Chapter 28 Girlfriend

"I'm your girlfriend now?"

I look at his eyes with full adoration. I seemed to want to float in the air as much as he told me. I can't process everything at once especially since I still remember his lips on me.

"Yes."

He strokes my hear and touches the tip of my nose. We squeeze each other even though this sofa of her unit is so big. I couldn't help but smile I kept seeing him. I leaned my head on his chest and he left me there. The stars maybe have crashed me, but I'm ready to be crushed over and over again in exchange for the fun of being with him. He's my boyfriend and I'm his girlfriend. Not Ate Celest or that Molly.

"Should I call Molly?"

I pouted hearing her name. I shuddered and slightly bit his chest with a deep breath.

"Believe me, that photo was a year ago. They really did call me that night but I said I'll pass because that's my only time to rest."

I could feel the tip of his nose on my cheek and the heat of his breath. I bit my lip with my dis-oraganized thoughts. I believe him. I don't want to lie to myself that I don't believe him, I know that my only alibi was to call him a liar. The only thing I felt was jealousy. At the same time as I missed him, I thought he had a girlfriend in Manila, so that's how I felt for a few weeks.

"Then what about your ... texts?"

He shrugged and looked at my face. Seem like he didn't get what I wanted to say.

"Lounge?"

"What about it?"

I didn't answer at first because I thought it wouldn't be right for me to question him like this. That was his life before me, who am I to interfere?

"Nothing." I shrugged "Is it fun there?"

I added when he didn't speak and just estimated my movements. He still didn't answer so I looked at him. There was a playful smile on his lips and amazement in his eyes.

"It was different kind of fun in there." He said.

"Strange?" He just nodded at what I said.

"But it's still fun. It's the same. Just enough to say it's amazing."

My voice went from page to page as I uttered them, because as I finished I felt the bitterness with each utterance. He chuckled and hugged me, reason to surprise me.

"It was different kind of fun. Not like when you're around."

Stop. Yes! I'm already the girlfriend. Isn't that enough for me? I tried to hide the smiles on my lips when he said that.

"Dad is killing me with all the work. I wasn't able to finish on my expected time because of the sudden work and situations. I miss you damn much."

He folded our fingers. He kissed the top of my head and felt him caressing my waist. His heartbeat was all I can hear while he explains. It only has one beat but it's music to me.

We're so close to each other, his arms were wrapped around my waist while his other hand kept on stroking my hair. I want to be deep in the peace that her caress brings. I nodded at him in response. No matter what else he says, nothing can ruin the joy of my heart. All of that is of no value to me. All I can think of was his presence, his heartbeat and his words.

I traced the veins on his arms slowly, a long silence enveloped the two of us while the joy could not be forgotten on my face even though I was not smiling. With a blink of an eye I saw a black velvet box in front of my eyes, so I stopped there. I stared at it and immediately lifted myself up and looked at him.

"My present."

He offered it to me and with all the confusion, joy, and amusement I opened the box and saw a metal gold leaf? I examined it and stared at it carefully, without getting the answer I looked him in the eye. He was smiling a little while he's looking at me. He took the box in my hand and removed that metal, before I realize it he had already brought it to my hair and I never saw it again. His hands found my hand again and brought it to his lips.

"I'm sorry for making you cry. Happy Birthday, my Ava."

I thought over and over about all that had happened that night. His eyes that speaks a thousand words all the things that he said, his lips, his hair ... his heartbeat. I stare at the barrette he gave me. I caressed it and none of my own returned everything at all. After that he took me back to the mansion of the Solidads.

Like nothing happened. The people there continued to rejoice as if they hadn't noticed that I was gone. Ate Celest was the first person I saw immediately and she said nothing when Levi and I reached out holding hands. I removed Levi's hand and rawly smiled at Ate Celest but her eyes were focused on Levi's arm that wrapped around my waist.

She smirked at Levi and she smiled at me. My chest throbbed loudly during the encounter between the three of us. I looked up at Levi to my side and he didn't seem to be affected by what had happened.

"Oh my God! Is that the vintage alloy feather leaf I know?"

