Perilous Sea || Homer Series

06

06 - Chapter Six

Hailey is smiling while saying something to Vein, he's attentive to her. 

"When the dream all fail 

and the ones we hail 

are the worst of all 

and the blood's run stale.."

"Let's call the best friend of the celebrant, Mr. Lewis Loresti!"   

"I want to hide the truth, 

I want to shelter you 

but with the beast inside 

there's nowhere we can hide.."

I pursed my lips as I watched Hailey and Lewis. I felt out of sorts, they were once in love with each other, but something happened. They fell apart, they got broken with the pieces of the missing puzzle.

"No matter what we breed, 

we still are made of greed, 

this is my kingdom come, 

this is my kingdom come.."

And the thing now, Hailey already moved on but... Lewis was still there, in the place where they for left on. 

"When you feel my heat 

look into my eyes, 

it's where my demons hide, 

it's where my demons hide..."

Lewis pored at Hailey like she's still the most precious girl in his life. I could see pain and love in his eyes, it was vulnerable and fragile. The way he held is enough, he cared for her. 

His love knows how to let go, his love knows how to bent down for the warmth that was gone for a long time. He knew how to love from afar.   

"Don't get too close, 

it's dark inside, 

it's where my demons hide, 

it's where my demons hide.."

I closed my eyes, a sad ending makes us hurt, but in the end, we still embrace the pain, we still endure it.

I closed my eyes, it makes sense. A gruesome ending makes us hurt, but in the end, we had no choice but to embrace it, to endure it. 

It's already the sixteenth person for the eighteen toses, having this kind of celebration should be for those people who have a healthy environment. 

"Let's call the brother of Hailey, Mr. Numerald Cladous!" 

"Cause we were just kids

when we fell in love 

not knowing what it was... 

I will not give you up this time..."

Hailey laughed at his brother, I may not hear them but it was clear how his brother lightens her mood. She's close with her brother like Monica. Numerald is an ideal brother, he knows how to handle his sisters. 

"Darling, just kiss me slow, 

your heart is all I own 

and in your eyes, 

you're holding mine.."

"For the second to the last. It's Hailey's first love and she'll be forever in love with him, her father, Mr. Kobi Cladous!" 

Numerald kissed Hailey's cheeks before he hands them to his father. Numerald smirked at his father, teasing him. 

"Baby, I'm... dancing in the dark 

you between my arms, 

barefoot on the grass, 

we're listenin' to our favorite song.."

She puts her head on his father's chest, closing her eyes like it's the warmest and secure place she could have, she looks peaceful. 

It seems like she found a home, in his father's embrace. 

I licked my lips, how many time do I have to feel envious towards other? 

"When you said you looked a mess, 

I whispered underneath my breath 

but you heart it, 

darling, you look perfect tonight,"

"For the 18th roses of the celebrant. Let's welcome the dashing boyfriend of Ms. Hailey, Mr. Cave Wosler!"

Uncle Kobi glared at Cave as he let go of his daughter, he whispered something to him. Cave chuckled at him while Hailey pouted, her cheeks look red. 

"Well, I found the woman, 

stronger than anyone I know, 

she shares my dreams, 

I hope that someday I'll share her home,"

She looks at him with so much love, badly smitten. Cave isn't smiling but the way he stares at her shows sincerity and affection. 

"I found a love, 

to carry more than just my secrets, 

to carry love, 

to carry children of our own.."

Their stares are the evidence of the love, it was too much to take.  He held her waist closer to him, leaving no space between them.  

My eyes turned at Lewis. He's looking at Hailey and Cave, his eyes were gloomy, full of regrets. I don't how could he managed to watch someone he loves being held by someone else. 

It's torture, he's a masochist. 

"We are still kids, 

but we're so in love, 

fightin' against all odds, 

I know we'll be alright this time.."

As the eighteen roses ended, it was followed by dinner. It's time to eat, I went to my table.   

"Your voice is so angelic like your face, Oceanna. I felt so sleepy, that's so good!" Herika exclaimed. 

"You slated it," Zephyr said while smiling at me. 

"Oh," Lexine uttered maliciously, she looks at me and Zephyr with a teasing look. 

