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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: October 8, 2020
Ended: --
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"Are you okay?" Kyla asked.
I nod, "Yap, I'm just tired from work. We had a hectic schedule from the upcoming fashion show this week," I yawned and sat on the couch.
Kyla looks at me with her worried eyes but I assured her with my smile. We've been best of friends since we were in high school, and she's going to Singapore tomorrow. She went here in my condo so we could bond but I came home late, I felt guilty about that.
"Don't abuse your health, Dem. You've been sleepless for almost a week," she uttered and sat beside me.
"I can't help it, Ky. I need to work, and besides, I'm preparing for the biggest and exclusive fashion show this month. I can't just disappoint Mr. Asednsa," I muttered to her, I know she's worried about me but I'm fine.
I'm used to it.
"Anyway, what time are you leaving tomorrow?" I immediately changed the topic, she'll just argue with me. I don't want to waste our time with repeated conversation.
"Twelve in the afternoon is it okay with you-"
"Kyla... you don't have to worry about me all the time. I am not a child anymore, just chill, okay?" I tapped her hand, I don't want her to feel guilty that she's leaving.
She sighed heavily, "I'll call you from time to time, okay? Please, Dem. Take care of yourself especially now, that I will not be with you,"
I smiled at her, she's like a mom reminding her child. I know it will be hard for me for a while, she's the only person I have right now. The only person I trust.
"Take care of yourself, too. I can't wait to see you doing a runaway walk," I giggled at her to lighten the atmosphere. She's an international model, she's popular in Singapore and New York.
A tall morena girl, that's her. Her innocent looks could deceive a million people, she a badass.
"Oh, please. I am so nervous about that," she leaned on the couch.
"You'll come back within this month, right? I saw your name on our list, you're one of the models who will walk in the final show of the event," I sat properly, wait, if she'll going back within this month then it means—she refused the catwalk in New York?!
"Don't give me that look, Dem,"
"You... rejected it?" I couldn't believe her!
"I am not ready for that, and please, I don't like that he chose me because he likes me and not because I am qualified," annoyance slipped in her filthy mouth.
I chuckled at her, "Your ex must be crazy for you,"
"Shut up, iw. I don't even know why I fell in love with that asshole," she made a face, I rolled my eyes. Liar.
"He's hot," she raised her eyebrow, and I shrugged.
"Why are we talking about him? Tss, move forward, I'll wear the gown that you design," she said.
Of course, she'll wear it. If there's someone who always appreciates me, that will be Kyla.
"Mr. Asednsa chose eight gowns of my design; you can wear whatever you want."
"I saw it already, I want the gleamy look gown the most. But every dress looks fabulous though," she winked at me and stood up.
She was about to say something when my phone rang, It's Zieden.
"Don't answer that, let's go, they are waiting in the bar." she snatched the phone in my hand and pulled me up.
"What-"
"Just go and change your clothes," she muttered again and pushed me to my room.
I had no choice but to change my clothes. I believe I am entitled to a good time as well, as I have grown tired of my work. I need to relax and unwind. I wore a striped skirt with a tube and black heels.
I went out and look at Kyla, she smirked at me. "Let's go?" she asked. I nod.
She was driving when I received a message from our friend, "Lie texted me," I stated.
She glanced at me and chuckled, "Read it,"
From: Lie
You're on your way to the bar, aren't you? Kyla abandoned us when she realized you weren't here, that woman!
That made me laugh my ass off, as Kyla and I do all the time.
"Lie is complaining about you, aw, you really love me-"
"Shut up, Dem. Don't freak me out, please. You'll be the one paying tonight," her lips rose, and look at me with mockery.
I stuck out my tongue on her, let's see that.
I decided to call Lie since I think, our group of friends are there. My eyebrow furrowed, she didn't answer. I tried again but still, no one answer.
I did it a lot of times before she finally answer the phone, I heard a loud noise.
"Hello? Lie?"
