PIERCE
"Oh, may I use your restroom?" Sapphire asked Theo as we sat down on one of the stools.
"Sure! The restroom is just right down the corner," he pointed it out and she immediately stood up.
As Sapphire left, Theo immediately came to my side with a huge smile drawn on his face, "Wow, Pierce! How fast can you find someone new? Is this a rebound or is this revenge towards Lara?"
"What are you saying?" I looked at him, confused, "Of course, not. She is just my new neighbor, nothing else."
"Is that so, Mister Pierce Harret?"
I just laughed at him, "Yes, she is just a friend. A new friend."
"No way, dude. You are being in denial again. Well, I can understand. This is all because you're thinking about Lara and you haven't moved on yet."
"Oh, shut up, bro," I said and saw that Sapphire is on her way back to the table, where Theo was also grinning, "Behave! Keep quiet."
She had a pretty smile as she sat down, "Nice. It's really beautiful in here."
"Do you know that this coffee shop is owned by his family?" I told Sapphire and she looked at me with a surprised look on her face.
"Really? That's so cool!"
"Yeah. Our family owns this shop, Hugót Cafe, and our house is right next to it," Theo said and gave us a menu.
"Have you chosen something to order? Choose yours, Sapphire. Don't worry, I'll pay for this one," I said to her while she was busy checking out the menu.
"Are you sure?" I nodded, "Okay. I'll just go with some dessert. Cookies and cream milkshake will do."
I turned at Theo who was standing by our side while holding a notepad and a pen, "Just two ice creams, bro, you know my flavor."
"How about another one? I mean, you Sapphire?"
"Same as mine," I just said and Theo left in front of us to make what we just ordered.
"Oh, I didn't know that you love cookies and cream," she said and I just smiled.
"I love that flavor ever since," I replied.
Sapphire and I just kept on chatting and soon, the ice cream was served and Theo also sat on the other side to chat with us.
"Where do you go to school, Saf?" Theo asked her.
I looked at Theo, confusedly. Why doesn't he know about this? I rolled my eyes as I realized that he missed his classes again.
"Agusan National High School," She answered joyfully as she continues eating her ice cream.
"Ah, is that so? What strand? Well, our school is nice even though it's just an ordinary public school, isn't it?" he asked and I immediately hit his arms. He then looked at me with an irritated look, "That kind of hurt, bro! Why did you hit me?!"
"Why are you asking her a lot of questions? Weren't you at school earlier?" I asked since I didn't notice him either.
"Ah, no. I didn't go to school since I woke up so late. There were so many customers last night that I stayed up til two in the morning," he then scratched his neck.
So, that's why. He is a hardworking guy, isn't he?
"Okay. That's why. For your information, she is our new classmate. If that's the case, didn't you see it in our group chat?"
Theo's eyes widened and looked at Sapphire, "Oh, my mistake. I'm sorry, Saf. That's what the fuss is about the new transferee."
"I think that's me. I am the only one new to the school and perhaps your new classmate. By the way, please add me to that group chat you're mentioning. Also, are you the only one working here? I mean, you even work at night?" she asked while eating.
"Just once in a while. I am busy with school and academics. There is a lot of homework, especially some school projects, so I don't work on weekdays. I only worked last night because mom and dad were relaxing and taking a good rest. My parents are also not around now, so I took charge in here, but I'll be closing up soon so I can wake up early tomorrow."
"That's good to hear from you," I said and continued the endless chitchat.
SAPPHIRE
We were enjoying our conversation when I noticed that it was ten five in the evening. I remembered that the curfew was ten and the subdivision was quite far from here.
"Shoot!" I blunted. My mom is going to kill me big time! Also, this city has a strict curfew policy!
Pierce looked at me, "Are you alright?"
"I think we have to go now, Pierce. I didn't notice the time, it's past ten."
"Oh yeah, I forgot about it. I'm sorry, Saf," he apologized and turned at Theo, "Bro, we're heading home. I forgot about the curfew."
He looked at his watch, "Well, yes. Alright, thank you for the time, and also to you, Sapphire. Be careful on your way home."
We bid goodbye and we went out of the store. We just walked our way home since the area was very quiet, there were no people at all.
I'm doomed right now. My mom hates it when I don't follow her rules.
Good thing that we arrived pretty quickly until we reached the place, but it was already eleven o'clock, "Thanks for everything, Pierce. By the way, about earlier, I'm sorry for what I said. I know that you were already offended by what I said. It was just a joke about your basketball capabilities."
"It's totally fine with me. I know you're just joking."
