"How's Joeana doing?" Momsie asked me. We were having a video chat that particular day. I was at school but since we have no class for there had been an emergency meeting for the teachers so we're all free.

"I don't know Mom. I didn't get the chance to visit her this past few days. I was busy with school stuff." I replied while eating my burger. I was at the cafeteria, waiting for Xandra because she had some stuff to do.

"You should visit her. Then tell me about her condition so we can help them, okay?" Momsie said worriedly. I know they were worried too. Joeana was a nice and respectful person not only to my parents but also to the people around her. Yet, she can be bad when she thought someone is bullying or hurting - me for example - her family and friends.

"I will visit her this coming Sunday, Mom. It's Friday so I will just finish my stuff tomorrow so that I can be with her all day on Sunday." I said after I finished munching on my burger. I took a sip from my soda. When I looked up I saw Xandra approaching. I immediately raised my hand to wave at her. She saw me but she signaled me to wait. I watched her as she went to the counter, probably to order something to eat.

While looking at her, I have thought of telling her the truth about Gwen's death. Since the rumor spread out rapidly. But, I have second thoughts because I have known her for only less than a month. I know she's a good friend but I can't just entrust her with my secrets especially the ones that involve killing.

"Who are you looking at, sweetie?" I almost forgot Mom was still on the line because I have been thinking so hard.

I looked at the screen of my tablet and smiled sweetly at her. "I was just looking at Xandra, Mom."

That caught her attention. "Who's Xandra? May I saw her?"

"She's my new friend. She helped me when Gwen-----" I trailed off. Geez! Momsie shouldn't know that stuff. "---when I accidentally tripped on the stairs." Instead of saying the truth, I decided to just lie. After all, a little lie couldn't hurt anybody.

"Oh! Are you okay now? Why didn't you tell me?" Momsie said, a worried expression on her face. This was the reason why I decided to hide Gwen's abusive trait towards me because Momsie would surely freak out. She's already worried about me tripping, what more if I tell her that I have been bullied and tweaked by someone. She would surely get angry.

"I'm okay, Mom. I have sprained my ankles but it's fine now. Oh, there's Xandra! Hey Xandra. Come on, hurry up! I'll introduce you to my Momsie." I said, quickly diverting the topic for I don't want to lie longer. Luckily, I saw Xandra walking towards me, holding a tray of food.

"Hello, Venus. I have bought us some snacks..." She stopped talking as she noticed me holding a burger. "...Well, more snacks, for you." She laughed afterwards while she put the tray on top of the table and sat beside me.

"Thank you, Xandra. Although you shouldn't have to because I already had a snack." I said. But she just dismissed me by waving her hand.

"It's okay, Ven. I have to make it up to you for these past few days that I haven't accompany you. And I would also like to visit Joeana this Sunday. Do you want to go with me?" She told me as she started eating her baked macaroni.

"That's wonderful! I also have plan on visiting her on Sunday." I beamed at her.

"Really?! So, it's settled then. We will visit Joeana on Sunday." She said smiling widely. I nodded my head and looked at the screen of my tablet. I saw Momsie looking at us from the screen. She's smiling while listening to our conversation.

"Mom, I would like you to meet Xandra Curtis. Xandra, this beautiful lady on the screen is no other than my Momsie, Adrienna Hera Lawson-Montreal." I introduced them to one another.

"Oh my! You're the Miss Universe!" Xandra exclaimed as she gazed at my Mom. "No wonder you have an angelic face, Venus. You're Mom is just beyond beautiful." She added as her eyes would shift to me and Momsie.

My Mom just laughed and with a wide smile, she said, "FORMER Miss Universe, dear. It's a pleasure to meet you, Xandra. And thank you for helping my daughter when she tripped. You know, sometimes she had a tendency to be very clumsy." She looked at me from the screen and smiled.

I looked at Xandra. Her eyebrows knotted. I quickly grabbed her hand under the table and squeezed it, trying to signal her to just go with the flow. Luckily, she get my message. "Oh that! It's okay with me, Ma'am. She also helped me so we're even." She just said as she squeezed back my hand.

"Oh! Dear, don't call me 'Ma'am'. I feel like I'm too old. Call me Auntie." Mom corrected Xandra.

"Okay, Auntie." Xandra said while smiling widely.

"So, ladies, I'd better be going. I have some appointment today with my patient. I will see you next time. Venus dear, take care of yourself, mmkay? Popsie will come visit you next month because he would check our new businesses there." Momsie bid her goodbye after a long chitchat.

