Chapter 13 Princess

I thought there's really something wrong with me. I thought I was thinking too much about Levi now so I was deaf.

"Lourd Vidalio? As in the model in the center?"

Mariel's eyes widened as she said that. Even I can't believe it either. Vidalio? Vidalio is his last name? Will they meet Levi? The men frowned at the joy Mariel and Alicia showed. Lourd is well known because Mar De Vena is proud of him. Who doesn't know him? I doubt myself if I really know him because I watched him a few times and saw him in magazines but I didn't know that his last name was Vidalio.

"What's so amazing about that? Just because he's handsome?"

Oscar chuckled without humor. Leo and Jomar agreed.

They still had some answers but I was so spaced out. Maybe I just misheard? It made me think of him more. I don't even know you, why would I even put my interest on you?

"You allowed Cy?"

That's what Jomar immediately introduced to me even though I hadn't sat down yet. I put down my bag and looked straight at Mariel who was fortunately not looking at me now.

"Yeah,"

I wasn't really wrong in my prediction because the Solidad's actually let me when I called them on the phone last night. Ate Celest's instructions told me to be careful and always have fun with my friends while they were not in the mansion.

"Did you bring a bathing suit?" I nodded in response.

He said a few more things about our going to Lagoona but I didn't quite understand it anymore. It was Monday. My eyes are falling off because of lack of sleep.

I haven't slept well for two nights and I don't know what caused it. I can't wait to finally be back at my work and drain my all, so that I can sleep soundly. In my desire to fight my drowsiness I just pulled out my sketch book and started pursuing the unfinished structure.

I only had a few more drawings and I ended up with a single dot. I violently sighed and violently closed the sketchbook. I harshly palmed my face because of too much frustration. Everything that I do reminds me of him. I'm not sure if I'm still interested in him not coming back or I was still in denial by the fact that I was waiting for him. I was waiting for him, I miss confiding in him. Asking for his lessons and advice. I'm not so comfortable around him but i feel at ease when he's around. His intimidating eyes that I use to stare at always. I miss it the most. And I'm afraid that If I'm this attached to him, I might always feel this way. I don't want to feel like this, like there's always something missing in me.

Loosing my mother and father was a different matter, and loosing him was different too. It seems like unsolved puzzles have been left out and you're not sure if it will be built or if no one really has the intention to build it.

The day went smoothly. It was dismissal when we gathered in a group because we were going to the center to talk about our subject. Lourd Vidalio. We rode two tricycles to get to the center. Our travel also took more than 20 minutes. On the way, Alicia and Mariel could no longer hide their excitement because we could see what they admired. I don't even know how did Alicia got a chance for us to meet him up. But that is no longer in my mind. From the crowded and secluded village of Mar De Vena the road is gradually clearing and being replaced by larger houses and structures.

The roads here are also flatter and more concrete compared to the muddy roads of Mar De Vena, a sign that we are close to the center. I held on tightly to my clutch bag as we reached the center. It was just my third time coming here and during my last visit here I could see what had changed.

The old church that my mom and dad used to go to is still the same but the surroundings are different. There are even more people compared to the last two years I went here.

The sidewalk can still be seen not far away and many people are also there. Overlooking the expanse of the sea of Mar De Vena. There are even some pop up stores and commercial buildings that haven't existed before. The park just in front of the church is now innovated. Thick trees were reduced and waiting sheds with tables and chairs were replaced.

But it was still like this, there were still many people scattered or sitting on the grass. My reflexes are fast to react when the wind passed, causing the skirt of my uniform to follow it's direction. I didn't see Alicia and Mariel do that because they were busy looking around and looking for the right way to the address we were going to.

"Cyreese, you're here behind me so your skirt doesn't get too windy."

Jomar grabbed both arms and led me behind him. I'm afraid I might believe he actually likes me.

"Thank you."

We laugh at what Leo and Oscar are doing while Alicia is still seriously looking at all the hallways of the center.

"Come on! I can see the tall building from here."

Alicia screamed as she held her bangs that were now flying in the force of the wind. It was not difficult to see that building even though it was quite a distance from us. It is the only tall building in this area so it is impossible not to notice it. We followed Alicia while Jomar was still in front of me and from time to time I turned around as if I was going to disappear.

Everybody is amused when we stepped in front of the building. It is very tall and your neck will get tired if you look at it. It's almost like the buildings I'm drawing but it still seems to be mixed with classic design.

Before you enter the building, a screaming crest of the hotel will welcome you. Three capital letters will notice you VGH and underneath it are small dikit dikit words. Vidalio Group of Hotels.

I couldn't take my gaze away from it and read them over and over as if I didn't understand. The Vidalio I know was just with me a few days ago, and now we've traveled this far to interview this unknown Vidalio. And this Vidalio.

This building, is this one of the things Levi says? Is this one of their hotels? It was as if the world intended to remind me every time I dismissed this surname in my mind. Jomar called me because I didn't notice that I was caught and they were already at the big entrance of this building and talking to the guard there. Three men were wearing uniforms.

"To Lourd Vidalio. My father set an appointment with him."

Alicia said formally. I wowed at the side of my head. Does father know ni ALicia and does it have the ability to get along with such an acquaintance? The guard spoke to someone on the phone and said Alicia's father's name and after a while we were allowed to enter.

