Chapter 29 Mother

The car we were riding in stopped just outside the resort we were coming from. I waited for seconds wondering why we stopped.

Before I could even ask I was answered by the opening of the door next to me. I saw Levi wearing a black trench coat with a black turtle neck inside. With his phone in his hand, I'm startled seeing him here.

Even though I saw him a few more times, my heart was still beating like this. Still can't realize how and for what he's throbbing. She told me to go down but I turned to Lourd who didn't seem to care what was happening, he didn't even look at his brother. I was surprised to look at Levi again.

"You're not answering my calls."

I just remembered that he said earlier that he would pick me up. I turned to Lourd and waited for him to say something but it seemed like his head was still warm from what we had talked about earlier.

"Thank you very much, be careful when you go home."

I politely said goodbye to the driver and his manager, I turned to him and just looked at what he had awarded me before I got off. I felt guilty and confused looking at him. I don't know if I should forgive someone or he should apologize all day for being irritable. Levi opened the door wider as I step outside.

I went to the gutter to pull over in the middle of the road. I immediately felt the coolness of the breeze as it flew the dress, which I still wear to this day. The Solidads mansion is also close to the sea but the breeze is much cooler here in Calicoan.

I saw Levi talk a bit before closing the car's door and he went to where I was. Now I realize it, now I just saw them two again in the same place and time. I knew that they are not in good terms or not exactly like that but, it's a bit amusing seeing both of them in one frame.

Although I didn't really see Lourd's face when they talked for a while. I smiled at him while he's getting near me. His lips twitched but when he got close to me his forehead wrinkled.

"You look cold, did you wear this all day?"

He immediately took off his trench coat and placed it on my shoulder. He's now wearing his black turtle neck. He used to be different in different clothes. But this turtle of his is my favorite of his. It's been weeks of being her girlfriend, Is he really my boyfriend? He adjusted the overlap of his trech coat on my shoulder before he wrapped me in one arm and touched his lip to the top of my forehead. Warmness spread all through out my system, declining the cold I felt a while ago.

"This is the dress I was given for the photo shoot."

He glanced at me and sneezed before we both clasped our hands. I heard nothing while he guided me into his car's direction. He opened the door for me and let me in. I thought he was going to close that but he took both sides of his trench coat and covered it tightly around my thigh. My cheeks warmed at what he had done.

"Photo shoot, hmm ..."

He stayed by my side as I felt his gaze on me. I held the trench coat tightly to my leg as I smelled his familiar scent.

"Should I buy those pictures so no one can see it?"

He state with humor. I pouted looking at his lips slightly twitched due to a suppressing a smile.

"Kidding."

He chuckled and dab his index finger on the bridge of my nose. Before I could complain, he closed the door and turned around in the driver's seat.

"How's your ... work? With my brother."

My mind stopped at his hesitant question.

"It's not a job yet. Lourd just took me there so I could learn what else to do."

"So this is how will it be from time to time?"

"I haven't accepted the contract yet. I'm still thinking about it carefully."

He nodded and didn't say anything. I thought he had something else to say about my decision but I was the only one who really thought he would interfere with that. He's matured about it. I can't help but to admire him more. It was dark and the sun was setting. I am not familiar with the path we are treading. Coconut trees and Nipa huts are everywhere. I feel more the beach vibe of the surroundings compared to Mar De Vena which is, life is more practical.

"Have you eaten dinner?"

I shook my head in response to him.

"Great. We're dropping by in Villa Calicoan before going home. We'll have some dinner first."

I nodded at what he said. I said goodbye to the Solidads that I couldn't go home early but I couldn't let him know that I was with Levi because it wasn't really in the plan. I feel like it's still my obligation to tell them about our relationship but I can't find the right timing to tell Levi. I'm afraid he doesn't really want to tell anyone about our relationship. I am also afraid not to tell the Solidads because somehow they have the right to know because they are my family. I'm afraid to open it up to him.

Cause I can't still get a grasp of his thoughts. His actions have always puzzled me and I have been submissive to his decision. Cause I think that's the best thing to do. While me? Slave to one's own emotions and feelings. Just a few minutes and his car stopped unexpectedly.

