Falling in love with a Gangster's Empress

Chapter 1

"Mom! I'm off to school." I kiss my mom's cheek and also dad's. I didn’t wait for them to say goodbye back to me and rush to my Ducati, where it parks at our garage and hop in quick.

Fvck, I'm late! I drove the motorcycle like a badass driver, not minding all the complaints from the other drivers of other vehicles I pass by the national road. I need to be quick, or else I won’t be able to catch up with the damn test! I even pass at the red and green lights just to reach the University immediately. I also heard the police’s siren following behind me, I turned my way back to school and just go and take any shortcuts to make the police fail to catch me.

That was closed! Woah!

I jump out easily from my motorcycle by the time I get to reach the school’s parking. After that, I wore off my helmet together with my black coat. The police didn't notice me as one of the students under E.H.U because I was wearing a black coat, covering my uniform every time I ride my Ducati. It is the purpose of why I wear coats so I can prevent being noticed by the persons who work under the government. They all svck at their roles in the jobs after all. That's my own opinion, I mean no harm.

I let my helmet hang on my Ducati's handle and before I left, I pull my keys from its key hole, and I'm cool to go! I am in the middle of the hallway when EJay, or was known as Emmanuel Villanueva La Prada Jr. came to block my way. He's the secretary of the Supreme Student Government here in E.H.U of this New School Year. A son, or shall we say, a gay seed of Mayor Emmanuel Villanueva La Prada Sr. I don’t know why he was elected though.

"And where do you think you're running to?" He said sarcastically, crossing his arms in front of his chest while staring at me haughtily. He's the most cunning gay which I hate to encounter the most. Especially here in school. I hate his presence for it shouts his wealthiness and arrogance like he's the smartest, rich, beautiful? Holy sh't! He's a freaking boy! No matter how a boy wants to become a girl, it will never change. They are still a boy and boys alone! Anyways, it’s a pain in the a’ss thinking about that matter. If I were not late today, I should have avoid this sexetary, xd!

I fvcking mention earlier, that men will always be men no matter what. But gay sh’ts are everywhere. They can do whatever they want as long as they have money to please the same s*x men to have sexy fantasies. However, it doesn’t matter to me. They are just ruining my mood. Not only me, I’m sure others too. Well, not all. But still there are plenty.

Money will buy everything though. I mean without money, they can never please someone as they wished.

And he's a b’tch!

"And who the hell are you? A freaking SSG Secretary? Or maybe you forgot the person who you are facing right now?" I say it and threaten him without a feeling of backing out. I’m serious after all. Why would I back out? Never in my entire life would I do such a thing as being fear. In his dreams. I saw how his bright face earlier turned into pale white skin like paper. “Just get lost. Will you? You’re wasting my time and I have a test to attend.” I added and passed by him. Rushing to the elevator. Damn, I’m doomed to Mrs. Velasquez. Ha… Whatever!

I never stayed for long and just take my walk through the silent hallway. Maybe the class has already been started. Because I see a lone way with no students loitering along the corridors.

I smirked.

I remember how his sweat began to bulge in his forehead, while he's keeping himself in a well-mannered guy. I thought he was brave enough? Tsk! I never thought that he's not like what others said. As I stare at him without any emotion drawn into my face, and was like a cold as an ice in the iceberg. I just shook my head.

I wasn't surprised anymore to see the preliminary test has been started by the time I arrive at the classroom. Mrs. Gonzales is checking the students while answering their sheets.

When she noticed me, she gave me a death glare that I had to get used to. Every time I came late in her class in Philosophy. "Miss Belmonte. Why are you late?" She asked. While her hands are resting on her hips. She arched her thick eyebrow that makes her look creepy and sarcastic. But I’m not scared of her, unlike my cowardly classmates.

"Do you even know that today is the pre-examination day! And you're late?! Again?!" She raised her voice at me. That the attention of all my classmates directed on us. I didn't look into her eyes because it will put me to blame, and the reason is 'Haught' again. Tsk. I manage not to talk, speak or utter something because I know to myself that I am impatient and also for me to avoid any signs of violence they say. I just wait for her, to finish her sermons. Before I spoke.