"Okay, Momsie. Take care also. I love you both!" I blew her a kiss.

"We love you too, sweetie. And oh! Xandra. Thank you for being such a good friend to my daughter. Will see you next time. Bye!" Mom said as she waved her hand.

"Bye Mom! - Bye Auntie!" Xandra and I said in unison.

When the video call ended I breath a sigh of relief. I looked at Xandra who's looking at me too.

"Why did you hide the truth?" She asked me, puzzled.

"Because she would instantly freak out when she discovered that not only have I been bullied, but I have been also tweaked by someone" I explained to her, hoping she would understand. Luckily she did. She just nodded her head and smiled at me.

"Don't worry. Gwen would never do that ever again." She also said at me. I just nodded my head.

The truth was I have been thinking on telling her the truth about Gwen's death. But as what I've said earlier, I have second thoughts because I don't trust her enough to tell her my dark secret. My trust towards her was shallow. In the end, I decided to just keep it to myself. I'm already contented that I have shared that secret with X. At least, I have something that would bind me to him.

Upon thinking of X, I didn't realized I was already smiling. I was so engrossed on day dreaming that I forgot about Xandra and the other students around me. I just snapped back to reality when Xandra snapped her fingers in front of me.

"Are you in love?" She asked me. My cheeks instantly heat up with embarrassment.

"N-No, Of course not." I even shook my head for emphasis.

"Really? Then why are you smiling like a love-crazed teenager?" She asked me while smiling, obviously teasing me.

"N-Nothing I just remembered something... happy?" Damn, I really am not good in lying. My statement turned out to be a question.

Xandra didn't said anything, thus she just smiled knowingly. I guess she already knew that I'm lying but then she didn't push it. She clearly respect my personal life and my privacy.

*********

Afternoon came like a flash. Xandra and I didn't do much. We just stayed at the school's library to study ahead. Since, I don't have class on my Physiology subject because our professor filed a maternity leave and the substitute teacher didn't meet us this afternoon so I decided to come home early.

"So, I'll just give you a call on Sunday morning. I'll be going home early today." I said as I packed up my books and notepad.

"Okay. Here's my number. I'll be waiting for your call. Take care!" Xandra handed me a piece of paper. I took it and put it on my notepad to avoid misplacing it. I blew her a kiss then I walked towards the door of the library.

When I got outside, I immediately walked towards the direction of the parking area. I just keep on dismissing the feeling of being watched because I know who he was. When I reached my car, I unlocked the door and opened it. I quickly get in and closed the door. I sighed in relief. Even though, I was used to those eyes that would always keep on following me wherever I go, I can't help myself from feeling a bit of discomfort. Maybe I'll just talk to him and tell him to stop spying at me. Yes, I would do that.

Moments later, I started the ignition and drove away. On my way home, I stopped at a dessert shop beneath the highway. I loved the sweets that they sell there. The sweets were all homemade, especially the icecream cake strawberry flavor, which was one of my all-time favorite. I opened the door and entered. I was greeted by the sweet smell of baked goodies. The aroma of the different variety of sweets there were so intoxicating I can't help but to smile genially.

I walked towards the row of customers and waited for my turn to order. So far, I think this was one of the most famous dessert shop in this area because customers would spend time patiently lining up on a row, waiting for their turn to order. Aside from delicious home made goodies, they sell it on a low and affordable prices. One of the reasons why this place is always packed with customers.

When it was my turn to order, I bought a box of strawberry icecream cake, 2 boxes of assorted cupcakes, 3 packs of homemade cookies and a box of chocolate mousse for Mr. Henry and the others. When I finished paying, I quickly went out of the store and got in my car and continue to drive home.

Less than ten minutes later, I was honking in front of the gate. When it opened I drove my car inside the large lawn. Covering the vast lawn were the different kinds of flowers and a fountain in the middle of each side. Mrs. Sonia really loves to plant. I made a mental note that I will give her seeds of different plants and flowers as a birthday gift since her birthday will be next month.

"Good afternoon, Madam." Mr. Henry greeted me from the doorway. When he noticed I carried so many boxes he immediately walked towards me and helped me with the boxes.

"Good afternoon to you too, Mr. Henry. I bought some sweets for us. I would love to share this with you on dinner." I said as we walked towards the door. When the door opened I was greeted by maids carefully lined up side by side, and bowing there heads. I entered immediately. When the door was closed, Rose and the other maids immediately gather the things I am holding.

"I'll just go upstairs and change, Mr. Henry." I told Mr. Henry.

