Perilous Sea || Homer Series

DISCLAIMER This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. Start: July 26, 2020 Ended: - - "Oceanna!" my mother shouted in anger. I sighed in frustration, are we arguing for the nth time? I'm so sick of this. Her eyes were filled with emotion as she came to a halt in front of me. I despise it here, I hate it. "Stop rebelling on us, Oceanna! I didn't raise you like this!" I pursed my lips, what does she expect from me then? "Come on, Mom. I'm not rebelling. I'm tired. I'll take a rest," I was about to leave when she grabbed my arms. "What's going on with you, Cean?" she looks at me with disappointment. I should be the one asking that, what's happening to you, Mom? I shook my head and yanked her hand away from me. Everything has changed since I returned home. It no longer feels like home, nor does it feel the same. "I'll talk to you later; just give me a moment to rest," I whispered softly. When I was younger, I used to marvel at Mom's ability to maintain her calm; it's as if she has mastered the art of remaining calm. I thought it was great, and I loved it, but not right now. It's beginning to annoy me. Everything I used to love is slowly starting to aggravate me. I look deeply into her eyes, those fierce-looking eyes that I used to adore are filled with rage; she's staring at me as if I've done something terrible. It wasn't like this when I left, why does it have to be like this now? "Stop it before it's too late; don't make it difficult for us," she says calmly. "Why should I stop?" why do I need to stop doing the things that I want? Why is it hard for them to accept me for who I am? "You know why! This nonsense argument with you exhausts me, Oceanna! Just listen to me!" I jumped as her voice boomed throughout the room. She's furious. I look at her painfully, "Why does it always have to be like this, Mom? I never did anything wrong!" I just wanted some freedom. "The only thing I ask is for your support; aside from that, I've done nothing wrong, and it's never been wrong." "Are you hearing yourself, Cean? Have you gone insane? You're asking for something forbidden!" she yells, the way her eyes held fury; enrages me. I couldn't care less about that madness. I never disobey them, but I'm getting tired of this situation. "I just want to pursue the thing that I want, what's wrong with that?" This is absurd; I desperately want to leave this family, but I know I won't be able to do so. It's not even close. They're cunning and ruthless. "You know this family will never let you have what you want; how could you not use your brain, Oceanna Homer? Where has your intelligence gone?" she combed her hair in frustration. "This isn't about us, Cean; it's about you, only you; I couldn't take it when they looked down at you," she says softly. I closed my eyes, tears welling up inside of me. Is this going to make me less of a Homer? Is it true that pursuing my dream will make me feel less deserving of who I am? "If you settle for that, everything will fall apart; please think about that," she says before walking away. I clenched my fist as tears streamed down my cheeks. This is driving me insane; I clearly couldn't handle it. I thought I was tough enough, but I wasn't. As I watched my Mom walks away—I felt completely shattered. I felt as if the entire world was conspiring against me. I sat on the couch and cried silently, maybe it's true, we could never do something for someone to fight for us. Without trust, love isn't and will never be enough. It will always end up so broken. I wiped my tears when I saw Crescent entering the house, she looks worn out. She roamed around and quickly met my eyes, she smiled at me. I compressed my lips in a thin line. "Did you and Mom fight again?" she asks. She approaches me and hands me a handkerchief; I stare at her blankly and stand up. I don't need her sympathy. She sighed and lowered her hand. "I'll go upstairs, just talk to me if you need someone to talk to," she tapped my arms and went to her room. I'm not sure what's going on anymore; she felt strange, but she's always strange. We had been apart since we were children, so I never had a chance to get to know her better. The only thing that I am sure about Crescent is that she is capable and brave. She's always the favorite child, as well as being intelligent and conniving. I went to my room and slept out of frustration. So when the morning came, I immediately dressed. I don't want to stay in our house; I don't want any more upheaval. "Good morning," I simply uttered as I went to the kitchen. Mom and Crescent were eating, and Dad was nowhere to be seen. I'm sure he spent the rest of his time in his office. I haven't seen him in several weeks. "Good morning, too," Crescent says and smiled at me. "How's your school, Crescent," Mom asked. I glance at her, she has a big circle in her eyes. Did she sleep? "I'm doing fine with my academics, Mom," Crescent murmurs. "Exam's coming?" Crescent nods at her, "Yap," "I heard you joined the student council?" Mom kept on asking her about school kinds of stuff, while I opted out of the conversation. I sat down in the living room after finishing my meal. Mom didn't even ask