As Time Passes By

Chapter three: Are you kidding me?!

The rumours are getting worse. Every time I walk past people, I was always asked if I was the girlfriend of the boy danger.

Noah kept on flirting with me for weeks, days, every second of my life, Noah was there! I don't want people to keep asking me if I was the girlfriend, wifey, or whatever it is.

One Friday evening, Nama hosted a grand party at her mansion, and all of the families that were part of our dynasty were invited from all over Europe and Asia.

"Another party! Slay-"

"You don't have to hide your true colours, Giselle. I know you, because I'm your older sister -"

"You guys are literally twins -"

"Noelle, she got out of mama's womb TWO MONTHS before the due date of us together going out of that stomach. Instead, she got out first!" Giselle snapped as I took out the diamond ring that I never known who had given me before. "What's that?" Layla asked. I looked at the diamond's brightness, my brown eyes reflecting its stone. "Just, the diamond that I saw in the cupboards when I inherited this house from Nama's mother -"
"It's great grandmother, Noelley. And I don't think it's just a ring. Mama told me that most of our ancestors' dynasty are like, before they die, they leave a random item for the newest dynasty to find out and like solve the family's issue or secrets" Giselle explained carefully. I placed the ring back to the jewel box and hid it safely.

After an hour, we arrived at the mansion. Relatives and cousins from all over the world had come to the Philippines to attend Nama's grand party. "Rheya is never invited! Why would Nama do that?" Layla complained.

Rheya Nichols has been one of my closest cousins of all since childhood. I have known Layla and Giselle when I was already eight and a half, while I have known Rheya ever since I was three. Rheya left to Canada because she had been accepted to one of the greatest schools in Vancouver. After she left, I never had contact with her again.

I entered the mansion and the ways lit everywhere with chandeliers, all staffs have come and go, serving everyone with luxurious offers Nama had commanded.
I sat on our reserved table while Layla and Giselle chatted with some relatives. Then, my cousin, Emelia Nichols-La Morgèn, have approached me confidently, Her filled red lips formed into a smirk while her heels stepped closer.
"Hey Catalina," She winked, waiting hysterically for my response.
"Have you got any contact with Rheya?" I asked. Emelia shook her head, her brown hair flying at her face. I sighed, feeling down that Rheya is never going to be reunited with us.

I went to the powder room and checked my emails and messages, I went on through Facebook and was shocked by what I saw. Noah Armstrong sent you a message.
I thought for a second, my mind racing hysterically. How did he find my account? Is he stalking me?
I opened the chat head and started reading the message, I replied to him and said:

***

Me: How the hell did you find my account?!

Noah: It was easy finding you with that pretty little pfp of yours, darling

Me: You're literally stalking me!

Noah: Nuh uh, sweetie. I consider that as love. And, I won't leave you alone till you answer my question.

Me: Fine! What is it?

Noah: Once again, do you wanna make out?

Me: Noah! Please! I'm begging you! Stop asking that damn question!

Noah: Is that a yes, my darling?

Me: No!

Noah: I'll take that as a yes, meet me behind the academy grounds tomorrow. Don't be late.

Me: Noah, I said no! Hello? Bro! Don't go online at me! I didn't say yes!

***

I sighed. My month is ruined! It's really ruined! I stepped out of the bathroom, my mind frustrated with Noah. What the hell is he thinking? I mean, yeah, I'm in love with him already, but, making out? What the hell?

I got to our table. Giselle was already waiting for me, her head hung low as I sat down. "Noelle," She started, her face remained down and nervous. "Nama wants to have a word with you." She added. My mind felt humiliation running through my spine, I don't know the exact reason why, but my veins knew it was something horrible.

I got to Nama's office on the fourth floor of the mansion, my spine shivered as I entered the room, and silence crept over the walls. And there she is, Nama, her sixty-six year old back still held high to her chest. I got to the centre of the room, facing Nama's desk. Her body turned back on me.

"Nama." I sighed. She slowly looked at me, her brown eyes reflecting at me.
"Catalina," She replied. Perhaps she just wants to talk before going down, or what else does she have in mind?
"When you were born, I thought that you were just as unattractive like anyone else, but I was wrong, really wrong." She snapped. Yes, I know.

My grandmother has thought of my face being just as ugly as anyone else. "When I saw your face, I regretted my thinking. Your beauty shined beyond the stars' locale when I saw you. Your beauty can't be played, Catalina, don't let it be played." She forenamed, tucking my hair behind my ear. "Now. I must ask, I have heard of it too much. Who is Noah Armstrong?" She asked.

My eyes caught her question, making me clueless about how she had heard of him.
"Nama, how did you -"
"Rumours in your school have gone wild, Catalina. But, I studied Noah's potential weeks ago, and I was impressed by his abilities he can perform. He is the captain of the football team, and he masters martial arts." She snapped.
My eyes closed as I sighed, my neck feeling stiff inside. What does she mean? How was she impressed by his potential?
"Nama, what are you trying to say?" I asked. Perhaps she was just impressed by him, right?
"I want you to get close to him. Take your chance on having a partner. He is the right one for you." She commanded.
I was filled with confusion as I left the room. She never even knew him! How can she push me on having him?
I was but thirteen years old and had yet learned to master my stubbornness nor to use it as a weapon to anyone who tries to come to me. My fingers balled into a fist, trying to comfort myself back from the horror and confusion I have stepped in. I tried my best to keep a clear understanding smile while relatives kept me occupied during my parents were talking to other people I never also knew.

Between the fake smiles and laughs, I took quick glances at my cousin, Miki Amane, who was just sitting at the table all alone, till her sister, Kiki, took her attention.

The game just started, and it's never gonna end...