"Hi, Dem! I'm sorry I haven't answered your calls, I've been talking to Adam."
Oh, I see.
"It's okay, anyway, we're going to Alouette's Feral Bar. Are you guys there?" I asked. I saw Kyla glance at me and shake her head.
"Huh? Wait, why are you going there? We're here in Weison bar,"
I look at Kyla in confusion, I put down the phone a little. "Hey, we're going in AFB, right?" I asked Kyla.
"Yap, Zieden, Klare, and Alejandro are there. Just tell it to Lie so they could come if they want,"
Is that it? Hmm, maybe I should just invite Lie and others to come to AFB?
"Hey, Lie. Kyla said that Zieden, Klare, and Alex are there. So, Uhm, if you want... you could come with us?" I offer in a modest way, I was so hesitant to say it.
"Omg, those three idiots are there?! Wait, I'll tell others. We'll go," she sounded so excited and ended the call immediately.
I shook my head off, I hope this night will be filled with fun and enjoyment.
I smiled as I saw the AFB Banner, this bar is our favorite. It's very private and classy.
"Do you think they're still sober?" I asked out of nowhere. I mean they seem like they've been drinking.
"Lie? As if you don't know them. They are monsters when it comes to alcohol," Kyla chuckled and parked the car.
"What about Piloer? I bet she's drunk," Kyla shrugged and went down, I did the same.
"Piloer changed a lot. I couldn't even recognize her anymore," huh? Piloer changed?
"How come?"
"Just wait and see, let's go inside and stop asking," she pulled me with her and went inside.
The valencia smell welcomes me as we enter the bar, it's so calming. The crowd is wild, but they are not the typical wild. Just a mid-dancing and drinking, this is what I like in this place.
We went up upstairs, unlike on the first floor, it's more peaceful here. We spotted Zieden and others on the right side of l-square mid.
"Hey, guys," Kyla tapped Alex's shoulders and greets others too, I did the same.
We're all high school friends, and it's been a while since we met.
"You look fabulous, Dem." Klare stood up and kissed my cheeks.
I smiled at her, "You, too. You got taller,"
She smirks at me, "I'll take that as a compliment,"
"Hey, that's a compliment," I added. We both laughed.
She hates her height, she's tall, really tall. I think she's a six-footer now.
"It's been a while, Dem. How are you?" Zieden shakes my hand as if we've just met. I squirt at him.
"We saw each other every day, Zieden." the sarcasm in my voice made them laugh.
"Oh, I forgot?" his naughty grin made me roll my eyes.
I look at Alex who's now looking at me, I beamed at him. "Nice to see you again, Alex. You've been gone for three years," I said and offer a hand.
He stood up and shakes my hand. "Yes, but drop the formality, Dem." his dimple shows as he speaks.
We sat on the couch with them and talk about random things until we saw someone familiar.
"Is that Kenji?" Klare asked. We followed her gaze, oh, that's him. He's with someone.
"Is that his girlfriend?" Alex looks at Kyla. I pursed my lips to contain my laughter.
"Why are you asking me?" Kyla uttered defensively.
Everyone broke into laughter as I chuckled. We witnessed their history or what you called 'past'.
"Looks like he didn't change at all," I stated as I saw him talk to another woman aside from the girl.
"Tss, still womanizer, jerk," Kyla whispers.
"Bitter?"
"Don't even start, Demetra." she glared at me.
I shrugged, "He's five years older than us, right?"
She nods, "I like someone older. You know that," yeah, I know. I was like that, too, years ago.
"I like someone mature and just," she added.
I lick my lower lips as I remember something... someone. I shake my head because of that. That's a long time ago. I moved on.
"Excuse me, I'll go in the bathroom," I stood up and walks into the bathroom until I bump into someone.
"Omg, I'm sorry," I held the woman's hand. She almost tripped.
"Wait... Demetra Homer?" I look at her innocently, do I know her? I smiled awkwardly at her.
"Yes, uhm, do I know you?" I asked politely.
