Chapter 26 I really like you

"The invitation was sent to Mayor this morning."

Sir Constantine sipped his coffee and read what his wife was reading and nodded.

"I was thinking about sending the invitation to the Governor."

It continues. I looked at the food on my plate that I could barely consume.

"I sent the invitation to some of our investors but I don't know if they will come since Manila is far from here."

It's been a week of another, and this was supposed to be the day Levi promised to be back in Mar De Vena. I actually don't know what to feel anymore, so much is happening around me, the event, the graduation ball and my graduation itself. More contracts and projects that I regularly study with Lourd.

"How about you Cyreese? Have you invited your friends already?"

"Yes, there are only a few of them."

I personally gave my invitation to Oli, Lourd and some workers of the coffee shop. But I haven't seen them Jomar yet so I haven't given it to them yet. I also stopped working in the coffee shop for certain reasons.

My everyday got so busy that's why I had to leave my work. I take care of the papers I will need for college and also for the contract, my sign is the last thing to do and everything will completely fall into change.

"You should give invitation to your teachers as well."

Ma'am Mira suggested. Their eyes are all on me, full of hope and assurance that I will nod.

"All right. I'm going to Mar De Vena High."

They all smiled at me, I looked at Mother Celia who secretly looked at me.

"So what are your plans for college Cyreese? Are you already busy at school? Course perhaps?"

Ma'am Mira grabbed my attention. The amount of time I looked for the opportunity to say goodbye to them and now that they've opened it up this is my perfect timing.

"I would like to study in Manila."

"Oh really?"

"But everything is fine, I was offered a scholarship and a job while I was studying. You have helped me enough."

They all hear me out.

"You'll work again? While studying?"

"Yes mom, Levi's brother mentioned about the contract thing to me. It's a model industry, it's not that bad."

I estimated what their expression would be. Ma'am Mira seems processing what ate Celest have said.

"Well Cyreese, you know that ever since of your stay here we always let you do the things that you want. And now that you've made up your plans already, I guess we don't have the right to interfere anyways."

Ma'am Mira said softly and her eyes were wide as she looked at her husband. It was like a thorn in my side. I know that the Solidads are so smart, my heart aches even more at the thought of leaving them all here. I looked at ate Celest and she gave me a smile full of sincerity. Ate Celest was closest to me in the mansion. My desire to have a brother now is in him I found.

"What are you gonna take up hija?"

"Architectural please, Sir."

"Wow, that's impressive. You can work in some of our client's company after your studies."

"I know dad! She's perfect for Levi's company right?"

My eyes widened at what Ate Celest said. She's seems so fond of that man that there will never be a time that she doesn't mention it whenever I'm around. The moment I forget the feeling keeps coming back.

"You know ... buildings and stuff ..."

She looked at me intently and shrug. Sir Constantine and Ma'am Mira agreed with him and I said nothing. I did what I have to do this day, I went to Mar De Vena High with my chaperon, of course.

We argued over and over again about that but his only answer to me was his brother's name and there was nothing I could do. It's not just me handing out invitations because I also need to get my transcript records that Lourd is asking for for the school I'm going to attend in Manila. The teachers always praised me when I handed them the invitation and I also told them not to bother with anything.

If it weren't for Solidads, you wouldn't be this grand. I was walking down the corridor of the building I went to when I met Jomar with Mariel.

"Cyreese!"

He said full of amusement.

"Jomar, Mariel."

I was amazed to see them by unexpected chance.

"Did you take something too?"

"Uhm, yeah." I picked up the paper you picked up in the office earlier. I smiled at Mariel wanting to hear anything from her but she ignored me.

"Of course!"

I opened my bag and took the rest of the invitation there.

"It's a good thing I saw you, there's only one invitation left. Please tell Alicia that they're all invited."

Their faces were surprised and Jomar immediately opened them.

"April 29? Grad day. Let's ball to Cy."

"Yes Jomar, that's what the Solidads decided."

It was their idea to celebrate the midnight of my birthday. I saw Mariel stare into the air. Maybe I'm too used to it for him to be normal to me. I explained further more and after I bid my goodbye to them. Jomar assured me that it will reach his friends and I am hopeful.

"Tsk tsk tsk"

I turned to the shake Lourd made on his cellphone.

"Nothing." He smirked. I sniffed and focused my attention on the outside. His phone rang and I looked there. I could feel his mocking smile before that was answered. "She ... forgot her phone again, I guess?"

I gulped and realized it was him. It's true that I forgot my cellphone because I won't be leaving soon either. I twitched my lips because I feel guilty, It's been weeks of being this bland and I don't know if he can sense it but It's better if he won't. When he comes back, I'll turn over his phone and I won't have to wait any longer. Lourd laughed mockingly.

