"You have something to pick up, Kaia. I'm leaving then ..." Serio said shyly. In shock, I grabbed his arm to restrain him. I was taken aback by my action. He was the same so I left immediately.
"Uh, next time ..."
I bit my lower lip. The truth is, that's not what I want to say. It's just, I was pressured by Sage's stare on me. I was also ashamed of what I did. I don't touch men just like that. Men sometimes misunderstood simple gestures like what I did. I don't want Serio to think like that. He's a good friend.
"I'm sorry," I added.
Seriously smiled. "It's okay. All right, I'll go first." He looked at Sage and nodded before leaving.
"Why are you here?" I asked, a bit cold. It's the way to hide the uneasiness I'm feeling. I don’t want to look stupid in front of him. I don't want to be rude, either.
"Is it Livius?" It's not that hard to figure out. It also happened once that Livius sent me to his friend. Only that it was Jonas who did it
"Here's your favorite hawaiian pizza, ma'am." Livius smiled."Thank you." I smiled, focusing on the front.A woman dropped drinks on our table. I unconsciously glanced at Sage's table. My eyes lingered there for a few seconds. Tania was talking while smiling at him. But I didn't see him smile even a bit. He wasn't even responding at all. Or he may be listening intently to the woman. She must be special, then?"Let's bring its Mama too," I said as I looked back at Livius. We started eating."Yup. I've got something ready there.""Thank you.""You're always welcome, Kaia."Livius and I left first. They never talked to Sage again. Livius just gave a signal to tell us to leave first. I only looked at Sage. He looked at me, too. But it was only quick. I heard Tania called his name. I turned around when Livius guided me to the door of the pizza house."So, are you dating yet?" Brenda inquired the night after she had eaten dinner with
I was intimidated. I nervously presented him with the menu. Why is he still stuck here in so many coffee shops?"Black coffee and clubhouse sandwich," he said in a low voice as he stared at me."Uh, okay ..." I hesitated if I should put 'sir' on the last part like how I usually address the male customers. But I just didn't do that and turned away. Arriving at the counter I immediately told Sage’s order to Rian."Are you okay, Kaia?" asked Joseph, the cashier there."Yes ..." Why, what do I look like? Do I look constipated?In recent months Sage's association with Livius has diminished. Every time he came, we didn't talk. I mean, we interact with each other on small things. But we haven't really been able to communicate properly yet. Not that I want a long interaction with him. The point is, we are not close even when he comes home. So I counted on him.There's also that unapproachable air on him. Very different from Livius."Han
"There's your handsome customer again ..." Rian said meaningfully when I came out of the locker room. I’m done with my shift for that day.I sighed when I saw Sage on one of the tables. It looks like he's really serious that he's going to pick me up all the time. Was Livius too worried about me to disturb his friend like this?But on the other hand, Sage seems okay with it. And that’s what I don’t understand. After all, he could have rejected Livius. But why didn’t he? I thought about that. Sage mentioned that they had an agreement. Maybe it's a give and take agreement. That reason seems more logical."Do you have an order?" I asked Sage.He looked up at me. Compared to yesterday, she is wearing more formal now. He's wearing a blue longsleeved shirt tucked in his black slacks. It was folded up to the elbow.His eyes went down to check his wristwatch. "It's already two. Your shift is over." He looked at me again. This time, h
That night Livius texted me. I immediately read that when it popped up on my cellphone screen.Livius:Sorry for late reply. Let go of Sage, Kaia. He is my eyes on you. I'll visit you soon. I miss you and Mom.I smiled at the last part of his text. But realizing the content of the first part, my smile faded. Let? Now that Sage knows something personal about me, I can count on him even more!I turned off the cellphone and hugged the pillow. I did not reply. I still wanted to convince Livius, just in case he wondered if I would insist. I don't want him to get the wrong idea. Why is it that all his friends are still Sage? It could be Jonas or Carson!"Good afternoon, Miss Beautiful!" Lucio introduced me as I entered the coffee shop. I caught him mopping near the counter. It's Thursday so I'm in at two o'clock. I can't smile properly. I'm just thinking that Sage will pick me up again later because I'm losing my appetite."Good afternoon too, Luc
