Falling for you-

"Ashton Philip Pov.

"Are you not coming with us?" I looked at Uncle Henry when he spoke on my side. He's carrying a basket of flowers. Winter's dad.

"No, Uncle, I'll stay here..." Uncle Henry nodded before looking at the girl who walked towards us with a big hat.

She took it off and lowered the empty basket. She was sweaty before wiping her forehead due to sweat.

"You finished it all?" Uncle Henry chuckled while looking at his daughter. Winter nodded. She glanced at me but also avoided eye contact before lifting the empty basket again.

"I'll get another one; I'll join you..." Uncle Henry nodded.

"I'll wait for you..." Winter turned, carrying flowers. She's wearing black pants and a long sleeve to cover her arms. But even so, her style looks different to me.

"I'll go with you, Uncle..." Uncle Henry looked at me. It's better to join them since Trixie and her parents are busy. I stayed here with Uncle, who cleaned up before helping on the farm.

"Okay. You might get bored here; it's better to explore around." I nodded with a smile. Just right, I noticed Winter approaching with a basket of neatly arranged flowers.

I stepped closer to her. She stopped and looked up at me.

"Hi..." She turned to avoid me. But I blocked her way to take the basket she was carrying.

"Let's go, Uncle." I left Winter with a puzzled look. Uncle Henry laughed before walking ahead.

I'm not sure if Winter followed or not. She's been sulking since the night I kissed her behind their house. I couldn't help it. How many nights have I been thinking about her soft lips when I also kissed her in the restroom? Until now, it hasn't left my mind.

Our walk only took ten minutes, reaching the flower farm. It looks like a beautiful resort surrounded by flowers and designed cottages.

The surroundings are clean, and there's a separate rest house for the flower farm where we placed the basket.

Some customers were waiting there, attended to by Winter. They were buying flowers while taking photos around.

"He's handsome."

"Is he from here?"

"Looks like a city guy, so smooth."

The women whispered while pointing the camera at me. I tried to smile, but Winter handed the bouquet of flowers to cover the camera.

"Have you paid?" The girl asked Winter. She nodded, and one of them glanced at me.

"We've paid. Can we take a picture with you guys?" Winter turned to me as they pointed. She avoided eye contact.

"Up to you..." She went inside. Even the other girl laughed and said, 'She's so snobbish,' before approaching me.

Uncle Henry was on the side, attending to new customers trying to enter the flower farm. I could only look at the camera because of its sudden flash in front.

"Are you a visitor here?" I smiled before nodding.

"No wonder you give off a different vibe. Can we take a picture? It's just for Myday." I agreed. I smiled at the camera while noticing Winter on the terrace of the rest house.

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

I shook my head to the question. They were thrilled with my answer. I noticed Winter subtly tilting her head before deciding to come out of the rest house.

I kept my eyes on her as she walked away. But before she left completely, I answered the girls again.

"The girl I like already has a boyfriend."

I saw her stop for a moment when I told them. Even they raised their eyebrows and showed disappointment on their faces.

"What a waste, brother. But you can confess to the girl you like..."

Winter walked away before I could respond. I just smiled at the three before saying goodbye and claiming I had something to do.

I followed Winter to where she was heading. She was walking on the straight path surrounded by tall sunflowers."

I could feel it from where I stood, observing how the wind carried her long hair. Her simple walk echoed in my heart. She paused by a large rock, surrounded by grass and beautiful sunflowers.

She sat there. Few people around, only the chirping of birds could be heard.

I walked gently, stopping at the edge before joining her on the rock.

That's when she looked at me. I noticed surprise in her eyes, yet she didn't move away.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

I chuckled lightly. Unchanged as ever. More gangster-like than a gangster with her questioning.

"I followed you. I got bored over there."

"Are you still bored despite that smile earlier?"

I furrowed my brow but couldn't help laughing. "I'm just forcing a smile. Honestly, I prefer sitting here with you now."

She grinned before averting her gaze.

"If I drop you there and you roll down..."

"I fell a long time ago, Winter, but you didn't catch me."

She stood up, glaring at me. "Why can't you stop saying those things?"

"What's wrong with what I'm saying?"

"Your actions, I don't like them. Leave me alone."