"I'm just a driver and a chaperon. But definitely not a messenger."

He laughed again after ending the call. I stared at him and waited for him to say something but only the ghostly smiles on his lips got me. When I returned to the mansion, I immediately looked for his cellphone. I thought I would see any messages from him but I did not. There was only one missed call and no one else. He's been like that since that day. Only missed calls and not even a dot of message. I didn't dare to message him though, I didn't want to bother him, his work ... or his fun. Maybe what I found out is true. I can't even say that my feelings have been played. Because there's no "us" to begin with. Maybe in his short time here he was bored and he had no one else to talk to but me ... it was just me who's ambitious enough to believe that he likes me in a more special way.

He likes me as his companion and beyond that, there's nothing else. I almost jumped when the cellphone vibrated in my hand and his name was plastered on it. I gulped and contemplate for seconds just staring at his name. The call ended and I almost regret that I didn't answer it. But to my relief, he called again and I quickly answered it. I did not say anything, and so he did not. All I hear was a sigh and a crackles, I can almost hear my heartbeat due to nervousness.

"H-how are you?"

I heard his deep breath. I knew what I said to him was meaningless, I had nothing else to think of to say to end the silence in our line.

"You didn't reply to my texts since last night."

I was swallowed up by the coldness of his voice. What will I say? That I meant he didn't reply? Or should I open up my feelings and ask him my whereabouts?

"You don't answer my calls too. I'm lucky that you had a minute today."

My lips trembled even more at what he said, he seemed to know that I meant all that but he just wasn't saying it directly and I felt like I had to admit it.

"Uhmm ... I forgot .... That low batt- last night, this morning I just n-that charge."

I tried so hard to sound so cheerful and act as if nothing is wrong.

"For almost 2 weeks you always forgot?"

It was a question but sound like a statement to me. Full of sarcasm and accusation. I heard some of her murmur and some more crackles. If he's right in front of me I might not be able to handle the reaction I'm hearing now from him. My throat is dry from his sluggish cheapness.

"Fuck baby, are we okay?"

My lips trembled at his pleading voice, like he's so frustrated and don't know what to do anymore. It was as if his patience had been broken but he didn't want to be angry with me forever.

"O-of course!"

On the edge the tears in my eyes. My sight blurred but a fake smile was on my face.

"Then what's wrong? You're ignoring my messages and calls for weeks then ..."

My chest ached from the mixed feeling. My heart is about to burst especially since this is the tone he uses on me, little by little I will give it to him. I miss him so much, but I know where's my limit now. I have the right to miss him but he doesn't have to know. I'm allowed to adore him but it's not his obligations to like me back. That's it! I think I stopped myself from breathing because of the silence between us. I didn't dare to answer him, because I also didn't know what to answer him. I heard him sigh again.

"Get some rest."

The sob that I had been suppressing before when he ended the call erupted, I was furious with myself for feeling like this. He sound so done, and probably he got tired of me.

It hurts like a dagger stabbed in my heart, but the pain seems to never end. But this is what you want, Ava !?

April 29 came. Even his shadow I saw nothing. The supposed to be 2 weeks he promised became countless. And at this point I no longer hope that I will stop counting. I don't want to wait for someone who has no intention of coming back. Everything that he said have outgrow into me already. I try to convince myself that I am not investing feelings in anyone.

That everything was back to normal like nothing happened. The party was beyond my expectation. Decorations spread over the land of Solidad. The empty shore was turned into a perfect event place.

The tables and chairs are scattered the flowers are abundant. I look over here in the pool area at the small stage they are setting up. Even though it's not completely finished, I can already see how beautiful it is. I expected this to be grand yes, but to be this extravagant? No! In the preparation of the last few weeks, I know that this is the plan.

But it all seemed to triple what I thought. I realize that I'm not appreciative enough this past few days, I focused on the things that's not for me. I wasn't like this before. That's the reality of life, not what you don't have will build you up, it's how you will build yourself up with the things you have.

The Solidad prepare all of this for someone they're not related with, instead of being thankful I don't seem to be satisfied with what's happening. Instead of focusing on the things you have you are still seeking what is not for you, the reason why the world is messed up. After a few pre-debut shoots with the photographer they proceeded to fix me up. I stare at the 2 gowns perfectly flowing in the mannequin.

What is simple for one is the pride of the other.

The Beate blushed gown made by the famous designer they say, is eye catching. The flower details at the ends of the gown were just amazing, it was obviously time and time again. The deep V-cut in the bust was still conservative too look. Georgette fabric was not just 2 or 3 layers but more. I can't explain further, all the more it's extravagant to look at and it's perfect for the ball. But I think I will be more comfortable wearing the other one.