“Mom, Rose invited me to attend her Mom and Dad’s anniversary,” I said as we had breakfast Saturday morning."If you want to go, I won't stop you. But are you going to wear anything there?""I will choose the ones that Livius bought for me ..."Mom knows Rose. So he did not hesitate to accompany me. After we had breakfast Brenda arrived. I told him about that party. So he offered to help me choose what to wear. I told her that there's no need to do that. But he insisted so I just let him."What's that! The clothes are too conservative! What does Livius think of you? Man?"All the dresses Livius and I had bought before lay on the bed. It's been months but those remained untouched. No sleeveless there. Everything is also up to knee length. For me, those are all elegant. But when it comes to Brenda's taste, she won't like it. He wants you to be a bit showy."Those are okay, Brenda. I don't need sexy dresses.""The prett
At six o'clock Rose's car arrived to pick me up. I told him that there was no need for a case, he was really insistent. Mang Kanor is the driver. I already knew him because when Rose and I went home together, they would pass me by. She smiled when I opened the door."Thank you.""Are there many guests at the party?" I asked while Mang Kanor was driving."I'm sure there are many, hija. And I think only the rich will attend.""I hope I don't stay there. I'm not rich," I smiled slightly."But you're Rose's friend so you should just go there. And then you're something there. Alas, I immediately remembered my son. It was a dream to attend the parties of the rich.""How old is your son?""Maybe he's just your age. How old are you?" he said while glancing in the rear view mirror."Nineteen ...""You're only a year apart. It's already twenty."Because of my conversation with Mang Kanor, I didn't realize that we had arrive
"Harris, this is Kaia, my best friend. Kaia, meet my cousin, Harris."An amused grin plastered on Harris' face. We shook hands. But that was only quick. The guy is handsome. That was the first thing I realized. He has a fair complexion. Her black hair is quite long with brown highlights. Overall, he looks dashing but somehow, playful."He studies in Manila and is rarely here in Lucena so you don't know him," Rose whispered to me."Nice to meet you, Kaia," Harris said.I kept raising an eyebrow. That look. He was so arrogant that it seemed as if he could tame all women."Harris," Kenneth whispered. He followed us. He was still holding a wine glass. He looked at me, one eyebrow raised. My forehead furrowed."Ken, long time no see!" Harris smirked.We barely moved away from the two men."That cousin of yours is a playboy, Rose," I whispered. "I'm sure there are many of those women in Manila so don't make the mistake of taking me t
"Harris, this is Kaia, my best friend. Kaia, meet my cousin, Harris."An amused grin plastered on Harris' face. We shook hands. But that was only quick. The guy is handsome. That was the first thing I realized. He has a fair complexion. Her black hair is quite long with brown highlights. Overall, he looks dashing but somehow, playful."He studies in Manila and is rarely here in Lucena so you don't know him," Rose whispered to me."Nice to meet you, Kaia," Harris said.I kept raising an eyebrow. That look. He was so arrogant that it seemed as if he could tame all women."Harris," Kenneth whispered. He followed us. He was still holding a wine glass. He looked at me, one eyebrow raised. My forehead furrowed."Ken, long time no see!" Harris smirked.We barely moved away from the two men."That cousin of yours is a playboy, Rose," I whispered. "I'm sure there are a lot of women in Manila so don't make the mistake of taking me there.
I almost shivered when his hand touched my waist. Every flick of his tongue was full of ardor. I was so close to his shoulder when he lifted me off the bed. Crouching in front of me like a dominant hunter ready to end his long famine, he pulled my nape aggressively as he gave me an alluvion of intoxicating kisses. A strange heat flared up in my body. His hand skillfully found the zipper of my dress and maneuvered it, while his hot kisses were traveling down to my jaw. I flinched at the caress of his hand on my back. My body was shaking and it feels like I couldn't hold on to my precious sanity any longer. My inhibitions and rationality were all thrown out of the window, leaving my mind empty. With my kind of lifestyle, I could have easily gave in to my past boyfriends who asked me for it. I’m not ready yet, that’s what I always say. But the truth is, I was searching for the man who could make me feel like this. I can’t give that to past boyfriends because I c
Holding my books, my props rather, I went in, and the chatterings were silenced.It wasn't long though, when I heard soft murmurs."Grace? So she's the one who will help Mrs. Rellis present the topic? Pero first year lang siya. Don't you think that's a bit off?" the girl on the third row whispered to her seatmate."Ah. It's a good thing I didn't continue to be absent. I wouldn't miss this," the man in the back said. His group looked at me as if I'd be pleased with their smug smiles."Yeah, bro. Grace's beautiful. I really don't know why so many are afraid of her. I mean, why would they be scared of an angel's face?"I could feel my lips almost twitching. Angel? I wonder if I'd let them see my fangs, would they still think the same?"Pabida. Isn't this an insult to us? We're in our third year and then we will be taught a first year without even taking a course?"Jealousy. One of the emotions very common among humans. Nothing new.
