?TRUTH AND LIES?
(The final stage)
Episode 31
Writer: Faith Lucky.
Alyssa’s Pov continues:
“My…my new house?” I stuttered confoundedly and he nodded.
” he also ordered us to stay here as your drivers” he said, referring to himself and the driver of the blue car.
Hold on; is he trying to say I own the two cars?
But I also saw two cars in the garage.
No. That is a dream. I’m probably slee-ping.
What is going on?
“Kapatid!” I heard Maja’s voice and turned to see her running from the house towards me.
What?
Why a she here?
She ran to me and jumped on me.
“Kapatid! Finally you’re here. The lady had said you’d be here any minute.
“Can you believe this is our house? Some people just c@m£ to the old house this morning and asked us to follow them here, saying it was now out new house and it was a gift from Mico
“They didn’t even allow us to take a pin from the old house. They said all we nee-ded was right here and it’s true, Kapatid. They have all the best things here.
I even have my own room and there’s a big TV in it together with a lot of toys.
“And the kitchen…christ! It’s superb.
It looks just like a supermarket.
I think you nee-d to hurry up and get brother Jake out if it.
He’s been consuming everything eatable in it…”
She kept on talking but I was speechless as I couldn’t un-derstand what was going on.
I looked into her face and it was covered with chocolates.
Just then, I saw my mum walking out with a lady who was dressed in suit.
“Alyssa” my mum called ecstatically, smiling.
I can’t remember the last time my mum smiled at me.
“Alyssa, can you believe this is now out house? They said Mico gave it to you and we’ll now be staying here. Finally you made me proud.” She said happily and walked away, probably going to take a look around the house.
“plea-se ma’am Alyssa, Come with me” the lady dressed in suit said and I muddledly followed.
I just hope this is not some kind of film trick.
I couldn’t even say a word.
She walked me into the sitting room and my be-dazzlement increa-sed.
God of heaven!
Who could had decorated this place? Even the ties were HD made.
We took the stairs that led us to a p@$$age and there we found about three rooms by the right.
She took me to the second door and opened it and my eyes glinted.
Wow!
was this really a room?
The floors were tied and the Ac was on and there was a big flat screen TV in front of the room.
The be-d was big and looked comfy and there were about two laptops on a table by the corner of the room.
Then there was a big mirror pinned on the wall and in front of the big mirror there was a big make up table with different make up item’s on it.
Is this real?
“ThisThis will be your room, ma’am Alyssa” the lady said and signalled me to follow her.
She led me to a smaller door which was in the room and opened it and we walked in together.
Holy Christ!
It was a dressing room and looked like a boutique.
Uncountable clothes were hung around and the big shoe shelf was filled to the brim with @$$orted shoes.
There was a big mirror as well and there was a table that contained deodorants and cosmetics and jewelries.
I covered my mouth with my palm as uncontrollable tears started running down my cheeks.
The lady smiled and held my hand.
“I un-derstand how you feel ma’am Alyssa. You were just meant to be lucky” she said genially and I wept more.
Then she proffered some docvments she was holding.
“These are the docvments to the house. plea-se go throu-gh them and sign them. I’ll be waiting outside” she said as she handed me them to me and left the room.
I opened the docvments and looked into it.
This wasn’t a dream. I was really going to be the owner of the house.
I can’t believe I’ve been so blessed.
I brou-ght out my phone and tired calling Mico.
It ringed for a long time but he didn’t pick up.
I called for about three more times but there was still no reply.
I guess he knew what I wanted to say.
I sat on the floor and wept profusely.
How did this even happen?
How did I become so lucky?
What did I do to deserve all these?
***
I sat at the back seat as the car drove and parked in front of the school and the door was opened for me to come out.
Immediately I stepped outside, all eyes turned on me and I suddenly bec@m£ nervous.
All the students around started giggling, smiling and talking about me.
I took in a de-ep breath and started walking away.
“Hi Alyssa…”
“Good morning…”
“Hey pretty…”
“Mrs Mico…”
They all kept waving and smiling at me and I smiled nervously and waved back at them.
Gosh! None of these ladies had ever wanted to talk to me.
I can’t believe I just bec@m£ a celebrity overnight.
I had ba-rely gone far when I saw Mico’s cars driving in and I stopped walking.
I stood and watched as the cars stopped and he c@m£ out from one of them, lookin so cute.
Oh, my Mico!
immediately, I ran to him and jumped on him, holding him ti-ght.
