When He Bows

chapter 1

He left me

"Catalina!" Cindy was humming while looking at what I did. I just giggled.

"Oh, why? It's so cute!"

It shook its head and hit me. "Are you crazy? You know that's very stubborn! And it's obvious that they don't like you!"

I didn't listen to my friend's knocks. At least he didn't like treating me like the man I wanted. Oh, I really love him.

Every time I see him, my heart beats differently. even from the first time I met him, his impact on me was really different.

"You know you can support me. You're my friend, right?"

I took the others and put them in the pictures album.

She rolled her eyes.

"Yes, I'm your friend that's why I'm concerned. You're in fourth year high school! That's a sign!"

"And so? Age doesn't matter! It matters on the ruler!"

I burst out laughing but it hit me.

"Crazy! If it was Tristan, maybe you would be a good match."

"I don't like him." I simply answered and ignored the rest of what he said.

Later in the afternoon I will go with dad again. I want to see him again.

I dressed in a mustard colored dress and paired it with sandals.

I also curled the lower part of my hair so I looked like a fairy.

We own a large interest here in Manila. Back then, this is where I first met the man I liked.

Since then, I can't help but take a picture of him from afar and stick it in my pictures album.

Even though he was stuck and ignoring me, I became more and more obsessed.

"Dad!"

Dad was getting ready to leave and frowned when he saw me.

"Oh! Will my unica hija come?"

"Yes! I'm getting bored here."

It messed up my hair so much that I almost fainted when it was messed up.

"Daddy!"

"My daughter is really a girl! Come on! and Mr. can make a transaction cup. Montenegro."

My heart pounded immediately.

I don't have a mother anymore, only my father raised me. My mom died in an accident when I was young. I can only see him in my pictures.

Getting out of our car, the sun's rays hit my skin.

I fixed my hair and clothes. Today. I have to say how I feel. Because I heard that he will return to their Hacienda once the transaction with his father is over.

so before he left I should have said it.

We have not only vast expanses of profit. Our family has a large garden, sugarcane and flowers. Only in the same place but on different lands.

Hacienda Condez is a rich land here in Manila. this is my dad's pet. It is said that he has been taking care of him since his mother died.

Dad has an office here. Behind his office is the quarter of our workers.

"Can I leave you here hija? I will check the fertilizers."

I smiled at dad. "Alright! I'll just go around.."

"Don't go away.."

"Yes!"

As before. I immediately went to the place where I always take pictures of him.

And I wasn't wrong.

Below the truck. He helps pav load pipes to our worker.

He's naked and sweaty!

His abs glistened with sweat. And don't you! I counted his abs!

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...and...eight!

Oh my god.. She's hot.

I couldn't wait to get my polaroid camera and take a picture of him.

I smiled while taking it until he disappeared from the camera's vision.

"Huh?"

Before I could find him, someone snapped my camera. I almost tripped because he was next to me.

He stared at me and his eyebrows met. it's like it's always angry at the world. But he's so handsome..I saw his older brother before but he had a girlfriend and this man in front of me captured my young heart

"When will you stop?"

My heart jumped when I heard his voice.

See?! That's how he affects me!

"Uhh..it's just pictures.."

He looked at something on my camera and I saw that he deleted everything.

He gave me back my camera.

"Don't do it again, kid.."

I took a deep breath when he turned around and took his t shirt.

"I love you, Ezekiel.." I said rudely.

It stopped and slowly turned towards me.

"I love you.."

It grinned and faced me again. He arched his brows mockingly. It's really stuck!

"You love Me?" he mocked.

I nodded.

The side of his lips rose.

"I don't know the word Dear..so stop.."

Then he left me. He left me..with his words..

chapter 2

child

As the day passed, Ezekiel became even more mysterious to me. Every time he stared at me while I watched him arrange the load of sugarcane, I became more and more crazy about him.

I won't give up until I get an Ezekiel Montenegro.

Even though I was young, I knew that my feelings for him could not be sustained. My friend scolded me because he said the age gap between Ezekiel and me was too big. Who cares right?

