First Rain Of Summer | COMPLETED

Nineteen

THERESE'S POV

I've waited for this moment. My hands are shaking as I hide them behind my back; not to mention, my palms are sweaty. As for my heart, it's beating so loud that it almost exploded inside my chest. I can't believe I would be this nervous. I usually have so much confidence in me, even at school, I never get so nervous when reporting and facing the whole class.

However, I'm about to get evaluated by a renowned fashion designer and I couldn't keep my shit together. It's Thursday and the school announced we have no classes today because of the holiday in our town.

I couldn't sleep properly last night and I kept on tossing and turning on my bed. I woke up earlier than usual. I have to check the stitching last minute and see if there are some mistakes on the gown.

"I can't wait to show it to you, Madam Eula." I whispered under my breath.

I hummed as I prepared my breakfast, it's a simple breakfast. Sakto lang para magkalaman ang tiyan ko. The blinds are up and the natural sunlight from morning dew reflected on my kitchen countertop, enough to make me feel at peace.

According to the weather forecaster, there's a low possibility of rain today. From where I stood, I could hear the gentle gush of wind, alongside birds' chirp. I sipped from my tea and the warm feeling enveloped my system.

This peace I'm feeling right now is scary. Like calmness before the storm, everything comes with a price. Should I refrain myself from savoring it?

I received a message from Xavier;

Xavier Vin, 6:37 a.m.

Good morning, cara! I can't wait to see you achieve one

thing that is so precious to you! See you tomorrow at school.

I frowned at his message. I thought he'll go with Lola today at my house.

You, 6:37 a.m.

You're not going with Lola?

Xavier Vin, 6:37 a.m.

Hindi na, beside I have some important things to do.

Good luck, cara!

I sighed and put my phone aside. I was looking forward to seeing his reaction once Madam Eula took me as her apprentice. Sayang naman.

Afternoon came and everything was all set; the food, drinks, and gown. I was having a hard time bringing the gown downstairs as I have no one to help. I supposedly asked Xavier to help me out with all preparation but as he messaged me, he has an affair today.

"Good afternoon po, Madam Eula." I greeted her as I opened the gate for her.

She genlty anchored her arms into mine, maybe for support and I didn't speak as it's not that big a deal for me. I just let her and that made me feel wanted and loved.

"Excited na akong makita ang ginawa mo. According to Xavier, you really put so much effort and sweat into it."

I chuckled softly, "He's not wrong po. I made sure that it will exceed your expectations. I hate to see you disappoint po."

There's no point in lying. It's true that I want the best, I want to show to her how serious and dedicated I am to this thing. This is the only chance I have and I won't mess it up.

"You're so confident, gusto ko 'yan. Mas lalo tuloy akong naintriga sa gawa mo."

We entered the house and I offered her the sofa I bought with Xavier. Manong Julio is also with her but he decided to stay in the car.

"Please make yourself comfortable po. There are foods and drinks beside you."

I felt my left cheek twitching when I tried to smile. I should calm my shit down. If only Xavier is with us, at least he would try to annoy me with his arrogant comment.

It took ten minutes for Madam Eula to check the whole gown. On the other hand, I was standing a few inches from the gown and silently hoping it would be my ticket for her to make me her apprentice.

"Why did you choose this piece?"

I was taken aback when she suddenly asked me those questions. I have an answer and I'm ready to fire it away but my brain rattled a little bit.

"Uhm, it really suits my taste and it's unique."

That's not the answer I prepared! That's so lame and she might think that I only think of myself whenever I create a piece.

"Aright, last question. Why did you want to be my apprentice? To be honest with you, the piece you created exceeded my expectations." She smiled.

I wanted to shriek and jump, heck hug her even. For the first time in my life, I'm truly happy without thinking of the consequences.

"Frankly, I want to create my own name in the industry but I couldn't do that without anyone's help from the industry. You, Madam Eula, are the perfect fit for it."

She stayed for lunch and thankfully I have some home-cooked food I ordered because she loves it. We talked a lot and I opened up about the university that I'm planning to register for. I mentioned to her that I need a guardian to do so and none of my parents knew about it.

"I just can't let them know what I'm up to. They'll get upset at me." I told her with all honesty. "They wanted me to take any medical related program in college."

Para akong batang nagsusumbong sa kaniyang nanay dahil hindi ako pinahiram ng kalaro niya ng laruan. Just like Xavier, she just listened to me and nodded.

"I'll just hire a professional guardian in secret once I turn eighteen." I smiled.

"You can make me one, Rese."

Our conversation feels so warm and refreshing. She didn't judge me nor gave unsolicited opinions.

I got a message from her that she got home safely. I sighed in relief. A smile appeared on my face. I couldn't still dissect that I'm now her apprentice. According to her, her executive assistant will give me a schedule for our lessons and training.

That night, I happily messaged Xavier that I'm finally his Lola's apprentice.

You, 7:25 p.m.

I got it!

My first ticket to get away from this messed-up clan is finally on my hand!

The whole room fell into deafening silence as I waited for his response. Minutes passed, I got nothing and that made me message him again.

You, 6:37 a.m.

You there?

I'll treat you to a meal tomorrow at Tonkatsu House after our class.

You can't say no.

I went to sleep without his response, which is quite unusual of him. He usually instantly replied to every message but now, it's completely quiet. I guess I'll just talk to him tomorrow.