Chapter 32

I pushed him quickly. I gave him a deadly look but he just teased me. I just clenched my fist and restrained myself from slapping him.
"Don't be mad munchkin. I'd been asking myself how that lips taste. Now I know. You taste so sweet. See you tomorrow baby munchkin,"
The smile he let out was playful before he left in front of me. I couldn"t get past the rapid change in his temperament and I couldn"t help but be nervous. Am I right to let him flirt with me? Do I really like him? Or maybe I wanted him then but not now?
I want to slap him for stealing a kiss from me. I feel like he has no respect for me unlike Luhence. I felt his respect for me in every move and word. They are very different. I wonder why um-yes I still have Luke.
What he brought to me was misfortune. Especially with Cassandra. Even if he stops, I know he will come back to me when he has time to marry me. I shook my head and then quickly went to Ly and I's room.
***
"Where did you go, your majesty? It's past 10 in the evening. It's dangerous for you to go around without a guard," said Dwight's guardian.
He adjusted the tether on the horse before facing the old man. He released a breath before he walk passed by the old man.
"I'm with Nash earlier. And I can handle myself," was his short reply
He entered the palace-like mansion. The servants immediately bowed when they saw him.
"Majety, the food was already prepared," their head cook said with a nod
He sighed, "Send it to my room,"
"Yes your majesty,"
The woman in front of him quickly disappeared with some helpers. The young man was about to go up when he heard his mother's questioning voice.
"You're not with us earlier. Where did you go Prince Luhence Dwight? You're a responsible man. You know it's dangerous outside for you to spread darkness," the mother's voice was serious.
He just sighed again. He knows he need to go tell her the reason but not the whole reason. He's sure his mother will be mad when the lady finds out that he's getting crazy over woman.
He almost forgot that he was just going to marry another woman. And that idea even make his chest tightened. He hates it already.
"Leave us," he commanded the people around
Only when they were removed did he speak.
"I'm in the old palace the whole day that I didn't realize the time. When I'm on my way home I saw some things that catch my .... interest so I stay there for awhile before I came home "I'm sorry mom for missing the meal with you and dad,"
The young man's words seemed lifeless to hear but he didn't care anymore. He just wants to lie down now and think of the girl because that's the only place he can like it.
"I see, Prince Luhence Dwight. You're going to spend your time on something interesting especially if I really like it. But be careful Iho. Just admire not fall in love," the mother said meaningfully.
He went up to his room and just ignored his mother. He already know that. No need to slap him the truth. He knows his responsibilities and he knows that the girl with ocean blue eyes.
Will never be his.
***
I'm tired of sitting on the sofa. In those three days. Even though I was asleep, I felt like I couldn't rest. My eyes wanted to fall when I heard Dad's voice.
Drowsily I turned my gaze to papa sitting on the sofa next to me.
"Pa? Aren't you in today?" I'm sleepy question
My eyes are really falling. I was about to go to sleep when suddenly papa spoke again. I went straight to my head when it suddenly hurt.
"Why didn't you go up high princess? You look so tired. I'll talk to you later," papa
I nodded and made my way to my room. I collapsed on my bed and couldn't get dressed. Drowsiness consumed me quickly.
***
I don"t know how many hours I slept. I just woke up to the sound of my alarm clock which shocked me. I got up quickly and looked at the clock. My eyes widened.
"U-it's morning?" I couldn't believe my whisper
Maybe because I didn"t eat last night. Suddenly my tyan rang so I frowned. I went inside the bathroom to take a shower and fix myself. When I finished fixing my hair, I picked up the bag on the study table and walked downstairs to the kitchen. I saw dad and mom there eating. For some reason, I felt that they were talking about something serious and confidential.
I waited a few minutes just in case I found out what they were talking about so their faces were very serious but I heard nothing. The surroundings remained quiet so I just sighed and then went into the kitchen. I just look crazy.
"Good morning, ma, pa," I greeted with a smile
Mama smiled at me but it didn't reach her eyes so I quickly concluded that something was wrong. I sat on the stool next to papa while mama stood up and prepared me something to eat.
"Are you all right? There seems to be something wrong?" I will ask
They seemed stunned, but Dad answered my question right away. He laid the newspaper on the table.
"There's something wrong, Vy. And it's too big now. It's too messy," papa
"A-what? What's the matter?"
"Herbert! What are you saying !?" Mom shouted angrily
For the first time, I saw mom get angry. Now I thought I didn"t know my parents very well even though we had been together under one roof for several years.
I looked at mama and papa confused. They are both serious but the anger can be seen in mama's eyes. He also gripped the spoon he was holding tightly.
