Chapter 24: Chapter 24

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X and Y...The land, sea, rivers, trees, the stars, the sky, that and this...we're part of a bigger plan

A lot can happen in one second, what more would happen in a year, right?

I already graduated from college.

I am now working as a Legal Researcher in Maquess' Law Firm. Var was the one who told me to still get the job. First, I decided to say yes because I felt like I had no choice. Secondly, Var told me to guard their firm for him in case they do what they did with Loud's case. I guess that's a motivation for me to continue staying in that firm even though I hate it. It's a good thing they even wanted to hire me after what happened.

My hardships during college paid off as I graduated with Latin honors which made me get a scholarship in my dream law school so I was able to study law during the night.

I feel like I am so close to becoming a lawyer. I am so happy, especially that everything is going well.

I am still a bit skeptical at times though Loud is always there to remind me that amidst darkness, there's still glow.

We decided to take the risk. It's now or never. I would probably regret it if I rejected him because I know deep down I loved the man.

What's love without risk, right? As Loud always tells me.

Loud is currently busy reviewing for the National Medical Admission Test with Zee as they wait for the result of their Nursing Board Exam.

I know that they will both pass the exam and successfully take the road to becoming a doctor.

I believe in them as much as I believe in myself. These past few years, I learned a lot of things, well Loud taught me a lot of things. Or it's safe to say that being with him made me appreciate life and it's flaws.

Just like how I appreciate pancakes in the morning because it's his favorite even though I really hate pancakes for no apparent reasons. I just hate it and I believe we hate things even though we don't know why.

Loud was already in the shower when I went to the kitchen. He was done preparing the breakfast which he usually does for me. I am so spoiled that he didn't even want me to help him wash the dishes since we started living together.

He then decided to let go of his trailer and moved back to their house. It was hard for me to let go of the trailer van because it has a lot of memories. But we needed funds to support Loud's review and his medical career. Although his family left insurance for him, it's still not enough and it will not last if we both don't have work.

He also didn't want to use the money given to him by our hospital during the settlement. He donated it to the less fortunate kids.

I asked Missy to buy the trailer for me even though she's not going to use it so that I know it's in good hands. I promised to buy his trailer van again if I have saved enough money.

I brewed coffee as I waited for him to finish.

It's the last day of his review for the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and he will be taking the exam on weekends.

I was able to read some provisions for my class later when I heard the bathroom door open. I smelled brewed coffee though I was sure it was his body wash and not the coffee I was brewing.

He really likes coffee as much as he likes me.

I turned around and almost yelled in surprise when he hugged me. I bumped into his chest and felt the coldness of his naked body as he hugged me.

It's great because I am blushing. Damn! I still don't know how to control the butterflies in my stomach every time he's near.

"Good morning, Gabbabe!" He sweetly whispered. I moaned as he kissed my earlobe.

He chuckled. "I love you, Gabby!"

I hugged him tight and replied, "I love you too, Loud."

He let go of me and kissed my forehead before inviting me for breakfast.

"Get dressed!" I told him when he removed his bath towel revealing his six pack abs. For the record, he decided to workout because he saw Var's six pack abs. Tsk. He's still jealous of Var after all these years and even sees Var as his greatest competitor when he already won against him. I mean, he's my only choice.

"What? I am sexy," He pulled my hand and placed it in his stomach as he bit his lips.

"Are you trying to seduce me?" I raised an eyebrow as I pulled my hand away from him but he was too strong to hold on to it or it's right to say my muscles suddenly got weak because of his damn body!

Gosh! He needs to stop or else I am going to eat him for breakfast.

"Is it effective?" He teased and in a second I could already feel the bump between his legs.

I eyed him and he chuckled.

"You know why I cook pancakes every morning even though I know you hate it," he asked as he leaned closer to me.

"W-what?" I blushed. Ugh! I am feeling hot. I need some air.

"So that it's me you're going to eat."

Before I could react, he owned my mouth. His tongue started circling against my tongue as we both gasped for air. He slowly caressed my butt as I traced his back. Damn! I could feel his heartbeat, so was mine.

I bit my lip as his hand started moving inside my pajamas. I groaned as he slowly thrust his finger on the side of my vulva before inserting.

"Oh..." I mumbled.

I heard him chuckle as he continued thrusting his finger inside mine.

"I want to feel you," I whispered.

"Really?" He teased me. He removed his finger inside me, lifted me up on the countertop and quickly pulled my pajamas.

I hadn't recovered yet when his tongue found the inside of my vulva. He licked it up and down, making me moan harder. I arched my back and held onto the sides of the countertop to support. Oh my gosh!

I bit my lower lip. I felt so weak but the kind of weak that makes you go crazy! Ugh! He's really good at this.

When he's done exploring my insides using his tongue. He stood up and bit my lower lip as I moved my hand to remove his shorts while he undressed me.

His lips went down to my neck, his both hands caressing my breast until he told me to turn my back and bend over. He held my waist, passionately kissed my back as he gently inserted his manhood on mine. Our body thrusted up and done, our soul feeling every rhythm, until we both released our juices.

I inhaled air. He hugged me from behind, catching his breath, and teasingly whispered, "Should I cook some pancakes for breakfast again?"