She chuckled, "Don't you remember me? I am Lorine, we've met in New York," her round eyes show off her emotion as she waits for my reaction.
A smile plastered in my eyes as the realization hits me, she looks different tho.
"Oh, right. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you, you look stunning,"
"Really? Well, you, you didn't change at all. You still look like an innocent angel,"
"Thank you, anyway, why are you here?" I asked. She giggled at me.
"I'm with my boyfriend," she looks happy. I nod.
I sighed heavily as I felt envious for a minute. I wish I could be that happy, that genuine happiness is really hard to reach.
"The man that you mentioned before?"
"Yap! I didn't know that the Philippines is his hometown, it's so beautiful though." her British accent was very audible as she speaks. It sounds good.
"That's nice to hear, there's a lot of a nice place-"
"Lorine," someone's voice interrupts us, and... it made me still. It can't be, right? The voice sounds familiar... very familiar.
Lorine is blocking the view so I couldn't see the guy who called her.
"Oh, I think I have to go. My boyfriend's calling me, bye, take care!" she kissed my cheeks and run towards him.
My jaw dropped as I saw a glint of him, I didn't see his whole face but I know it's... him. I can't be wrong. He's back... he's really back, and... he's with someone.
I felt my knees weaken as I held in the railing beside me, am I hallucinating? It's been five years, five freaking years since I saw him.
I closed my eyes and stood up, get your s**t up, Demetra Jacinthe.
Instead of going into the bathroom, I went to the balcony to have fresh air. I need it to calm myself. So what? So what if he came back? I shouldn't care about that, I moved on. He broke me, he did. I shouldn't care about him anymore. He's a ghost of the past that I should forget.
My eyes darted on Kyla as she walks towards me, she looks bothered. What happened?
"You okay? You look flush," I held her arms and guide her a little. My gaze glance at Belva who's standing a meter away from us.
I look at Kyla, "You talked to Belva?"
She bit her lips, "Yeah... she's a damn saint, a very beautiful saint," she murmured with bitterness.
"You're jealous?"
She scoffed, "I can't help it, Dem. I know I'm pretty, yes, but I feel like I'm always a second option when it comes to her. I always have her rejected offers, it is like I am picking her leftovers and I couldn't help but be mad." a tear rolled down her beautiful face.
That is not the case. She shouldn't think like that because she is well-known in the industry. But I couldn't say those words; she doesn't need advice, so I embrace her instead.
I know it's not just about modeling. It's also about someone from the past.
It took us an hour before we came back to our table, everyone's there already.
"Dem! Oh, hell! You look hot!" Balerie's voice boomed in the place as she run at me. She hugged me tightly.
"It's been a long time, you're always busy!" she exclaimed.
"We're all busy, Bal." she shook her hand and pulled me. Kyla on the other hand, went to the bathroom to fix her ruin make-up.
I saw Liesandra and others on the table as we gets closer. Liesandra waves at me.
"Hey," Dizen snickered at me, this man.
"You look some ordinary manwhore roaming around the place," I stated and bump into his shoulder.
"I'm too handsome to be ordinary," his arrogant aura made me want to puke out.
I ignored him and went on to greet others. Piloer was staring at me, and she was stunning. She really changed a lot; she grew up to be a confident woman, which she was not before.
"Don't look at me like that, Ate Dem," she shyly said. Oh, I chuckled. This is what didn't change, huh, her respectful manner of calling me Ate.
I kissed her cheeks, "You looks like a fine woman,"
"Thank you," she whispers.
We sat on the couch as Kyla came, we talked about business.
"I heard you accepted the contract in Los Angeles?" Hexon asked. while looking at me.
"Yes, it's a six-month contract so I took it." I sipped my vodka.
"Are you allowed to leave the country for that long period?"
"I'm a grown woman, Hex. Of course, I am." maybe he thinks that I am still like before.
"Your family is-"
"I don't want to talk about that..." I gave him an apologetic smile. He smiled at me and changed the topic.