He held me and chuckled.
“Hey, do you want to eat me up?” He asked with a little laughter as I still held onto him.
“Thank you” I whimpered and sniffed on his shi-t.
and he ru-bbe-d my back.
I unlocked from the hu-g and looked at him, trying not to shed a tear.
“I…I saw the house, the car, the…”
“Alyssa” he called and placed his index fin-ger on myl-ips.
“You have nothing to thank me for. You deserve all of it”.
I smiled ruefully and embr@ced him again.
The students were alre-ady screaming and taking pictures and videos. But I didn’t care at that moment.
All that mattered to Me was Mico.
“I love you” I whispered, still embr@cing him and he pe-cked my ear.
Then we unlocked from the hu-g.
“You know what?” He said, holding my cheeks.
“We nee-d to go on a date; but that’d be after you win the contest and become the repres-entative of Manilla.
So promise me you’re going to win” he said and I nodded with a smile.
“Let’s go” he told me and we held hands together and started walking into the school.
All the students couldn’t hide their amusement and they all kept recording the whole thing.
“Alyssa” I heard someone call my name and I turned and noticed it was Pia.
She smiled and waved at me and I waved back at her.
Wow!
How drastically everything changed.
We continued walking and the students kept smiling and waving at us.
I love you Mico.
***
I climbe-d the stage with Alexa and we both took our different seats.
The hall was filled to the brim and the event was being aired live as it had to do with the city.
Whoever wins was going to be the repres-entative of Manilla in the finals.
The finals was actually commencing a day after tomorrow.
God, help me!
Alexa’s face was so Straight and she shut me a glare and took her eyes away.
God plea-se, help me. I nee-d to win this. I want to.
The coordinator of the competition c@m£ up and managed to cool down the ovation which was being made by the students.
“Good morning students” he said audibly into the mic and they all chorused a reply.
He made a little welcoming Speech and next, he tuto-red Alexa and I on the rules of the competition.
We only had 5 seconds to answer a question and anyone that failed her turns was out of the way.
My hands were alre-ady sweating and shaking.
You can do this, Alyssa. You’ve come too far alre-ady to fail.
I turned and looked at Alexa and she maintained a straight face.
But 5 seconds is too small to answer a question.
Gosh!
I hate being rushed.
The Bell went off and Alexa was the first to go.
She walked up to the front of the stage and stood in front of the standing mic.
She was so bold…and pretty.
“Alexa Liam, what is the maginal physical product of labour?” One of the judges asked.
The output of labour unaided by machinery” she replied before the bell went off.
“That’s correct” the judges replied and the students started clapping.
Wow!
She smiled and returned to her seat and next, it was my turn.
Oh, God!
I stood up nervously and walked slowly to the stand. My heart was beating so fast.
I turned to where Mico was seated and he smiled at me and gave me the go- ahead nod.
Alexa alre-ady p@$$ed hers.
Now I can’t fail mine.
“Alyssa Ramos, task which takes a higher proper proportion of pesos received as income rises is the best technical description of what?” One of the judges asked and I quic-kly thought for an answer.
Just 5 seconds.
“Regressive tax” I replied and the bell went off immediately.
Hah!
Thank goodness.
Wait; higher proportion…
No, no, no.
I made a mistake!
“it’s…”
“Your answer is incorrect” the judge said and a wild g-asp ran across the hall.
Oh, no!
“The correct answer is progressive tax” he added and my eyes glistened immediately.
Oh, God!
What have I done?
The judges looked at me as I stood motionless in the stand.
I couldn’t even move.
I turned and looked at Mico and he wasn’t even looking at me.
He just buried his face with in his palm.
The coordinator c@m£ up and signalled me to return to my seat and I slowly turned around and went to my seat.
This should be a dream.
I bent my head in acrimony as a tear c@m£ rolling down.
I can’t believe I lost the contest.
How could I make such a mistake?
I disappointed everyone!
I disappointed Mico.
Now Alexa was going to be announced as the repres-entative of Manilla.
Why did this have to happen?
***
Alyssa’s Pov:
Everywhere had become quiet and calm as the incidence seemed to cool down the liveliness.
The coordinator made a slight cough into the mic.
“So’ he paused and cleared his throat into the mic.
“I guess we alre-ady know whom our winner is”
God! This is really happening.
I couldn’t even imagine the happiness on Alyssa’s face.
The coordinator was about saying something when suddenly Mr Fredo, the principal c@m£ up.
