Chapter 2 2

Sandra POV

Tears kept flowing from my eyes as I sat in the taxi. Even my nose was swollen and sore from trying to wipe it with my handkerchief.

That jerk Damian! He not only left me hanging, but insulted me too! What does he think of me? Calling that hamburger his treat for me? I may be chubby, but I'm not a glutton, no!

Well, sometimes! But that doesn't give him the right to insult me. Even if he didn't say it directly, I could feel how much he disliked me. I would have appreciated it if he had just waited for me and told me the truth face-to-face. Instead, he chose to do it through a text and say we won't work out!

"Failed again, Sandra. Stop it," my trembling voice whispered to myself. I wiped the fresh tears from my cheeks.

Funny, isn't it? In my twenty-six years of existence in this world, I haven't experienced being in a relationship or knowing what it's like to be loved by a man. Yet here I am, already experiencing heartbreaks.

It's true what they say, it's about outward appearance first before what's inside. No matter how kind and decent you are, if you're not goddess-like in beauty and sexiness, it's all in vain.

"Sir, just stop by the green gate," I pointed to Marga's apartment. I planned to spend some time there because I didn't want to go home with my eyes still swollen. I'd just get scolded by my mother if that happened. "Here's my payment."

The driver frowned when I handed him one hundred. "You're short, dear. It should be two hundred!"

"What, sir!? I came from a nearby place! I thought only vegetables had their prices raised, turns out it includes fare too."

"Things aren't cheap nowadays, dear. Besides, you take up space for two people. Two hundred is just right," he said seriously, but there was a hint of teasing in his words.

Well! My temper flared because of that. "If you hadn't insulted me, I might have paid you the amount you wanted. This is why our country isn't progressing. Because of people like you!"

I quickly opened my door and stepped out without looking at the rude driver. Our doors slammed shut simultaneously. Along with that, he shouted hysterically at me.

"Hey, miss! Where's your payment!"

I walked faster without looking back. I felt like he was going to chase after me. I was relieved to find Margarette's gate open.

"Miss!"

As soon as I pushed the gate, I closed it quickly. My heart pounded wildly when I saw the driver running after me. I realized he wasn't going to let me off about the extra payment. I heard him banging the gate, disturbing the neighbors.

Oh goodness, Sandra! Why didn't you just give him the extra fare he asked for? You wouldn't be stressed like this!

I was going to pay if he hadn't insulted me, you know!

"Hey, Miss!" Manong shouted again, but I didn't look at him or acknowledge him in any way.

When I reached Marga's front door, I hurriedly opened it and went inside. "Marga-"

"Oh, shit!"

My eyes widened in shock when I caught Cole on top of Margarette, both completely naked from the waist up. They practically jumped when they saw me. Margarette quickly pushed her boyfriend away and grabbed her blouse from the floor, covering her chest.

"Sandra!" Marga exclaimed, clearly surprised.

"Oh my gosh, sorry!" I stammered in a fluster before quickly turning around. My heart beat faster due to what I had just witnessed.

Seconds of dead silence passed before I heard Cole let out a soft chuckle.

"Sorry, Sandra," Cole said, seeming almost amused by my reaction and their predicament. "You can turn around. We're already dressed."

I shut my eyes tightly, then opened them again before turning around to face them. My eyes first met Marga's flushed cheeks as she looked down. Then I saw Cole standing behind my friend with a mischievous grin on his face. They were already wearing their tops, and that helped calm my breathing.

"S-Sorry. My bad. I won't knock next time. I didn't know Cole was here," I apologized to my best friend.

"That's fine, Sandra. What you saw wasn't that bad," Cole grinned. Marga playfully smacked his arm.

My face contorted in surprise. So, it wasn't that bad? I saw him massaging my best friend's breast, is that just normal? Well, maybe for them, being close to getting married, it's just normal. They must have been doing it for heaven knows how long. While me, I haven't even experienced a hint of heaven's blessings. Not even a kiss.

"You dropped by, Sandra? Is there a problem? What happened to-"

Marga stopped speaking abruptly when she heard a noise from outside. I closed my eyes tightly, recalling the rude driver.

"What's that?" Marga furrowed her brow. I opened my eyes. She kept glancing back and forth between Cole and me.

"I'll check it out-"

"Don't, Cole! It's just the driver of the taxi I took. He's bothering me for additional fare. I came from a nearby place, and he's already asking for that much," I said with a scowl.

They exchanged glances. After a moment, Cole sighed.

"Please, hand me my wallet, babe. I'll handle it," Cole ordered Marga, which surprised me.

"Oh, don't pay him, Cole! I do have money to pay, but because he insulted me, I thought it's better not to."

He just smiled at me before taking the wallet from Marga. Cole tapped my shoulder as he walked past me, not saying a word. I furrowed my brow and watched him until he finally went out the door.

"Let him, Sands. You know him. Besides, he'll just wait for his friend. They have plans today," Marga explained, which made me look at her. I quietly let out a sigh.

"So, what happened that made you rush here? I don't remember us agreeing that you'd come here right after your date with Damian."

My face soured upon hearing that name! My steps felt heavy as I walked towards the sofa and practically flopped onto it. I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted.

"No way! Don't tell me..."

I looked at my friend after that. "I really can't take it anymore, Marga. Stop setting me up on these blind dates. I've accepted my fate."

Margarette's eyes widened. She walked towards me and sat down on the couch. "What happened?"

My mouth hung open wider as I felt tears starting to well up in my eyes. I began telling her the whole story. I kept sniffing, which slowed down the pace of my narrative.