"Because I’m late Madam. No more, No less. Can I take my seat now?" I said, all heads up. I won't also be surprised if my classmates are now laughing because of the brief explanation I give to our lecturer.

"No! You are not taking your seat, and you will not take the freaking exam! Get out!" My classmates immediately shut their mouths when Madam Gonzales shouted again because of the irritating explanation I give. They continue their whereabouts in answering their test papers and never turn their head on to us. F

"Watch your words Madam Gonzales.” I remind her even though I don’t want to be rude. But what can I do? She pushed me to the edge. “I will be taking my seat and I will be taking my exams, it’s whether you like it or not, my decision will be followed. I guess you don’t want to be fired, didn’t you?" If she threatened me, I know how to threatened back too. I didn't expect that the teachers that Grandpa’s employees were a bunch of immatures! I am disappointed with this. I know that many of the employees here in this school, and some of the students came to hate me because of my unstoppable manners, but that wasn’t the case anymore. I know what respect is, and I know how to choose a person to respect. Excluding Mrs. Gonzales. She always prioritized her anger than thinking what’s right to handle her students. If a teacher wants to be respected by her students, then she must act accordingly! I am out of the mood now, because of the people I encountered this morning is. Then this will add to my pile up headaches. My day just started and here I am, holding my patience to burst.

I entered the room without her permission, and walk passing by her. I sit in my chair and fill up my test papers. Anyways, I can fire her where and whenever I want and she knows that.

"Damn! Leigh! What's gotten up into your mind that you create another argument with Mrs. Gonzales? Did you know where it will lead you after this?" She said whispering through my ears. There’s firmness in her tone. I threw a deathful glimpse at Melanie. She's now also irritated, I can tell. Her eyes are burning with full blast rage. I don't know what is making her feel irritated this time. She's my friend, and we are also seatmates, we're bound by the lecturer’s sight because we are seating at the very corner part of our classroom, besides the window in where I want to stay, sometimes.

"I don't mind. Whatever." I played my ball pen after filling up and answering up the test papers. The exam is easy that's why I finished early and not taking any longer.

"I don't know what to do with you anymore Kei! So don't be a shock if your dean gramps will ask you to be in his office right after this exam!" and now I know why she's irritated. It's because of me.

"Pass your test papers now!" Madam Gonzales ordered. Still irritated like she can't get over the argument we had earlier. My classmates oblige to pass their test papers, but I came first to her table and put my test paper there, which makes her look annoyed more towards me. I don't care at all. I put my headphones on again and keep myself drowned in the music.

Tsk, just like everyone says music is life, and they're right because, without music, life is not beautiful and meaningful. Life gives the meaning, that's why music exists. To continue inspiring everyone, as it is in the message from the music. To me, I can't imagine if the music doesn't exist. this is my way to relieve all the stress I have felt in my system.

"Kei, hey! Are you listening to me!?" I turned to look at Melanie again who’s reprimanding me as of this moment. I intended not to listen to her because if I listen to her, she will just keep on scolding me, don't care if she will keep that until dawn. "Your Grandfather ask you to be in his office now! Looks like Madam Gonzales already reported you to him. Argh! I don't know what to do about you anymore. It's driving me nuts Kei--"

"Shut the damn mouth! Melanie, I know what I am doing okay? I expected this already, and I don’t need your godmother words." I stand up. Then walks through the door leaving her with a hint of guilt. I went directly to my grandfather's office. Just like what she told, Grandpa is mad. Like what I always expect after doing any mistakes. I feel like I am already in hell striving for the heat of the fire. I’m also pissed, but I keep it on my own so I can still manage in answering my grandpa's questions.

“Goodness, Keihzza. What’s gotten into your mind to disrespect your lecturer?! Are you planning to always put me in shame? Are you out of your mind? How many shameful mistakes do you wish to do, huh? Did you know that Mrs. Gonzales is your lecturer, and you just talk to her like she's your goddamn enemy!?" By the time I entered his office, he stood up and glare at me with disappointment drawn into his face.

"You're a student, my Granddaughter. You should treat her as your lecturer, not as your enemy. You shouldn't talk to her like that. What do you think that our investors will be going to say after this? I don't know what to excuse anymore. I can't keep on defending you any longer, you know that. So please... please... Leigh control yourself. It was a mistake of you to disrespect your teacher." He said trying to be calm. I rolled my eyes at him but being a brat lasted seconds later.

