FALLING IN LOVE WITH HIM - HER FIRST LOVE

Hunter quickly checked if Bianca had worn her seatbelt securely before starting the car.

“Sunshine, you good?” Hunter asked in worry, cupping Bianca’s cheek affectionately. “I’m sorry I made you all worry. I should’ve listened to your warning,” Bianca stuttered, managing to form the words.

“Oh, how nice of you to realise,” Eric snapped, sarcasm dripping from his tone. Bianca flinched at his harsh tone and pursed her lips into a thin line, embarrassment and guilt painting her features. She leaned into Hunter’s tender touch on her cheek and closed her eyes, not daring to turn around and meet Eric’s judging eyes.

She was ashamed that she didn’t listen to her friends’ warnings. If she did, it would’ve saved her the trouble and shame.

Her friends were so much different from each other. Hunter, the angriest one among them, knew to show his caring, soft side when needed. Eric, known for his calm, rational behaviour, who had always thought logically, was now losing his temper because of Bianca’s stupidity. His knuckles formed into tight fists, turning white as a sheet, and he was breathing in short pants, still angry and upset.

On the other hand, Danny wasn’t that talkative and hated emotional drama. Though he didn’t utter a word to express his anger or show his disappointment, Bianca had no doubt he was worried sick. It showed in his troubled eyes whenever he glanced at her to check if she was okay. His leg kept bouncing, a sign he was overly tense.

Meanwhile, Michael had his eyes closed, not unconscious, just resting by leaning his head over Eric’s shoulder. Michael hummed in response every time they asked him if he was okay. The immature, playful and bratty one, who would throw tantrums if he didn’t get his way with, had come to her rescue, barging in without worrying about his safety.

Michael, the youngest one in their group, knew how to value relationships and emotions, despite his bratty side. Surprisingly, the spoiled brat knew how to tackle the problems sensibly. He was silly, stupid and funny, yet, fierce and protective. Bianca’s chest filled with warmth, gratitude bursting through her heart.

She had known Evelyn would be waiting at home to give her an earful, to scold her for being so careless, for not listening to any one of them and for being not so level-headed. That was what exactly happened once they reached home. Evelyn kept scolding her, not letting her off the hook for underestimating Nathan and putting herself in danger.

Meanwhile, Samantha kept smothering Bianca with over care and defended her every time Eric and Evelyn directed their anger at the girl. Bianca got tired of listening to them muttering how irresponsible she was for someone so clever.

The next day, Bianca had spent all her time persuading them to let go of their anger and charmed them with her puppy eyes to forgive her. She kept chanting how sorry she was until they stopped scowling and finally smiled.

<strong>[FLASHBACK ENDS.  </strong>

<strong>NOW BACK TO THE PRESENT]</strong>

Bianca laughed at the blurry memory.

“You know, Eric and Evelyn are so scary when they get angry,” Bianca said, still smiling. “I couldn’t dare disobey when they forced me to drink a bowl full of raw egg yolk as soon as we reached home. I was a mess sprawled on the bathroom floor, puking my guts out.” Bianca recalled how Evelyn kept rubbing her back soothingly while Eric held her hair in his hands. Never once had she seen them cringing in disgust.

Eric wanted her to empty her stomach as much as possible even though they both knew the drug had already diluted into her system. He was angry, scolding her, barking orders to do as he said. But Bianca knew how worried he was for her. She didn’t miss the care and affection hidden behind his anger.

“Even the stubborn, unyielding Ace and our little brat Mike don’t dare go against Eric when he’s angry. How could I dare cross him?” Bianca said more to herself, her voice dripping with affection while she spoke about Eric.

Meanwhile, Hera was staring at her with teary eyes. She didn’t know what to say as she was shell-shocked at what Bianca had revealed. The girl had gone through so much because of Nathan. Hera hated ever knowing that vile human as her friend. Her heart wept for Bianca, and in the next second, she threw herself on Bianca without warning, embracing her in a tight hug.

Startled by Hera’s sudden move, Bianca widened her eyes in surprise. It took her a few more seconds to realise Hera was hugging her. Sighing, Bianca wrapped her arms around Hera, returning the hug. A small smile tugged at her lips, but she frowned when she felt the wetness on her shoulder.

She realised Hera was crying.

