Chapter 35

HE'S TIRED and just wanted to rest but his plan to rest didn't work out when his dad called him.
"What is it?" he asked with boredom
He lowered the suitcase then walked inside the mansion. Her father spoke. He stopped.
"Celestine Villanueva ... I said be careful son ..."
Her mouths cried. The fatigue in his body disappeared and was replaced by anger. He dropped his luggage.
"What are you saying ?!"
"You don't have to worry. You aren't dating with her, right? ...."
His fist turned into ball. By keeping her from going crazy. He see this coming. What's the use of his irritation?
"I call to remind you that once you stake a claim with that woman. Our deal is off ..."
"Are you that desperate to have another Liara?" He mocked. "Isn't my mother not enough?"
For a few seconds her dad didn't speak on the other line. He's like that whenever he opens up the past.
Whenever he talks about his mother who killed herself because of his very own father.
"Give Liara peace, Alexendris ..."
"The gut of you. You are the reason why she's dead. If you haven't impregnate her! She would've been alive! Happy and breathing!" he shouted on the other line
He's livid. Always. If her mother is the one to talk about. No way he would calm down!
"You watched her die every fucking day watching you with your wives! Your whores! You can't even give her break. You are the reason why my mother's dead and now you want Celestine to suffer the same thing? Fuck you!" He spat angrily
"I love your mom ... and letting her go isn't easy as said. You'll understand it too when she started forgetting you ..."
The call ended.
He tightened his grip on the cellphone when the person he was talking to disappeared from the line. He released a deep breath before going back to his car. Alexendris needs to calm down.
He manevouered his car out the mansion towards no where and stop in the middle of the rain. He got out of the car even though it was raining so hard.
Nothing could be heard around except heavy rain hitting the ground and strong winds. He crouched.
"I'd rather leave dying with a broken heart than seeing her die the same way you do."
Mom ...
He could hardly breathe when Alexendris broke the kiss. He could not see the front because it was dark inside the house but he could feel its breathing. Deep.
"A-Alexendris?"
"Remember when I got drunk. I meant what I said. I really hate you." its whisper
He was stunned. He remembered that day. So he was surprised to run away because of that. Her eyes narrowed.
"I thought you didn't remember ?!" his accusatory promise
Alexendris averted his eyes from her. The relish confront case looks very serious. There seems to be deep thinking.
Nameywang sya. He stared at the young man who was looking at others but his mind was flying somewhere. Maybe this was the right time for him to question.
"Why are you here?" he asked
"Am I not allowed?" looked up at him
"Why did you kiss me?" he asked directly
Alexendris averted his eyes again. He moved to the position where it was looking. The young man's forehead immediately frowned at what he had done.
"Why don't you laugh when you're not with me? Ha? Why ?!" kompronta nya
Alexendris moaned as he looked at her.
"Stop."
"Do you want me?" he asked boldly
Alexendris' dad told him how the young man might feel but that wasn't enough. She still needs to know how Alexendris feels.
Because he didn't want to hurt her. He didn't want to cry until he couldn't breathe in pain. Because he is not like that. He always wants to be happy because he is weak when it comes to illness.
"Because if not. I'll start to forget."
The young man's fist clenched. Its eyes were sharp looking at him.
"Then go, forget about me since it looks so easy for you to do it." its salt
The wind blew him away. He approached the young man and then touched both cheeks. He squeezed her cheeks.
Look at this. No more jokes.
"You look really young." he barely laughed. "Why don't you want to admit that you love me? That you can't afford to lose me in your life? That I'm so sexy that you miss me so much?"
The young man frowned at what he said. He just laughed at her face and then squeezed her cheek even more until it blushed.
"It hurts."
"I know. You're chilling. Do you know that? It's your strength to drive away and then you'll get angry when I'm happy with others." saad nya
"Don't laugh then if you don't want me mad."
He really enjoys Alexendris' childish behavior so his mischief works again.
"Admit it first you like me. When you admit it. I won't laugh anymore." suppressed the smile he offered
The young man was silent for a while before speaking again but what he heard was not a confession but also a question.
"Why aren't you mad at me?"
He caressed Alexendris's two cheeks. It was very red but the young man did not complain about what he did.
"I'm not angry. Just hurt."
"Then you should be avoiding me but you left me food instead. Are you even aware of what you're doing?" its a very serious question
"Would I do that if I didn't know what to do?" he asked back. "You? Are you aware that it hurts?"
The young man just stared at him. He is still waiting for something else to say.
