Chapter 4 Finally, you're mine!

"Can you please stop, Marcus? Besides, you just showed up again now, and you act as if you're my boyfriend!" I retorted, hoping to at least ease the tension in my chest caused by him.

He grinned. "Then, accept me! So, I can be legitimately jealous of guys who approach you, and I can knock them down when they get too close to my love!" He declared. I was wide-eyed, and my heart raced. Did I hear that right? That he loves me? I know he always shows interest in me, but this was the first time he mentioned love.

I was shocked. To be precise, I was speechless.

"I missed you. Didn't you miss me?" He asked with a gentle voice.

I swallowed. I was getting confused! I took a very deep breath. "I don't know about you, fool!" And I marched inside the house before I completely lost myself.

Marcus stayed at the house for a few hours. Actually, it seemed like he had no intention of leaving as long as Martin was still there. Every time, his eyes bore disapproval, especially when we talked. Sometimes, I would give him a disdainful look or scowl when he confronted or glared at Martin. He even asked for the plate number of the vehicle that nearly hit me earlier. Martin, of course, answered. When the two finally left, that's when Abigail and I got the chance to bond.

Abigail is my closest cousin. We both share the same interests-whether it's showbiz, music, movies, or even in clothing. We only get to see each other when she visits us with our grandma and my seven-year-old brother Leroy. Abigail's mom, who now lives in America, supports our education. Abigail and I get along easily because we're like twins. People often say we look alike, from our physical appearance to the length of our hair.

"Wow, Sister Claudia, Martin is so cute! Though, he's already twenty-four. But I really like him!" she exclaimed, lying on my bed as she started telling me about Martin.

"It's okay to have a crush, but you should prioritize your studies before getting into a love life."

"Come on, you need inspiration to study. I've had several boyfriends already!"

"You're still too young, Abigail! Leave those boyfriend-boyfriend things for later. You'll get there when you start working."

"Sister, it's not bad to have a boyfriend, you know! And eww! You can only have a boyfriend when you're working? Are you out of your mind? It's nice to have a boyfriend!" She looked at the ceiling while biting her lip. I got nervous.

"Don't tell me... you already..."

She looked at me, playfully raising her eyebrows. "Had s*x?"

I sat up. "Oh no, Abigail!"

She laughed, "What, Sister? Is that a big deal? Hello? It's the modern era. That's not an issue anymore! Besides, it's enjoyable."

I couldn't believe her response. I never thought she would do that. "What if you get pregnant?"

"Sis, there's something called a condom. It's safe. That's all." She said it so casually. Maybe it's not a good idea for Abigail to be in a dorm. She's exposed to people in a place where lust is prevalent. I was scared for her. Abigail went home the next day. I still tried to remind her of what she's doing, and her usual response was, "Okay! Okay!" I just sighed.

I arrived home early from college because my last professor was absent. I didn't have anyone to pick me up since I was early. I'll just text Marcus when I get home. Ever since that incident, he often picks me up or drops me off. He made me feel special. So, sometimes, I'm not used to not seeing Marcus.

I immediately approached Grandma when I got home, "Oh, aren't you early today?" she asked while watching TV.

"No class, 'Grany," I replied before going to the kitchen to get a drink. While pouring water, I noticed our white Tupperware on the table. I could see its contents, corn dessert! It's my favorite! "Grandma! Who brought this corn dessert?" I excitedly shouted and eagerly opened the lid.

"Marcus brought that earlier. The vendor passed by, and he remembered you, so he bought it for you. That kid is really something. Hardworking and kind. Oh, lucky the one who marries him." I heard Grandma say. I instantly smiled, thinking it was for me. This guy was making me happy again. But I felt sad with Grandma's last statement. I couldn't imagine Marcus with other women; it felt like something was stabbing my chest. I took two spoons, got the corn dessert, and sat beside Grandma. "Let's eat, Grandma."

"I'm done. Marcus also bought me a vermicelli noodles."

I felt even happier with Marcus. He cares not only about me. I can't understand myself anymore. I'm getting giddy.

I took a bite and quickly grabbed my phone to text Marcus. Meanwhile, Grandma was still focused on the TV.

Me: "Idiot! I skipped class. I'm home!"

While eating and watching TV, my phone beeped.

Marcus: "Are you safely home? Who did you go home with?"

I replied, "Of course. I'm alone, idiot! Where are you?"

He replied in seconds, "You should have texted me earlier that you'll be home soon. I miss you, baby loves."

I smiled, "I don't know about you, idiot! Thanks for the corn dessert. Love it!"

He replied quickly. This guy responds fast. "Love you too!"

I gasped. If he were in front of me, I'd slap him! But it seems like my heart is jumping! Me: "I said I like what you gave, not you! Idiot!"

Marcus: "Oh, come on. Stop denying. Admit it, you already like me, right?"

My heart raced. Do I already like him? Or am I just swept away by how he treats me? I'm confused, so I didn't reply. But after a while, my phone rang again.

Marcus: "Silence means YES, Claudia."

I hurriedly typed a reply to contradict what he said, but when I sent it, it said, "Message not sent!" "Oh no!"

My balance finished! Damn it. What would he think? Then my phone beeped again.

Marcus: "So, are we official, baby loves?!"

I panicked. Wait, I need to buy load. I'll go crazy over this guy. I grabbed my wallet and went out of the house. "Miss Della, load please," I said to the owner of the nearby store.

"Oh, Claudia, my cellphone is broken, so I don't have load now." She scratched her head. My nostrils widened. Suddenly, I felt the coldness in my palms.

Damn it! I'll just load at the market when I'm done here, and I still need to ride a jeep. After a while, my phone beeped again.

YES! Finally, you're mine, baby loves! I love you too! I'm the happiest sexy man alive!"

I bit my lip and quickly hailed a jeep.