameras. I quickly run on the thick bushes as I saw the CCTV rotating on my direction.

When I saw the CCTV rotating away from where I was, I immediately run towards the main door. I slowly opened it. It was dark inside. Maybe the maids were asleep.

I saw Gwen immediately. She was climbing the stairs, literally.

"I win Venus! I *hik* win! Soon, you *hik* will be gone *hik* forever. And I *hik* will be everyone's dreamgirl again! *hik*" she keeps on blubbering as she's climbing the stairs.

When she got to the landing of the second floor she walked towards a door and opened it. I put my foot on the edge of the door to prevent it from closing. Then I slowly opened it. I saw Gwen's back. She's heading to the bathroom, maybe to take a shower.

I followed her inside the bathroom. She didn't even bother closing the bathroom door. I saw her stripped off her clothes and went to the shower room. She opened the shower and stood there for a moment. I think she saw me on her peripheral vision so she turned to look at my direction.

She laughed when she saw me. The bitch was really drunk she didn't even wonder why I was here.

"Oh, Venus! You're *hik* here! Don't you know I was *hik* the one who ordered those men *hik* to torture your bitch *hik* of a friend? Is she alright? *hik* Oh! I'm sorry I forgot, she's comatosed! Hahahaha! *hik* And it was all because of me. Isn't *hik* that great?" she keeps on blubbering about the crime she did. My palms are itching to kill her.

I can't wait to look at her in the eyes as I watched her precious life slipping away from her body. Im hungry to kill her naked. That would be fun.

"Yeah, she's in that horrible state because of you. Are you having fun, Gwen?" I asked her as I walked closer to her.

"Yes, of course! I am *hik* having fun. And I would be more happy if I see your lifeless body on a casket!"

"Not if I kill you first." I took steps closer to her, holding the sliding door of her shower room.

"Hahaha *hik* You can't kill *hik* me Venus! You're just *hik* a weak helpless bitch."

"That's where you are wrong. You underestimated me, Gwen. I can kill you with my bare hands." I said, through gritted teeth.

Gwen laughed and got out of the shower room. She stood in front of me naked. She then spreads her arms wide open.

"Go on! Kill me! You can't even hurt a fl--" she kept blubbering but I cut her off by hitting her in the head with a figurine that I've picked up on her bedroom.

Her face turned to the right as blood freely flowed unto her mouth. She fell down, butt first on the wet floor.

As I saw her blood mixed with the water, an irresistible urge came rushing in my body. Joeana's unrecognizable face crossed my mind. It fueled my anger so I step closer to her and began hitting her, again and again. I hit her on her forehead, on her eyes, on her mouth, her nose, her head, every part of her face. I want to make her look like Joeana's face. Only this time, not like Joeana, she will be dead.

When I finished smashing her whole face, I sat on the floor. Her blood was everywhere. Some were even splattered on my face. I looked at her lifeless eyes looking back at me. So, this is the feeling when you able to kill someone. I feel...thrilled

I looked at my hands. I saw blood. Lots of blood. My eyes widened when realization hit me. I have killed someone. I killed Gwen. I'm a murderer.

But then, it felt good to have finally avenge my bestfriend. I smiled, but that smile faded when I saw someone in my peripheral vision standing by the door...