I rolled my eyes on her and turns at my friends, "Thank you," I muttered. 

"I think you captured someone's heart, Oceanna," Ulysses shook his head. 

"Shut up, Ulys. Why don't you focus on capturing Leza's heart, hmm?" I teased him, he snickered at me.

He shrugged, "I already did," he said proudly. 

"Leza has bad taste," our attention went to Monica who just came, she has this disappointed expression while looking at Ulys, teasing him. 

Ulys laughed at her, "Stop lying, Monica. You had a crush on me before,"

Monica made a face, "Ew, please." 

We laughed at them, Monica rolled her eyes. 

Something came to my mind as we continue eating, it's about Vein. 

"Monica," I called her, she looks at me. "We didn't know that Vein Coquete is your cousin," I said and glanced at Lexine. 

Lexine continues eating her food but I can see that she's listening, this girl!

Monica scratches her nose, "I forgot?" 

"Oh, he's handsome to be forgotten, right, Lexine?" I bit my lips to suppress myself from laughing. 

Lexine glared at me before looking at them, "He's not that handsome so it's okay," she said while holding the utensil tightly. 

I know she's being pissed but I know her better. 

"He's taken?" I asked, making my voice sound curious.

They look at me suspiciously, that's what I want. 

"Do you like my cousin, Oceanne?" she asked. 

I chuckled, "Maybe? So, is he taken?"

Monica pouted before she nods, "Yes, he has a girlfriend. That man is so faithful to Romarane," 

I pursed my lips, trying to stop myself from rolling my eyes. 

"Oh, is that so? How long have they been together?" I asked curiously. 

"Are you serious, Oceanna? You like him?" Herika looks at me with her eyes widened. 

Everyone's looking at me, I shrugged. If they just know. 

"Why not? He's handsome," 

"I know you, what are you up to?" Ulysses stared at me thoroughly. 

I look at him with my innocent eyes, "I am not up to something, I just want to know."

"It's not so you—"

Someone interrupts us before he can even continue. 

"Monica," a cold voice made us stilled for a moment, especially when it is the person we were talking about. 

Monica faced Vein, "Yes? Do you need something?" she asked naturally.

All of us are staring at Vein whose being stoic right now, he's with Donovan. They're really friends, huh? 

I can't deny the fact that they're both have the looks but... damn. 

"Uncle Kobi asked me to find you. He wants to talk to you," he replied. 

His eyes went to Lexine, who didn't even bother to look at him. Lexine was looking at... the man beside him, Donovan. 

I don't know if I'm hallucinating but I saw how Vein tightened his jaw, his eyes darkened as he looks at her. 

Monica stood up, "Okay, I'll go," she said and turns at us. 

"I'll be back," we nod at her. 

They'll about to leave when Lexine stood up and called Donovan, making them stop.

Donovan looks at her, waiting for her to say something. 

"Did Aunt Cquez told you about the properties of Saldoval?" she asked. 

He nods at her, "Yes, let's talk about tomorrow. I'll fetch you," he said plainly. 

"Do we need to go to San Francisco for the signing contract?"

"We'll be staying there for weeks, I need you to go with as the representative of your company," 

Lexine nods her head like a child, "Okay, just call me," she said. 

Donovan and Monica left our table but Vein stayed, we look at him, what is he waiting for. 

"Let's talk," he said while looking at Lexine. 

Lexine dropped her smile, "What for? I don't think we have something to talk to," 

"Stop this childish act, Brianna. Let's talk," 

She scoffed at him, "I'm not acting like a child, Vein. I just understood things now," 

"You don't seem to understand-"

"Oh, I do. Stop playing around, Vein. I already fine without you," 

I held her arms, "Stop," I whispered to her. 

We're catching some attention now, they should stop. They don't want to make a scene here, right?

"You always choose the hard way, Bria. I can't reach you," he uttered in disappointment. 

"And you always the easy way that would forsake me in the end. I can't understand you," she bit her lips, gone the playful her. 

"It's time to stop the chain, Vein. I could see that it's not working anymore, it never does. We're wrecking each other," I can see the agony in her face. 

