CHAPTER 2

STILL A BABY 

I was awaken by a knock the next day, I tried to sleep but I my mind's clouded by what happened last night. I never imagine myself being close to Ethan's uncle. 

I was torn as to why he let me stay with him when he almost throw me out of the window and want to buy me out the last time.

He spend his resources to dig up my information. Is part of the information also includes my father? Was he able to get any information about him?

I heard a knock again, that's why I rushed to open the door.

"There's no one in the house but we were instructed to bring your food. Just call us using the intercom if you need something..."

"Alright, thank you. Don't worry about me... Uhmn, can I go for a horseback riding? Is there a good place to visit?"

The housekeeper was hesitant but she opened her mouth, "There's a like with a gazebo at the south and a cottage but it's 3 hours ride from here..."

She pause and got quite, more like hesitant to continue.

"But?..." I encourage.

"It's been a while... Uhmn, yes, if you want to take a tour I'll let one of the cattlemen to drop you off."

"No need, I'll just figure the place myself..."

When I'm done with breakfast I follow the instructions of the cowboy at the barn house. It's 2 in the afternoon that's why I might be at the place within 5 PM. I was fascinated when I saw the place. It's well maintained. Seems like Lady Camila is letting her men to maintain the beauty of the lake. The Pine trees are making the place cold. I rested my back at the grass and was awaken when I felt like someone is splashing me with water. I alertly get the horse and ride going to the cabin. It's already dark but the light from the shack is guiding me towards it. The rain poured making me drench.

"Xaliah!!!" 

I heard someone calling my name from a distance.

"I'm here!!!" I put my phone in the air to inform Rhyiuz. 

"Miss Feinah!!!" I heard afterwards.

Oh my goodness! Why did Rhyiuz called me by my name when his men is with him. What if Ethan is with them too?! That crazy man!

I reach the cabin and luckily there's a place to let the horse rest.

"I'm sorry..." I pat the horse and went to the door.

Just I open the door, I saw Rhyiuz giving me a killer look.

"Who told you to come to this place?!" he's voice thundered as he close the gap between us. 

I close my eyes when I thought that he will it me but then I hold the edge of my shirt when I felt his callous hand softly caress my left cheek. I open my eyes only to be succumb by his grey orbs. They're shining by the dark.

"Fuck!..." he whispered.

I swallowed and reach his nape and did what my brain was thinking when I saw him.

Our tongue dance in motion until we were out of breath. No one wants to speak after but he step back.

"I'm sorry. Stay here, I'll get you some clothes..."

I don't know how where he pressed the light's switch but the surrounding brightens up but he disappeared going upstairs and when he comes back he handed me a white dress. From the look of it I know that it's not new and seems been on the storage for quite a while already. Good thing that there are new pairs of undergarments. 

"You can change upstairs or in the powder room near the kitchen... The rain won't stop so it's better if we'll stay for the night here..."

I didn't answer him and went to the powder room near the kitchen. I check myself in the mirror inside and felt like I don't want to go out. The dress fits well that my imperfect curves showed up.

"Only for tonight, Shasta... Try to compose yourself." I cheered myself.

I smell something from outside which makes my stomach to growl. A knock made me jolt. When I finally open the door I saw Rhyiuz in a new pair of white shirt and jogger.

"Use the slippers. Let's eat..."

I tamely went after him in the kitchen and we begin to eat in silent.

"You can use the room upstairs. I'll stay here..." he opened up before we finished eating. 

"Uhmn, I'll wash the dishes..." I offered after we finished the dessert he made. I didn't know that he knows how to prepare a meal but wasn't surprised at all.

"No, need... Go upstairs so that you can already rest."

I didn't complain anymore. "Thanks," I look down, "I'm going now, bye..." and I started to walk away but stopped when he speaks.

"I'll knock later... Just gonna get my brush and the blankets."

I nod even if he isn't in front of me. "Nnnn..."

Because I was so sleepy. I didn't wait for him to knock and get one of the fresh blanket on the bed and a pillow. I didn't find him anywhere downstairs that's why I just put the linen on the four seater wooden couch. I don't think he'll fit on the couch but I couldn't find him to offered for a switch. I'm okay sleeping here.

"Thank you Asahel, update me when you got some lead... Yes, I will talk with Devon maybe next weekend."

I was in the middle of the stairs when I heard him. His voice signifies that he's nearby.

"I already told you... I don't want Ethan or Mama to know about it, I'll figure out how to let the girl stop the stage act. There's no rush, it's just Ethan thinks that when he'll marry Feinah he'll be able to get the shares of Nathan but I won't let it happen... I know, just don't let Mama know about it. I already confronted her to double what they offered but she seems so consistent... Yeah, an ailing mother but she's young and not good for Mama... You know her, once she'll found out, I don't know how the poor girl can run away."

I swallowed a lump that's formed in my throat.

"No way, Man. Not my type and still a baby... She's a result out of infidelity... yeah, the Governor. Don't know but I think they know about her... Never... I'll see you this Wednesday. Inform Gareth  about that. Yeah, yeah. Alright! Stop your nonsense, Driego. She's not like her... Not my thing, Man. Hahaha! Yeah, see you."

I hurriedly went to the room after I heard his steps but wasn't moving for seconds I didn't know that I'm holding the door knob until Rhyiuz knocks. 

I didn't open the door out of shock. I'm feeling haywire. He knows, he really knows about him and he's right, I'm not gonna fit into his family nor to their status in the society. Should I back out from this? Should I talk with Feinah and Ethan? I can just get the money from Rhyiuz and disappear right? It's a win-win. I can surely start over and it can cover all the expenses of my mother if I will accept it.

