Chapter 40

Fragile if fragile but I did nothing but nod what he wanted, after I nodded I felt his lips landed on mine. He even took me to our car where Kuya Maru was waiting.
My older brother even whistled when he saw Zarius and I holding hands. He even caught us Zarius kissing me in my forehead before he went off.
While on the flight, I still couldn't help but turn my whole face red. Like, wtf? Is this really true ?! Am I not just dreaming ?! I did even pinch my cheeks, and damn! It hurts! Am I really a Zarius girlfriend ?!
I don't even know his full name! Hell! Will we last? Will our relationship work? The many questions of how, why, and when are bothering my brain. We just started! But why do I seem to feel so fast ?!
How would I tell this to my parents? Should I keep it a secret first? I'm sure they will get mad but sooner will accept this, but I'm not ready to tell them yet. Don"t do it first, God! What did I do with it? But despite the remorse I feel I know in myself that I just want more to be Zarius "girlfriend.
Shit.
"Are you alright, darling?" Mom asked in the middle of our dinner.
"Ahm yes!" I answered promptly.
"You look upset, and your cheeks are red too." He commented. I saw Dad sipped his wine then smiled. Oh God! What to do?
"N-not at all! M-maybe the steak is spicy." I'm sorry.
"We often eat steak, son you just blushed now?" Dad's pissed off. I was frustrated.
"Daddy ..."
"Kidding." When Dad recovered, Mom immediately laughed.
"Bring your boyfriend here on your birthday." My eyes widen and face mommy with an annoying smile.
"M-mommy! I don't have a boyfriend!"
"Really?"
"Yes!"
"Really?" Napanguso naman ako s pangulit nila. This is not yet the right time for me to admit. Im sorry my beloved parents.
"If you say so." Then mommy drank the juice. I just kept quiet and ate, while they continued talking about business.
I remember by the way. It's only been one month and it's my birthday. The month of October is coming to an end, the day is fast approaching and the finals have begun. It's only been two months since the second semester, November 15 is my birthday.
My 19th birthday, I don't know and I always say that I'm nineteen even though I'm not yet, maybe just to advance, that's how it really is. So sometimes they tell me mommy that I'm not 19. When I debuted it was just a simple party with the Villareals Clan. They also have business partners. But I really don't like the pretentious ones, I'm fine as long as I'm with my family.
I rolled back and forth in my bed to wait for the midnight alarm. I was just excited alright! I saw Soobin sleeping in his mini bed. Sana all.
Zarius and I texted earlier.
Zarius:
I miss you :(
I smiled. Me too, we'll only see each other before but here it seems like I haven't seen you for a month.
Me:
I miss you too.
I was still rolling on the bed when I sent it. Gosh! The speed of my heartbeat again! I couldn't stop it!
Later I will ask for his full name so that I can add him to facebook and instagram. I've been trying to talk to him for a few nights now in case I don't know his full name.
My phone vibrates again.
Zarius:
You're going out?
I immediately replied.
Me:
Yes, I'm just waiting for 12. You?
Zarius:
Im already here, just waiting for u. :)
My eyes widened and the phone even fell on my bed. I immediately stood up and dressed in a velvet short and pink shirt. I went back to the mirror a few more times to check myself. I even put my pair on a high ponytail. Gosh! How excited am I to see him?
I just shook my head, I kissed Soobin first before I left my room. I relaxed when I saw that all the lights on the chin were off. I even open my flashlight on my phone so I don't stumble down the stairs. I was slowly descending. When aio finally got down, I went straight to the kitchen to go out. I sighed heavily when I got out. Success !!
My gait returned to normal while my heart was still beating. I didn't reply to him and I knew he knew I was coming.
When I got there I immediately saw the familiar man sitting on the grass while facing the lake, one leg stretched out while the other was erect.
He is throwing rocks into the lake so you can hear him throwing.
I slowly approached him.
"You're here." He said without even looking at me.
"Yes." I answered and then sat down next to him, when I sat down he was looking at me.
"You didn't reply."
"K-kase I'm in a hurry."
