Chapter 24 Waiting

unkown:

Good morning. Eat your breakfast before anything else. This is Levi, save this number.

I smiled as I read his text when I woke up. As he said last night he left early and I never caught up with him. It was quarter to 8 already when I woke up this morning. I typed to answer him.

Me: Good morning. Be careful.

I bit my lip.

I didn't expect us to get to a point like this. I don't know how he pursued me to have his phone. All I know is that in a few weeks without him this is how we will be set up.

I did my usual routine every morning, after I had breakfast and greeted the plants I took a shower and prepared the equipment for entry. I trailed the white sand shoreline of the Solidad's.

To get to Oli's house I had to cross the trees that share the land of the Solidads and the houses here, where they are farther than the sea. Some houses are side by side. I looked at the door of Oli's house that was open and seemed empty. Before I could speak, Oli's mother came out with clothes. It seemed shocked when he saw me.

"Oh Cyreese? You're here."

Cold it tells me.

"Is Oli there?"

Its lately clear face seemed to change, and its expression worsened.

"It was with his wife."

"What!?"

I almost dropped my jaw at what I heard. How? Wife? Is it Oli? We only met a month and he already had a wife, how did that happen?

"Don't you know Cyreese? They're over there in the other town, with her husband."

"Oli is married?"

I wanted to ask a lot but that was all that came out of my mouth.

"No. But that's where it's going. So you Cyreese go to school first, don't get pregnant, and waste your dreams!"

I can't find the words in my mind in what Oli's mother said, pregnant? Who? It has already smashed the basins out of them and will begin to do the laundry.

"All right, thank you."

That's all I said and went home. How the hell did that happen? Is that Oli's problem so he's not on his own these past few days? Is she pregnant? But he doesn't have a girlfriend, or he just doesn't tell me. Concern filled my mind as I made my way back to the mansion. I want to talk to the friend and make sure he needs someone to talk to about his problem. I feel guilty knowing that I didn't do my part as his friend, I just can't imagine his situation during the times when he needed someone to talk to but I didn't or I didn't convince him to tell me his problem. But if it's true then that's a blessing. But in the latter part, it'll be hard for him cause he's young, it's good and he can graduate from senior high school this year.

Levi:

My brother will pick you up. You take care at your work.

I closed my eyes emphatically, feeling a mixture of joy and frustration. He's so thoughtful but being with his brother? I don't know what to say.

Me: I don't need that, I'm used to commuting.

The cellphone immediately vibrated and I stopped combing my hair.

It's almost 12 in the afternoon.

Levi: Don't make me damn worried Ava. Eat your lunch.

The smile brightened on me even more. His name on the screen and this word will make up my day. With this few words why do I feel like I can almost hear him groan? I finished combing my hair and got dressed to leave. A few minutes passed and Mother Celia knocked on my door.

"Hija, someone is looking for you downstairs."

I frowned at what he said and realized that might be what Levi was saying.

"All right, I'll go down."

I reached for my bag and didn't forget the phone, I'm still not used to carrying something like this. It's also not important to me so I didn't strive to have it. Let's invest on things that will be worth every single of our penny. My suspicion was correct when I confirmed the person in the office. And the crazy and really comfortable still stretched out on the wide sofa there. There was juice in front of him and I immediately grabbed his attention as I noisily went down the stairs. He smirked as I met his eyes.

"This place is nice. No wonder why my brother prefers to be here than our hotel."

I raised my eyebrow at what he said.

"Though I know what's the real reason of his stay here."

His evil smile was taunting me, his eyes were playful and it seemed to mean something, even though I wasn't really sure what he was saying.

"Work! Of course, it's work!"

He laughed and stormed out in the entrance. This guy is getting on my nerves.

"I bet you're tired of me already."

He mockingly said. I ignored him and focused my attention outside the window. Hoping to get to the destination right away.

"Sorry then, my brother trusts me more than his men."

He chuckled. My lips parted and I looked at him wickedly. Another teaser I want to explode.

"I have nothing to do with this Ava, I'm just following my orders."

"Did I think you weren't used to following his commands? Why don't you just disobey him now?"

Jeez, you can suggest things that shouldn't be. When else has disobedience been good?

"If it involves you, I'm the most obedient brother of all."

