Chapter 14 Always will

"Wow."

I was so amused by the breath taking scenery in front of me. My favorite view of the sea but the beauty of Lagoona is also unique. It is surrounded by a few trees and high rocks and has small falls here.

I thought Mar De Vena was just about sea.

"I told you it's beautiful here Cy. Your bag is mine."

I was still stupid and amazed so I couldn't refuse Jomar anymore. I went to the end of the lawn and touched the water there. It was cold. I smiled as I rolled my eyes. Tall trees cover the sky so that there is shade below. So maybe very cold water.

"Why does Lourd not want to talk to his family?"

I peeked out of the corner of my eyes at Alicia and Mariel listening to the Cellphone we had used earlier. I averted my gaze because of the lie I had done earlier. I told them I forgot to press the record button so I didn't get what that guy said. And only wrote down a few things he said.

I feel guilty okay? But I don't know what has gotten into me just so that others don't know that it's like that with his habit.

"Let it go Alicia. We got enough. That man is very arrogant. He has a high self -esteem."

Jomar said while removing his shirt. I immediately averted my eyes. I saw Mariel look at me and Jomar. It seemed nothing new to them that they would undress in front of each other. Mariel and Alicia are still together while Leo and Oscar also follow in Jomar's footsteps. My cheeks flushed and I turned away in their direction. Maybe I'll go back to the rocks.

"Cy. Let's take a bath."

Quickly at 4 o'clock I avoided myself from Jomar.

"C-can I go first Jomar? It's nearly eve. Solidad's will get mad at me."

I made sure he could only stare into my eyes.

"Huh? Why are you going home right away? We just arrived."

he still followed me to the higher part of the rocks and away from them.

"Maybe other time Jomar, I can't be caught at night on the road."

I took my bag that was stored in their bags.

"I'll take you."

"I'm really sorry Jomar. I'll be there next time when we're earlier." crossed finger, I silently pray for him to let me go.

He sighed and smiled faintly. "Cy. Maybe you know how I feel about you."

My eyes went out of focus as he said those words.

"Now I have to admit it to you in case you go home."

He then, hold my hand and I back away from what he did.

"I love you so much Cy. I hope you allow me to court you."

"H-ha? Court?"

He nodded and a sweet smile returned to me. Why do I feel obligated not to reject him? I am very grateful to Jomar because he is a good friend to me, but I know in myself that I am not ready for such things yet. I'm not for that.

"H-I'm not ready for such things yet Jomar." I grinned back at him.

"I'll wait for you Cy. I'm not in a hurry." he assured me.

"Even if we're friends first now, I'll wait for you until you're ready." He smiled. My heart softened at what he said. At least he knows how to respect my decisions. Maybe Jomar and I are not friends like that. I nodded to him and saw the light shine on him.

"You wait here."

He ran back to them and I even saw them all turn to me when Jomar said something to them. I waved and only Leo and Oscar returned it to me. I was quietly walking down the road of Mar De Vena.

The tricycle I rode earlier, which was supposed to be in the arch of the town, lowered me a long way. On the tricycle ride again, go to the mansions of the Solidads. It was dark and only a few people were walking there. I also passed the village I remember going to during the festival, to Oli's aunt. I saw the arch and when I saw it was still dark there I did not go any further.

"You take care."

I once heard from someone, for you to forget someone, you need to make yourself busy. Educate yourself, have leisure time, do sports and many more.

How could I do that when all of that was almost with me? For consecutive weeks, everything was back to normal. Or am I the only one who thinks like that? I made myself busy and tire myself until I reach my limit. There's nothing much to do, even though from morning to night I'm not at home, I still feel like I haven't done anything right. Weeks, the whole section was cramming because finals is a week away. The teachers worked together as they provided the requirements. The crowded coffee shop was still there.

Yes, I'm tired. But still loosing sleep at night. It's frustrating, that you still have to fight yourself just to sleep.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."

I immediately knelt down the scattered coffee in front of the customer when I didn't intend it to fall because I lost my balance. Fortunately he was an old man and not as angry as I expected.

"Cyreese, are you okay?"

Marie rubbed my back as I entered the kitchen. I nodded and turned a blind eye. I felt the weight of the feeling and of my head. It feels hot in my eyes and the air coming out of my nose is the same.

"You have a fever Cyreese!"

Marie almost shouted that it was a reason for the two cooks to look here in the kitchen. I breathed a few times and I felt more annoyed with myself because now I feel like I feel bad.

"I'm okay Marie. I can still do it."

"You're here at the counter first. I'll serve first."

Because I was afraid of what had happened earlier, I just agreed to what Marie wanted. Maybe I can handle this because there is only minimal to do. You reap what you sow Ava. You want to get tired now that you are being given you are disgusted? Ungrateful.