I sighed before standing. "What if I don't want to?"

"I told you, Ashong. You can't have feelings for me; your desires won't come true. What you feel will pass. It's not real!"

I didn't respond. I kept staring at her, my heart beating unchanged even with what she said.

"I want you. Not Trixie."

She squinted at me. "Why are you still talking like that?"

"What's wrong with what I'm saying?"

"What you're doing. Your behavior, I don't like it. Stop it."

I sighed before standing. "What if I don't want to?"

"I already told you, Ashong. You can't like me, your desires won't come true. What you feel will pass. It's not real!"

She turned away. I followed, persistent.

"I know you feel something for me, Winter. I feel it."

She stopped walking. Still facing away, she spoke. "You won't let me kiss you. You won't close your eyes; you won't delay if you don't like it."

"Come on!" she faced me, angry. "I was surprised; I didn't know what to do, so that happened. So please, I'm begging you, don't mention it again, someone might hear you!"

I didn't reply. My gaze remained on her, my heart beating unchanged despite what she said.

"You're the one I want. Not Trixie."

She blinked. She ran her hand through her hair before turning away. But she didn't move far. I held her hand and turned her back to face me.

"Let go of me!"

"Do you know that I prefer your attitude now?" She tried to snatch her hand away, but I didn't let go. I grinned. "Just be tough with me. I like that."

Her eyes narrowed at me. Instead of getting scared, my heart leaped even more.

But she moved away from me due to Trixie's voice approaching our spot.

"Philip!" I looked at her. She ran towards me, smiling. She wore a beautiful dress with her hair neatly styled.

She hugged me tightly when Trixie reached me. I couldn't move immediately because of surprise.

"I'll study in the States next year. In the school I want." I couldn't react. I didn't feel disappointment either because she would study in the States.

I just smiled before she let go of the hug, but her hand remained on my neck.

"I want us to be official, Philip. Mommy likes you so much; she agreed to let me be with you."

I couldn't do anything but stare at Trixie. But my mind was on the girl standing beside us, watching.

"And Winter is the witness for my answer. My answer is yes. I'm your girlfriend now."

I swallowed. Trixie had a beautiful smile before she looked at Winter, who was also smiling.

"Congratulations to both of you." I looked at her when she said that. She didn't look at me, but I witnessed the fake smile she gave to her cousin.

I wanted to appeal. I wanted to express my feelings, but I didn't want to hurt Trixie. But I didn't know it would come to this. I had no idea that Trixie would respond to me in this situation.

"I'm happy for you too, Winter. I know Calix has liked you for a long time. Congratulations to both of you."

Winter smiled again.

"I don't know how to express what's on my mind. I don't want her to think I'm just joking about liking her.

"I-I'll just go back to the rest house. You can show her around the farm..." Winter turned away. I wanted to call her, to stop her from leaving.

But Trixie faced me with a big smile.

"Hey, what happened?" I quickly smiled at Trixie.

"Nothing. Shall we take a walk?"

She frowned. "I'm not in the mood to walk; I wanted to rest at the rest house..." I nodded. I forced myself to step away before taking a deep breath.

I noticed Trixie's gaze on me. She seemed puzzled, and I couldn't read her thoughts.

"Are you happy, Philip?" I chuckled before laughing.

"Am I happy?" I held her hand to calm her. "I'm happy, of course."

"Are you no longer opposed to me studying abroad?"

"Of course, I support you for what you want."

"Are you really not against it? Are you sure?"

I nodded. "It's still next year, right? We have plenty of days to be together, and besides, this is for your future."

She smiled at what I said. If it were just for today, I wouldn't allow Trixie to leave. But now, there's no objection in my feelings. All I could think about was how to talk to Winter again.

We returned to the rest house for Trixie to rest briefly. Her parents were already there, happily looking at us.

Trixie shared the news about us, making our relationship official. The rest house was filled with teasing before I glanced at Winter, quietly sipping coffee on the side.

She looked distant, not even paying attention to the conversation.

"Ma'am Wen!" a young man entered, calling Winter's name. He's a worker here who approached Winter. "You have a visitor."

Winter stood up, curious, finally letting go of the cup she held.

"Who?"

