Chapter 34

Twenty-Three: Jizan & Catalina
Nothing much happened last night, when Catalina arrived, everyone was eating and the party started. After that party we went home to the mansion, I can't even stop thinking about Catalina.
The whole night she just sat there maintaining her elegant posture and seemed to be looking for something. I guess she is seeking for Jizan, but it turned out.
Today, we are all preparing for the beach we are going to. Our parents will not join us because they said we are responsible enough to know our limits.
We only used one van because Soren, Leviathan, Khadin, Ruel, and Rahul did not come.
So only Avie, Ryl, Jax, Riguel, Jizan and Jurielle were inside. I also heard that Catalina will be with us.
I sat beside Jurielle, because I didn't want to be beside Riguel or Jizan.
"I still can't believe it. Lina is really back." I heard Jurielle said, I looked at her and I saw her holding her phone.
I took a glance at her phone and saw that instagram post of Catalina wearing her long dress last night.
"Why? Why can't you believe it?" I asked.
"After she left Kuya Jizan, I really thought she wouldn't come home here. She said to Kuya because she will never comeback, if Kuya will remain unsuccessful with his life." I looked at Jurielle with confusion.
"What does that even mean?" I asked her.
"Kuya Jizan is not really hardworking when he's young, he always depends on Dad. He always depends on the money that he'll get from Dad, and Catalina is from a not so rich family so he wants Kuya not to rely on Dad , and to learn how to work on his own. " Jurielle paused for a second.
"Catalina dreamed to be a model, while for Kuya she didn't have a dream before."
"Lina always lectures Kuya to work hard. But hard-headed Jizan Zoldyck, he doesn't want to. And that's where their problems started."
"Catalina doesn't want a lazy guy, so she broke up with Kuya and started to follow her dreams even without Kuya Jizan. She said she won't come back until Kuya is not successful, and Kuya Jizan isn't successful as of now because he's still studying. " Jurielle said.
Yeah, right.
"But Kuya Jizan already finished his Architecture Degree, he is now finishing his Engineering Degree."
I can"t help but marvel at Jizan, the Engineer-Architect?
"How about you Ate Evie? What are you planning to take?" She asked.
"Pharma." My short promise. But I really don't know though, I don't know if I'm really going to be a pharmacist.
"Oh? Then why you didn't take STEM? I heard you're ABM e." She asked.
"I don't know either." I laughed saying.
The car suddenly stopped so we looked at the driver.
"Catalina is supposed to be waiting here, can you see her?" I heard Riguel said.
I looked out of the car and saw Catalina wearing a floral dress with a big hat on her head and sunglasses as well.
She looks like a model, which is who she is.
He hurried closer to the van and immediately entered. I can see the relief in her eyes when she gets inside.
"Finally! The warmth outside." He promised.
I saw him sitting next to Jizan, because Avie and Jax were next to each other, then Riguel and Ryl, so Jizan was not next to him.
I didn't speak anymore and just kept quiet the whole trip.
When we arrived at the resort I was even more quiet. Catalina is clinging into Jizan too much, I mean I shouldn't use them, right?
But I can"t help but be insecure. But I don't even know why!
"Evie, are you going to swim?" I looked at Riguel as he looked at me with a smile, while waiting for my response.
Riguel is only wearing a white sando and swim shorts, he's not masculine as Jizan. But I can say that he also has a body to be proud of.
"I'll swim later, maybe." I say weakly.
I was surprised when he suddenly stepped beside me.
"Okay, I'll swim later then too. I'll just go with you." He smiled and said, I smiled at him too because of what he said.
"Have you met Catalina?" I immediately gazed at the sea because of what he said.
"Nope. Not yet." I said cooly.
"I think you should, you have similarities in attitude, but it looks like Avie dresses." In short, we have the same attitude but he is better and has a fashion sense.
"Yeah, maybe later. I find her, gorgeous though." There was a mixture of bitterness in my voice but I ignored it, I don't think Riguel's malice will put the tone of my voice.
"Hmm? But I think you're prettier." I clenched my fist and restrained myself from looking back at him. Just one glance at him and I know we will stare at each other.
"Stop joking." Shortly after, I combed my short hair with my finger and looked at the beach again.
"I'm not joking though." He said and chuckled, I was just thrown into the air because of what Riguel said.
"But it's a good thing that Catalina is back here." Riguel said.
There he caught my attention and I immediately looked at him.
"Why? What's good about it?" I asked with full curiosity.
