Perilous Sea || Homer Series

05

05 - Chapter Five

"Besides, it still depends on the deal they agreed upon," he added, he glanced at me. 

I shook my head, no, it should be our choice. They should ask us if we want this, if we do like each other to enter marriage, or if even get along. 

This is so unfair, I want to complain. 

"It's okay with you to that you'll be engaged with someone you don't like?" Uncle Danielle asked, he's looking at him intently. 

Uncle Danielle looks at me as if he's telling me to refuse. I know I have him, I know he'll back me up but... is that enough? 

"I don't like marriage in general, it's not as if I can do something about that," he uttered. 

Uncle Kevin looks at Wyatt in disappointment, he didn't expect that coming?

"You would let Oceanna marry someone that doesn't love her, Rich?" 

Uncle Danielle looks at dad, they were staring at each other. 

"No, of course not. This is why we had an agreement, right? I'd win this case," dad said in finality, but I heard it. I think everyone does hear the uncertainty in his voice. 

"Are you sure? I could see the doubts in your eyes, Rich. We are talking about your daughter, would you risk it?" Aunt Cheryl asked.

"Wyatt is a good man, rest assured that Oceanna will be in a good hand. Stop messing with Rich," Aunt Jules muttered, she's not against it. 

She's always into family's growth of power, the more forge in the making, the more they'll go. 

"Think about it, Rich. Your opponent is Joepher Xakousti, above anyone, you are the one who knows how great he is in the court." 

"Danielle, are you doubting the ability of our younger sibling," Uncle Jonathan quest with his jaw clenching. 

Uncle Danielle shook his head, "It's not about that, Kuya. We knew that they both shared a good partnership and friendship, they knew each other's weaknesses, they are once inseparable buddies. It would be hard for Rich," 

"It's all in the past, we are here in present. I actually find it interesting to see them in the court, this time, as a rivalry of justice." 

I bit my inside cheeks as I felt frustrated, Uncle Jonathan is such an asshole! How could he find it engaging when we're suffering. 

I look at dad, I didn't know that Joepher Xakousti is his friend. He never mentions anything about him, does something happened?

"You can surely beat him, Rich. You knew his delicacies," Aunt Julie snickered, she looks confident. 

Daddy's eyes sharpened, "Yeah, I knew it, and it goes the same thing with him," 

They continue talking about those until they went back to the engagement. 

"If it happens that Joepher wins then Wyatt and Oceanna should acts like they are together. We don't want to risk our name being dragged by some issues. Our family is not cool with fixed marriage." Uncle Cheryl said. 

Uncle Kevin nods, "Of course, it's already settled then," 

"This Saturday we will announce the cancelation of engagement of Crescent and Zenos," daddy doesn't look happy with everything, what's happening? 

"Media will probably quest what happened, it's a big item to talk about," Uncle Kalliroe said, he's intimidating, like Uncle's. He's the husband of Aunt Julie, a soldier. He also owned a big company that handles weapons and guns.  

"We decided not to answer anything, they could conclude that just fell out of love in the long process," Aunt Zeinab said, she smiled sweetly. 

I sighed heavily, I am with people full of the ungodly and vile psyche.

After dinner, everyone went busy. Some are talking in the living room, in the harder, and the kitchen.

I am here in the backyard, sitting on the marble bench with ate Kylie and Denes. 

"You might feel bad after what happened, Cean. I am sorry that you have to experience this," Ate Kylie looked at me with empathy in her eyes. 

"They are obsessed with power, there's nothing we could do about it," I glanced at them, "But... it's getting harder to understand, Ate, especially right now, we are talking about the future,"

I'm starting to lose hope, the feeling of despair was starting to eat my system.

We look at Denes when she stood up, she walked closer to the edge of the backyard where the moon is more discernible to see. 

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" she asked while smiling at the moon. 

I nod silently, the moon has this capacity to attract everyone. It's alluring and fascinating, it symbolizes light in the surroundings full of darkness. 

"I want to be an artist," Denes whispered, my lips parted. "My parents support me...before. Aunt Jules told me that I shouldn't settle for that, she got mad and scolded me," 

Ate Kylie stood up and comfort her while I stay sitting on the bench, I am rooted at my place. I thought I am the only want who wants something that I couldn't have. Everyone in my cousins followed their parents' pathway... oh, right. I did, too. 

