Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Romeo must die before the ending with a final poison kiss

"You're..." He massaged his chiseled jawline while thinking of how to describe my look.

I was wearing a sleeveless aqua green dress. It stayed above my knees, while I clutched the sling bag on my left shoulder. There were no details on the dress, just plain. I paired it with my flats because I don't like heels.

I also braided my hair like a crown because I felt like doing so. Well, the real reason was I wanted to highlight the necklace Zack gave me.

He told me we're going to some fancy place which apparently was one of their 5-star hotels.

"like a moss." He teased.

I rolled my eyes. I scanned him from head to toe. Fine, since he started this I would not tell him how handsome he was with a white short sleeve polo shirt, cropped pants, and his signature top-sider sneakers. He looked cool.

"Whatever! Why are we even in your hotel?" I asked.

He gave me another look before keeping the smile on his face as we went inside. A line of employees welcomed him - us as we walk side by side. I felt uncomfortable, but manage to make a smile.

Are they always like this?

I never saw Zack surrounded by their people since it's my first time visiting their hotels with him. Woah, he's such a VIP especially when all of them bowed.

He returned it with a bow, so I immediately copied him. One of the employees, or must be the manager gestured us to follow him.

"Is everything ready?" I heard him asked while I was busy counting the diamonds on the chandeliers.

Gosh! Are they real? I guess I know where to steal money to support my studies. How many chandeliers do they have?

I counted on my way while still following Zack from my peripheral vision. I suddenly stopped when I saw a familiar portrait near the information desk where a number of paintings were placed.

"Hey, what you doing?" He yelled. "That isn't the way to the elevator."

"It's me," I widened my eyes. "Like, Woah. It's me." I pointed at the oil-based portrait.

My mouth circled in awe. Why is my portrait placed along with his family's painting? The whole painting surrounding my portrait was all his family's portrait.

"Yeah, I know it's your portrait. I made it." He simply said.

"Why? I mean, why is it posted there?" I looked at him, confused.

He chuckled. "Of course, I wanna let all our employees know that." He pointed at my portrait with a smile on his face. "She is my future wife."

I heard him laugh as he lifted my chin to close my mouth. "Don't get shocked, it's been posted there since seventh grade."

"I don't even know." I blinked. This is giving me so many butterflies in the stomach. Plus the fact, that all the employees were staring at us right now. Uh. Omg.

I felt like I was so lucky. Well, Zack's really unbelievable.

"Now you know," he grinned. "C'mon, let's go to the rooftop." He pulled my wrists.

"Eh, you have to remove it."

"Why would I?"

"It's embarrassing," I exclaimed, then tried to hide my face when I felt the gaze of the people around us. Uh, how to hide flushed cheeks?

"It's not. I'm always proud of you."

I melted. Damn! Why are you doing this Zacky?

"What are we doing?" I asked again, trying to change the topic. Fine, let my portrait stays in there. I giggled at the thought.

"I said we are gonna elope right," he smirked. We hurriedly went to the elevator.

"My brother will haunt you in your dreams if something bad happens to me." I threatened him though it wasn't working.

"He's always welcome in my dreams."

He pressed the elevator button with his right hand while holding my hand with his left until our fingers intertwined. I caught him smiling from my peripheral vision and I couldn't hide my smile too, so I just let it go.

I was thinking of having candle-light dinner, picnic under the stars, or a live band happening on the rooftop, yet he exceeded my expectations when a helicopter was waiting for us.

"Woah, did you rent this?" I yelled. The wind from the helipad was blowing against us that I had to let his hand go and hold my dress.

"No," he yelled back. "My parents own this." He said.

Yeah right. Why would they rent one when they can afford to buy one?

"Good evening, Sir, Ma'am," the pilot greeted us as soon as we climbed inside our seats.

Zack should have told me not to wear a dress. It's killing my poise. Good thing, I got my hair braided.

"You alright?" Zack turned to me. He arranged the baby hairs that fall behind my face before putting the headphones in me.

"We are gonna fly?" I asked in amusement.

"Baka! We're gonna walk!" he chuckled.

I rolled my eyes.

Oh my gosh! It's my first time flying in a helicopter. I've been into planes, but they're not the same, so I'll be adding this on my list of first things.

"Where are we going?" I couldn't hide my excitement.

"We'll be going to our island in Surigao del Norte," Zack answered.