“Hold on” he said as he climbe-d the stage and everyone wondered what he had to say.
He collected the mic from the coordinator.
“I think there was a mix up in Alexa’s question” he said. The answer she gave is incorrect. The marginal physical product of labour is the additional output achieved when one worker is added to fixed account of other factors.
But she had given a different answer”.
The hall bec@m£ a little noisy as everyone started mumbling, trying to confirm it.
I sniffed and cleaned my eyes and bec@m£ anxious.
Was she really wrong?
Oh God!
The judges started going throu-gh the papers on their tables and the one in the middle spoke up.
“Thank you Mr Fredo. It was indeed incorrect. We’re sorry for the terrible mistake” she said apologetically and Mr Fredo nodded and left the stage.
What?
The hall bec@m£ lively again as a brighter light shun.
Everyb©dy’s face beamed and curiosity set in again.
Does this mean it’s going to be repeated?
Oh, God!
The second judge took up her mic.
“We’re so sorry for the inconvenience” she said.
“But as it stands, neither of the contestants were able to p@$$ the first round of the competition.
So, it’s going to be repeated.
“Alexa Liam, plea-se take the stand”.
I ru-bbe-d my palms together as I bec@m£ nervous again.
Does this mean there is hope for me?
Do I still stand a chance in the contest?
Oh, God!
Alexa stood up angrily from her seat and went to the stand.
The students had become quiet and some of them were recording with their phones.
“Alexa Liam, what are the three major groups of government revenue?”
The judge asked and she delayed a little.
Just then, the bell went off.
Huh?
The students g-asped.
“Uhm…sorry, Alexa Liam, but your time is up” the judge said and she slowly turned around and returned to her seat.
I could see her eyes were teary.
Then next, it was my turn.
Oh, Alyssa!
This is your chance.
I stood up nervously and walked to the stand.
“Alyssa Ramos, what is a perfect example of a public good?
The judge asked.
“Defence”
I replied almost immediately and waited for a response.
God, plea-se help me.
The judge went throu-gh her list and looked at me.
“That’s correct” she replied and a wild scream filled the hall.
I covered my mouth with my palm as the judges smiled at me and the students all stood up and began clapping and cheering.
Tell me this is not a dream.
“‘Congratulations Alyssa” the judges added and I wept.
Immediately, I saw Alexa running away with tears.
Oh, my God!
I won!
I won the contest!
I bec@m£ the repres-entative of manilla.
Oh my God!!!
I looked at Mico and he was alre-ady standing and clapping.
I ran to him immediately and jumped on him.
“I won Mico!
I did it!” I screamed and he laughed.
“Congratulations” he said softly into my ears and unlocked from the hu-g.
“I’m proud of you” he said, looking into my face and I smiled.
The hall had become noisy alre-ady because of the ovation taking place.
And all eyes and c@m£ras had turned to Mico and I.
“Don’t forget the date” I said happily, holding him.
“Just make a choice. Where do you want it to be? Even if it’s the moon” he replied and I laughed.
“I think I have a better place in mind – Ace of Spade” I said and he arched his brows.
“Ace of spade?” He repeated.
“isn’t that where you…”
“Yes. I want to go there with you” I cut in and he chuckled and we k!$$£d.
THE UNKNOWN
Hah!
Thank goodness Alyssa won the contest. I had really wanted her to win because I nee-d her in Davao city.
Now I’ve gotten to un-derstand why all my plans to kill her had failed.
It isn’t because God’s on her side; it’s because God’s on my side!
Yes.
She nee-ds to sign the files before I kill her. She nee-ds to sign it. Then she can finally rest in peace.
This Manilla has disappointed me once. Now I can’t rely on them again.
They’re just a bunch of lazy @$$holes.
Over there in Davao, I have a lot of connections whom I’m sure can never fail on a job.
Yes; they’re the most dre-aded gang in Davoa and even the police has given up in hunting them down.
They never fail on a job.
So, when I get there, I’m going to complete my Misson on Alyssa.
Alyssa’s Pov:
I c@m£ out of the car with Mico and wra-pped by hand around his as we walked into Ace Of spade.
His guards were behind us.
The people around had started screaming and taking pictures as news of our pres-ence had been made known to everyone.
Hmm.
The last time I walked into this place, I had come as a waitress.
And the last time I left, I had left because I was fired.
But today, I was coming here as the girlfriend of the popular Filli-pino’s most stylish.
Hm.