"Dad can't do anything, they apologized to me but I felt so down-hearted. I felt dejected by my own family, the feeling of being diminished and belittle was there," she looks down, stifling her tears. 

I closed my eyes to hold my tears up, I felt that too. When they threw me in Australia, I was alone. I felt so lonely, I kept on thinking about what I did wrong but then... I just accepted it. 

Denes hugged ate Kylie, "A lot of people says that we are so ideal, we are the standard of this cruel society, that we are so lucky. It's not, we are not. It's hell in the living, it's burning me alive," she started to cry so hard that we began to panic.

I run towards them and held her, "Denes, please calm down," I whispered to her, she needs to calm.

This is it, the result of their greed.

Denes is sixteen years old, daughter of Uncle Danielle. She's very prim and proper, I remember myself to her before. She's also the youngest among the Homer. 

We made her sat on the bench as we calm her down. 

"I'm sorry... I just want to let it out," she murmured.

"We understand, I do understand you," I sincerely muttered. 

She beamed at me, "You are brave, Ate Cean," 

I wish I am, but I know that I am not. 

We were just silent when Ate Kylie spoke, we needed peace where we can think. 

"I never want to be a surgeon," she started. 

"But I learned how to love it cause I had no choice. In the process, I realized that the hard path is the easiest way," she licks her lips, looking at the dark sky. 

"I never like disappointment and rejection, I am not allowed. I can't voice it out, I don't want to. Sometimes, we tend to say okay, just to end the discussion." she tapped our shoulder. "Don't do the same mistake that I did, fight for the thing that makes you happy, fight for your passion and dream,"

Could I do that? Am I strong enough to do that?

I shook my head, "I don't have the courage, I'm still a coward," I uttered. 

"Same as me," Denes said, we all shared a knowing look before we broke in laughter. 

Someday, we will learn to stand for what we want. We will be brave to face them, I hope. 

Our attention turned to Wyatt when he went out in the door, our eyes met. 

I smiled at him, "Do you need something?" I asked. 

"Let's talk," 

Again? 

I look at my cousins, they nod at me. 

"Go," they both said, I excused myself to them before walking towards him. 

"What do you want to talk about?" I stood up in front of him, he's sitting on my bed. Obviously, we are here in my room. 

"Are you okay?" 

My forehead wrinkles as I stared at him, "Yes? I mean yes, of course. Why?" 

"You're a liar," he stared at me darkly. 

I chuckled, "I am fine, just a little upset but I'm good. What about you?" 

"Just preparing for something worst," 

His eyes don't show any emotion, how would I be able to know what he really feels when he never let me? 

"What worst?" I asked. 

His lips protruded, "Marriage," 

"Is there anything we could do to stop it?" I sat beside him, his gaze followed me, he nods his head.

"Yes," he whispered. 

"Hmm, what is it?" 

He pursed his lips, he looks hesitant to say it. What is he thinking?

"What is it, Wyatt?" I asked, again. 

The shade of his eyes turns darker as he stared at me, he sighed and look away. 

"Date my brother, tell them that you..." he stops and shook his head. "Never mind," 

What the hell? 

Why I would do that! It would, for sure, stop the engagement, but my family will definitely freak out. 

"Tell them that I like you brother?" I continue what he is supposed to say. 

He stood up and walked to the couch, he removes his shoes and glanced at me.

"Can I rest here?" he asked, I rolled my eyes at him. 

How could I say no when he's so ready to lie on the couch. 

"Yeah," I boredly said.

He closed his eyes, I hope we met in different circumstances. We could be friends, a good one. 

"You seem tired, probably because of studies?" I said, I smiled when he didn't answer, is he asleep already?

I shook my head before walking to my closet, I changed my clothes. I wore a pair of clothes of pajamas. 

"You could run away, too," he uttered, I look at him, confused. 

What?

"That's hitting two birds in one stone. It will cancel the engagement and you could chase your dream," 

I put the cotton on my vanity, I was removing my make-up.

"Are you serious? I don't have a plan to run away, Wyatt. It would just complicate things," 

"Would you rather stay here and cage yourself?" his voice is stern. 