regarding Crescent's well-being. Is she even concerned about her child's health? Crescent looks sick! I was about to return to my room when I noticed that someone had entered our home. My jaw dropped as I looked at Kuya Daryl. He's back? Is he really back? "Are you for real?" I asked crazily. He chuckled at me. "What do you think, hmm?" I run and jumped towards him. He opened his arms and welcome me, "My princess miss me so much, huh," I hugged him tightly, I really miss him a lot! "When did you come back?" I heard he stayed in Singapore. "I came home today, isn't obvious?" he sarcastically said. I rolled my eyes at him. I couldn't believe he was back. When I came back here to the Philippines, he was not here anymore. He beamed at me, his cute dimple shows. "Don't stare at me too much, Cean. I miss you, too," he kissed my forehead. My eyes moisten as I look at him; I finally feel like I have someone. I won't be alone any longer. "How are you?" he asks. I gave a bitter smile; I wish I could say I'm fine, but I'm not. He shook his head and tapped my back, looking at me with empathy. He fully understands. "I hate how your eyes show you're not okay," he says as he hugs me tightly. "I'm sorry, Cean; this whole situation is really difficult to deal with," "I'm getting tired, Kuya." I'm starting to lose it. "Hush, just stand a little longer, Cean. They will understand you in time," he patted my head. A smile plastered on my face as I lean on my brother's chest. Finally, a home. "I really hope so, Kuya," He was about to say something when Mom and Crescent entered the living room. Mom's eyes widened as she looked at the man beside me. "Daryl!" she walks towards Kuya and hugged him. Mom didn't know he was going home, did she? Is Dad aware? "You didn't tell me you're coming home!" Mom exclaims. "Your Uncle let you now?" "I miss you too, Mom," Kuya said, beaming at her and kissing her on the forehead. He cast a glance at Crescent and smiled, but she only gave him a cold stare. Her brown eyes are difficult to read, she took a step back and excused herself from us. What happened? I noticed a painful expression in Kuya's eyes as Crescent left. They were close before I left; did I miss something? "Crescent," he tried to call her but she didn't turn back. "Just let her be, Daryl. She'll be fine," Mom utters as they watch her vanish. Kuya frowned, "But Mom, I'm worried. Crescent is unpredictable and hard to read-" "Just trust your sister, Daryl. She knows what she's doing," I look at them in confusion, I couldn't understand. What's happening? Kuya and Mom left after an hour. Kuya needed to talk to Uncle Jonathan and get his visa sorted out before he could stay here permanently. Then, Mom went to the hospital. She's a doctor. I decided to leave the house, what else could I do there? No one is at home. When I came to Alouette's Feral Bar, loud minimal noise and calm surroundings welcome me. There are a few people, it's still early to party though. I head to the counter and order a drink. I raised my brow to the bartender as he smiled at me. "What?" "You sure you want a hard liquor early in the afternoon?" he asks. What a nosy guy to interfere. "Yes," I don't want to be rude, but really, he should be doing his job without asking. "You seem alone, no one will take you home if you get wasted," he added. I pursed my lips and smiled at him, "I can take care of myself, okay? And I know my alcohol tolerance," He nods at me, I took a deep breath to ease my annoyance. I get what he wants to say, but maybe I am not in the mood for that. I was waiting for my drink when I spotted someone familiar to me, is that Gretta? I stared at her, she's Crescent's friend. She's with someone, I know her. "That's Gretta Philips, the daughter of business typhoon Guillermo Philips," I glance at the bartender, he's looking at Gretta, too. "I know, do you know her personally?" I ask. He nods, "She's my friend," Friend? How come? I mean... I'm not a judgemental person but Gretta is hard to approach. She has a lot of friends, she's been popular since then. "I'm her brother," my eyes widened as I look at him. Is this i***t trying to mess with me? Gretta is an only child. "She's an only child," I uttered sarcastically. He smirks, "Hmm, don't you watch the news? It was broadcast last year...' Business tycoon Guillermo Philips has an illegitimate child.' Such a trivial matter to bring up in the news, isn't it?" I look at him suspiciously, "Why are you telling me that?" "Because you're a Homer?" "So?" my forehead furrowed at him. He's weird. "It's nice to share, isn't funny?" his innocent face contradicts his vicious eyes. What's wrong with him? "Are you some sort of a psycho?" I didn't mean to offend him, but he's scaring the hell out of me. "Why? Are you scared-" "Vrewsin, stop that," I look at Gretta, she's looking at him. She glance at me apologetically, "Don't mind him, he's always like that," she stated and smiled at me. I peek a glance at him, he smiles, "I'm just trying to be friendly," I scoffed, "Is that how you approach people?" I can't believe him. "You shouldn't tell anyone that you're the son of a tycoon," I added, making him look like a lost child trying to please