I chuckled with no hint of humor. This guy is unbelievable. I get his family doesn't love him or whatever it is, but doesn't he have a girlfriend? Friends that he could stick his nose to? I'm not the one he's talking about.

"Tell my brother you don't want me to pick you up, basic as fuck."

I just kept quiet about what he said. I won't hit you don't worry. The screen of the phone on my hands lighted up, Levi's name was there. I felt relieved to see his name.

Levi:

Busy?

Levi:

I'm bored here. No Ava.

Levi:

Is my brother there already?

Levi:

Am I being clingy?

Levi:

I hope you had your lunch before you leave.

That was his last text. I didn't notice that he had already sent me many messages. I suppressed the smile that flashed on my lips. Until now I still don't know what set up we have.

He said we should take our time and not to rush anything, I have nothing to do but to agree because It came from him. All decisions as long as he, for me are right. I trust him more than I trust myself, so if for him this set up we have is better I will be satisfied. Besides he's right. I have my goals and my future ahead of me. I can't help but to admire him more.

Me: Focus on your meeting. I'm with your brother.

I put down the cellphone but it vibrated immediately.

Levi: Yes baby.

I could do nothing but bite my lip and look outside to calm myself. I miss him! I miss him so much! Just last night we were together and now this is how I feel. What about the next few weeks? I heard a hissed and I turned there. I waited for him to say something but I heard nothing. I just let him be like that. Sometimes you really need to speak to him harshly before he falls silent, and after, guilt will creep me because this is how he behaves. I do not know.

"About your offer, I want to see the contract."

I saw him tighten his grip on the steering wheel. I waited a few seconds before he could answer.

"I'll contact my manager for that."

I breathed out a deep sigh, if life would drag me into this then I have nothing to do. It was a very nice offer then and I couldn't help but dismiss that in my mind. I have no background in the modeling industry but who cares? This is what life has taught me, that even though you have many choices you have no right to choose. I don't know if I can handle that job but it's the only way I can get what I want. Then I must do it.

The whole afternoon went by normal, I received a few more teases from Marie because of Lourd's delivery to me. I always denied the accusations he was accusing me of. And of course he wouldn't give up, he even had proofs that the man was being talked about because he was supposed to go here to the cafe. And the rumor is he has someone flirting here. I was just shaken by what Marie was saying. That is unlikely to happen.

"Oh? There you go again."

I took a glanced at the door and saw him again, on his hoodie and jeans, whatever he was hiding in his clothes was still able to grab his attention. I don't know how to tell Levi not to let his brother take me anymore. Marie's elbow was steady on me and I could do nothing but shake the map.

I checked the phone Levi lend me and saw missed calls and messages. There are 2 messages from Levi and the missed calls are not from him. There's also one message from ... I don't know.

Cali:

Bro answer my calls.

I didn't expect it to open. I should have told Levi that I would just buy the new sim because the messages and calls he receives here seem to be important. I'll just tell him this. I am very thankful because the flight of the two of us to the mansion was quiet, he didn't carve me shut or anything and that was my happiness. I don't want to say hurtful words to him again just to keep him quiet.

"Thank you so much for the delivery. I'll try to please talk to Levi so you don't bother anymore."

I say goodbye to him before I go down. He just nodded and I wasn't used to it. Like if he's silent there's something wrong. I just let him go and got out of his car. When I entered the entrance there were two cars there and there were noises coming from the mansion, it was bright inside and it wasn't always like that. And to my surprise, Ma'am Mira, ate Celest and of course her dad, Sir Constantine was inside. They're home?

"Good evening." I smiled.

They turned to look at me as they all sat in the living room. The mother and daughter just smiled at me and Sir Constantine just sipped coffee and the couple returned to the conversation.

As I walked up the stairs to exchange. I turned to Ate Celest and saw that her eyes were still on me and they followed me as I went up to the second floor. I was nervous at the smile he gave me. The Solidads also disappeared for a few months, it seems that I am no longer used to them being here because of their long stay in Manila. The mansion is more noisy compared to its very quiet everyday setting.

After I cleaned the body I didn't expect Mother Celia to knock on my door to invite me to dinner. Ate Celest allegedly called me. I decided not to have dinner but if Aunt Celest had invited me, I wouldn't have refused. Before I went down, I looked at Levi's cellphone and saw if he had a message there. But I find out that I haven't been able to reply to his last message.