Entering the lobby made everyone's jaw drop. The first thing you will see is the floor laid with a plain tile marble. The ceilings are high and there's even this classic grand staircase that will catch your eye, it was well blended with the walls ornate detailing. Exquisite paintings are hanged in the rich subtle high walls. S.

ome modern chandeliers can steal everyone's attention. It was classic but still, the modern ambiance of the vicinity subsist. It seems like we are somewhere else, this is the only modern Mar De Vena facility. A tall woman invited us to look neatly in her uniform in one of the large lounges here.

We were all skimping on gestures because the surroundings were quiet and only minimal people apart from women and men of uniform skin color were uniform. Leo and Oscar are constantly praised all around and even Jomar seems to be losing himself because of what he sees.

"Mr. Lourd Vidalio will be down in a minute."

The woman who greeted us earlier caught my attention when she said that. The earlier amazement I felt was replaced by nervousness at hearing that name. Or is it because of its last name?

"Okay guys, let's split the part. Cyreese and I will go first, then Mariel and you in the last part Jomar. You Leo and Jomar do your part."

Jomar and Leo immediately took out the cellphone and a large notebook of what Alicia said. We waited a few minutes when Alicia suddenly screamed in the direction she was looking.

We shifted our gaze there and saw what we meant here. An elderly man and woman followed him as he seemed like a runaway walking in our direction. I even narrowed my eyes to adjust my blurry eye sight.

My chest throbbed a few times and I remembered our last meeting. He was on his long sleeve uniform and a simple slacks that you would immediately recognize because who would't know University of Mar De Vena? I guess all the students want to study there. He still looks the same but simpler compared to the magazines I see.

There was nothing too special about him. But it cannot be denied that this person is intimate. Maybe it's because many know him. Mariel and Alicia did not shout when they saw it close to us. I understand them but I am different.

"You only have 30 minutes Sir."

The woman next to him said as she sat in front of our single seater couch. We were all silent and watching his gesture. He held out his hand to the woman and she handed him her phone.

We looked at each other because no one was trying to talk to us and waited for what would happen next. He typed there for a few seconds and when he looked up he hit our eyes. His dark eyes was so familiar like I've already seen it a lot of times before. It was as if I was burning away from looking at him. He might remember putting me in jail. I was afraid to say something in my mind.

"Sorry but I'm saying I only get interviews one person at a time."

Blankly it said that broke our silence.I never saw its expression again because I was just crouching next to Jomar. I didn't even realize that we are already far from him and Alicia who's currently having her part of the interview. Just a few meters away from us. I couldn't be bothered when Alicia came back and told me that I was supposed to be next.

"That's just a few questions Cy. Make sure you record them all, huh?"

He handed me a cellphone and a list of questions. None of myself nodded and approached where Lourd was focused on his phone. I sat in front of him as if I'm some kind of balancing myself so as not to create noise. I didn't even know why I did that when I was supposed to have a conversation with him. He raised his gaze to also later notice my presence. I smiled at him and he didn't return it. His eyes are dark and if I'm not mistaken he seems to be judging me now with his eyes. Is he that ashamed of me?

"G-good afternoon. I'm Ava Cyreese Suarez. Grade 12 Student at M-Mar De Vena Science High school. I just have a few questions."

"So, you're Lourd Vidalio. First year college at the University of Mar De Vena. Uhm- And you're actually a model."

When I confirmed the previous ones that Alicia wrote on the paper I was holding. He kept his mouth shut as I spoke.

"Why did you chose to stay and study here in Mar De Vena while your parents are residing in Manila?"

He blinked a few times and shifted on his position. He placed one of his arms on the arm rest of the sofa and played with his lip. This guy, looking at him feels like I've known him for years. Is it because of the amount of photos he takes and seems to be scattered everywhere?

"I don't like staying with my family that's why."

I was amused by his bored tone while saying that. My forehead furrowed at what he said and I couldn't help but answer him.

"You do not like?"

He nodded lazily and still didn't take his eyes off me. Now that I was able to talk to him, I was even more convinced that there was nothing special about this man. He's got the looks and everything but his attitude ...

"Why don't you want to be with your family?"

"Because I hate them."

My lips parted and I became even more annoyed and I'm sure I can see it now in me.

"You hate them?" I told him bitterly.

I can't believe I'm talking to this heartless man in front of me. He is a well -known person, I would have liked to be happy with his authenticity but now I wish he had just pretended a little.

"Many people mourn because they have no family and you would rather not be with them?"

"Why? Are you so loved by your family Ms. Suarez?"

His lips arose as he said that. That smile was so plastic that it annoyed me even more. Annoyance welled up in my chest and he stared hard into his eyes that were staring sarcastically at me. Stick to your questions Ava. Don't get to personal. I still remind myself.

"Do you have any siblings?"

I help question while looking at the list Alicia made.

"Yes." "And who are they?"

"I actually don't want to talk about them so can we pass that question."

My ear tingled again at what he said and swallowed the blockage in my throat. Mixed annoyance and not knowing how I feel.

"How long have you've been staying here in Mar De Vena and how is it so far?"

"2 years. t'was nice. "

He said sparingly. Now, I realize that he's got some accent. I nodded at the brevity of his answer. I'm looking for the next thing I can ask him.

"How did your family influence you to be this person you are today?"

That is just the last question here on the page. Because I was annoyed he answered earlier so maybe this is what I asked. His expression hardened and chuckled.

"If you just want to talk about my family then I'm not the right person to stick your nose at."

It was so cold when he said those words.

"If you are some kind of princess in your family then I'm sorry Ms. Suarez cause I can't relate to that."

He laughed mockingly.

"Really? I pity you because you sounded like your family doesn't seem to love you." I slammed the notebook shut and left in front of him.