Spoiler Paradox (High school series 1)

Chapter 22

"Ms. Valencia," she gestured in my direction. "Meet Mr. Alquiza," she gestured his.

No need for an introduction. I know a lot of things about the man who's sitting directly across from me, then Ms. Garcia did. Well, eight years has been passed. Maybe the things I knew about him changed. Like how his clean-cut hair before turns into clean-cut short sides blended into thick curly hair and long fringe. A sudden urge kicked inside me to touch his curls.

His stance changed into a manly manner. I admit he looks better in his blue polo sleeve shirt rolled up to his elbows, and black jeans and boots than in his white polo uniform, slacks, and black leather shoes. Just like how I used he's wearing too.

"Nice to meet you," I lied but still smiled at him. It's not nice meeting you, why are you here?

"Likewise," he slightly nods. I roam my eyes on his face. One thing doesn't change. The features I adored so much, that I even made poems all about them.

Before painful memories knock into my mind and completely mess with it. I'm so pleased that Ms. Garcia speaks. She just saved me from almost drowning.

"First of all, I want to congratulate you, Ms. Valencia," Ms. Garcia said, looking all proud of me.

"It's not gonna happened if you didn't trust me for this position, ma'am." I sincerely told her. If she didn't persuade me enough then I probably fidgeting on my computer desk now, getting dizzy by the numbers.

She shakes her head, "I'm not talking about your promotion." A crease was immediately created on my forehead. I eyed her, patiently waiting for her to finish.

"One of your books is going to have a movie adaptation," she clasped her hands, resting both elbows on her desks.

I don't like where this is going.

"And Mr. Alquiza right here is the director," she told me as if it was a piece of big news for me.

Director? Since when did he have a passion for directing? What about being a surgeon?

The crease disappeared. I don't know what to feel but my mind is instantly filled with questions. Why me? Why not everyone? Why it does need to be my story? What are you planning? What do you want from me? Why now? Why did you become a director? What's the purpose of this? Was this intentional? If not, then why? What are you thinking right now?

"I'm sorry but I decline your offer," I say and meet his deep gaze as soon my head turns to him.

"Why? What's the change of hearts?" The disappointment is obvious from Ms. Garcia's tone.

"I didn't, ma'am," I said firmly. Having an unexpected staring contest with him. I was wrong, there's a difference in one of his features now. One of the reasons I fell in love with him. His eyes. It's not expressive how they used to be. I can't read and see anything like I'm having a staring contest at a wall. Solid and tall. Impenetrable.

"Wala pa po talaga sa plano ko ang movie adaptations para sa mga libro ko," I returned my attention to Ms. Garcia. I lost. Again, for the second time, I lost. I hate it, and I hate him for that.

"But you're wasting a good opportunity. They are willing to draw out a big budget for this project." Ms. Garcia stood up from her seat. I can clear the disappointment in her eyes now.

"But it's a bit rush for me, I have a lot of things on my plate right now." It's true, I want her to feel my sincerity and that I'm telling the truth. I have no business with him and I don't want to have any.

"Then give up the webtoon adaptation you've been planning," she made her way in front of her table. Carefully glancing at the both of us. Maybe she's getting cautious and shy from the person in front of me because of what I've said that caught her off guard. I know Ms. Garcia has a high expectations of me, I let her down and get embarrassed by my decisions.