“Was it my fault Gramps? She bomber me first! Who’s a sane student would like to respect a teacher who does not know how to handle her student? No one, and I don’t too! I’m not that dumb to let her manners pass!” I said to him, defending myself. He has to know my reasons, and he has to wake up from siding his employees who did the bad deeds to us students. “Besides, I would’ve respect her when she respects me too. Its not as if she’s a high-class person to receive such honorary manners from me.” After that, I went to the couch of his office and rested myself here.

“It was not an exception, Keihzza. In this field, teachers should be followed! It was you who supposed to adjust!” His reason made me laugh, like really? He was the one who taught me not to let others step on me, but hearing these words coming from him, makes me laugh unconditionally. What a funny discussion is this.

“You know me well, Gramps. I’m not a kind of person who can be a martyr to lay low my pride, and I am not the one who you should talk about this because I don’t tolerate people who initiate the mistakes in the very beginning!” This conversation is nonsense, it pains my head, and I don’t have any idea of where the professionalism of my Grandfather went. He should know that first, than me.

“I don’t know what to do to you anymore, Keihzza. I’m very disappointed in you-ahh!” I stood up and went to him quick, when he groaned in pain. We stood in front of his table, and I guided him to sit back to his swivel. This is what I dislike the most, when his illness attack during our arguments.

"Take a seat first Grandpa. Please, don't mind me anymore it may cause you a heart attack again." He obliged to sit. My anger was replaced with gentleness. I walk towards the mini counter to get some water and medicine for him to take. I gave it to him and he drink it. The medicine helps him to calm down and I’m glad about that. I may hate my grandfather because of his treatment towards me like I was just nothing to him. It's all business for him. He's also strict. And like me, what he wants is what he gets. But in his ways.

When he fully recovered, he spoke. Which is what I don't like the most. "Apologize to Mrs. Gonzales, Leigh" I was keeping my anger not to explode in order not to lose my respect in him. Afraid to see him in pain again.

"I can’t do that, and there will be no apology coming from me. I don’t care if you’ll force me to do that, still, I’m not going to say sorry." Bvllshit! This is annoying! I stamp my feet on the floor many times, and once punch the wall because of my anger I wanted to release. Can’t believe that these things happened in just a single day. Just damn!

My classmates are laughing and playing when I entered the classroom again after being called. Lifting their attention to me. Some were looking at me sarcastically. Some were playing something ridiculously while staring at me.

"Kei?" Worried, Mel called my name. But before she can continue speaking, I raised my hand just to let her know that I'm not still in the mood to entertain her.

"Not now Mel, I'm still pissed," I answered briefly, giving her cautious warning.

Mel's POV

When Kei said that. I keep my mouth shut, and never force myself to interrupt her. I know she's keeping her temper not to explode. I understand that. She's just afraid to burst it out to random people. She's impatient, that's why we her friends, are adjusting for her.

I still remember the day I was inviting her to come by my aunt's residence, it is also the day I first saw her and met her parents. She's just silent all the time, while she's squatting near their gate. I came by their village that time because my aunt gave me a call to come by. And then I saw her there, silently watching the sky with sadness in her face. I feel worried about her because she's alone, lonely, and sad that's why I approach her and was about to ask, if she's fine? Are you alone? But before I can finally speak to her, she stood up quickly and get away from me. Sitting by some other place farther from me.

That day has been ended, without any conversation from her. And that day I found out that her sister died just a year ago. I was five and she’s in the same age of me. I feel pity for her. It must be a hard time for her to accept it. Especially when I get to find out that her twin sister was always put into fights because she was being bullied. A typical sister who defends for her twin. The way that her mother told me about it, was tragic and unforgettable. Like it's still fresh from them to accept.

I also knew that she doesn't like the attention and presence of everyone. She only wants to be alone, she doesn’t want to have a friend, and was hard to approach. It was hard to befriend her. Especially in her condition before. I always visit my aunt at that time, for me to keep in touch with her, even though she's always silent. I never surrendered to disturb her just to make her notice me.