I exhaled deeply, "I am not trying to run away from my problem. It's absurd, it will make things worst. I need to face it," 

"Is that it? Facing the battles you're not ready for is a lose-lose game, you might bleed," 

I know, he's right. He's always right, but, I don't want to regret not fighting.  

I bit my lips, "I could handle it. Just let me, okay?" I hopefully look at him. 

He nods and didn't say anything, he just closed his eyes. 

Wyatt Vilmaris.

This man will be so successful in the future, his determination will bring him somewhere. 

Lexine giggled as he picked up the red crisscross backless dress, "I want this one,"

We're here in Casperille Clothing Line, their clothes are very aesthetic and sophisticated. 

"I'll try this one, Cean, judge it. Let's see if it would fit on me," she said and head to the fitting room. 

"Okay, just go," I shrugged and roamed around. I don't know what to wear. 

I pouted my lips when I see a navy blue plunging neck dress, it captured my eyes. 

It's simple but elegant and unlike Lexine, my dress is long but it has a deep neckline and slit in my left thigh.

"Cean!" Lexine shouted, I immediately grab the dress and walked towards her. 

My lips parted as I saw her, damn girl! She's stunning and hot. 

She raised her brow and turned around, flexing her butt. We both laughed, naughty. 

"You look fabulous, Lexine." I grinned at her. 

She smirked, "Of course, I am not Lexine if I don't look fabulous," she arrogantly said. 

"Yeah, as you say so,"

She frowned at me, "I don't like to enter a relationship again," she said out of nowhere. 

"It's better to be single for now, no one will control you,"

She looks at me and pouted her lips, "I would stay single and just go with the flow, whoever comes, come," I nodded at her. 

Lexine's eyes drop in the dress that I am holding. "Try it, I'll judge it this time," she pushed me to the fitting room. 

I shook my head, it's been three months since the family dinner. A lot of things happened, our exam was done and it went excellent. 

It's also been three months since the last time we saw each other, I don't hear anything about him. And about the case, it's still ongoing, the case is much complicated that it's taking it too long. 

I look at the mirror as the dress fits on me. I'm tall so my legs were slaying the slit, the dress made my boobs more firm.

I decided to go outside when I look satisfied on how my outfit, I was about to approach her when I saw her chit-chatting with someone. 

She's already wearing her casual clothes, she turned at me when she saw me. 

"Oh my! You're so sexy, Cean! Your legs are... damn!" she exclaimed and I couldn't help but be ashamed with the guy beside him. 

"Is it okay?" I asked. 

She nods multiple times, "It's super gorgeous!" 

My eyes went to the man beside her, he's not familiar to me. He looks dashing but fierce, his cold face made him look so serious and mysterious.

I remember someone to him. 

I glanced at Lexine and gave her a questioning look, she sniggered at me. 

"This is Donovan Kyros, a friend of mine," she said, introducing him. 

"This is Oceanna Homer, my best of friends," Lexine giggled, I offered him a smile, he nods at me. 

"I need to go, I have many errands to do," he uttered. 

"Oh okay, take care," Lexine said, the guy left us. He just simply walked away without looking back. 

"I'll need to go, I have many errands to do," he said coldly, he glanced at me and walked away.

I heard Lexine's laughed, "Nothing change to him, still the old Donovan, stiff and inexplicable. But... he became hotter!"

I glared at her, "What happened with, 'I'm staying single'," I mocked. 

"You're overacting, Cean. I just compliment him, that's all," she shook her head.

"Whatever, Lexine Brianna. Just to remind you that we need to leave or we'll gonna be late for Hailey's birthday," I told her, her eyes widened, and held my arms, pulling me to the counter. 

We had an argument before we can finally pay for our dresses. I volunteer to pay but she refused, so I had to convince her but she doesn't want to, so end up, she paid it. 

I checked the clock while fixing my hair, it's four o'clock in the afternoon. Hailey's debut will start at six o'clock, I still have to prepare and get ready. 

Since it's a vacation month, Lexine and I have a lot of plans this month like traveling, shopping, and etc. 

I look at the door when I heard a knock, "Come in!" 

Helena came in, wearing a black dress paired with red heels. She's wearing simple make-up with her hair tied up. 

"You need something?" my brow furrowed at her. 

She looks feral in her aura, "Mama wants you to come with to Mr. Albaran's party. It's their son's homecoming party,"

"I can't. I have other plans to do," I uttered, I stared at her. 

