Chapter 47 Deja Vu

Chapter 47 Deja Vu

"Cyreese, I hope you didn't forget about me. I'm sending my invites for you. I'm getting married."

As soon as I see Ate Celest's message, I decided to schedule a flight in Mar De Vena. The truth is, I never thought I would suddenly have the opportunity to return to the place of origin. I can't say no to her, Ate Celest is a part of my existence. Although I was not related to him or the Solidad family, I considered them a second family.

"Architect Suarez, your leave of absence has been approved."

I smiled at my assistant and said some of my instructions to him. I thought I wouldn't be allowed, I've only been with this company for a few months. But maybe I was also allowed because I made sure that my 2 week absence would not be a loss. I made sure to put every thing in place without delaying any work to leave.

"I'm coming with you." I silently turned to Lourd at what he had said.

"Why? Ate Celest knows me and I'm sure even without invites I can still." He smirked. I just sighed and let him do what he wanted while continuing to do my other paper works so that it wouldn't be too hard for my assistant to be left behind.

"I already booked a flight." I answered.

"I'll call it a rentable car. It's hard to commute." I shuddered at what he said.

We agreed on what to do. He can't keep up with me because he still has a job and he's still a bit busy with Lucy's business. Meanwhile, Lucy is out of the country because of some photo shoots. Work too.

"When is the final date of Lucy's wedding? You've been delaying that for almost a year."

He just snorted when he heard what I said, looked at me and I saw that his eyes meant something.

"There's no one to get married. So what's the reason for your delay?" Yes. I don't know when they did even come up with the decision. They said they knew I was about to get married then so they decided to delay or give way.

And now that it's still vague about the fact that that will happen, I don't understand what other reason they have for postponing it.

"I'll introduce her to mom first." I stopped typing and rolled my eyes at what he said. My heart softened to think that he had not forgotten to include our mother in his plan.

At the side of my head, I asked myself. If it hadn't been so chaotic, would I have done the same?

"Where are you going to stay?"

I thought about that too, my sister Celest told me that at the resort where her wedding was held, the guests who came from far away had their own room but it was only a week. I don't know if I'll be there to check in all through out my stay or I'll look for someone else. But anyway, there's a beach, how could I resist?

"Maybe at the resort where the event will be held. Or if not I'll find a way."

"VGH is the closest."

He looked down at me and I would have almost slapped him if I hadn't thought he was older than me.

"Lourd, just- just stop."

I hissed in a low monotone.

"Ava Cyreese, why should I tolerate you if you don't-"

"Stop."

I say he holds. It was unavoidable to have anger in tone.

"That's enough. The man is quiet. Maybe he has a new girlfriend. Let's not make trouble." "If there is, I'll know."

"With or without, I'm no longer there."

I end the conversation. I thought he was going to shut up because he didn't answer right away but he was really exhausting my patience.

"You still love him."

I hope it's a question but it's not. It's a statement that sounds so sure and intimidating. I licked my lips and look at him.

"And did I deny it? So what Lourd? For what else if I still love him? We ended on that day and it's clear because he left with his own will."

"But if you didn't beg in the first place he wouldn't leave, for sure." I clenched my fist as the fresh past came back for a moment. I don't regret that I did that. Until I see that the beautiful was caused both life we have nothing to regret.

"I get your point. You're concerned about everything and you're guilty of what happened. But I also get my brother, if I'm on his shoes I could have done the same."

"Enough, Lourd."

I brushed my hair with my hands and shifted on my seats. We are getting too far away.

"I've always been on your side you know that. But this time I'm on his." He stood up and kissed my forehead after he waved.

"I'll go now." I was left silent and dumb in my unit. Almost a year, still in bloom. Just when I'm about to fell on a deep hole of overthinking, I've amused myself and grabbed a pint of vanilla ice cream while doing the paper works I need to finish. Distractions.

That's right Sister Celest. Because when I arrived at Catarman Airport there was someone to pick me up. The wind gave me a strange feeling, on the flight I couldn't help but be emotional to step back into the place of origin.

Especially when the place and the road became familiar to me, I even passed the center, the church, the tall building was still there. Nothing seems to have changed yet so in my almost five years of absence so much has happened. Almost all are nostalgic, painful yet sweet.

"Cyreese! Oh my God!"