"So that, Jizan will return in his old self. Since Catalina left him, he changed a lot. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but for our friendship it's a bad thing, but for his academics and performance at school it's a very good thing. " What?
"What do you mean?" I couldn"t help but ask him.
"Since Catalina left him, Jizan has been in studios, and he focuses more on studying. During clubbing, he doesn't go together because he wants to study, so he gets distracted from us. Last summer he almost focused on studying. pag-a-advance study, at apply as an intern in architectural company .. "
"I thought he would come back with us as friends but, one day he doesn't seem to want to interact with us anymore. He doesn't keep up with get aways, and outings. We understand him with all our might, and we can't do anything. So we were surprised When you started to be friends, she used to be with us more often. And I think that's a good thing too, but it's better that Catalina is here again. "
"So that he will come back to his senses, and maybe, get together with Lina again. And fix himself."
Later I saw Catalina dragging Jizan into the sea. With her, yellow two-piece and very big summer hat. While Jizan is topless, and also pulls Catalina.
I find them cute, especially when they start paddling in the sea. They look perfect for each other ...
I was holding my chest when I felt my heart ache, fuck what? Why are you aching so bad? What's wrong with you?!
I immediately stood up and Riguel's grip on my wrist was about to leave.
"You're going to swim?" He asked.
I didn't have a choice and nodded to his question.
I looked at Jizan and Catalina again and I couldn't help but be annoyed with them. In many places, the sea will really be beaten ?!
Tss.

Twenty-Four: Giving Chances
I gasped as I held onto the rock on the edge of the sea. Riguel and I decided to play a game that whoever can swim to this rock first must be free. I already lost three consecutive times. And I'm disgusted, why is he so good at swimming? Is there a shokoy race?
I looked around and saw he was not there yet. In the distance I saw him swimming towards me. Did he slow down his swim?
But why? When Riguel got up, he immediately smiled at me. I can't help but marvel at Riguel's face, he looks cute with his dimple appearing proudly.
"You won!" He cheered.
I immediately resented Riguel for what he said. "Yeah, I won because you swam slow for me to win!" I said and was disgusted.
I don't accept, half-ass victory. I only won because he slowed down in swimming.
He laughed because of what I said. "What? I didn't do anything, I swam normally." He said even though I could clearly see in his eyes that he was annoyed.
I'm just tired. "Whatever Riguel, I won't set you free, because you don't admit that you really slowed down in swimming." I said, and began to march towards the shore.
He followed me and I felt his hug with me.
"Yeah? I don't mind treating you though, so what do you want?" He asked. I looked at his hand on my shoulder, what would it feel like to swim with Jizan – fuck Evie! Riguel is with you! Why are you thinking of another partner ?! That's fucking rude!
"Anything. Anything, you're free." I said. He tilted his head cockily.
"Okay then, I'll treat you food tomorrow. And let's shop, and watch a movie." I thought about what he said.
It's our last day in Cavite because we're going to Manila for Jizan's birthday.
So, maybe Mommy will allow me to make the most of my days here.
"Yeah, Sure! But can I bring Avie?" I asked.
"Yeah, no problem. I'll bring Ryl." I immediately smiled at what he said and he smiled too. We are thinking the same thing, about Ryl and Avie.
"Shall we leave them? That they are just two?" He asked.
"Game!" I immediately nodded.
When we got to the beach we were both smiling and laughing as we planned what would be the gala run tomorrow with Ryl and Avie.
"Yes! After that let's go to them, then let's watch a movie!" I said.
"Yeah, I should get my pursuing skills ready, so he can get Ryl around." Riguel said.
I was about to speak but suddenly Jizan and Catalina appeared in front of me. They are both wet from swimmimg and Riguel and I.
I looked at Jizan and saw his stare at what I was wearing. I rolled my eyes and just ignored him.
"Did I just hear you talking about dating tomorrow?" Catalina asked.
Where are our similarities there? I'm not a gossip like him! Mind your own business you freak!
"Uhm, yeah, you want to go with Jizan?" Riguel asked. I rested deeply because of Riguel's offer to Jizan.
"What do you think Ji? It's been a long time since we dated right?" Catalina asked with a smile, we don't have the same attitude! I don"t smile and pull like that! Plus, I don't wear a silly smile on my face!
I can't help but slap Catalina. And looked at Riguel.
"Hey, we should go. The heat is out here." i said, Riguel nodded at me immediately and at the same time we walked away from Jizan and Catalina.
