Arrangement with No Regrets

CLAIRE ANGELICA RAMIREZ

"Dad, can I go out? I'm invited to Premalyn's birthday, my friend-"

"No."

Even before I finished, Daddy spoke. He didn't even look at me, his attention was still on what he was reading.

"but dad-"

"You should focus on your studies, Claire! You're not doing those meaningless things."

Now daddy released his hold and faced me. I just bowed and accepted what he had to say.

I knew it. I know they won't agree but I tried anyway.

"Your daddy is right, Claire. You shouldn't waste your time on things that won't help you," mommy agreed.

"You're not going anywhere, Claire. Go to your room and review."

Daddy pointed the direction to my room.

It was with a heavy heart that I returned to my room. I opened my cellphone and sat on the bed.

I had a message from Premalyn that I immediately opened.

Premalyn: Where are you, Claire? My party is about to start.

I sighed and typed a message for my friend.

Me: I can't go, prem. Daddy didn't let me.

I waited for her reply but it didn't come, maybe the party already started.

I sighed again and was about to turn off my cellphone but I looked at my wallpaper.

It's Klyde Aldrix Martinez, one of the campus heartthrobs.

I just stole this picture of him from facebook and made it my wallpaper. It's embarrassing to admit but I'm one of those who like him.

I am just like everyone else who is nervous, and at the same time thrilled, when he is there. Sometimes I observe him talking and laughing with his friends.

I think, he's nice. Once he caught me looking at him and he even smiled at me.

I know that it is unlikely that he will like me and I accept that. It was enough for me that we were in the same school together—that I could see him and hear him. It's enough for me to secretly like him.

The next day I woke up early to keep up with daddy. When I wake up late they will leave me and I still have to Commute.

They trained me well, they are so strict when it comes to me. I have to stay top 1 in the class, I have to go home immediately after class, and my grades can't drop below 97.

"Ma'am, Claire! Hurry up and your mommy and daddy will be leaving!" I heard Manang Belinda shout.

I quickly grabbed my things and ran down the stairs.

"Mommy! Daddy!" I call

I was out of breath from running when our SUV arrived. I was fixing my glasses that were tilted when Daddy spoke.

"You need to wake up earlier if you don't want to panic."

"Yes, daddy." I just said and got on.

I was quiet during the flight. Mommy and daddy have their own things to do, even in the car they bring the work.

I pouted and looked at the window. I'm their only child, they should focus on me but their attention goes to work.

I don't understand what I really am for them. I don't feel like they are my parents, I feel like I am their employee and they are my boss that I have to obey.

"Claire, we're here. Are you day dreaming?" it was mommy's voice.

I looked outside and we were at Valiria University. I packed my things and went out.

I watched the car drive away before walking. A few students have spread out, some are hanging out and talking.

I made my way to the library when I ran into Klyde, along with his friends Mark and Zack.

I bowed and sped up my walk, but I didn't expect to bump into Mark.

The books I was carrying fell and I immediately knelt down to pick them up.

"I'm sorry, Claire." Mark said.

He helped me pick up the books but I couldn't speak because I thought he was with Klyde. I'm really nervous when I know he's close, is this really what it's like to have a crush?

I was about to leave when I picked up the books but Zack asked.

"Where are you going?"

I swallowed and tried to look at Zach but I couldn't help it and ended up looking at Klyde.

"S-to the library. I'll just borrow the books..." I said in a small voice.

I started to leave but was immediately stopped when one of them, Klyde, spoke again.

"Wait a minute!"

I turned to him and he looked at his friends.

"Should we get something from the library?" Klyde asked his friends.

They exchanged glances, then nodded.

"Can we go with you?" Klyde grabbed her by the throat.

"Uh... It's okay," I just said.

I quickly turned my back on them and started walking. No one spoke to them but I felt their presence behind me.

When I returned the books, I immediately left and didn't wait for the three.

In the hallway I saw Premalyn with some women.

I approached them and immediately got their attention.

"Prem, I'm sorry I didn't come to your party. It's just a belated happy birthday," I said.

Premalyn's companions raised an eyebrow at me. Premalyn is my friend but not her friends.

"It's okay, Claire. I understand that your daddy didn't let you. Well, what's new? You're always not allowed."

"Really sorry."

"Tss. It's okay," he said, but I didn't feel the sincerity, as if he was forced to say that.

"If you don't mind, Claire, we're leaving."

I sighed and watched them walk away. They look like walking models.

I walked and was about to go to the classroom but I frowned when I saw Klyde walking in the hallway. They said they were going to get something from the Library but they didn't have any books with them.

"I thought you were going to get a book...?" I asked weakly as they approached.

They exchanged glances again then hesitantly smiled at me.

"Y-yeah. Ahm... Klyde!" Mark turned to his friend, "Right, you're the one to take it? Hehe."

"Y-yeah. I'm going to get something, uh..." Klyde was holding his hand, "... I-I already read that! That's why I didn't take it."

"Ah... Okay," I just said.

I turned my back on them and walked towards the classroom. I heard their soft conversation but I didn't understand.