World of Crowns

07

NOTE: Please be aware of the chapters point of view.

“Please pick me up before 6pm,”

I told my driver as he nodded before I hopped off the car. With my shoulder bag hanging on my shoulder and the book that I am planning to finish today on my hand, I enter the place where I feel comfortable and at peace the most. This place is probably one of the greatest spots for me to read.

I pulled the door open and the peaceful atmosphere greeted me at the right time. There aren't a lot of people here today so I guess I’m pretty lucky to decide and read the book here today. Everyone is just in their own world, chatting or using their phone. Just like how I want it to be.

“Oh! You finally come here again, Ms. Millie,” One of the coffee shop staff told me. “Still the same drink ma’am?”

I gave her a nod before a smile immediately formed in my lips upon realizing that they haven’t forgotten about me despite not being able to come for almost a month now. Considering the fact that this place became my favorite spot for reading some of my books whenever I want to go outdoor reading, almost all afternoon staff are already familiar with me. They know what I order and what spot I like the most.

“I was busy with my school work, that’s why I only managed to come here.” I responded as she nodded before punching things onto the computer. I only need to give them my pay since they really know almost everything that I want to order already.

When I received the receipt after paying, another smile formed in my lips when they got my order right. I made my way to my usual spot outside on the second floor. There are only two people inside the second floor and no one is outside. It only means that I have the place on my own for now.

The familiar view and comfortable single couch greeted me when I opened the door that leads to the second floor balcony. The air is refreshing since the sun is not scorching today. What I like about this coffee shop is besides having the great staff who have nice personalities, the interior gives off a comfortable vibe that will make you enjoy staying here. It’s like I am lowkey at my home too but not really.

Being able to find this perfect spot and coffee shop for me to read is probably one of the best things I have achieved in my life. I should actually thank William for letting me know about this place. This shop is just down to his condo where our hangout place is. The first time I entered this shop, I already knew that I was comfortable enough to do things that I usually do to kill time.

I am Millie Jocelyn Javier. People would often describe me as a tenacious person - someone who never gives up, may it be a small thing or a big one. I find it funny because I only see myself as someone who just really likes to try new things that I find interesting and I won’t stop until I can do it on my own already. It was just a routine so I never really realized it until Eli came to my life and made me realize it.

Eleanor is basically my best friend. When we first met, the time when Liam brought her to our usual lunch table, I found her really silent. A girl who is familiar in my eyes and somehow a person who is scared of being surrounded by people. I remember how nervous she was during that time that she barely raised her spoon with her hand to eat with us.

She is the one who told me that I am tenacious and embodied a positive personality which makes me look trustable in her eyes. I still find it amusing because what if I didn’t decide to pester her to talk to me that day and keep standing next to her the following day just so she wouldn’t feel left out, will I still be that tenacious person in her eyes that she trusts?

Compared to her solitude and having a not so good relationship with her parents, I grew up living a comfortable life with having a good relationship with my parents. I have many friends but the people I trust the most are my friends in Elite High. Being friendly is probably in my blood because ever since then, I think I am already gifted with having the ability to become a social butterfly. It is mostly because I am an only child and having friends is probably my only way to prevent being lonely in a world that can be both harsh and unpleasant for us to live in.

I know that I am already lucky enough to live a life where I have the comfort. With my family owning a clothing company named House of Javier, ever since I was born, I have already encountered so many people. Managed to talk with those popularly known and one of those is Eli’s mother which is why I can understand more her hatred towards her mom. With my mother being the CEO and head designer of our business, it opens many doors for me to communicate with many people. I became someone who is familiar to almost everyone in the business world. I think I even know the backgrounds of everyone in my school. I know which family they came from which is a big advantage for me because I get to know immediately the possible reason for their approach.

But living in this kind of world, it is still cruel. Despite having a good relationship with my parents and almost having no big problems in my life, I still feel like I have a void in my heart that just suddenly makes me feel so down silently. Whenever that happens, I usually tend to find my comfort through books and come to this place to read. They are like my companions to make me feel better even though I don’t really know why I am feeling sad.

“Five Feet Apart,” I raised my head when I suddenly heard a voice in this empty balcony.

A pale guy who looks a little foreign, whom I think is just around my age, placed my order on the table right in front of me. My eyes fixed to him as I scanned his face and how he acts. He looks familiar to me but I can’t really pinpoint how he is familiar. It must be because he is working here. He might have taken my order already or served me just like now.

“And I realize I’m doing the one thing I’ve told myself this whole time I wouldn’t do.” He says. He placed the plate of bread that I ordered next to the cup of frappe. My lips remain sealed as I listen to what he is saying. “I’m wanting something I can never have.”

