Chapter 41

Only a simple party took place when my birthday arrived. Only Ivan and his mommy and Daddy attended the dinner.
I was just wearing a red halter dress with my stilettos. I look matured already with my dress I am wearing right now, I just let my curly hair down. I heard from mommy that aunt Elena and uncle Galen are already here with Ivan.
I looked at my phone just to check Zarius' text.
Zarius:
Coming. I love you ...
I smiled then I typed my reply.
Me:
Okay, I love you too.
He didn't know that its my day today. That's right, there was a knock. I guess its mommy.
I'll just get my pouch, later I'll let you know that Zarius and I are going somewhere.
"Wow! You look stunning tonight, my daughter. I cant believe you're an adult now, I feel sad." Mommy praised, I laughed.
"Mommy ..."
"It's like you used to just run into the living room chasing after your daddy." I smiled after which we both went down.
I saw the three of them together with my dad.
"Wow! The beautiful unica hija!" Aunt Elena smiled. They all stand when they saw me.
Ivan smirked while smiling as well.
I went to them and waved.
"Good evening." I said politely.
"Happy birthday, hija." This is Tito Galen.
"Oh my Gosh! Happy birthday hija! You're already 19!" Then my aunt hugged me.
"Thank you."
I looked at Ivan.
"Happy birthday kulet ..." He just said then hugged me.
"Thank you, Ivan." Then I hugged him back.
"I wonder if you already have boyfriend hija, do you already have one?" Aunt Elena was pissed, my face heated up. I heard mommy and daddy laugh while Ivan frowned.
"What? Ysla is a schoolaholic so it's vague." Ivan sighed at the same time.
"You never know son," Aunt Elena said.
I folded and toyed with my fingers.
"Ahm actually you'll meet him later, I invited him." The three of them widened their eyes especially Ivan.
"Really ?!"
"What?"
I bit my lip about their reaction, while my parents just smiled.
"What are you, Ivan. Ysla's already 19 so we shouldn't be surprised. But of course, we know that Ysla's knows her prioritizes right?" I nodded at what Tita said.
"Yeah. Andrea and I trust our daughter." Dad's response.
"Tsk. Why don't I know? When else?" I bit my lip, when? If I know its the last week of October, I guess.
"Ahmm."
"Ivan! Don't pressure her!" My aunt disobeyed and looked at me. "Sorry hija, he's just over protective to you."
"Its okay."
"Tsk." Ivan tsked. Maybe he's sulking because I didn't tell him the story. But anyways, Soobin's on my room, she's already sleeping.
Suddenly my phone rang. I guess its Ivan already. And here he is.
"Ahm excuse me please." I said.
"Okay, just in the dining area alright?" I nodded to mommy. I was about to leave when Ivan joined me.
"What?" He asked when I turn to him.
"Why are you coming?"
"Bad? I just want to meet your damn boyfriend Ysla." He seemed bored.
"Ivan!"
"Tsk. The hell Laraya Yslavien! Boyfriend right away? Tangina that was real quick! Last time we're together you didn't mention anything to me! Did she really flirt with you? One week you answered right away? Do you even know the word Love? Or did he even love you? " I can't help but keep quiet about what Ivan said.
He's right. Too fast.
But I love him!
"Ivan please if they're mommy who will accept you? He's my happiness so just support me. Don't ruin my happiness."
"I'm not ruining it, Laraya. I'm just worried, you just met him for months! I just don't want you to get hurt, it's good to love Ysla but it's hard to be hurt, you know that."
I bowed down, I was ready if I was hurt. I'm not to blame, because I bet, I gambled. And most of all I trust Zarius.
"I know, Ivan."
"When that man hurts you, Laraya. Remember I won't hesitate to kill him. He's not afraid to woo you so he shouldn't be afraid if I kill him, when he hurts you. No, if I ever see you cry because of that motherfucker. I wont hesitate to do that. " He said with authority before he turns his back on me to go dining.
I came out sluggishly because of what Ivan had said. But my energy returned when I saw him again. He's leaning on his black montero coolly while holding a bouquet.
