Saving the Villain

Rocco wasn\'t lying when he said he rarely goes back to his apartment. It had been a month since Stella came in his place, and he only went home at least five times throughout the entire month. Sometimes, he wouldn\'t even sleep there. Instead, Rocco would just come with groceries and slipped some cash inside.

The first time he did it, Stella had to wait for him to come again to return the money. She still had a bit of her savings, which she used to find a job that could help a bit in the apartment or at least, to feed herself. But Rocco was persistent.

Perhaps it was out of pity or he was just that kind, but Rocco insisted on giving Stella some money. His excuse was that he could use Stella as his piggybank for a while. Knowing Stella, she would surely find a way to pay him back once she got back on her feet.

His kindness, somehow, put Stella at ease. Although there was a shame that was crawling under her skin with his kindness, she knew she would be forever grateful to Rocco.

And thus, the past month had been the most peaceful month Stella had had after all the dramatic turns of her life. She stayed in, making phone calls all day to set an interview for a job, clean his place, talk to the life growing within her, and make healthy dishes for her and her child. She had also managed to see an OB-GYN and was prescribed vitamins and milk for a more healthy pregnancy.

Everything was smooth-sailing, and although Rocco rarely comes, he never failed to call the phone telephone to ask about her well-being. He also never failed to tell her if ever she needed anything, she could always call him.

Just like what he was saying at the moment.

"Girl, remember! If you need anything, you have all the numbers where you can contact me. I left the list on the refrigerator — did you see it?"

Stella glanced at the kitchen where the refrigerator was. She had seen the list on it when she had gone back to the apartment after going to an interview today.

"Yes, thank you, Coco." She smiled, leaning her side against the wall as the telephone was attached to it. "You know, whoever the girl you marry is lucky."

Rocco, who was drinking his coffee to pull an all-nighter, almost spat out his coffee. "What the hell!?"

"Haha. Did that surprise you?"

"Oy, Stella. I know I\'m handsome and perfect, but you can\'t just say that out of nowhere."

"But it\'s the truth." Stella chuckled as her eyes landed on the new groceries she came home to. "You do this much for a friend. So I can\'t help but wonder what would it be like if you have a wife?"

"Rather than lucky, they\'ll probably think otherwise." Rocco, who was sitting on a swivel chair in the firm office, leaned back. "Do you think I haven\'t dated anyone? Come on, girl. This man is the most sought bachelor in our batch, but then, after dating, I get so busy and won\'t have time for them. And then they will break up with me!"

Stella listened to his complaints with a smile. "Are you crying?"

"What!? No! I already accepted that unless I become successful enough like Conrad, I will never have the time!"

"But Conrad is still single, though."

"Oh." Rocco\'s face stiffened and just by that short sound he made, Stella laughed as she could imagine his face. "Damn! That\'s right. If I become successful, I\'d be even busier."

Stella covered her lips as she laughed while he whined about not having enough time to date. He was so dramatic, he went ahead and spoke about growing older all alone.

"Don\'t worry, Coco." Stella chimed in after Rocco\'s dramatic remarks. "If one day you weren\'t able to marry a girl, you won\'t be alone. I mean…"

Stella played with the wire with her finger. "I also don\'t plan on involving myself with someone else because I want to focus on my son. But once he\'s grown into a fine young man, I will take care of you."

"You\'ll marry me?"

"No. I\'ll be your maid."

"Damn, girl. I thought for a moment you already caught feelings for me. That scared me!"

"I wish," she humored back as her expression softened. "I really wish I should\'ve just fallen in love with you back then. Maybe I\'ll be a bit happier."

Rocco gazed at the ceiling as he repeated what she said in his head.

"Right?" he smiled subtly. "Stella."

"Hmm?"

His lips stretched even wider as he thought of making her laugh. "You missed your golden opportunity. This golden boy has his pride to uphold."

"Haha!" Stella covered her lips with the back of her hand, holding her laughter. "Yes, yes. You were a golden boy. Your light blinded me and was probably the reason I couldn\'t see you back then. It was my fault for not wearing sunglasses."

"Oy!"

"Anyway, thank you, Rocco." Stella cleared her throat as she diverted their subject.

"Ah? For?"

"For not saying, \'I told you so,\'"

Rocco pressed his lips into a thin line and shrugged. Even when she didn\'t tell him what happened in the interview she went to today, he already noticed that it was bad upon sensing the tone of her voice. Hence, he didn\'t ask and simply went off to make her laugh.

"I\'ll make dinner tonight. You should come home," she said with a smile. "It would be nice to eat with someone every once in a while, right?"

His lips curled up as he glanced at the piles of documents he had to review. "I\'m bringing a ton of papers, girl."

"Don\'t worry. I can help you." His reply made her grin in satisfaction. "Don\'t forget I also graduated with flying colors."

"Haha! I\'ll be there in an hour — ah! I\'m hungry!"

She smiled. "I\'ll see you then."