A grin escapes my lips when he finishes. Instead of walking away, he stood right next to the table with polite hands and holding the empty tray. A line from the book that I am reading.

“Have you read this book?” I softly asked while staring up at him. He nodded casually, forming a small smile on his lips. He is attractive.

“Also watched the movie. Cole and Haley did pretty well portraying Will and Stella.” He commented while still standing up.

I raised a brow in response. Fascinating. “You think so?”

“Why? Don’t you like how they portray it?” He asked as a small soft chuckle escaped my lips.

“I didn’t say anything.”

Silence filled the two of us suddenly. He went from being that confident guy who pointed out the book I am reading and stating a line from it to a guy who is just standing awkwardly with a tray on his hands now. That’s cute. Judging from the way he tried to hide his fidgeting fingers behind the tray, I can see that he is now nervous.

“Aren’t you tired standing still in there?” I asked him. He glances at the chair just placed on the other side of the table, the one in front of me, before his eyes go back to me.

“I am not a customer to sit in one of these chairs for now.” He pointed out as I slowly nodded.

I closed the book carefully and placed it on the table nicely. Even though I already read this book once, I have a habit of taking care of all of my books whether it is new or not. I even have a shelf with a sliding glass door full of books just so they will be protected well. A sigh escaped my lips as I crossed my hands in front of my chest. I glanced at him before looking far away in front.

“I don’t talk to someone who chooses to keep standing while I stay seated. That is clearly rude and my neck will hurt from looking up just to talk to that person.” I reasoned out.

If he takes the bait, I will assume he did not just approach me for the book. I’ve encountered so many guys like him. May it be in school or outside. They would often use my interest in books as a way to talk to me and act like they are so interested in it as well but it’s no use. Everytime I try to observe them, I can immediately pinpoint that they are fake. They have the cheapest way of approaching and trying to talk to a girl.

I reached for my cup of frappe and naturally drank from it. Mocha frappe is my favorite every time I read. I don’t know why but I just happen to like the combination. It keeps me alive and stays awake to ready and finish a book or reach half of it depending on my mood.

My patience is starting to run off when he keeps standing still, hesitating. When I was just about to reach for my book again, he suddenly sat on the chair in front of me with so much care. A small smirk forms in my lips as I realize that he took the bait.

“Took you long enough to decide.” I pointed out.

“And I lost a minute to talk. I think I will need to come up with an explanation once I reach downstairs later.” He said, scratching the back of his head.

“Just tell your boss that I made you stay and you are off the hook. She favors me a lot so you don’t have to worry.” I assure him but of course, it’s no use.

“Sure you are but I’m not. I’m not the kind of person to use others as an excuse.” He responded, which amused me.

“You are not typically using me... because I really asked you to sit, didn’t I?” I raised a brow with an obvious tone. “The girl in the balcony asked me to sit on the chair on her table to talk about a book for a while. That isn’t hard to tell, isn’t it? Not even a single sweat to think of a useless excuse on why you took long to serve me.”

He was hesitant at first. I waited until he could gather his thoughts until I noticed he loosen up and just placed the tray on the table already. Why is he even worried anyway? Everyone in their employee room knows that their staff usually takes a long time to come down every time they serve me because we usually talk about random things. I just happen to get along with almost everyone so it gave them extra time to rest even for just a couple of minutes.

“Tell me,” I directly asked while looking straight at him. “Do you like books or are you just using them?”

“Using them?” He confusedly asked as I just remained shut and stared at him. It’s like he is demanding an explanation by the way he stares back but I didn’t say anything. “I don’t totally like it but I do read some books that interest me. How about you? Are you a bookworm? Everytime you come here, you have a book with you to read.”

“Pretty observant, I see.” I teases which made him flinch. He clears his throat as a small smile appears on my lips. “I am not a bookworm. I just happen to read books to kill some time.”

“Isn’t that the same with being a bookworm?”

“A bookworm is someone who is devoted to reading… that is not me. I just read whenever I feel like it. It all depends on my mood.” I answered as he slowly nodded despite being slightly confused.

Another silence filled the two of us after that. Is he planning to turn into a deaf? This is a little frustrating for me!

“So… what makes you decide to sit instead of going back downstairs? Wanna talk and get to know me?” I tease him because somehow, his shy action is funny for me.

“Will you let me if I say I want to get to know you?”

That was smooth! My side lips rose up, forming a smirk. My lips parted as a scoff in amaze escapes my lips. I didn’t expect him to finally come straight to the point. I thought he would take his time and I have to keep throwing out conversations just to keep the conversation going. If that actually happens, I would excuse myself and slightly give him a clue that it’s already time for him to leave but… he decided to be a different type of guy today.