The young man didn't answer as Calix suddenly appeared, holding familiar flowers. I've seen him give those to Winter twice before.

"Wow. Our lady has tulips..." Aunt Raquel teased the blushing Winter.

But upon hearing what she said, I couldn't help but wonder.

Is that tulips?

Purple and red tulips.

"Good morning, love..." I wanted to laugh at Calix's words. Love?

What's so special about love?

Everything with endearment like love ends. Much better if it's baby or babe. Tsk.

Winter just smiled. Calix handed her the flowers before kissing her cheek.

I wanted to explode.

I felt jealous, even with Trixie happily beside me. I couldn't stand seeing them being sweet. I excused myself, telling Trixie I'd go back home and take a quick shower.

She agreed, saying she would wait. But the truth was, I just didn't want to see how Calix would claim the girl I wanted to be mine.

I entered Winter's house alone. I went to my assigned room and changed into my boxer shorts. I lay on the bed, not even planning to shower.

I stared blankly for a few minutes before falling asleep. I woke up when a mosquito bit my face.

I jolted awake because of the sun's heat. I looked around to find the wall clock, and it was already past twelve.

Sh*t. Did I fall asleep?

I rubbed my forehead. I stood up and glanced out the window. But my disappointment deepened when I saw Calix there. I didn't know why he was under the tree. He was on the phone, but I couldn't hear. He wiped his face before abruptly ending the call.

Later, he got into his car and took something. It was a box, just a small one. He placed it inside before I went out.

I was on the second floor, observing his actions. He entered the kitchen with the box. Due to curiosity, I went downstairs. No one was in the living room, and it was evident that everyone was still at the rest house. But what was this guy doing here?

"Will you stop calling me!" I froze as I planned to enter the kitchen. Calix was angry with the caller, and I didn't know who it was or why he didn't want them to call him anymore. "I already have a girlfriend, Deborah. Stop making this worse. I don't like you."

My forehead creased. Deborah? It sounded familiar. "I know I made a mistake, you know that too. So please, don't bother me anymore!"

He ended the call, and I saw him leave the kitchen. Trying to follow, I heard footsteps entering the living room.

In a hurry, I rushed upstairs. I entered a room, not knowing whose it was. "What's happening to me?" I thought, gripping the doorknob, hoping it wasn't Tita Raquel's room.

"What are you doing here!" Winter exclaimed. I pulled her in, covering her mouth, not wanting Tita Raquel to see me like this.

"Sh*t!" I cursed as Winter bit my hand. She stared, swearing too, seeing my state.

"What's going on, Ashong! Why are you undressed?"

"I'll explain later, okay? Just be quiet."

"Get out!"

"No, Tita Raquel is outside!"

She couldn't look at me before grabbing a blanket and throwing it at me. I wrapped it around myself. She sighed, asking why I was in her room.

"I made a mistake in my panic."

She sighed again, distancing herself. "What are you smiling about?" she asked, her tone harsh.

"Are you falling for my smile?"

"Dream on!"

"I have hope, Villapania," I said, approaching her. Her reaction was unforgettable - raised eyebrows, beautiful eyes glaring, and her lips pursed, all while looking at me.

"One day, you'll like me. I won't fail because I'm confident. You're mine, because I want you."

I saw her swallow. I liked that she was tense in my presence, unable to look straight at me.

"I just don't want to be jealous, Villapania. I might end up claiming you out of jealousy."

"Trixie is yours, Ashong. Stop it; I don't want to be the reason for your separation. I don't want to ruin the relationship between cousins."

I avoided eye contact, resting my palm between us before bowing my head.

"I'll tell Trixie the truth. I'll confess, but I won't blindside her."

She chuckled.

"You won't confess, Ashong. Stand by your choice!"

I remained silent, unsure of what to say or how to navigate the situation.

Why couldn't I have met Winter first?

Why did her cousin catch my attention?

"I'm the only one deserving of a person, Ashong. Because a person's heart is only one, don't mix two together," I said with a serious gaze. Later, I chuckled before bringing my face closer to his.

"I only have one in my heart, Villapania," he paused, his eyes widening as they moved.

"...Just you."

He swallowed as a reaction, but I didn't get a response due to a knock that turned our attention.

