When The Star Falls

"Congratulations, Attorney Galvez." I smiled at atty.Raegan Ignacio. He's one of our contract lawyers here. "I see that you're really a highly skilled lawyer who knows how to make an evidence suppressed in court. You really amazes me."

"Thank you, attorney." I replied. He was also present in the court earlier to watch the final trial of my client. I just got my client acquitted, and by that, I had to overwork myself preparing for trials and cross examinations, motions and too much stress.

Dang, I feel so tired. I just want to go home to my son so I excused myself politely for I still have personal things to do.

When I got into my old SUV in the parking area, I immediately dialed Yana's number.

"Ciao!" she greeted lively. "So, how did the trial goes? did you won? Tell me you did!"

I smiled. "I did.."

"Gosh! You haven't lose a trial before! I'm so proud of you!"

I felt my heart flattered hearing her voice again. She's been my best friend since then. Though I'm six years older than her, we became really close because I was her tutor in political science when I was in law school.

"Thanks, how are you?" I asked. She's now in Palawan and I haven't seen her for two years because her parents prohibits her from leaving there.

"I am very fine, Celine. Aries is taking care of me, so you don't have to worry. Worry about the father of your son who doesn't have any idea that you have a child!" She laughed as if she's finding it funny. Well, it somewhat turns out like that.

We talked for some minutes while I drive my way home. We are now staying here at La Cuevas with my son, Cohen. He's in the apartment that I rented and we've been staying there for eight months already.

I decided to move here with my son because he's been bugging me about his father. I actually thought of telling him that his father's dead, but my conscience won't allow it. Now, we're here waiting for a good time to introduce them to each other.

I'm sure he's now a successfull surgeon. He's always been on the top of his class back then. He can even outstand anyone in medschool without even trying. He's just so good at everything.

I heard my phone rang again so I reached for it quickly. I saw Kyo's name on the screen. He's a college student and the only person that I trust here with my son. He takes care of Cohen when I'm not around, and I pay half of his school expenses in return. He lives alone next door from our home.

"Celine! Where are you? Something bad happened to Cohen!" I heard his voice shaking on the other line. I automatically felt shivers all around my body. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I started to panic.

"What?! hat happened to Cohen?! Kyo, what happened to my son?!" I exclaimed looking at the hanged rosary on my rearview mirror. God, I have a bad feeling about this.

"He was shot! Cohen was shot!-" I suddenly lost it. I mindlessly stepped on the break and my head hit the steering wheel.

"Ah.. shit," I felt pain all over my head. My temples are throbbing and my heart's about to explode from too much fear.

"-where here at the LCDH.. Celine? Celine what happened?!"

I heard the beeping sound of the cars behind me. Thankfully, I'm still conscious and nothing worst happened to me. Except from blood running out of my forehead, I don't care. My son was fucking shot. Oh God, Cohen!

I immediately pulled around my car and drove my way to LCDH. I prayed and prayed while driving. Lot's of possibilities went on my mind and for the stress that I've got these past few days, I feel like my mind's about to crash.

When I reached the hospital, I asked the nurse. "Is there a gun patient here? H-he's a child, and it just happened a while ago." I couldn't even recognize my trembling voice.

"Yes ma'am, you just came after him. He's now being transferred to the OR." I ran to the elevator and pressed the floor for the OR.

"Fuck, please, please baby. Hang on there, mommy's here-what the fuck is wrong with this!" I slammed the elevator's door out of frustration. My heart is pounding so loud that I could lose my mind if I won't make it there in a second.

When it opened, I saw Kyo walking back and forth, gripping his hair and shooking his head.

"Kyo!" I called him beside the ER.

"C-Celine.." He looked apologetic but I held him for a hug. He cried on my shoulder and I understand how he must be feeling. He's traumatized to witness terrible thing, but I'm in total despair because it's my son. I held his shoulder and cheek to face me.

"Look at me, Kyo." He obliged. "What did you saw?"