We were still heading into the entrance when I saw Mr Franco walking towards us with a few waiters behind.
I smiled and ti-ght£ñed my grisp around his hand.
“M..Mr Mico” he called immediately he got to where we were.
“Gd evening sir. Welcome to my lounge” he added with a bow and looked at me.
Gosh!
I could re-ad the diffident look in his eyes.
“W…Welcome, miss Alyssa” he stuttered with a little bow as well.
“Mr Franco!” I called and chuckled.
“It’s been quite long we last saw each other. Uhm…sorry, but I hope I won’t be thrown out. Because…the last time I was here, you had thrown me out and warned me never to step a foot in your building ever again”.
He coughed a little and bowed again.
“I…Uhm…I’m really sorry about that miss Alyssa. plea-se, you’re always welcome here at any time” he said and I smiled and placed my head on Mico’s shoulder.
“Uhm…” Mico said and cleared his throat.
“We want to make use of the VVIP room” he added.
“The…it’s alre-ady occu-pied. B…but, I’ll make it vacant right away” he replied and signalled us to follow him.
I kept my head on Mico’s shoulder as we walked behind Mr Franco and he took us to the VVIP room.
All the workers were popping their heads out, trying to get a glimpse of us.
A couple were in the VVIP room alre-ady and we had to wait for Mr Franco to go in and clear them out.
The couples c@m£ out angrily at first, but when they saw Mico and I, their faces beamed with smiles.
The lady even brou-ght out her phone and pleaded for a selfie with us.
Then Mico and I walked in afterwards and took a seat.
“Uhm…what are your orders?” Mr Franco asked and I took the menu from the table.
“Free drinks and food for everyone” Mico said and I shut him a stare.
“O…okay ,sir” Mr Franco replied happily with a bow as usual.
I placed orders for both myself and Mico and he scribbled them down in a note.
“And plea-se, tell Maia I’d want her to be the one to carry out my orders” I added just as he turned around to leave and he hesitated a little before nodding and walking out.
“Goodness, Alyssa! You never told me you were bringing me here to use me as a revenge tool” Mico said immediately Mr Franco left and I busted into laughter.
“What re you saying, Mico? I’m just acting normal” I said with laughter.
Seriously, I nee-d to make this people feel guilty for what they did to me.
They nee-d to know things have changed now.
Just then, I heard the door opening and guessing it might be the waitresses, I turned to Mico and started k!ssing him.
I side viewed the waitresses coming in and noticed Maia was among and I increa-sed the intensity of the k!ss.
Good thing he pla-yed along and didn’t embarr@$$ me.
Then, I unlocked as they brou-ght our orders to the table.
“Good evening, sir
“Good evening ma’am” they all greeted uniformly.
“Maia!” I exclaimed and stood up, facing her.
“Hi. Do you still recognise me?” I asked with a smile as I crossed my hands.
She couldn’t even look at me.
She just kept her gaze low on the floor.
“Y.. yes” she stuttered bashfully.
Gosh! This lady slapped me!
I feel like hitting her in the face.
She had even told me never to have any dreams on Mico.
Hm.
I can’t imagine how she’s feeling right now.
“Well Maia, it’s really nice getting to meet with you again.
Do I nee-d to make an introduction?
“Anyway, this is my boyfriend- Mico Salvato-re. I’m sure you must have heard of him.
Someone once told me never to have dreams of him; but I guess she was wrong” I said with a smile but she just kept her head bowed.
Serves her right.
“Don’t you have anything to say?” I asked and she tried to look at me.
“I’m sorry” she said lowly and I scoffed and returned to my seat next to Mico.
Then we awaited the waitresses to arrange our orders on the table.
Mr Franco c@m£ in immediately.
“is there any other thing you’ll be nee-ding, sir? Ma?” He asked, looking at both of us.
“If there is, we’d let you know’ Mico replied.
“Careful with the drinks, Maia” I said to Maia who arranging the drinks on the table and she paused to look at me.
“Cause, if you make any mistake around Mr Mico, Mr Franco’s definitely going to end up firing you” I added with a smile and Mr Franco bent and shook his head.
Gosh!
This is so interesting.
Yes. They nee-d to feel all the guilt in the world.
Then, Mico beckoned me to draw my face closer and I thought he wanted to k!ss me.
But he embr@ced me instead.
“Remind me to twist your n£¢k when we get out of here” he whispered into my ears and I laughed.
TBC.
One more episode to end season 1.