"You sneaked out again." He said huskily. Does he attract me with his voice? Why does it sound so sexy? It sounds like a sexy melody! Gosh!
"Ahm." I couldn't speak.
Until I felt his hand intertwining with mine. I saw in my peripheral vision that he was looking at me intently. My heart beat even faster in his eyes. Gosh! Stop looking at me, Zarius!
"W-where are you going?" I asked when I saw him stand up, he just laughed and was even more surprised when he went behind me and sat there. And now I can feel my back pressing against his chest! Gosh! He put both of his thighs on either side of me so it was glued to both my arms, I could also feel his hairy legs especially and he was wearing sweat shorts!
Gosh !!
I even looked at his arms slowly rotating around my stomach so that he could hug me tightly. Trembling, I just put both my hands on his arm that was wrapped around my thigh.
Then he placed his head on my bare neck. I felt him sniffed and kissed it. And I can't stop my hair from growing there.
I can also feel the heat of his breath in my ear so it's inevitable that the surroundings will be hot.
"I missed you." He said gruffly on my neck.
I didn't speak and just let him, he did nothing but smell my hair and my neck sometimes when he played with my fingers.
"I have a question." I promise eventually.
"Sure, what is it love?" I bit my lip when he called me love. Gosh! He is still busy sniffing my neck. Fortunately I took a shower with my shower gel!
"A-ah. What's a-your full name?"
"Really? That's it?" He laughed at the question.
"Just answer!"
"Okay okay..."
He hugged me tightly and squeezed my neck even more. I cant imagine that he'd be clingy like this!
"Zarius Undomiel Walterson."
Wow! Her name is beautiful!
"You have a beautiful name, it suits you. And do you know that your name means star? It's like I heard that in the movie Lord of the Rings. But that's another girl?" I looked at him and he looked up and looked at me sleepily.
"Silly." He chuckled, I pouted my lips. It was true! Undomiel is a title given to the elf Arwen Tolkien in Lord of the rings. Which is "evening star" tapos pang girl sya.
"I know, Mom gave us a unique name and it's all based on stars. And maybe she got my name of what movie u talk about." My forehead furrowed.
"Mom?"
"Yes, we called our parents Mom and Dad. My mom came from a poor family before he met Dad. She wants us to call them mom and dad instead mommy and daddy." I nodded, maybe her mommy is beautiful.
"Can I know your sibling's name?"
"My sister's name is Stellar, then Nash and me the Undomiel." Wow!
It seems like I also want when I have a family, I will also name it from the stars.
"Your name, its called Evening star." I said out of nowhere.
I read that in the book.
"And your name, it sounds like an island. Ysla." He said.
"Mommy said she loves the islands, or the sea. That's why she named me Ysla. But my name starts with the letter Y not I."
"It suits you anyway."
"Eh they're Zyke? Are you really just friends?"
"Nope, we're all cousins. Our Dads are brothers." My eyes widened.
"Really?"
"They are six brothers. Yes they are all boys, but sadly one of my uncle's is gay."
"Huh?" I was a little confused.
"The youngest brother, he's gay which is Kim."
"Eh why do you only call me Kim?"
"They want us to call him by his name. Uncle seems to be too old for his beauty." I laughed. It seems like I want to continue to meet his family.
Walterson.
Maybe nothing ugly about them, based on what I saw of their cousins. I want to ask him how their band also formed.
"How did your band come to be?"
"Kim, he pursued us. Kim also loves music. He also taught us all the instruments, he persuaded us to create a band and named it Moonstone."
"Then you giggle everynight?" He shook his head.
"TTH or MWF, but it depends. If we call to perform."
"Kanina you performed?" He nodded.
"You should rest first especially and you're tired."
"Here's my rest, I'll hug you." He said out of the blue, I averted my eyes because of the thrill I felt. Annoying!
He's so cheesy!
"I want to watch you perform again, when the intrams aren't too much." I promise.
"Of course. I'm sorry for that, I didn't tell you, actually I prepared a song for you but I just found out you left."
"Huh?"
"Tsk nevermind." I just nodded but even so I was still nacucurious.
"Do you sing too?"