"What about you, Bal. How's your company?" everyone looks at Bal. She looks pretty wasted.
"It's doing good. Good. Good." I shook my head at her. she's drunk, alright.
I peek a glance at Dizen when I felt his hand on my shoulder. I raised my brow at him while he looks at me innocently.
"What?" he asked.
"Your hands," he glance at it and shrugged, "My hand is resting on the couch," he reasoned out.
I didn't make it a big deal and talks to others.
"Anyway, Dem. I saw your cousin yesterday, it's Ate Jari. She looks scary as hell," Lie said in exaggeration.
"She's usually like that, did you greet her?" I asked. She shakes her head in horror. "No! She doesn't even know me, and please, even if she knows me, I'll never have the courage to call her."
"Same. Homer is full of daunting people," Piloer added.
I didn't say anything about that. It's true. My family isn't ordinary, and will never be.
"I heard, Kuya Nathan won the murder case. It was bloody hell," I pursed my lips with that, I haven't spoken to Kuya since things went wrong. I'm completely unaware of what's going on with my family.
"I heard Rue Zaccheus handled the victim's case, right? They're both good in court... but I don't think anyone could defeat Nathan Homer, huh?" Alex stared at me, I just gave him a smile, though I didn't like it. I hate the way it sounds.
"Nathan and Rue in the same court? That would be a dilemma chasm," Lie muttered.
Zieden draws our notice when he drops his glass."If Rue and Nathan would be puissant in one court, how about Donovan Kyros and Nathan Homer together?"
"Don't even get me started on Homer and Kyros; they've been rivals since then," Klare exclaimed in horror.
If that happens, there will be mayhem, and no one will back down. It will be a catastrophe for the two families. Hell will rise.
"I heard Crescent Homer is back," I look at Klare as she mentioned Crescent. Did she come home?
"Oh, wait. Speaking of, Is that Saganza?" Dizen muttered. We're looking at newcomers, and my lips have compressed to a thin line. They're making their way over to the table next to us. Saganza is the name of their group, which means "wise elegance."
"Wow, it's been a decade or so since their circle was formed, right? They're still going strong, huh?" Hexon stated.
"Gretta, Daphne, and Crescent weren't there," Balerie murmurs as we look at them in silence.
We look somewhere when Elli and Elani glance at us, we look like idiots here. What the hell?
"They look so intimidating to look at," Dizen said, "and they're so freaking successful in their own liberty." Hexon murmurs.
"Call her, call Crescent! I'm going to kill her for real if she doesn't get her ass off here!" Elli grumbled as they walked past the table.
I was taken aback by what I heard, and all of my friends looked at me with shocked expressions on their faces. Crescent is one of the most feared Homer, so we're not used to it.
"Crescent is busy. As if you don't know that-"
"Oh come on, Ysay! I told her to save this day for us," Elli sat on the chair and rambled her hair.
"Stop laughing, Elani and Efpraxia! You're both insane!" Stesha yelled, but they just laughed even harder.
"Daphne and Gretta are on their way," Naia said.
"So, Crescent is really back in the town, huh," Zieden sipped his drinks and smirk.
"I think so? She never stays in one place," I uttered.
"Let's stop talking about them. Let's unwind downstairs," Kyla held my hand and pulled me up.
I stare at her, "We'll dance?"
Her lips rose devilishly, "Yeah,"
"I'll go too," Dizen said. Balerie, Zieden, and Alex were left at our table while all of us went down.
As we walked across the dance floor, we parted ways. I saw some familiar faces, but I couldn't approach them because they were too busy.
I jumped a little when someone held my waist. I look at someone who's swaying my hips in my back, I laughed when he pulled me closer, my chest bumped to him.
"Aggressive," I whispered in his ears. I pushed him and move away, I hate aggressive people, it reminds me of someone.
I was just dancing to my own beat when I felt someone grab my waist again. I tried to look at the person, but the lights prevented me from doing so.
