C2 Stranger's Kiss

'May we invite everyone to please pause and observe silence as we pray the Angelus.'

"Finally," I said as I breathed relief, glancing up at Engineer Olvido, our instructor in Basic Calculus.

I quickly stood up, and my classmates did the same. I felt relieved that the sudden test was canceled. Well, thanks to the prayer leader for that very good timing.

'Let us pause for a while and pray with me the Angelus. Please all stand...'

Some of my classmates will be smiling because, like me, they may be hungry and no longer have the energy to race or fight the numbers.

Numbers are like boys; they're both pain in the ass. They exist just to give you headaches and make you suffer.

'The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary...'

'And she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit,' we responded.

This happens in all Catholic Schools: at exactly 8:00 in the morning, we have the Gospel reading; every 11:45 am, we pray the Angelus, and the 3 o'clock prayer every 3:00 pm.

'As it was, in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.'

The shouting got louder when the prayer ended, and Engineer came out. I put away my calculator, highlighters, and journal and hurried out.

"Hey, won't you come along?" Cassandra, my friend, asked. She asked arrogantly because that's exactly how she spoke. She is often mistaken for a homosexual because of her actions and words, but believe me, there is also something hidden in that body.

"I'd love to say yes; however, I'm meeting with an old friend," I lied. I just really want to be alone and think.

"You won't join us again today?" Vettinah accused while fixing her face.

Out of the four of us, she is the wildest, party girl, loud, and always goes with the flow in life. At the same time, Ernisha is the smartest and kindest among us. Matured to think, and the great killjoy in the gang.

"Sorry!" I shouted back before turning my back. Cassandra, Vettinah, and Ernisha are my friends and copy buddies.

I was tired of going down the stairs. The guard stopped me because I almost forgot to tap out my Identification Card. I'm hungry, and the RFID line is too long. With a deep sigh, I rolled my eyes and waited for my turn.

I decided to eat at It's Friday, one of my favorite fast-food restaurants that offer unlimited wings and rice. I'm stress eating right now. Every time I have a problem or don't understand, I eat as much lot as possible.

"Tatiana?"

This can't be. I know that voice! Of course, how can I forget the voice I used to long for and am still obsessed with?

I gulp. I felt cold when I heard the familiar voice of Ace, my cheater ex-boyfriend.

I thought we had a good relationship until the end, but it was just my imagination. It's just a promise that always gets nailed. The man only promised me a promise. I admit I was wrong for trusting him and falling for his words.

I just laughed when I remembered what happened on vacation. He just went on vacation, and his feelings for me also went on vacation; it's obvious that he only loves you when he's with you.

"How are you?"

"Doing good and thankful." I casually replied while waiting for my order.

I was a bit irritated by his presence. Annoying! You still have the urge to face me and ask me as if nothing happened, and he didn't fool me. The thickness of the face! The nerve of this man!

"Thankful because you left me," I smiled bitterly. He looked surprised, and he didn't seem to expect my answer. From my peripheral vision, I saw his new toy. It's true; whoever you're jealous of will be your boyfriend's girlfriend when you break up.

"Wait," I said before turning my back. "Let me rephrase it. You didn't leave me; God removed you for me. He removed a toxic person like you from my life."

I faked my smile, got my food tray, and paid my bill. My eyes were fixed when I saw the two of them fighting. I bitterly mocked myself. It's funny, what he used to say that he was just his friend, is now his baby.

I hate myself because I love a cheater. He grinned when he saw me looking. He thought I was jealous, but he didn't know that I hated him. Grossed out!

I decided to just ignore them and continued my search for a seat. My chest rose and fell due to suppressed irritation as I continued to walk. My jaw dropped when I saw some of my chicken wings roll on the floor.

"What the hell!"

His low and baritone voice echoed inside the restaurant. I lifted my gaze and saw him looking at my eyes intently.

From the tone of his speech, it was obvious that he was not happy with what was happening. How could he be happy if one of the chicken wings flew off, stuck to his clothes, and stained them? I noticed that we were slowly getting the attention of others, so I just bowed.

I bit my lower lip and took a deep breath before facing him. I was about to say sorry, but I was stunned by his stares. I admit he's good-looking, but sad to say because I'm allergic to handsome. I strongly believe that if you are handsome, you are stupid and a cheater. If you want to find true love or a serious person, don't fall in love with a handsome man.

"Are you done checking on me?" he asked arrogantly. I gulped again when he raised an eyebrow, which made him look sexier. Her eyes are drowning, and her voice is also captivating.

I wanted to defend myself; I wanted to speak, but I didn't want to open my mouth, and I couldn't find the right words to say. I just raised an eyebrow at him and gave him a hard time.

Thought of just leaving because I didn't want to cause a scandal. I noticed Ace's glance, so I got even more annoyed and had a reason to leave. I can't stay in one place for long with him and his attachment.

I was about to go, but suddenly the man grabbed my hand and stopped me.

I stopped, not because I was hurt but because I was surprised when our skin touched.

I saw her smirk when she saw my reaction. I blinked more than twice when he leaned closer to me.

"Where are you going? Do you think miss, I'm going to skip the—?"

I kissed him out of irritation and suddenly left as if nothing had happened. I don't know what kind of spirit joined me to do that. I quickly walked away while my cheeks were getting hot.

He called my name repeatedly, but I didn't turn around, and I had no plans because I didn't seem to have anything to show him.

What the fuck, Tatiana!

Why did you kiss him? Why did you kiss a stranger?