Lourd said earlier that it was so close but I didn't know it was that close. He opened the door and so did I. I scanned the place from the outside because the place is covered with mid-high plants and small coconut trees.

There were many lights I could see from the stand. The place looks exquisite just from the outside, what else is inside? I was too engross at the beauty of the place when I felt a hand on my waist.

"You always do anything by yourself. Let me open the door for you at least."

I looked up at his expression and frowned again as he made his way into the villa. It's not big as the resort we came from it's like an exclusive private villa. No one is scattered. The surroundings are quiet and calm. I smiled at him being grumpy. He lowered his gaze to my eyes and I closed him even more with my smiles. His lips twisted while having a ghost of smile in his lips. I giggled and stopped when he grab my waist and pressed me into his self.

"You're about to meet my dad. Don't give him that smile."

He whispered. My eyes widened as I couldn't believe what he was saying.

"What !?"

His dad? Where? When? Here? His father is here? I heard his little laugh but I didn't have time to be angry with him because a figure of a man from afar greeted us. A middle age Adonis man looking or handsome with his gentle expression in his eyes, he looks like the man next to me but his features are gentler than the dark aura of this man beside me.

Practically, his son. I met his gaze and saw his weak smile, the wrinkles on the side of his mouth didn't even decrease his manly feature.

"Good e-evening sir."

How much more do I need to feel before this day is over? I removed Levi's hold from my waist and smiled rawly at his father when he saw what I had done. I felt Levi's confused glance towards me, but he just nodded.

"Ava, this is my father."

I smiled and bow at him a little.

"I finally meet you."

He stared at me with an almost wounded and longing eyes. I felt a slight pinch on my chest looking back at him. I seemed to be carried away by his talking eyes. Levi cleared his throat and his father's gaze stopped.

"I thought Lourd was with you, where is he?"

"You know your son, Papa."

His father's face was disappointed at what Levi had said. Now I just thought that was probably what they talked about earlier in the car. Is he not still in good terms with his family?

"Let's have dinner inside, table is ready."

He took a quick meaningful glance at his son before turning his back. I waited for him to get away a bit before I let go of the overflowing emotion. Before I could say anything to him, Levi laughed silently and grab my waist again guiding me inside. I frowned and quickly removed his hand and he laughed again at the way I looked.

Annoyingly, he did not tell me that his father was here. I could have properly meet his father with a decent dress at least and a gift of courtesy. Coming inside, a large stationary windows with a great lightning mellow ambiance welcomed us. A dark walnut table on the outside of the large windows with flowers and candles is waiting for us.

We headed that way, you can see the shore from here and the lights from the sorroundings are all warm. Before I could sit on the chair, Levi pull it out for me and I thanked him. He sat on the chair beside me while his father is in front of us. Her father and I caught sight of her again watching the action of the two of us, I gave her a raw smile.

I saw a man in uniform pour the wine in the bordeaux glass. Levi put the white square cloth on my lap. I was so lost in the amount of cutlery and whatnot on the table. Earlier I only had a simple dinner on my mind but I was facing a fine dining.

"So, you're from Mar De Vena right, Hija?"

"Yes."

He nodded. I turned to Levi so he could see my nervousness but to put food on my plate.

"Let me."

He locked his eyes on me and I could feel his resistance but eventually he just let me go. I was surprised when the man serving wine came next to me and tried to put the wine glass in my place.

"No, serve her other beverage."

I breathed a sigh of relief when Levi did that for me. I sighed.

"Thank you."

I smiled to the man. I was about to pick up my spoon when I felt Levi whispered.

"Let's do something about that smile."

His father's clearing of throat broke the silence and made me blush even more. This one seems to have forgotten that we are facing his father. We start with our meals individually. Levi and his father talk about some things that I don't understand as usual. I let them talk as I concentrated on my food, I immediately finished what I put on my plate.

"Eat more."

I shook my head and drank my orange Juice.

"I'm full."