She breathes heavily, closing her eyes for a while. She smiled at him, "I promised not to bother you anymore, right? Please do the same thing," 

Vein held her arms in a sudden, pulling her to him. He whispered something to her before he walked away, Lexine looks away. 

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly. 

"You know, Vein?" Herika said unbelievably, "So that's why you kept on saying that he's not... gosh," 

She looks at me with doleful eyes, I nod at her. She wants to go home, she needed some space.

I pored at them, "I think we need to leave? Just tell to Hailey that we had some emergence," I told them. 

I held Lexine's arms, supporting her. 

"Okay, just leave it on us," Ulysses muttered. 

"Text us when you got home," Zanita said, I smiled and kissed her cheeks. 

"You can always talk to me about some matter," I said, she nods at me. 

"Take care. Do you want me to drive you and Lexine home?" Francois asked. 

I smiled at him, "No, we're fine. I can manage, just enjoy the party, okay?" 

Zephyr stood up, "I'll guide you to the parking lot," he said, I didn't bother to argue with him. 

We were about to go inside when we saw Vein, his hands are in his pocket. 

I felt Lexine gripped my arms, I look at her, she's shaking her head. 

"I don't want to talk to him. I don't want to go near him, please...." 

I sighed and looks at Zephyr, "Can you take her home?" I asked. I would talk to Vein. 

"How about you?" he asked. 

I smiled at him, "I'm fine. I just need to do something," 

He nods and kissed my forehead, "Take care, okay?"

"Yes, sir." 

I turned to Lexine, "Is it okay with you to go with Zephyr?"

"Yes, I just want to be away from him," 

I watched them leave, is this love? or is this just an illusion of love?

I walked towards Vein as they vanished, he furrowed his brow as he saw me. 

"Where's Brianna?" his eyes wandered around. 

"She's with Zephyr," I answered. 

"Zephyr Burgos? Why?" 

"What, why? She wants to go home, he drives her home." 

I could see the frustration in his eyes, is he annoyed? Am I pushing him to his limit?

"Where are they?" he asked. 

"Going home?" 

"What do you want?" 

I look at him and shrugged, "I hate what you did, I always do," 

He flickered his tongue in his right cheeks, "People hates what they can't understand, that's normal," 

I scoffed, "What should I understand when you ruined it in the first place," 

"Stop meddling with someone's life, Oceanna, there's a lot of things that you never have to understand because it wasn't for you to handle," his dark menacing eyes passed through me. 

I shook my head, "I am not a busybody, Vein. I would never interlope myself if it's not meant something to me, but, it's my Lexine. You intend to hurt, there was no valid reason that ever justifies what you did," 

He closed his lips tightly, choosing not to say anything. He won't bother defending himself?

Lexine is right, he never argues. He always stays silent and lets the person speaks, he will just listen. You wouldn't be able to know what going on inside of his head. 

"Do you even love her?" I asked, I'll try. 

"Does it matter?" 

I sighed heavily, he's being hard to talk with. 

"Yes, it matters. If you don't, just let her go." I uttered, I remember those nights when Lexine called me, crying. 

Vein removes his hand from his pocket, "Just give her this," he lends me a small white envelop. 

I look at him confusedly, "What is this?"

"Do not ask, just give it to her," he said then walked away. 

"Wait" I run towards him, "Why don't you give her these personally?" 

He stops but didn't face me, "If you let me talk to her right now, then I should have given that personally. But I think it's better that she didn't show up," his voice supports uncertainty. 

"Why? Why is it better?"

"I couldn't endure it anymore," he turns around and looks at me, "I am afraid that I wouldn't be able to let her go if she looks at me with those pleading eyes," he pursed his lips. 

"And, yes, I do love her. But love wasn't always enough," he tapped my shoulder before he went to his car and drove away. 

I was left dumbly-bounded, am I wrong? Does love have to be this complicated to acknowledge?

Does he have his reason? or he's just making some... excuses?

"You did some frame of mind," my eyes turned at Crescent, my eyes widened. 

"What are you doing here?" 

She shrugged, "I just dropped by, Numerald invited me," she said. 

"You know him?"

"Pretty obvious, why would he invites me if I don't know?" her lips protruded in her sarcasm. 