Levi:

I'm still in the company.

Levi: You're home?

I chewed my lip, even though it was just a few letters it seemed to treasure it to me, he keeps on updating me in all the thing that he does. As far as I know, I'm really looking forward to him but he's always trying to update me. What am I doing?

Me: Have dinner, and rest if you have the chance.

I deleted my message a few more times and this is where I ended up. I didn't wait for him to answer it and I left it to go down to the table. All of them are in their own respective seats, I sit in my usual seat whenever I join them. They were busy talking to him but when I sat down Ate Celest noticed me immediately.

"Ava! How are you?"

I can see her full white teeth and so fine complexion when she faced me.

"I'm fine, Ate Celest."

When I spoke, the couple fell silent.

"I heard from Manang Celia that you're graduating weeks from now."

She enthusiastically said. I just nodded in response.

"Then we should throw a celebration for you."

"Ah, not anymore Ate Celest, you don't need it anymore."

I thanked Manang Celia when she put Juice in my glass.

"No! We should have, it's your graduation and besides ... It's your birthday? When was it again?"

I winced at what she said and looked at Ma'am Mira silently as she sipped from her glass. While Sir Constantine had a small smile as he looked at his son.

"On April 30."

I don't know how I will feel, a mixture of shame and joy because Ate Celest remembered my birthday.

"It's her 18th birthday ma'am."

Mother Celia replied.

"Oh really? Then we should really throw a party for you Cyreese."

Ma'am Mira looking so calm like her husband.

"It's a shame ma'am, you don't have to bother anymore."

Ate Celest raised her index finger as she scooped up the grapes on her plate. I just looked at Ma'am Mira and Sir Constantine while there were smiles on their lips. The whole dinner was about me, the things Ate Celest wanted to happen on my birthday and how to coincide with the celebration of my graduation. She mentioned a lot of things including my dress and all but I didn't understand a thing.

When I mentioned our Graduation ball to him, I almost finished myself because he became more enthusiastic to prepare everything. My graduation ball is the day before my birthday and from what I heard what he wanted to happen was healing of my graduation ball will be celebrated here in the mansion what he wants please prepare. She said that I should invite my friends but beside Oli I can't think of anything.

Maybe I will also invite Jomar's group because somehow I also consider them friends. Ma'am Mira and Sir Constantine also mentioned their invites, as well as the Mayor they want to invite and whoever else which I find insane! Why do they want such a big gathering to happen? I'm not even a Solidad!

"Ate Celest, this is very busy for you. That day is not important either."

"Are you kidding me Cyreese? That's you're debut! What do you mean it's not important?"

His forehead furrowed and I was nervous. I don't want to sound so against her plans, I don't want Ate Celest to get angry.

"Don't bother about it Cyreese, you're part of our family now. You're not a burden to us."

Ma'am Mira said and hold his husband's hand. It was as if his words touched my heart. I remember my mom, maybe if she was still alive there would be nothing happier there. Every birthday he would just cook me my favorite dish and we would share it together, it was simple but it's a treasure to me. Those we're the times I thought will never end. I shed tears and smiled at Ate Celest and nodded at what she wanted to happen.

"Everything that I told you was included in there. Check it, in case you have any concerns."

I rolled my eyes at his entire unit and handed it back to him before I read the contract he presented to me. Quest Model Management That was the first one I read above, it was probably the name of the company he was telling me. He was not lying because everything he said was stated there, either the scholarship, the allowance, even the possible salary was there. The amount listed there is no joke. Even if I don't work anymore, I think I will be able to live on the allowance. Its very large.

"You'll have another contract for your projects, don't worry, you're the buyer of the project you want, so it'll be a lot easier for you. You'll have your own manager and assistant as soon as you sign the contract. "

"Start right away?"

He nodded and leaned on the table here in his unit.

"It depends on you, but if it's a big project it depends of the company that you're signing in." I swallowed and doubted what was happening.

"I showed your photo to some company."

"And why did you do that !?"

"Because I know you won't refuse?"

His brow furrowed. I was dumbfounded looking at him. This guy ... Ugh! I just rubbed my face and closed the folder over my thigh.

"I have to study this contract. I don't understand what else is said here."

Some technical terms and agreements are there that I'm not familiar cause for goddess sake I'm new! But this one man here immediately sold my face to many. God! He chuckled.