The dress was simple with a V neck and strong waistlines that accentuate a feminine beauty. The short loose sleeves with flower-shaped crystal ornament gives that Disney-princess-like look when you wear it. Ate Celest told me that this was a Tanya Bridal dress in Korea.

This was called Vestido De Casamento. I knew about it because I personally chose it, they let me choose the pictures and accidentally showed it to me and I said that was all I would wear on the birthday itself. And gladly, I got their approval. It suits the vintage theme of the event.

All day I was uncomfortable because I was nervous about what was happening, eveybody seems so busy while I just have to sit here and let them do my make up and all. This is the first time I will be groomed and this is also the first time that my birthday will be this pompous. I looked at myself at the mirror.

The two men repeatedly arranged the intentionally runaway hair in the braid made of me, some are soft curled. there's nothing much that have change in my face they only highlighted the parts that needs improvement. My lips are moist with a light pink gloss that looks so natural right now. I like the whole idea of ​​my look, I'm glad that everything is just minimal and simple. The afternoon came and I had to get ready to leave, when I came down from the mansion I received a lot of compliments from my sister Celest, as well as the other housemates were amazed at me. I was embarrassed and did not know what to say to every compliment they would throw at me.

"A beautiful lady like you deserves a dazzling escort."

I rolled my eye at Lourd when he offered his arms to snake mine on his. Ate Celest and the couple laughed when Lourd did this. I laughed and just accepted it. He's not my escort in the balll obviously, but he is, in the event later. It was supposed to be Oli but I don't want to bother him anymore, I also don't want Jomar because Mariel hates me. And Levi ... he's impossible to be. He is not on the list. Praises and amusement was all I heard, arriving at the ball. I don't want to think that I'm the only one of them all, but every time I notice people staring at me I feel even more that I'm alone. If only Lourd could have come here, I would have taken him.

"Jomar!"

"Cyreese!"

He even stopped first until he approached me. My heart eased a bit when I saw him, now I have someone I know.

"Where are theyl?"

"Just hang them around, maybe just spin around."

We stayed at the tables for moments, just telling stories about what Jomar and I did about the events and such. There were also a few men who approached our table and asked if I could dance, I didn't want to refuse but Jomar told them first that I wasn't dancing.

Later Alicia and Leo arrive. Alicia escorts Leo so I wonder how that happened even though when I last saw them they were cursing at each other. Oscar was not with her because of family problems, and Mariel, I didn't see her the whole time.

The night wasn't that bad as I expected it to be, because of them I was happy for this once a lifetime experience. Jomar kept insisting for us to dance on the dance floor but I'm just saying that later when the number of people increases and they don't notice us anymore. But he was persistent. Because of their teasing of Alicia, I didn't do anything.

"Jomar, we should have just looked for Mariel."

I akwardly said as he grabbed my waist and wrapped my hand around his neck.

"We'll also meet later, you'll leave first so it's better that we two go first, Cy."

He whispered. I frowned and didn't know what to do. We were slowly getting here in the middle when I felt sorry for him and we just went back to the chair. Because my feet hurt with only the low heels I was wearing.

"I'll deliver you, Cy."

"I'm fine. I'll be picked up."

Lourd will pick me up and bring me back to the mansion and start the party.

"I told you Jomar and I'm fine."

He didn't really budge and accompanied me to the parking lot to wait for Lourd. I appreciate his gestures but he doesn't have to do this. He didn't answer my statement and he just looked at me intently. None of us were speechless as I gazed out over the dark surroundings. I came out earlier than Lourd and I talked about time.

"Cy."

I turned to Jomar and backed away when he tried to touch my face. He smirked.

"W-why?"

I stepped back for a few times because I was too confined by the small space between the two of us.

"You know I love you so much, don't you?"

I was devastated by his tone. I turned the wall behind me and handed it back to him. He put his palm on my waist and I immediately removed it. He followed it with a look and he laughed with unmixed joy afterwards. He cocked his head and meet the small gap between us. I can only see his face here in the dark parking lot. My system trembled remembering what had happened to me back in town, looking and his smirking face felt like flashbacks.

My chest throbbed, I didn't know what to do with him, I seemed to be stoned to my feet. I crumpled the cloth I was holding on to my clothes and was about to start pushing him when someone called to him.

"Jomar."

I breathed a sigh of relief as he walked away from me and faced that voice. Mariel was smirking at me looking so fine in her dress, she looks beautiful, her long and straight hair like mine is just loose and untouched. Mariel and I have almost the same posture when turning our backs because of her long hair, she often ties it up so the shape of her face is more delicate.

"Let's go."

He invited Jomar and they left looking at me, and that exact moment I heard a car's door banged and someone pulled me.