It was a long time before he answered.
"Nope, your eardrums will break." He laughed at the promise.
"But you said you prepare me a song!"
"You haven't come home yet."
"Please ..."
"Still no." I just stared.
"Eh di kay Chaos ---"
"I can fucking that alright!" I laughed when I hadn't even finished what I was going to say when he cut me off immediately.
"Then sing for me."
"Next time, I'll drink cold water earlier so I don't bend over." We both laughed at what he said.
Then now, I feel contented and happy thinking that Im with him.
Im really falling inlove with my evening star.

Soobin, come here ... "I called her, she's sleeping under the mini table of Zarius.
"Let her love, our daughter's sleeping." Zarius promised or not. We're here in his apartment near in St. Jude. We've been in a relationship for almost two weeks now. And during those two weeks when I was vacant I always went here. By the way, sometimes our vacancies are overlapping and sometimes we are at the same time.
Today is saturday, next week is my birthday already. What is nature like? Should I tell him? Maybe that doesn't matter, as long as he's with me on my birthday, I'm happy.
"But I wanna hug her!"
His eyes darkened and soon his gaze softened and squeezed my neck again.
"Hug me then." He said. I smiled and hugged him.
I said goodbye to mommy, I just told them I was going shopping and all they knew was that I was always with Kuya Maru. It's a good thing I trust my older brother and don't tell Dad. I'll just introduce Zarius on my birthday.
"Zar ..."
"Hmm?"
"I want you to come with me next week at home. Is it okay?" I said while hugging him, he leaned over to hug me as we sat on his couch. I was caressing his hair too.
"Of course, baby. They already knew me?" He whispered, I was tickled by his voice on my neck.
"Really?" Then I felt his nodded his head.
"Actually they still didn't know, but I know they have a hint but they're just waiting for me to say it myself." He nodded.
"Aren't you afraid?" I asked, he looked up at me and stared into my eyes, I also looked at him bravely. I saw how his eyes glimmered the moment he glanced at me.
"Of course, your dad's kinda famous in court. And your mommy is known to be good at handling business. Even though, I shouldn't feel scared but I'll gladly do it baby ... I'll face your parents so that I can let you know freely, we don't hide like this anymore. "
He's right. But I'll admit I'm the one who's scared of the two of us.
I nodded.
"Don't worry daddy isn't eating." I smiled, I saw that he was breathing easily.
"Just shooting." His eyes widened so I laughed at his reaction. He pouted when he saw me laughing but I just stopped laughing when my stomach boiled.
God!
He's the one laughing now so I can't help but frown and look at him. Hays! I'm hungry...
"My baby's hungry ..." Then he hugged me but I pretended to push him.
"Let go of me! You're annoying!"
"Aww may baby's mad ..."
I did not speak.
"You hungry?" I didn't answer because my stomach answered on its own.
"Okay." He laughed at the harvest.
Gosh! Embarrassing!
"Wait here, love. I'll just cook our food." I immediately let go of the hug. I really want her to cook because her food is delicious! I'm just jealous because I don't know!
"Really ?! What food?"
"What do you want?" Then he pinches the strands of my hair to my ear. I pretended to think.
What we ate at Nena's cafeteria came to my mind.
"I want that fried telong!" His forehead furrowed and soon he drew the foolish look again.
"Its eggplant tortang, c'mon say it."
"Eggplant omelet!" I proudly said because his pronunciation was slow so I understood.
"That's my baby." Then he kissed me on my lips, just for a moment.
"Let's go." Then he got up to go to the kitchen which I immediately followed.
When we got to the kitchen, he was looking for the ingredients. I was just sitting in a highchair by the counter and looking at him depressingly. He's topless and only wearing boxers. Maybe in the two weeks when we come together every time I go here to his condo to study or fight, I'm used to his clothes like that.
While me, wearing his shirt. When I go here all the time, I immediately change his shirt to make me comfortable.
His back muscles are bad, I wonder if the gym is full of him? The yumm --- God! Laraya! You're being a pervert!
"What's the problem?" Zarius turned to me when he saw me slapping my face.