“Why? Are you interested in me?” I teases once again.

It’s not really my thing to tease a lot but there is a satisfaction whenever I see him get flustered by my words. Not so used to the girl teasing a guy who tries to approach her, aren't you?

He blinked not just once or twice but thrice when I said that. He clears his throat once again which made me softly giggle. Is he planning to act cute in front of me? That is not what I like to guys but I can make an exception. Besides, he actually is cute while looking shy.

“Depends on the information you want to know. What is your question anyway?” I asked him.

“Why do you always read books?” He questioned.

I was expecting him to ask something very personal. Typically, a guy who used to try to hit on me would ask if I have a boyfriend. Those who know me but are just pretending not to will ask about my family which I would immediately shut down with no hesitation. I get plenty of questions that either point out that they are just interested based on my physical appearance or my family background but this is the first someone actually asked me about my hobby.

“Don’t you have any more intense questions? Something like if I have a boyfriend? Or am I single? Or which family I came from?” I sarcastically asked. I had to point it out immediately so I wouldn’t waste a few minutes of my time that I can use to read instead of talking to him.

“Why are you always asking about things like that? You keep on trying to point out something.” He says.

I can feel his shyness when he says something. I know he knows what I am trying to say and what I am doing but instead of saying it, he describes it as something. Pretty different from the others, aren’t we?

“Because I get those questions a lot.” I simply answered.

“Then you won’t get that kind of question from me.” He straightforwardly said which made me smile a little. He really is different.

He stares at me suddenly as if he is waiting for something. I raised a brow, confused about what he wanted. He simply nodded and signaled me to talk. His question appeared in my mind again as I nodded.

“I read books because it comforts me.” I simply answered.

“Then why do you read here? Why don’t you read it in your home?” My eyes narrowed when he threw out two questions immediately. Is he trying to kick me out? I think he is sick of seeing my face here already. “Not that I am not grateful because you choose to read here and add to our sales for the day but… I’m just wondering. Why the need to visit a coffee shop and order pricey coffee just to read a book when you can make a coffee in your own house and read there comfortably.”

That is interesting. I do read in our own house but I never really thought about why I read more here in the coffee shop instead of laying down on my comfortable soft bed. The temperature in my room is much colder because of the aircon than the natural air in here. My sofa and every place in my room where I can read is much more comfortable than a chair on this balcony. But… I still find it much more comfortable and fun to read here.

“I don’t know? Maybe because there is something about this place that gives me comfort to read? Typical coffee shop vibes.” I answered as he nodded.

“So you are like those rich kids who choose to do their homeworks in a coffee shop and order a pricey drink and typically just waste some money instead of doing it in their room at their house just because they want to?” He pointed out as a small chuckle escaped my lips.

“Is that how you view rich kids?” I raised a brow. His brow suddenly forms into a thin line. He probably realizes that he says too much already.

“I don’t mean to offend you but not really. I just happen to see many kids like that every week.” He answers with an apologetic tone.

His head is a little down. His eyes are avoiding mine. He probably feels sorry for what he says but there is nothing really to be sorry about. It’s what he observes and there is nothing wrong with it. Besides, he also has a point anyway. In Elite High, most kids would stay in the nearby expensive shop to do their homeworks instead of doing it at home. They usually have a pricey cup of drink on their table while flexing those macbook and expensive things they owned and brought with them to school publicly. In that school, it’s all about flexing what they own especially when it comes to shares in their family business and their family achievements. I get sick hearing some of it most of the time.

I look away as a heavy sigh escapes my lips. My eyes wander to the scenery in front of me as I breathe in the natural air.

“I don’t know about the others but reading here gives me more motivation to finish a book. I know it’s a lot more comfortable in my own room to finish one but a right place is still important. With each book having its own vibe, finding the right place to read motivates the reader to keep on going and become much attached to the book plot.” I look back at him again to see him staring at me. “That’s why I choose the hassle of going here and reading. Did that answer your question?”

“It did… and it’s an unexpected answer.” He said that made me softly laugh.

“Now that you asked one question, let me ask one too,” I said as he nodded.

Our conversation went on for a few more minutes until one of the staff came to my table and called him. I didn’t know that I already took so much of his time at work because of how easy it is to talk with him. We exchange questions that still amuses me because his questions are different from the others. He has his own way to keep a conversation going but… the more I see his face, the more I’m starting to see an impossible resemblance. It was so impossible but they just look alike in some features. I decided to just brush it off because it would be awkward if I suddenly brought that up.