I nodded laughingly. "Yeah. I would love that."

I let go of him and started preparing for him because I'm afraid we both end up in bed again if I don't stop myself.

My gosh! He's so freaking hot! Damn!

"Want another pancake?" He winked.

I rolled my eyes. "We are going to be late," I responded as I locked the door. He carried my bag and I let go of it because the first time I told him I could carry my things, he got mad at me.

Looking back, I don't really know why I got so lucky to have him in my life.

"I don't mind being late--" I cut him off by kissing him.

"I can't be late. Atty. Levi will get mad at me," I told him. I still have to draft some cases for him since he also wanted me to learn. Of course, I'd love to do that since I know sooner it'll be my job.

He pouted and pretended he was mad though that would no longer work on me. He opened the car door for me before starting the engine.

"I love you," he said. He never fails to remind me how much he loves me everyday. And, to tell you, I never get used to it. I still have butterflies and still blushed.

"I love you, too," I said.

He smiled. "I'll pick you up at lunch, okay?" He said as he reversed the car.

I nodded. I set up the music and started humming as I opened my codals. Gosh! I haven't read the coverage of our recitation for today.

"Stop what you are doing," he hissed. "I told you not to read on a moving vehicle. You'll have a headache!" He shoved the book away from me.

"But I haven't read the coverage for today. I slept early last night," I sighed. I was so tired and could no longer stay awake so I planned on reading the lesson.

"Listen to me, okay?" he turned to me for a second before focusing his eyes on the road. "Stop that and just get the flash drive in my bag," He pointed at the bag.

I grabbed his bag and found a black flash drive in his pocket. "What am I going to do with this?"

"I made an audio recording of your lessons today. All the things you need to memorize for your recitation. Just listen to it. I made sure my voice was clear and precise."

I was speechless. "Aww..." That's all I could say.

"You should have reviewed last night instead of - -"

"I am going to pass the NMAT!" He held my hand and kissed it before holding the steering wheel again.

"I believe in you," I smiled. "Thank you!" I happily said as I inserted the flashdrive in the USB port of his car.

"Recite it to me during lunch, okay? I felt like I already memorized it, too."

I laughed a little. "Just don't mix the provisions with medical terms, okay?"

We both chuckled.

I was able to memorize some of my provisions, thanks to him. I'll make sure to help him study later.

"I'll see you later." He kissed my forehead before I got out of his car. His review center is just minutes away from Maquess' Law Firm so we usually eat lunch together with Zee, too.

"Gabriella!" Var waved as I walked towards the entrance of their building.

It's a 20 floor building owned by Var's family. The Law Firm was located on the 11th floor, while the Engineering Department where Var works is located on the 13th floor. His family has a lot of businesses which also includes Construction, Travel Agency, well, I cannot name them all and I wasn't interested either.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I asked him.

"I am waiting for you. I bought some French toast and latte," He smiled as raised the paperbag he was holding. It was my favorite breakfast.

"She will not eat that because we already ate each other."

I almost jumped from my feet when I heard Loud. What the? What? Did he seriously say that in front of Var?

Gosh! I am dying with embarrassment.

Var almost choked as he laughed. He looked at me with amusement.

Damn! Loud!

I turned to Loud who actually enjoyed teasing Var.

"Hey, I thought you're already gone. You'll be late-"

"Well, I felt the need to walk you to your office before I went to the review center." He held my hand tight as he glared at Var.

I laughed. Here he is again, jealous of Var.

Var smirked, teasing him. "Still threatened by my presence?"

Loud faked a laugh. Ugh! They really can't get along no matter what I do.

"No, because I can do this..." He pulled and kissed me. "And you can't..." He mockingly laughed at Var.

What the? Is he asking for a fight?

I blinked. Oh my gosh! Loud, I don't know what to say. He's killing me with so many butterflies in my stomach. I hate it yet I found him so sweet. Why is that?

Var clicked his tongue and sighed. "You gotta be kidding me, Elarde!"

"Yeah. You can now go babe. I just forgot to give you a goodbye kiss."

"Really? Loud?" I glared at him. He brushed my soft hair with his hands before walking towards his car with a winning smile on his face.

"What do you think he will do if I kiss you?" Var raised his brow as we both watched Loud disappear in front of us.

I couldn't stop myself from smiling.

"He'll punch you to death," I warned Var, though I know he's not going to kiss me without my permission even if he kept on saying he's going to do everything to get me.

"I think it would still be worth it since I was able to kiss you," he chuckled.

"Stop flirting with me, Var Maquess," I rolled my eyes. "Get a life with your fiancée," I added as we waited for the elevator.

"Who's your fiancée, by the way? I mean, I've been here for a year but I never met her, one even once," I curiously asked.

"Don't be shocked if someone said you are my fiancée. I created that rumor," he joked.

"Duh! Let me meet her, okay? When are you getting married?"

"When I already got over you," Var stuck his tongue out as he headed inside the elevator. "If you decided to leave him, I am here, okay?"

"Before that, remember to bring a necktie, Engr. Maquess," I threw him the purple necktie I have in my bag since his secretary told me to remind him to wear a tie every time he has a meeting.