He was also holding a phone in his other ear. The foreheads are furrowed.
I kissed his cheeks.
"Why aren't you answering my calls?" I didn't answer his call because of Ivan.
"We just have a talk."
"Tsk. For you." He said then handed me the flowers, I smile widely and accepted.
"Happy birthday ..." I slowly raised my head, he's looking at me.
H-how did he know?
"I-I thought ..."
"I have ways, Ysla. Happy 19th." Then he smiled at me. To the great joy of my heart I couldn't stop myself from hooking one of my free glasses to his neck then pulled him closer to me so I could just kiss him fully.
He was no longer surprised by what I did, until I felt his hands enveloping around my hips. He crouched his lips to kiss me more, I gasped and kissed him back.
When our lips parted, he leaned his forehead on mine.
"I love you ..." He whispered.
"I love you too, lets go inside they're all waiting for you." I was about to pull his hand when he pulled me.
My forehead furrowed when he snatched something from his pocket. A small box.
He opened it and took the bear necklace?
"Turn around." But he turned his back on me. He grabbed all my hair and lifted it.
"Hold your hair." I did.
I felt the cold in my neck from the necklace he wore on me.
I saw its pendant earlier, it was a circle then with a little star inside. Nice! And even if you just look at it is obviously expensive.
I turned my back on him for a while. Until he faced me, he looked down at my necklace and looked into my eyes.
"You look gorgeous with that."
"Thank you, Zarius."
After that we both entered. We caught them laughing apart from Ivan who was just quietly drinking wine.
"Ehem." Their attention immediately went to us. Aunt Elena's eyes widened and so did Ivan's. My forehead furrowed when I saw that they were just complacent mommy.
"Oh my God!" Ani tita Elena.
"Ahm Z-zarius ho, my boyfriend." I looked at Zaruis but I couldn't see the fear on his face, he even stared at Ivan.
Mommy stood up and imitated us.
"Hi son, come sit down."
When we sat down, I took a deep breath.
"Good evening." Zarius said politely.
"Wow! I wouldn't have thought that your boyfriend is Alejandra's youngest son!" I frowned at what Aunt Elena said.
"She's your neighbor hija." I nodded.
"Its nice meeting you, son." We looked at Dad.
"Nice meeting you too sir." Promise of Zarius.
"So how's your family doing?" Dad asked. I can't read dad's face.
"They are doing fine po. My family owns a ship line. And malls around here in Asia, Tatay's handling it but nanay is just a housewife to us." Zarius replied. Wow! Their family is rich!
"But one of your tito's own a music record right?" Aunt Elena asked.
"Yes, Tito Kim." His gay uncle.
"But I heard you're not into business world, you're into music." Ani tita Elena. I looked at Dad who was just seriously listening while mommy is smiling and listening too.
"Yes, its Nash's already. Mom supports me as much as I want, I'm sorry to disappoint you that I'm not into business."
"No! No! I wasn't pinpointing about your passion son, I didn't mean that it would hurt your ego, im sorry."
"Elena!" Dad's disobedience.
"Hon ..." His wife also said hello.
"Its okay ma'am. I won't take it seriously, in fact I'm used to hearing that." I heard the bitterness of Zarius' voice.
God!
So I couldn't stop myself from speaking
"Its okay, if he's not into business. I will support him of what he wants and what he would like. Its his dream, and work is not important when it comes to love. And I know, I believe Zarius will be successful when it comes in the field of music. " I held Zarius's hand.
I saw Aunt Elena nod, they mommy smiled at me.
"You love him that much, darling?" My father asked.
"Yes." I answer quickly.
He nodded and looked at Zarius.
"And you love my daughter?"
"Yes sir." Quick answer too.
"Okay, I believe you two. But Zarius son, don't break my daughter's heart. You know what I can do."
"I will sir, you can hope. I love your son very much and I will not allow him to disappear from my life, I promise I won't hurt her." My heart could not contain the excitement of what I heard from him.
Me too, Zarius.
