Perfect Imperfection

Chapter 2

Infatuated

Reese's POV

It's our last year in college. Most people are excited about graduation and starting new life, but I can't enjoy my life, while seeing her with my man. Samantha Renée Vuenavertias, she's damn constantly by Riley's side, always smiling, always flawless.

I hate to admit but watching Riley being sweet to her, I always feel insecure---I was always proud and carefree! Pero ngayon? Lunod na lunod sa inggit at galit.

I'm walking towards the Library. I'm watching Riley's back, and yes I'm following him. Nang makapasok sya sa silid, tumingin muna ako sa kaliwa't kanan kung may pesteng Samantha. Nang masecure na wala ang pesteng babaeng yun. Agad kong sinundan si Riley at nilakad takbo.

"Sam!" I called out his name. He looked up from his book, a mix of surprise and irritation crossing his face. "What are you doing here?" tanong niya, halatang naiirita.

"Just wanna see you" I replied with a genuine smile. 

"Fuck off." Sa unang pagkakataon, I felt my body turn into ice. His treatment towards me is not the same as before.

Like... Something has changed. I mask my emotions and change the conversation.

"Well. I'm just wondering... " I said without thinking, not caring if anyone else heard or saw us.

"Si Samantha Renée. Bakit siya, Riley?" He just stared at me for a second, then he tried to walk away but I blocked his way, making him glare deadly. Sinubukan kong labanan ang kanyang mga mata. I don't really mean what I said. I just want him to talk to me.

He's not talking to me, unless I mention that bitch's name.

"Anong meron siya na wala ako?" Pagpapatuloy ko. Fuck, I sound so insecure. "I mean, I'm more capable of standing by your side. You're a politician's son, I can ask my Dad to help your Dad run for Presidential Candidacy."

He slammed his book shut, his eyes darkening. "Stop involving my affair with yours. It's disgusting." I move backward when he traps me in the bookshelf. I gulp when he leans forward, whispering coldly on my side profile. "Don't compare yourself to Samantha. She doesn't use disgusting methods. She's not like you."

Those words cut deeper than any insult. My hands trembled as tears threatened to spill. He was about to leave but I grabbed his arms. "Why do I feel na palagi syang tama sa paningin mo, tapos ako ang mali!" My voice cracked.

Riley's eyes blazed with anger. "I'm not being biased. It's not like that. I want you to realize that bullying her is pointless! She's innocent. She's not obsessed with proving herself to everyone like you are! She's not destroying others just to feel better about herself."

I felt my chest tighten. "All I ever wanted was to be good enough for you!" I screamed, voice shaking. "But no matter what I do, you always see her as Innocent! Sinira nya ang relasyon na meron tayo!"

Riley shook his head, his expression filled with disappointment. "Before you judge others, Go check yourself on a mirror." I clenched my fists as I watched him turn his back on me.

Samantha... This is your fault.

Bago bumalik sa klase. I fix my makeup. Put concealer to cover my red under eyes. Nang makabalik ako sa klase, halos lahat ng estudyante nakatingin sa akin. It's starting to annoy me.

"Did you hear what happened earlier? Yung sa library..."

"Yeah sila daw ni Riley... Nag-away."

"Yuck, she's like a leech constantly sticking on Riley's skin"