Prove yourself

Saying that he chuckled and went back to his room. I just shake my head, pressing my lips together.

Lola Nanding turned to me, checking my expression. “I’m sorry, please get used to my grandson. He’s a bit flirty.”

"It's okay, grandma. I’m used to dealing with boys like him."

Lola Nanding laughed at that.

"Good morning, grandma." Phoenix returned now fully clothed and he sat down next to me.

"Good morning grandson." Lola Nanding greeted back to him.

Phoenix then turned to me, "Goodmorning, Ms. Sereia."

"Morning," I answer sparingly.

"All right let's eat." Lola Nanding announced. Our breakfast consisted of hotdogs and eggs and we ate in silence, with Lola Nanding asking a few questions about my mother.

"By the way, how many days are you going to stay here, Sereia?" Lola Nanding asked.

I quickly swallowed the food in my mouth, drank water, and gulped. "About a week, maybe. Is it okay with you?"

She nodded, glancing at Phoenix. "Of course! Phoenix told me about it and I’m very happy. At least the mansion would be lively."

I smiled at that. She really welcomed me warmly, and she’s also open to the fact I have to stay here. I really feel welcomed.

True to her words, my mom appeared in the afternoon. "Grandma Nanding!" My mom yelled and hugged Lola Nanding.

"Gabriela!" Lola Nanding yelled back, beaming at her widely.

Both Phoenix and I stared at them with him looking at them with his eyebrows furrowed, also confused like me.

Lola Nanding faced Phoenix and introduced him to mom, "Phoenix, this is your Aunt Gabriela. She’s Grandpa Alfredo's daughter."

I blinked at that. Grandpa Alfredo? Does Raziel already know my grandfather?

"Hello, Aunt Gabriela,” Phoenix smiled to mom, and mom looked at him up and down, her eyes widening before exclaiming happily, “

“Ah, Phoenix? You’ve grown into a handsome man!”

She then embraced him into a hug too and I cringed at that. Psh, sure he’s handsome but he has ugly manners.

"Thank you, Aunt. But I think I’m not that handsome, right Sereia?” He said, staring at me.

I just cringed my nose in disgust at him and he chuckled at my expression.

Mom noticed me and smirked, “Looks like you two are already close.” She commented. “That’s good.”

“How many girlfriends do you have, Phoenix?” Mom asked.

“None, for now, Aunt,” Phoenix replied.

Mom gasped at that, “Oh, then what was that news I heard about? Were you just recently linked to a famous celebrity?”

Grandma Nanding chuckled. "Oh, that’s some fake news. You know how the media says about him. That’s why he stayed here to destress, he’s only all about work.”

Mom nodded at that, “He’s similar to Sereia then. Working day and night and not even going to clubs or with friends. Oh, what happened to young ones now? All you do is work.”

I gave mom a look, signaling for her to stop oversharing. Gosh, I should have expected this to happen. I should have warned mom beforehand.

Lola Nanding then saw my mom’s suitcases and she ushered her to sit down on the sofa. "Maybe you're too tired from the trip, Gabriela.  Do you want coffee? Or eat lunch?”

Mom pursed her lips, deciding on what to do. “I think I want to eat lunch. I’m starving.”

Lola Nanding nodded and she motioned us to go to the dining table.

Lola Nanding sat beside mom while me and Phoenix sat across from them.

Mommy looked at us and she clapped her hands at the sight, "You know, you two look good together.”

Wow, mom is really acting weird today. Why is she shipping me with this rich billionaire beside me?

I sent her a glare, but she brushed it aside and looked at Lola Nanding as if thinking and suddenly laughed. "I seem to be thinking of something, Lola Nanding."

“What is it, Gabriela?” Asked Lola Nanding and mom grabbed her hand and they left us alone.

I blinked at what just happened. Really mom? What is she thinking now? I feel nervous.

Phoenix noticed my expression and said,  "Let them go. Let's just eat, princess."

I arched an eyebrow at him, “Ew, can you please stop calling me by that name?"

"Why? It's beautiful."

I clenched my jaw. "Stop calling me that."