"I'll call my manager later to explain it to you."

I stared at him. And even before I could turn to him, the cellphone rang in my hand. Some unknown number is calling and I don't know if I'll answer it or not. The call ended and was quickly replaced by a message. unknown: I heard you're back in Manila? Let's hang out. I swallowed a few times while reading that message. I was not able to open that andI just took it down and killed it. Lourd raised his eyebrows and glanced at my hand.

"Is it my brother?"

"N-no."

I stuttered. He cocked his head and looked at the phone again.

"I'll let you know about Solidad before I sign it. I'll study it tomorrow."

I laid the folder on the table and turned my back on him.

"Where are you going?"

"Home?" I pointed out the door and sound so confused.

"Let's go, before my brother decides to kill me." He reached for his key and went out the door first.

This Vidalio! I didn't really know how to open up this matter to the Solidad, I know they are supportive in all the things that I do but I don't know how will they react to this.

I arrived at the mansions peacefully, in a few days of delivery this man picked me up I felt we had memorized each other, he knew I didn't want to talk to him so he didn't talk to me either. At least he knew how to respect my space. I looked at the phone as Levi read a few messages to me. I haven't replied to him since I came home from the coffee shop and went straight to the center for Lourd to show me the contract. I didn't tell him either, because I felt he didn't need to know.

Levi: Got home early today. I hope you too.

Levi: Are you busy? I miss you.

I stared at it for a long time and didn't know what to answer. He misses me and I do too. Several times my mind argued to reply to his message but to others my hands carried me as if it had been too long to do so. I scanned the threads on his messages and I opened the unknown number who miscalled a while ago. I scrolled up to see any other messages. The last message was 3 months ago.

"I had a great time with you." His reply was "I had a great time too."

My lips trembled and I even raised it to see another message, only that unknown number had the message and he didn't answer.

"Levi, I emailed the soft copies of the documents you asked."

"I heard about the deal, congrats!"

"You're in Lounge? I'm here too. I'll look for you."

"This is my personal number. Save this one. -Molly"

I touched my lower lip as I read the message. I can't help but open some more messages besides that unknown number. Often it was just numbers and apart from the names Cali, Mom, and Lourd I saw no other names. I was about to open his thread with Lourd when his name popped in the screen. Two seconds and trembling I answered it. No one spoke and only heavy breathing I heard. I leaned on the head board of the bed and made a blanket.

"H-hello?"

I said that no one has heard anything yet. A mound of sleep was heard again before he spoke.

"Did I disturbed you? You're not replying to my texts so ..."

I bit my lower lip as I hear his manly voice. His voice was subtle and very deep.

"Are you busy?" He hesitated to ask.

"Hmm. No."

A long silence passed and then I heard her heavy sigh.

"Yeah, it's just me being clingy I guess?" He chuckled blandly. Not knowing what to say to him, I folded my legs and put my arm on my knee.

"I miss you." He breathed. I shut my eyes tight and restrained myself from whatever noise I could make.

"I ... miss you too."

I brushed my hair with my hands while my heartbeat is going crazy inside my chest. My voice was hoarse and I couldn't recognize it.

"Damn. I miss your voice."

He groaned. I suppressed my smile at what he said. He sound so frustrated but his voice is soft and sound longing and tired. I also want to tell him that I miss him so much, not just his voice but him as a whole, his presence and his touch. I only heard a few more breaths on the other line so I was the only one who spoke.

"Take a rest."

"Yeah, I'll be busy tomorrow but I'll try to update you if I had the chance."

It was as if my heart was pounding at his tone, he sound so tired. How I wish he was here so I can stroke his hair and make him feel at ease at least.

"Hmm."

Some faint murmur I heard from him and heavy breathing. I waited for him to speak as I played with the ends of my hair.

"Good night. I'll take a shower before I go to sleep."

"Okay. Goodnight."

I no longer waited for what he would say and in a daze I turned off the call and laid it on my bed. What now? My heart is crowded with fear and worry. But I could just hear her voice as if everything had disappeared like a bubble! I can't wait for him to be back again. The phone ringed again. I picked it up and thought Levi was calling again but it was the unknown number. Without even thinking I pressed the answer button.

"Levi, we're waiting for you here."

It was a woman's voice. My eyes trembled and I immediately turned off the call.