I changed my clothes in Avie and I's room. I looked at myself in the mirror, I am wearing a simple nude beach dress, and there is nothing on my face.
I stared at my body, my body isn't that bad. I have the curves already, but you're still not as curved as Catalina and Kylie. My breasts aren't small, and aren't big either. It"s just the right size, and my hips are a bit wide, just like Mom"s.
I glanced at the desk where Avie's make -up was. I grabbed the combed and gently combed my hair ...
I grabbed the lip balm and rubbed it on my lips which made a glossy effect on my lips. I immediately put pressed powder on my face, but instead of being clean, my white skin turned redder.
We have a lot of similarities with Mom, even the powder Avie is using isn't advisable to my skin. It's too sensitive.
After readying myself, I went out of Avie's room, Catalina immediately appeared to me as if lost.
He was still wearing a towel and he didn't seem to know where he was going.
"It's good to see you, can I ask if where is Jurielle's room? Jizan told me we're alone in Jurielle's room." She said while looking straight into my eyes.
I cleared my throat .. "Just walk straight, she's in room 076." I said.
"Thankyou, Evie!" She said smiling and immediately walked down the corridors.
When I left the building. I received a text from Riguel, saying that they were at a beach resto and that we would have lunch there.
I walked there and I saw, Riguel, Jax, Ryl, and Avie sitting at our table. Where is Jizan?
"Let's just wait for, Catalina is Jizan. I already ordered for us all, so while cooking let's just wait." Riguel said.
"Hey, Evie. I found a garden near here, and I want to go later. Are you okay?" Avie asked beside me. Garden? I love flowers.
"Yeah, sure." I said.
Soon the food Riguel ordered arrived and I was surprised at the amount he ordered. It looks like a fiesta.
"The quantity too!" Glad Jax said.
"Let's take a picture, I'll post it on my account!" Avie said smiling, we all immediately smiled and looked at Avie's cellphone.
Jizan and Catalina arrived on time. Why are they together? Did they meet outside? Or, was Jizan waiting for Catalina?
They also joined the picture and Avie immediately posted it and we all calmed down.
We started eating and the content of the conversation was Catalina's life abroad.
"So, Lina. Why did you come back here? I thought you'll be staying in Spain?" Riguel asked.
"I came for your birthday, and for Jizan's birthday. And maybe, I'll stay to fix things I broke before." She said smiling. Oh, I know what she meant, she's going to fix their relationship with Jizan.
That's really hilarious! He's the one who left, isn't he? So he should never go back to Jizan. It is so hilarious to think of.
"Kuya doesn't want to get back to you, Ate Lina." I looked at Jax as he suddenly spoke. What?
I saw how shocked Catalina is because of what Jax said. I looked at Jizan and I was surprised to see that he was also looking at me, I immediately avoided looking at him and continued eating.
"Hmm? I don't think so, Jaxryl. We already talked e, and your Kuya said he's going to give me a chance fix everything." I heard Catalina.
Jizan did not answer.
I see, he's giving Catalina a chance again? Even what he did to her before. I understand how desperate Catalina is to get back with Jizan.
I mean, Jizan is intelligent, handsome, kind and mature. So I understand Catalina if she doesn"t want to lose Jizan with her.

Twenty-Five: Who's my girlfriend?
The whole day on the island Riguel was with me. We did horseback riding, zip line, and trying the jacuzzi. Now we are here at the souvenir shop of the island, we are looking for some souvenirs to bring home in Antique.
I grabbed the silly looking sunglasses and put them on. I turned to Riguel and saw that he was wearing a hairband with horns.
I laughed at him and he also laughed at my sunglasses.
"Let's take a picture!" I said. He immediately nodded and positioned his phone infront of us.
I smiled and did some wacky faces. And so did Riguel, I laughed in our faces.
"Share it to me, I'll open my airdrop." He nodded and immediately did what I wanted.
I scanned throughout our pictures and I couldn"t help but smile.
"Look, Riguel we look so cute here." I said with a laugh.
"No, it's like I'm just cute." He said and reviewed the pictures of the two of us. I jokingly slapped his arm so he laughed.
"I'm just kidding, you always look cute. Nothing has changed." He said and looked at me, I felt my heart beats fast because of what Riguel said. He smiled at me and turned his phone to me.
"Look a this." He said. And showed me his lockscreen, I saw that solo picture of me.
The one he posted on his instagram, he opened his phone and showed me the wallpaper again. It's us, our picture that we took lately.