I pored at her when I noticed that she's watching me, she smirked.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop. My car was parked beside his car," she reasoned out. 

I nod at her, "Do you know him? I mean Vein?" I asked. 

"Yap, I've been hanging around him for a while. His family was accused of Larceny, I needed him to digest the case," she uttered. 

My lips parted, his family was accused of what?

"What happened? Is that even possible?" 

I didn't hear anything about that, how come?

She licks her lips,  "You know, love is a universal word. It doesn't have a specific explanation and definition," she uttered out of nowhere.

"What are talking about, Crescent?" I look at her in a muddle. 

"They said that love should be selfish, neither selfless, but I don't believe those. Love is made of regrets, pain, and sacrifices." she leans on her car and looks at me intently. "In those kinds of emotion, we can feel love, because we are ready to feel the pain, as we risk our heart that can turn into heartbreaks."

"I don't understand what's you're saying Crescent." I eyed her. 

"He's right, people hate what they couldn't understand. Did you see the longing and woe in his eyes? The grief of loss was visible but you didn't notice because he doesn't want to. There's no room for regrets, so he embraces it, he endured it. The pain of his sorrow to make sure that the sacrifices he made will be worth it," 

I was stunned, what does she know? The depth of her words got me, she knows something. 

"Does it gave him the right to hurt someone?" I believed that no matter what happens, hurting someone intentionally will never be right. 

She shrugged, "No, it wasn't." 

"That's what I am talking about, Crescent. He did her wrong, so whatever reason he has, that would mean nothing," I will stand firm in this argument. 

She chuckled, "Are you sure with that, Cean? Because it seems like the word sacrifice invalidates the feelings of the person who made the decision. No one told him to sacrifice, but he did, cause love made him do the right thing that seems wrong in other people," she tapped my should as she went inside her car. 

Just like what Vein did. 

She opened her window and looks at me, "If the time comes that you go through that thing, you'll understand," 

I watched her drove away, her words are like a dagger, it will leave you wounded. 

Why does love exist in the most grievous way?

"What's the matter, Daddy?" I asked turpidly.

I was lying on my bed when Manang Si called me, daddy told her that he wants to talk to me. 

So now we are here in his office, I stared at him. 

Daddy sighed, "Do you remember the island I bought last year?" he asked. 

"Yes, what about that?" 

"I would send you there," he uttered plainly like it's a simple thing. 

What the hell?

I shook my head, "No, why I would go there?" 

"I need you to sketch and design our island, the hotels, and kinds of stuff. I saw your plates last week and I'm very impressed," he said, but I couldn't feel anything. 

I feel nothing at all. 

"I'm still a student, dad. There's a lot of architects who can do better than me," I know I should be happy that daddy chose me, it means he believed in my capability, but I'm not still suitable for that. 

I still need to learn, he should find someone reliable for that context. 

"I don't care if they can do better, Cean. I want you to do it, I'll send someone to help you," 

I pursed my lips, he's not giving me an option again. 

"I wouldn't be able to your expectation, just some find someone else," 

"Cean, it's not about that," daddy looks at me with those soft eyes. "I will always be proud of you-"

I chortled at him, it's difficult to believe in. 

"Stop that, daddy. Do you even give me a choice? You didn't, right?" I exhaled sharply and stood up. 

"I'll pack my things," 

"I am doing this for you," he uttered, I stared at him. 

For me? No, he's doing it for himself. 

"You're my daughter, Oceanna. I care for you, you'll just realize it when you already discover what is inside of you, you should presumptuous," 

"How could I do that? You keep dragging me down, I was trying, and you're always there... to stop me," I couldn't help but be bitter about that. 

"Nothing is easy in this world, princess, you have to become a robustious human for being able to rule the beautiful untamed sea," I can't believe I'm hearing this, this is insane. 

"Now, pack your things. You'll be staying there for a month," he said with finality. 

"A month?" I asked.

That's too long!

"Yes and that's final, now go," his authoritative voice made me shivered, I know I can't change his mind anymore.

I nod, accepting it. The feeling of despair was there, my expectation to enjoy this vacation was just turned into a wave of imagination. 