"You're still mad at me?" I asked. 

She looks at me flatly, "I was never mad," 

I licked my lips, I don't know how to make it up to her. 

"I'm sorry-"

"Okay," she said and left. 

When I say a lot of things happened... I mean it. It's been a while since she stopped talking to me, unlike before. She'll just talk to me if needed, just like right now. 

It was my fault, she became too distant from me and I regret it.

I miss her warm, I miss her, I miss everything about her. 

My attention went to my phone, it's ringing. 

Lexine's calling. 

"Hey," I answered. 

"Are you ready?" she asked, she's too excited. 

"I'm almost done, just preparing for my things," 

She groans dramatically, "It's already four-thirty in the afternoon, we'll be late, Cean!" 

Her exaggeration makes me want to laugh so bad, "It will start at six, you're overacting," I shook my head.

"Hailey's turning eighteen, who wouldn't overreact to that! I'm so excited for her, I helped Monica in the preparation for this," she said proudly. 

"Alright, Lexine. Let's just call each other when we get there," 

I was about to end the call when she spoke. 

"Hey, wait! Do you have a gift for Hailey? I forgot to but her one," I bit my lips to suppress my laughter, what the hell? 

We already went to the mall, she should've bought a gift there. 

"I can hear your giggles, Cean! Gosh, I know I'm stupid but come on, help me!" she said miserably.

"I couldn't believe you, Lexine. You didn't forget to buy your lipstick, yet, you missed your gift for the birthday celebrant?" I chuckled.

"You're not funny, Cean! What should I do? It's almost five, damn it!" 

I shrugged, "Just give her the lipstick you bought a while ago. Hailey has the same taste like you,"

"Oh no, that's my favorite brand. It's a limited edition," she uttered hysterically. 

"So? Aren't you ashamed to go there without a gift?" 

"Whatever! I'll make a way, just not my favorite lipsticks," she said and ended the call. 

I put my phone on the table,  I paired my dress with black heels, I almost spent an hour preparing myself. 

It's already five o'clock.

I saw manang Si when I went down, my parents are gone. They probably left, is Kuya Daryl with them?

"Manang Si," 

She turned to me and smiled, "Oh, Cean," she scanned me from head to toe. 

"You're so beautiful and sexy," she said. 

"Thank you, Manang,"

She walked towards me, I bent down a little so she can reach me. She touched my face, "You're cold," 

I beamed at her, "It's probably the weather," 

She shook her head. "Go now, you'll be late," 

I kissed her cheeks before I head outside, I drove to the venue. I parked my car before going outside, I saw Francois waving at me. 

"You look gorgeous," he whispered to me, he held my hands and put them in his arms. 

"You look dashing too, Francois," I uttered to him. 

"Don't make me blush, Oceanna," he jokingly said that made us laughed. 

"Let's go inside," he added. 

We are walking to the entrance when I remember Lexine, is she here already? I wasn't able to check my phone. 

"Is there a problem?" Francois asked. 

"Lexine, I'll just text her." 

"She's inside the venue already, I saw her while waiting for you here," he said.

I raised my brow to him, "So you really wait for me, huh?" 

"Always, Oceanna," he whispered, I push him a little and rolled my eyes. 

"Let's go, you naughty man," I muttered, he chuckled.

The venue was very organized, with the flowers, tables, curtains, and the stage. It's so beautiful. 

I was roaming the place when I saw Lexine, she's waving at me. 

Francois chortled, "She's very hyper," 

I nod, "She is," 

We head to our table, with our friends. 

Lexine looks so alluring as usual, she looks like a doll. She's with Ulysses, I could say one word to describe him, hot. 

"You're late," Lexine accused. 

Everyone on our table laughed at her, even me. 

I rolled my eyes, "Stop bluffing, Lexine. Do you have a gift already?" I said mockingly to her.

She tucked her tongue, "Of course, " she flipped her hair. "I asked Ebonyto buy a gift," 

"Who's Ebony? Your new boyfriend?" Ulysses asked. 

Lexine chuckled, "No, he's my friend. If you just know," she said then looks at me with those teasing eyes. 

"Suitor than?" Herika asked.

My lips parted at her, she looks like an angel sent from above. She has an angelic face like me, damn attractive. She wore a red dress that made her skin more glow in the dark. 