That night went well, the men talked about the business. I'm even surprised because even though Zarius is all about music, he also knows a lot. No wonder he's really smart.
The day passed quickly, its december already. Our flight to America in San Francisco is also open, where we will celebrate Christmas and the new year with granny.
I don't want to go because I will miss Zarius, and I want to celebrate our first Christmas together.
"I don't want to go ..." I murmured. He's hugging me from behind. And here we are again in the park watching the stars in the sky.
His embrace tightened.
"But you should go,"
"Arg! We're going home in January! And we'll see each other for a long time ... I also want to be with you for Christmas and New Year."
I heard him chuckled and placed his head on my neck.
"I want that too."
I was frustrated.
"You don't want to be with me." Its not a question.
"Of course not, Ysla."
"Then drive us to airport tomorrow!"
He didn't even want to take us.
"No, Ysla. I cant watch you walk out of me."
"I'll be back, I just want to be the last to see you when I leave." But he shook his head.
And that night it seemed okay with him for me to leave. While I feel very sad because I can not be with him. The 28th day of december is our 2nd month of being in a relationship.
But it seemed like I was the only one who liked it then. When we separated that night, I did not receive any text or call from him, even when leaving and arriving at the airport.
When we arrived in San Francisco at Granny's mansion, I immediately saw what they had prepared for us.
"My beautiful grand daughter!"
"Granny!" I ran and hugged her tight. How I missed my Granny.
They laughed. Then he led us to the kitchen to eat first and get some rest because of our very long trip.
We talked a lot until they were just them. So I said goodbye and went up to my room and got some rest.
When I got to the room, I immediately opened my laptop and went online on facebook. I was able to add him to all his social medias. But he rarely opens it. I even saw his latest post on fb with the picture of the two of us, we're both smiling while holding Soobin. He's handsome when he smiles.
I massaged him.
Laraya Villareal:
Hey, what r u doin? I miss you.
Even on his instagram, I also dm. Thinking that he would reply as soon as possible.
Every day, night after night I memessage with him. But I do not receive a reply from him. What is what comes to my mind, if he is tired, tired, woman and what what!
Nakakaparanoid!
I cried even more when I heard Granny talk about how many people are separating from LDR.
I really miss him!
It's only been two days and it's going to be Christmas, but he still has no clue. What will I do? I really shouldn't have come.
"Mommy, I'm just going to walk outside." Ani ko.
"Osya will you be careful huh? The climate is cold now and the road is covered in ice." I just nodded.
I am wearing a White fitted shirt with my pants, then boots. I also wore a thick jacket and also had a scarf around my neck.
When I got out I could feel the cold and the icy road. I went to the park where I used to play as a child. Even the swing and slides are also full of ice.
I just stood there for a few minutes and watched the ice.
But my eyes widened from behind the slides it gradually released a familiar volume.
He's smiling while glancing at me. He's holding a balloon and bouquet.
I couldn"t move my feet at the sheer joy it felt. At the same time my tears will flow.
God! I missed him!
Why are you like that, Zarius!
"I hate you!!!" I shouted when he came closer and hugged me. I heard him laughed, and can he really laugh ?! After what he did ?!
"How can you endure a day without talking to me ?! You're so bad! I thought ..." I yelled while crying to his chest.
"Ssshhh I'm sorry ..." He said hello.
"I thought you were tired ... I-I thought you-you don't love me anymore ... I thought you had someone else ..."
"Hey ... Stop thinking about that, I'll never do that to you ..." I was just crying in his chest.
"You don't know that I'm even crazier not being able to talk to you. I've arranged all the paperwork I need to follow you here." I lifted my head to look at him.
"What?"
"Do you think I'll let you go that easily? Tangina, I can't Yslavien." He said with sincerity. Gosh!
"W-why did you have to hide it from me? W-can you come along ..."
"I'm giving a goodshot to your parents love, why should I come if I can follow you?" I was frustrated. But I remembered something.
"How long have you been here?"
"Two days."
"And where did you stay?"
"I booked a hotel." He answered and hugged me again. Gosh! I miss him so much!
