This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, some places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Prologue

People label me as a whore, bitch, a monster even. But those labels won’t put me down; I know that I am strong… But I admit, I am one, but since the first day I realized that I was and am… I didn’t want it; but I have no choice but to accept the truth. The ugly truth, I should say.

I needed to study too, like a student; like you…

I hid my secret. And so far, no one knew except me.

Then I saw you, and I hated how we first met. Days came passing by, and there’s not a single day that you’re not there; to insult me and make my life miserable. Well I guess, I deserved it…

Second semester comes and you started being nice to me. I don’t know why but, I felt like I needed you also… But then, my secret spreads out and you hated me for not telling you and why I did it. More pain coming from others started to ruin my life. But what hurts most was that when you started not to care. It shattered me…

I tried to commit suicide, but… God didn’t want to take me yet, and so did Satan.

“I need you…” But the question is, do you?

[Julia]

“Please put that down. Dad will need it later.” I asked Peaches, my nanny. She smiled and did the request that I said.

I’m now eating breakfast. Bacons and egg. Moi favorites. As I eat, I checked the time. 8:00! I’m late, again.

I took my shoes on and ordered our driver to send me to school immediately. And as I arrived, my grandmother, the principal, is already giving her speech… She saw me enter though. I sighed. Later on, I’m sure, she’ll lecture me again.

“First day, late day…” She says as she grins. I again let out a big exhale as I went to fall in-line with my classmates.

“Late again are we?” Princess said to me. I looked at her insulted and rolled my eyes. “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” I said and groaned. “Late again are we!?” I said and copied her tone but with a bit British. Amp!

“It’s the first day so enjoy!” My grandma said adjourning her speech. We all went to our classrooms and introduced ourselves. I didn’t need to though, everyone already knows me. I’m f-reakingly super popular.

In the middle of the class, my phone started to vibrate. I raised my hands and asked for an excuse. The teacher let me. I immediately walked out from the room and looked who it was. It’s Mom.

“Mom?” I said.

“Come to the Empire Building, honey. We need to discuss something. Everyone’s waiting. 30 minutes, and you should be here.” My mom said and put the phone down. What’s with her today?

I put my phone down and told my teacher that I need to go and that it’s urgent. I showed my phone so that she’d believe that my mom told it. My teacher agreed. I took my stuffs and started to walk away; then a student called my name and told me to go my grandma. And so I did.

“Ma, why?” I asked immediately because I’m already rushing myself.

“Go to your Mom and tell your teacher to excuse you.” She ordered. I gave her a loud groan.

“Ma, I already did.” I replied and ran to the parking lot where my car is parked and where my driver is waiting... When I reached the parking lot, where’s the driver? And, where’s my car!!

“Mr. Paul!” I even screamed my driver’s name. No one replied because no one’s there. Arrg! I rushed to the bus stop. And it was exact that the bus is about to leave, I screamed to stop it of course. It did.

“Empire Building!” I commanded.

“But Miss, this bus is headed to the Mall.” The driver informed me.

“So? We’d pass Empire Building if you’d go there!” I said and went to look for a seat.

Time check: 20 minutes more.

Is that driver of mine dumb? I’ll fire him later! I reached the front gate of Empire building. I paid the driver. I didn’t even get my change. Why? No time.

Time check: 5 minutes. Yikes!

I ran as fast as I could. Pressed the elevator button intensely until it opened.

Running… Running… Running…

Opened the door and voila! Everyone really is here. A meeting maybe.

“A minute late!” My dad said, angry. I sighed and went to sit besides my mom.

“Okay, let’s start. I have to inform you that… Empire Building is no longer in my hands. It’s in a friend already. So, I won’t be your boss now.” He said. Wait, what? I am next in line to inherit the company. Why’d dad tell that?

“Dad.” I said.

“We’ll talk later, Julia.” He said. I just bowed my head.

“Okay! All I can say is… Thank you for your hard work! It was nice working with you!” Dad said and left the room. All of us were having hanging open mouths; well, except him and Mom.