"You look fascinating to stare at, Herika," I said in adoration. 

She playfully rolled her eyes, "Don't flatter me, Oceanna. You're so appealing and sexy with or without makeup," she uttered.

We all look at Lexine when she made a face, she glared at me. 

"What's with the face, Lexine?" Zephyr asked, he's our friend too. 

Zephyr looks scorching with his three buttons open. I used to have a crush on him before, he's charming and gentlemanly. 

"Oceanna didn't praise me," she crossed her arms in her chest, acting like a kid. 

I look at her unbelievably, really? This damn witch really acts like a baby at some point. 

"I already compliment you a while ago, and hello? I was with you when you bought your dress," I said factly. 

"Oh, whatever,"

"You two changed the topic quickly, so who's Ebony," Monica looks at us suspiciously. 

I smiled at her, "You're so pretty, Monica," I uttered, "Sidney will be mesmerized by your beauty for sure," I teased, Sidney is her suitor. 

My face crumbled in confusion when I saw how her smile vanished,  everyone became quiet. What happened? 

"Did I say something wrong? Is there something wrong?" I asked demented. 

Monica clears her throat and looks away, "Hmm,"

"What's wrong, Monica?" I asked worriedly, she looks feeble right now.

"I found out that he likes Zanita. He confessed to her," she whispered but it's enough for me to hear it. 

My eyes rounded, "Huh? What are you talking about, Monica? Are you sure?" 

My gaze turns to Zanita, she is quiet. 

"Is that true?" I asked her, she nods at me. 

"How come?" 

She sighed heavily, "He just said that he likes me but it doesn't matter, I don't like him," she looks at us. 

"He used me to get you," Monica said as her voice shaken, she's on the edge of bursting out. 

I couldn't understand everything, my mind couldn't comprehend what's happening. We were just having fun and then I... open about it. 

I didn't know! It's also unbelievable because Sidney used to court Monica. 

"He's just confused, he likes you," Zanita said like she's convincing us. 

"Drop it, Zani. I already found out that he likes you even before he starts courting me. It's so obvious that he used me to get your attention, but Zani... do you know what messed me even more?" Monica scoffed, "It is that you knew that he likes you, but you never told me." 

Zani looks down as if she was fought guilty, "I'm sorry," she whispered in so much emotion. 

"I don't want to hurt you. I saw how you are whipped at him," Zanita added. 

That's not a valid... reason. But I do understand her. 

Monica closed her eyes tightly, she smiled and nod, "It's okay, maybe we can talk about it some other time. I don't want to ruin my sister's debut," 

That what she said before someone called her, she excused herself to us nicely. 

I licked my lips, this is the reason why I don't want a relationship anymore. 

Zanita was just quiet the whole time, she didn't utter any word. Ulysses' tapping her back, comforting her. 

"That was a messed-up situation," Lexine said in astonishment. 

"Sidney doesn't have a ball, such an asshole," Herika added. 

"Stop with that, let's enjoy the night, okay?" Zypher said.

He's trying to calm us down, but I know he's frustrated too. 

"We shouldn't ruin this beautiful day for someone like him," Francois uttered. 

We nod and sat down in our assigned chairs. The party is starting already, we should get out s**t up.  

"Now, let's welcome the beautiful birthday celebrant, Ms. Hailey Claduos with his escort Vein Coquete!" 

My eyes widened as I heard the name of the escort, I immediately turn to Lexine, her jaw dropped. She didn't know too?

She looks at me with her shocked face, "Why is he here?" Lexine asked. 

I held her hands when I saw that's she's panicking, what a pure coincidence, huh.

"Calm down, Lexine. I think they are blood-related," I said. 

The shades of her eyes darkened, "How could I enjoy this when... just wow."

Everyone clapped as Hailey went downstairs. She looks phenomenal and breath-taking, I smiled, she's now a lady. 

Vein's guiding Hailey through the stair steps, he's holding her hands. God really moves in a mysterious way, unpredictable. 

Hailey looks so happy, the way her eyes shine in the reflection of lights, it's so perfect. I hope I was able to experience that too. 

My eyes went to Vein. He's not even smiling, he's emotionless. How could guys be so snobbish? I could not read him as well, but what's new? I'm not really good at reading people. 