"Wait, you have a private island? What else do you own that I don't know?" I widened my eyes.

"C'mon, let's go, let's go, Captain!" I added after a while.

The captain chuckled at my command and he said, Aye, Captain!

I felt like a grade school, but nevermind. I was happy.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

"Of course, Baka!" I said, not paying attention to him as the helicopter started to rise.

Omg! I never thought the city lights in our town were this amazing above.

"Don't you know how to fly?"

"I do, but I still need a license. Don't worry," he looked at me with his deep gray eyes that became more astonishing due to the moonlight from the window. "I promise to fly with you when I become a captain."

"I'll sure be waiting for that, Cap!" I smiled back at him.

It was a one and half hour fly up the sky before we reach the island. Zack was singing the whole time while I was busy staring at the lights below.

We have dropped off the island. It was beaming with lights from the moon and stars above. The cold breeze flew my dress, but I shrugged it off since I was wearing my cycling. The sounds of waves were such a lullaby in my ears. It's so relaxing.

I continued to run barefoot until we reached their beach house.

"I didn't know you are that rich," I added, gasping for air. I got tired of running. I immediately felt the sand as I sat down. I managed to scrub my feet with its soft texture until Zack sat beside me.

"Oh my gosh, the stars, it's the milky way!" I pointed above. "Wait, is that Cassiopeia?"

"My parents are, not me," he replied. "and no, Baka!" he hit my head. "that's the big dipper," he traced the stars with his pointed finger. "and the northern star."

"Polaris!" I exclaimed.

"Glad, you remember astronomy," he smirked.

"Whatever, all I know is that they are all stars. K." I crossed my arms.

Waaah! The cold breeze, the waves, the oceans, the sand on my feet, how amazing is this place! Can we just stay here forever?

It made me miss my brother again, but the thought of him sometimes scared me.

"How about you just remember the position of that one star, Polaris."

"Why would I do that?" I made faces.

"Because it reminds you of me, and this moment?" he said, not sure.

"No, I don't want to."

"What? Why?" he said in disbelief. "Polaris is a pretty star that lights up the night."

"But it's not always there, isn't it?" I stared at the traces of stars above. "They are not always there. If I want to remember you, it would be something that is always there."

"What would it be then?" He inched his brow.

"Hmm," I started thinking. "Sunrise."

"Sunrise? You are not even a morning person." he frowned.

"That's why it's perfect," I sincerely smiled at him. "I may not always see it, but I know it is there. It will always come."

Just like him.

The thought of Zack not being on my side after being used to his presence would really make me sad. But I know that he would always honor his promise, so I would definitely wait for him.

May it be as his best friend or someone who was in love with him.

"Fair enough. I like that." he agreed with a nod.

"What would you remember me then?"

"Semicolon," he casually said.

"Semicolon?" my eyebrows arched.

"Why?" he teased me. "Semicolons are cute."

"Yeah, right. I'm cute. What am I a dog?" I scowled.

"Yeah, you are my poodle." He patted my head like he was patting a real dog.

Ugh! Tsk!

He laughed.

I rolled my eyes.

We stayed silent. I watched and counted the stars above as I sensed his stare from my peripheral vision.

At that moment, it felt like it was our heartbeat that spoke.

"Katie," he whispered.

"Hmm?"

"I will be looking forward to hearing what's after the semicolon, so we better wait for each other, okay?"

"It felt like Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace if I reply an okay," I said, remembering the book I've read. It made me giggle at the same time sad.

"So?" He arched his brows. "The connection?"

"Augustus Waters died."

He looked at me confused. Uh, he doesn't like reading books.

"I said yes," I stuck my tongue out.

"Oh sure, let's schedule our wedding on your 18th birthday." He smirked.

"Aish!" I brushed his hair. "I said, yes I will wait." I made that clear.

He nodded before giving me a hug.

"I can't believe you skipped the ball slash Valentine's Day," Gab gave us exchanging looks. "Where did you go? You didn't even tell me," she crossed her arms, acting like mad.

"We watched the stars and sunrise," Zack answered. He was holding our last math activity sheets while Gab and I are waiting for his answers.

"You didn't tell me about Zack leaving, so I call it quits now," I stuck my tongue out.

"It's his fault, okay?" he pointed at Zack who pretended not to hear what she said.

