CHAPTER 4
NEOLA
I never wanted for this to happen in reality but it is always been on my dreams.
You know those things that only happen in the movies? The magical part where a random boy falls in love with a girl because they were in Paris; shared a drink, kissed and did IT? Well, it wasn't that magical and not like the movies; in fact, the man didn't even fall for the girl. It can possibly happen like it was in a book but not in romance or comedy side....it's far worse than worst.
A horror story, maybe?
I grip the sheets tightly as I felt the skin beneath me, the way this particular pillow rise and fall, really creeps me out. Oh. It's not actually a pillow, because it's fleshy and hairy.It's a chest of the guy with whom I slept with.
I bit my hand to avoid screaming bloody murder. I catch my breath, exerting much effort to pull myself away from his death grip. I am very much aware that I'm naked and so is he...geez
I am disappointed that I didn't get to remember anything from last night. I hated that my first time is simply composed of a blurred memory of me and him kissing.
Getting rid of his body was such a very terrifying act. I do not know the guy for crying out loud! Yet, I did slept with him.The warmth left my body and I shivered, shaking as I recovered my conscious mind. I leap out of the bed in my pure nudity and was shocked when he suddenly let out a groan. The man turned his head to the side and I was shocked to see his face.No, it can't be!
Without thinking I pulled a pair of white pants from the floor and a dress shirt. Grabbing my purse with my left hand, I proceed to open the window with my other hand before I jump down. I bit back a scream as I collapse on a heap. The guards are rounding the hallways and I felt like a burglar invading this place. I hastily avoided the maids and made it out the gate once the guards change shifts. I breathe out a sigh.I walk down the street and got weird looks from almost everyone. Of course, it's not everyday that you'll see an almost naked woman walking down the street. I guess, I have brought the Las Vegas vibe in Paris. It was still early in the morning and I am very tired, sweating like a pig as I nurse a hangover. Not to mention that I was dressed only in a pair of white dress shirt and pants. Very fashionable.I probably look like a ridiculous psycho who just came out of rehab.
Entering a café, I slip inside a booth and stared at the menu. I was startled when a young lady came barging beside me, "Bonjour, mademoiselle..." I just stared at her not knowing what I would say. I can fully understand her French, but my mind has some problem on processing right now because it's drowning in too much liquor I drank last night.
"Oh, ma'am? Would you prefer me speaking English now?" I cringe at her grammar as she spoke. I urge for her to dictate the menu, ending up with some black coffee and the famous croissant of Paris.
I almost jump out of my seat when my phone rang. Pulling it out of my purse, I answered in a nonchalant tone, "Hello?""Neo, where are you? We are boarding on the plane in the next thirty minutes. Now get your ass here right at this moment or I'll be leaving for Seattle without your sorry bum!" She ended the call, not giving me any chance to respond.I stared at the young lady as she scurry off, bringing back a disposable cup, "You, take it out?" She asked. I just nodded at her as she pour the remains of my coffee on the cup. I didn't wait for her another word as I grab it, handing her a tip "Merci, Celine..." She gave me a toothy grin before I ran out of the shop.
"Come again, Au revoir!"•I wasn't surprise when almost all of the passengers are looking at me with curious stares. I shrug off my shoulder and stare ahead, looking for that particular brunette mother and child. I am delighted to see her not far from the entrance, carrying a very hyper Jacob whom I assume is having another sugar rush."There you are! Oh gosh, you don't know how I've been so worried for you didn't came back home last night. I guess you really enjoyed the party because I gave you my invitation card-and oh my gosh!" She gave me a sweep from head to toe before pointing a finger at me, "You should rather keep hold of your nephew right now while I get you some shirt and jeans of mine. You look ridiculous, m'lady..."The address made me soft. Memories of last night became rushing back as the velvety voice of his caress me with every word. I shrug at her as she hand me her son, getting me a pair of jeans and shirt from the duffel bag on the floor. I give Jacob the cup of coffee that is now empty and he happily wave it up on the air, "Darth Vader! Pingpingping," the coffee cup flied on the space around my head as Jacob made sounds. "Silly, Jacob..." I shook my head as he giggled, pursing his lips for a kiss. I lean on him and was surprise when he suddenly grab my hair and pulled "Jake-""Aunt Ne-la," he whispered on my ear before puffing his cheek and letting go of the air slowly through his lips. "Brblrrblrrr..." Rains of slobber wet my cheeks as I closed my eyes, shaking my head at my nephew who is now laughing at me. Oh, this boy. He love to act like a baby! God, he just told me yesterday that he is a big boy and I shouldn't baby him much."Neo, here...."Elle handed me the clothes and I happily pass her Jacob. I blew