me. "Why? Because I am an illegitimate child-" "No, it's because it could put you in danger; your father is a businessman," I explained. I sighed and divert my attention to Gretta, she smiles at me. "I apologize for my brother's behavior, he was always like that," she stated. "I didn't hear the news, I am completely unaware," I took a sip in my glass as I relax a little bit. "We just found out last year, I was shocked and speechless, too," she said as she sat beside me. "I couldn't imagine myself having a brother," she added. "That's a big revelation for your family; how is your mother dealing with it?" She shrugged, "She died last year," I look at her in panic, I didn't know. "Oh, damn. I'm sorry," She chuckles, "That's fine, I'm good," After that, we were completely engulfed in silence, and I didn't know what else to say to her. I am not good at conversation after all. "Anyway, how are you?" she asks. "It's been a long time," her eyes sparkle as the light past through it. "I am fine, how about you? You've been in another country, right?" She nods, "Yeah, Canada. I just came home last year when the news spread in the city; you? When did you come home?" "I've been living here for four years," "Oh, you came back a year after I left," she says. "Grade 10? Crescent went to New Zealand when I came back," I mutter, they know about that, right? "I heard about that, and by the way, I heard you're taking Architecture? You didn't pursue arts and music?" she innocently ponders. I beamed at her, "You know our world, Ms. Philips. A Homer should not, and should never, be involved with media," A toxic caste. Her lips formed a smirk, "I wonder when will someone be strong enough to break the chain," she murmurs before she excuses herself as someone calls her. I was about to leave when the bartender or Gretta's brother stops me. I stare at him in confusion, what does he need? "Do you know Zenos Vilmaris?" he asks. My forehead furrowed, "Why?" He sniggered, "I saw him with Daphne Pallas last Saturday," Pallas? I made a complete 180-degree turn to face him and fully engaged in the conversation. What would bring Zenos and Daphne together? "You'd better back off if you're messing with me," I warned. Crescent is engaged to Zenos Vilmaris. If he's cheating on my sister, he'd rather go to hell. "Why I would mess up with a Homer? That would be a self-wreck, don't you think?" he compressed his lips together. "I was in the mall with Gretta when I saw them leaving in one car; other than that, I don't know anything." "Does Gretta know?" He shook his head, "No, she didn't see it," What does this mean? I know they had a previous relationship when they were in high school before Crescent and Zenos got engaged. "Thank you for telling me," I say before I walk upstairs on the second floor. Crescent is smart, so if her fiance exhibits unusual behavior, she'll notice it. I had a lot of shots before I felt my headache as my surroundings starts to get blurred. I closed my eyes as I taste the mortise chisel of my drink, I lick a pinch of salt to reduce the bitter state of my liquor. My phone rang, I look at the caller, confused and tipsy, I answered it. It's Wyatt. "Hello, Ms. Homer," his voice sounded cold and authoritative like usual. "Why did you call? Dad asked you to do something, again?" I ask. "Are you drunk? I called you because your father asked me for a favor; he told me to tell you to come to the municipality of Vitales Subdivision for the papers in Amara's case; it's on Mayor Jonathan's table," his deep demanding voice amazes me, but it also irritates me. I grumble, why does it have to be me? Uncle Jonathan is the last person I want to see, and Dad is well aware of this. So how dare he command me when he hasn't even returned home in several weeks! "I'm not available right now, maybe you can call Crescent," I utter. "Your father told me that it's you, that I should call, Ms. Homer," he stated emphatically. "Then tell him that I am not available today," I reasoned out. "I can hear your background noise, are you in the bar?" the annoyance in his voice made me pout; why is he asking! "Just tell him I don't want to; he could ask Crescent to do it instead; I'm sure Uncle Jonathan will be much happier if that happens," in fact, Crescent is Uncle's favorite. Tss. "Your sister is busy right now, Miss Homer, and you call yourself busy when you're doing nothing but partying?" what... what the hell! How dare he say that! I bit my lips to suppress a sudden burst out, this guy! "Hey, Mister Vilmaris," I whisper calmly, "drop that bossy tone; I am not your lackey to follow you." That's something I learned from my mother: I won't let emotion take control of me. "You don't have to follow me, but you do have to be a good daughter and do what your father says, right?" he argued. I closed my eyes in frustration; aside from my dizzy head, I don't want to see Uncle Jonathan in this state! I swear he'd kill me! Instead of talking back to him, I ended the call and turn my phone off. I stopped drinking and take a rest. I drink responsibly, I know my alcohol tolerance. It's nine o'clock at night, and I arrived here at four o'clock in the afternoon. Because of the effects of the