Until she finally spoke to me, in a difficult and weird question, but I still answered happily even though she's not.

Knowing her is like a stranger, you don't know what she thinks, what she felt, and her impression. Sometimes I’m scared to approach her to create some conversation and just go stay silent. I never see her smile nor laugh. It's been a very long year, I never saw her once laugh. As a friend of hers, I sometimes feel down, because she's weird and our schoolmates always told me that, Is she your friend? She's weird! She's like a ghost! They are always like that to me like I wasn't her friend. It hurts me a lot to be questioned like those and ended up arguing with our schoolmates who say anything bad to her.

Before my day ends, I always prayed for her to smile and laugh. Even if I didn't see it. Every Christmas I wished her the same as I always pray. I never unbuckle it from me, but instead, hold on to her tightly. Because I believe that she's a kind and lovable person.

There's only one thing I knew, when she said, no, it will be always no. She's the type of person who's not picky, demanding, talkative and joyful to hang with. But a little burden in the head. That's true.

She's far to compare with other girls, who like to go hang out, window shopping, dating, bar hopping, boy hunting, or whatsoever that can't compare to Kei. She's no boastful to stride her wealth, like the others. She's rich, I mean her family is rich. Which what she always told me about and not her.

I won't deny that Kei is the number one fan of cursing, that's the way she expresses her rage, and it's her habit ever since. That's what she is. But it's not a reason for me to change my faith in her as a friend. I like her because she's different and she's cool by the way.

Lastly, she's the campus ruthless princess. so don't you dare bump on her if you don't want to face hell.

One hour later...

"Kei, let's eat? You haven't eaten yet, it’s already noon. Lunch time.” I don’t know if it was a good idea to ask her, I just hope that she will join with it. For her to lose her rage somehow.

"And?" Oh, heavens! Thank you. I'm so lucky! You love me, Lord! You never failed me. Woah Yeah! I'm so happy! I was now jumping and running here and there like a crazy girl walking in the street. The hell I care!

"Uhm, Karina and Odette," I said, still jumping.

"What about those b’tches?” Here she comes. The Moody Kei.

"They have arrive already, Odette is from U.S. and Karina was from Singapore. How dare they left me without saying goodbye. They are so unfair!" After I said that, I kicked the empty water bottle I saw dirtying my sight.

"Hahaha! Do you also know how to grouch? That’s new!" Is this reality? G! just OMG!!

"Hey! Your mouth is open. Close it, everyone is staring at us now." This is true, this is real! Kei is smiling! I’m not daydreaming it’s true!

"Let's go," I said, happily. I will never forget this day, I will tell diary about this, wonderful day! Lalala! Lalala! I walk joyfully. "Our two b’tch friends are already in the canteen, waiting for us." Out of the blue, we laugh while we walked through the canteen not minding the meddlesome eavesdropping at us. They're just insecure.

"You are beautiful when you laugh." I can't still move on to what I saw, just now. I'm serious she's really pretty. Like her mother, Tita Rhianne is gorgeous effortlessly. I stop when she stopped. Back to her usual self, she walked again without any words from her. I don't know if she likes my opinion? Argh! I'm so talkative that I didn't notice what I’m saying.

"Are you mad? I'm sorry I didn't mean to say that. It's just ca--" I immediately explained and apologize too. I felt my body stiffened, my mouth is trembling, my mind is now preoccupied because I commit a mistake again? I know she didn't like it. But, I’m too careless not to think what I am saying.

"Mel!"

"Kei!"

I didn't move even though my friends are nowhere, calling us. "I'm not mad Mel you're so weird." I gasp, startled at the same time. when I didn't notice her go near me and whisper. It tickles alright. Knowing that she's not mad, helps me to feel at ease.

"Hey!" Kei said, and give a high five to our friends. Odette and Karina.

"Kei, I miss you so much!" Odette dramatically said and hug Kei tightly, she's now teary-eyed and is about to cry, when we laughed evilly because of her overacting reaction.

Odette is like a baby. she loves to hug you tightly, especially when she misses a person whom she treasured, she easily gets hurt and is also a cry baby brat.

"I never missed you! You evil witched! I hate you so much" She huffed. I just laugh at her not minding her annoying drama look. 'That won't affect me b***h' you annoyed me first so I just do the same.