I sat there like I was turned into stone. That can’t be right. How could dad decide on such thing? How’d we live our lives now? This company runs our life. How can we live without it? The employees started to leave, so did mom. But before she did, Mom told me that I should go talk to Dad. Mom had that disappointed expression on her face, and so did I.

[At Dad’s office]

I knocked on the door and called out for my dad.

“Come in.” Dad ordered.

“Dad…” I started a conversation.

“I know, Julia. You’re mad at me. You are next in line, but… I needed to give the company to someone else.” Dad said. No I’m not mad. I’m just terribly disappointed. Too much that I want to kill him, yet I can’t, because his my crazy dad. --__--

“Dad, I’m not mad at you. I’m disappointed at you!” I screamed.

“Julia! I needed to! I never wanted this to happen!” Dad tried to scream as loud as I did earlier.

“No one wanted this, Dad! Now tell me, how will we survive without this company? Huh, Dad?” I questioned him. I’m so disappointed at him that I even screamed and gave him a arched brows. Well who wouldn’t? I was going to be the tenth heir! But Dad bailed on me!

“Julia, I can’t explain this! But please, listen to me!” Dad said, begging me to listen. But I can’t.

“No! I hate you!” I said and pushed the door open making it creak then give a loud noise for being punched onto the wall. I stopped and sighed. I wanted to look back at my dad, yet I took my step forward and made an exit.

I left the building and went to school. I’m so mad that I even walked to go there… but I got tired so I tried to pick up a taxi. I stopped as I waited.

Still waiting for a taxi… splash!

A CAR JUST SPLASHED MUD ON ME! ARGGG! Can’t this day get any worse? I groaned. Then rain started to pour. “Aaarrggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!” I screamed. Just in time for the taxi to come and pick me up.

“Empire School, please.” I said to the driver. He looked at me upward to downward. I just sighed and went inside.

I arrived at school, haggardly. I knew that my make up already wore off; so I went to the rest room to fix myself. Fixing… Fixing… Fixing… DONE! All I need to do is to change clothes and take a bath… I was about to, but then my grandma called out to me. I knew that she’s behind me so I just sighed and turned around to look at her face to face.

“Julia Sapphire!” She got mad… why? I’m too filthy, that’s why.

‘Ma, I can explain.” I responded.

“Office! Now!” She said.

Arrg, I hate it when your family owns something, and you need to be perfect. Besides, I aint one, I’m a Imperfect human being, and no one exists like that, and one more thing… I don’t want to be perfect; I just want to be me!

“Julia, my dear, I know that bad things had been going on… But do you need to be a rebel and make filth in your clothes?” My grandma asked me; were now in her office and its freezing!

“Ma, why would I be a rebel? Okay, it’s a long story but I’m going to tell you anyways. I was getting a taxi, then, a car splashed mud on me because of the wet and dirty ground, then, it started to rain, then I got a taxi and got here to fix myself in the restroom, then you shouted my name, then you placed me here in your office---“ My grandma cut me off with arched her brows looking through me and scratched her head as if it was itchy.

“Now can I go? I still have classes to attend.” I said. She shook her head.

“No, from now on…” She sighs. “You won’t be going to study in any school. I’m sorry.” My grandma declared.

Wait what did she say? No, wait, I heard it.

“I… WHAT!” I yelled. I can’t help it! I am the top one then the second thing that I knew was that I won’t be going to school anymore. Am I dreaming? I pinched myself. Inhumane. I screamed. I guess this isn’t.

My grandma stood up from her seat and came close to me and tried to comfort me with her wonderful words. But that was nothing compare to the pain I just felt, physically and emotionally. She kept talking but I’m still out of my mind. I just turned my back on her and made an exit from her office. I went home. Walking in the rain. I didn’t care if I got sick from soaking in it; I just want to be alone even if it’s just for a while.

-=-

I got home for the past 3 hours. I can’t help but to stare at empty space. What am I supposed to do now? I just lost the company because of my freaking selfish dad. And it’s so clear that I won’t be having a good future since I aint going to school anymore… and the company’s not going to be under my control. What should I do?

I just heard my tummy grumbled. I stood up and went to my kitchen. I boiled water for me to drink coffee.

Silence joint me once again but left immediately until my phone started singing. “Dark Side by Kelly.”

