Stealing Her Innocence

Chapter 1

"And that's it for today's meeting. Class dismissed!"

I immediately heard a series of deep sighs from my classmates, each one accompanied by the sound of them dropping their pens. Honestly, this subject isn't easy. It's nothing like elementary history - this one's on a whole other level. There's so much to study and memorize. It's like reading a novel where you need to be specific about every event and name. I'm struggling too, but managing somehow. I guess all of us are in the same boat.

I started packing my books into my bag, ready to head home. I barely got any sleep since I was reviewing for this subject last night - we had a summative exam earlier and it also served as our reviewer for the upcoming midterms, which I guess is helpful... in a way.

"Tangina!" I heard Trina curse as she slammed her books on the floor, making me jump.

"Why are you angry again?" Pat asked, standing next to me while waiting for me to finish packing.

It turns out, we were the only ones left inside the classroom. I guess, just like me, our other classmates wanted to go home right away.

"Ma'am didn't even give us pointers to review! None of the stuff I read last night was on that exam!" Trina ranted, pulling at her own hair in frustration.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and went over to her.

"Hey, it's fine. I'm sure you'll pass. You probably just felt like nothing you reviewed showed up, but I'm sure you got the answers right. There were familiar questions, right? You're smart. I know you picked the best answers," I reassured her.

She looked at me and pouted. "But what if I got it wrong?"

"Girl, come on! Everyone makes mistakes. Besides, let's just make up for it in the finals, okay? It's Friday today, so let's drink! Sounds good?" Pat suggested with a grin.

Slowly, a smile crept onto Trina's face - and then she let out a squeal.

I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head. They really do know how to find an escape from everything. They always figure out a way to run from the stress in their lives. I actually find it nice - seeing them live life, enjoying themselves, and creating memories. For me, just hanging out with them every day at school is already something memorable. They really are young, wild, and free.

Sometimes, I think about trying the things they've experienced. Whenever it's just the three of us, they talk about things I know nothing about without holding back. I get speechless, especially when they start talking about their sēx lives. They even showed me how to-

Well, I haven't even tasted alcohol or gone out at night, much less tried those things.

"Havianna Lucia Laxamana, you're coming with us whether you like it or not!" Pat raised an eyebrow at me as she said this.

I quickly shook my head and swallowed hard. "T-Thank you, but-"

"No buts!" Trina cut in. "We've been asking you since the first week of class but you keep saying no! Come with us and we promise you'll have fun. Besides, it's a new experience for you! Make the most of your time - life's too short."

"She's right, Avi. Just try it this once. If you really don't like it, we won't force you again. Come with us later - it'll be fun. And maybe you'll finally realize what we've been trying to show you. We just can't find the right words for it. You're too much of a saint," Pat teased.

After their long sermon, I had no choice but to nod and agree to their plan for later. They had a point anyway - there's no harm in trying to have a little fun too.

We left the classroom while Pat and Trina kept chatting, already changing topics. I could still clearly hear them planning for later.

"Oh my gosh! It's Reigo!" a girl suddenly shrieked from inside the classroom, making me jump.

My eyes naturally followed the guy walking alone in the middle of the hallway. His aura never failed to intimidate me - it was the kind that made my knees weak. And if his eyes ever met mine, I swear I'd probably collapse on the floor.

I don't even know if it's fear. I don't know what this feeling is, but all I can do is nervously swallow the lump in my throat.

My heart was beating so fast. Is this how other girls feel whenever they see him? Or is it just me?

Reigo is tall, and his presence demands attention. His broad shoulders, defined chest, and those strong-looking arms made it obvious that he could overpower someone in a second.

His uniform polo was unbuttoned, revealing a black shirt underneath - which, honestly, suited him perfectly. Everything looks good on him.

His dark hair matched his skin tone, those thick eyebrows, and his proud, sharp nose. I sometimes wonder who he got those features from - his dad or his mom?

And his lips. God, his lips. They never fail to make me gulp. If he only knew the kinds of questions and thoughts running through my mind every time my eyes landed on them, he'd definitely get mad. I sometimes wondered if they're soft... I wanted to touch them, to feel them.

And his eyes - those dark, intense, piercing eyes. Every time he looks at someone, it feels like he's undressing them with his gaze. It leaves me breathless.

How can someone be so perfect?

I snapped out of my trance when our eyes accidentally met. I quickly blinked and looked away.

He walked past us, and his scent lingered in the air. He smells so good.

"Damn. Reigo must've ditched his class again," Pat commented.

"What's up with your cousin? He always looks mad," Trina asked, already checking her phone.

"How would I know? He probably got into another fight."

I glanced at Pat. "A fight?" I asked quietly.

