Mariela's POV
The moment I got inside his place, my eyes got so big like a saucer; it was so spacious and immaculate and so clean and organized. I couldn't even believe it was Archer who occupied this place since I never expected him to be this type of person. I mean, I have heard some of those handsome guys only care about their looks, but in terms of their rooms, they are unorganized.
It was a beautiful room, but I knew I couldn't stay because, by just one look, I could immediately tell the space was expensive. There is no way I could afford to live in this kind of environment; this is only for upper-middle-class individuals. I had to accept that I belonged to the lower class, and my income would never be enough, plus I needed to help my mom in any way I could.
I am the only person who can help my mother and my sister, and there is no one else, and I hope my father didn't die, or my mom won the lawsuit, but the company won, and we didn't receive even a single cent after my father's death. I know my mom was working so hard, just like me. Still, our income would never be enough to pay for the cost of the operation of my sister's illness; that is why I needed to find any job where I could earn extra money to sustain the medication of my younger sister.
Living here will cost me everything, and I don't want to disappoint Archer; and when I asked him how much is the rent, I almost gagged in front of him, I could feel the blood on my veins drain, and I needed to swallow my saliva before I could speak.
How can he rent an expensive room like this? Maybe his father is an engineer and working at the most prestigious company in the country, or his parents could be doctors, but I don't want to pry about his personal life.
"Ella, you can settle now; you can take a warm bath before you go to sleep; I have only a little supply in the fridge but don't worry, I will have it stock by tomorrow, there is fresh milk, I know you needed some milk so you could have a wonderful sleep." He said, and I never expected him to be this caring.
"Thank you, Archer," I responded as I rummaged my suitcase to look for my pajamas, and I knew wearing a nightgown with a boy roommate would never be okay, and I tried to look for my sweat pants and a loose t-shirt. It would do better even if I knew he would never find me attractive since his admirers were all beautiful and hot, had flawless skin, and looked like models in magazines. And my simple beauty will never make him like me. And why do I even bother to think such a way? When I don't even have time to date.
I know almost all the girls on campus would stop what they were doing every time Archer was around when he walked in the corridors, school grounds, and anywhere around the school, and even my fellow first-year students were so crazy about him. I know none of them would believe me if I told them he was my roommate, and how can I brag something like that when I know I need to flee from this place tomorrow since I couldn't pay him 1/4 of the rent.
I could never be proud telling anyone I became Archer's roommate for one night since it would be ridiculous. They will say to me right away I was lying to them, or they will tell me I am broke since I moved out already, or worse, they will say to me I am so stupid for letting this chance slip from my fingers.
I got inside the bathroom, and I smiled when I realized it smelled like Archer, and I can't deny he smells so good, and I couldn't stop smiling, and I know lately I couldn't even afford to smile knowing my little sister is having a hard time, and I have to be strong for her.
It feels so lovely to have a warm bath after a tiring day, and I savor the moment as I take my shower; I lather my body with my body wash with vanilla scent. And I felt refreshed after I finished taking a bath, and when I looked around, I hadn't found Archer inside our room, and I towel dry my hair, and I smiled as I realized I couldn't believe I would be sharing a room with Archer Lopez, the heartthrob of our University. And I hate to think I have to leave this beautiful room tomorrow, and I will thank Archer for letting me stay for the night, and I will forever be grateful for his hospitality.
I walked towards the balcony, and I was in awe when I saw the view before my eyes. I inhaled the night air as I looked at the port from above, and I could tell Nagazville City had an enormous harbor. It was full of the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis, and I could see several vessels anchored not so far away from the port. The city lights warmed my heart.
I got back inside Archer's room, and I still couldn't find him, and I wondered where he went. I suddenly felt a pang on my chest when I realized he could be with one of his girlfriends. I am aware I should not feel this way since I don't care whatever he does since we are not friends and most of all, I already knew his reputation, and I should not be bothered by it, and I should mind my own business, after all, I am only his roommate for the night.
And since I don't know where I will be sleeping tomorrow night, I better enjoy my stay at his place, and I couldn't stop myself from enjoying the moment as I bounced and danced on my bed like a little girl. And I was jumping when Archer came inside, and since he caught me on the act, I tried to jump again, trying to touch the ceiling.
"Are you okay? Ella?" Archer asked me with concern in his voice, and I stopped from lunging, and I got down on the floor.
"Yeah, I only get the cobwebs," I lied, and his eyes widened, and I could see the surprised look on his face.
"I hadn't seen anything before I got out." He responded, and I could feel my entire face blush.
"It is okay now; I already take care of it," I replied while I was trying my best not to look at his face because he would know I was lying.
I couldn't believe that I acted like a child, and I strode towards the fridge since I felt my face blush; how could I make myself look like a fool in front of Archer? I better watch out for my actions if I don't want Archer to think I have a mental health problem.
I couldn't believe that Archer mentioned a while ago that his refrigerator had little stock since I could find so many, from low-fat dairy foods, ready-to-eat green salad, healthy nuts, dried fruits, fresh fruits, and so many more. I shook my head as I realized he didn't need to put the additional stocks on his fridge.
I released a heavy sigh as I got back to my bed, and I suddenly felt conscious when I found him staring at me, he walked towards his cabinet, and he pulled a bath towel and clothes, and it was my turn to look at him, and I admit Archer Lopez was damn hot.
He got inside the bathroom without saying anything, and I realized I needed to study for my exam tomorrow, I hastily got up, and I got my books and pen and a sheet of paper. I was engrossed reading my book when I heard Archer open the bathroom door, and I could smell his sandalwood body wash. I smiled as I realized that it still feels surreal that we are in the same room.
"Aren't you tired from your work, Ella?" He asked, and I turned my head and looked at him. He was wearing sweat pants and a tank shirt, and I could see his toned body beneath his clothes.
"I don't have a choice, Archer; I couldn't maintain my grades if I do not study my lessons. I couldn't afford to lose my scholarship," I responded.
He walked towards the fridge, and I saw him pull out a carton of fresh milk. He grabbed a high ball glass from the cupboard, and I couldn't stop watching him as he poured milk on his glass, then he strode towards me, and I was shocked when he handed me the glass of milk.
"This is for you, Ella," He declared, and I got the glass from his hand, and I couldn't stop my pulse from racing the moment his fingers brushed with mine.
"Thank you," And that is all I could say.
"You are welcome, Ella." He responded, and I was speechless, and I could no longer concentrate on what I was studying as I was thinking how sweet he was. I wondered if he is really like this to all the girls who were linked with him, and I realized that no wonder those girls are throwing themselves at him since it would be so hard not to fall for Archer if he is this handsome and sweet.