"Its nothing! Its just a mosquito!" He nodded and went back to looking at the spices, then he went to the fridge. I'm just looking at him. He seemed to be looking for someone, so he closed it and turned to me.
"I don't have eggplant here." He just said.
"Huh? How's that?" I still want one!
"I have it, you don't want my eggplant?" I frowned at his answer.
"You said you dont have telong here! Liar!" I shouted and turned around. I saw him blush and seem embarrassed.
"Fuck, I forgot you're innocent." He murmured and averted his eyes. He was still whispering something. I'm not a maget! What is he saying ?!
"Where are your three?" He bit his lip and blushed even more. God! He's so cute.
"No, I'll just go outside. I'll just buy three." That's all he said and left the kitchen. What the hell ?!
Did I do something wrong? Bipolar.
I was just playing with the ones on the counter while waiting for Zarius to come back when I heard the phone ringing.
I got off the highchair and went to the living room, that's where the sounds would heal. I still chineck mine in the bag but not really. I looked at the center table and there was Zarius' phone.
I looked at who had called.
Nahla calling ...
Nahla? Incapable? Maybe not. I was about to answer when it came to an end.
I saw he had 10 missed calls from Nahla. Maybe it"s important, I just shrug. I would have gone back to the kitchen when it rang again.
Nahla calling ...
Should I answer?
Zarius might get angry, I don"t want to interfere.
But it still doesn't stop, maybe it's important. I'll just tell him later.
That's why I answered.
"Zarius!" A woman's voice, I guess its Nahla.
But I'm still not sure if she's the Nahla I met and talked to in the park.
She's crying ...
I still didn't answer.
"Zarius, please tell me is it true? Is it really gone? Im sorry! If I became a coward! But please I can't ... I love you so much! Is it true that you already have a girlfriend? I thought it was just me ?!" Gradually my knees softened.
What?
What's up? Wait I'm confused.
Why so much? I covered my mouth holding back the tears.
"You told me you love me right? You're just using your woman now to prove to your mother that you love someone else. Right? Zarius please ..." My knees became soft and I sat on the floor.
And my tears kept flowing.
G-he's just using me?
What if it's true? He never said he loves me.
What if that's the case? What will I do? I can not do it...
Will my world ever fall apart?
But why with so many women that he will hurt, why me? What is the reason?
I didn't do anything wrong to him, but why is that?
I didn't answer and I automatically ended the call.
"Ba-- Laraya!" I saw Zarius carrying a paper bag, he immediately released what he was carrying and ran to me. He knelt down to match me.
"Hey what happened?" He asked kindly as he parted my hair and wiped away my tears but I avoided my face.
"W-who's Nahla ..." I forced my hard voice even though I was having a hard time with my sobs.
Gosh! Please tell me not true ...
"Laraya ..."
Laraya, tangina. Not Yslavien.
"Please tell the truth. G-you're just using ----"
"Fucking no!" Agap nya.
"Eh why ... K-did everything go so fast because you're using me? Because you love someone else? And I'm just your cover? Is that so?" I couldn"t help but be offended by what I said. God!
"No, no ..." He just shook his head.
"Please, tell the truth Zarius. Because I'm already hurt so much by what you're doing. I love you so much ..." I closed my eyes because of what I did to us.
No more, Laraya.
You've lost.
And if it's true that he's just using you, he's a winner. Tanga tanga ka kasi.
"Fuck! I'm not using you! Tangina what am I kid ?!" He shouted and soon the expression on his face softened. "I told you to trust me right? No matter what you heard from others. Its me, its me who I know myself no one else." She whispered.
"B-but who is Nahla?" I hope I'm wrong, I hope I'm wrong. Because by the time I found out that there was only one Nahla I knew and her ex, I didn't know what I could do. Gosh!
You entered Laraya without hesitation, so stand up.
"She's nothing now, please. Yes I admit she's the one I loved then. But that was past already! You ... You're the one I love."
I was surprised. Is it true? How can I be sure?
"T-is that true?"