"Sure, Madam. Get some rest and we will just call you for dinner." Mr. Henry smiled at me. I smiled back and murmured my thank you. I walked towards the staircase to my room.

When I got inside my room I changed my uniform to my house dress and lay down my bed. I didn't even realized that I have fallen asleep. When I walk up, it was already dark outside. I checked the time on my phone. It was 8:15 in the evening. I have slept for more or less 5 hours.

Not a little bit longer, I heard a knock on the door. I quickly got up and walked towards the door. When I opened the door, I saw Mr. Henry standing there, smiling warmly at me.

"Good evening, Madam. I see your finally awake. Dinner's ready." He told me.

"Okay, Mr. Henry. I'll be going down." I smiled at him and closed the door. I fixed my hair in a messy bun and went outside.

The dinner with Mr. Henry and the housemaids turned out to be fine. We ate the sweets that I've bought from the dessert shop. I can see that they loved the sweets that I bought. I made a mental note that I will get the shop owner's telephone number for easy delivery.

After dinner, I excused myself. I am starting to get itchy because I forgot to take a bath before sleeping so I quickly walked towards my bedroom. When I got in, I stripped off my clothes and headed towards the bathroom. Perhaps, a quick shower could ease the itchy feeling.

When I finished taking a bath. I sat on the edge of the bed and started to apply lotion. I was busy applying lotion on my legs when I heard the sliding door leading to the terrace opened. I looked back and I saw a figure of a man standing outside. I rolled my eyes as I have an idea who he was. I don't know if I should feel excited or irritated or nervous.

"What are you doing here? Again?" I asked him as I continue applying the lotion on my legs.

I saw from my peripheral vision that he walked towards my bed and sat a little bit closer to me. I looked at him again and caught him staring at me, a playful glint can be seen in his eyes. I realized that I was only wearing a towel since I planned to apply lotion all over my body.

"Your sexy when wearing a robe but you're way hotter when wearing a towel, dear." He said playfully. I blushed and turned my back on him.

"Shut up! Next time, you should learn to use the main door. We have a main door in this house in case you don't know. Also, we have a gate."

He didn't say anything instead he just laughed.

"If I use the gate to enter your house, will you let me in?" He asked.

"Well yes. You came here properly so I would treat you properly." I replied.

"Uhh, no thanks." He said. I looked back at him with my brows furrowed.

"Why?" I asked puzzled.

"Because if you treat me properly, then I wouldn't be able to kiss you or hold your hand or squeeze your ass." He told me while still grinning.

"Why you---! You know what? You should go. I have so many things to do tomorrow. I don't want to be bothered on my beauty rest." I turned my back on him, it means this discussion is over and he must leave.

He stood up. I thought he was leaving already but I was surprised when he opened the drawer of my bedside table and took my gun out. I immediately stood up and was about to snatch the gun back but he raised his hand, and since he was way taller than I am, I wasn't able to reach it.

"Can I have this?" He asked while holding the gun.

My forehead knotted. "No, that was for self defense purposes. Take anything you want but that."

"Anything?" His playful smirk was once again visible.

"A-Anything." I said. I swallowed as his gaze dropped down my cleavage.

"I want you." I can see desire in his eyes. I am not surprised when he said that. I mean, who wouldn't want me. I am sexy and beautiful.

"Ha-ha-ha! So funny. Stay there. I'll go get dressed."

"No need, I prefer you wearing a towel. You look like a goddess." He said as he lay down on my bed. I didn't mind what he said instead I get dressed inside my walk-in closet.

I remember last night, we were talking nonstop until 3 in the morning. He won't leave me alone but then I told him that I have a class that starts at 8 in the morning and I have to sleep for me to avoid drowsiness later. He left after he give me a sweet and fiery kiss. I think he's learning to get used on kissing me every damn time he had a chance to.

When I finished dressing up, I stepped outside. I saw him standing near my bookshelf. I have two medium-sized bookshelves here in my room. I love reading books, especially romantic ones. Aside from my car, those books came from my own savings so those books have sentimental value.

"You like reading." That was a statement rather than a question. I saw him picked up a book from the fourth shelf and opened it.

I, on the other hand, sat on the edge of my bed. "I don't LIKE reading..." I trailed off. He looked at me, confused. "... I LOVE it." And then I smiled at him. He smiled back at me.

"Can I ask you a question?" He said as he closed the book, put it back on the shelf then he walked towards one corner of my room and leaned on the wall.

"You're already asking." I said wittingly. His smile grew wider.

"Why are your parents in France?" He questioned.