him a kiss before I scurried off to the rest room, entering a cubicle and began stripping out of this clothes.Oh this clothes, his clothes. Royalty...Goodness, what am I thinking?! Have I gone nuts? I don't even know what I'm doing last night. I should've been more careful but my heart wants what it wants and the odds led me to it.Sighing, I undo the buttons, reminiscing how my weekend had flip unto this confusing end. It started out right, with only the three of us landing in the city of love; Elle carrying his son as I carry our things. We had our reservation at the hotel facing the tower. During the afternoon, I went out to the park to watch the sunset with my nephew as we waited for his mother to win a deal from her client. It was all good, but then that invitation has to ruin it all. Of course, I didn't expect that the outcome would be like this when Elle urged for me to go. I agreed because of the reason that I'd like to attend to one of this 'royal' balls in my lifetime rather than babysit my hyper nephew. He is very addicted on playing with his stupid robots and light sabers, I find it hard to relate.It was all good and perfect before that evening came. I was suddenly fetch by a limo and I came face to face with different people, I know it won't end good.And I was right.First, I was intoxicated. Drunk myself to death and was out of my mind. Second, I talked and flirted to different people not caring who they were. And third, I slept with a man and gave my v-card without even knowing who he really was. Not until I saw his face a while ago...Lovely? No! Absolutely not.I was rambling with my angry thoughts, pulling the jeans up on my leg when I was suddenly distracted by a sudden gleam that caught my eye.God, I can't believe this.There on my right ring finger, was a platinum band, littered with small diamonds. The oval shape sapphire located on the center made me go weak.Did he propose to me?Well, according to the ring, the answer would be 'yes' but not to my memory; I don't remember any proposals or him getting in his knee, or this freaking ring!With pure and utter angst, I slipped out of the restroom before dumping his dress on the nearest bin. I tried for countless times, pulling at the ring but it won't budge. Not one inch or even a millimeter.I was delighted when they announce our flight, urging us to prepare and board. In that way it kept me distracted, my thoughts focusing on finding Elle rather than the stupid ball last night.As I saw them, I offer to take Jacob on my arms as we pass through the gates. We proceed down the aisle and then we situated on our lovely seats. I pulled Jacob closer as he began to squirm, trying to bang both of his favourite robots as he make sound effects with his mouth.I glared at Elle as she pinch my sides, pulling Jacob back to her arms. Frowning, I just stare at her and say, "What's with the pinch?" I screamed, my voice now an octave higher. She just giggled, focusing her attention to his son. "I would love to inform you that it hurts, like a bitch, if you wanna know..." I shrug again, lowering myself down on the seat."Neo, now tell me...do tell." she urge, pinching me again."Ow, fudge balls...Elle? What would I tell you?" I whined, earning a bunch of curious stares from the passengers on our left. I just glared at them and was delighted when they duck their head down, "Tell me about last night." She blurted out of the blue as she gave me a grin. Her son matching her smirk."It's--nothing.""Noooooo, I won't believe that. You just say that there's nothing because you hide the fact that something's up." She stated, pulling my arm as Jacob nuzzled his head on my shoulder. "Tell me, Neeeoooooo...I know there's something. The way you forgot that this morning will be our flight, the way you reacted, that hangover thingy, the cup, the clothes and not to mention....that ring!" She pointed at it with her eyes shining.Oh, Geez...I'll be dead before we even reach New York. I turn my gaze out on the window and sighed, watching as we flew up on the sky, "No, Elle. There's nothing and as much as you insist. That'll be all for now," I heard her sigh as I also let out one.I don't know how I'm going to face all this. With that I urge for sleep to come, but I know as sleep grab me, memories of last night will hunt like nightmares I used to have.계속CHAPTER 5NEOLALanding in Seattle at eve is just beautiful. I turn my gaze back to the wonderful boy on my arms and his crazy mother on my side as the car rolled down the streets. Taylor was the one who collected us from the airport which surprises me because I know that my brother has been dying to be with his family. That chimp, I wonder what he is cooking?"Don't you think he was fooling with me? I mean, Hey! We are moving to this goddamn place somewhere in the outskirts of the city where possibly, no neighbors would even help me if your brother tried to kill me!" Taylor smirkec at us from the rear mirror and averted his eyes quickly as Jacob pointed around."He won't kill you," I muttered, running my hands in Jacob's curls, "you're just acting so crazy...""Me? Crazy? I don't even know this place where we are moving in!""It's in Seattle"" 'It's in Seattle'" She quoted, rolling her eyes at me before saying, "I am aware of that. Isn't it that I am the one who bought our tickets?