alcohol, my vision was a little hazy. I couldn't call Lexine, she's out of coverage. I think she's preoccupied with her man, that stupid masochist! I couldn't believe she's still staying with a man who's in love with someone else. I sat properly as Gretta walks towards me, I smiled at her. "You look wasted, Miss Homer," she stated. "No, I'm already sober; you and your friends are having a good time," I tell. Their group, Saganza, was far away from my table, but I could see them. They're not complete; I believe they're five over ten. My sister is also not with them. I'm curious if she's aware that her friends are here, partying without her. "Will someone pick you up here? You can't drive with that state, or maybe I could take you home?" Gretta offers. I shook my head, I am fine already. "I'm good. Don't worry, I can take care of myself," She looks at me thoroughly, trying to observe me. I beamed at her, she should go to her friends and have fun. "You look-" "Where's Crescent?" I ask. I couldn't help it. Crescent hasn't been seen in a while; is she caged up? She should be enjoying herself instead of pleasing our parents! I saw some of her friends looking in our direction, I turned at Gretta who's now looking at me in a daze. "She didn't come?" I ask, again. "How could she come when she's in another country?" she asks, perplexed. Wait, what? Crescent? In another country? They didn't know that she came back? "We haven't heard from her since she left, but she still intends to return here, right?" she hopes. My lips parted, they didn't know. They were clueless that she was back, she's here in our country. Crescent went abroad when she was sixteen because of a family matter, she went back two years ago. "She came back a long time ago, you didn't know? She didn't contact any of you?" I couldn't believe it. Confusion plastered on Gretta's face as she shook her head while looking at it with a shocked expression. "What? She's here? In the Philippines?" I nod, "It's been two years," "Oh, wow. She... we didn't know," a glint of pain showed in her eyes. "Do you want to talk to her?" I ask. Is Crescent trying to get away from them? Why would she want to keep her reappearance a secret? "No. Crescent would talk to us if she wants to, maybe... she has her reasons," she whispers. She beamed at me, "Are you sure you can still drive?" I nod, "Yes, thank you for checking up on me," "Take care, and don't worry, I'm not going to tell anyone about Crescent's whereabouts," she bid goodbye before she walked toward her friend. Is that even a secret? I sat on the couch, unable to solve the mental puzzle. Why do things have to be this way? I'm losing my mind. I was about to leave when I saw Wyatt walking towards me. He's looking at with a dagger in his eyes, oh, hell. I fixed my posture and raised my eyebrow at him. Why is he here? Is it about the documents? "What are you doing here—ouch!" I held my forehead and glared at him. He flicked my precious forehead! "Why the hell did you do that!" I exclaimed angrily at him. He pushed me to sit as he sat beside me, "You look like s**t," he said in annoyance. I scoffed, "Is it me who look like s**t, or you?" I mockingly scrutinize him from head to toe. He has a big circle in his eyes, he doesn't sleep enough. He gave a cold stare, I rolled my eyes at him. How did this i***t find me? "Did my Dad scold you because of me?" I ask. He shrugged, "Guess," I squirt at him, "Who told you I'm here?" He didn't answer me and leaned on the couch, he closed his eyes. This i***t needs something from me, I am certain about that. What is it? "Crescent was the one who went into Vitales Subdivision, Senator Jonathan was expecting to see you," he said, staring at me. My eyebrow furrowed, what? What does Uncle want from me? "What's the reason why you are here, beside me?" I ask directly. "I'm tired, am I not allowed to come here?" he sarcastically utter. "You had a lot of glasses here, did you forget that you'll gonna drive home?" he added. I rolled my eyes, "Why don't you mind your own business, hmm? You don't even drink, so what do you know about liquor?" "Do I look like a child to you?" he glared at me. I chuckled. He's far too manly to be considered a child, but I smirked at him anyway. "Maybe?" He sat properly and gave me a cold stare, I didn't back off and stared back at him. He leaned a little, trapping me in my seat, what is he planning to do? "What?" I ask. His lips rose up as he slowly put his lips on mine, he held my nape to further deepen the kiss. I kissed him back and let him dominate the kiss like how he always wanted to. He delved into my mouth until we were both out of breath. He backed up a little. He leaned back on the couch and murmured, "A kid won't make you breathless like that." I rolled my eyes, still catching my breath while he smirks at me, arrogant ass. We're not a thing nor in a relationship, we just know each other. "Your kiss is getting shallow, why is that?" I mocked. "You don't even know how to kiss properly," he said back. What? I glared at him angrily, "Hey, I know how to kiss!" I exclaimed. Though, it's a lie. I am not a pro when it comes to that. My first kiss was with Ebony, my ex-boyfriend, but