I felt like his babysitter. Well, if it weren't for him I wouldn't be here so it's the least thing I can do.

I spent the day sorting files and helping Atty. Levi with his cases. I'm still skeptical towards him but I learned to admire him especially on how he handled his cases and the way he presented them. Although, I will not forget what he'd done to Loud's case even though I understood that he was pressured by the company during those times.

Sometimes, I felt like a spy in their law firm. I want to learn through them and at the same time I want to destroy them. Kidding aside, I'm making sure they will not repeat the same mistakes they did way back and I am going to watch them carefully.

"Hi," I greeted with a smile. He was wearing his usual white v-neck shirts, his hands were kept inside the pocket of his jogger pants, and I recognized the shoes I bought for him during our first anniversary as a couple.

"How's your morning?" He held my hand as we walked to the alley. "Zee's already in the restaurant with your brother Gabriel," he told me.

"Oh, is he helping you study?" I asked.

I believe one of the good things that happened after my brother's license was revoked was he became good friends with Loud. It was never easy at first. How could you trust him, right?

However, Loud's always been the positive one and he was often the one who sees the good in every situation.

He chose to forgive my brother. I was really cynical because I thought that he's just using Loud to get his license back. I mean, the medical board will reevaluate him sooner for his good deeds so I told Loud to stay away from Gabriel.

But he's my brother...my favorite brother.

I know he was really sorry and I felt the sincerity in him. Deep down, I was sure he never wanted what happened and he's just being controlled by our family.

For the last year, Gabriel enjoyed his life. It was a good thing since he never really enjoyed his life because he was molded young. He tried new things like mountain climbing, skydiving, and he's into car racing now which I believe has always been his secret dream. Maybe, if he didn't pursue medicine he would be a car racer now. Well, it's not too late.

"Gab!" Zee waved.

My brother was sitting beside her holding a flashcard. He shuffled the cards and asked Loud before he could even sit.

"A 13 year old boy's mother is concerned that he has no friends and she brings him to the GP surgery. He does not play with other children. He likes model cars and has 1,000 cars in his collection. He is indifferent to either praise or criticism from his mother or teachers. Which is the most likely diagnosis?"

"Uhm," Loud stayed standing, analyzing the questions. "Autistic spectrum disorder."

My brother shuffled another card. Loud sat beside me, fixed his hair, drank water, and closely waited for my brother's question. Zee was also ready to take the question.

"A 3 day old baby boy is noted to have ambiguous genitalia at his postnatal check. Investigations, include: Sodium 125 mmol/L (133-146); Potassium 5.2 mmol/L (3.4–6.0); Urea 5.0 mmol/L (0.8-5.5); Creatinine 70 micromol/L (21–75)/li>; Bicarbonate 22 mmol/L. (22-29). What is the most likely diagnosis?"

"Congenital adrenal hyperplasia," Loud quickly replied.

I sat there in awe. I don't understand a thing as they continue answering every question my brother has laid on them.

"Woah, is that for NMAT? I mean, it's that too advanced?" I asked, but they ignored me.

Psh! Why am I even here? I thought we were going to eat lunch. Well, I ate lunch while listening to medical terms. They ignored my whole existence which is fine because I was able to study on my own, too. I just hoped I will not be mixing provisions over medical terms.

And, to tell you, I am very grateful because I am with my most favorite people.

However, law school sometimes makes me ungrateful. Like, omg! I had a bad recitation and it's really bad I got five for that. My fault, too, because I wasn't able to read the last case. There's not enough time and what are the odds that I'll be called for the case I wasn't able to read. I think I need to start reading from the last page now. Tsk.

"Bad recit?" Loud clicked his tongue.

"Yeah. Sucks!" I ran to hug him. "I didn't read the case," I pouted.

He kissed the top of my head as he hugged me. "I know a thing that would make you feel better."

"You are the one who makes me feel better," I replied and tip-toed to kiss his lips. It tasted coffee just like how his skin usually smelled like brewed coffee.

"I was born to make you feel better," he kissed me back. "Let's go. I prepared something for you."

"What is that?" I excitedly said. "You don't need to-- Oh my gosh!" I gasped. "You prepared a stage here? Is that even allowed inside our campus?"

I said as I approached the mini stage he just made. "Where did you get this wooden platform, and this microphone?" I pointed as I stepped on it. "Oh, I have to commend the lanterns," I chuckled as I stared at the lanterns around the platform.

"Well, I have my ways," He stood beside me and turned to the audience.

"Hi, we are the Everglow and we would like to dedicate a set of songs for all law students struggling right now."

The people started forming around us. Just then, Hander and Jaquer appeared in front of us with guitar and beatbox.

"Yeah, don't worry about your bad recits tonight. You can always come back strong tomorrow," he winked and started strumming. "Let's jam for a little while, shall we?"

The audience started clapping and cheering for us to start our mini concert. I've always wanted to have a concert and he just made it possible. Well, he always made things possible for me.

Loud smiled at me as he started singing our favorite song, Everglow.

As I stared at him, I could only pray that we can continue to be each other's light amidst darkness.