When I finished half of the book, I went downstairs because my driver was already outside as well. I passed by the counter to try to look for that guy but he wasn’t there already. One of the staff says that he has already finished his work. It was a shame because I didn’t get to know his name. I forgot to ask it when we were talking because I was so entertained. I can just ask him the next time I visit.

“What do you think of this one, dear?”

My mom took out an A-line scoop neck knee length cocktail dress from her new collection. The upper is in color black that has a lace fabric design while the bottom half is in plain beige silk. I have seen this dress before already because the final sample of her collections usually is fit for me since I get those first before anyone else. The final sample clothes are basically just shown to the board members as a final touch up before it ends up in my closet.

“Do we really have to go to that party?” I asked as my forehead is still creased just by remembering it.

It is the party of Eli’s mom. Another party actually. I wouldn’t know about it if William didn’t mention to me about Eli asking him if she can stay in the hangout place until late again today. It happens most of the time so I already know right away when that happens.

“We got invited, dear, of course we should attend. I know you are worried about Eleanor but… it’s better for you to come with us tonight.” She says as a sigh escapes my lips.

“I just don’t want to upset her. She’s already pissed off that tita suddenly held a party once again without her full consent. If their maid didn’t mistakenly put the dress in her room while she’s still there, she wouldn’t know about it.” I explained.

Mom put down the dress carefully on my bed. I just simply glanced at it while my mind went back to Eli again. We don’t really talk about her issues with her mom but I know the whole history of it because she told me on her own when I tried to help her once during her mom’s own party that she did not know about. I prevent myself from asking her about it on my own as well because I don’t want her to feel like I am just approaching her out of pity, that is not right. I’d rather stay by her side every single time as much as I can and comfort her without needing to know about that issue more.

“I’ll just stay here, please? I won’t be able to calm down as well if I go there anyway. My mind would be on Eli.” I pleaded.

I managed to let her have me stay here instead of coming with them. Formal parties are a little my thing because I get to talk to many people. I don’t know why I like doing it but I just happen to like it. But parties at Eli’s mom’s house will never be my thing after that night.

I can still remember how frightened Eli looked like when she walked in their backyard full of nicely dressed people. She was just simply dressed in a casual top and short that day which I can tell that she is really clueless about the party. I can remember her discomfort when the photographers switched their attention to her and started taking her photos without her consent. I felt so bad for her during that time that I had to follow her up to her room to comfort her. The memory of her arguing with tita is still clear in my mind and her voice cracking up was too much to handle during that time. I didn’t know she was in so much agony until that night.

My hand reaches for my white long sleeve blouse, buttoning it down, before tucking it on my grey pleated skirt with suspenders. I reached for the silver crown brooch on my table and pinned it to my white blouse collar since I decided on not wearing my blazer or anything on top of my blouse today for a change. I tie my hair in a simple ponytail and put on light makeup before putting on a few more accessories. I wore my black ankle socks and a black sheer crochet oxford shoes to finish it off.

I had a small breakfast with my parents before taking off to school as usual. It wasn’t a very long ride and since I am familiar with it already, I just keep my eyes on my phone and check my social media. I am not an influencer but because my mom is a known designer who owns a clothing company, I got some followers with some shops trying to get me as their endorser but I don’t really take it unless I really like the brand.

I expected a peaceful morning in front of the school building where the usual cars are parked as the students are coming down from their own family cars but I was greeted by a different scene. A crowded circle right in front of the building entrance caught everyone’s attention immediately which really confuses me.

I approached the crowd silently as I saw a guy’s back, dressed really proper, while the students were whispering. My eyes went to the girl who walked out the school building. She just stood a little near the crowd so I just decided to ditch the crowd and stand next to her.

“Do you know who that guy is? He is definitely causing a scene this early.” I commented while trying to take a peak of the guy’s face from a far.

“You don’t know who he is too?”

“Do I have to know who he is?”

“Not really,” She looks in the crowd again as my attention just focuses on her. “But I think you need to know that he is Liam’s brother.”

My eyes widened with the sudden reveal. Brother? Brother! “He has a brother?”

“Yes,” Her forehead creased as she glanced at me before looking back to the crowd again. “and he is staring right up to you. Why is he staring at you?”

“What do you mean?”

I look in the direction where she is looking only to see a pair of eyes staring at me. My eyes couldn’t help but widen when I saw a familiar face. My eyes went down to his uniform and he is wearing the proper uniform of Elite High. He is the waiter at the coffee shop but… Layla says that the guy being crowded is Liam’s brother. Then that means....

“Oh my God,”