I almost cried when I saw Ate Celest meet me at the entrance of the mansion. The beauty and short hair have not faded yet. The Solidad couple was still there and next to my sister was an unfamiliar man. We gave each other a big hug and a few compliments and question. I wished Ma'am Mira and Sir Constantine. Nothing seems to have changed in them either, even their middle age still looking classic and outstanding.

"And here's Paul, Cyreese." I turned to a mixed -race man next to my sister and we just shook hands. This is his partner for sure. I was able to enter while my belongings were ordered to be put inside.

"I will."

I would hold an inmate to take my things. He hesitated and looked at the Solidads but before anyone could speak they were preceded by a shout.

"Cyreese! My God, son!"

"Mother Celia!"

I can't explain the feeling of being back. For a long time I also did not see and talk to them. I feel like I have come home to my real families. I feel like a big space in my heart has been filled because of the warmth of their reception of me. We all stopped at the office and talked.

"Shall I take it up to your old room Cyreese?" Si ma'am Mira, pertaining to my luggage. I gasped and don't know what to say.

"I'll just check in at the nearest one here, ma'am."

"It's just Auntie, Cyreese."

I smiled shyly and called her tita.

"You're just here Cyreese, please? There's no one else here besides 5 days before the wedding."

Ate Celest pouted. His fiancée looked at him with a smile. I just nodded and smiled. How can I still reject Ate Celest? The afternoon caught up with us talking about the things we had missed about each other. I found out that Celest's sister's husband is also an engineer. All about the wedding and technical stuff even the little things we also talked about. Until it was also decided to rest first and prepare for dinner.

Before I could step on the grand staircase of the house, I first turned my gaze to the kitchen. It was as if a pinch was felt in my heart, I don't know if it was because I was so orphaned by the events here or something else. Entering the room that I've stayed before, it all seemed to come back to me again.

The simple things that make me happy. Even my small desk that I sleep on every time I study. The chair in front of the window that I often hang out with, just overlooking the sky and peaceful sea. I decided to take a warm bath because of the tiredness I felt from the flight. I need to change my clothes too for dinner that's why. After unpacking the luggage I took out the photo of mom and dad and put it in the place where I had put it before. But seeing something in there made my heart beat wildly.

The little cactus was still there, I left it alive and now it has grown a little more. I bit my lips scanning the plant in my hands, when I suddenly thought about something.

"No way ..." I whispered.

I lowered the plant and knelt down to open the small drawer there. And I wasn't wrong. The gold leaf barrette I left was still there. Not even dust or anything. I gasped and put my hands on my mouth. I never thought I would see it here again, I left it with the thought that I would leave everything that would make me worry about this island and now that I see it again in this situation, I don't know what to feel.

I sat in the chair opposite the window in tears. Holding the barrette and seeing the breath taking view in front of me. I remember how fragile I am before, how innocent I am and how simple my life was.

My heart longs for that simple Ava, for that simple yet gold phase of my life. I thought if I could come home here it would be very painful, but look at it. Time has molded me, as I said before once I'm back here I'll never be the same anymore. Soon I was knocked on my door to get off the table. I laid down the barrette next to mom and dad's cactus and frame.

No one changed the position at the table. It's still the same, but the difference is that Ate Celest is next to her now. I smiled timidly when I saw what was waiting there. "Congrats for passing the board, Hija. I heard you're one of the top notchers."

Yes sir Constatine. I thanked him and the conversation was followed with some technical and professional topics, mostly about work.

"I still can't believe how far you've become Cyreese. Look at you now, you're not just a lady but a woman."

I can't help but be ashamed of Ate Celest's compliments again.

"Don't tell me you still don't have a boyfriend?" You lift me think of him.

"P-po?" "Or even a lover?"

I coughed weakly because I seemed to be overwhelmed by his questions to me.

"You're making her child uncomfortable." Smiling said ma'am Mira. Once the conversation turned to something else I was not involved in. But soon ma'am Mira asked me again.

"How about Lourd, hija? Isn't he coming?"

"Of course Cyreese, I forgot about him. But I hope he can go."

"Don't worry, he'll be next because he's still a bit busy in Manila. And we're deciding to visit mom's grave as well."

"That's great then. You're complete." Si ma'am Mira.

"Won't his brother come along?"

Sir Constantine replied. I turned here and was confused by what was said.

"Levi? Not sure dad, I sent my invites and all I got was congratulatory message."

I let go of my cutlery and created a noise causing them to turn towards me. Luckily and it just didn't seem to be in them, I just pretended to be thirsty and sipped from my glass. Why didn't I think of that !? He's invited, of course!