"I wish he had just been direct with me, Marga. I could have understood better if that were the case. Instead, he just left me hanging. I looked like a fool, waiting for someone who had already abandoned me!" I said with a sniffle.

I had already used up all the tissues in the box Marga gave me because I couldn't stop crying. I suppose anyone would feel this way. Left and insulted.

I stopped in the midst of my impending sob when the door opened and Cole came in. I immediately met his gaze with reddened eyes. It was only then that I noticed another man, almost as tall as him, standing behind him. I unconsciously held my breath as the man's eyes locked onto mine, sharp and intense, like an eagle eyeing its prey.

"Good evening, Russ. Are you leaving?" I heard Marga ask.

"Yes, Marj. If that's okay with you?" that man Russ chuckled. Even the sound of his voice was so manly. It was deep and husky.

"Of course! Cole told me a while ago," Marga replied.

I kept my gaze averted, listening to their conversation. I don't know why, but I felt a sense of shame in facing them, particularly that man. It's like I thought that when he looked at me, he would just laugh at me in his mind.

This must be the result of my failed blind dates. My self-esteem is already low, and it's sinking even lower now. I've lost all my courage and confidence.

"Sandra, why is your nose red? Did you cry?" Cole asked out of nowhere, making me face them. I deliberately avoided looking at the man beside him.

I smiled faintly. "It's nothing-"

Marga lightly smacked Cole's arm. "Your idiotic friend. Leaving Sandra alone at the restaurant! Saying you won't work out. I thought he was decent!? Is there a decent person who leaves their date and insults them afterwards?"

Cole's brows furrowed as he listened to Marga's rant. He turned to me with the same expression. "He did that? In what way did he insult you?"

I shook my head. "It's nothing, Cole. Just let it be-"

"Tell me, Sands. I'll find out from him eventually," he interrupted.

So he'll find out from him anyway, why did he bother asking me? If he didn't have this man with him, I might have vented to him right then and there. Cole and I are close. Since he started dating Margarette and introduced me to him, he's never treated me poorly. That's why I really support him for my friend.

"It was an indirect insult, Cole. Just let it be. I'd rather not talk about it," I mumbled.

"When I see that man, oh! He'll get an earful from me," Marga said.

"I'm sorry, Sandra. I'll talk to him."

I lifted my head and smiled slightly at him. "It's not necessary. This will be the last time that I'll be doing this. No more blind dates."

Cole clenched his fist before letting out a breath. He turned to the man beside him, who I've been intentionally avoiding. "Damian is really an asshole, Russ."

"What happened?" Russ asked in a deep voice.

I turned my gaze away again and occupied myself with looking elsewhere.

"We set up a blind date for him and Sandra. But Damian's being an idiot prevailed once again. Mission failed."

"You know how his brain works like, Cole," Russ said.

"My fault."

My chest inhaled and let out a weary sigh. I lifted myself up from the seat. I unintentionally looked up at Russ, whom I caught looking at me as well. I'm of average height, but next to him, I felt small.

I averted his hawklike eyes and instead looked at Cole. "It's not your fault, Cole. Neither you nor Marga are to blame. You just wanted to help me. But maybe those people just aren't meant for me," I said with a smile, mixed with a hint of bitterness. "Anyway, I should go ahead. Ate Celestine has been waiting for her food. Pregnant women shouldn't be kept waiting," I added with a chuckle.

I glanced at Marga. Her eyes were sad, watching me. I gave her an assuring smile that I'm okay, even though I'm not.

"Why not come with us, Sandra? We'll be taking the same route. We can drop you off at your house," Cole suggested.

I shook my head repeatedly while waving my hand. "It's fine-"

"Sands, let us give you a ride. It's the least we can do," Margarette insisted, stopping me.

I took a deep breath. As much as I didn't want them to think that it's their fault my date turned out to be a failure, I can't control their thoughts. I involuntarily glanced at Russ. He was still looking at me, so I quickly averted my gaze.

"O-Okay," I agreed, despite the reluctance I felt.

I bid farewell to Marga and Cole. While they were talking, Russ and I just stood there, watching them. Have we been introduced to each other yet? Maybe not. That's okay, maybe it's better that way. I'm sure he's not interested in getting to know me either.

We got into a black SUV. I sat in the backseat, with Russ in the driver's seat and Cole in the passenger's side.

"By the way, Sandra. This is my friend Russell Trajano. Russ... this is Sandra, Marga's best friend. She's become a close friend of mine too," Cole introduced as Russell started to drive.

"H-Hi," I greeted shyly, looking at the back of his head.

He glanced at me through the rearview mirror, and it felt like his intense gaze was touching every inch of me. He held it for just over two seconds, then returned his focus to the road.

"Hey," he greeted back in a low voice, nodding his head. I released a faint smile.

Throughout the ride, I did nothing but listen to their conversation about something. Every time I heard Russ's deep and resonant voice, I couldn't help but be amazed. It's too manly and attractive. It suits his appearance, capable of captivating any woman - even me. But of course, I don't expect that someone like him would like or be interested in me. I've already accepted the truth that no one will take me seriously. Not in this lifetime.

"Thank you for the ride," I said to the two of them when the car stopped in front of our house.

Cole turned to face me, and so did Russell, making me feel a little uneasy. "Take care, Sandra. And I'm sorry again."

I nodded and opened the door to step out. "It's okay. I'm getting off here. Take care. Thanks again."

Cole nodded. I shifted my gaze to Russell. He also nodded at me. I smiled faintly. After I got out, they stayed there for a few more seconds before honking their horn and leaving.

I gave a simple wave. I watched the black car until it disappeared, then decided to go inside the house.