"Are you inside, huh?" Winter asked as Calix knocked. His eyes squinted due to the sudden knock.

"Should I come in?"

"Wait!" Winter shouted in response. He seemed flustered as I stood pretending not to watch his reaction.

It's better for Calix to see us here.

"Go over there, kneel down!"

"What?" My face twisted at what he said.

"Kneel down! Hide under the bed!"

"What the f*ck, no!"

"I'll break your bones, Ashong!"

"SH*T!"

I had no choice but to kneel. He forcefully made me sit and hid me under his bed.

"Be grateful; I like you," he just gave me a look before standing up.

Later, he walked and opened the door for Calix, who immediately sat on the soft bed where I was hidden.

Wtf!

"Winter POV.

(Her Parents' Past)

I can't stay still in the room as Calix tells me about the photos he brought. They're in a box, and he's going through them, listing them for me.

"You told me earlier about these old photos, right?" I nod, remaining standing because I can't sit on the bed. I think of Ashong, wondering if she's still comfortable with her head bowed down.

"Just put them there; I'll look at them later."

That's what I tell Calix, who stops rummaging through the box. He places it down and looks at me.

"I thought you wanted to see this?"

"Yeah, but I have something to do; I'll look at it later."

"Am I bothering you?" I shake my head before smiling.

"No, I'm just going to take a shower since I just got home from the farm," Calix says, nodding before finally closing the box.

"Will you wait for me at the rest house?"

"Yeah, I'll wait for you there."

He nods again, putting the box aside before looking at me. I can tell he wants to say something but hesitates. He takes a deep breath.

"Can I invite you to our house?"

"Now?"

"No, on Christmas. Mom just wants you to be with us." I don't respond to Calix. I don't have plans for Christmas since I'll be here with my family.

But I don't know what will happen next week.

Christmas is next week, and I still don't have plans, unsure if I'll make any.

"I want you to come, it's in the evening. I'll ask my uncle for permission."

"Sure, if that's what you want." He smiles at me, holds my hand, and pulls me to sit beside him.

I don't know how to act in front of Calix. This isn't the first time we've been in the same room. He used to come here often during high school, and we'd finish our assignments together.

My parents trust Calix. But our status has changed, and I no longer feel comfortable, especially now that I know Ashong is under the bed and might suddenly act up.

"You give me an early Christmas gift, Wen. I'm happy today." Calix is serious while looking at me. I used to blush whenever he looked at me like this, but I don't know why it doesn't affect me now. I'm not moved by his sweet voice.

What's happening to me?

"We were supposed to celebrate our 3rd month this December 25th. Do you still remember?"

I nod.

It's been three months. It's fast, and I didn't think we'd reach this point in our relationship. This is what I wanted before, but I've proven to myself that I only admire Calix."

Up until there, because the truth is, I'd prefer us to stay friends while I admire this. No love, I don't feel that. Different feelings exist for Calix.

"This is the first Christmas we're officially in a relationship. I thought we wouldn't be together."

I smiled again. I couldn't say much because I didn't feel well, thanks to Ashong.

I'm annoyed because he's hiding underneath, and I know he hears everything Calix says.

I don't know if he's laughing or getting angry.

"I should have confessed to you earlier; maybe we would've been together by now."

"It's better that you focused on your studies before we got together, at least finish your last year at Fatima. Let's prioritize that for now."

He smiled, squeezed my cheek, then pulled me into a sudden hug.

I leaned against his chest, his hand on my back, his head over mine.

"I can still study even if you're my girlfriend. You've never been a hindrance to me."

I didn't reply. I let him hug me because I knew he was happy.

But I didn't stay long in our embrace because suddenly, someone touched my leg. I separated from Calix, surprised by what Ashong did.

Calix gave me a puzzled look. "What?" he kept his gaze on me before standing up to approach me.

"M-my stomach hurts."

"Why? What did you eat?" Calix immediately concerned, but my stomach ache wasn't the issue.

I was nervous because I saw Ashong's hand on the side.

"I-I didn't eat anything. Can you just wait for me at the rest house?"

"Are you sure?" he checked me. I nodded before opening the door.

"I'll just go to the resthouse. I'll take a quick shower," I led him out. He followed but stopped before I closed the door.