"It sounds beautiful though. Princess. Sereia. Combine those two you get Princess Sereia. Isn’t that a cool name?” He asked, wanting to convince me.

I thought about it. Hmm, I want to argue more but I think it really does sound beautiful. But I still hate it.

I sighed, gosh. Instead of being in the clinic now making money, I'm here trying to prove myself and negotiate. What in the world have I just entered?

One moment I was just at the clinic, then I decided to go shopping, then I met Phoenix, then I came home with the news that my land was sold. How cruel.

Mom returned with a sly grin on her face when minutes passed.  Lola Nanding was also smiling beside her.

I turned to Phoenix to ask if he had some idea what they talked about but he just shrugged.

“Rest up today, princess. It will be hell soon.” He spoke up.

I stared at him, “What do you mean by that?”

He kept quiet and finished his meal before standing up and grabbing his farmer’s hat and disappeared.

“Where is he going?” I asked Lola Nanding.

She smiled at me, “Oh, he’d probably tending some business. Don’t worry about him.”

I just nodded at that, brushing it off. When afternoon came, mom was in my room, sleeping on my bed. She said that she will go home tomorrow to take care of grandma again.

For now, she told me that she just wants to visit Lola Nanding.

Sitting by the sofa in the living room, I watched some shows as  Lola Nanding was in the kitchen doing something.

Standing up, I saw her washing the dishes and I offered, "I'll help you, Lola Nanding."

She just shook her head. "Oh, I'm alright, my dear. Just watch TV and rest up.."

I pouted, "But I want to help while I'm staying here.”

Lola Nanding paused to look at my face and sighed, washing her hands and stopping from washing the dishes.

I smiled. Guess my cuteness worked. "Then, can you help me sweep the floors?”

I nodded and grabbed the broom, doing what she requested. While doing so,

I can't help but think of Phoenix... I glanced at Lola Nanding, will it hurt if I ask her?

"Grandma Nanding, can I ask a question?” I ask.

"Of course my dear, what's that?" She said, glancing at me.

I breathed deeply and asked, "How old is Raziel?"

Lola Nanding paused, "Hmmm ... I can't remember. It's like 28? It's better if you just ask him, grandson ... I'm sorry, I'll forget."

"It's okay," I said. I continued sweeping but I couldn't concentrate, wanting to ask more.  I sighed. Damn this curiosity I have. "Grandma Nanding?"

"Yes?"

"Did he…have any other reason why he decided to stay here for now?" I asked again. “He’s rich. He can have anything in the city. Why did he suddenly run away from there?” I know I’m prying a bit but I can’t help it.

I know that he said he wanted to live a peaceful life here, away from the media but something inside me tells me that there is something more than that.

Lola Nanding kept quiet. I wanted to ask more but it seems that Lola Nanding is not in the mood to answer again. Is this...supposed to be a secret? Does Phoenix hide something from the media? I guess I should ask him that myself.

I should just keep my mouth shut then ... "Thank you for answering, Lola Nanding." And with that, I continued doing my work.

I glanced at the clock. It’s still three in the afternoon. The sun is still bright outside. What should I do after this?

Minutes later, I heard someone calling my name. "Sereia?"

"Yes?" I answered and looked up.

I saw Phoenix standing by the door. “Oh, you’re back already,” I commented.

He then nodded, “I’m going somewhere again. Want to come with me?”

I cocked my head to the side, curious. “Where is it?”

“To my farm. ” He answered. "Didn’t you say you’ll prove yourself? I think this is the right time to start.”

My eyes widened at that. Oh, it's starting now.

"Okay. I'll just get ready." Standing up, I took a shower and put on my yellow summer dress, with a hat and my black shades on. I sprayed my Chanel perfume all over me to complete the look.

I applied tons of sunblock on my face and to my arms and legs. I also put on a little foundation lipstick and blush. I bring my phone with me so that later I can take a picture and send it to my friends and post it on Instagram.

I went out and saw Raziel waiting at the door. I raised my sunglasses at him. "Shall we go?"

He blinked, gaping at me and he opened his mouth to say something. "Princess, are you sure you want to go in a dress to the farm? The ground is muddy on the way.”