"She's about to find out the truth! We're running out of time mylene! So get ready princess. A lot of people are watching you because you have gold on your head," papa
"That's enough. Let's talk privately Herbert. Not in front of our son," mama
"I'll go to work first. Be careful princess," papa
It was as if something had hit my chest when papa stood up and silently came out of the kitchen. I can't help but think that he seemed to have a different attitude toward me when he uttered those words. I looked at mama who was bent over.
"Mom, don't torture me anymore. Tell me the truth," my eyes spoke
A few seconds passed before he spoke but that was not what I expected.
"You'll find out soon. Not yet but soon, son,"
That was all he said before he left me in the kitchen full of questions in mind.
"How did you say so?" Ly while sipping softdrinks
I took a bite of the burger I was holding and chuckled before I could reply to him, "Dad admitted to me earlier and mama was furious. For the first time Ly. I saw him get angry. So I know the problem is not trivial. our family now, "
"If that's the case. What's that problem?" Ly
The astonishment was obvious on his face. I laid the food on the tray in front of me and sighed.
"I know papa really wanted to say everything but mama just didn't want to. All I know now is that something has changed between papa and me. Something is wrong. It just hurts because I don't know what it is,"
"That's a big and chaotic problem then. But you're brave and strong Vy. I know that. Don't let your family be ruined because of a problem you don't know where it came from and what," Ly
I nodded at him and sucked on smooties, "You're right Ly. I'll find out what that is and if I can, I'll solve it. Just don't ruin my family,"
"Go Vy!"
I sparingly smiled at him. We quietly ate the food on the tray when I noticed the sudden silence of the entire cafeteria. I stared at the shadow of the man in front of me and I couldn"t help but feel nervous.
"Do you think I'll let you steal my Luke! Huh! I warned you but you still had the gut to flirt with my boy!" Cassandra shouted
Those close to us are gradually leaving. Ly was able to sit up but I kept looking at the tray.
"Well, if I can't warn you with words then better warn you with my hands,"
I sighed as he grabbed me by the arm and violently pulled me upright. Within a second, his palms hit my face but no one helped me. I rubbed my cheek aching from the pace of his slap.
I can not talk. I couldn"t defend myself because I knew I was wrong too. I knew this was my destiny but I still allowed Luke to get close to me.
Maybe I deserve it
"V-vy ..," Lily
He tried to reach me by holding Tiffany's arm. He shot it an evil look.
"I'm just fine,"
"You think Luke Cervantez will really like a poor and cheap person like you? No. Never! He will just use your body until he loses his body heat and he gets bored of you. After that, he will discard you like a piece of sh-t! Remember this Elvira. You're nothing but a cheap pathetic bitch who's trying to flirt with my boy and if I ever happen to see you with him again. That's not the only thing you'll receive. Bitch! "
He hit my shoulder before he walked away. Tiffany let go of Ly's arm and quickly approached me. There was concern in his eyes.
"V-vy .."
"I'm fine Ly. I deserve that. He threatened me but I still let Luke woo me. I'll talk to Luke later and I'll tell him to stop,"
We both sighed. I said goodbye to him to go to my room. My three subjects finished quickly. I put away my belongings before I went to the gate and waited for Luke. We have a date today so I know he will wait here. Now I'm going to tell him he's stopped. This is not the right place but I have to tell him right away that I might be damned later.
Just as I expected, Luke's car parked in front of me and he had a wide smile on his face. I hugged my own arms and averted my gaze.
I have to do that. For me and mama to go home and then papa is my pro-problem.
"Baby munchki ---,"
"Stop calling me that," I said seriously
He should know that I am serious and that I will not change my decision so that he will not tease me again in the next few days.
I sighed and looked into his eyes full of astonishment and irritation.
"What's with this mood of yours? Did I do something bad?" He asked irritably
"Nothing but the woman who likes you, yes, Luke. I don't want trouble so I'll direct you. Don't flirt with me Luke because you won't get anything. Yes, I liked you then but now Luke is different. I've realized You don't belong to me so stop me. I hope this is the last time you talk to me. I'm sorry, "
I turned my back on him and was about to walk as he gripped my arm tightly.
"Is that all? You're just gonna say those words and leave? What do you think of yourself huh Elvy? A rare gem? You're just a piece of shit but if you can act like you're tall. "You should be happy that a man like you was courting a cheap and poor girl like you," he said firmly.
I pulled my arm from his grasp and slapped him hard. The tightness of my chest because of the insults I handed him. This man is so shameless! That's right Cassandra. My body is just chasing this man!
"Someone like me who is poor but with dignity doesn't deserve a stinking trash like you!" I looked at him
"May I remind who's the trash here Elvy. If not because of the businessmens' money you'll never be able to enroll here. Don't be proud because you're just a trash educated fellow who is rich," Luke
I clenched my fists and did not speak. I know that if I hit him, the tire won't end. I didn't speak anymore and just shook him then he silently turned away.