"T-there were two men in a motorcycle, the one on the backride shot Cohen on the shoulder.. I was.. I was shocked, I couldn't protect your son, I'm so-"

"I'll take care of it. For now, you'll need to cooperate with the police. Tell them everything and make sure you always lock your doors when you go home. I'll ask the authority for your protection so you don't have to-"

"I don't care about myself, Celine! Your son's shot right before my eyes! You should resent me!"

I inhaled deeply to prevent my tears from falling again, "Calm down, Kyo. I'll talk to the doctor-"

I stopped talking when my eyes caught someone coming out of the emergency room. Dashing in his white lab coat, gray slacks, and a stethoscope on his left hand, he looks different now. His face in general didn't really changed, but some of his features I remember back then became sharper and more manly.

His natural grumpy and serious expression is still there, as if he's ready to raise hell to anyone who'll get in his way. His body now looks better and more defined in many ways. And that.. smell.

When his eyes darted at me, I really felt that he's also taken aback with out sudden interaction after four years. He stopped walking and with creased forehead, he scanned my body from head to toe, as if he's

"Are you the guardian?" He asked me in the coldest way I could hear from him. Damn that.. voice. I couldn't believe I'm hearing him again. I couldn't believe he's talking to me!

I nodded "H-he's my son." He stilled again. I saw his adams apple moved. "How is he? Is he critical? Does he need to be operated?" I panicked.

He became more serious and distant. Seeing him like this makes my heart break into pieces. I could only recall myself with him back then. When I could still hold him, kiss him and tame his beast inside. I can only wish I really did the right decision to leave him back then. But where did my feet took me? Here. In front of him. Again.

"He'll be fine after the operation." when he said that, I sighed in relief.

"T-thank you, Lore- doc. Please save my son.." Our son. I added in my mind. He didn't payed much attention to what I've said, but he looked dangerously at Kyo, who's standing next to me as if he's some kind of a trash that needs to be disposed. What kind of stare is that?

When he shift his gaze again at me, my heart instantly reacted the same way as it does everytime he'll look at me four years ago. It's still here. The same feelings I felt for him. The same old thing I had for him. I jus hope he feels the same way too.

"For now, come with me."

I almost dropped on my bended knees when his familiar scent enveloped my nose once again as he walked pass by me. When I realized what he just said, thousands of voltages came rushing through my veins, sending unbelievable nerves in every bit of my body.

He's now walking away from me, just like what I did to him back then. But unlike him who never came to fight for me.. I followed him. After four years of wandering undistinguished spaces, it's about time for me to chase the biggest star in my sky.

---

This is the first installment for La Cuevas Series.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Content warning: This book contains strong language and explicit contents that may not be suitable for young readers. Read at your own risk.

"Mierda! Can I just skip these?! It's fucking long!" Yana exclaimed pertaining to the Philippine Constitution I made her read.

"No." I firmly said. She's a third year student taking Political Science at the University of the Philippines. She hired me as her tutor since I also need extra income.

"But I already read the Australian Constitution! Mi fa male la testa!"

"You're here in the Philippines now and that's just the fundamentals of your course." She's originally from Italy, but studied in Australia with the same course.

"What about you? You're suppose to teach me, why are you just writing there?" She's really like a child.

"I'm writing your reviewer so you won't have to read everything you need. Shut up and read what I told you to."

I'm six years older than her. I'm taking law at the UP college of Law here in Diliman just the same with her.

She frowned her beautiful face. "Non voglio." I can't even understand her.

I heaved a sigh and nodded before closing her notes. It's also about time for my part time work at the cafe. She immediately smiled "Grazie! Do you want me to drop you off?" she offered and I nodded. Of course.

"Sure, thanks."

When I arrived at the cafe, there are only a few customers, so I took my time wearing my uniform at our locker room.

"Hi Celine." Steven, my workmate greeted.

I just nodded at him and smiled before proceeding to my post.

"Hi sir, welcome to Cafétearia, may I take your order now?" I sweetly asked when a customer came to the counter. Our manager taught us to be sweet and polite to everyone and it somehow helps. Especially to male customers.

