Chapter 9: Reshuffle

WARREN'S POV:

I got a message from our homeroom teacher... that we need to report to our school as early as an hour before classes start. We'll be having an assembly because of an emergency changes that will transpire right away after it.

I, somehow feel bothered with this sudden change, especially when I got into our school grounds. All the students are busy gossiping about this intriguing announcement. They were running back and forth to collect information.

Hmm....

I escorted myself and went to the gym where most of the student are lined up and waiting for the said scoop of the day.

And I can't help but somehow glance everywhere to checked if Rich was also somewhere out there.

She loves gathering like this.

The more people the more attention she gets and I haven't seen her face for days now since last confrontation that we had.

What I did last time might've work...

I should've give myself around of applause.

I finally have pushed her away..

She never cares to bother me anymore..

Ha!!

And for some odd fucking reason I feel a bit sad..

No. It's misery.

A bitter fake smile just showed up in my face..

What do I expect??

After I yelled and humiliated her till my hearts content last time..

because....

because she...

she wants to stay by my side..

She's pathetic and so do I...

Another bitter smile carved into my face.

Fuck this feelings!

I shouldn't be sad!

This is all I want. Right??

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Calling all students! Please gather yourselves here inside the gym. The assembly will start in five minutes." Announced by one of the teacher, which draws my attention back to the reason why I'm here. Students run their way inside the gym after hearing the call out.

What's this announcement could be?

Why is it so short notice?

Why now?

********

RICH'S POV:

I received a call from the principal this morning and he said the changes are now being implemented as we speak.

"Very well Mr. Johnson! I know I can count on you. Expect your hardwork to be COMPENSATED right away." I emphasized the word that I know will matters to him.

"Don't mention it Ms. Hemsford, but I appreciate your kindness. If you have any further request please!... do let me know." He said with a happy tone.

"Oh, really now! That was touching!" I said sarcastically. "Anyway for now, I don't have anymore request. I'll ring you up when I have one and please be reminded as to how confidential this is.. For me, the heiress of Hemsford family. For I don't like anyone, not even the other teacher or other students to know my involvement in these said changes." I ordered with so much authority on my tone.

"I assure you that. Anything for you Ms. Hemsford." He endearly said.

He explained to me every single change that's been happening currently and of course everything is according to my plan just like what I have requested. I acknowledged him once again and hanged up.

Perfect! First step is done.

Next...

Aside from pursuing Warren, I want to win my Dad's heart too. More than anyone his love and acceptance is the most important thing to me.

Second step....

I wrote him a card with a note:

Have a dinner date with me anytime soon once your available.

I miss you and I love you dad..

Rich

I smiled while writing the last part. I hope he agreed to have a dinner with me.

I personally slipped it on his door where he can easily see it.

After that...

I finally gone out of my room and asked for food. I don't have appetite yet but I wanted to be strong anyway. I don't wanna be sick or anything.

I have a lot of war to win over. For the next couple of weeks atleast.

And even though I don't have that much care in my University crown anymore I don't think I want to hand it over yet. Especially not to Althea. So I would still let the bet go on just like before..

But my number one goal is...

To win over this fight for love no matter what. Both with Dad's and Warren's.

I smiled. I never been this eager to get anything until today.

I'm running late to school. Which I intended to do anyway.

I want a dramatic entrance wherein Warren will be surprised to see me and I'll put a little spice on it. More like a sweet revenge. I might wanted to get him fall for me but I still haven't forgot the last 2 incident that he humiliated me.

I'm so excited for my plans to be executed. A little bit of change specially in my motives but some of them will carry on the same like I said.

I prepared and fixed myself and headed to our school with the usual route that we always used.

I was a little bit drawn into planning my next steps but the car sudden stopped again.

I gave my driver a questioning look.

I was a bit worried that it might be Warren again which would obviously going to ruin some part of my plans. But luckily, when I faced the windshield I saw someone else.

I took a deep breathe.

"Manong, this was second time you almost bumped into someone." I scolded him and he just gave me an apologetic look.

I get myself out of the car to check if person was hurt.. He was stunned and shocked too. He was an old man for pete sake, probably on his late 60's.. I remembered my Dad in him.

Older people have a soft spot in my heart.

"Are you okay Sir?" I asked with so much concern on my tone.

"Yeah.. I 'm sorry I didn't saw your car coming.. Please don't get mad at me." He said in apologetic tone. Which made my heart melt even more.

"I'm not mad." I smiled widely. "I was actually worried about you. Please let me take you to the hospital so they can check up on you." I offered.

He shook his head and gave me a thankful smile instead. I can see in his eyes that he's a good man.

"I'll just worry my son if I get myself into the hospital and we don't have that much money to pay for the bills either. " He said sadly.

"Don't bother. I can pay them. I just wanted to make sure your okay. You have bruises and scratches. I just want to have them treated." I said.

I'm really worried about him you know?!

I saw so much hesitation in his eyes.

"I promise! I'll pay for everything." I raised my right hands up as a sign of promise. "If I were your son I'll be much more worried if your wounds will not be treated right away. He might even force you to get you to the doctor and eventually pay for your bills instead of me." I tried to convince him and make up a story as if I know him or his son.

He suddenly think for a bit and nodded." Your right! He is that kind of kid, you know." He added.

