C6 It's Rude and Disrespectful

"I won't be allowed!" I hissed for the nth time. She's been teasing me for a while, and I'm still refusing.

"I'll talk to your mom. I'll let you know," Vettinah persisted. She's very persistent. She will do everything to be with you at night outs.

"You're just wasting your time; I won't be allowed."

Our school organized a small welcome party for the varsity. It will be held at Monte de Cafe and Bistro; it's night, so it's still evident in the sunlight that I won't be allowed.

"I'll take care of it," she said over the phone. "Give me a few minutes; I'll come to see you."

My mom, especially my dad, was too strict and a bit killed the joy. They don't allow me to wander too much, so sometimes, I'm forced to lie or sneak around. Alcohol, boyfriends, and some other stuff are strictly prohibited. But I had one before, Ace. Of course, I needed to feed my curiosity.

"Good morning, aunty!" Vettinah greeted. "You look beautiful, aunt." She even flattered me, which made mom happy.

"Just like you, sweetheart. How are you?"

"My family went outside the country and left me alone in our house. So I would like to ask if, by any chance, Can Tatiana join me tonight?" She bit her lower lip cutely as she waited for my mom to agree.

"We promise not to go outside the subdivision. Besides, we'll need some time to finish of thesis."

My jaw dropped when my mom nodded as a sign of consent. I blinked more than thrice to make sure I didn't lose sight.

The Monde de Cafe and Bistro has a nice ambiance, a cozy place perfect for entertaining. It is the best al fresco drinking spot in Paniqui, Tarlac. It has a relaxing vibe, acoustic music, great food, cold beers, and friendly staff.

It was my first time at the Bistro because my nightlife was not active. Upon entering, you will first hear the noise of the live band and smell the aromatic food and wine.

When we arrived, the free play band started to perform, which was quite noisy. I'm wearing high-waisted ripped jeans paired with a white off-shoulder top.

"Our beautiful cheer dancers are here," one of the boys announced. The 'to's cheered and offered us a seat and beers.

"Cheers!"

They gave us San Miguel Light. I was about to drink it, but someone grabbed it. I automatically shifted my gaze and saw a familiar face.

"You're not allowed to do that," Leo said. He handed me Tanduay Ice which annoyed me. What am I, child? Because of what he did, the teasing grew stronger.

There were a few rumors about us. People are too much of an issue these days. Just see you with a man; you're already your boyfriend.

I just shook my head at their foolishness, especially Cristan's cuteness.

We were singing along to the band when suddenly they sang 'Imahe' by Magnus Haven. A song for the brokenhearted and the ghost.

"We were brought together but not destined

It's just a playful world..."

We felt the singing, even if sometimes we didn't reach the tone.

"C'mon guys, louder!" Their vocalist shouted, noticing the crowd's little wildness.

I only stopped singing when I heard Cassandra's little giggle.

"He's so handsome!"

"He's been looking at this for a while now; it looks like I'm going to have sex!" She added. "When that becomes mine, who are you all who call me a homosexual?"

"Less assume, less pain," I said jokingly. I laughed when she gave me her hand and raised her middle finger.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I heard Leo ask as he answered his phone. It signaled to me that he was coming out. I rolled my eyes because he didn't need to say goodbye. Why would he inform me? Am I his girlfriend?

Baby, huh? He already has a girlfriend, but he's hitting on me. Or I gave malice to his actions.

"Easy, baby girl." Vettinah laughed at me as I directly drank the Mojito and a shot of Margarita.

The band's free play is over. They announced that we could sing or perform a piece in front. The floor is now ours.

They cheered when they saw me in front. "Don't judge me, guys. My voice is not beautiful." I jokingly said. "I don't want to call for rain, but I want to perform my masterpiece. It's my composition."

"Whoa!"

The crowd clapped and cheered for me. I saw Leo standing near the right wing. He was looking at me intently but with a hint of amusement plastered in his eyes.

"This is for those like me who left, got bored, changed, and made a rebound. It's for you, the person who left my life."

My introduction. It was my masterpiece. I did this when I discovered that I was just a rebound from Ace, that he didn't love me because he only saw me as his ex.

Are you careful?

Even if I'm not the one to say it,

Even though I'm no longer the reason for your caution,

I hope you'll still be careful, my darling,

Because until now I'm still worried about you.

Take care

My advice and a reminder to you new,

I hope he can make up for my lack of you,

May the person you love take care of you,

Just like I was careful when you loved me.

Take care.

To myself to love again,

I hope I can choose someone who won't make a fool of me,

In every way, he can gamble,

Just for our relationship to last.

I still love you until the end.

At the same time as I went down, small grains dripped from my eyes. I thought I was fine, but I'm still not; I can't do it yet. My feelings are still here, but I let go of my clinging long ago.

I left the area and moved to the stool bar near the bistro entrance.

"Hi!"

I shifted my gaze and saw the band's vocalist. His voice was cold, and his smile did not reach his eyes.

"Alvin," he said as he offered his hand for a handshake.

"Tatiana," I said and accepted her hand.

"Tatiana," he muttered. "A beautiful name for a beautiful lady like you."

I just laughed at his flattery to me. Boys will be boys. You will be thrilled, flattered, made to hope, and then cry and let go.

"How many times have you told me that?" I jokingly asked, but he just laughed.

"Looks like you're going through something."

"Crazy! I just remembered something," I replied.

"Well, it's tough to forget someone who gave you so much to remember," he laughed jokingly.

He offered me another glass of Margarita, and I gladly accepted it. I froze in my seat as I felt something strange.

Someone grabbed my waist and pulled it closer to him. I lifted my gaze and saw Leo with a straight face.

"Don't flirt with my girl, dude. It's rude and disrespectful."