The Girl Who Feared Love

"No mom, that is not happening, there's no way in heaven's name that I will get married to Alicia Machado, it is a no" Rowan thundered walking down the stairs angrily skipping some.

"Oh really, Alicia is the best woman who suits you, she is in the same caliber as you even though we are richer than they are," Martha Rowan's mom said, following her son into the spacious sitting room painted in a golden color.

"Best woman you say, I can't believe you are saying this. You and I know what kind of woman Alicia is, and I'm no Hosea that will get married to Gomez" Rowan said, sitting in the master chair.

Martha felt frustrated thinking of a better way to convince her so "that is a wrong thing to say about someone, she is just in her prime, and probably she wants to enjoy it to the fullest"

Rowan scoffs "by going wild and uncultured, really mom, I seriously can't believe you are saying this right now so you prefer to sell me out to Alicia because of caliber"

"Stop being dramatic okay, you know Alicia loves you, so I don't know what you are saying" Martha said.

"I am the one getting married to her, not your mom, it will be a life commitment with her, and I'm not ready to gamble it on anything, not even for you" Rowan said, looking out the window to check if the driver is ready.

"She will change" Martha said in a patronizing tone.

"That is just an illusion, no one has the power to change anyone except God and if for anything. Alicia is not the answer to my prayer for a good wife" Rowan said, pacing up and down.

"Jeez! What's this noise all about? It is too early to be on each other's throat" Abby rubbed her eyes sleepily as she walked into the large sitting room still in her pink nightwear.

"Mom is proposing that I marry Alicia Macha..." Rowan was saying.

"Alicia Macha... What?" Abby screamed cutting him off.

Rowan shrugged at his sister's reaction, even her sister wouldn't advise him to get married to someone like that. What was their mother thinking. If for money, they had more than enough.

He wouldn't miss this life opportunity to choose a wife for himself without anyone's help. Why rush into a marriage that is bound to crumble when you can make the right choice from the start.

"I've had enough of this conversation. I'm not getting married to Alicia, and that's final. If you want a daughter-in-law that much then I will introduce you to one" Rowan said, dismissing the topic.

"You don't even have a girlfriend, not to talk of introducing a daughter-in-law to me. Are you going to hire someone to be your girlfriend and then daughter-in-law" Martha replied with a horror look on her face.

What if they woke up one day, and they had to escape with their life savings. Sold the house and everything in it. Martha thought dryly.

"Mom, you are thinking too far, this is no movie. I will find my rib by myself. One who fits in perfectly" Rowan headed towards the door after biding his family goodbye even though his mother had given him a disapproving look.

"Mom, how could you suggest such a terrible idea to him, have you not seen how Alicia flies from one man to another just like a mosquito sucking it prey's blood with no mercy? I thought mothers are supposed to have the best interest of their children at heart and not the other way around" Abby said in a disappointing tone before heading to her room to prepare for work.

"Whatever, that rib of your rib won't put food on your table. We have to be practical here" Martha said to no one in particular.

What in heaven's name was his mother thinking of, have him marry Alicia, who has no iota of any good in her. Not even in his life.

Alicia was becoming too handful these days, and he tried his best to avoid her.

Rowan got off the car as his driver packed into the company's parking lot designed for him alone.

Thank God it was Friday and not Monday and there's nothing much to do on days like this.

He stepped into the company, everyone glued to their computer busy deciphering one code or building one. Megatech has been known for it popularity and technical know how in the coding world.

Heads turned to greet him as he walked towards the elevator for his office.

His staff often wondered how one can be godly and yet threatening at the same time. What endeared him most to people, especially the women, was his simple lifestyle. He doesn't have to dress heavily before he can be recognized. He has the face of a heroic savior, which makes the women drool over him.

Opening the door of his office, he met Davis, his best friend, sitting on the sofa with a cup of coffee at hand.

"Today can't be any better" Rowan thought, running his fingers through his hair.

"You came late today" Davis noted.

Who is he to complain about his lateness, this is his office, not his.

"Don't mind me, just one of my mom's tantrums " Rowan said, sitting on his chair which has an inscription of CEO at the table connected to it.

"It's been long I saw her. So what's up with her" Davis said, sipping his coffee.