I smiled again. He introduced his self and I did the same.

Whoever his son was... I can say he's a caring and loving kid. And this old man named Robert is obviously a good father. To be worried more of his son than himself even if he's hurt. That's pure kindness and love.

A relationship I longed to have with my own father.

I escorted and supported him to go inside my car. When everything was set, I signaled my driver to go to the hospital.

I don't think I would still be able to make it to school though and so I decided to make this a 'good deed day....

I assisted Robert to the hospital and have his wound treated. I extended the help by asking the hospital crew to do an overall check up instead. The doctor gave him a lot of recommendation, such as what's good and bad for his health. And a lot of prescriptions too which I bought myself.

It's perfectly fine.

I somehow like him for some unknown reason. I got myself so comfortable conversing with him. He's jolly, a joker and has a great sense of humor. He's fun to be with.

I guess I'm just really longing for a father figure.

He was so happy and thankful because of what I did. He even said I'm a blessing in disguise.

That's nice!

It felt good that I was able to help other people for the first time in my life. If I'd known that this is how it'll make you feel, I might have done this multiple times before..

I initiated to give him another ride home and he was just so thankful while giving me the directions.

His way home is so familiar..

I actually know it by heart based on his instructions. I can't helped but think that I might be able to passed by his house.

Warren...

I looked at the man and stared at him while we're on our way towards his home as per his direction.

This man has a resemblance with....

I shook my head and dismissed the idea right away.

Its so damn impossible..

"I'll introduce you to my son if we meet again." He said and it sounded a bit sad on the last part.

"Of course we will meet again!" I answered him with a huge smile. His face brighten up. "I have to check if your getting better." I grinned.

I honestly don't want to think about it but my curiosity starts to wonder.

"Can you tell me more about your son? Since I've been hearing him from you all day??" I asked.

"Oh!...Well, he's the most responsible son you could think of. Not to mention his handsome face, that he inherited from me." He laughed at his last sentence and I smirked on the other hand. "He's kind, hardworking and a clever boy. But most of the time, he hide his true feelings. Although he always look intimidating and strong but you know what, we, his family is his weakness." He narrated with teary eye. I can easily tell he's proud and that he admire his son so much. "I don't know if that's a good thing but he's literally willing to sacrifice everything just for us. I know! Because his been doing that, all his life. I'll bet to kill myself if I'm wrong that he never had any girlfriend since birth because he tends to always put us first before his own happiness." He said with so much sadness on his tone.

"Hmm...He's awesome if that's the case. I actually admire and respect him so much because of that.." I said trying to lighten up his mood. "But did you ever had any idea if he's a gay or something??" I asked, out of curiosity.

My driver giggles for some reason.

So your listening all along..

I cleared my throat and looked at him in the rear view mirror. I furrowed my brows and gave him a 'get your attention back to driving' look on my face. He cleared his throat as well and focused himself in driving again. I gave the man on my side an apologetic look instead. He might have been offended with my question after my driver's giggled like that.

He just smiled.

"No.. I know for a fact that he's not a gay. He's tough and always protects us from anyone. So I know he's not."

I nodded. Of course I will not press the idea to him.

But seriously, his son was also a good man. A little bit stupid though.

"I would love to meet him then." I excitedly utter with my wiggling brows.

He laughed at me. "Do you have a boyfriend?" He asked out of no where.

I was surprised with his question but I still answered. "None."

"Your not a lesbian or something?" He asked humorously." My driver chuckled harder. I gave him a threatening look this time and he acted as if he's zipping his mouth.

Good!

"Of course not." I flipped my hair."Just looking for the right man to come." I answered timidly.

"Very well said. Don't hurry." He said with a smile.

An incredible silence after that. Its almost 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

I look at the street where the car is heading.

My heart starts to pound very fast as I see the a familiar house from a far. My car continuously moved.

I'll pass by his house..

I thought.

"Please stop at that house." He pointed.

I almost jumped in horror. "At that house?" I asked to confirm.

He nodded. My driver gave me a questioning look. Asking if he would continue or not.

I just nodded secretly.

I don't want Robert to notice.

But there's one question that I'm itching and bugging my mind to asked.

"What's your son's name if you don't...don't mind??" I stuttered.

"Oh! Its Warren." He answered and the car stopped in front of the house exactly right after he answered. That confirmed the resemblance they have. So this is how Warren looks like when he gets old.

"Nice name." I said with a nod.

"I'll introduce you to my family. Come on." He offered. After he hopped out of the car.

"Some other time I guess." I declined with a smile. "I have to run some important errands later. But I promise to check on you and meet your family next time" I added after I saw the sadness on his face.

His face brightened up. "I'm looking forward to that." He waved his hand to bid goodbye. I did the same.

I signaled my driver to move.

When we're far away from their house. I let out a scream.

"Oh...my....gosh!!!!!" I shouted.

"I honestly didn't know Manong. OMG! What a coincidence." I uttered with disbelief.

Is this a sign?

That somehow God is on my side and giving me chance to get closer to him and to his family..

I learned a lot of things about him..

The reason behind why he always stay away with women..

How responsible and caring he was..

And finally, his weakness...

His family...

I'm now certain that my heart made the right choice...

This is worth fighting for...