I shook my head and continued dancing as the song became more raucous. I grind myself in the man behind me with my hands going from my neck to my chest.
His hand gripped my waist, stopping me from moving. I got irritated because of that, I was about to yell at him when he pulled me to his body, making me feel him.
"You've been a naughty woman, huh, should I be happy, baby? but I am damn mad, so damn mad," my body froze, I was stunned at the moment. I couldn't move.
No. Am I drunk? I just had four glasses, it can't be. His voice... his voice, I know his voice. Am I hallucinating? I composed myself before turning around but there's no one there. I wandered around to search for him, but none, he's not around. He's not here, I closed my eyes tightly and gripped my hair in frustration.
What's happening to me? Everyone on the dance floor is having their own frolic.
This is insane, maybe I should just rest at our table.
"Hey," Dizen approaches me and held my arms, "You don't look good," he grabbed my waist.
A girl bumped in my back so I was pushed to Dizen, he guided me as a support.
"What's wrong?"
"No, nothing. I'm just tired, I think?" I bit my lips as my headache. I don't know what's happening to me. His voice, I couldn't get it out of my head. Is that real? and why do I seem affected? No, no.
I put my hands on Dizen's nape and put my head on his chest, I need to relax. I and Dizen have been friends since we were young, I know I am safe in his arms.
He held my chin and look at me intently, "What happened?" the worry on his face shows as I look at him.
I shake my head, "I'm just dizzy, how about you? Are you okay? I heard what happened to KNC."
He beamed at me and pulled me closer, he rest his chin on my head, he's tall enough to do that.
"Are you worried? Don't be, I can handle everything," he utters.
I embrace his waist, "Whatever you say, Dizen. You know I'm here if you want to talk to someone,"
He held me closer when someone bumped me, again. "Hey, ms. Be careful" he said with annoyance.
I glance at the girl behind me, she looks at us apologetically, "I'm sorry. Someone kept on bumping us, too," she scratches her nose, she looks cute.
I smiled at her, "No, it's okay."
She bowed down her head, she seem lost and finding someone. She vanished in our sight when someone grab her.
I glance at Dizen, "You intimidate her,"
"Yeah?"
We both laughed and continue dancing, my eyes darted onto someone near in bathroom of the bar, and there... I saw him. I met his dangerous eyes, his eyes met mine down to Dizen's hands on my waist. And even in the dark, I could still see the beautiful menacing eyes that he has.
My heart pounds loudly as we stare at each other. It's been a long time, a long, long time, Dine. I couldn't believe he's here, again.
"Hey, you okay?: Dizen asked worriedly. He tried to follow my gaze but I pulled him. They were not on good terms ever since.
"I am tired, can we go upstairs?" I asked.
"Should I carry you?"
I shook my head and walks away, he guided me. I glance at the place where I saw Dine, he's not there anymore. Where did he go? Is he really here?
This is not good, I shouldn't feel this way. I held my heart, they are beating fastly. I feel like nothing changed and I hate it. Or maybe... I am just shocked? and I am mad at him? Yes, that's it.
"Oh, you both came back." Kyla looks at us suspiciously, I didn't ride on her trip. I am not in the mood.
Our attention was drawn to Saganza as they exclaimed and shouted in delight. Daphne and Gretta have already arrived, and we followed their gaze to where they were looking. I gasped when I saw Crescent in her lawyer suit, her coat hanging on her arms, and damn, perfection doesn't even come close to describing her.
It's been years since I saw her, and it's been years since everything messed up.
"Damn, woman," I heard Zieden and Alex cuss.
"She's so fine," Klare uttered. "Homer really got beauty," Balerie as she took a peek at me.
Crescent approached her friends, who jumped at her, some of whom pushed and lightly hit her; she smirked at them.
"You're late, you'll be the one paying tonight, hmm," Elli raised her brow to her.
Crescent shrugged, "Yeah, after you called me, saying that you'll disown me if I didn't show up."