I almost jump when I hear a shriek of somebody. I immediately looked at it and a well -shaped woman appeared before me. Her hair is highlighted and her skin is tan. She was wearing a loose high denim shorts and I was devastated to see the string coming out because of the ease of her wearing.

On her body was a white sleeve bardot top that just a little lift will see her future. It doesn't look obscene but it adds to her beauty. She laughed awkwardly when she noticed I was so shocked at her presence.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I was just fascinated with that thingy."

He put the mirror on his head that had covered his eyes before.

"Is it authentic?"

He pointed to the barrette I had been staring at earlier. I didn't know what he was referring to so I just frowned.

"I'm sorry for being pakialamera but- girl!"

I was surprised when he sat down next to me and looked like we had known each other for a long time.

"If that's true, then damn! That's hella expensive! That's the vintage alloy feather leaf barette my girl."

He was still amazed while talking to me. I opened my palms and realized that was what he was referring to. This little thing is expensive? Levi gave this ... oh my.

"Can I hold it?"

Her eyes are saying "please" and I could do nothing but nod and I felt a mixture of comfort and apprehension when she took it in my palm.

"Shit. Mommy doesn't want to buy it for me because it doesn't matter."

"Who gave this to you? Is it your boyfriend? You're so luck......!"

She screamed as she slowly returned the barette to my hand. I awkwardly smile at her. I was overwhelmed by the inconsistent expression he displayed. In just a few words, I knew he was good at socializing with others. She has a western look and I look so different from her. I have a pale skin while she has a very fine tan complexion but she can handle it.

"Uhm ... yes."

I smiled at her. I will ask Levi about it and if what he says is true I will give it back to him. I expected this to be expensive yes, but if this is worth a dime then it's better to give this back to him.

"Ms. Suarez, Sir Vidalio is looking for you."

The woman's attention was also grabbed by Lourd's assistant's insertion.

"Uhm ... Vidalio? Lourd Vidalio?"

She grinned at the assistant and nodded at him. He turned to me and looked at me from head to toe.

"Don't tell me ... He's the one who gave you that."

The accusation I saw in his eyes lately was happy. The shake I made was violent at what he said.

"No. Lourd is just my friend."

She crossed her arms and examined me carefully. I was taken aback by the stares he made.

"Then why is he looking for you? Why are you here in Calicoan Island with him?"

One eyebrow is high and the posture is hard.

"He just took me with him because I had to study projects."

Automatically I explained even I didn't have to. She didn't seem convinced by what I said and didn't change her look. For a second, his face lit up again.

"Hmmm ... Okay!"

I almost wanted to think differently about him. The expression he shows me fluctuates even though there are only seconds between them. Lourd's assistant looked at me again so I bowed to let him know.

"I'm Lucy by the way."

She offered her hand and I accepted it.

"Cyreese."

Her eyes were smiling as the teeth in the gold of her lips were perfectly visible. I was mesmerized by her beauty. She looks jolly but sophisticated at the same time He lowered his mirror and turned his back on me to go to the group of people on the beach.

"Cyreese, this is Mr. Travers our photographer for today."

I looked at the man in front of me with a camera in his hands, he's mine is tan and his hair was wavy and long. Strange in the bay of the average man. Now that I realize it because I got lost in this place, I'm the only pale here. Well, Lourd too but, I still feel different. I took his hand and he introduced himself and I did the same. Lourd introduced me to some unfamiliar people here at the Calicoan Island beach resort where we traveled a few hours from Mar De Vena. This is the first time I will see the work system I will enter. Lourd said we'll have a few shoots, I won't lose my nerve.

"We'll shoot with our models and after we'll go one round for you."

The photographer smiled. I just smiled at him and he said goodbye to Lourd.

"He's just one of the photographers you'll encounter at work. Mr Travers is a good man with principles so you will still be respected. Others are rude and have bad manners so don't be surprised if one of these days you can work them. "

I nodded at his statement. I've been receiving so much in my brain since I stepped on it. The explanation that his manager or he makes every time we talk to Mar De Vena is different. Here I see everything and what is happening sinks deeper into me. While waiting for the models to finish on the beach, Lourd invited us to have lunch first. We just went up to second floor while still seeing people on the beach. I looked around and there were so many people they all didn't seem to mind here and only the ones serving food and some staff were no different all around.