"Why don't you want to admit it? Or you just don't want to admit it because you really just tripped me? Anyway, there are many other women out there. It's better. It's better." his shoulder dropped. "Those who know move at parties. Not like me. Only jokes know."
"Shut up." he stopped speaking because Alexendris covered his mouth
He slapped it and glared at the young man. He's still having a moment. Stops immediately.
"It's really bad of your habit to beat you up!" asik niya
"If I am ill-mannered. Long right me, Celestine. Don't test me. You might regret it."
"What ?!"
"If I tell you what I feel. You won't stay away from me. I can't let it happen."
"Is that how you hate me?" he asked bitterly
"You should be happy. I am giving you freedom."
He was so disgusted with the excessive frustrations. "I don't understand you. What freedom are you talking about?"
"There's a reason why I want you to go." the young man approached him. She was stunned when he caressed her hair. "I just don't like you ... it's more ... and I can't say it because ...."
"Because?" he asked
"Because you might hate me in the end. It's better this way."
The more he didn't understand Alexendris' answer. The young man seemed to be telling a riddle. He is not fond of solitude!
"Will you still avoid me?"
"Yes."
He frowned. "What if I don't want to avoid you. What are you going to do?"
Alexendris crossed his arms. The muscles in his arm then stretched. His gaze quickly went to the wall.
"I might have given you two options."
He looked back at it. Of course he was looking at her face. Not on the arm. His forehead furrowed.
"What's that?"
Her chest throbbed as the young man's finger landed on her chin until her thumb rose and passed her lower lip.
"It's either you choose me, or your freedom."
Her lips parted. There went the blue eyes of the young man in front of him. His eyes went back to meet hers. This time, the stares seemed to be hypnotizing.
"Would you choose me?"
DOES HE HAVE TO CHOOSE?
"I don't get it. Please elaborate."
Alexendris shrugged at his answer. The eyes widened. Napipikon na naman.
"It's a simple question yet you can't understand?" its salt
He crossed his arms. "Why do we need to have different options? You or my freedom? What's that? I'm a prisoner with you? The baduy!"
"Damn it!" the young man whispered then narrowed his eyes. "Don't bother me then if you can't even understand what I am saying!"
He looked down at the floor. He really doesn't understand. If he doesn't avoid Alexendris. He will be given two options and that is Alexendris and his freedom. What is the connection of freedom?
"E if you admit right you like me. Edi I hope you don't get mad." she whispered
"I'm leaving."
He looked up at Alexendris. He turned to the sofa and then took his coat. He watched it wear. He felt sad.
"Are you really leaving?" he asked
She has a feeling of being open again. Alexendris will not pay attention to him again. Just like it says.
"Yes."
"Will you still avoid me tomorrow?" his second question
"Yes."
He turned around and picked up the suit case. He didn't like how their story progressed. Is that so again? If he doesn't make a fuss. Alexendris won't make a fuss either?
"Do you feel anything for me?" he asked
The young man stopped to fix it and then turned around. She bravely met the blue eyes that were staring blankly at him.
"I want to know. At least that's just your recovery from all the hurt you told me."
In this case. He is serious because he really wants to know if his effort has a destination. Just one word that would confirm what he was thinking. That's enough. The young man just stared at him.
"I believed I already answered that question woman."
"What if I like you too? Will you still avoid me?"
Alexendris didn't expect what he said so he was stunned for a while. Seems stunned. Its jaws tightened and it averted its gaze.
"I'll still avoid you ...."
His fist clenched. That hurts. He already admitted. Not just direct and then still avoid him!
"Then you're just really tripping me up!" akusa nya
"If you just can't choose me too. What's the sense of confessing? What's the sense of your feelings for me Celestine? If you can't choose me?"
"What if I choose you?"
The young man looked at him quickly. Its stares were strong with mixed emotions. Her heartbeat quickened as Alexendris walked closer and stopped. A few dipa away from him. He looked up because he was tall.
"You'll gonna be mine."
He swallowed. Alexendris's answer seemed to dry his throat.
"I'll be ... your girlfriend?" he asked bravely
The young man's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched her face. He's a bit shy. It doesn't help his confused mind!
"Yes."
He looked down. Why does he seem to be in the hot seat all of a sudden? She had to think about her answer but every time she felt the young man's stares. Her brain is dazed.
"Celestine ..."
He closed his eyes tightly then took a deep breath. He was hesitant. He didn't like what was on his mind but that was the right thing to do now.
