Natalia De Vera is my name; she is the only daughter of Lisa Rose De Vera. Although my father died two years ago, we are now content and happy with our simple lives. I'm in my second year of college at Harvard Montemayor University, owned by the infamous Montemayors.

 

I study hard because I want to graduate, find a job, and get everything I want in this messed-up world.

 

I want to maintain a life that's simple, calm, and free—well, maybe because I am a quiet person. Despite this, I have friends who are loud and partygoers, and as funny as it may sound, they are Kylie and Jenner. They are the truest people I've ever met.

 

My cellphone vibrated while I was arranging my things for tomorrow, so I answered right away when Kylie called.

 

"Yes?" I answered as I pinned my cell phone between my shoulder and ear.

 

"What are you doing?" she asked on the other line.

 

"Fixing my stuff for tomorrow," I said plainly.

 

"Really? What color is your bag?" There she goes again, loving all the girly stuff.

 

"It's nude. Can you pick me up tomorrow?" We have a car, yet I cannot drive.

 

"Of course! That is the reason I called you in the first place. Jen and I will pick you up," she said on the other line.

 

I smiled. "Alright! I also need to talk to her because I would like to apply at their bistro. I want to sing again and use it to gain extra cash." I can sing and play guitar. Mom said that I'm so much like my father, wanting to earn money even though I don't need it because I have a lot. It's from my mom; I want to earn through my capabilities and ways.

 

"That's good to hear! I miss you joining singing contests back in our high school days. And remember?"

 

"So, what time will you pick me up tomorrow?" I interrupted her.

 

I heard a sigh: "8 a.m. Bye, I'll go call Jen."

Once the call ended, I turned off my phone and went to the bathroom to do my things before going to sleep. My first appointment for tomorrow is at 8 a.m.

 

While lying down on my bed, I opened the Facebook app. It makes me sleepy. I was scrolling when I saw a group photo. I looked at them one by one, and one face was quite familiar to me. I shrugged off the thought and focused on how they all looked so equally handsome. Why can heaven be so unfair?

 

Oh, how come I did not notice the names tagged in the photo?

 

Damon and Sebe Montemayor.

 

My heart pounded as I put the cell phone on my chest.

 

"Montemayor," I uttered out of myself. Damn. The owners of the university I just transferred to. But why does it bother me?

 

Maybe because tomorrow is the first day of being called a nerd at my new university, that's what I expect. With my big reading glasses and books that I carry around, there is no doubt that I am a nerd—a beautiful one, they said. But it's better than to fuck around, right? And I guess there is nothing wrong with liking books more than people.

 

***

 

Now is the first day of school. Since we have one week to wear our fashion before wearing the uniform, I wear high-waisted fitted black jeans and a white strappy top, with matching black doll shoes. I let my hair down a bit, letting out its waves. I slung my bag over my shoulder as I went downstairs when my cellphone rang.

 

"Ma?" I answered.

 

"Natalia, I left early. I have a lot to do."

 

"It's okay. I love you."

 

"I love you too, sweety. Eat before leaving." She immediately dropped the call. This has always been the scenario in my life. Ever since Papa died, Mom has been drowning to work. That is her way of coping with the pain. I understand her even though I end up alone and feel alone most of the time.

 

We are just like dust in this world. We will not last long, and we will disappear in no time. Suppose we're just passersby. So, they said, while we were young, have fun. Do what needs to be done because we'll never know how long our time in this world was.

 

-

 

I went to the kitchen and ate. Our housekeeper, Lagring, served food on the table. Since I was a child, she has been taking care of me.

 

"Hey!" I exclaimed when I answered the call and, at the same time, the honking horn outside.

 

"We're here outside. Hurry up there!" Jen screamed on the other line. I rolled my eyes.

 

"I'm coming," I said as I reached for the sandwich and drank the juice. Shit! Can't I have breakfast properly? When I got out, I immediately saw Kylie's black Honda Civic. I sat in the backseat since Kylie was driving and Jenner was in the passenger's seat.

 

"Our first day in college is going to be fun!" Jen exclaimed excitedly with a smile on her face.

 

Kylie turned to me. "You're really beautiful, Natalia! No doubt, you will have a lot of suitors there!" she praised me.

 

"Cut it off, girls!" I mocked.

 

"But it's true!" Kylie said while taking her press powder.

 

"Yeah, right!" I exclaimed as I fiddled with my phone.

 

I do not know how our friendship started. It's just one day, and we got so used to the three of us being together that we even took the same course, Business Ad.

 

Down in the parking lot, the first thing I saw was the students scattered everywhere—in the alley, in the hallway, and even in the gazebos! I was more interested in seeing their soccer field. A few minutes had passed when the speakers attached to the upper part of each corner of the school rang.

 

"I am here to announce that the official classes will begin tomorrow. For today, consider roaming around and enjoying!"

 

"Wow! We're free today! We'll have more time to walk around!" Jen pulled our hands away. Unfocused, I followed them and was shocked when someone ran into me, who was also in a hurry. With his size and impact, my ass fell to the floor! What the fuck!?

 

"Fuck?!" Kylie sighed in shock. She glared at the man evilly.

 

"Hey! Look at what you are going through!" Jenn shouted, but her mouth immediately closed as her eyes widened even more. Even though I was in pain, I still looked at the man who bumped into me. Shit! He's the one on Facebook! The Montemayor!

 

I looked at his face. He's staring at me coldly. I've never encountered someone before with this aura. It was so cold and intimidating. He bent down and held my arm to help me stand up. My heart pounded as our skin touched.

 

I frowned because my waist and ass were a bit sore. I heard whispers all around. Oh great. I made a scenario on my first fucking day in college.

 

Kylie and Jen could not react anymore. I just heard them swearing, which was really great. I tried to act normal even though my heart was beating abnormally.

 

"I wasn't looking. I'm sorry." I apologized.

 

"Next time, don't be an idiot," he said in an annoyed voice. Suddenly, someone butted in through our messed-up scenario. He did not seem surprised at all. He knew very well what was going on.

 

"Don't be so rude, Damon," he said in an emotionless voice.

 

There were also two men next to him. Fuck!

 

Kylie and Jen were almost gaping. I did not know how to react. What am I going to do?

 

"I don't have time for you, Sebastian." He was so annoyed that Damon had spoken. He left immediately as the guy named Sebastian chuckled. I looked away when he shifted his gaze at me.

 

My heart dropped once again.