I texted Levi when I remembered what he said that he'll update me from time to time and I should too.

Levi:

I'm having late lunch later, I need to finish my work cause I'm leaving for Villa Calicoan.

I rolled my eyes at what I read. He's leaving? I thought he was busy with his work?

"Lourd,"

I broke his stupor in the distance and left the hardness of his expression. Why does a to seem angry?

"Yes?"

Maybe he noticed that I was wondering so even he was surprised at the attitude. He sips his water.

"Is Villa Calicoan just near here?"

"A few minutes drive, yes."

I nodded and typed into the cellphone.

Me: Be careful.

I don't want him to think that I'm meddling with his business so I didn't ask him why. When I ask him he will definitely explain and I don't want that, I don't want to be like us again on my birthday that we had to answer because I interfered. A wide variety of local food and other desserts were laid out on our table. I invited Lourd's manager and bodyguard to eat but he just scolded me.

What is the problem with this one? Is he the only child of God? Even before I started my cell phone rang and my heart pounded to see his name. Lourd saw it and said nothing.

"Hello?"

"Are you well?"

"Hmm-hmm" I nodded even though he couldn't see me.

Lourd didn't start eating and I was eagerly waiting. He was still looking at the people on the beach.

"I'm meeting someone in Villa Calicoan."

"Be careful."

I just mentioned. I didn't even ask him he said it! My heart secretly celebrated.

"You should."

He said sparingly. I know that before I left we had never talked about it in the contract Lourd had given me. So I can't hear in his voice how emotional he is here. Before I left Mar De Vena, I didn't have the chance to explain everything to him. He and his brother talked and I have not heard anything from him about it.

"What time will you finish?"

"Uhm ..."

I looked at Lourd and couldn't draw his face.

"I'm not sure."

Sighing is what I heard.

"I'll pick you up when you're done. Pass your phone to my brother."

My mind was a mess given to Lourd. He just turned it badly but accepted it as well. He was still staring into the distance while listening to the speaker.

"Okay ... hmm"

That's all and he handed me the cellphone again. My forehead twitched and I listened to the other line again.

"Take your time, and please, refrain yourself from smiling."

"H-huh?" that's not what I expected to hear from him. He said he'll pick me up, why did my smile enter the conversation?

"Those are mine."

I gulped due to his sudden blow. I heard him laugh huskily before he hanged up. Lourd and I started eating even though it seemed like she had been together for a while. I was afraid to talk to him and just distracted myself by looking at the whole scene.

"Isn't that Lucy?"

I remember he mentioned him to me so this is what I thought was wrong with our silence two. He cleared his throat and motioned to set aside our table.

"Is she also a model?"

He just nodded as we simultaneously watched his natural poses in front of the camera. She's looking sexy under the heat of the sun, her tan skin is reflecting in sun rays, what she's wearing is what I saw of her before. I looked at myself. I'm wearing a white boho maxi dress, compared to other models it's more conservative for me. Only my collar bone and my other thigh I think it shows, while the models are more frugal in their wear.

They look natural and comfortable while I'm not. I look awkward when in fact, compared to them I am so wrapped up.

The afternoon came and I also had time for a few photos. I feel so nervous at the thought of posing in front of the camera, Lourd is pouring out all sorts of words to make me feel better. Even the photographer Mr. Travers did the same.

"Come on Ms. Suarez, you have everything to offer. There's nothing to be afraid of."

I was standing on the rocky sea, if earlier the sun was high now it has become lighter, the wind is strong and it blows my maxi dress.

I made eye contact with Lourd and I can see how much he wanted to encourage me, Mr. Travers looks soft and gentle while waiting for my cue to start.

I also saw a few models in the distance looking in our direction. Pressure is sinking in. I get even more bored with the attention they give me. Is this the right thing to do? I try to repeat to myself the reason for all this, the opportunity that lies ahead in exchange for this responsibility.

"Cyreese! Uh, excuse me."

I turned my attention to Lucy who appeared out of nowhere and shook Lourd's arm as if no one had seen and approached me. Dagger like look was given to her by this man having PMS the whole day. Lucy smiled as she greeted Mr. Travers before finally getting a little closer to where I was.