"She suggested I get married to Alicia Machado" Rowan said, arranging the files on his table, trying to create space for today's work.

"You are joking, right?" Davis said with his coffee cup hang in his mouth.

"Does it look like something I would joke with" Rowan replied in irritation.

"And what's your response" David asked, staring at Rowan, trying so hard to suppress the laughter building up in him.

"Are you being serious right now, even a sane man will refuse that offer straight up" Rowan squeezed a paper and threw it at his friend's face.

"You are being dramatic, anyone will fall for it as long as the money is involved," Davis said, grinning.

"Certainly, not me, bro. Why are you here, by the way?" Rowan asked, connecting his computer to the Wi-Fi.

"Nothing much, just feel like seeing you" Davis said, downing the remaining coffee.

"You and I know that you don't just drop from the sky. So tell me what is it already" Rowan said, his eyes fixed on his computer.

"Let's go clubbing this night, it's Friday, and it won't be nice to waste away such a beautiful day as this. Everything about today is just perfect" Davis said in a cozy tone.

"You know what my answer is already, why bother to come all the way here when you can ask with a phone call" Rowan said staring at his friend.

"Don't give me that look. You and I know that you wouldn't agree" Davis said, standing up to take his leave.

"Your presence won't make me change either" Rowan said, dismissing him.

Isadora Nightshade sat down with her friend at the school cafeteria discussing how their graduation which is in two weeks time will be.

Isadora felt Allan her friend was being overdramatic over nothing but it worth it.

"Can't believe I will be graduating from this four walls of this school just in two weeks time" Allan said with so much joy.

"You aren't the first nor the last person to graduate, what's the fuss about" Mia dug into her meat pie as if the graduation was none of her business.

If not that Isa has been her friend right from day one, she would have questioned why she said that. But being the person she was, there's nothing else she could do to help.

"The point is not all the people we started with have the opportunity to graduate just like us, some died, some in the hospital and some couldn't further their education because of money. Isn't that something to be grateful for" Allan said while counting her blessings.

"They shouldn't have started what they can't finish then" Isa shrugged.

"Seriously, that, by the way. What are your plans for graduation?" Allan asked, staring at her friend who had her eyes locked up on her phone screen.

"No plans, just have to attend the damn party and go back home" Isa said as a matter of fact.

"Is he coming?" Allan asked with a low voice.

Isa felt her chest tightening at the mention of his, "he has no reason to be here" she answered coldly.

"Why don't you ask him over? I mean, it's your big day" Allan pushed further.

"It is none of his business". Every word she spoke comes out with strong feelings.

No, he's not significant, and her life doesn't evolve or concerns him. He doesn't deserve it. She wished he could suffer until eternity for what he made her go through as a child.

Feeling the swift change in her mood "is everything alright" Allan asked

"Yeah I'm fine"

If there's anyone who has been secretive all their lives without giving anything away then that is Isa. She keeps to herself like a close world. Not giving a chance for anyone to come in because they do not deserve it.

"Isa" Allan called out worriedly.

"Yeah" looking at her friend's face, "no I'm fine, like seriously" she said, swallowing the tumult in her chest.

"So are there any special plans for graduation" Isa asked, knowing fully well how prepared Allan was.

Even if she had no preparations, her parents would have made a list of what to do on that day for her. Thinking of how she became friends with someone like Allan. She's the only genuine person she has come in contact with aside her Aunt's family.

She wondered how someone can be at peace with everyone and herself. Said it has to do with the Father in heaven.

Ironic. How could she trust someone she hasn't seen before? Stupid. When those that you see physically betrayed the trust you had in them, it's just a matter of time before that Father in heaven shove her aside.

"Yeah, mom has it all planned out. You know how dramatic she could be at times. This is supposed to be a surprise, but...she bought the same clothes for you and me. She wanted us to dress differently and stand out in the crowd" Allan said.

They stood up from their sit, walking towards the cafeteria to make payments for their food.

"I trust her" Isa smiled, remembering how lovey-dovey Allan mom is "at least I have the dress issue solved, and I can think of other things"

"So much for being you. Let's visit the cinema on the weekend" Allan suggested.

"Hmmm I have places to go. Sorry I won't be available" Isa said.