It’s a call from Ivan. My dad’s assistant.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Julia! Please! Your mom! And your dad! Were at the hospital! Please! They had an accident!” Ivan informed me worriedly.

“What!” I asked him again.

“Hospital!” Ivan shrieked. I ended the call and immediately went to the hospital. I drove my motor there in a hurry.

[In the hospital]

“Where’s mom and dad!” I asked immediately to Ivan. He shook his head and apologized. I looked at him with shock. What is he apologizing about? And what the h-ell is going on?

“Ivan! What do you mean by ‘sorry’? Where’s my mom! Where’s my dad?!” I asked as tears came flowing down on my face.

“I’m sorry, Julia…but. They didn’t make it.” He said.

I shook my head because of disbelief. That’s impossible. My mom and dad are too young to die.

“No.” I murmur and sat down slowly on a bench behind me.

“Julia, I’m sorry.” Ivan apologized again. I got irritated.

“Why the h-ell are you apologizing for, Ivan! Huh!” I asked him.

“Because… I let your father to drive.” He replied. “And yet, he was drunk. I didn’t want to let him, but Mrs. Sapphire did. She told me that she can handle it herself, so I just let them.’ He continued.

I didn’t care now. They’re dead. My parents are gone. I only have my grandma this time. Tss. Is bad luck in love with me and won’t stop annoying my life? First the company, now my parents! What’s next? My life?! Arrg! I hate this!

Something keeps vibrating and it pisses me off. But I didn’t mind it until I realized that it won’t stop and it was my phone. My grandma calling…

“Ma? Ma! My parents…” I informed her as I sob but she cut me off.

“Ju -cough lia. Where are –cough you.” She asked.

“Hospital. Ma, please come here, I need you.” I said but her voice... it’s a bit of high. Something’s wrong.

My grandma kept coughing here and there. Until there was a big crash sound on the line and then I heard her sigh. Something’s wrong! I searched my Ma through my GPS. 4th street Taft Avenue. MY APARTMENT!

I stood up and pleased Ivan to drive me home. Reddish clouds. Nervousness runs into me as we drove there, where my grandma is. Were near, my apartment! Fire attacks it as Ivan parked his car my dad gave him a year ago.

“Ma!” I said.

Firemen were pulling the fire out, but it was too big and strong. I cried hard. But that won’t save my grandma, would it? I tried to get in, but Ivan and other men stopped me and told me that it’s too dangerous and risky. “But, what should I do?! I should just stand here and wait for my grandma to die?!” I asked them. Ivan answered me though. He told me that I should leave the work to the firemen and he would want me to die in there just because he let me again; like what he did to my parents. I didn’t have any choice though but to obey him. He is right.

Chapter 2

“HAZEL”

They’re dead. All dead. And now, I’m freaking am alone!

I have no future. I have nothing. And for that, I’m stuck here at an alley which is really cold and dark. It also is abandoned, I think. No one’s here except me. I waited time to dry my wet clothes on me. “Achuuu!” I sneezed. Loud.

I groaned. I think I’m going to have a cold. “Achuu!” I sneezed once more. I do have! And I freaking hate it! What can I do? I poured myself onto the rain earlier so I guess; I can only blame myself.

I sat down on the floor and sniffed. I hugged myself to make myself a bit warm and to feel relaxed a bit. No wait. What am I to relaxed with, when I’m going to feel down and hopeless? Just in a day, everything and everyone that I loved disappeared like bubbles. I’m now thinking if I can too. Can I? Maybe, I guess.

Okay, call me crazy but, I’m sorry. I want to die!

I found a rope behind a box. I stood up, hang it up in a stair made out of metal. And I strangled myself into it. But I was stopped. And to be honest, I am insulted. I wanted to die, yet someone stopped me. What on earth is wrong with this f**king universe!

“What the h-ell are you doing?” He asked me and took out the rope on my neck. I was crying already that I couldn’t help but to bow down and sob. “Calm down.” He said and took me in for a hug. And I tried to get out of it but I just can’t. I kept crying and crying until my eyes were sore, I didn’t care. I really want to die!