"Take medicine before coming down. I'll wait for you there, okay?" I nodded, hurriedly closing the door, and he approached me, surprising my system.

He gave me a peck on the lips before distancing himself.

"Take your time; I'll go ahead," he said, disappearing from my sight.

I stood there, blinking. It didn't feel right; I felt like I was lying to Calix, like something was wrong with me.

"I can't believe that jerk..." I was startled by Ashong suddenly appearing next to me. I gave him a disapproving look because of what he was doing.

"Leave, Ashong. Can you?"

"Tsk..." he looked away, his forehead creased, then bit his lip before turning back to me. "So, that guy kisses too?" he frowned, running his hand through his hair.

"I'm jealous."

I laughed at what he said.

"Stop this, Ashong. I don't want this; leave me alone."

"Why should I?"

"Because that's what's right!"

"Is it right to endure what you want?"

"Is it right for you to intervene?"

"I know how you feel about Calix. If you just want him, you shouldn't hesitate to be with him this Christmas."

I avoided eye contact.

"You shouldn't get involved in that, Ashong. Be content with your girlfriend. She's my cousin, so don't challenge me because we will never be defeated."

He remained silent, staring at me intensely before bursting into laughter.

"For now, you can't change what I want, Winter. No matter what you say..." He walked towards me, grabbed the doorknob, and seemed about to leave but turned to look at me first.

Later, he took a step closer, causing me to step back.

"What's going on again?"

"I just forgot something..." I leaned against my drawer's door. He stopped in front of me but didn't come any closer.

He leaned down, held my chin, and quickly wiped my lips with his finger.

"You're not allowed to kiss anybody else. Just me, always just me."

He turned away after doing that, left, and left me bewildered by his words and actions.

I sighed, running my hands through my hair, trying to make sense of it all. What does that guy really want?

Does he truly have no feelings for Trixie? Impossible. How can his feelings disappear and shift to me so easily?

I rubbed my face before getting something to wear for a quick shower. No matter how hard I try to push Ashong out of my mind, I can't.

I hate this feeling, especially when I have a boyfriend who genuinely loves me. It should only be Calix, no one else.

I left the room after showering. The house was empty; everyone was at the rest house near the flower farm. The air there was fresh, and it was breezy, though here, the wind was strong enough to make you sweat.

I walked from the house to the rest house, finding them chatting while Mama prepared food.

Calix was there next to Dad. But Ashong's presence bothered me. They flanked Dad, each saying something. The men were on one side, Aunt Raquel and Trixie on the other. I approached Mama, who was setting the table.

She looked at me before putting down what she was holding. "Is your stomach hurting?"

I sniffed. "No, Ma, maybe I just got used to the heat earlier."

"Are you sure? Maybe you're just hungry?"

I shook my head. "No, Ma. I just don't feel like eating right now." I looked at the table filled with my favorite dishes, but I wasn't in the mood to eat.

"Do you have a problem?" Mama looked at me, concerned, scrutinizing me thoroughly. I forced a smile before sitting down.

"None, Ma. Just not hungry, really."

"I know you, even if you're tired and lazy, you'll have an appetite when you see your favorite food..." I closed my lips. Mama was right, but I didn't want to share what was on my mind.

I didn't want her to get mad at me for admitting I'm not sure what I feel for Calix.

Now, I regret the decision I made. I should have thought it through more.

I sighed.

"Is there a problem between you and Calix?"

"No, Ma. Don't mind me too much; maybe I'm just tired because it's been a while since I worked on the farm." Mama still had a thoughtful look. I smiled at her before grabbing a plate to eat. "Calix and I don't have a problem, Ma. We're fine."

"Make sure, okay? I don't want you playing with love..." I nodded.

"Not really..."

"This is the first time you've had a boyfriend. Do you know that my first boyfriend wasn't even your dad? I had several boyfriends before meeting him here."

"What are you getting at, Mom? That Calix isn't the one I'll marry?"

"You're only twenty-one, Calix is twenty-two. Do you think, after five years, you'll still be together? At twenty-six, you're just starting to think about what you want to do, you're still young."