"You are always turning down outdoor activities these days, sure you are okay" Allan asked concern about her friend.

She knew Isa isn't the type to rely on anyone, regardless of what she's going through.

"Yeah I'm fine, there's this place I have to be" Isa said, providing less information.

"Okay then, see you later" Allan bid her friend goodbye.

Isa knew Allan was one of the blessings she can count, she's been more than what a sister could be to her, and she's forever grateful for that. It amazes her how someone as rich as Allan would find peace in being her friend.

She knew she hasn't been the best friend to her, and the guilt keep hitting her. It has been doing a great job avoiding her these days. She would rather not show a sign of weakness to anyone.

These days she felt suffocated. Empty. Drained. Joyless. But she believed it will soon be over.

It's her graduation in a few weeks time. She's supposed to be happy and cheerful like the others, but all she feels was the weariness within. Nothing she could place her hand on for being the cause of her feelings.

She hailed down a cab to take her home. She needs to get home before she gets suffocated out of her on the street.

Hey you are back" Aunt Linda said coming out of the kitchen with an apron on her and a pot of soup in her hands.

"Yes Aunt, I see you have put a lot of energy to prepare this, just sit down here, and I will take it up from here" Mia said pulling out one of the dinning chair for her Aunt to sit.

Refusing to sit "common I can still do this, you just go to your room, take a shower and come downstairs for dinner" she instructed going back to the kitchen to get the plates.

"Okay Aunt I will be back in a minute" Taking her blue bag from the dinning table, she head upstairs.

Getting to her room, Mia groaned over the mess she had created in the morning being in a rush to get to school early, she is blamed Sandy for putting her in a rush now she has to clean up the room before any other things. She packed her clothes into the wardrobe and her shoe into the shoe rack, after arranging things for what seems like an eternity she took a last look around the room, feeling satisfied with the new look she went into the shower.

"We are waiting for you Mia, please be fast" Collins called from outside, feeling impatient for having to wait for one another before they all start eating, and he hates such rule.

"Give me some minutes please" Mia answered from the bathroom with a smile on her face, knowing how impatient her cousin is when it comes to food.

She was tempted to make him wait for a while but her stomach disagrees with her with a loud rumble.

She walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her head, having your body soaked with water from head to toe after a long day was the best thing ever because it makes you feel relaxed and clean. Putting on a short gown of rainbow color, she pulled her hair into a ponytail before heading downstairs for dinner.

"Thought you wouldn't come down for the rest of the year" Collins said, showing his displease.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting" Mia muttered an apology before sitting next to her Aunt.

"Mom can we eat now before it gets cold since our awaiting princess is here" Collins said, taking a plate from the table to serve himself without waiting for his mom reply?

"You can't survive a day without eating" his mom said teasing him.

"Mom please, a man has to feed his belly so he can think well" Collins said in defense.

"I don't think that is the case," Mia disagree putting pancakes on her plate "if your thinking should come from eating then you have to eat more because your thinking level is actually not high enough" Mia said with a straight face trying hard not to laugh with the expression on Collin's face.

"Mom did you hear her, Mia needs to respect me as her senior. How could she say that to me" Collins said pointing to her face?

"You are just five months other than me dude, so you should stop preaching about respect" Mia said sticking out her tongue at him.

"You guys have to stop being at each other's neck, start behaving like the grown-ups you are and remember table manners" Aunt Linda cautioned them.

"Mom!!!" Both chorused at the same time.

"Not a single word from the two of you" Aunt Linda said pointing her finger at them.

Watching her family eat with such ease bring her the peace she needs the most.

Saturdays are for hangout with his friends, but Rowan have a lot to do before Monday. Getting into his Tesla model X. He gave his driver the description of where he's going while they zoomed off.

The driver parked car into the packing lot, Rowan stepped out of the car walking towards the front desk to get the stuff he had ordered for while coming on his way here, but something else caught his attention.

"Stay still, you have a red dot on you," Rowan said, using his round neck black cardigan to cover her from the back with his chin resting on her shoulder.

Isa felt the presence of someone behind her but thought it was someone else walking into the line, only for her body to be covered in his embrace. And what was he saying about a red dot?

"Please tell me you are joking," Isa asked the stranger, who still had his hands around her, without turning to look at him because she would die of embarrassment.

