Golden Melody

Chapter 5

Chapter 5- Forbidden Symphony

Miexha Verra

Her POV

The front door slammed shut behind me, echoing through the quiet house.

How could he?

How could Riel kiss me, sleep next to me, and then leave without even a goodbye kiss?

Ugh! I hate you, Zatariel Wov! Kundi lang talaga kita mahal,
I wouldn't care!

Is this what falling in love feels like?
Is it just a crush?
Puppy love?
Am I really not a kid anymore?

"At naisip mo pang umuwi?

Kuya Diaspro greeted me from the dining area, his booming voice echoing through the house.

Ate Dianna swatted him, taking baby Ladri from him.

My heart ached with a familiar pang of guilt.

Kuya should be happy, celebrating with Ate Saya and their baby.
I lowered my gaze, my steps heavy as I headed towards my room.

But Dad was already blocking the doorway, his face a mask of fury.
"What happened to you and that Wov bastard last night, Miexha!"

His angry

I wasn't even surprised.

Even though he'd just arrived home, I knew he'd find out.

I shook my head

Nothing happened! Just a kiss on the cheek and forehead.
That's all.

"That Wov son-of-a-bitch was with you last night.

They're wolves!

Get dressed!

You're going for a virginity test!"

The world seemed to tilt on its axis, my heart plummeting into the abyss of despair.

I wasn't afraid of the test, it would actually help convince Dad.
But as I turned to go, he stopped me.

"No matter the outcome, break up with that jerk. I'm not forbidding you from dating, Miexha. You should enjoy being young and free. Do whatever you want before you inherit the academy, but I just can't accept that you're dating a Wov!"

"Why, Dad? Wouldn't it be better for our business to merge with them?" My heart and mind were in conflict, but my heart won out.

"It's personal issues, *hiiiing* This isn't about business, *hiiiing* Just forget about him!"

"We don't have anything, Daddy! Sigh We're just... Just..." I couldn't find the words.
I was confused about what we were.

But Riel had said it earlier: Friends!
Friends!
Yes, we're just Friends!

"Friends... But I love him, Dad! I really do!" I said between my sobs

I ran to my room, tears streaming down my face, and slammed the bathroom door shut.

I sank into the bathtub, my body trembling with a mixture of anger and despair.

Why?
Personal issues?
Is it really that big of a deal for me to fall in love with Riel?

Why is it so hard?

I wish I wasn't a Verra.
I wish I could just be free.

I pulled myself together, forcing myself to stand.

I put on a loose white t-shirt and pink low-waist knee pants, paired with white Vans.
I tied my hair in a ponytail, applied some powder, and decided to skip my contacts, opting for my eyeglasses instead.

I looked in the mirror, my reflection a stranger in a familiar face.

I was a Verra, a daughter of wealth and privilege, but I felt trapped, suffocated by the expectations of my family.

I wanted to be free, to choose my own path, to love whoever I wanted.

As I walked out, I saw Dad on the veranda, reading articles.

He looked up, and then he stood up, heading towards the car.
He honked the horn, inviting me to join him.
I sat in silence, ignoring him.

"Where do you want to eat after?" Dad asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Jabee," I replied, flatly.

"Exy, I'm serious."

"It's fine, Dad. It's just a place to eat, and I like it there."

"Fast food isn't good, Exy. You can get sick from that!"

"Whatever, Dad! Umuwi nalang tayo after; I'm not hungry anymore."

Dad sighed heavily.
Biglang pumasok sa isip ko ang takeout namin ni Riel.
I missed the Chickenenjoy, pero mas masarap pa rin ang mga luto niya.

He would make a great chef.

I gazed out the window, lost in thought, until we arrived at the Family Doctors Hospital.

The sterile air of the gynecologist's clinic felt heavy as we entered.

I felt relief when I saw Ron's mother, Tita Amanda waiting for me.
It would be easier with her.

But as the examination began, a flutter of unfamiliar sensations ignited within me as her fingers gently explored.
It was over quickly, and Tita Amanda smiled reassuringly before rejoining Dad in the waiting area.

"Her hymen is still intact," she reported, her voice calm.

Dad's face tightened.
"I don't trust the wolves," he muttered, his voice laced with bitterness.

Tita Amanda chuckled, her eyes twinkling.
"You're still bitter even after Cien chose you," she teased.

After she left, I followed Dad out of the clinic, shaking my head at her lighthearted comments.
"Save your virginity for my son," she winked, her words hanging in the air.

I cared for Ron, deeply.
But the love I felt for him was different, a quiet affection compared to the fiery passion that burned for Riel.

My heart truly belonged to that handsome weirdo, a love that defied logic and convention.

The familiar scent of home, a blend of cinnamon and freshly baked bread, greeted me as I stepped inside.
But the warmth of the house couldn't quite chase away the chill that had settled in my bones.

I hurried to the kitchen, my stomach rumbling with a mixture of hunger and anxiety.
I needed a distraction, something to take my mind off the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed me.

I grabbed the takeout bag, my fingers tracing the familiar shape of the container.
The Chickenenjoy, the fries, the Jolly Spaghetti-all of it seemed to hold a faint echo of Riel's presence.
I missed him already.

"Ano 'yan, Ex?" Ate Diannah asked, her voice a cheerful melody as she entered the kitchen.

"Takeout, ate! Want some?" I replied, hoping to see her happy.

"Oh, sure! Have you tried their fries? They're delicious!" Her eyes lit up with excitement.
My sister was a true foodie, always eager to try new things.
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"Yes, it is! And Why didn't you take me with you? Kumakain ka pala sa labas"

"Sorry, I thought you wouldn't like it. Nadala kasi ako kay Diaspro, puro arte. Haha. Sigh Dun tayo sa Mang Asal for dinner later, okay?"

I wrapped my arms around her, feeling a wave of warmth wash over me.
"YEEEY!" I knew it was also fast food, but it didn't matter.
I was just glad to spend time with her.

We shared the takeout, laughing and catching up.
I retreated to my room, my heart still heavy with thoughts of Riel.

I noticed my two suitcases were already packed.
School started tomorrow.

Moochy, my Maine Coon cat, was sprawled out on the bed, looking cozy and content.

I missed Riel's gentle touch, his playful banter, his way of making me feel safe and understood.
But I knew I had to push those feelings aside.