I walked towards the door but before I could even go out, he called me again. 

I walked towards the door but before I can even go out, Dad called me.

I turned around and give him a dismal look, I wished I stayed younger, where our happiness was his priority. 

"I love you," he uttered, I look away and nod. I left his office without saying anything, words without action are useless. 

I was a daddy's girl, I love him so much. I always go with him whenever I am hurt and upset, and he would be there, to comfort me. 

But now... I felt like I lost him as I grew older. 

I was holding on to his words, that he would be there at my lowest. That he would never leave me, us, that I will have his support but he left me hanging. 

The first time was when I was twelve, I begged him to talk to Aunt Jules. He loves me, he would never let me be away from him, that is what I thought.

That day, he never went out to see me, he didn't talk to me. And I hated him for that, he left me hanging from his promises. 

I wiped my tears in my face as I closed my door, I sniffled my sob, until now, I could still feel the pain that I felt that night. 

 I love him that I couldn't help but be hurt, I couldn't accept it. I couldn't accept that he was okay without me for the past five years that I was away, while me? I was suffering, I felt so lonely, every night I'll be crying cause I had no one. 

He broke my heart when he didn't fight for me, he broke my heart when he didn't talk to me. He broke my heart when he didn't try to ask if I was okay, and he's still breaking me until now. 

I came back and I wasn't feeling at home anymore. Everything changed me, them... us. 

My parents are not the same anymore, the affection was gone. As if we lost everything we had, the treasure inside of us left. 

So if anyone asks me, am I happy? No, this surname ruined us. 

I decided to pack my things instead of sulking on my bed, I needed a distraction before I go crazy again. 

I'll call Lexine later, to inform her. I think we will be changing our plans since she has other errands to do too. 

I brought a lot of clothes including bikinis, I'll swim in case I got bored and wants to unwind. The sounds of waves are very soothing, it's also peaceful to be there. It'll be better, someday. 

Our island doesn't have a name yet, it's still unknown. 

I took a bath after packing my things, I soaked my body in the bathtub. 

I'm in the middle of fighting the urge to sleep when my phone starts ringing. I answered it without opening my eyes, I felt so sleepy. 

"Hmm?" 

Seconds passed but no one answer, I force myself to open my eyes and see it. I immediately sat when I saw Wyatt's name. 

"Wyatt?" I asked.

"Cean," he uttered. 

I bit my lips as I heard his deep voice, it's been three months. It's been a... while? 

"Do... do you need anything?" I asked. 

I was waiting for him to say something but nothing came, why did he call me if he won't say anything?

I pouted my lips and rested my body on the bathtub, I just put him on a loudspeaker. 

"How are you?" I asked, again. 

"Are you in the bathroom?" he asked back.

My forehead wrinkles, how did he know? My eyes widened and look around, is there a camera here?

"How did you know?" I uttered in panic. 

I heard his heavy breathing, "I could hear the echo, Cean. Why would you answer someone's call when you're in the bathroom?" he said frigidly. 

Is he mad?

"What? I'm in the bathtub-"

"I didn't ask, Cean. And do not mention something like that when you're talking to a guy, it's not proper," he muttered. 

A smile plastered on my face, I could hear his irritation. 

"You sounds mad, are you?" 

I look at my phone when he didn't answer. 

I licked my lips, "I'm sorry. I just thought it was Lexine so I answered it, by the way, why did you call?" 

"Next time, look at the caller, okay?" 

I nod at him even though he couldn't see me. 

"Okay, I will," I replied, wait, he didn't answer me. 

Why did he call?

"How are you?" I asked. 

I played with my finger as I talked to him, "Fine, you?" 

"Fine too, I guess?" 

"Liar," he concluded, I chucked. 

"I didn't see you for a month," I whispered. 

I stop playing with my hands and grab my phone, I put it on my ear. 

"Are you busy?" he asked. 

I shook my head, "I think so? I'll be going to somewhere,"

"You don't want to go," he stated, I bit my lips. 

"I had no choice,"

I never had a choice to choose what I want, it was always their choice. 

"I would be there," he said. 

Huh?

"What do you mean?" I asked. 