"I'll think about it. I need time."
I have to think! I need to breathe first.
It doesn't help if Alexendris looks at him like this. It was as if he was being hypnotized to decide where to go with it.
The young man did not speak for a few seconds until he heard her sigh.
"As you wish. I'm leaving."
Only then did he look up when he felt the young man's footsteps moving away. He sat down when Alexendris came out.
I'm sorry but it's not right to just decide. He needs to think hard.
JUST AS Alexendris said. It didn"t really make sense. He leaned down on the table. He had just finished eating lunch so he is now hanging out alone here in their office.
"Are you alright?"
He is no longer alone. Bored, he looked at Stephen who was carrying fries. He motioned for the man to come over. When approaching. He grabbed some fries.
"I like ketchup."
"You're the owner's son and you don't have to buy fries?" its complaint
He looked at Stephen and then took more fries. His eyes narrowed at him.
"When I became the owner. You're mop-in the whole building!" Of course it's just a joke
"Oh, here it is. There's more."
He sighed. "I don't want to."
He was depressed eating fries. He looked away because he thought of the bird again. Really insisted that he would not be ignored.
"I have a question." he asked suddenly
Stephen turned to him sitting in the vacant swivel chair and chewing fries.
"When do you like a woman. Can you avoid her?" he asked
"Are you being avoided? You're not loved then."
Her eyes glazed over. "Arrange an answer!"
"Of course not but if it has to be done. Of course yes."
"I do not understand."
Stephen swallowed before he answered. "Before that, maybe there's a reason why you're being avoided. It's either no one likes you or there's a reason."
It caught his attention so he listened carefully.
"What's the reason?" he asked a little weakly
Stephen shrugged. "I don't know. How am I supposed to know? We're not friends with who you're referring to."
His shoulder dropped. His question can't be answered either. Increased more.
"Well, you can find out. I know a way."
"Really?" he came to life suddenly
"If you're sure he wants, loves or loves you. There's only one way." Stephen's promise
"What's that?"
"Let him know that you're slowly forgetting him. If he has feelings for you. He'll worry about that. He might even come to you himself."
He was stunned for a few seconds. Stephen's words were slowly sinking into his brain. He smiled broadly.
I'll just see if you haven't admitted Alexendris yet!
He tapped the speaker on the shoulder.
"I'll tell papa to raise your salary."
Stephen's eyes widened. "Really ?!"
"Yes. Only 300 cases."
She didn't even call me for week!
The pictures he saw were maddening him inside and everyone who approached him was moved.
She said she'll think about it!
But that's not how he sees it. He closed his eyes tightly. Gradually, the photo he was holding was creased in his hand.
Photo of Celestine with the man she doesn't know. Eating a burger. Very happy!
"How could she smile like that when she doesn't even see me for weeks?" his teeth chattered. "While I'm not out of my mind."
He's anticipating her. He thought that one day Celestine was thinking. It's been a week! He even wanted to break up the girl's house. He restrained himself. It's his plan afterall. To avoid Celestine.
But the feeling that it is not right is the reason why his foot is so itchy to leave, go and take Celestine home. He's really crazy.
"Sir?"
"If it's another picture of that woman who didn't call me for week and spends her time with someone. Fuck off!" asik niya
"That's real, Sir."
He glared at his staff. "I said fuck off!"
"Yes, sir."
Is it necessary to show in her face that she is not the one with Celestine that she should be! He's really getting annoyed every passing second.
He is drowning in ideas in his brain where there are questions like,
What the fuck are they doing right now?
Has she forgot me?
That asshole had some balls to talk and make you laugh, huh?
"Fucking asshole. I'll break your bones if I ever see you with her in person." He murmured
The intercom rang. Following Hera's voice that she didn't understand. He heard the sound of the door opening for a moment.
"Dris? Are you okay?" Hera asked in a soft voice. "I've noticed you've been very hot -headed lately. Do you have a problem?"
Yes! Fucking yes!
I am losing my mind, it's my problem!
"Leave me alone, Hera. I can handle myself. I don't need you."
"I-maybe ... I can help." Hera's weak promise that she still heard
"This is a problem that only me can solve. You may now go."
He sway his chair towards the glass walls. It's 5 PM. Just a few hours. The sun is going down.
She's probably going home now.
"O-okay. Do you have anything else to fix?"
He did not answer immediately. Something was playing on his mind. He likes it and doesn't like it as well. He closed his eyes for a moment.
"Dris?"