"D-are you here for Christmas or New Year?"
"Do not you like?" I immediately looked up at him.
"N-no, I want to !!! P-but how is your family in the Philippines?"
His forehead immediately wrinkled.
"They can celebrate it without me." He said coldly but why do I feel the sadness in his voice? What is really his problem with his family? How can he call himself a black sheep?
"But why? They are your family."
"I know, I just cant ---- nevermind." He did not continue what he wanted to say. Actually I really want to ask.
I looked at him when he touched both my cheeks.
"Promise me you will never leave me no matter what happens, Yslavien. Whatever you hear from others, just believe me. Please, I don't want you to turn your back on me either." I could not understand what he wanted to convey.
But even so I still nodded.
"I dont need your nod, just say it."
"I won't, never. I love you so much, Zar." I said while looking into his eyes. He smiled and lowered his head to kiss me, I closed my eyes when I felt his lips crouched on mine. How I missed this guy!
I invited him to come home to our house, I will introduce him to Granny and Grandpa Pogi.
When we finally got inside, Granny could see from the glass wall laughing with Mommy.
Zarius was holding my hand.
"Hey you okay?" I stopped walking and face him.
He doesn't look tense or anything, I don't have any other expression on his face.
"I'm fine," I nodded. I was about to walk when he pulled me.
"Why?" I ask him.
"Your grandfather doesn't have a shotgun right?" Now I can feel the stiffness of his voice. That's why I laughed. I told you earlier that my grandfather used to be a soldier but I don't know what his position is.
"Hey, my grandpa is kind. He won't shoot you." I even raised one hand as if promising. I heard him tsked, and he followed me to walk.
"Yes I remember back then, Andrea!" Granny laughed. Grandpa is next to Granny while they are opposite mommy and daddy.
"Yes, ma." Mommy replied and then we looked at each other. "Ysla!" Mommy stood up to greet us.
That's why I can't help but be nervous when Zarius and I already have everyone's attention.
They all stood up. So we approached.
"You're here already ..." Mommy was pissed at my side.
I saw one of Granny's eyebrows rise and seemed to be scanning my companion. Grandpa is just as serious as daddy.
"Ahm, Granny, grandpa." I felt Zarius' hand tighten on mine.
"I am your grand daughter's boyfriend." But Zarius preceded me, I looked at him politely looking at my family.
"Boyfriend? Why don't I know this, Laraya?" I was nervous at Granny's tone.
"Granny ..."
"I'm sorry if I was too fast to be your grandson's boyfriend." Zarius replied.
"What's your last name?" My eyes widened at Granny's question. What the hell ?!
"Granny ..."
"Ma ..."
Dad and I were almost disobedient. But this Zarius didn't even care about Granny's question.
"I am Zarius Undomiel Walterson please." Zarius replied. The hell ?!
"Oh Walterson, you're the youngest son of Janmyr Walterson?" Granny knows him too? Is his family name really that big so that almost everyone knows him?
"Yes please." He replied.
"Your passion is music right? If my Ysla marries you in the future, what will you feed her? Guitar?" I was devastated by Granny's promise. This is no longer right!
"Granny!" I almost cried.
"Ysla lower down your voice ..." Dad disobeyed but I ignored him.
Why won't they support me like that? All my life, I followed what they wanted from me, I never complained or anything. But why now?
"Hindi po, but I just want you to know how much I love your unica hija. I can give her my world, I give her my all to prove my endless love to her. And I can give up my passion if you want me to be like my father. " I immediately turned to him.
"Zarius, what are you saying ?!"
He smiled and turned to me
No, no ... He has been through a lot, especially with his family, will his family treat him like that?
He wiped the tears from my eyes.
He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment.
Crying I turned to them.
But I don't see any remorse for Granny's response earlier. How can you do this, Granny?
"Granny, Grandpa, Mommy, Daddy, uncle, aunt and Ivan. I just want to tell you first of all thank you because you are always there for me, I do not feel a lack of love you give me. But I wouldn't have thought "That's how you treat someone you think is inferior to us. What's wrong if his passion is music? I don't care the status! If music became my passion too, would you hate me too?"