Oh Lord, I must have prayed wrongly that he would not go to Ate Celest on such an important day. I could hardly sleep thinking if he was going to Celest's wedding. Not even sure Ava! Why are you still thinking !? Besides, if he comes, maybe he won't be like me for a few weeks.

Maybe just at the event itself, he was a busy person. Right, that's it. Why would I be bother? I went to sleep at midnight but I still woke up early. I have no plans for this day, I would like to rest first or take a walk on the beach. So it was a bit annoying that I woke up early. I just distracted myself by cutting the plants in the garden.

"Hija, it's your morning to wake up. I'll be there, I hope you just rest."

Mother Celia was shocked when she saw me in the garden.

"It's okay, Mother Celia, I also missed watering the plants here in the mansion." He insisted but eventually let me go.

"I miss you so much, Cyreese. I still can't forget when you left here."

Mother Celia's story. I greeted him and the events here since I disappeared. I smiled sadly, I was stunned by the plant so it kind of drowned out. I immediately moved to the other burn.

"But I'm especially happy to see you on television and in magazines, son. You're doing well and I'm relieved."

I turned to Mom because of what she said. He watched me on TV, and he saw me in the magazine? It is unlikely that he also knew the scandal that had taken place. I waited for him to follow what he said but nothing, and so I assume he didn't know.

"And by the way, do you still remember your friend back then? I guess you didn't say goodbye there and were also very sad that you probably left."

"Is it Oli?" I answer quickly. Attention has been lost to plants. "Yeah, that's it, Oli." "Do you know where he lives?"

"That's what I don't know, son." Since I didn't have a plan all day that's what I did. I said goodbye to the Solidads to just wander along the beach and just spin for a while because I was also long gone. I still haven't changed anything because I shouldn't have said goodbye. As usual I just walked the long land covered by the Solidads and crossed the man groove there to their old house Oli.

When I got there, people looked at me as if I were a stranger. Some of me were no longer familiar, so I just ignored them and went straight to Oli's house.

I'm not sure if they even live there but I still knocked and called.

"Knock Knock!" I got a few more calls before someone finally opened the door. It spat out a beautiful white woman.

"Chloe?" At first it didn't seem to recognize me because I saw him frown but later he smiled sweetly and called inside.

"Oli, you have a visitor." It says gently. I can't help but laugh, I'm glad that even though they were young then they are still together now.

"Who-" His jaw dropped and his eyes widened as he turned to me. It's a habit as of now, the time I've lost doesn't seem to be new to me that they react like this.

"Hi baby boy, how old are you?"

"Twii." It even showed his three fingers and clapped afterwards. I laughed softly. "It's fun, your son Oli. It seems like just recently."

He just silently nodded and looked at me. I laughed and shook the sand with my hands because we are now on the beach.

"Are you still sulking? I'm sorry Oli. Can't you still forgive me?" He was still upset so I laughed even more. "Baby oh, your daddy is especially ugly."

"Hey! Don't brainwash my son Cy. Mana can do this to me." I was just amazed at how windy he was.

"Seriously Oli, please forgive me if I didn't say goodbye to you before. What happened was really chaotic."

I played with the sands on my feet.

"What are you, Cy. I should be the one to apologize to you. I don't have anything to help you with your problem."

I felt the same way when I found out she was pregnant. Maybe we quits now.

"I also heard about the acquaintance ... Jomar and Mariel." I stopped playing in the sand and was stunned there. So did they all get there? Most likely, life was taken there. How not to know?

"I'm sorry, Cy. I shouldn't have said that."

Her baby cried and I took this opportunity to lighten the heavy na wind that envelops us.

"Home baby. You'll look like your daddy. Go ahead." I laughed. His forehead frowned again. "It's okay Oli. That's over. Let's just pray for them."

He was just quiet, I realized that there seemed to be a gap that had formed between us unlike before.

"Hey you, how are you?" I start again.

"Are you married to Chloe?"

"Yes, when Tammy was born here. Hey! You're her mother, aren't you? I put you on the list even though you didn't go. You can't be excluded Cy!"

I was amused a little and touched the baby's hand again. I have a child here, I don't know.

"You're getting heavier too Cy. The size of what you changed, that's why you're still thin." He's still teasing. I reached for him to strike but he escaped immediately. Tammy cried again.