"I will be with you,"

"In the island?"

"Yes," he simply said. 

Did they plan about this? My eyes moistened with the thought that he just called me because he was forced to do it so. 

What else would he be calling me if not that, right?

Oh gosh, I'm being so emotional. I think I need to relax because I overthink a lot. 

"Is that so? Did you call me because of that? Did they force you? You could refuse, you don't need to go there with me," I bombarded him with questions. 

"Cean-"

"It's okay, I'm gonna rest now. I'll talk to my father about that so you don't have to come," I ended the call immediately. 

He tried to call me again but I turn off my phone, I hate it and I don't know why.

When I calm down, I turn on my phone and call Lexine. I have twelve missed calls from him and three texts. 

"Lexine?" 

Was she asleep already?

"Hello? Are you there?" she huskily said, I think I disturb her. 

"I just want to inform you about something," 

"Is that urgent, Cean? It must be," I laughed at her. 

"Not really but... I'll be leaving for a month. I need to do something somewhere," I uttered.

"A month? That's long, I'll be leaving for weeks but not months, where are you going?" 

"Well, dad asked me to go to Palawan. Do you remember our island there? He wants me to design it," 

"Wait, Palawan? I'll follow you after I went home in San Francisco, " she said excitedly. 

I frowned at her, "I'm not sure if we can enjoy ourselves there, Lexine. I would go to the island for a serious matter and I might be busy," 

"I'm not a child anymore, Cean. And for sure, you have a rest day, so please," 

I rolled my eyes, "Okay, fine. I'll tell it to dad just update me when okay?" 

This spoiled brat always has excuses to reason out, she would just convince me until she got to hear my okay. 

"You ruined my beauty rest. That's your price," she said.

"Sleep again, adios, Lexine," I said before ended the call. 

I wore a nightdress after I took bath. I'm really sleepy, I slept late last night and woke up early, that might be the reason. 

When I went to my bed, I immediately fell asleep, just in a second.

I woke up on the bad side of the bed, I slept well but the atmosphere of the place made me feels sad in the morning. 

After preparing, I went down to the kitchen to eat some breakfast. I saw mommy preparing the food while daddy's reading the magazine, Crescent's using her phone. 

I greeted them before I sat down, we are waiting for the food when Kuya Daryl came in with his goofy smile. 

"Good morning," he exclaimed and walked towards mom, he kissed her cheeks. 

He kissed my cheeks, "Morning, devil witch," he whispered to me and kissed my forehead. 

I rolled my eyes at him, "What's so good in the morning, Kuya?" I asked sarcastically. 

He smirked and went to Crescent, "The morning itself, Cean," he said. 

"Morning, little grumpy," he muttered before kissing her forehead. 

Crescent just nods at him, he sat beside mom's seat. 

"What's with a grumpy face everyone?" he asked and frowned. 

"It's a new morning, to begin with, if you'll continue having that mood then you'll be having a bad day for the rest of the day," he told us, how could he act like that? As if nothing changed?

"There's no reason to be happy," I whispered, I just said to myself. 

Crescent glanced at me, "Definitely," 

We ate our breakfast silently, no one wants to talk. This is us every morning, isn't that ironic? 

I must say pathetic, we are not happy anymore. Such a moment that passed away, this is adulthood, huh. 

I regret asking to grow up immediately, everything was perfect when we were young. 

"Did you talked to your Uncle Jonathan, Daryl?" daddy asked. 

Kuya looks at dad with his forehead creased, "You know about that? I already told you, dad, I don't want to be involved in any politics. They play dirty," Kuya uttered. 

"Just try it, Daryl, there's nothing wrong in trying," 

"He didn't force Nathan to take the law, so why I would be the one being at stake with this?" he clenched his jaw. 

Daddy put down his coffee, "No one's forcing you, they're just suggesting it,"

Same difference. 

Kuya shrugged and continue his chewing his food. 

"It's either you or Crescent," mommy uttered. 

We look at her, Kuya Daryl closed his eyes in annoyance. 

"What a good way to ruin my day, huh," he stood up and started walking away. 

"I'll take it, don't worry," Crescent said and stood up too, she walked passed to him.