"I miss you Odette" She just rolled her eyes on me and leave us behind while stamping her heavy feet. Karina laughed like it's now the end of the world. I won't be shocked at her anymore because she's also crazy.

"So, how's life?" Karina first opened up the topic when we take our sits. This is the table we usually use during break time and lunchtime. No one has the guts to sit at this table because they know who Kei is. What is her, is her only. No more, no less!

"Fine" Kei answered. Usually, conserving her words while playing with her pasta with the use of pork.

She loves pasta too.

"I'm still alive. You know alive? But you know what? I'm a grouch. Because you two were so unfair! You two didn't invite us to join your trips!"

Kei’s POV

We talked about so many things, that we never noticed the time. It was so fun to be with them again. Even though I'm not that jolly but I still tried. They laugh, I smiled. Just to assure them that I'm still with them.

"Did you guys still remember the crazy mad man we encounter years ago?" That time we are in grade six, a graduating student in elementary. That day, grandpa announces the early dismissal, that's why we left the school early. I and my friends agreed to trick our family drivers just to take a walk at home. I smiled with the thought of they still remember that incident.

"Where are you planning to get enrolled?" Mel asked. Trying to change the topic. My two friends just smiled connivingly. I look at it questionably. I see something horrible about this.

"We're not attending school!"

"Luh? Is it already the end of the world Odette did you desired someone? Damn... I should tell Tita Anette about this? You b’tch!" The two laughed while I and Mel are unacquainted with what's happening to them two. I shake my head and just eat the last fries inside my plate. They are crazy. Tsk.

"We're just having summer. You know vacation? We will get enrolled next school year we are already enrolled. We talked to your grandpa Kei and he agreed to keep us reserved students for the next school year!" Karina said. Happily.

"So, enjoy schooling haha!" Odette remarked. It makes my face turn into a boring one. So that's why they are here just to say those crap. They want to say it vulgarly that they finished senior Highschool first, from other State Universities. I thought we will get enrolled and finished Senior High school together. Just like what we promised before.

But they just break it and get through ahead of me and Mel. Now, I feel so damn bad and my day turned not so well. I don't how will I trust them again, because they lied again.

"So, what now, you two were trying to say?" I said boringly. Pretending that I didn't get and understand their message. Their mouth shut. What happiness they feel earlier fades away because of my sudden change of reaction. They all know what the exact reason is. They didn't answer my question and just stay silent while they played their fingers, nervously.

"So, if you're not studying here, bring your bodies out of here. And don't worry about the reservation you two demanded. I will pull it out willingly. You two know the reason why. So don't you ever show me your faces. Until you two learned your lessons." I stand up. And was about to walk away when Mel suddenly held my wrist to stop me from walking out.

"Wait up! okay, we're sorry. We don't know that the day we landed in each country we go to is the opening of enrollments and school days for all the students out there. We think that it was perfect timing to experienced their studying procedure out there..." Odette explained. I know that they want to experience that. But unless they should've told me about their plans like what we usually did. Not that they have already made it. Trust is precious to me and they've just lost it. They know that I can't easily give my trust away. They disappoint me so deep hard.

"That's why you throw your promises to us and make a move without us even knowing what's going on you two?!" It's all useless that I eat with them. I even assumed that they will share something new, but they just make me dismayed towards them.

"Pull your hands get off me! or I will crash break this f’ilthy arm." I threatened. That makes her hand pull it away from mine. I turn my back and began to head back. I sook my head, the idea of taking lunch with them is not really a good idea.

"Leave it to me. okay?" I heard Mel assuring my two other friends Karina and Odette even though I'm at a distant, I can still hear them, not a little bit longer Mel followed me like an awful cat.

"If you're following me to fvcking please sorry I’m not that dumbfounded i***t you meant to entertain. And if you want to go with them. Go! I will not hinder you or stop you." then I walk away leaving her dumbfounded.

"Kei--"

"Shut the hell up Mel! I don't want to hear any of your explanations." I pointed her mouth and said, "shut up or else..."

"You will crash my gums," She said in a good manner girl. I wear my headphones again, and just walk away from her. I need to calm down this day is no good. So many bad vibes, fvck!