"So, you're not upset or anything?
"Yeah. Well, I was kind of upset, but not with that."
I frowned at him, "What was that?"
"Remember, you asked me if I have a girlfriend."
As he said it, I nodded as I get what he just meant. He smiled, "You should go in, Fire. They might be looking for you."
"Yeah, definitely," I smiled, "By the way, I loved the new nickname. Very original and cute, no one had thought about it."
I was about to enter the gate when he spoke. I looked at him, "Tomorrow at four PM at the cafe?"
"Alright. See you tomorrow," I smiled at him and he smiled back.
"Alright, see you. Good night, Fire," and then he left and I entered the house.
When I entered, it was very dark inside. I can barely see anything in the darkness. They are already asleep, I guess.
I was about to go upstairs when someone suddenly came out of the kitchen, it was mother! And, I could see she was angry again, "Sapphire King! Can you tell me the time right now?! I just told you earlier to be at home at ten! TEN!" She screamed so I came to her and she was already so mad.
"I'm sorry, mom. I didn't realize the time and we were just walking home, there were no cars or any vehicles. We lost track of time and enjoyed talking with my new friends."
Mom raised her eyebrows. I don't understand what is her issue now. I just said that I'm sorry. I mentally rolled my eyes, "Have you forgotten our rules before we moved here?!"
"Of course, not, mom. First, I have to focus on my studies. Second, no boyfriend. Third, when weekdays, I have to be at home at night and on weekends, I have to be at home at ten. Fourth, I will help you take care of Cooper, and —"
"Can you repeat that, please?"
"The fourth one? Helping you take care of Cooper, and—"
"Helping me taking care of Cooper?" my mom asked in surprise and came closer to me.
I nodded slowly, "Y-Yeah since I'm still busy and focusing on my studies, as of now."
"Helping me? Studies? Shouldn't that be your responsibility, Sapphire?!" I swallowed in fear, "Have you forgotten that you came up to me, crying when you find out that you were pregnant?! Don't you remember that it was your mistake?! And now, you're letting me take care of your son?"
I suddenly turned pale and at the same time, I was hurt, "Mom, how could you say that? Is Cooper a mistake for you? Is that it? Wow, that's amazing. He's your only grandson, and now, you'll say he's just a freaking mistake?! Ugh! Are you even a human?!" I screamed and ran to my room.
My tears flowed. This was not the first time that mom and I have fought. Things kept happening over and over again and she's always blaming me for everything!
But, I think she is right but not quite right. Cooper is not a mistake, but I am the mistake. I am just a seventeen-year-old girl who just got knocked up by an irresponsible guy. So, I admit that it is my own mistake!
I know I made wrong choices and decisions in my life but I regret everything when my ex-boyfriend left me because he only thought about himself.
Because of my crying, Cooper just woke up and ends up crying, too. He could feel his mother's feelings.
I got him and sang a lullaby until he stops from crying, "Shhhh, mommy is here," he looked into my eyes and he giggled so I smiled and kissed his forehead.
"I love you so much, baby. Thank you for making mommy happy always."
When Cooper just got back to sleep, I slowly laid him down in his crib and I looked at myself in front of the mirror.
"You can do this, Sapphire," I said and made my way through my bed and shut my eyes off.
I opened my eyes as soon as the sun strikes through my window.
I immediately glanced at the clock that was hanging on the wall. I realized that it was quarter to seven.
I got up and looked at myself in the mirror again and it was obvious that my eyes were that swollen since I was crying last night.
I went up to Cooper's crib and saw that my baby was still sleeping.
I sat down on the chair that was placed next to my bed and thought about last night. I still can't get over it and it still hurts to accept that this is my fate.
I know, Cooper isn't planned. Just because I didn't use my brain, now I'm dealing with all of this after my ex-boyfriend just dumped me.
In short, I am such a failure and others may think that I wouldn't be successful just because now that I have a child, but also, I have to prove to myself and my family what I can do. I have to prove to them that I am still worth it.
I went out of my room and called out to my parents but no one answered. I wonder why the house is so quiet. I can't even hear my mom's loud voice now.
When I went to the Kitchen, I saw a sticky note stuck in our refrigerator. I took it and read,
Sapphire,
You're a mom and I am out of town. We will go back to get the other things and we'll be back on Sunday. Just, take care of my grandson and you too, be careful.
Love,
Daddy
So, that's why it's quiet and they are not here today. I don't know why, but I also felt a little happy because mom is not here today. There is no obstacle in my life but I still hope that one day mom and I will be able to get along.