After an hour and I feel heavier I feel. My earlier headache was now increased by dizziness. I just support myself at the Bar counter every time I talk to customers just to fix myself. I try to wake myself up even though I really want to rest. I was about to go home, it was almost 5 PM when the door chimed. This is my last customer and I'm going home. I secretly thanked in the midst of my exhaustion.

"Good afternoon Sir, May I take you or ... der?"

My knees ached at the sight. Trembling lips I no longer knew what I would say next. The reason of this all. Tore myself and pushed myself into my limit just to lose myself. And now he's coming back? Like the first time I saw him, wearinga button-down white loong sleeve it was rolled up to his elbow. His watch glows on his wrist. His other hand was holding his black suit.

Nothing has changed in him, still. The only thing that have changed is when I met his eyes. Those deep dark eyes who used to stare at me, now has a hint of joy in it. I can see the tiredness here but the little smile that reflects on him still dominates me. Or am I losing myself?

"Levi,"

Did I say that? That you won't come back because I'll claim you even if you're not mine?

"I'm Cyreese. Go home and maybe your fever will get worse."

Marie groaned. But I did not remove my eye on him. Is it really him? Did he really come back? I saw her frown as she watched Marie speak. Marie hardly insisted and replaced me.

"Ah sir just wait ah?"

"Cyreese, go home and take some medicine. Looks like you're not really on your own anymore."

Marie whispered to me and I still couldn't take my eyes off her. The frown on his forehead and the look back and forth between Marie and me did not go away either.

"Yes sir? Can I take your order?"

Marie said cheerfully. I seem to be stuck in my position and able to just look at him all night even though my eyes are rolling.

"Sorry miss but," He turned to me, "Ava, I'll take you home."

Stunned Marie Levi said and turned to me. She looked at me as if I'm a ghost. He dropped his jaw and looked at Levi and me.

"W-Wait a minute, I'll just get my stuff inside."

Even though I didn't want to leave my sight, I forced myself to leave him and went inside to get my belongings. I almost fell when I came out of the door and he was already standing there. I clung to the door to support myself. I saw Marie who was also not on her own looking at the two of us.

Who is this person who will suddenly show up here and tell me to take him home? I saw his eyebrows meet and without a word took the bag I was carrying. I untied my apron as I felt his palm on my forehead.

"You're sick."

I'm sick, yes. His hard expression was present but instead of being intimidated, I returned him with a sweet smile. Am I the only one sick of being so happy right now? I cannot explain the joy of my heart.

"I'll go nowMarie."

I was even able to say goodbye even though I was nauseated by the mixed feelings. Marie nodded and postscript said.

"Don't go to work tomorrow, I'll take care of our boss!" I chuckled.

It will also disappear tomorrow. I felt Levi behind me but he went first to the door and opened it for me.

I looked into his eyes and smiled back at him. This ain't enough. I want him to know how happy I am now. His expression didn't change and I looked at him with disgust and surprise.

When I got out I immediately saw a black car. It was different and no longer the white car familiar to me. This one was bigger than his white car. He rang it and went to the passenger seat door and opened it. I walked carefully towards his direction because I was afraid of falling into dizziness.

I still can't take the joy off my face so it's no wonder that he looks like this now. He even helped me enter and turned around to the driverseat. Can't take my eyes off him, I can see his tight grip on the steering wheel and his starting the car.

"It was just weeks Ava. Weeks."

Just weeks? It was for weeks! My mind shouted. He said very loudly and I could feel my chest heaving when I heard his voice clearly. The car started and left the place, but my eyes did not dare to leave him.

"Didn't I say that you should take care of yourself?"

I could see the movement of his jaw when he said that word. My breath hitched. The heat of the breath coming out of my nose makes me even more dizzy. But it's okay, now it's okay.

"And still you're acting as if everything was okay?"

he took a look and looked back at the road. I miss his voice. Even if maybe he curses me now, I will still thank him. I realized how his stubbles have grown. It used to be clean but now you can see traces of it. He turned to me again and I saw the twitch of his lip and a few times he swallowed.

"I miss you."

There. I said it.

I saw how his hard expression softened. His lips parted and I felt the car slow down and he stopped. A few seconds and he faced me.

"What did you say?"

Amusement was clear. I'm sure of that. Now I felt my face heat up with embarrassment but what now? Im not in the right mind to think right now.

"I m-miss you. I thought, Y-you're never coming back."

A few flickers and I felt tears forming in my eyes. Damn this tears, I want a clear sight of this man right now. He shifted in his seat and faced me more.

He removed his seatbelt and came closer. I almost closed my eyes as he dried my cheek which is now filled with tears. I miss his touch. I miss all of him.

"This is where I belong Ava, right here. I'll come back. I'll always will."