we never do French kisses or anything with the tongue. He didn't say anything. I sulked and put my arms on my chest. I think I need to go home, I'm getting drowsy already. I stood up and got my things without bothering him, maybe he wants to unwind so I wouldn't disturb him anymore. I was about to leave when he catches my hand, he was looking at me with those dark eyes. "You're leaving?" he asks. I nod, "Yeah, you just came here—so I think you would want to have fun and drink," He shook his head and stood up. "I'll go with you," "What? But you just came here." I say. "I came here for you, let's talk in my car. I'll drive you home," When he walked away and left me behind, I was dumbfounded. I shrugged and followed him, knowing that I could still drive and that he wouldn't have to be concerned about me. Before I could leave the place, I glance at Gretta's place. She's looking at me, I waved at her and she did the same thing. I walked towards the parking lot, Wyatt's waiting for me. "I could still drive," I stated as I stopped in front of him. He raised his eyebrow, "I know," I frowned at him, "So what do you want?" "We'll talk," he opened his car, "You don't have to worry about your car, I'll pick it up tomorrow," I look at him suspiciously, did something happen? He looks a little problematic, did dad scold him? "We can talk about it, right now. What's the matter?" I ask. His lips protruded, "We need some privacy to talk about that, just go inside the car," I sighed and did what he told me, what is it this time? As my headache worsens, I lightly massage my temples. It is satisfying to drink excessively, but the effect is what I despise the most. He looks at me, "Is it aching?" he questioned. "I'm fine. So, what do you want to talk about?" He licks his lips and held the wheel, his right-hand combes his hair to put it in the back, he looks... like adam. I got nervous as he looks at me with so much seriousness in his eyes, why does it feel bad? "What?" he's making me nervous. He shook his head and look away, "This is the last time we'll interact; you must delete all of my contacts and avoid me for as long as possible," he stated emphatically. My mouth fell open, as well as I looked at him, puzzled. So, what's going on here? He looks at me with his jaw clenched. I'm not good at reading people or observing them, so I have no idea what he's thinking right now. I felt my heart flinch a little at what he said but I disregard it. "Yeah? Okay, I'll do it. But, tell me what happened," I don't want to be left in the dark; after all, we're not a thing, so I respect his decision. Anyway, we've been seeing each other for the past two months because we get along well, so it's not a big deal. It's great that we had so much fun. Sometimes all we want is someone to make us feel at ease and comfort us with silence. "Our family are trying to pair us in marriage, I don't want—" "What?" I gulped at him. What is he talking about? Marriage? Pair us? "They wouldn't do that," I said. "My family may be cruel, but they aren't fond of fixed marriages." I give him a tired look, and I can see the frustration in his eyes as he clutches the steering wheel tightly. I understand him; I don't want to marry either, especially not to someone I don't love. Wyatt and I may flirt with each other, but we both know we won't go any further. We're just each other's source of comfort and peace; we're both at ease with each other. "I heard my father talking to your dad. They thought that something's going on between us," he coldly uttered. He's right; I exhaled. It's preferable if we don't see each other, particularly if our fathers are or aren't friends. It's akin to keeping your adversary close at hand. Presumably, I was preoccupied to the point where I became too loose with Wyatt, knowing that we're all enemies with such a pseudonym. "Dad has been very busy these past few weeks, so I haven't been able to speak with him; however, don't worry, I won't agree to that." I licked my lips and sat properly. I have to leave; if we have to avoid each other right now, he should not pick up my car tomorrow; it will only make matters worse. I might be able to get home by myself. He locked his gaze on me, and I reciprocated with a friendly smile. "It was fun while it lasted, Mr. Vilmaris," I said respectfully as I extended my hand to him. I quickly closed my eyes as I felt his lips as he refused to accept my hand and leaned on me. He kissed me ferociously. I clung to his shoulder for support, while he pressed his lips against my nape to intensify the kiss. This might be our parting kiss. A farewell signal. I bite his lips lightly in response to the kiss, and his hand grips my waist as he pulls me into his body and forces me to sit in his lap. He wouldn't let us part our lips. "Hmm," his kisses went from my jaw down to my neck. I bit my lips as I pulled him closer to my neck. "Damn," he sneered, his tender gaze falling on me."Did I bite you too hard?" he asked, softly caressing my neck as he sighed and wiped the smudge on my lips. "Is that your farewell kiss at me?" I raised my brow at him while smiling. His expression didn't change, I chuckled. "I'll miss you," he whispers. Me too.