"Seriously Cy. You really look like a different person now. I used to feel like I couldn't reach you now more than a blow to the moon." My forehead furrowed thinking about what he means.

"I really want you Cy! But don't feel like it's just a crush and that was before. I really love Chloe hey!" He even said disgustingly.

"You really-"

I would have reached him again but he ran away again. Aba. Oli and I talked a lot until the sun went down again. If we hadn't noticed a lot of insects and it was dangerous for the baby we wouldn't have finished. I just offered to treat them as a family in the next few days when I have a vacancy again and I also want to take back Oli and my child.

"Cyreese, maybe you're available for tomorrow to measure your gown?"

"Yes, sister. I won't do anything the whole day."

"Yeah, because it's supposed to be a practice at the resort but then we checked on the news that there's a storm coming tomorrow. So indoor appointments first."

"No worries ate."

The rest of my time today I spent on other concerns sent to me by my assistant. It's not because I'm on leave that I'm going to leave forever. There's still some problems and complications so it seems like I'm still a bit left in my mind in Manila.

"Yes, I'll just email you maybe tomorrow morning. Besides, when the signal is pretty good, there's a typhoon today, Ms. Stacey."

"All right ma'am, sorry for the inconvenience."

"No, it's okay. Thank you."

After the call went down, I answered the line that was still calling earlier.

"Yes?"

"How was your stay?"

"I'm fine. They looked for you."

"Maybe by Friday. The wedding is next week, right?"

"Friday? That's a week from now."

"Yes. There are still quite a few problems that can't be left out."

"Alright. Be careful. I love you."

"Yiee, you'll miss me right away sis. I love you too."

I stared at the air and dropped the call. I don't know what time I fell asleep again because of all night making documents that I need to email to stacey for tomorrow, all- so I hope I have nothing to do in the next few days and enjoy my short vacation.

I watched the next morning at the trees withering because of the force of the wind. I still can't believe it because yesterday was a beautiful day. There was almost no sunlight when I woke up because I left the window open last night and I even fell asleep here at the table. I smiled sparingly, just like before. Since I could no longer sleep I decided to take a bath early and go down to have something to do because I don't want to just be here in the room. I feel like I'm going to get sick if I don't do anything.

"Oh Cyreese, you woke up in the morning. I'll make you some coffee and I'm just preparing for breakfast."

Mother Celia was the one I caught in the mouth.

"Thank you."

While sitting at the table and waiting for the coffee that Mom was brewing, she went downstairs still wearing her night gown. He also opened up to me.

"The morning you woke up, hija."

"I can't sleep anymore."

"The storm is really bad, it's good and Celestine's wedding is next week."

Shake it. That's really good. It was still an important day and they had planned everything. In the middle of the coffee ma'am Mira got up and came out of the kitchen with her eyes focused on the cellphone, while I had finished the coffee and was about to get up to go to the bedroom and take care of the emails I needed.

"Cyreese, I'm sorry. It might burn because I'm cooking it, can I still take these folded towels to the powder room?"

"Yes, all right."

I picked up five layers of white towels because he looked really busy. It's easy and I'll just go through it. Going out in the kitchen I saw ma'am Mira's door open at the same time at the big door of the mansion. I almost let go of what I was carrying when I saw his head peeking out there, his white polo shirt a little wet and a gentle drip of water running down his hair. He has an elegant physique and the perfect shape of his jaw. It was almost like a deja vu. My body shivered due to the shock.

My feet nailed on where I am standing. I don't know why since I woke up this morning it seems like it's all happening again. Behind him followed another almost as big as his body, and when I saw who it was I was right in my suspicion. His brother Cali. Confused, ma'am Mira met the two and looked around to see where she was looking for a maid to call. As I pity those most staring into his dark eyes that now have my attention.

"Cyreese, I'm right about those towels first, where are you going to take those?"

"P-po?" It was as if I woke up to the truth when ma'am called me and I immediately came over to give her the towel. But I was very disappointed when he took only one and handed it to Cali. Fvck.

I waited a few more seconds for ma'am Mira to look back but I saw her pinching Cali's cheek as if she was so comforted by it. Really, yes.

He brushed his fingers to his semi damp hair and licked his lips afterwards. I stared at the drop of water dripping from his hair and closed my eyes tightly when he caught me looking at him.

I was stunned by the depth of his gaze so I could do nothing but approach him and hand him a towel. Without a second glance I immediately turned my back on him.

Deja vu my ass! Nothing to repeat, nothing.