“Hey, Piggy, are you crying? Didn’t I tell you I hate this emotional drama?” Bianca scolded, but there was no anger in her voice. Instead, worry laced her tone.

Hera wanted to convey how sorry she was about everything but couldn’t form the words in her emotional state of distress. She sobbed into Bianca’s shoulder, hiding her face. Hera felt guilty even though she wasn’t the cause of Bianca’s suffering.

Hera mentally applauded, admiring Bianca’s strong will and courage. The girl didn’t shed a single tear, nor did she look broken or depressed about what she went through. She was calm and collected while recalling every bitter memory. Bianca ran her palm over Hera’s back, drawing a soothing circle. Slowly, Hera’s sob subsided, and after a few deep breaths, she pulled away, ready to say she was sorry for everything.

“Don’t look so guilty, Piggy. It wasn’t your fault,” Bianca said as if she had read Hera’s mind.

Hera couldn’t agree more when Bianca voiced her perspective.

Despite the provided education about civilisation and humanity, hideous vile animals like Nathan, Andrew and Noel still exist in society; no matter how advanced the world grew. Unfortunately, it never made any difference how much people preach about morality or ethical values. The male population with chauvinistic beliefs would only think and act with their dicks, as if the female race was invented only for their pleasure.

“Ace had asked Mike to follow me when I went out with Nate. That’s how Mike found me in time. He had called Ace before barging inside to save me,” Bianca said, smiling in gratitude at the thoughtfulness of her best friends.

Hera’s chest swelled with affection and pride at what Hunter and the boys had prevented from happening with their sensible, rational actions. Bianca had paused, seeming lost in thoughts for a few seconds. It didn’t feel right to interrupt, so Hera was quiet, giving Bianca the time she needed.

“I can’t even imagine what would’ve happened if he didn’t,” Bianca shuddered, thinking about the mere possibility. “I was drugged, dizzy and running out of consciousness. A gang rape, porn shoots, they could’ve done anything, and I wouldn’t even have known afterwards,” Bianca confessed, revealing her apprehensions.

Hera tried so hard not to cry, but a sob escaped her trembling lips as tears rushed down her cheeks. A sour frown formed on Bianca’s lips as she scrunched her nose in annoyance.

“Don’t pity me, Piggy. I’m an emotionally strong-willed girl. Nothing breaks me that easily. I’m over that bitter memory,” Bianca said assuredly.

Hera nodded, trying to smile between her sobs.

“Now you know the whole truth,” Bianca concluded, punctuating with a warm smile and finally answering her earlier question about why they all hated Nathan with a passion.

“Jealousy aside, I truly admire what you, Hunter and your friends have, Bianca,” Hera admitted. Her eyes glinting with a happy smile showed how much she meant it. “You’re lucky to have such selfless friends and their unconditional love,” said Hera. Bianca’s smile grew into a wide grin. She couldn’t agree more. Words couldn’t describe how much she appreciated their friendship.

“I know, Hera. I’m grateful to have found them,” Bianca confessed, appreciation and gratitude lacing her voice.

Bianca startled Hera when suddenly her hand reached out to scoop the jellies. She took off the wrapper of the few bear-shaped soft sugar jellies only to shove them into Hera’s mouth, forcing her to eat them.

“Take your time and chew them properly so that I can stall your emotional outburst for a while. No more crying, please, Piggy. I can’t handle it anymore. The effect of today’s drama will last for many months to come,” Bianca said, exaggerating a bit. Hera rolled her eyes in reply, struggling to keep the jellies in her mouth without drooling.

Hera stopped chewing when her eyes landed on the wrappers, which Bianca had already deposited in the box.

‘Shit. I didn’t get the chance to see if there was any message.’

Hera sighed in annoyance, for Bianca threw the box into the trash can. The former contemplated whether to retrieve it from the bin or not while the latter happily munched on the jellies.

“Let’s go out,” Bianca decided out of the blue by pulling Hera to her feet. The younger girl watched the older return Hunter’s sketchbook to its original place.

“We can wait a little longer, can’t we? The boys will come back, right?” Hera asked, trying to change Bianca’s decision. It was an excuse only to check and find the messenger wrapper. “Nah, you pissed the boys to their limits this time. I’m sure they are busy releasing their pent-up frustration somewhere else,” Bianca announced, rolling her eyes.

Hera threw one last longing look over her shoulder to the trash bin while Bianca dragged her out, holding her hand.