"Is that Catalena again?" Cindy's voice was shrill while looking at the collage pictures I was making of Ezekiel. I will laminate it later and give it to him. I don't know when he will return to their hacienda so every drop of time is important for me.

"Just support me Cindy!" I smiled at him. He looked at me and took another bite of his lollipop.

"Seriously Cindy? Don't use lollipops is your sign." I reprimand you here.

"Seriously Cat? Even an old toothless lollipop. At twenty-three, you feel like you're already immune."

I burst out laughing and hit him.

"That's called mature, not immune!"

"It's still the same!"

Cindy and I were walking to the cafeteria when my cellphone vibrated. Every time I passed I was greeted with a smile. I'm popular in this school. I'm the miss sweet heart and miss Southland High School. Dad is also one of the sponsors here at our school. Each room has air conditioners and each floor has its own cleaner.

Our uniform is a violet color with a thigh-length skirt. Our neckline has a tie and the top is light violet. While our left breast has the brand Southland High School. There is also a College extension in Southland, but I guess, I will study in another college.

From Tristan: I'm here at the canteen for free!

I was shaken when I read his message to me. We headed to the cafeteria and saw Tristan alone there. Wearing a big eye glasses and carrying a book.

Cindy elbowed me. "The handsome one."

"He's not my type. Zeke is what I want." I whispered to him.

It bothered me.

Like before, Tristan helped me again with our projects and assignments. He did almost everything I wanted to do. He's nice...but even if I'm nice if you don't like it, it's not really.

"Hello Cat!" Darla suddenly came to my side. I put the five books I just bought from the library here earlier. The library here sells books, especially because students need them. Dad is one of the sponsors of this school's requirements, so every year there are new books.

there is also a laboratory building. On those three floors, every room is full of computers. You will swipe your violet card on the side of its automatic door as payment and you can even use the computer for the whole day. The violet card is purchased here. even a few more people you will free here in the cafeteria as long as you have a violet card. Only a few students have it and I am one of them.

When there is class, teachers collect cell phones and other gadgets. Do not gossip here. Each year has its own school bus. Cars and bikes are not allowed, especially if you are a student, depending on whether you have a driver.

"Yes Darla?" I don't like Darla's attitude. She's a bitch. Well behaved bitch...

He hung his gucci bag carefully on his shoulder. I'm obviously jealous. I took a deep breath and picked up the khaki colored Hermes bag I had just dropped.

I heard her gasp softly. I know, I won't beat him. I live simply, not very exagge like him.

She cleared her throat. "Where's your henchman? Tired of you?"

"Cindy is not Darla's henchman. She's a childhood friend."

"What ever. Get out, you're blocking my locker. You might get left behind by the school bus."

"I don't ride the school bus. I have my own car and a driver, excuse me.."

I grinned and bit my lower lip because I knew that Darla was annoyed with me again.

I was carrying our SUV when dad called me.

"Hello dad!"

"I'm going to a meeting. Do you want to come?"

I grinned. If there was a man I loved first in this world it was papa. he is the dream of being the daddy of all children. He gives me what I want and makes me happy. And for a change, I was a good son for him.

"Really dad? Where are you having a meeting?"

"To my partner. To the Montenegrins. we'll eat at your favorite restaurant if you want, then."

"Yes yes dad! I'm going home."

"Yes hija. I will wait for you. Take care."

After arriving at the mansion, I didn't go straight to dad. I went straight to my room and searched for something nice to wear.

I pulled the peach colored dress. I took a half bath and put it on. I paired it with a white sling bag and let my long hair open.

Dad is waiting for me in the living room. He smiled when he saw me.

"My baby is really a girl.."

I frowned and hugged dad. "Papa I'm not a baby anymore."

"I know."

I was nervous during the ride until we reached the towering Tower of Montenegro. Its interior is a mix of gray and black. Before entering, a big M will open for you. It's like a brand of their clan.

My hair stood on end while looking at that brand. Black in color and intimidating just like how I was intimidated with Ezekiel.

I regretted not bringing the laminated collage pictures of Ezekiel. If I had brought it I might have given it to him now.