"Ysla baby ..." Mom approached me.
"Love, enough. Its okay." Zarius whispered while holding my hand.
"Why are you still objecting to my happiness? Don't you want me to be happy? All my life I followed your wishes, only now will I ask for your support. I love Zarius so much. Please don't take away my happiness from me. ... "
"Yslavien ..." I didn't listen to Zarius.
I looked at my grandmother with the same reaction on her face.
But I was surprised when it gradually laughed out loud.
We were all surprised but Zarius didn't seem to know about Granny's frankness.
"My goodness! My grandson is the one who looks down on Granny ..." He said while laughing.
Wait, what's happening ?!
"Zar ..." But Zarius just shrugged.
"Gosh! Y'all face looks gosh !!!" Grandma laughed heartily.
What the hell ?!
"Laraya grandson, sorry for my question. I was just testing you two okay? In fact I was happy after I know your boyfriend's passion! You forgot grandson, I was a fan of music."
Shit! Yes! Why didn't I think of that right away? !!
I bit my lip because of feeling embarrassed! What a waste of my tears!
"Granny, sorry ..."
"Come here, grandson ..." So I slowly approached Granny and hugged me. That was phew! I looked at them smiling at us as well.
"But grandson, who is your ex suitor Gustavo? Yvo is our neighbor looking for you." Granny promised when she broke up with me.
I bit my lip. Granny was obviously teased again.
I looked at Zarius who frowned at what Granny had said.
And what the hell ?! I don't even know Yvo! I also don"t have a childhood friend! Ivan was the only one I was with even when I was a kid!
"Granny ..." I disobeyed, she glanced at Zarius.
"I think that boy is more handsome than your boyfriend now." I was about to close my eyes and feed on the ground with what grandma was saying.
Granny was pissed off the day before, that Zarius was going to visit me. They all invited Zarius to celebrate Christmas and the New year with us, which he immediately accepted.
It's funny because Zarius is really picky and believes in Granny's alleged men. Like what the hell ?! First Yvo, then Mathew and the third Sky.
The truth?! And now it's noche buena and we're just waiting for Christmas. Earlier, he used my laptop to say hello to his friends and family. In the evening, he goes home to the hotel. I told him to just stay here but he didn't want to.
"Who the hell is Alden ?!" I closed my eyes out of frustration! God! We are now grilling a barbeque here in the garden area. Others have him doing the same.
"You're so funny!" Asik ko.
"And am I still funny? Do I look a clown ?!"
"The funny thing is! Granny just made up the names she mentions to you!"
"Tsk, I know! At first I couldn't believe it! But hell, she told me about who Alden is! She's your idol!" My eyes widened.
"Goodness! Granny is Alden's idol! AlDub has been famous ever since!" His forehead furrowed even more.
"Oh another boy toy, and who is Aldub?"
God! I'm going crazy with him! Doesn't he even know that? His dream of becoming a famous artist someday is over, arg!
Our quarrel only stopped when Granny called me.
"Laraya apo ..."
"Why Granny?"
"Come join me to watch K-Drama, didn't you crush Lee Jong Suk?" My chest throbbed even more.
I can"t turn to Zarius, because yes! I crush Jong Suk! Pero naman! Malabo yon!
"Now it's not a prank because it's true." Zarius whispered loudly.
My grandmother smiled foolishly again. He was really happy to have Zarius!
"Merry Christmas ..."
"Merry Christmas !!!"
We greeted each other when Christmas came. Zarius was hugging holding my hand, he really wanted to hug me and kiss me but in a twinkling he would block Granny between us.
"Merry christmas, love." She whispered.
"Merry Christmas, too."
When evening came the men decided to have a drink. I even asked Zarius if he would drink. He agreed. All Christmas day my family and I just toured this beautiful destination here in San Francisco, together with Zarius. Granny even asked him earlier if it was okay for his family not to be with him. But it seems okay, but even though I felt bad about it.