"How about dessert?"

"All right."

I nodded.

"Try this caprice Ava."

His father offered me an unfamiliar looking dessert.

"Cyreese. Ava Cyreese."

We both looked at him as he corrected his father. My forehead furrowed at his hard expression. I accepted the dessert he handed me. I thanked him before saying.

"It's okay, just call me Ava."

He just gave me a weak smile. I am more accustomed to being called by the name Cyreese. Ava is my mom's name so since childhood no one has called me. Only Levi, now.

"What are you taking up Hija?"

When his father started talking, he finished what they had been talking about.

"Nothing yet. I just finished Senior High."

I'm so embarrassed, that's the truth. Why does he think that someone like me who has never been there is his daughter's bride? I don't seem to be able to present to him.

"I see."

I started to eat the sweet red dessert in front of me.

"Have you answered this my son?"

My throat choked at the question heard. I coughed and Levi offered a glass of water immediately. I cleared my throat before answering his question.

"Papa."

Levi said like a warning tone. His father laughed with humor as I was embarrassed at what was happening.

"Oh come on, I just want to know. Is this my son your boyfriend?"

"Yes...?"

I bit my tongue. Why do I sound unsure.

"Are you unsure of me Ava?"

I turned to Levi who frowned at me. I gulped. I gave him a Don't-blame-me-because-you-suddenly-brought-me-to-your-father's-no-notice look.

"She's probably shy Hijo. Give it a rest."

I gave him a polite smile. His dad is still good and he understands me.

"You look lovely Hija, no wonder why my son is so fond of you."

Hearing this from his father is a different story. Levi is fond of me? No, I'm so fond of his son. I felt Levi's intertwining his hands into mine. Levi never fails to make my heart beat crazy. Any aspect of his life he can drive me crazy.

"It seems like I'm seeing your mom again."

"Yes?"

My forehead furrowed. My mom? He met my mother before? Or is he talking to Levi?

"Papa."

I could barely hear Levi's voice and I gave full attention to his father. Did I heard it wrong? He gave an awkward smile and wiped his lips with the cloth, he avoided looking at me. "I mean, you're pretty Cyreese, I bet you got those features from your mother." My mouth opened with his answers.

"Thank you. I look like my mother."

He just nodded and he looked at his son again. If I could describe that dinner it was not bad. Meeting his father was not bad at all, but meeting him unexpectedly is different. If I could only meet his father not empty handed then it'll be better, and for sure I'll wear a more decent clothes not this maxi dress hiding in his trench coat.

"It was nice meeting you ... Cyreese."

"Thank you very much, I'm sorry if I'm not ready, because Levi didn't say-"

"It's okay Hija. Next time let's arrange another dinner."

I pursed my lips and I nodded. I closed the window of Levi's car because I was feeling colder, after remembering how kind his father was.

"I wish I could have brought something, and look at what I was wearing. "

I pouted. He smirked. And he's finding this situation funny?

"Next time, tell me, and I'll be fine with him."

I look straight ahead, I lean my head on the head rest.

"I don't even know if I'll let him meet you again." He chuckled.

He said it weakly but I heard it. My eyebrows furrowed. I stared at him and he noticed that was the reason he turned to me. He laughed when he glanced at me.

"It's okay, he likes you even you are wearing my coat and you've come empty handed. You don't have to please him anyway."

"Still!" I pouted more.

I can't stop thinking how embarrass I am on that dinner. He held out his hand to me as he thought he was still on the road.

"You focus on driving."

As much as I want to hold his hand I don't want anything bad to happen to the two of us. As if he heard nothing, he just continued to drive and tightened his grip on my hand. I sighed.

"What about your mom?"

Out of curiosity I asked. His expression froze, his jaw moved before he glanced at me.

"Do you want to meet her?"

"Uhm, it's okay."

It took him a long time to answer again.

"Then, I'll arrange a dinner if I had the chance."

I nodded.

"But I hope you'll tell me next time, huh? I'll prepare, so that your mom will like me too."

I smiled and caressed his hands. He smiled and looked at me. He nodded.