Dad's male secretary was with us when we entered a room. There are only numbers. My heart fluttered when I saw the first son of Montenegro, Manuel. Ezekiel frowned when our eyes met. I clung to dad's elbow when I felt my knees shaking.

I didn't know that papa will talk to the four Montenegros today!

Don Juanito with his two sons Manuel, Ezekiel and his nephew Savier Montenegro.

"Good morning Juanito. Catalena is my only daughter.." dad introduced me.

I smiled at them unable to look away from Ezekiel.

"Hello to you."

It shook hands with me. "She's so young and pretty Jerry." He said to dad.

Manuel also shook my hand and Savier stood up and grinned. Ezekiel finally stood up and I accepted his hand.

When our hands reached, everything seemed to go into slow motion. I feel like I want to paint our hands. It's a waste of time.

His fingers are big and long. Look how small my hand is.

"Hija..." dad laughed when he noticed that my grip on Ezekiel's hand lasted longer. Ezekiel took a deep breath and sat down. His cousin Savier coughed dramatically.

In my shame, I suddenly sat down and bowed.

I was just listening to their conversation. their talk is pure business nad transactions. Beaches, lands mostly in the tububa are the talk.

They shook hands after the conversation. There were smiles on their faces and I knew they had a good deal and agreement.

"That's a big asset to us too Jerry. Thank you very much." Don Juanito.

"It's a pleasure Juanito.."

I saw the three Montenegrins talking not far from the pope.

"Don't tell me you're with another girl tonight Zeke?" Savier asked with a smirk. Manuel just shook his head at them.

"What are you talking about Sav? I'm busy."

"Talk to my ass Zeke, I know you.."

Suddenly, Zeke's cell phone rang. He excused himself and went out first.

"Hmm, dad, it's just an excuse, right? I'll just take a bathroom break."

"Alright hija, I'll wait for you here."

I nodded and left that room.

I looked for Zeke and saw that he was talking to someone not far away. It was suffocating and the eyes were closed.

I hid on the side and took pictures of him. Really handsome..

I almost found his stolen shots and looked at them. I want to scream because I'm going to add something to my collections.

"What are you doing?"

I was surprised when Ezekiel was in front of me. His face looked at me coldly.

I smiled at him. Decide what I want. "I have your laminated collage pictures. I would like you to give me the case I left."

"Just quit little kid. I don't have time for this. Go inside or you'll get lost."

"True! I'll give it to you." I still try.

It closed its eyes and shook its head. "Alright, give it to me. Just stop it. just study hard and don't do your job like this. "

I was silent as it stuck to me. My eyes warmed up.

"I won't give it away!" I hissed and turned away from him. I marched back inside and almost bumped into Manuel.

I didn't look at them anymore.

"What did you do to the boy?" I heard Manuel ask. I closed the door.

chapter 3

I love him so much

I did not lose hope. If there is a chance, I still go with dad when he goes to the hacienda. Sometimes, I see Ezekiel there, sometimes not. If I see him, he only gives me two looks and then it's gone. while I tripped to look at him.

"You know Cat, Zeke is..too old for you. He's the type of matured person. Look at that." He took a magazine and laid it in front of me. We are in a cafe now.

I ordered a milk mocha and a donut. it's too early to buy what we'll wear for our prom tonight. Summer is over so I rarely see my Ezekiel at the hacienda.

I raised my eyebrows when I saw this. It's not a pictorial, it's just a stolen shot. the big name "Spotted and Dating!" lay in the magazine. Ezekiel's name and Behati who is a model.

"Oh, cat got your tongue? They look sweet oh!"

I dreamed, even though Ezekiel was serious about it while holding a wine. this same woman was kissing his neck and Zeke's hand was on the woman's thigh.

My heart ached. I drank the milk mocha and picked up the magazine.

I crushed it, tore it, shredded it and stomped on it. Cindy's mouth fell open and she almost laughed.

"I do not care! I still like Zeke! They'll break too!" I almost screamed in shock.

Cindy frowned, trying to hide her laughter. "Oh, calm down. It's not funny. Don't wait for them to break!"