"Yep. That's normal for him. We've gotten used to it."

"Ugh, back when we were in high school, he got into fights with just about anyone. Remember, Pat? Back in Grade 10, he even punched our history teacher. And to be fair - that asshole totally deserved it."

"Duh, he really did! Reigo's a rational person, okay?"

They've known Reigo for so long. I wonder what he was like before? Was he always like this?

I sighed and brushed the thought away, knowing there was no way those questions would get answered. I was too shy to ask Trina and Pat. They might think I'm too interested - which, honestly, I kind of am. But I'm scared he might find out and I'd be humiliated.

When we finally left the school, I headed straight home. Pat and Trina kept reminding me about our plans for later.

They'd come to my house to help me get ready, and then we'd all leave together. And I was already nervous now - how much more later when we actually get there?

I went straight to my room since no one else was home aside from the maids in the kitchen. Mom wasn't home yet, so I couldn't ask for permission in person. I just messaged her while I was on my way home.

Honestly, I was hoping she wouldn't let me go.

But the exact opposite happened.

Mommy: Sure, son! I'm so happy you're stepping out of your comfort zone! Just message me when you're on your way there. I'll be home late.

I had no choice.

Trina and Pat arrived and immediately started fixing me up. They let my waist-length hair down and straightened it. I didn't realize how hot the flat iron would feel on my scalp. Pat worked on my hair while Trina did my makeup.

I couldn't even say a word - they were the ones making all the decisions.

"Okay, girl! You look good!" Trina said with a smile.

"OMG! You're seriously so beautiful! Wait until you wear this-" Pat said, raising a dress that... wait... isn't that way too short?

"Don't tell me you don't like it?" She raised an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips.

"No..." I protested, "It's not that... but isn't it a bit too revealing?" I gave an awkward smile.

"No, it's not! Why? Do you have another dress here that's actually for a night out?" Pat asked.

I shook my head and pouted.

"Then you don't have a choice, Avi!" she said with a teasing smile. "You're wearing this whether you like it or not. Who knows - this might be a one-time thing if it turns out you're really not into it. So wear it! You're not leaving this room unless you do."

I started getting nervous. Pat looked serious - it seemed like she wasn't going to take no for an answer. The dress she was holding was a backless red number with a slit so high it probably reached my hip. All I could do was gulp because honestly, what choice did I have?

Well... it's not so bad to try something new once in a while.

In the end, I just wore the dress they had bought for me. The house was filled with shrieks and squeals from Pat and Trina the moment they saw me fully dressed.

Good thing my hair was down - at least it could cover my back a little. The front, though... was a different problem. I didn't realize it would show this much cleavage. I also felt like I might topple over in the heels they made me wear - I wasn't used to this kind of height. My feet would definitely hurt tomorrow.

We left the house at 10 PM, and the club we were going to was about a 30-minute drive away. When we got there, the bouncers let us in right away, which surprised me since there was a long line outside.

As soon as we entered, loud music welcomed us. The dance floor was already packed, and it looked like people were just starting to drink since I saw a few opening bottles.

A lot of people approached us, and I recognized several familiar faces. I even saw a couple of my classmates, who looked completely shocked to see me there.

"Is that really Avi?! I can't believe you'd come to a place like this!" Mika exclaimed.

I just smiled and clutched my arm, feeling a little overwhelmed by all the compliments. I honestly didn't know what to say.

"Girls! Listen up! I have tea - OMG!" one of my classmates, a gay friend of mine, suddenly appeared.

"What is it this time, Donice?" Pat asked.

Donice's gaze landed on me. "Oh! Havianna, you're here! You look amazing! Did you come just to upstage me, you little brat?"

I laughed and shook my head. Donice moved beside me and hooked his arm with mine.

"So, here's the tea..." he began. "Alarcon got into a fight!"

"With who?!" everyone asked in unison - even I got curious. Who had Reigo gotten himself into trouble with this time?

"With the governor's son."

"OMG!"

"What's going to happen? Is he going to jail?"

"Girl, please! Reid Diego Alarcon? In jail? What chance does Governor Reyes even have against the Alarcons?" Donice scoffed.

"Well... you've got a point," someone agreed.

I just stayed quiet and listened to their conversation, waiting for Trina and Pat since they said we'd be going to the VIP area.

I fiddled with my fingers and watched the people around me. Everyone was having fun. The music was so loud I couldn't even hear their laughter.

My eyes wandered to the second floor, where there were fewer people compared to the growing crowd below. The VIP section was up there, and we were supposed to head there later. That's when my gaze landed on a figure leaning against the bar, a glass in his hand.

And when our eyes met - it felt like the air was knocked out of my lungs.

It was Reigo.

To Be Continued...