Chapter 3

"You must be the winner, couz! That's Clarrisa, she's the daughter of a friend of the Mayor so she's probably favored! You're really the one deserving–" Before she could finish what she was going to say, I slapped her hand to stop.

"Don't say that. When someone hears from you, they will think we are insecure and not sport."

She glared at me. Mom smiled and shook her head. I looked around. I quickly found Livius who was now walking towards us. He was smiling. Jonas, too. Only Sage remained serious. He seemed somewhat bored and uninterested. If so, why did he even come?

I motioned to Mom. He immediately looked at Livius' way.. So is Brenda.

"Oh! Oh no, that's why it's okay for you to take the second position, ha! You've already won the heart of–" Brenda stopped when I pinched her on the side. She pouted like a kid. I glared at her.

"Shut up," I threatened before Livius could finally get close.

"Congrats, Kaia! You did well!" Livius spread his arms for a hug. "I'm sorry if we're a little late ..."

When I didn't move, he himself pulled my hand to hug me. I managed to chuckle and hug him back even though my heart was pounding hard.

"It's okay, Livius. The important thing is you got here..." My voice was a little softer than usual. But my big smile faded when I noticed Sage's stare. His stare was blank but very much intimidating. Because of that, I broke the hug with Livius earlier.

Jonas faked a cough. My face heated when he looked at me in a malicious manner.

"You did great, Kaia." Jonas smirked.

"Uh, thanks ..." I said nervously, not knowing where to look.

"It's good that you arrived," said Mom. "But I'm sure you're tired from the trip. We'll be at home and I'll prepare you something to eat."

"I'm okay there, Tita!" and Jonas.

"All right. But don't get ready, Mom. We have some food," Livius smiled at the same time. He's used at addressing her that way. He considered Mama to be his family.

Livius' car was parked in front of the house. Our neighbors were not surprised because they often saw Livius. That's all, sometimes we can't stop the spread of gossip. Many people say that Livius is my boyfriend but I just don't admit it.

But then again, it's just rumors and all. I don't have to hit that anymore. It's up to the people what they think. Why would I bother explaining when the truth for them is what they want to believe?

"They're also animals of beauty, what?" Brenda whispered to me as we entered the house.

"Brenda," I warned her again. He only giggled and scrutinized those men with her malicious eyes. I looked at him badly.

They brought a lot of food. I think it was from the expensive restaurant. There are groceries too, a lot. I already told him once to stop bringing groceries. He does too much for us. I don't want him to feel responsible for our lives.

But Livius was naturally stubborn and would not listen. What he wants to do he really does and he won’t let go.

Just like he did today. I even said not to visit when the exams are near. Case when I heard that I was going to compete in a contest did not stop. I don't know how he made those guys come with him. Jonas seems like traveling and exploring things. So maybe he went along. But Sage? He's the type who would rather finish his thesis than watch a cheap singing contest. Especially in this kind of place.

The way he moves, it was screaming in preciseness. It was as if he had calculated every move. He was also often quiet and serious as if he didn't want to be noisy. He's indeed, a man with class and power.

"Brenda, help me set the table," Mom ordered.

I helped too. Livius did the same even though Mama told them not to. We shared at the table. With Livius around, the house got noisier than the usual.

Sage also participates in the conversation somehow. I also caught him smirking once. That's it. He didn't even smile fully or laugh even once. It was like it's a sin to laugh even just for a while.

Brenda, on the other hand, accompanied Livius's chatter. They're both really talkative. I'm a bit misunderstood because I'm the topic. When I looked at Mama's happy face, I smiled too. Her smiles are enough prize for me. More than enough.

"You hit the high notes very well. You must be the winner, eh," Livius said while looking at me.

"She's right, Kaia! You're better there!" Brenda was second.

I chuckled. "What are you? Let's just be happy with the result. The first placer was good. Maybe that's really not the only thing for me. There are many more opportunities to come."

"Right," Mom agreed.

"You have exams next week, Livius. You visit again next month, "I said. I preceded him now that Mama was still here in front of us.

"What about exams now? As if I can't handle that."

"Let's be proud, ah?" Jonas laughed.

I glanced at Sage. I swallowed slowly when I caught him looking at me. He didn't give me any expression but a blank one. I nervously averted my gaze. My eyes shifted on my plate to avoid his stare.

"By the way, we brought some drinks, Mom. We'll have a drink later before going home," Liivus said.

I looked up at him.

"Just don't drink too much. You might get drunk and end up in trouble."

Jonas laughed. Sage raised his eyebrow a bit. Livius grinned. They looked not bothered at all. I frowned at them.

"What?" I will ask.

"We have high alcohol tolerance, Kaia. Don't underestimate us," said Livius.

I bit my lower lip subtly. I drank water. If anything, they are the typical city boys.

"I know that. It's just mine, don't overdo it."

"Okay, Ma'am!" Livius gave me a salute and chuckled.

Brenda and I cleaned the table afterwards. Mama guided Livius to the patio for a drink.

Brenda didn't take long to say goodbye after helping me clean the table. When Mom came back she said she would do the dishes. I said I did. But she insisted that she'll do it. He ordered me to bring the glasses there to Livius so I could no longer appeal.

Carrying the glasses, I caught up with Sage in front of a round table on our patio. But he was alone. My steps became slower than how it should be. Why is he alone? Jonas and Livius, where are they?

"Uh, here are the glasses ..." I said, my voice was a bit shaky. I put the things on the table. I almost dropped one when Sage looked at me. I gulped.

"Where is Livius?" my casual question.

"Jonas is in the comfort room. Livius is there," he pointed in one direction. There I found Livius talking with someone over the phone. I nodded and looked at Sage again.

"By the way, don't stay up too late. You still have four hours to drive back to Manila," I said calmly.

He looked up. Half of his face was emphasized by the light, the other half was dark. That made him more intimidating for me. Every time I face him I can't help but be distracted. He's hardness is too much for me to take. There was calmess in his eyes but at the same time, I can sense havoc in those.

He tilted his head a little, maybe to have a better view of my face.

"Can we stay for the night, then?"

I opened my mouth slightly, not expecting his question.

It seemed an innocent question but the way he uttered the words, it was a bit sensual. Or maybe I just thought of that?

"Ah, you might not be comfortable here with us. One more thing, there's only one room vacant. It can't accommodate the three of you. It's embarrassing for you."

"In that case, here we will sleep."

My forehead furrowed. Didn't he understand me?

"We'll stay, Kaia. One room is enough for us," he added.