The guy stared at me for a moment and blinked several times which isn't new, so I just did what I usually do.

"May I take your order now?" I repeated. It happens a lot of times, I don't know what's so special about my face. My skin is tanned, my eyes are not that big, I have the average kind of nose and my lips isn't that good either. Are they fooling around or what?

"Oh, uh, one double espresso and iced latte." he smiled shyly.

"Do you want to add up desert, sir?" yup, strategies.

"What would you recommend?"

I faked a smile. "Cinnamon crumb cake is our best seller sir, you should try it."

He smiled excitedly, "I'll get that." Yes jerk.

When 12 o'clock came, I immediately pulled off my post and went back to the locker room to change. I informed my manager that my shift is done and ran out of the café to go home.

On my way home, I stopped at a convenience store to buy some noodles and canned beer so I could focus on my review later. Atty. Felasco sent an email to all of us regarding the schedules of the cases each day. And by that, of course, the undying and nerve wrecking recit every day. I can't attend unprepared.

When I got what I want to buy, I walked to the counter to pay but I stopped myself when the door opened and a man in his white dress shirt, folded until his elbow, and his first three button unbuttoned, I mindlessly lost my breath.

I don't like men, God, I hate them. But this man at my front has this dark and sharp aura that prevents me from breathing fine. He's taller than me, fair skin, clean cut, dark and serious eyes, pointed nose, rosy plump lips and yes, his smell. He smells mixed alcohol and mint. No wonder he looks reddish on his face down his neck--

"If you're not paying, then move." he said with a snob.

The fuck? I automatically stepped back to give him the way which I immediately regretted because duh?! why would I do that? Who does he think he is?! How could I get intimidated with this jerk?!

I held my patience and surveyed him with my dagger eyes. He bought a box of condom with a 'trust' on it so I almost chocked with my own saliva.

"C-come again, sir!" The cashier said with obvious admiration.

He smirked and whispered, "I'm almost cumming." Before he ran out of the fucking store and went inside a white mercedes.

What did he just said?! I found myself parting my lips open in shock after getting back to my senses. That.. that pervert jerk!

My classes were early dismissed after I was once called to recite. It went well, but I'm not quite satisfied.

"Are you sure you won't come?" It was Kate, my org-mate at the UP Law Student Government. They said that there's gonna be a party tonight at the Red Black Club, it's a club made exclusively for students around Manila. And she's bugging me to come after my work.

"Pass. That's the only time I could rest."

"You're always workaholic! You should try partying sometimes! And it's gonna be organized by the BOC so our tickets would be free!" UP Law Bar Operations Commison is the adjunct org of UP LSG, I know some of them but I never got close to anyone.

"Whatever. I'll think about it." I reasoned so I could get rid of the topic. I really don't have any interest in going.

Since I still have enough time before my session with Yana later, I just decided to go to The Lib were students go to study. It wasn't really a library but more like a café too, just more quiet and review friendly I guess.

When I got to my seat, I didn't waste any time and bring out my yellow papers, books, and laptop. I started digesting the cases that needs to be done this weel. There are also group digests that I need to accomplish tomorrow so my groupmates could read it early.

While I was reading, my peripheral vision caught a familiar face from the table not so far away from mine. My eyes instantly widen in shock when I realized it's that man from last night in the convenience store! He's wearing a medicine uniform now and he's also reading something from his thick medicine book. So the jerk is a med student, huh? With creased brows and serious eyes, he seem to be focused and ruthless.

I tried to find the school logo of his uniform but there's none. He's not even wearing his id. I'm certain that he's not from UP because I only saw him last night. Fuck, why am I even studying him? The fuck I care?

I shrugged and shook my head in disbelief with myself before inhaling deeply and went back on reading. But damn it, I can't. I can't fight the replay in my mind of how he snobbed me last night, and how vulgar was his words and actions. I'm sure he's about to fuck somebody that's why he looks in a hurry.

Huh, man of his kind...

"Excuse me."

"Jesus!" I held my chest when he suddenly appeared in front of me. My eyes widened again to see him up close. What? Why is he here? Did he recognize me? What does he need from me?! "Y-yes?" I asked stuttering. Fuck it.