"Nevermind, you ain't the only one who skipped the ball," she confessed.

"You did too?" Zack and I exclaimed in chorus.

Zack and I decided to skip the ball and lied about being sick. Well, it's not like we're going to miss something if we skip it. I was not fond of dance and we usually sit during the ball. Zack doesn't like dancing either.

"Yeah. I guess Aae and Geralt too." She said. "They were talking about it a while ago and figured out there is something going on between you two," she smirked at us. "What happened, huh?"

"We spend time alone," Zack grinned.

I blushed upon remembering our night together. For the record, it's not what you think. Well, nevermind about what people think. It's definitely one of the best nights of my life.

"Wait, why did you skip the ball?" I asked, surprised.

Come to think of it, Aae skipped the ball too. He hasn't been home since last week. What is he up to?

"I got puff eyes, and red cheeks the day of the ball, so I did not attend."

"Why? What happened? Are you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"I told my parents I will take up Law." She confessed.

She bit her lower lip as we waited for the next lines

"They agreed."

"They did?" I hysterically asked. "Like really?"

"Really? How? Why?" Zack mumbled. He left his jaw open as he was shocked as I am. There is no way Gab's parents will agree. All of them were doctors, and they owned the biggest hospital not only here but also in Asia.

"Yes, but there is a condition," Gab said, half-smiling. She curled her hair with her fingers, and sadness filled her eyes.

Just as I thought, they wouldn't say yes that easy.

"What is it?" Zack asked.

"They said I have to provide for myself," Gab pursed her lips and sighed. "I need to leave home and not to come back until I decided to take medicine."

"What!? That's awful." Zack commented. He ducked his lips. "I don't know what if feels like but..." He sighed.

I stayed quiet because I couldn't find the words. I haven't told my parents about my plan for taking medicine instead of law. I was scared of what they're going to say.

What if they told me to leave home too and provide for myself? Will I be able to do that?

Well, I could make it to the pre-med I guess since UST already offered me a spot on their varsity team after seeing my performance in the National Competition. I wasn't able to get the gold medal and ended up with a bronze, yet they told me they can help me work on that so I can join bigger competitions like SEA Games.

But how can I make my way to medical school?

"How about you lend me some money, Zack?"

I can ask for the same thing. Why haven't I thought of that?

"Nah, I don't have much money." Zack shakes his head. "But I can tell my mother to hire you."

"Yeah right, you got a lot of business," Gab's face lightens up at the thought.

Yes, we could do part-time jobs while studying.

"Yeah, you can choose any of our restaurant chains, pastry shops too. It's up to you. I will tell my mother about it." Zack assures her with a pat on her head. "You'll be fine."

"Is that a promise?" Gab widened his smile.

"Promise." Zack nodded.

"Wait, are you sure about that?" I asked. I felt like I was the one not liking her decision when it is her life. But, I can't seem to think about how she'll make it.

"I have to be sure, Zee." she held my hand to convince me. "I am fine. I don't want any regrets so I have to do this, okay? I will be fine."

I move an inch closer to her and gave her a hug. I caressed her back.

"Sad, my tears already run dry," she whispered. She let go of me. "Zee, you too." She gave me a serious look. "Do what makes you really happy, huh?"

I nodded, but of course, I'm not sure about it. I've never been sure about my decisions in life. I have always listened to them and set aside all the things I truly want.

"Aww, my poor girls! Come here, both of you. Let me give you a hug!" Zack locked his arms on us as he each patted our heads. "You better become a lawyer, and doctor when I come back okay?"

"Don't make me cry, Baka!" I frowned.

Gab laughed before whispering. "I'll miss you, Zack."

Aae was still not home when I came back. I wonder where he is? I don't know his phone number and I tried reaching him through his social media account but he isn't online. I'm getting a bit worried about him, especially that tomorrow is our last ranking examination and he hasn't been in school for three days. His modules were still on the shelf near our room where we usually left our notes, books, and things we wanted each other to see.

Where the hell is he?

He'd been busy these past few days that I haven't properly talked to him. He usually leaves notes about his whereabouts, but this time he didn't mention anything.

Uh, did something bad happened to him?

What is he doing? Is he attending some family matters?

I'm worried about Aae. He missed a lot of things in school. We've been packed with a lot of activities, events, training, practices, portfolios, and everything you could never ask for. I know he is intelligent to cope up that easy but still, what is happening to him? It's not like him to skipped classes.