"Yes. So please, next time just believe me. You're the one I love, I wouldn't kiss you if I don't love you, I wouldn't be your stalker if I don't love you, I wouldn't be gone crazy if I don't love you. And I wouldn't be so possessive if I didn't love you, you're mine, Laraya. So I'm only yours. "
After that we decided to cook and eat, it was a bit awkward because of how I felt. I'm still a bit confused about who Nahla is, who she is in Zarius' life.
What does he mean by just proving to Mom?
The whole time we were together after that we studied and started doing assignments or projects.
Then he took me home with Soobin, I didn't want to go home just so they could catch up with me mommy.
They were talking mommy about business again when we had dinner in the evening.
It's too late for me to tell them.
"Why so quiet, darling?" Dad asked.
I looked up.
"Mom, dad." That's right Laraya.
"What is it, darling?" Mom asked.
"I already have a boyfriend. I'm sorry if I hid it from you. I'm sorry if we meet secretly and brother Maru can't take me anymore. I'm sorry mommy, daddy." Then I bowed because I couldn't look at them both.
"We already knew hija, its the Walterson right?" Surprised, I looked up at them. They both smiled, even the manang who was translating the juice was smiling.
"B-but how ?!"
"You forgot darling. We have a cctv." Oh fuck! Why did I forget that ?!
"Mom. Dad."
"But we're not mad hija, sulking yes because we said dont keep us a secret right? And you're already an adult and we know that you know right and wrong. Every morning before we wake up, we always check the CCTV if you go out again at midnight. And we're right. And do you think we'll let you put your secret way into the kitchen? Aren't you wondering or thinking that you thought we didn't know there was a way through the kitchen? " I also thought about what mommy said.
"In the beginning, hija, the case didn't reach our cctv in the park so we don't know who you're earning." They laughed.
"Then manang told us that someone visited you often besides Ivan, he was our neighbor. Glad that manang is close with the Walterson's butler. So we found out better."

I was stunned, I looked at manang who had a peace sign.
"I'm sorry hija, because I can't keep a secret from your parents especially and your safety depends."
"It's okay, man."
I looked at you mommy
"I'm sorry, I don't know and I'm still not sure."
"Its okay darling, bring him here on your birthday. Even though I know Walterson my shotgun has no choice when it hits you."
"Dad!" He laughed.
"So please darling, if you come out later at midnight don't go through the kitchen. You are free to come out of the main gate."
"Really mommy ?!"
"Yes, but you will bring Maru with you." I immediately became indignant. But I am still happy because they are not angry despite what I did. That's why I love them so much.
I'm really very lucky.
Zarius:
Are you free tonight?
I looked at my wall clock and saw that it was only eight o'clock. We had dinner at seven o'clock earlier.
Me:
Why?
I immediately received his text
Zarius:
Do you wanna watch our gig tonight?
Immediately my eyes lit up.
Me:
I'll just say goodbye.
When I sent that, I was in a hurry to go to their mom's room, I knocked first before entering. I saw them lying on the bed already and watching something on tv.
"Yes hon?" Mommy asked, they sat on the bed.
"Can I go outside tonight? I promise I'll be back before 10."
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to watch Zarius' gig."
"Okay ..." I immediately smiled.
"But dont come out tomorrow 12."
"Yes!"
"Good. Be back before 10pm alright? I love you." Even Dad.
"Thank you! I love you both." Then I hugged and kissed them before went out.
I texted Zarius that I was allowed and would just get dressed.
Zarius:
Okay, I'll be waiting here outside.
I smiled and started to groom myself.
I just wore a black skirt and fitted white shirt. Then there are my straps. I just put liptint on my lips then Im ready to go! I just get my sling bag before went out. I saw the guards. They just bowed and I smiled. They seem to know.
Then I saw Zarius leaning on his car. He was already looking at me, I even saw his eyes darkened when he could see me completely.
He looked at me from head to toe as I approached.
"What are you wearing?"
"Clothing?" He sighed at my answer.
"Zarius!" How is she pulling down my skirt!
"Its too short, I dont want other boys saw your legs!"
"But ..."
"Tsk. Just get in, before I change my mind and just lock you in the house." I just got tired and got on board.