I lowered my head at what Mom said. I glanced at Calix, now talking to Dad. Ashong was gone, and I didn't know where he went.

"Your cooking is delicious, Auntie..." I almost dropped the plate I was holding at Ashong's words beside me. I looked at him. He held a plate, getting food from the table.

"Really? Did you like it?"

"Yes. You can be an owner of a restaurant, Auntie. Your cooking is high class..." I cringed at what Ashong said. I didn't know if he was being a suck-up or genuinely meant it. But I knew Mom's cooking was good; Ashong was just overpraising, much to Mom's delight.

"You're something else. Well, when you and my nephew get married, I'll be the one cooking..." Ashong stopped at Mom's words. He glanced at me, but I avoided his gaze. I didn't want to look into his eyes; my feelings suddenly changed.

I couldn't explain it.

"I want to be your mom, Aunt Elena..."

My eyes widened at Ashong's statement. He practically said, "I like your daughter," but in a roundabout way, darn!

"That's possible, son. I'll be your third parent. It's only natural since you're Trixie's boyfriend."

"In that case, do you want me to be your son?" I just held my breath before leaning back in my seat. I wanted to kick him to turn him around and knock his head for him to wake up.

What's happening to Ashong?

"Of course, you're handsome. If I were to choose, guys like you are what I want for my winter. But since my daughter already has Calix, I'll just support her."

I gave Mom a wide-eyed look.

"Mom!"

"I like Calix for you. The only issue is I don't like the course he's taking because it might affect you if it encounters problems."

"The business course isn't safe either, Mom..." that was my retort, pointing to Ashong's course. I looked at him, grinning at me.

"Your future is safe and secured if you love a business man." I laughed at what he said. I just nodded and let him create whatever he wanted in his mind. Why does he like to act?

Mom didn't speak anymore because Aunt Raquel and Trixie approached the table. Followed by Dad and Calix, who immediately sat in the vacant seats.

Uncle Frank excused himself; he had a call about his business.

They were just into buying and selling in other countries. He's a retired Army man with a lot of funds in the bank. But they still needed to earn money to secure their future.

Mom sat beside me. Calix sat on my side, letting Dad and Ashong sit together. Calix smiled at me before whispering.

"Are you feeling well now?" I nodded. I was fine. I just made an excuse earlier because I knew Ashong would show up if he didn't come out of my room.

"I asked permission from Uncle Henry; he agreed."

"R-really?" I forced a smile. I couldn't name my feelings because I was having second thoughts about going with him next week. This Christmas.

However, I can't bring myself to ruin Calix's mood, so I smiled at him again.

"Mom will surely be happy. They're coming home tonight."

"Let's just surprise them, don't tell them yet," Calix said, grinning.

"You really like surprises, hm?"

I didn't answer, letting him smile at me. While others at the table had their own conversations, what caught my interest was Tita Raquel mentioning something about Ashong being related to the Falcon group in Manila.

"You are a falcon, right?" she asked Ashong.

"Yes, Tita. My father is the head of the Falcon business group," Ashong replied.

"Are you related to the Falcon group in Manila?" Tita Raquel inquired.

Ashong nodded, "My father is Richard Falcon."

Tita Raquel, surprised, covered her mouth. "Oh my god, you're wealthy!"

"Not totally, Tita. We just have a good business and a museum."

"Who is your father again?"

"Richard Falcon."

Tita Raquel turned to Erpats, "Are you the son of Angelina Bernardo Falcon?"

"Yes, I am the only son of the Falcon group. My mother is Angelina Falcon, the painter."

The revelation surprised everyone, especially Erpats. Tension filled the air as they discussed the past connection between Erpats and Angelina. It seems like there's more to their history than meets the eye.

Ashton Philip Pov:

I spent the whole day contemplating the revelation about my mom and Tito Henry's past. It's hard to believe they had a relationship, especially considering Mom was here as a teenager. Tita Elena, native to Nueva Ecija, shared that Mom and Tito Henry met when Lola Perla, Winter's grandmother, visited frequently.

Tito Henry used to work for them, and Tita Elena confessed that she and Tito Henry, in their liking for each other, both wronged my mom. This led to Winter's birth, resulting in the breakdown of Mom and Tito Henry's relationship.