Graduating sucks!

If only I could wish one thing, it would be to make the clock tick slow. A part of me wanted to finish everything and say hi to college. But there's a part of me who wants to stay in this life. I want to be that senior girl, who only thinks about how to survive an ordinary day.

I wanna be just the girl who sits next to Zack while listening to his voice all day. Without him, how would I be able to make another ordinary day?

I will also miss having Aae around me, especially his Mayday Parade notes and packed lunch.

"Have you seen, Aae?" I asked Zack before going inside the room examination. I was still looking at the hallway, hoping I could see him.

"Why are you looking for him?" he purses his lips. He unzipped his bag to get the banana milk inside.

"I'm just worried about him. He's not back home." I replied. Where the hell is he? I should have asked for his number before.

"I'm getting jealous." He stated clearly. He inches his brow while opening the pack of banana milk.

"Aish!" I rolled my eyes. "Aae is a friend of mine. My Aunt's also asking me about him."

"He's not only your friend. He's exactly your type." he mimicked me.

I turned to him. He was sipping the pack of his banana milk while twitching his lips. "We don't usually fall for our type, okay?"

"But I still wanna be your type." he frowned.

"You can't have all the luxury in the world, Mr. Zendaya!" I left my tongue out before entering the classroom.

I heard him sigh out of frustration as he placed his bag next to me.

I laughed a little. He's cute when jealous.

Aae maybe my type, but Zack is exactly the one I wanna sit next to under any circumstances, especially during math exams. I smiled at the thought.

I stared at Zack as he strokes his hair with his right hand while his left-hand plays with the pack of banana milk. He immediately throws it at the trash bin upon drinking its full content.

I chuckled upon watching him grinned as he shoots it at the trash bin. He then turned to me while I pretended to look for my pen.

"It's okay to stare, Zeekie," he chuckled. "But not too much, I'll melt."

I shook my head upon feeling its redness. "I-I'm not staring. Baka!"

"Really?" He smirked. "If you say so."

I almost shouted when he turned to me and placed his hands on both of my cheeks and pulled my face closer to him until we're an inch apart. I could feel his breathing against mine. My heart was beating so fast and my hands suddenly felt numb. I could see his mouth forming a curve and was about to do a silly thing when the bell rang.

I immediately push him away and covered my face. I was about to hit him when our proctor went inside so I decided to kick his legs.

He groaned, yet it was his laugh that I remembered until the examination was done.

We are like a bird free from the cage when the ranking examination was done. If only shouting on hallways ain't prohibited, you'll be listening to screams and shouts especially from seniors like us. Since we cannot do that, we formed a circle on the field and cried our frustration and struggles into achievement and surviving.

Yet, I still can't hide the fact that after weeks I'll be saying goodbye to Zack.

Is there any way for him to stay?

Does it sound selfish?

I'm so frustrated. So life is indeed unfair. We are only starting our story, and this happened. We're not even on the climax yet.

Or maybe, our story was meant to be like this in the first place?

What if I told him before, and he told me before? Would it make any difference?

So this is the ghost of what if they've been telling me about.

I wanna tell him to stay.

He can still pursue his dreams, with me, here.

But how could I be selfish?

How could I tell him to stay for me?

Will he stay for me?

I tried telling him. I was supposed to tell him during the retreat when our retreat master advice us to voice out our inner thoughts to someone dear to us.

Our retreat master told us to say what we want to say so we wouldn't regret it in the future. I wanted to, yet hearing him talk about his dreams, I realized I'm in no position to stand against those dreams he'd been building before I even met him.

I want to get mad at him for not pursuing us or telling me his true feelings but I know I should be mad at myself rather than him. I was the one who always shrugged the thought even if everyone knows it. I was the one who labeled us best friends. I was the one who tried to bury my feelings, not knowing it would be too late.

How do we get back the love that we deserve from the wrong time? Will it return to us when the time is right?

Zack and I have been making promises to make things work on us even if we are miles apart. Of course, I wanted to keep those words. I will send back the emails, return calls, and letters, and wait for him till he comes back. I know he will because he swears it.

I swear it too.

But, I understood that there were promises meant to be broken when a white limousine drove me back to my ancestor's house to find Aae sitting next to his parents...

and my parents.