"You will regret discarding me you hoe!"
I closed my eyes tightly and then ignored his insults. And when I got away from him there my tears fell.
"Are you okay?"
I was distracted by someone appearing next to me. I quickly looked at him and my eyes widened when I found out who he was.
"L-luhence ?! What are you doing here?" I can't believe my question
"I want to see you,"
I remained standing as he began to approach me. I just closed my eyes when I felt his hands on my cheek wiping the fallen tears.
"Why are you crying?" There was concern in her voice
I quickly shook my head and forced a smile to hide the embarrassment I felt. I looked embarrassing before. Why does this man suddenly appear?
He nodded and smiled at me then as if someone was looking behind me.
"Are you alone? Where is your friend?" He asked
"I'm still waiting for him," I replied
He nodded again before we were surrounded by a long silence. I had no intention of saying anything so I also remained silent while we waited for Lily.
"Lady blue?"
My heart beat faster when I heard that endearment from him again. I quickly looked at him and asked.
"I heard what you said with him. Do you still like him after what he said?"
I was stunned when he asked me. He didn't seem to hear everything so he asked that. I wonder, what could be on his mind. It took a few minutes before I could answer him but I was cut off by Ly.
"Vy !? What the .... What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in Filifia?" Ly's eyes widened
Luhence laughed softly. I couldn't help but stare at him as I watched him laugh. He seemed to be getting more and more handsome in my eyes and my heartbeat was getting stronger. I looked away.
"I just want to see your friend. If you will allow me. It would be an honor to drive you two home," Luhence
Lily was silent for a moment before she replied, "Are you with your rude friend?"
"Ahm," Luhence looked at the car in the distance "Yes. He's inside my car. Why?"
"Nevermind. We can walk. Let's go Vy," Ly pulled me
I pulled him back and pinched his side. He backed away.
"Don't do that!" He complained
"Don't be like that," I looked at Luhence. "They made an effort to come here. It would be embarrassing if we left them. All right, no problem Luhence,"
He smiled broadly at us showing his pearly white teeth. He led us to the car. Lily and I sat in the backseat while Luhence sat in the front. I smiled at Nash when he waved at me but Lily just scolded him. Lily doesn't seem to have a good mix when Nash is there.
"Where did you live two? Do you live next door?" Luhence asked
I nodded, "Yes. Our house is close to each other so we always walk together," I replied
They both frowned to my surprise. What are these people thinking?
"Walking? Isn't it too dangerous for a two beautiful ladies walking in the street?" Nash
"Yeah. Maybe you could borrow this car," Luhence said quickly
I was stunned when he said, "A-what?"
"Majesty ----,"
"Shut up!" Luhence's eyes widened
I looked around at the two of them. Nash seemed scared when Luhence looked at him seriously. He never spoke afterwards.
Why did he call Luhence majesty?
Am I correct in my suspicion that Luhence"s parents may have been in charge?
"No thanks. I have a car but we prefer to walk because our house is close to here and also it can strengthen our immunity and cardiovascular, by walking," Lily replied.
Luhence nodded, "I understand but you two still need to be careful,"
I smiled at him, "We're just inside the village," I pointed to the gate
"We're okay here. Thanks for the delivery," I said with a smile
"Are you sure? We can drive you in front of your house," luhence
"No .. Mom will scare me for life when she sees me get out of a man's car. You two, Vy. Come on. Thanks to you Luhence but not to you!" Lily scolded Nash
"Lady, better keep your attitude before you piss me off here," Nash
"Whatever!"
I just shook hands with them and then turned to Luhence.
"Are you free tomorrow? After your class?" He asked
Suddenly I was stunned. Luke's actions came to me when his mother also came out and it didn't go well. Dad might be mad at me and I don't want that to happen especially now that there is a problem in our house that I still need to know and solve.
"I'll let your parents know. If you let me," Luhence
I slowly looked at him, "You're not .... I mean. Aren't you afraid to see my parents?"
"Why would I? I'm not going to do anything bad to their princess. I just want to show you something nearby. It's beautiful and I think you deserve to see it," Luhence
I smiled broadly at him, "Okay. Tomorrow. Let's meet tomorrow. Be careful," I said goodbye
"You two lady blue. I'm looking forward on it,"
He smiled before getting into the car and watched the car slowly leave until they disappeared from my sight.
"Tara or vy!"
I turned to Ly and together we entered the village where our houses stood.
I entered the open gate and closed it. I carefully took every step into the house and then put my bag on the sofa. As I always do, I went to the kitchen but Mama wasn"t there which surprised me.
Is Mom in the room? Maybe he fell asleep. Mama loves to cook so she is always in the kitchen when she has nothing else to do, she cleans her life or plants in the garden, behind our house.