"Even if they don't like you yet Ava. You're the one I like."

Summer have ended swiftly. This is so far the busiest summer I've been through. Although I was new to the system of life, I gradually learned everything. Lourd is always there to guide me all through out my struggles. Photo shoots, trainings, ettiquettes and such all I had to go through. Even the school I've enrolled in Manila is all set. Everything was taken care of by Lourd's manager. I'm just waiting for my signature to make everything more real. There's no turning back even though my signature isn't there yet. Everything is turning into colors slowly and surely.

"Is New York beautiful? I saw on the internet that there are many buildings there."

I heard him laugh from the other line. I pouted. I feel like I'm just always being ridiculous in his eyes. Hearing, by the way.

"You love buildings, I forgot." He mocked.

He knew it. He was really just teasing me. He knew how much I wanted to see the City lights that he keeps on flexing about. He knew how much I've draw buildings on my sketch book. He knew it.

"Do you want to come here?" I sighed.

This one is teasing me again.

"I'm serious Ava. Do you want me to bring you here?"

I fell silent. I can't seem to imagine what he wants to happen. Is he asking me if we want to travel together?

"Hmm-hmm" I nodded.

I like that. I love that but I don't know why I have so little pain in my heart. I never knew that we've come this far. I never knew that I could dream that far. I thought there should always be a limit when you dream, especially if the dreamer is a scoundrel like me. I remember dreaming about him, dream or illusion all that I remember. Dreaming of being with him for more time every time he's in the office, dreaming for at least a minor attention.

Before, he seems so far out of reach, now he told me he is I feel all that ispossible. He'll always be the range of my limit, nothing equals his dream. Even reaching heaven is unmatched.

"After you graduate I'll bring you in any country you want." He breathed.

I miss him so much. It's only been a week since he left Mar De Vena again and headed to New York for what he says is the conference. He said he was sent as the representative of his father. In addition, we only met for a short time when he was here because he was staying at their hotel in the center.

The Solidad's are here but Sir Constantine left for Manila. It's okay and I'm not alone here in the mansion. So I couldn't help but miss him even more. And now that he's saying this, another dream of mine was molded. We'll come that far soon Levi. Not just at the end of Mar De Vena.

"Are you still not gonna sign the contract?"

Lourd presented me with the contract. I looked at him and just gave up.

"Can I handle all this?"

I brushed my curled hair because of another photo shoot we did this afternoon. Right here in their hotel bar. My make up is heavy and it's a bit new and daring than the usual photo shoots we do. So now that I am aware of the reality of the job I will be entering, I am wondering if I will be able to handle all this by the time I sign this contract.

"You know that I'll always be here right?"

Let's face it. Although Lourd and I didn't have a good start, she has played a big role in my life in recent months. He is the reason I am facing the big change in my life today. I'm thankful that I had a friend but an enemy at the same time. Even if I didn't tell him, he knew I was very grateful to him. Suddenly he entered my life, things I did not expect God to give me.

Levi:

Baby,

I opened his message while going out in the elevator, Lourd was about to take me back to the Solidad. My chest throbbed for no apparent reason. I felt nervous reading his texts, he had that text before but it was alone and he seemed to have something important to say.

As we walked into the lobby, I typed on my cellphone to reply to him. Me: Is there a problem? Before I could even send it Lourd stopped walking in front of me. At his height I had to side to see the reason for his stop.

Lourd's expression seemed bored and when I ruled out the reason for his stop I was also surprised. A middle aged woman wearing a tan sleeveless knee length coat. A skinny black pants was underneath that coat. The belt was close to his waist and I could see the curve of his body. The tans talons heels are clacking while straightly looking at our direction.

She got the smirk on her face as her straight hair didn't seem to be disturbed by any gust of wind. I also stopped because of Lourd's disposition. Why does he look so shocked and afraid? The woman finally came in front of us and two strong men were behind her. Now that she's near, now I see more of her beauty, not paying attention to her age. Even the flap bag she's holding was mesmerizing. I'm intimidated.