After minutes of sobs, I'm now at ease. Well a bit, but, still I’m thinking. On what will happen to me onto the coming days and future. Will I die? Starve to death? Will be sick and will be the reason why I will die? I don’t know. Staring at the floor is kind of boring, but it is a way for me to waste time. To waste the time rest of my life. "Achuu!" I sneezed. The hell with this! A cold?! Seriously!

"Here. Take this." Ivan told me and handed me a small bottle containing pills. I took it and drank water. I’m still staring at the bottle though. Overdose. Yup. Good thinking, Julia. I took a lot, making Ivan shriek. I didn’t care. I took about five? Or six. Yup. Wait. I feel dizzy. ‘Well who wouldn’t, stupid?’ My inner voice talked! Finally! I need advice!

‘Advice yourself!’

W H A A A A  A A A T!

"Hey Hazel! You alright? Hazel!" He screamed at me. I stared at him as I stood up. Started to take my steps but, unluckily speaking/ narrating here, my feet are failing me. My eyes too. "Sorry." I spoke, just in time for me to close my field of vision.

[Change of POV]

“IVAN”

"Sorry." She says. What the hell is she doing?!? She took almost a dozen! Is she trying to kill herself? Because if she is, she better tell me so that I'll know! Wait. She don't need to, because she is already doing it herself!

SHE FAINTED! Well that's one way how to kill your own self huh?  I hate the way she punishes herself. Is she even for real? Good thing that she’s still alive! She should thank the Father Almighty for it! But she’s doing the opposite. She’s now killing herself and she’s about to cross the red tread. Hell.

By the way, Ivan Fray’s the name and I hate people giving me shame. I was the assistant of Sir Sapphire a few days back, but unfortunately, the family turned down along with the business itself. I’m 22 years old and right now, I’m taking care of an 18 year old young lady who is so busy of trying to kill herself and getting herself out of this world. She’s no other than Julia Sapphire. The only heiress to the company I am still working in. Well, was the only heiress. But, she still has her money. Treasures and properties. She still has more. But, she knows nothing about this yet. But she will.

I took her into my room and let her sleep inside. What is she going to do now? She got no company, no school, no family, meaning no future. But I just can't let her die. I stared. Her face, she seems nice but, the truth is that I still can see her pain. I feel sorry for her. But why do I feel like I’m responsible for all of this? Not all but, the part when Sir and Madame went for a drive. 'Ivan, shut the hell up because it’s not your fault!' My, my, my. Subconscious is being crazy again. Stay inside my buddy-adviser, I’ll need you next time. But not yet now.

I shook my head and stood up, went to the kitchen and made myself a coffee. Geez, this is frustrating. I sighed and headed to the sofa. And so, there I slept.

Morning came and the sunrays are attacking the darkness out of my room. I gently opened my eyes and inhaled the fresh air. Another day, another life. I warmed-up and went to take a bath. After preparing myself for work, I found Hazel still sleeping in my room. I need to wake her up now. And so I did.

"Peaches, later..." She mumbles. Peaches? Uhm. Peaches? W A I T   A   M I N U T E! Peaches? Her maid! I am not her maid! How dare she! I poked her cheeks making her snuggle the pillows more. -_______- Seriously? I poked her more then she groaned and instantly shouted.

 "Murderer!"

First her maid. Now a murderer, what next!

I smiled at her and she looked so shocked to see me. I stood up and went outside that room and went in another for a bathe.

Lalalala. Cleaning myself. Going to smell good. Cleaning myse---

[DIE YOUNG by Ke$ha]

"I hear you heartbeat to the beat of the drums,
Oh what a shame that you came here with someone."

Someone sang. HAZEL! I heard water flowing from my sink and a still singing Hazel. Shit! I slowly peeked and I saw her, standing so innocent in front of my sink and mirror. I’m sure that I have my wide eyes on but, Hazel’s eyes are bigger when it saw me.

"What the--" She mumbles, "Aaaaah!" Geez, she screamed and a loud one that surely almost broke the hell of my eardrums.

"Get. The. Hell. Out." I yelled. Good thing that the shower curtain is not transparent or else I’m dead. "Oh my--- goodness gracious!” She says and ran to the door and shut it in a noisy bang. Better!