I went to the garden first and I was right. He was there and sitting on the hammock. He seemed to be thinking deeply because he was just stunned by the absence and just woke up to hear my footsteps.
"Princess! Are you hungry? I'll get you ready," Mom
I sat on the adjacent hammock while still silent. I could feel the sadness in her voice.
"Ma? I want to know what the problem is. I don't want us to be like this Ma. What is Papa telling me? I want to understand everything so I know what I can do to help,"
My eyes were talking as I looked at him but he averted his gaze. There were tears in her eyes that weighed on my feelings. Mama who is always smiling now is crying in front of me. I couldn't bear to see him cry so I averted my eyes.
"If there's anything I can do, tell me Ma. I don't want to see you cry. If this is any problem, I can handle it if you tell me,"
"I'm scared, son. I'm scared my princess will leave me when she finds out the truth. You're too young a princess to know everything. G-I want .... I want you to be happy first because I know hell you're going to experience when you know your true status in life, "
He took my hand and looked me in the eyes. I was unable to speak when I saw the tears in her eyes.
"This reality will change who you are in the future. I don't want that to happen. You're my strong innocent princess. I don't want them to change you. I don't want them to force you to do something that you will never be able to enjoy. .I'm being irrational now but I care for you princess.I really care for you but I don't have enough time.I'm running out of time so I want you to get ready princess.When that time comes. I want you to be braver and smarter because you are the only one who can save myself. Your decisions will be based on everything, "Mama
"M-mama .... What are you telling me?" I'm confused question
But he didn't answer and just smiled then silently entered the house again. I just stared at the flowers in front. Mama's words are still sinking into my brain and I still don't understand anyone there.
And one more thing, why do I feel like someone else was speaking earlier? What are they hiding from me? Why do I feel like everything and people around me are hiding in a mask so I can"t see their true persona?
***
"I can't believe we drive all the way here just you can see that lady. What's with her and you keep coming back prince dwight?" Nash
The young man did not answer and remained silent. At least he didn't know what else was the reason why he kept coming back to see the girl other than that he wanted her. He knew someone already owned it. But it feels like he can't breathe when he didn't see the lady with blue eyes once a day.
"I wish I could," she whispered softly
"You're going to be the next king. It's sure that you'll be marrying the princess of Ihmapuleya. It will be a shame if you turn your back from your responsibilities because you fell in love in a lady who lives in the land of you're supposed to be queen, "Nash rants
"Seal your mouth Nash. I could punish you for disgracing me but I'm your friend. I knew my responsibilities and I will never turn my back from it. I like Elvy but I knew my limitations. I will marry the princess once they introduce her to me, "the young man said seriously
She secretly sighed as she thought of her priorities. His friend was right. He was about to become king and marry a princess he did not know yet. It would be better for him to stay away from the girl before his father finds out.
But how can he do that if he always find himself close to that lady with blue eyes?
"I'm messed up,"
***
I felt paralyzed sitting on the stool when I came down from my room. I'm worried. Papa is still gone after the fight between the two of them and Mama. I heard nothing from their argument as they entered the room and there talked. I just found out they were fighting when dad came out shouting.
I rubbed my face when I saw that mama and papa were not in the kitchen like I used to. I hardly slept waiting for papa but even his shadow I did not see last night. Mom kept crying but she wouldn't let me in.
"What's going on in my family? Why is this? Why don't I know?"
I felt the heat in my eyes so I shook and tried to forget what happened last night then stood on the stool to prepare my own food. Then I went to mama"s room and placed the tray of food on the nightstand. I sighed then kissed him on the forehead.
"I'm sorry m-ma. If I only knew what I should do, I would. But promise ma. I'll prepare myself, like you said,"
I tried to smile as the tears slowly trickled down my face. I quickly wiped it off and left their room then went straight to the living room but I was shocked to see Papa standing by the door. Her eyes were sad.
"P-yet? Why n-just now did you go home? P-yet? What's going on?"
I couldn"t help but cry while asking. I am a strong person but when it comes to my family, I am weak. I have no idea what the problem is but I want to help because I don"t want to see Mom and Dad like this. I"m used to us being happy.
He approached me and held me on both shoulders. There was some emotion I could not read in his eyes.
"You have to be brave. Because you're going to face the real world Elvira," papa
I just kept staring at him while wiping the tears that fell from my eyes.
"P-papa?"
"Next week ...... you won't be here anymore,"
I took a deep breath at what dad said and couldn't believe looking at him. My hands trembled with excitement.
"N-you're just kidding d-aren't you?"
His face went blank as he looked at me which made my chest heavier. I can no longer see my father who used to be thoughtful. Someone else is in front of me. People I have never seen.
"After this week and next. Pack your things and leave our house, Samara Venice,"
***