CHAPTER 6NEOLAThe taxi stopped after ten minutes of travel from the suburban place I've came from to this building which I've been led to by that mystery caller.It was just a small diner in the middle of the city. The bright green lights blinded me for a moment before it change to a dull yellow , almost comforting to my nerves. I entered the diner by pushing open the glass door and marching aboutI am about to take my phone out of my jacket pocket to call the mystery voice when a hand bolted from my side and snatch it from my grasp. "What the f--""Bon soir, mademoiselle..." I was surprised to see a middle aged woman bow down in front of me. She straightened up right after and offered me a smile before she speaks, "I am Lizzy Caine, I'm the one who called you."I just nodded at her, still observing the way she carry herself around with undeniable confidence of a true soldier. I am very aware that she was a woman but she acts like a man-Specially with the way her eyebrows furrowed a
CHAPTER 7NEOLAHe was here. Flesh and bone in front of me. I watch his eyebrows turn slightly upward before he tighten his grip on my shoulder, steadying me."Lou? Is that you?" He slid his hands down my shoulder and I felt a shudder down my spine. My mind had to take a couple of seconds more to believe the fact that he is here right in front of me. "What are you doing here in Seattle? Are you---?" I shrug. A rather wrong move I did because that made the ring on my finger catch a little bit of the suns rays- which blow my cover.Oh, damn. His eyes trailed up from my finger to my face. I could almost see his brain processing it all-the night we spent together at his engagement party and the happenings after that-retrieving every memory he could get from his blurry ones.In an instant, I was pulled away from the alley and down to a narrow street. His grip on my wrist makes it impossible for me to move but I still tried to break away from it. After a couple of tug from him, I felt him
CHAPTER 8NEOLA"Your grace, you can't just ask a stranger to marry you just like that!" I stared at him as I tried to appear taller than usual on the chair I was sitting on. "Well, you are not a stranger to me anymore," his voice slither down the nape of my neck as he whispered on my ear. "Oh really?" I push his head off and he let out a sigh. "It was true, love , you weren't a stranger to me anymore...in fact, you remind me of someone I really knew. Someone that I have known from the past," His fingers paused beneath my elbow before he draw them back to himself to thread them on his hair. I gulped. Is it possible that he finally figure that I am who I think he knew I am? The Neola West that he hated because I can't be with him which is also the reason why he left me in the first place?"You know what? Forget it." I snap out of my trance as I hear the irritation on his voice. I watch him walk back to his seat and lean on his table. "Gran-I mean the King, wanted me to marry you soo
CHAPTER 9LUKE*dream*It was dark and cold. "Hello?"My voice echoed around me as I struggle to stand straight. And suddenly, I was filled with confusion as I felt pain on the side of my stomach."Where am I?" I didn't have the time to hear the echo of my voice as I found myself staring at myself and is that--?"Neo?" My words echoed again to myself as I look at her wide blue eyes that have taken me away the moment I met her at the hospital five years ago. "It was you? I knew it!" I tried to back away from the image only to find myself getting dizzy as the world around me blurred. I can see Neola and me looking at baby Jacob as he sleeps. Those nights we spent together at the hospital, drinking our coffee is all that I could keep as good memories. But the rejection and hurt I felt when I left is unbearable. I was about to touch Neola's face but when I opened my eyes, I saw my father looking at me, his hands holding my mother's hand as I felt myself sinking on the water. "Pa? Ma?
CHAPTER 10NEOLA*flashback*"Zia!" I pulled at my skirt. "Zia,"I remember my ten year old self struggling as the rain pour harder on me. "Where are you? Zia!" I opened the front door only to be pushed back on the porch steps."Idiota!" I raise my hands, trying to protect myself as I feel the pain slash through my arm, the belt slapping on my flesh. "You little vermin stole my money, si?" I covered my face to protect it from my uncle and his belt. "Zio. Zio Benny, Zio Benny, I didn't stole anything..." I cried out as he pulled at my hair. "Zio, please..." I sob, still trying to get away from him and his belt. "Mama mia! Benny, what are you doing?" Zia Alonza pushed my uncle and held me on her arms as they both fight again.I could still hear myself screaming at them to stop fighting. I tried to call for my papa and my brother but they did not come for my aid. They weren't always there to save me...*end of flashback*"Neola?" I stared at the spitting image of my mom, her brown hai
CHAPTER 11NEOLA'What? Oh my god, Neola!' I pulled the phone off my ear to avoid myself from going deaf. Geez, the woman can scream. "Yep. He already knows that I am Neola." I sat down on the couch near the window which overlooks the sea as we both talk. We are back in Normandy, France. The view was just breathtaking I almost forgot that I was talking to Elle.'Then what will happen now? Am I going to get murdered?'"No, of course! You silly. He doesn't know that--""Doesn't know what, exactly?" I turn around just in time to see his smirk turn into a full blown smile. "Lucas, didn't your mother taught you that eavesdropping is not good." I whisper shout at him as I cover the speaker on the phone. He just laugh at my worried face as Elle asked out loud, 'Am I hearing my brother laughing right now?' I didn't have the time to answer her as the phone was suddenly snatched from my hold. "Yes, you are." I just have to admit it to myself that no matter how I reject my feelings, it still
CHAPTER 12NEOLA"You know full well that Elle deserves explanation for the way you acted right? You left her again for the second time." I whisper shout at him as I held unto his waist, hanging on for dear life, not risking anyone to hear our conversation as we passed by the royal gates. He has to reconcile with his sister since she is the only family he have. Plus, he accepted the fact that he wanted to have her back.A couple of media men began swarming our ride and I pulled Luke's coat, trying not to fall as Midnight began kicking and whinnying like a horse. Oh, right. He's a horse. I was about to take a glance when a flash of camera blinded me for a second before I hear the wooden doors locked. Galloping further inside the grand hall, the trumpets where blown, signaling our arrival. There are so many guest: royalties dressed in extravagant clothing, princesses descending the carriage yet soon I found myself looking back at my brother, his eyes glinting with mirth as he held Ell