"He will have many girlfriends there, he will still fall for me. when I grow old....he will kneel to me." I said confidently. Cindy just shook her head at what I said.

I can't get the pictures out of my mind. I was crying but I didn't show it to Cindy.

The boutique that we chose our gowns called. we sent my driver there.

"What a beautiful Cat!" Cindy sighed.

"Choose, dad will take care of it." I smiled while choosing. As a sixteen year old my future is big. I am also tall so if I choose this gray gown I will look like a princess. moreover if silver color looks elegant. Silver is also one of the colors of jewelry, so it's really elegant.

Ballgown is the theme of our prom. I chose the tube type and it comes with a pair of gloves.

"That's good Cat!"

I nodded, "What about you?" I will ask.

"Uh it's...the color pink!"

"Pretty!"

As women we are comforted by this kind of thing. We don't need to buy make ups because dad already hired our make up artist.

"I'm excited for later! My partner is handsome." Cindy said happily while going home.

At five in the afternoon we should be at the Southland Tower. Our prom will be held there. Before, I was just watching what was happening but now, I will experience it.

"Zeus is cute," I commented.

"Yes, and you are alone. Why didn't Tristan invite you?"

"That's stupid," I said simply while busy texting dad.

He said he was at home and waiting for me to make up with him. Cindy and I went straight to the house.

"It's obvious."

When we got home, the helpers put away what we bought and arranged it for us to wear later. Eat again and sleep to have energy for the night.

My body felt light when I woke up at three o'clock. Cindy and I woke up almost at the same time. this was not the first time he had slept here. He likes to sleep over and so do I at their house.

"Oh my! I'm excited!"

"Me too!"

We were side by side facing the vanity mirror. I was fixing my hair while she was doing minimakeup.

It's normal at my age to be excited about this. Especially when I put on my gown. I look like a princess with my glittering ball gown. My jaw is defined because of my curly hair.

"You're so beautiful Catalena!" Cindy praised. Our professional repairmen only smiled.

I couldn't help but be nervous as I went down the stairs. Papa were all smiles. My smile widened because I could see the joy in his eyes.

"My daughter is really beautiful. She is already a young woman."

"Thanks again!"

He kissed me on the forehead. He also stroked my hair.

"Hija, I'm going somewhere later. I might not be able to watch you at your prom."

I laughed at what dad said, "It's okay! I can do it by myself and my driver is there."

"Just call me..." it reminded.

"Yes dad!"

"Besides, Montenegro is one of the sponsors of your school. We're best of friends so someone will look after you just in case."

Oh shit! My heart jumps!

Does the Lord hear my complaints?

I almost hit Cindy in the car!

"Aray Catalena! You're ruining my hair!"

I looked up and fixed her hair without damaging it.

"Maybe the Montenegro Cindy is there!"

"He didn't say Ezekiel! Maybe that's his dad!"

He has a point. Well, that's up to you. I just think positive and besides, no one can ruin my night!

The outside of Southland Tower glows. The best part is that there is a watermarked pictorial first before entering!

"The pomp!" my praise

"Of course, the sponsors of our school can be fancy. The college extensions are even more impressive here."

Luxury cars are also lined up outside. the floor is red carpeted inside.

Cindy and I did a few poses before entering. Other acquaintances and classmates appeared with us.

"Tristan!" Cindy called Tristan. My lips twitched at the beauty of it. Its eye glasses are gone. He was wearing a gray tux and a gray necktie. I don't know if it's a coincidence that his necktie and my gown are the same color.

"You're so cute without eyeglasses!" I praise Cindy. Suddenly someone called Cindy and it was her partner tonight.

"See you later Cinds! Do you have a car later?"

"Yes, dad will pick me up.."

"All right!"

Zeus pulled it somewhere. I didn't even notice Zeus' serious look in my eyes. I shrugged it off and smiled at Tristan.

"You're beautiful.." it complimented.

"Where's your partner?" Instead of my question. I started walking and it followed me.

"I didn't invite anyone.."

"Huh why?"