My eyebrows rose."In that case, why are you still here?"His lips parted a bit and gave me a critical look. He didn't speak immediately as if he knew I would be offended by what he was going to say."Tita suddenly ordered something so Cesar left on my motorbike. I will take you home.""What ?!""Yes, Chanelle."Lintik!"What is Mommy's order and all of a sudden ?!""I don't know. Cesar never said that."I sighed and rolled my eyes. Push me into the back seat. Why is it that he was not the only one ordered instead of my driver.Mommy and Daddy took a long time to get home that night. It's often like that. So every time like that, often, I deliver dinner to teresa or say to eat later. I don't even want to keep up with Euan.I rehearsed the lines of my audition piece before going to sleep. With my effort, I'm sure there's a good chance I'll get it. So the next day, I was really positive."Good luck, Ch
Of course! Why would I prioritize anything else if I knew my family was falling apart? I would have booked the earliest flight the moment I heard the news."Of course, I also don't want to ruin a special event in your life. Especially since you announced you had a big endorsement offer in the States."I sighed. Coming back to Philippines was supposed to be just a short vacation. And even before going home, I decided to accept the offer. While I was studying my film degree, I also accepted some modeling jobs and catwalks.At first, I only accepted the offer because I was bored and wanted to try. Eventually, I realized it's fun and I was actually good at it. So I started accepting offers one after another. My parents didn't have problem with it.Mommy even offered to help me land in good offers, since she was also a model before, and many acquaintances. But I declined because it seemed unfair to others who eeffort to go to go-sees. I don't want to be chosen
I was a little terrified when we looked at each other. I immediately turned to Mommy."Mom, he looks unpleasant. He's too thin, pale and has very dark eyes. He looks like the nerd and malnourished version of Dracula–""Chane!"I stopped and bit my lower lip."He's a very kind boy. He's poor and has no relatives. He has nowhere to go. Can't we help him a bit?""Then, bring him to the orphanage?"Mommy greeted me."We're not planning to adopt him, okay? We'll just help him a bit. You'll remain our only baby, Chanelle," she assured me and kissed my forehead.I pouted. I looked at the boy again and when I saw that he was also looking at me, I hid a little from Mommy. I'll remind Daddy later to double the locks on my door. Maybe later it's Dracula's slave and he's planning to suck my blood at night.With another person living in our house, it was really hard to adjust at first. I got used to just the three of us Mommy s
"What ?! You're just suddenly popping up there! What are you? Ghost?"His brow raised."How about you? Why are you standing there in the middle? You're even modeling in the car park?"This idiot!"What do you care? Mind your own business!" once turn away from him and walk away.Though, it's not long when I heard his voice again. He followed me."Where are you going, Chanelle? You've already passed your car."I closed my eyes tightly, not looking back at him."I know! I won't use that car. Froilan already has the key so how can I use it?""And what car are you in?""Cinderella's carraige?" my sarcastic answer."Very funny, Chane.""Oh, I'm glad I humored you!"A tug on the wrist stopped me. In shock I even released the clutch. I glared at Euan. If I could just blow out the fire, he would have been cooked for a long time."You're being dragged! You've been here before, ah? What the hell i
"Chane Estrella?"I smiled at the acquaintances. They were shocked that I came."Chane! You're back! When else?""Just hours ago," I replied and looked around. It's just that I couldn't find Daddy because there were other acquaintances to greet him."Hello, hija! Are you here to accompany your Daddy?"I smiled at the old woman. Family friend so I let go."Yes. Actually, my Mommy should be with her now. But something urgent came, so I'm here on her stead.""Oh! But I thought ..." she trailed off and laughed a bit.The malicious glint in her eyes told me what she's thinking. I plastic smiled and passed him. Supposedly friendly, but really just want to gossip.The whispers of the envy did not escape me, the ones who can never reach my level, so the envy just goes through the motions. I continue walking without looking at them, unbothered by whatever they're talking about behind my back.An actor greeted me. I would h
"She offered me and my father's campaign team to stay here for the campaign. She promised a comfortable place and good accommodation. Is that what you're saying?""She didn't promise anything else?" His lips stretched in doubt. The look is stinging."What else would she promise?""Like marrying me?"There was a ghost of smile on his lips."She brought you here. She won't do that just to help. It's obvious that she's pairing us."I grinned and shook, laughing. I never thought he could humor me that way.Her eyes narrowed as if wondering why I was reacting that way."Why? You're afraid to be tied up?" I taunted."So you know Mama has such a plan? You want to marry me?"This brute! Very arrogant too really. Is he thinking that every woman in the world is dying to marry him? Ridiculous."Don't worry. I'm sure your Mama has no plans to marry us. And I don't want to marry you as well."Her smile faded. For
The first courses and drinks were served. I was expecting that we'll talk about family issues that night, but since Tita Glesilda was there, if not the business then the campaign is in question."Actually, Leandra wants him to lead the campaign there in Antique this summer.""Really?" Tita Glesilda looked at me."Yes, Glesilda. She's that passionate to help her father's campaign," Mama said proudly."That's good! If so, where will she stay in Antique during that time?""We have a mansion in San Ardiente. She can stay there with the campaign staffs.""But who will take care of them there? Do you have househelps there?""Ah. Right! We haven't been there since Mama died so only the caretaker was left. But ... I think we could just send househelps ...""Oh, that's too hassle, Ramona! How about this ... I'll house them in our mansion in Vida Riqueza?"Lucius and I looked at each other. He raised an brow and smirk."Are