"Girl, this dress is perfect for the time of the day. Make it dance with your own rhythm."

He grabbed the end of my dress and flicked it in the breeze, the more my legs saw what he did. I looked at my legs with shock and I heard her giggle.

"Go! You can do it. I'll teach you poses."

I felt relieved by the smile he gave me. Somehow it tones down the nervousness and pressure building up inside me. He stood in a position out of sight of the camera and he motioned to the photographer. I looked at the camera without doing anything with my dress flowing freely. I heard so much praise from Mr. Travers.

"Oh myyyyy! You're so innocent looking! I wish I have those natural expressions of yours!"

Lucy screamed and I turned to her. Lourd was crossing his arms while looking at Lucy giving me directions and poses to follow. I followed him and forced myself to do everything he said. I can sense the adrenaline in me, before I was just nervous now I'm pretty happy with what's happening. Although some eyes are looking and giving me attention still bothers me, I can handle it. This is also what I was going through at school so I just thought it was just like that.

"We-we-wait! I think it's better if you sit on the rock and show some skin like-"

she sat on a rock out of water and told what she wants to happen. I'm so amazed by her ideas, I feel better if she just does it and I watch her even all day. Mr. Travers laugh and gave some shots to Lucy's poses.

"Woman, get out of here. You're not needed here."

I was shocked at what Lourd had said, even the photographer turned to him.

"Huh? Excuse me? Are you talking to me Mr. Lourd Vidalio?"

Lucy asked mockingly and got up. Lourd's expression was still darker than black as Lucy seemed to be mocking him.

"You? Talking to me?"

Lucy pointed at Lourd and herself and all I heard was a melody of teasing and amazement at what she said.

"You heard me."

I frowned at Lourd because of what he was up to. Why is he being rude all day? Lucy is just helping me why is she angry here? Lucy laughed sincerely as if she was overjoyed at what this man had said. He looked at me and all I could see was pure satisfaction, his expression was very light as if he had heard the most beautiful word for him.

"Go girl, I got to go. Cause you know?"

She bit her lip and pointed her back where Lourd's direction was.

"Lourd is turning into someone he should not. Ciao!"

Her hair sways as her crop top rises a little more and her curvy body becomes more visible. Lourd looked up as if he was irritated by the world. She ruffled her hair before looking at me and I stared at her. This one is annoying. Miraculously I ended up taking a few minutes of me taking pictures. It helped me a lot to start in this line of work, I got to know the standards and such before I started a real project.

"You look so natural Ms. Suarez, no wonder other clients are harassing you even though they haven't seen you yet."

Mr. Travers complimented me while we're both looking at the pictures. Personally, I don't see anything different here other than my clothes and I only show pure natural expressions. So I don't get what they say.

"If you learn how to handle your expression and body all at once, you'll be all set. Finish the rest, Ms. Suarez."

I chuckled at his statement. I don't know if what he's saying is still true. The three of us Lourd and I looked at the photos and they had a few more critiques said in the photos. Some compliments and things I have yet to improove. The sky was orange when we were all finished. Lourd is silent in the car which is not the usual. I used to annoy him and I calmed him down.

"Why did you treat Lucy like that before?"

I break the silence. We were in the back seat while his driver and manager were in the front. He was just tired of leaning on the head rest when he heard me.

"That woman is so stubborn. That's why."

"But it's still wrong for you to talk to him like that! He just wants to help me-"

"Those are etiquette, Ava Cyreese!"

My eyes widened at his sudden outburst. This was probably his noisiest second of the day.

"She's not called by anybody, why is she showing her skin there? Isn't it enough that she rubbed her body this morning?"

He turned to the window. I looked at him with full confusion. I couldn't understand what he was talking about. Am I wrong because I don't know this system of work yet or is he just really disgusted with me and Lucy?

"Why is she even there? Who's like her?"

He turned to his manager and I just heard the stutter of it start but he stopped it immediately.

"Nevermind. Next time fix my schedule. Don't match him with his projects, especially if he wants to do porn."

He said with finality. I can't understand him. I was just shaken by his attitude.