"How are you hiding in your son's nest?"

Its cold voice echoed in the quiet lobby. Her side of lips rose but I don't see any humor in it. I was confused by what was happening. This was probably the first time I had seen Lourd without saying anything. His face was restrained but could not look into the woman's eyes. My leg shook as it shifted its gaze to me. Her eyes are cold and intimidating. She scanned me from head to toe until she almost state words as if she's spitting it.

"The news is true, that you brought a hypocrite here."

She smirked. My mouth fell open. My eyes are shocked by her words.

"Ma, please. Let's not include Ava here."

Lourd blocked his arm and forced me to go behind him. My whole being seemed to cool when I heard what Lourd had said. Ma? His mother? Levi's mother? "Ma?" She spat with amusement.

"I'm never you mother, kid."

Her words were even sharper than a dagger, which caused Lourd to bow to his mother's words. The people in the lobby seemed to stop what they were doing.

"Ava?"

She turned his gaze to me, parting my lips to release the building pressure in my throat.

"There is no one else. Until the next life you will still force yourself on the life that is not for you."

It was as if a dagger had pierced my heart. Especially when I saw his eyes full of disgust and hatred. I couldn't understand anything he was saying but to hear it from the mother of the person I love I couldn't bear.

"Ma, please!"

Lourd exclaimed but that doesn't shake her.

"Like your mother, you also try to squeeze yourself into someone you can't reach."

Gradually tears welled up in my eyes, my legs are shaking so bad. The whole lobby's attention was on us.

"The thickness of your face stick your name on my son's name! You inherited from your ambitious and inaccessible mother!"

Lourd kept me hiding behind him. I bowed down to shed my tears. I tried to hide the sobs that I almost vomited. Her anger was clear, the way she shouted and pointed at my face was all clear. The only vague thing was that he joined in my mother's name.

"Isn't your mother's soul still can't move on and when she can't get my husband it's my son you're trying to take !?"

It was as if my heart was pounding with the pain of his words. It was as if I was being killed by the fact that it was slowly opening up in my mind.

"We're leaving here, Ma. You don't have to make a scandal here-"

"I'm not your mother!"

He tried to catch up with me but Lourd blocked between the two of us. The female crew was fast and in a flash Lourd was holding them. My cheeks filled with tears when I saw his eyes mocking and full of anger. Full of hatred and abomination.

"Is it money again? For sure it was all about the money, that's really what your mother wanted first."

With dim eyes I could clearly see the rage that was alive in him. I was unable to defend the mother because of the unknown fact. Has the mother been a fixture? And who? When his wife? The father of the person I love the most? I shuddered as I tried to suppress the sobs.

"I love Levi-"

"Ma!"

Simultaneously with the numbness of my cheek was the suddenness of everyone. During these times my mind went blank. Eveything went blank as soon as I felt her palm on my cheeks.

"You're disgusting! You're not only flirty like your mother, but you still look like money!"

My knees are weak and my heart seemed to be killed over and over again. Not even my sobs were left in the air and I could barely breathe in the pain I felt. I understand the loath, I understand where she's coming from, understand the critization but I think this is enough.

"This is what you tell your mother the next time you meet, neither in heaven nor in hell, you will never get the men in my life no matter how many times you desire!"

Even before I could kneel in the weakness I felt, Lourd caught up with me.

"Enough! You have no right to hurt Ava! We know you're the criminal here!"

His mother spat a shocked laugh at his son's statement. I can't take my eyes off him. I struggled to memorize how furious he looked so that even in the next life I could carry the pain of the truth I just found out.

"You've caused the fire in their Island so Ava's family died! So my real mother disappeared!"

I thought that was all there was to it. My whole system trembled, my gaze fell to the floor and I completely lost myself. All I can think of was my mother and my father. How much I've wanted to disappear at this moment. I can't digest everything. It's even worse than the nightmare.

"Don't worry. Cause everytime I declare your name as my mother, I despise it a lot. It's embarrassing to carry your last name. It's embarrassing to be part of your family."

Levi, we've really come so far.