"No, and I've never been this serious all my life," Rowan said, feeling better than he was when he drove in earlier, as if this was a medicine to him.

Isa had wondered why some people were staring at her, and to think that they were admiring her dress, feeling so wronged. The least they could do for her was to tell her about it and not stare. What kind of human being were they?

No wonder she had skipped her breakfast this morning, and she wasn't feeling hungry at the moment. She must have failed to notice the date.

"Thank you. I sincerely appreciate your kind gesture," Isa said, trying to get out of his embrace since the so-called stranger wouldn't let her go after helping her; he had been drawing attention to them, with people pointing at them, especially the ladies.

"Seems you need someone to take care of you, since you can't do that yourself," Rowan said, letting Isa go while she turned towards him.

Rowan was blinded by her beauty, and a wow escaped through his mouth, staring at her face without saying anything.

Isa felt uneasy and asked, "Is there something on my face?"

"Yeah, there is, but before that, let's get you changed," Rowan said, taking her by the hand and leading her towards his car.

The sound of getting changed made Isa cringe. How could he be so shameless about it? She wished the ground could swallow her. She regretted not wearing a black dress instead.

Rowan order his driver to take them Abby Ladies wear, owned by her sister, so she could change after getting a pad from the store, which he paid for even though Isa disagreed. Isa closed her eyes, enjoying the treat from the car. She's not the type to feel like the world should crumble when having her period. She wished she hadn't gone out today, which could have saved her from this embarrassment and also the stranger who thought it was his duty to look after her. What an irony!

Taking a proper look at the stranger, who hasn't offered her his name, she realized he looked hot and handsome, just like the ones Allan would go crazy about. He doesn't look like the serious type from his look, more boyish than manly, with a dangerous at the same time. What a personality!

"A penny for your thoughts." Rowan said pretending to be engrossed in the technology magazine in his hand.

Isa forced a smile in response, returning her gaze to the road, wondering how long it would take to get to his so-called store. He deliberately gave her the time to check him out, being one of his tactics to win them over to himself, but with her, he felt no rush for anything.

His driver drove into the store, stepped out of the car to open the other door for her. Isa bowed her head in thanks, putting his hands around her tiny waist, Rowan led them into the store. Isa didn't resist because he was the least of her worries right now; she followed him like a lamb being led to its death.

"Good day, sir," the cashier greeted, smiling. Waving at them in response, he asked them to get Isa whatever she requested for. While looking around the store, Isa felt everything in it was way out of her reach. She couldn't even afford to get a dress here with her whole year's salary without being admitted to the hospital with them putting the label "suffering from out of money" on her head.

Isa followed them into the dressing room where she got new pants, a pair of jeans skirt with a white blouse, and a place to shower and get dressed properly. She was more than grateful to this stranger. She was told not to worry about her gown or the cardigan.

Rowan sat down in the waiting room while going through some files sent to him by his assistant. Aside from his business life, nothing about him was serious. Business was the only thing to be taken seriously, according to him. The cashier took Isa to the waiting room while she went back to her post.

"Hey, look at you!" Rowan said, standing up from where he was sitting. Pulling Isa into his arms, he bent over to smell her, and she did smell good. Isa was shocked at his behavior, not knowing how to react immediately. But, one thing is certain, this person is being overbearing.

"Can we go now?" she asked when he let go of her.

"Do you feel better now? Or should I massage your stomach for you, just like the way it is done in the movies?" Rowan asked, concerned.

Heavenly Father! Isa counted to five before she responded. "None of the two, I just wanted to go home," Isa said.

"Okay, I will drive you home," Rowan said, taking her hands.

"No thanks," Isa withdrew her hand. "I'm truly grateful for helping me out today, more than grateful, but I can go home on my own," she said dismissively.

"I don't think you can," Rowan shrugged. "You need someone to take care of you. What happened today was because you couldn't take proper care of yourself, and I'm available to fill that gap," Rowan said, grinning as if he has done the universe the best thing ever.

What was he doing? He asked no one but himself. He has never felt attracted to a woman this way. And what was he thinking, having his hand all over her as if he owns her.

He caressed his temple, trying to suppress his feelings. This is out of it.