He opened his eyes. He stood up and grab his coat. He looked at Hera as she put on her coat.
"Send all important paperworks in my house. I'll be gone in two days."
"H-huh?"
He grabbed his phone. "I'll do it in my home while I tame a stubborn."
Alexendris said before walking passed her.
Her dad INSTRUCTED her that they would talk which she forgot the other day. She was on her way to her Dad's office when she met Stephen.
"Dad? Is he still in the office?"
Stephen nodded. "Sir said. He'll talk to you tomorrow. He went to something important a while ago. I'm sure he'll go home straight away."
He nodded. They are already in the same building but they are still not talking. Near the end of his training, they only met once.
"Isn't the 300 added?"
He turned to Stephen as they both walked.
"It's gone. That's normal. When you demand only 250."
Stephen's shoulder slumped. That's big enough and then another one, it's not easy to convince her dad on the cellphone no.
"By the way. Did my advice work?" Stephen asked
She let out a deep breath. If that works. He"s probably not here right now. Alexendris is hard to tame. It was as if they were raising a wall two. Evidence.
"Unfortunately, no. So you'll free me a fishball outside. What a waste of 300. It didn't work." he cried bitterly
"Maybe it's because you're not important-"
He glared at Stephen. "You're not loved-"
"Of course. I know there's a fishball nearby out there. Let's buy it. I'm free."
Stephen pulled her out until they reached the street foods stalls. Of course they are there as usual.
Two, peso. Fishball!
Stephen bought about 40 pesos. They are divided. For food, not for payment but he bought their winter cold.
"Does Ericka also like fishball?"
He swallowed first before answering Stephen. "Even if you put more fish there. You won't be ignored. Move on!"
"I was just asking and then I knew that. She has a boyfriend. She doesn't know me. There's really no hope."
The person next to him bent down to eat a fishball so he patted its back. For as long as Stephen wanted Ericka. The one next to him is really very serious.
"You can do that. There are many more fishballs here. Let's eat that." He reached for the cooler. "Oh, cool down first."
Reluctantly Stephen sucked on the cold still chewing.
"This is the reason why you asked for time, huh?"
Stephen almost choked them both when Alexendris suddenly appeared in front of them. Her eyes widened.
"W-what ... Why are you here ?!"
"Why? Because you're with someone else which is supposed to be me?"
The wind blew him away. The two of them will only see each other after a week after this bird fights right away.
"Yes!" his casual answer. "Because you're disturbing our bonding. Aren't you avoiding me? Why are you here?"
The young man's jaw clenched. Her eyes were glaring but she was just casual. Unlike the one next to him who was frozen.
"Come on. Take me home. I want to rest."
He pulled Stephen away but he was nailed. He simply narrowed his eyes at the man.
"If you don't fix it. You don't have an extra 200 saken!" he whispered
Stephen grabbed his head. "I don't have a love life anymore. I'll still be beaten."
She suddenly felt sorry for Stephen's appearance. He looked like a bad friend. The man had a bad face to eat a fishball. He scratched his head and then confronted Alexendris. The face is also bad.
"You brought me."
"Why me? I'm avoiding you remember?"
The young man turned his back on him and walked away. He frowned at the thought. Looks like the back fired more at him. He chased Alexendris.
"This is it. It's not funny. I don't think you love me."
"What ?!"
He laughed softly. Alexendris's cheeks and ears blushed. He looks like a tomato. He squeezed her cheek with a grimace.
"You're still naughty. You can't stand me either." asar nya
"Who told you I can't?" defense pa
"If not. Why are you here? Huh?"
His eyes narrowed as he could not answer. Because he's right. He laughed teasingly at it.
"Ah, maybe I can't stand it because I'm really jealous." the songs of the asar
Alexendris's whole face looked like red chili. It looks like diarrhea without knowing the face.
"When you don't stop. Find someone to take you home!" its salt
It passed him by. He crossed both arms and then smiled.
"It's okay. Van is there." his casual answer
Alexendris stopped abruptly. Sharp eyes greeted him which he only regretted. He snatched her phone away.
"In my car!"
She smiled sweetly at the man then passed him. He got in the car first. He secretly laughed.
Isn't it, I couldn't stand it either
The young man quietly got into the car and drove away. His forehead furrowed. They are on the wrong path.
"I thought you were going to take me home?"
"Yes."
"Why are we on a different path? It's going to your house!" akusa nya
Her eyes narrowed as Alexendris grinned. What is its plan?
"Oh, did I say your house? My bad."
To be continued...