Crossing Through A Valiant Heart (ON-GOING)

Chapter 7

[Where were you all night? Nauwi mo siya?] Ivy sounded so worried over the phone.

I'm trying to fix my bag today dahil kukunin ako ng driver. I didn't really have dresses since it wasn't my style but I'm pretty sure Mama got me some. I don't think ate Nicole will be attending our little celebration since may outing sila ng family niya. Kuya Rhys and Rhett can't attend either dahil malayo na ang house nila. I guess I'll be spending it with my family alone.

"No, I called his friends over. He wasn't completely sober and I can't carry him." I chuckled.

[Okay, okay. Anyway, New Year?] I heard dishes so maybe she's washing her dishes so early in the morning.

"Uuwi ako. I'll come back next year as early as possible, though." I sighed and closed the zipper of my bags.

[Aww, okay. Anyway, ingat! See you next year, love. Happy new year. Mwa!] she ended the call before I even said anything to her. She sounded really sad. I wanted to celebrate it with her too but I know I can't miss anything for the family. At least what my parents are expecting.

My driver called me after so I had to go down and give him my things. I told him na may kukunin pa ako sa campus and I'll probably take 30 minutes or something. I won't be seeing our campus in a while.. I feel like I'm missing something.

I turned my back after talking to some of my professors. I greeted them for New Years' and also got some of my papers back. I bumped my head into a chest so I looked up while holding my forehead.

"I'm sorry-"

"Happy new year.." he said, holding a small white box. "Open it when it strikes 12." He patted my head and he was about to walk away but I held his arm to bring him back.

"Bakit mo 'to binibigay sa akin?" I'm sure it's jewelry.

"I have no female friends. Besides the one that's back in China. You were the first girl to approach me.. So there, that's for you." he smiled. A smile that made my heart melt.

For a moment, I was excited to open it in front of him but he's probably shy. So this is what it feels like? Luca and Jace would usually give me headaches for New Year gift daw. Ivy would give me kisses as a gift. Kakaiba mga regalo ni Ice. He's that rich, huh? I don't want to return it 'cause it'll mean that I don't appreciate it. I'll just get him something when I come back, I guess.

"Thank you. I will get yours when I come back!" I smiled.

We were about to walk away but someone came and gave me something too.

"Happy new year, Rylee. Appreciation gift for you." Zeth smirked and gave me the flowers. This is so unexpected.. What should I even say or do? We're not that close.. I looked at Ice as he looked away while clenching his jaw.

"Oh, t-thank you.. Don't worry! isasama ko yung gift mo sa gift ni Ice pagbalik. Also, Tino's and Birch's." I cleared my throat before I said something again. This is getting awkward. "Anyway, I will leave na. My driver's here. See you guys next year." I glanced at Ice before walking away.