I understand their situation, holding no grudge as I lack the right to be upset. However, I'm unsure how Mom would react if she finds out I returned to the Villapanias land.

I sighed under a tree, feeling the December wind but unable to embrace the Christmas spirit. Something is amiss, and though I try to be fine, Mom is likely angry as I'm not at home. I tire of business discussions; our family seems complete but lacks happiness and balance.

Winter interrupted my thoughts, commenting on my apparent sulking. She suggested going home to Manila, but I preferred staying here. I found satisfaction being near her, but she didn't seem impressed.

She questioned my choice, warning me about Mom's reaction if she discovers my absence. I laughed at her informal reference to Mom as "ashong" and expressed contentment being with her.

Ignoring me, Winter descended the land, and I followed. When asked where she was going, she refused to share, leaving me captivated by her presence and realizing she had stolen my heart.

"I can't control myself. I keep losing myself just because I like her. I don't think that someone owns us anymore. All I could think of was that I wanted to kiss her.

I want to feel again how to kiss her, how soft her lips are. How is the true love that I only experienced with her.

She didn't protest when I attempted to kiss her. She let our lips touch several times. I can't name what I feel. I felt like I was floating in the air as our lips touched. She responded to my kiss, gently as if not used to it. But she excited me even more. What she did was so simple, but it tripled my feelings.

I kissed her deeply. That's the only reason why she pushed my chest to break our kisses. She was panting with her lips half open. She couldn't look at me before she stood up to run away from me.

*************

I didn't catch Winter when I got home. Aunt Elena was surprised to see me dirty. I explained to her what happened; she nodded before I asked where Winter was. She said her daughter hadn't come home yet. I frowned before excusing myself to take a quick shower.

No one was around after I showered. There was a party here last night, and I could say they had fun. They may have argued last week, but they seemed to have forgotten about it.

I headed to the resthouse expecting to find Winter there. But it was Trixie who greeted me with a curious look.

"Where have you been, Philip?" she immediately put her hand on my arm. I didn't complain as my eyes searched for the missing girl. Where is she? "I'm looking for you. Mommy and the others are leaving tomorrow."

"What?"

"They have a client to assist. They won't stay here long."

"So fast?"

"Yes. Are you going to stay here until New Year's comes?" I didn't know what to answer, especially as I focused on finding Winter. She sighed before looking away.

"Lola Perla, where is she?" That's all I asked even though I wanted to ask directly about Winter. She sighed again before answering.

"Calix picked them up. Winter is with him; they're going to visit Tita Leonore."

I furrowed my brow intensely, but I couldn't bring myself to inquire further while trying to calm down.

Trixie also offered for me to come inside. Everyone was there except Lola Perla and Winter. But I couldn't shift my attention to them. My mind was racing, wondering why Winter agreed to go with Calix.

I'm dying with jealousy. We don't have a relationship, but I feel more jealous than a boyfriend.

They decided to go back home at seven-thirty in the evening. The flower farm was closed, but I let them go first. Trixie accompanied me, but it was evident she was tired from taking care of tourists earlier.

"I'm sleepy, Philip. I can't stay here anymore," Trixie said.

"I'll take you home."

Trixie nodded. It was clear in her eyes that she was tired. I accompanied her on the way home, but I refrained from being too clingy. I was annoyed, not like before when I wanted her to say yes to being my girlfriend. But now that we are, it seems like I'm the one giving up first.

"Aren't you going to sleep?"

I shook my head while looking at Trixie. We were already in front of her house, and the wind here was colder. She hugged herself while taking deep breaths.

"Are you okay?" She seemed to notice my mood. I just nodded. "I don't know what's on your mind. It's been months since you've changed." I couldn't speak after what Trixie said.

She bowed her head. After a few seconds of silence, she looked up at me again.

"Are you sure you want us to be together?"

"Why are you asking me about that?"

"I just want to know. You know I chose you over Apollo." I couldn't immediately comment. She chose me over him? I thought Apollo stopped pursuing her because she liked me. "He decided to stop even though he helped me with my studies. Apollo is a nice guy too. But I like you more than him."

"I'm sorry." That's all I could say. "I'm sorry if I'm not in the mood today. But I'm fine; we're cool."