He scratched his head and blushed. Uh. I get it!

My classmates waved at me. Their table was empty so I chose to sit there. Darla was at the other table and her eyes immediately followed me from head to toe.

I didn't stop him and looked at him. I don't care what she's wearing. I just want to enjoy the night!

Tristan sat next to me and I just let him. It's not just a night for me, but for everyone.

Many people look at me and I wave at them even though I don't know them. They smile back at me and look at me again.

I just sighed and focused. The celebration has begun and while the emcee is speaking on stage, the food and appetizers are served. alcohol will only be served to sponsors and not to us.

I only realized that I enjoyed being called my name so much.

"Catalena Moira Condez! Our Queen of the night!"

My lips parted as Zeus who was on stage smiled. the playboy of our school smirked arrogantly.

Cindy was applauded by everyone. Tristan's supporter also looked at me to take me to the stage. I heard a lot of praise and whispers.

I was given a small crown and sash as Queen of the night. so is Zeus. And it's usual that after going down the stage, the King of the night will dance with the Queen.

"You reject me.." Zeus whispered. The number of people dancing began to increase. I couldn't find Cindy.

"And so?" I said I was hungry.

"Are you really that numb?" this irritated question.

I took a deep breath and continued to search my eyes.

"I'm not numb Zeus, I just don't want to get my hopes up. Can we sit down now?"

It finally gave in and led me to my seat. My heart jumped because despite the dim light I saw Zeke! Yes, Ezekiel! He's here!

he is drinking wine seriously and next to him are some sponsors who are also watching. Does that mean he saw me on stage earlier? Oh my!

"Zeke!" I called him cheerfully. My mood is back tonight. I was not surprised by the raising of his eyebrows and looking at Zeus.

when Zeus felt that he was no longer needed he left.

"Hi Zeke!" I did it again and got closer to Zeke. It suddenly stood up and approached me. I almost fell over because of what he did unexpectedly.

"Let's go home.." He said coldly.

"Huh?" my smile disappeared.

it said goodbye to acquaintances before pulling me away. He's just wearing a white polo. It looks like he's from the office and just stopped here, but he's still handsome.

"T-Wait, I think I'll only be here for an hour.."

We were outside and someone tossed him one from a valet.

"Just tell me if you don't want to go home yet. I'll tell your dad and I'll go home..I'm fucking tired." He said coldly and touched the senses.

Shit! It's okay! As long as I can get into his car. Tang mother!

"I'm going home!" I said enthusiastically. He frowned and nodded.

"Where's my driver?" I will ask.

It made me look. "So you're sixteen?" It suddenly asked.

I nodded, "I'll be seventeen!" I said proudly.

His jaw just tightened and he opened the frontseat for me.

"Get in," he said before I moved. I just don't want this night that we're together to slip away. Because it only happened once, and I don't know if it will happen again.

"What?" This stuck to me.

"Is the one in the magazine your girlfriend?"

It looked at me several times. The look in my two eyes alternately.

"Yeah.."

I nodded without losing hope. "Do you love?"

Its eyebrows meet more.

"No.."

Oh!"

"Uh, are you hurting a child? I mean, girl in my age?"

His jaw tensed even more at my question. He was losing his temper.

"No..."

I almost celebrated.

"Hop in.." it stuck, he told me again.

"Uh, wait!" I pulled the sleeve of his polo shirt and hooked my hand on his neck. Thanks to my heels!

My lips touched his soft lips and smelled wine like mint! Shit!

My first kiss!

His eyes narrowed at what I did and his lips parted. it's just a smack!

He stroked his hair and looked at me in disbelief. I saw how he closed his eyes tightly and shook his head while I smirked and licked my lips with his saliva. I even licked it. Oh my! I'm gonna die!

"Fucking get in Catalena for god's sake!" It snorts like it's stressed from what I did.

"Yes boss!"

The door slammed as soon as I was sitting inside and it took him a long time to get out. I wanted to laugh because I saw him laughing and looking up as if the problem was big. he harshly pulled off his neck tie and unbuttoned his polo as if he was choking.

Damn! I love him so much.