Sometimes I also see him cinocontact his loved ones in the Philippines. Especially his friends.
"Let's go darling, let Zarius know your daddy first." Ani is mommy.
I looked at Zarius.
"Is it okay?"
"Of course, love." He replied.
I would have answered with her when Granny spoke again.
"Grandson, come on! I'll video call my friend's grandson! Maybe you bet!" Granny shouted from the living room. I heard the adults were happy as well as mommy.
"Mama's really pissed off." Tito Galen laughed.
"All right Ysla, go with Granny." Ivan promised. I looked at Zarius who tightened his jaw again.
God! Granny!
"I've changed my mind, bb." Zarius whispered.
"You're so funny!" I moaned and stared at him, but he just tsked. I've been drifting with Mommy and we've talked to girls about just watching a movie, even though I'm the only child among them. But in the end, Granny will always be the winner. We were watching a kdrama where Lee Min Ho was the protagonist, mommy and aunt were just grinning watching.
"Grandpa, all I want is for Lee Min Ho to look like your wife." Granny said in the middle of our watching. Look I look at the glass wall and peek at them. I could see Zarius talking, and laughing too.
"Zarius is more handsome than the Koreans!" Mommy's promise. I agree.
"Zach isn't even on Stephen's fingertips!" We frowned at what Granny had said.
"Granny who is Stephen?" I asked.
"Your lover is our neighbor, grandson." Is there another? I heard them laugh mommy
"Who is Zach?"
"Isn't that your girlfriend's name, grandson?" Wth?
"Granny Zarius is not Zach." Granny didn't answer and just watched.
Time passed and my roommates went upstairs. I'm the only one left here in the living room, I have to watch Zarius. Maybe he's still home,
I can see their faces drunk. I was about to get up when I saw Tita And Mommy come down again.
"Come son, join us. Let's stop them too late at night." I nodded.
"Your boyfriend is drunk hija ..." I see, Ivan and I are hugging now.
"Ivan son ..." Auntie promised her son.
"Hmmm" the three adults were asleep as well.
Hay nako.
That's why I was the one who removed their hug from each other and approached Zarius who was also closed. Failed.
"Hey ..." I patted her cheek which was already red.

"Hmmm." But he just rejected it. She's cute! He slowly opened one of his eyes and still seemed to see me.
"W-who are you ..." He was still hiccuping. I was laughing.
"Guess what." I playfully said.
"Tsk. I already have a girlfriend so stay the fuck away from me !!" Then he pecked, the cute!
"What's the name of your girlfriend then?" When I challenge.
"Yslavien, my love. Do you know her?" I bit my lip and nodded my head. The cute one turned out to be drunk.
"Its me, your Yslavien ..." I murmured.
"I dont believe you! If you're my girlfriend kiss me!" I winced, even though a to was still drunk. But it didn't matter to me, so I did it.
I kissed him on his lips, but only for a moment.
"I love you ..." He said after I kiss him. I smiled.
"Lets go, I'll carry you to my room."
Before I could lift him, mom said that Dad would take me. They no longer have an aunt, Grandpa and Ivan.
"Son, he'll be in your room first."
"Yes." My answer.
"But you're there in Granny's room." I frowned but just nodded.
She's so heavy! So when I got to the room, I threw him on my bed. I was even hesitant to change her clothes, but in the end I decided to change her. I first took Ivan's house before undressing and wiping him.
The day has passed and it is the new year. We decided to icelebrate our monthsary in the new year.
5
4
3
2
1
We're both holding a torotot and a paputok while counting.
"Happy new year !!!!" They shout. We are all on the roof top and daddy and I are already firing fireworks in the sky.
Zarius and I held hands as we looked up at the sky.
"Happy new year and happy 2nd months love." I looked at him. Before Granny could catch me, I kissed her quickly
"Happy new year and 2nd months to us, Zarius. I love you. More christmas, new years, birthdays, anniversary come to us !!!" He smiled and kissed my hands.
"I really love you too Laraya, and I can't loose you ... Never."

To be continued...