CHAPTER 35

“Cris!” Liezel shouted as the former entered Akademya. Cris waved at her and went towards that direction. Cris welcomed this respite. It was a breather from her now tumultuous family life. However, she stopped in her tracks when she realized that Bea was also there.

Bea looked at Cris coldly, then put on a smile.

“Hello Cris” she said as she stood up and planted a kiss on Cris’ cheek. Cris smiled uncomfortable as Bea pulled away from her.

I wish I could tell her without breaking her heart, she thought. The three sat down together at the table.

“So, what has happened these past few days?” Liezel asked, unmindful of the brewing tension between the two girls. “Have you heard that Bugoy has finally gone to Macau?” but it was as if the two girls did not hear her.

Bea watched in observation as Cris sat uncomfortable across her. She’s guilty, she thought. After seeing what she saw the other day, she had been thinking whether or not she could still trust Cris. She had talked to Van earlier that day, and he assured her of his love. At least that I could hold on to, she thought.

On the other end of the table, Cris was staring at Bea. She felt pity for the girl. Can’t you see, Van is just using you, she thought. She had wanted to tell Bea, but she did not know how. A thing this heavy could break this girl’s heart. She knew how long Bea waited for Van, and for this to come up, it would destroy Bea.

:”Are you two even listening to me?” Liezel asked when she noticed the two were not even paying attention to what she was saying. “Is there something I should know here?”

The two looked at each other. There was an awkward silence, thick enough to envelop Akademya.

“Of course not.” Bea said, smiling. “Everything’s fine. Right Cris?” she raised one eyebrow. Cris felt an uncomfortable shudder run through her spine.

“Yeah.” She lied. “I was just thinking about something.”