On the flight I couldn't help but look at him. Mayat maya ang tingin nya sa legs ko! And it seems even more irritating!
"Fuck .."
"Damn."
"Who invented that putanginang skirt."
That's what I hear. I just ignored it and went to the window.
When we arrived, he parked his car, jumped down and opened the door for me.
I just stared at him as he walked. His arms were so tight around my waist that it was as if at any moment I would disappear beside him.
So possessive!
We went to another restobar, when we entered there were quite a lot of people. And I saw that there were already instruments set up on stage.
He took me to a couch where on the side, I could see the stage there and away from the people drinking in the middle.
I saw a girl sitting there.
"Hi!" The woman stood up and greeted Zarius.
"Tellie you take care of my girlfriend first." Zarius said coldly there, the woman looked at me. She is beautiful, tall and white.
Chinita rin ang mga maga, she's wearing a revealing dress! In fact, her dress is shorter than mine! Tapis this Zarius! Hay nako !!
"Hi there!" He greeted me with a nice smile, then turned to Zarius. "Yeah! All right, go backstage, they're all waiting for you."
He just nodded and turned to me. The foreheads are still furrowed. I was surprised when he kissed me on the lips and whispered something.
"I love you, but we still don't feel well." My jaw dropped. Really? Before I could speak he ran away.
"Oh my God! You're so sweet!" I looked at Tellie. We both sat down.
"I'm Tellisha by the way." The she lent her hand which I immediately accepted.
"Laraya." I smiled promise.
"Wow! You have blue eyes, that's why." I did not understand what he said. "Then you have dimples like Nahla! Same same!"
My ear tingled at what I heard.
I was about to ask her when a gay man spoke on stage. They are already organizing instruments. Many people applauded.
I looked at Tellisha who was so proudly shouting Moonstone"s name.
Is Nahla really sinl?
After the gay Chaos followed.
"Good evening! I just want to say thank you for the continued support especially to the Moonstonians!" A group huddled in the middle. Fansclub? I just noticed.
"Let's make this night special! Because tonight we will only sing our lead for his special girl once in a blue moon." Everyone was stunned.
Especially their fan club.
"Ayieee, very much all." Tellie was pissed at my side.
"So girls you know our lover boy has been taken."
"The lucky girl !!"
"Sana all!"
They laughed at the comment.
"Don't make any more fuss, I'll introduce the singer now, he actually contracted me hahaha." Everyone laughed at what Chaos said.
"Zarius Undomiel Walterson." My chest throbbed faster. He now has the mic stand while having an acoustic guitar around his neck. In the crowd around, he was just looking at me.
"No introductory introduction takes time until my girlfriend is only 10." I blushed at the beginning.
"Ayueee ..."
"To the woman I love the most here today. I just want to say how much I love you, and how your blue eyes captivated my heart." The he starts strumming his guitar.
I just caught his full attention.
Suddenly I heard the familiar tune through his guitar.
"That's why the song is baby blue eyes ..." Tellie was pissed again.
Gosh!
I looked at Tellie, but I didn't know she was looking at only one view. She smiled eventually, but I saw a helping tear in her eyes.
I looked at who he was looking at them.
Then I saw her looking at Vino who's seriously playing the drums.
What do they have?
I shrugged it off and just turned my attention to Zarius.
"My eyes are no good blind without her
The way she moves I never doubt her
When she talks she sometimes creep into my dreams
She's a doll, a catch, a winner
I'm in love and no beginner
Could ever grasp or understand
What she means. "
I'd never thought that his voice was good enough! Gosh he sounds so soft melody to my ears! His cold voice! He's singing while not taking eyes off of me. He closes his eyes and then opens them but he still looks at me.
"Baby, baby blue eyes
Stay with me by my side
Until the morning
Through the night
Baby, stand here holding my sides
Close your baby blue eyes
Every moment feels Right
And I may feel like a fool
But I'm the only one dancing with you. "
I could not hold back my tears, this time, I knew and felt how much I loved this man. I cant loose him, never.
"My eyes are no good blind without her
The way she moves I never doubt her
When she talks she sometimes creep into my dreams. "