Rising Love

Chapter 1

I immediately went to class and I felt relieved that our teacher has not arrived yet.

I sat on my chair and placed my things on my desk as I heard someone calling me from outside the window.

It was Kevin. I smiled as I approach him.

"Why are you here, Kevin?"

He looked at me intently. "Can we have dinner later?"

Hmmm I'm not busy today.

"Sure."

He smiled happily. "See you later then, Alice," he said as he left.

I remembered last week when he offered me to go out with him. He confessed to me. I was literally shocked!

The class began, then it was recess time. My bestfriend, Kate Holland came to me. She is kind, funny and we have been friends since first year of high school.

"Hey Alice, I just saw you talking with Kevin, care to tell me why?" she giggled as she asked me. We're in the canteen falling in line to buy our food.

This girl is such a sore in the throat. You do know that Kevin has been courting me for years, right?" I replied. After buying food, we sat in an empty table.

"Of course I know, duh. I am asking why you two talked to each other. Why don't you reject him already if you really don't like him?"

"I don't want to hurt him, Kate. He's a nice guy."

She sighed. "He's been waiting for years. I feel bad for him.. Though I genuinely hope you find someone you like," she said to me while patting my left shoulder.

I think I have seen someone...

"Soon, I will find someone or maybe I already have, " I said grinning.

She stared at me accusingly.

I laughed at her expression.

Might as well keep it a secret for now.

Our break time ended. Our classes began again and ended fast. I still need to meet Kevin later.

I went home and find a dress that will fit me. I was surprised when my mom came inside my room. Seriously, do people know how to knock at the door?

"What are you looking for?"

"I'm finding a dress, Kevin asked me to have dinner with him."

"You have a date? That's great!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"It's not a date, Mom."

She rolled her eyes and went out of my room. Finally, I saw a perfect dress for me. It's a sleeveless pink dress. I paired it with my black flat shoes.

I arrived in the restaurant that Kevin has texted me.

I went inside the big restaurant and saw Kevin waving at me. He looks a little worried. I went to him and seated in the chair.

"Am I late?" I asked. It looks like he has been waiting since a while ago.

"No! no! It's all good," he replied smiling. I guessed he just came early.

There was an awkward silence.

The waiter handed us the menus, thankfully breaking the silence from us.

"What do you want to order?" the waiter asked.

"I would like some beef steak with mashed potato," I replied.

He nodded and ordered his food.

"So, how is life?"

"Good, nothing really going on, " I laughed.

He chuckled. "You look beautiful in that dress by the way."

"Thank you, you look good, too."

Our food has arrived and we ate while talking about school and personal problems. I am comfortable with Kevin. But I only like him as a friend.

After a long conversation, he then asked me, "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"So, can you consider my offer now?" he asked staring at me.

"Uhm," I uttered. It's hard to answer that question because I only treat him as a friend.

I uttered that word for too many times as he replied quickly.

"It's okay, Alice. I can wait," he said in a relaxed tone.

I feel bad for him. And I actually feel bad because I can't consider his offer. He wants me to go out with him!

Kevin brought me back in my house. I thanked him and said goodbye.

As I am walking towards our house, I saw the handsome man again. He is staring at me. He sees Kevin's car leaving.

I felt my heart fluttered when he stared at me. I was nervous.

He walks towards me and I was dumbfounded.

"Hi."

"Hello," I said slowly.

"I am Jake Harper and I'm new here. I'm the son of Leonardo Harper and Joanna Harper. Nice to meet you," he said in a baritone voice. He's the Harpers' son. So I guess he's also filthy rich.

"Oh, nice to meet you, too, " I said completely frozen. I stared at him without saying anything more. I feel nervous with the contact of him.

"Don't be scared," He chuckled.

I smiled. He looks more handsome when he laughs.

"I'm not scared, " I denied. "Sorry, I'm not just used talking to new people in the subdivision. I hope you're having a good time here."

"It's fine. Actually, my girlfriend is living here with me too."

That's her girlfriend? The girl with him yesterday? Yeah, I figured.

"Where is she?" I asked in a sad, curious tone. What's wrong with me?

"She's at work," he said staring at me furiously.

"I will be going now, " I said feeling bothered.

"Was that your boyfriend, perhaps?" he asked. I think he's talking about Kevin.

"Yes, he is, " I replied, lying. I'm gonna pretend I'm taken because why not?

He avoided my stare when I replied to him.

I guess it's farewell.

"Goodbye," I smiled.

"Bye."

How I wish he doesn't have a girlfriend..

- pixie