"Xaliah?..."

I cover my mouth as my tears are flowing like a river.

I hope Rhyiuz will not involved my father with this mess. Should I beg him?

I heard his footsteps going away from the door which makes me relax a bit.

The rain is still pouring but I couldn't sleep. It's been hours but I feel like an empty canvas waiting for the artist to give some colors. I got curious to the painting of a man and a woman sitting on the familiar gazebo. They are laughing together.

"He doesn't look this happier, now..."

I was supposed to go back to the bed when I saw a drawer that's isn't fully closed. When I open it, I was surprised to see a lot of picture frames. It's Rhyiuz and a gorgeous lady. I pull the drawer and took out every piece of photos. Every picture of Rhyiuz is so different from now. I return all the things and put it properly.

I guess I have an idea who owns this room. It's them. It's her space. I felt like I intruded not only this place but also this family.

Because I can't sleep I decided to went out of the  balcony and let the rain poured on me. I felt a bit relax but when I get back inside, I felt cold. After taking a hot bath I change into a fresh pair of dress. I washed the clothes but got panick cause I remember that I left my soaked things in the powder room downstairs.

The sun is already up when I woke up. I went straight to the balcony and inhaled the fresh air. When I went down, I didn't see Rhyiuz but there's a breakfast and a note. While eating, Rhyiuz came in.

"Mama and Ethan went south, they might be here this Friday."

I didn't respond and continue eating.

"Wait for me a bit, I'll get some wild berries..."

Our eyes locked but I look down. Rhyiuz walked until he was at my back.

"I know you heard something from last night. Think about it... I won't do anything you don't want... Just get out from this..."

"Stay away from me..." I breathe sharply.

"U-huh? And what? You'll continue to pretend. What if other people will know about this? You need the money, right? I already told you that I can double what Doctor Hererra offered. Are you interested with Ethan?"

I stood up and face him. "No, please... don't do anything, Feinah is still under therapy..."

"Do want to be there at the engagement party pretending to be her? With lots of strangers? What if they'll interrogate you? Yes, you almost have the same features with her, but you're not her. It's the money that you need not to pretend to be someone."

Rhyiuz hold my chin up but I tried to look away. 

"Stop this, you're hurting yourself..."

"Give me until the engagement day. Please, don't let them know..." I whispered almost with a sound.

"How's your mother?..."

I lost myself when he pulled the last string. My tears fell down.

I saw him gritted his teeth, "Don't cry... Everything will be alright."

"Why do you want to help me?..."

He looked away and got quiet for a second, "Wait for me here. I'll just find some wild berries... It's good for dessert."

"Can I come with you?"

"Sure..."

Instead of going back to the cabin. I eat the berries that I pick while Rhyiuz is talking with a cowman.

"Wait for me at the cabin, I'll just go with the cowman to check the premises. Let's go home after."

After going back, I hang my clothes outside. I was surprised when my clothes was already washed. Rhyiuz definitely did it.

"Goodness, Xaliah Shasta!..."

I received a call from Jana.

"Shasta! Your Mom!..." she said in a panick voice.

"What happened?!"

"She..."

I didn't hear what she said cause my phone suddenly died.

I run my hands to my face out of frustration. I walk back and forth of the cabin waiting for Rhyiuz and when I saw him. I rush towards him crying.

He put down his phone when he saw me crying and wipe my tears. 

"What happened?" he calmly stated.

"My mother... Please... can I use your phone?"

He gave me his phone. When I open it I saw Amalia's smiling face, I felt a little bit sad but I brushed it off and search for the sns account Jana after logging in my own account. She accepted the message.

"Hello?..."

"Shasta, your Mom. She moves her finger!"

I inhale and exhale heavily. "You got me panicked!"

"It's your phone who suddenly turns off... Hey! you got a beau?"

Rhyiuz cleared is throat. I look at him and he signaled me that he'll go inside first.

"He's not my beau!" 

"Really? Then why the blush?"

"He's engaged Jana. I'll call you later. I'll just charge my phone."

"Wait... Are you on a vacation? You doesn't seem to be in the metro."

I bite my lips and pursed, "Uhmn, yes... Distressing..."

"Good, don't worry about us. Aunty is doing good lately since her last attack but I hope that you can come over sooner..."

"I'll try Jana. I'll try..."

"Have you heard, about the issue with regards to Feinah Hererra? She was photographed going inside a rehabilitation. She had the same hair style with you!" 

I almost put down the phone because of the revelation I heard.

"Really? I-I have to go now, Jana. Thank you for updating me."

"What happened?" Rhyiuz welcome me with a question.

"Uhmn, sorry for using your phone. My phone's dead and I couldn't find any charger. The conversation was cut off that's why I panicked."

"You saw the news about Feinah? I already send someone for the photo to be take down..."

I look at Rhyiuz.

Why is he doing this?

I told him to stay away from me but it seems like I was the one who is running after him. I hate this. 

"Don't worry, Mama and Ethan haven't seen it yet."

I close my eyes as I sit. "Thank you..."

His left eyebrow arched.

"Still want me to stay away?"

I pursed my lips. "No..." I mumble.

"What?"

"Nothing. I wanna go back to the metro tomorrow," I opened up.

"Sure... I'll let someone to accompany you."

"No need..."

He checked something on his phone before speaking again, "I'll go to the metro tomorrow afternoon."

I look at him weighing if I'll go with or just accept his first offer.