He Placed a piece of folded paper on my table "You dropped this." He said monotonously. His voice is so low and round, it suits his figure.

My eyes went down to his arm, it looks firm and has a lot of visible veins.

"Oh.. t-thanks." I said and looked up to his face. He's expressionless and his face looks better today and his color is now normal, compared to his drunk face last night.

He didn't say a word and left me watching his back. He's holding two of his books on his left hand while his right hand is holding his black backpack hanged on his right shoulder.

When I looked at the paper on my table, it's a white notepad and not yellow which I was using, so I'm certain it's not mine.

I creased my forehead and opened it. Only to lose my breath again with what's written inside.

'You shouldn't stare at someone who wants to focus on studying. Nice eyes, though.'

I cursed countless times in my head upon reading it. What the actual fuck?! He caught me staring! He fucking knew I was examining his face! Oh my God, Celine! This is so embarrassing!

JOJISSI

"What happened? You look like you've seen a ghost." I blinked when Yana clicked her fingers in front of me.

"O-oh.. nothing. Where are we again?" I asked when I finally came back to my right mind. I was dumbfounded thinking about that rude pervert earlier. I just can't believe I embarrassed myself twice in front of him. Damn it.

"Hmp, é abbastanza. I'm tired!" She said as she closed her book.

I creased my forehead. "Huh? No way, you can't be lazy like that every time." I grabbed the book from her hand to open it again. She still wasn't familiar with the basics so she have a long way to go. And I'm her tutor so it also affects my image if she messed up.

"We can continue this tomorrow, I have a party to attend!" She said.

"Party?"

"Sí. Par-ty." She rolled her eyes.

"Where?" Is that the party that Kate's talking about?

She stopped arranging her things. "Hm.. I think it's in RB? Not sure." I knew it. "Should I drop you off?"

I just shrugged and yawned. "I'm good. Take care."

She smiled and winked at me. "Addio!"

"One japanese cake and iced americano for Raegan." I spoke on the mic to call the guy who's been staring at me for a while already.

"Thank you, Celine." He got his order. I smiled and quickly left the counter to pull-off.

I went to the locker room again to change back with my clothes. It's a white polo shirt, black skinny jeans, and white sneakers that I always wear.

I was about to leave the room when my phone rang. It was Yana.

"Yana?"

"Sheline! Hi!" Her voice is different and the background says it all. She's in a party with loud people and lots of drinks. The things I hate the most. "Can you pick me up here? I don't think I can shtill drive.. hahaha!"

I heard the loud cheering of the people on the other line. I just hope she's not doing any shits there. I glanced at my watch. It's 12:14 already.

"Okay. Wait for me there." I said and ended the call. I walked out of the locker room and told our manager that I'm done before running out of the café.

When I reached the club, lots of people welcomed me.

"Celine! Oh my gosh! I though you're not coming? And wait, why are you wearing that?" Kate appeared in front of me wearing a white tube top and black skirt paired with large hoop earrings.

It's loud inside, and has a lot of students I barely know. Only a few of them are I think from UP, the rest, I don't know. The lights were just red, and the interior is all black. If you're not used to it, you'll think you're in hell for some disco.

"I'm fetching someone. Have you seen Tatiana?"

"Oh, that gorgeous?!" she exclaimed, "Yes! I've seen her dancing earlier but I don't know where she is no-- Hey wait!" I didn't wait for her to finish her words. I walked pass her and scanned the place to find that brat.

I dialed her number again but she wasn't picking it up. Where the fuck is she?

"Hi," A stranger blocked my way "I'm Nate--"

"Excuse me." I cut him off and nudge his shoulder to walk again. I have no time for those fuckers.

When I reached the VIP couches, I finally saw Yana laying on a group of couches with the hem of her tight dress slightly raised. There were four more girls on her couch and four guys on the other. I was creasing my forehead, but my eyes widen in shock when I saw a familiar face again.

Why do I always see him?!