"Kuya Vein is freaking handsome," Herika exclaimed, she's looking at him with adoration in her eyes. 

I saw Lexine rolling her eyes, I pursed my lips with that. She looks bitter, I thought she moved on already? Liar. 

"He's not that handsome," Lexine said, she snickered. 

Herika turns at her unbelievably, "Are you blind, Lex? Do you have an eye problem?" 

Lexine glared at her, "That's my opinion," 

I shook my head, I remember how she always tells me that Vein is his ideal. 

"If you don't find him attractive then you have a freaking standard, Lexine," Herika said while shaking her head. 

Lexine pouted her lips, "Why don't you ask me if who's my type?" 

Herika immediately faced her with curiosity, we are listening to them, even the boys. 

"Who?"

Lexine smiled naughtily, "Do you know Donovan Kyros? He's the true definition of pulchritude beauty," she giggled. 

Donovan? The guy in the clothing line a while ago? Seriously?

Herika frowned before realization came to her senses, "You mean the twin brother of Deianira? Gosh, you're right! The first time I saw him was when I was in high school, he's such a snob like a hell!" 

"Vein and Donovan are friends, right? I saw them together last week, they had the same course," Ulysses muttered while looking at Vein whose standing beside Hailey on the stage.

"No wonder they are friends," Herika said and laughed, why do mysterious guys always catch our attention?

"Guys, let's drop it first and listen to Asher's voice," I told them. 

Asher is one of our friends, he has a powerful voice. He looks charming while singing, I smiled when he winked at us. He's one year older than us. 

"Beauty queen of only eighteen she,

had trouble had some with herself

He was always there to help her, 

she always belonged to someone else,"

"Go, Asher!" Herika exclaimed, we laughed at her. 

"I drove for miles and miles

and wound up at your door,

I've had you so many times

but somehow I want more..."

"I really love his voice, it sounds so soothing in my ears," Lexine said and giggled.

I raised my brow at her, "Don't you love Vein's voice more, hmm?" I whispered to her. 

She jumped a little and glared at me, "Shut up, Cean," she frigidly said. 

I smirked, "It's really true to expect the unexpected, huh, we didn't expect that you will see your ex-boyfriend here," 

She hit my arms, "Shut up, Cean! I don't want to talk about Vein," she squints angrily at me. 

I shrugged, she's can't deny the fact that somehow, he still has an effect on her. 

It's already eighteen gifts, the flow of the event is so smooth. 

After eighteen roses, I'll be the one singing there. Hailey requested it from me, she's so adorable. 

"Is that Kuya Rue? Oh my gosh, why do men from law school are here? They're all looking so fine, this is so unfair!" I heard someone shouted, that caught our attention on the table. 

We all shared a knowing look before wandering around to see that person. 

My eyes stop at the guy standing next to Donovan, Rue Zaccheus, the ruthless guy. 

Like Donovan and Vein, he's older than us. Seniors. 

"Is there some kind of reunion to them?" Zephyr asked, we shrugged.

I could not imagine the future, but I could imagine how they will be in the future. I hate to say this but those men are typed A students, they are geniuses. 

"It's your turn, Anica!" I came back to my senses when Lexine tapped my shoulder. 

"Huh?" I asked. 

"They are calling for how many times, go on the stage!" Lexine pushed me. 

My cheeks heated as I walked through the stage, I can feel their stare on me. 

"Oh, here we see the beautiful Oceanna Homer!" Oreo smiled at me, I did the same thing. 

"Let's give this stage to her, she owned it anyway," We laughed at him, Oreo is such a funny guy.

I was getting nervous but I chose to disregard those, I don't want to disappoint Hailey. 

I will be doomed if my family found this, I should just probably enjoy this.. 

"Hello everyone, the first song is 'Demons' by Imagine Dragons. My Hailey requested it from me," I look at her, she's smiling. 

"The second song is 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran, it was chosen by her beautiful sister, Monica. Now, let's start as we watch the charmer celebrant dance with the most precious men in her life," 

"The first dance will be, Mr. Vein Coquete. The closest cousin of Ms. Hailey Cladous!" Oreo announced. 

So he's the cousin, huh. 

"When the days are cold 

and the cards all fold 

and the saints we see 

are all made of gold," 

While looking at Vein, I remember someone. 

I hope he's doing well right now.