Chapter 4 Relationship That Means The Most

• After Julien has left, Remo stepped towards the refrigerator. He lifted a mineral water and took it out. Looking at Ayesha’s innocence and beauty, he reached out by touching her cheeks.
• “This silly girl is just too good in bed”…
• He immediately snapped back and puts on his bathrobe retreating towards the back door of his balcony. A space is provided in his cabin two meters wide by a meter with a small table and stool. It serves as a space for him to relax when there is nothing to do after work.
• He used this space eversince to continue practicing his cultivation and meditation to fully master them. Unfortunately, while at work, he has no proper guidance of navigating his technique and just rely on his own understanding with the teachings of the book he has in his possession.
• Nonetheless, practicing from this simple nook and corner was easier to connect since it was quieter at certain times of the day, where he is less likely to be disturbed.
• He took a sit and put the mineral water on top of the table. He looked up the night sky. It was cloudless and windy but a little cold. A group of stars twinkling brightly beyond the universe.
• He fell into deep contemplation.----
• Maybe going on a trip with Ayesha might be a good way. It has been a few months now that both of them were together. Though something always happens to them at the camp, it was a little short.
• If they go outside, it will mean more opportunities to be free and happy. It was also better to keep away from the keen observation of everybody at the project area, especially since her Japanese boss is the PM. It seems planning a trip should happen sooner rather than later.
• “I’d better seize the opportunity and get to know her family.”
• His imagination runs wild as he remembers a platonic love in the past with a girl during his junior high in San Juan de Letran. He was a freshman during that time.
• This institution has a rough application process of enrolling students before you become one of them. While other families the grades might not be a part of evaluation processes, one must have wealth and powerful connections to the school administrators to be accepted.
• It is difficult for any ordinary family like us to become an applicant unless you have good grades with a consistent score above the national average.
• I was an honor student on my eight grade and top of the class, so my admission was a walk in the park.
• Remo smiled as he reminisces the past….
• The lady in his thoughts was Astrid Lopez. She has good looks, a delicate face, good temperament and belongs to an affluent family. With her qualities, normally men are the ones who will take the first initiative in such relationship matters. It would be a rare scene to a man if a woman like her would even make the first move.
• The opportunity of Remo to flirt with Astrid came when the class was over at noon break. Recalling their previous encounters, he decided to walk beside Astrid and accompany her to the corridor after everyone else left the classroom.
• “Hi Astrid, I think you’re very hot!” he started to toy with her.
• Astrid looks at him with perplexed expression when he made the bold statement.
• “Go take a bath Remo.”
• She walks away in a hurry to keep herself in control. But her heart was actually pounding with the wily guy by simply allowing it.
• Astrid was already used to hearing funny jokes from Remo every time he has a chance with her. He was extremely good at playing starters, very jolly when they are together. She no longer argues with him whenever he poked fun on her.
• She could just tell him to leave but actually loving it. Afterall, it was the same reason when she started to fall some affection. She has grown numb of being showered with riddles that always make her laugh and praises for countless times.
• It’s like they were meant for each other. She’s beautiful and he’s handsome! Some fall on horses, some fall in chairs. For her the best way to fall…was in love with him.
• Not only was Remo very clever but is also incredibly bright and talented. The only downside to his resume is his background who lacks the wealth and is short of money.
• “But who cares?”
• She quips herself and keeps walking while Remo tags behind.
• Everyone in the class knows his diligence, honesty, and sense of responsibility. He is a rare catch and there’s no girl who isn’t moved by his good-looking face and sweetness.
• Remo no longer has a father to support his needs. He pays his school fees by working part time running errands and delivering goods from customers. Orders come from requests through whatsapp messages. He run his own motorcycle to transport these merchandise.
• The vegetable supply comes from his mother’s farm garden. It was a very small area about a hectare and a half, but enough to provide limited orders.
• “Can you be my valentine then Astrid? It’s two weeks away, you know...”
• “Heh!... In your dreams Remo!” she puts her tongue outside her mouth while lifting her chin sizing him with an arrogant face.
• “Besides not trusting you a bit dude, I’m too young to think about that. And this situation will not happen with you even in the next few years. So, you have to put this in your mind.”
• Astrid said as she put her left hand on her waist while pointing Remo with her right hand.
• “Alright, alright, never mind and don’t get angry will you? I won’t ask that anymore.” Remo casually said as he shook his head in pity.
• While both were heading downstairs, he returned playfully with a wink.
• “Can you be my sweetheart instead ?”
• “LOL!... Not in a century pervert. I will not think of that until I graduated from college and get a job.”
• “What?.... You own the best supermalls in the city. What is the use of getting a job when you are very rich?”
• “Theart, will you not give yourself some breathing room of your individuality and boundaries?”
• Remo sighs feeling depressed while acting broken-hearted. He went over to Astrid as if looking for another expectation.
• “That decision is like forever to me, you know…. Can we settle it another way?”
• Acting like Astrid judgement depends on everything else, Remo reacted like his life was hanging by a thread.
• “Really I’m grateful knowing you still have the support for me. Thank you --- I will wait for you, okey?
• “Do we have a deal?”
• The mood of Astrid suddenly soared after understanding the intention of Remo thinking about their future relationship together.
• “However, will you trust me when I meet up other girls in school?”
• With Astrid gaze penetrating like a cold lightning, she turned around.
• “Excuse me --- what did you say?”
• She was so embarrassed prompting her to walk away in the other direction with a blushing face.
• “How could he say that?” She faintly muttered while catching her breath.
• “Was it?”
• --- she paused when she remembered a moment that happened in school.
• The incident came down when Remo was taking an anxious look with Laura Ocampo, their classmate, during an examination in class.
• He could not let his eyes off staring at her then straighten his body before closing his eyes like he was daydreaming.
• At that time, Laura was wearing a very seductive school uniform with her breasts bulging like it was ready to pop out. Astrid interprets his action that he was fantasizing Laura through his consciousness.
• Thinking of that, she couldn’t hide her jealousy due to her feelings with Remo.
• Astrid was sitting in the front row backside of Laura’s desk. The rest of the boys, including Remo, were sitting separately with the girls in front.
• Students who are typically the more attentive students who actively participate in class sit in front than those at the back. Remo separately staying from a row beside the girls.
• Watching him taking several more glances with Laura, she could no longer help but become furious and annoyed.
• Ignoring the consequences, Astrid immediately stands up facing Remo in front of Laura when the teacher was on their back.
• “Hey, drool. You have answers from the question item number three?” she exclaimed in a soft voice while blocking his view against Laura so she could disturb his interest and attention.
• “Please call me by first name, Theart…. okey?”
• He put his head up directly to Astrid with a little voice but was still heard by the classmates around.
• Tension quickly escalated when some students slightly giggled hearing Remo mentioning the word "theart". They understand it was the slang for “sweetheart.”
• “Hmmppp hi,hi,hi,hi” some who could not hold themselves burst into light laughs, but the sounds of the small laughter was overheard by the teacher whose name was Professor Jasmin.
• Ms. Jasmin turned her back to face he classroom.
• “Class, keep quiet.!!! You and you,” while pointing both Astrid and Remo.
• “Have you finished the test?”
• “Sit down Astrid. Are you copying answers from Remo. Stop humiliating yourself.”
• The words of Professor Jasmin were like sharp blades that were stabbing Astrid. She narrowed her eyes and hastily replied.
• “Ma’am, nnn…noooo.” In mid-sentence she stuttered off with her cheeks unconsciously reddened slightly.
• “I’m only asking Remo to lend me his pencil sharpener.”