I continued taking my bath and yeah, I sang again. But now the real ones. When I was done, I took my towel and wrapped it around me. I went out and I found Hazel standing right beside the doorframe and instantly went in. I sighed and grabbed her hand immediately. "I’m sorry." I said. Yeah, I feel bad for screaming at her.

"Yeah, you're sorry for not locking the door and for being stupid. I get it, yeah." She responded. Wait what did she say? "Wha--" She cut me off with (a) a sneaky smile (b)closed the door and shut it right in front of me. I went to my room when I heard my room door open. “Uhm, Ivan. I don’t have any clothes to wear.” I turned around and faced her and, “HEY!” I said an instantly turned around. Hazel Sapphire, in my room, wearing only a towel to cover up her body. Sh*t. I tightened my grip to my towel and shrugged every thinking of mine off t nowhere.

“Will you please get out first? I’ll take that care of right away as soon as I’ll get mine on!”I responded, letting her face my back. I heard her grunt and shut the door again in a loud bang. I sighed in relief. This is harder than I thought.

After a few minutes, I gave her polo of mine for her to use. Well, sorry. I don’t have any women wardrobes in my cabinets. And then we both ate our meals.

"So, what's your plan now that you know... you’re the last Sapphire." I said. She just stared at me and said, "I don’t know. I guess follow them. Maybe I’ll be going later, so, yeah, thank you for the service." She says. I groaned. Why. Does. She. Want. To. Die! It's a great world for Christ's sake!

“You know what? You still have a lot to know.” I said and took a sip of the coffee.

“Like what?” She stared at me.

“Your things.” I said simply. And I get a small chuckle in return. What is there to be laughed about now? “My things? They’re all gone now Ivan. You know what happened, right?” She said as her eyes turns watery, again. Oh sh*t. I immediately stood up and went near her to hand a handkerchief. But she wiped those tear away with my help anyways as I sat down to level down to her.

“What are you crying about, Hazel?” I asked her and she shook her head. I sighed. How could I understand a younger human being now when she’s four years younger than me?

“No. Nothing…” She replied.

“If it’s really nothing, then why are you crying?” I interrogated and she curved her brows at me. “Why are you so concerned? My dad is now dead. There’s nothing to give to you in return!” She replied with a shout. Temper, Ivan. She’s just a kid.

“Do I look like someone who needs money?” I asked her and she put out a pout.

We both continued eating when I felt my phone buzz. It’s Charm. And she’s calling.

“Yes?” I asked.

“Babe! I’m outside your condo!” WHAT! She’s absurd! It’s just seven in the morning. What could she come here for?

Charm Victoria. She’s my new boss, who was my college batch mate who’ll do anything just to get what she wanted. Example? Me. How can I say? She’s so desperate; she bought the Empire Building just to have me work for her. She could just ask me to. She’s 21 years old and she… how can I say this? No. Never mind.

I looked at Hazel and she’s eating her food silently but still, with poise. Why is she so gorgeous in that kind of age! Wait. Did I just say that? Oh well, it’s the truth anyways.

“Excuse me.” I uttered and Hazel didn’t bother to reply. She just kept on eating and eating as I went to my door to see if Charm really is there. I opened it and yeah, there she is. (A) Wearing a black leather jacket, (b) A white skater skirt, (c) And her black high heels.

“Charm, what are yo---AMP!” I pushed her away from her lip’s touch. She just placed her lips against mine, and come to think f it; I have a kid inside my condo unit! Charm kept on trying and kept on handling my face closer to hers. “CHARM!” I stated with anger and for that, she stopped and looked at me with arched brows.

“Did you forget? Today’s Tuesday, Ivan.” She said. To hell with that Tuesday when we do it almost every day! “Charm, I have a guest. So will you?” I said and she started to look around. She looked at my bedroom in a hurry.  Stupid. Like I’d cheat on her. She came out with a curious look. “You’re looking for her? Kitchen.” I said. And she rolled her eyes at me as she made her steps towards my kitchen. I just stared at her from my position and she looked at Julia head to toe like Julia is some sort of trash. This is no good.