I smiled at what he did and decided to do the same.
But when my lockscreen opened on me I immediately saw a picture of Jizan sleeping. He still looks handsome though, even sleeping.
I immediately avoided my cellphone when I saw that Riguel was about to peek there. I just smiled at him and changed my homescreen wallpaper with a picture of the two of us, I showed it to him.
And I saw the shock on his face. And I've seen his ears went red down to his neck.
"Let's pay for this." I said and showed the souvenirs I had brought.
He cleared his throat and nodded at me. After paying we went out to the souvenir shop. I noticed the sunset and the very beautiful view.
I immediately pulled Riguel away.
"Take a picture of me here! The scenery looks nice!" I said smiling.
He nodded at me and immediately pointed his cellphone at me. I smiled wide and he clicked many times.
My cheek is already itching but he still isn't done clicking.
"What a town! Anrami already!" My complaint, Riguel laughed at me and approached me to show me his pictures.
I smiled there, he shots nice! He's good at taking pictutes!
"Take a picture of me too." He said, I nodded of his request.
He positioned himself where I was standing earlier. He smile a bit and I took a picture. I pressed it many times so that I also took a lot of pictures with him.
"Okay! Done!" I said.
"Send it to me ha! Lowbat na ako e." I said.
"Yeah, sure." He said to me.
After we wandered around, we also went home to the mansion, because we were going to prepare for our flight to Manila.
When we arrived at the mansion I was surprised by the noise inside, as if there was a dragon full of pleasure inside.
When we entered I was surprised at what I saw. Tita Savienna, Tito Ignatius, Ate Mary, Aldous, and Ate Mary's husband is here!
"Auntie Uncle!" I heard Avie screamed. He immediately hugged them and I did the same.
They boys went up to their rooms to ease the awkwardness.
"I thought you wouldn't follow here?" Avie asked.
"We have some business here, so we decided to drop here." Tita Savienna said.
"While us, Aldous wants to go to Cavite and to attend both birthdays." Laughing, Sister Mary said, I nodded there.
"Where are you from?" Tita Savienna asked.
"On the beach, Riguel treated us." I said.
"Riguel? The boy Traspe?" Tito Igantius asked. Avie and I nodded at Tito's question.
"Where's your Mom and Dad, and the other adults anyway?" Sister Mary asked.
"We don't know, I thought they were just here waiting." I said.
I saw Soren, Leviathan and Khadin enter. Aldous looked over there and immediately approached. The four of them are really close and will barricade themselves so no wonder why Aldous wants to come here because his friends are here.
"Oh, I received a text. They're at Saint's office, to discuss the upcoming engagement. Let's go there." Tito Ignatius said, they immediately nodded and went up to Dad's office.
Avie and I looked at each other.
"Do you have any idea who will marry the Zoldycks?" I asked her.
"I don't know e! Omg, maybe Jizan? He's the only one who's old e." She said.
"Yeah, I thought about that too. But to whom?" I asked her.
"For Catalina maybe? She'll come back here for no reason." Right. She's right, maybe they're two because they won't come back here just to fix their relationship with Jizan.
Or maybe, marrying Jizan is her way to fix their relationship. But I really don't understand, Tito Manzo isn't fond of arranging marriage because he's not interested in merging empires.
And plus, Marquez Empire doesn't exist. Catalina's family has no underground record. So impossible.
"You're nervous Avie maybe you and Jax will get married." I said smiling with mixed sarcasm. I could see the loss of smile on her lips and I could clearly see the annoyance on her face.
Jax is just really annoying a to ha.
"Ayoko Evie! And that's impossible no! Dad will let us marry whoever we want! He doesn't like forcing us." Avie said, making me laugh at her reaction.
"I am just kidding Avie! Affected much." I laugh at the promise.
"Oh, whatever Evie! You should be ready though, you might be the one to marry Jizan nyan!" He laughed and said.
"Well, that's impossible! There's a girlfriend over there!" I said.
"Does Jizan really have a girlfriend?" Her eyes widened because of what I said.
"Yes there is!" I said again.
"Really? Who's my girlfriend then?"
My eyes widened and I looked behind me when I heard the voice there.
I looked at Avie and she just smiled at me and left me there.
"Fuck, Avie! Come back here!" Annoyed I promise.
"Really, Evie? I have a girlfriend? Why don't I know that?" I swallowed hard because of what Jizan said.
I looked at him and I saw him seriously staring at me.
Damn, help.