"Because they got business there." I answered.

"And why are you here?" He asked me again.

"To study, perhaps." I raised my brow at the obvious answer to his question.

"Why here? You're rich. Your parents can afford to send you on one of the prestigious university in abroad." His forehead knotted as he was eyeing me.

"Do you mean Philippines don't have prestigious universities?" I give him a look of disapproval. I am quite insulted by what he said. "But to answer your question, I want to study here because Malcoln University was father's alma mater. And I would really love to graduate there."

"Oh! So, it's all about your father, huh?" He asked again as he straightened himself and walked towards the direction of my bed.

"Yep, it's always have been." I answered him as I distanced myself as he sat on my bed, too.

"When are your parents coming back?" he asked me as he lay down on my bed. He put his right arm under his head to make it his pseudo pillow.

"My parents live there. But my Popsie would come visit me occasionally. Why do you ask?" I said to him as I gave him one of my pink pillows. He immediately grabbed it and put it on his nose, smelling it.

"I'm just wondering if how long will you stay here in the Philippines." He said as he put my pink pillow under his head. "I love your pillow. It smells just like you." He then winked at me. I always feel my heart doing a somersault everytime he does that.

"Maybe after I graduate I would go there." I said as I looked at his left arm. Since he's on my left side I gingerly touched his bandaged left arm. "Does it still hurt?"

He caught my hand and brought it to his lips and kissed it. "Not when you're around." He said huskily. I instantly felt my cheeks turning red. Geez! I am acting like a love-crazed 15 year-old that saw her crush.

I can't hide my smile. But that smile slowly faded away as he asked me a question.

"Are you afraid of me?"

I remained silent for a long while. I immediately asked myself, am I afraid of him? When did I feel afraid of him? Ahhh, I remember. I became afraid when he kissed me. That's right. At that moment, I feel scared. And I don't know why.

I looked at him. "Im afraid of you..."

"Really? When?" X asked me.

I looked at him. There was a seductive smile plastered on his face. I looked at his lips. Those red luscious lips that kissed me twice now, and I would like to kiss again. There's this strong urge within me to just cross the gap between us and kissed those lips. I would love to feel that delicious feeling again. I want to be intimate with him. But, I was too afraid to do that. Too coward to even tell him how I feel.

Fortunately, as if he read my mind, he straightened up and he was the one brave enough to cross the gap between us to claim my lips on a slow sweet kiss.

He kissed me like no man ever kissed me before. I closed my eyes as I savor the moment. I feel sparks inside me as I felt that familiar feeling again. That delicious feeling below my tummy. I opened my mouth to give him more access in my mouth. I moaned as he delved his tongue deep inside me, taunting my tongue with his. I responded as intimately as possible. I mimicked how he taunt my tongue with his. I felt victorious as I heard him groan.

His hands moved towards the side of my hips, pinching it. I moaned as his right arm moved behind my back, caressing my lower back, giving me goosebumps. I hooked my hand on his neck, pulling him closer, crushing my breasts against his hard chest.

His left hand went upwards, on the side of my breast, slightly grazing the side of my left breast. I unconsciously elbowed his left arm, direct to his bandaged arm causing him to jolt back.

We were catching our breath as we looked at each other. I am smiling shyly while he has that wry expression on his face.

I dont know why he's doing this but all I know was that I learned to enjoy every single moment that we shared awhile ago.

"Sorry." I said shyly as I watch him caress his injured arm.

He didn't answer me instead he kissed the top of my head and bid his goodbye.

I didn't respond. I just keep on looking at him...

"We'll see each other, tommorrow night." he said while smiling.

"Okay. Just make sure that you will use the gate, this time." I told him as I accompany him outside. He opened the sliding door of the terrace and sat on the edge of railings.

He laughed at me. "Couldn't let that go. Sorry not sorry. I want to sneak in and kiss you."

My forehead knotted at his last sentence. "You like me, don't you?" So I asked him.

"No. YOU like ME." He said with that playful grin plastered on his face.

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever."

I watched him as he readied himself to jump. But before he jumped, he looked back at me and give me a brief kiss.

"Sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite." He said. "Oh, and dream of me." He then winked at me before he jumped. I was shaking my head as I walked back my room. I closed the sliding door of the terrace and locked it.

Then, I lay down on my bed. I reached for the pillow that he used awhile ago and hugged it. I even smelled his shampoo there. I smiled as I gingerly touched my lips. I closed my eyes, remembering that intimate moment I have with him not long ago.

Aahhh... This will be another long sleepless night...