Even if I don't want to go near him, I need to get Yana. So I had no choice but to walk towards their table and stop in front of Yana. I immediately pulled down her dress because that man was enjoying the view.

"Yana." I called then scanned their table with my serious eyes. I pierced my eyes on each of the guys looking at me. When my eyes found him, wearing his usual white dress shirt and black slacks, holding a glass of liquor with a luxury watch, I clenched my fists.

I looked at Yana again, she's still half sleeping. I shrugged her shoulders to wake her up. "Yana I'm here, let's go."

Her brows only moved and she grunted. I exhaled harshly before looking for her purse. When I found it, I searched for her car key.

"Hi, Celine Galvez, right?" I heard a man behind me as I felt their eyes watching us.

"Yana, get up." I said firmly, ignoring the man behind me.

"She seems out of it, let me help--" I turned around to stare at him. He looks the same as my age but got intimidated easily with my dagger eyes. When his eyes went down to my clenched fists, he immediately backed off.

I saw the man again, calmly sipping on his glass while staring at me. Oh fuck those eyes. This is already embarrassing as it is, I can't stay here for to long!

I turned to Yana again with no more patience.

"Tatiana Marchessa!" I yelled her name and she instantly opened her eyes. She rubbed her eyes while yawning.

"Oh, Sheline!"

I hanged her key on my finger and tossed her purse on the couch. I held her hand to help her stand, but she almost stumble back on the couch because my support wasn't enough.

"Pull your shits together, Yana, I'm fucking tired!" I exclaimed.

She pouted and looked at me stupidly. "M-my head'sh throbbing sho bad.." she complained like a child. The hell? Is that my fault?!

I placed one of my hands on my waist and the other on my forehead. She's such a nuisance. I was just staring at her, thinking of ways on how can I get her out of here without my head hurting, when a familiar scent enveloped my nose.

He walked pass by me and went to Yana without any words. I opened my mouth to speak when he held Yana's back and the back of her thigh to carry her. Bridal style. He walked out of the couch and advanced to the exit.

When I got a grip of myself. I hurriedly grabbed Yana's purse and ran out of the table to follow them. Where does he think he's taking her?!

"You!" I can't keep up with his wide steps. When he finally went out of the club, I ran faster and pushed everyone on my way. I saw them in front of the exit.

"Where's the car?" He asked without looking at me.

"I don't know." I replied. How would I know were did this brat parked it, damn it.

He turned to me without any expression. "Use the fucking remote key."

I blinked several times before I realized what he just said. I looked at the key on my fingers and opened my mouth to speak but ought not to. I pressed the only button in the middle and we heard Yana's BMW.

He didn't say a word. He walked towards the parking and opened the front seat himself before putting Yana inside. When he closed the door, I went to him with clenched jaw.

"Don't give me that look." He said.

I creased my forehead. "The hell?"

He crossed his arms over his chest. "I told you that your eyes are beautiful, but it's accusing me of raping that girl." he said seriously. Huh, why is he so defensive?

"You--"

"Loren." He cut me off. "It's Loren."

Loren, huh? "Whatever. I hope you're aware that eye-raping a woman is considered sexual harassment. Particularly ogling! And you just touched her--"

"Woah, are you a law student?"

"Do I have to be a lawyer to remind you that ogling is rude?!"

He just shrugged and licked his lower lip. "I haven't tasted a law student before." He said out of nowhere.

"What did you just say?" I want to sound calm and serious but I am mad furious! How can he be so vulgar with a female stranger?!

"I wasn't eye-raping her. If it wasn't obvious, I was just looking after her. There were guys around the club, did you see them got to near her? She's out of her sense and she could've been bedded with some guy if I wasn't there. I know her and I don't see her as a potential bed warmer so calm down." He uncrossed her arms and put his hands inside his pockets.

He slowly walked towards me but I remain on my place. I inhaled deeply to contain my nervousness. I can't show him I'm intimidated by his presence and distance.

"And I hope you know that I can't carry her without touching her. Was she supposed to float?" She said before he coldly turned around and walked away.

JOJISSI