Everyone laughed, even Elli. "You're always missing, Cres. I thought you're living in outer space," Elli sarcastically said.
"Whatever," Crescent sat beside Gretta.
"I couldn't believe, she... she's letting them to... damn," I glance at Lie and smile before I sipped my drink and focus on watching Crescent with her friends.
She appears carefree, but not happy... or sad. She's not even smiling, and her eyes are expressionless, too.
I and Crescent are not close since my sister hates her, we rarely talk to each other. She's hard to vibe with, but she's nice and... peculiar.
"Crescent is back, how about Dysthe, Dem?" I look at Hexon, I... I took a deep breath.
"Hex," Kyla glared at him.
Hexon looks at me in confusion before he realized it, "You haven't talked to her since then? Damn, I'm sorry,"
Instead of trying to respond, I finish my glass. It's been five years since I've parted ways with her, and she's still mad at me for what I did and I am deeply sorry about it.
"Let's not talk about that, it's a sensitive topic for Demetra," Dizen stated.
This is why I need to be busy in order to forget about it. I want to forget everything, go back in time, and undo everything I've done.
I leaned on the couch and look at somewhere until I met Crescent's eyes, I sat properly and keep eye contact with her.
She didn't smile at me; instead, she stood up and walked towards me. Everyone fell silent as she came to a halt in front of our table, her brown eyes locked on mine. Everyone is surprised and intimidated to even speak.
"Crescent,"
She looks at me blankly, "Dysthe is back, did you know?"
My lips parted, what? When?
"I guess the news hasn't reached you yet," she smirks. "Guess what."
My forehead furrowed, "What?"
"She wants to see you but isn't sure how, so I'll do the honor of telling you: go to your parents' house," she says.
My heart was pounding; she wants to see me? Is she still upset? I hope not, I did what I thought was best for her... Apart from falling for the same man, she's in love with.
"Did you talk to her already?" I asked.
"Yeah, she's still a b***h like usual, but in a huge difference,"
Crescent and Dysthe, of all of us, are the least likely to talk because they are always fighting. They got the courage and bravery within themselves.
"I'll talk to her tomorrow," I say. She nods and turned her back, but before she can finally leave, she glance at me and smirk.
"You moved on, right?" her cold voice sent shivered to my spine. What is she talking about?
"What?"
"From that guy," she didn't mention any name but I knew who's that guy she's talking to.
I nod, "Yes, why did you ask?"
She's difficult to read and even more difficult to interact with. Her eyes are so intense that it feels like she's reading the hell out of me.
"Two people returning home at the same time, what does that mean, hmm?"
"What are you talking about-"
"I can't believe you're not considering Dysthe returning home after someone showed himself to you, huh?" her lips rose, her eyes glinting in the darkness.
What is she talking about... wait, Dysthe... and Dine? No, what does it mean? My jaw dropped. Is the couple back together? It's fine if that's all there is to it, but what about Dad? It wouldn't be good if he found out, especially since Dysthe had just returned home.
I tried to hide my emotion in front of Crescent, I don't want her to know what I feel.
"The way your eyes sparkle makes me wonder what will happen next," she says as she combs her hair and walks closer to me. She leaned on the table, putting her hands on it while looking at me. I stare her in the eyes, these cruel eyes make me want to squeal, but I can't.
"You better fix your s**t, Demetra. You've grown up enough to know when a man isn't worthy of you. You moved on, right? Don't make the same mistake again, or you'll end up in the same hell," she tapped my arms and fix her posture as she stand up. "I'm not sure how you'd handle it... such things have a way of playing with us."
My eyes moistened as I tilted my head to hide my face, and I could feel it. There's something that comes, something I've been avoiding since that time. I don't want to go back to that... I don't want to go through that agonizing agony.
"Crescent, that's enough," Kyla whispers as she held me.
Crescent pursed her lips as she looks at Kyla, and Kyla did the same. "Hmm, I remember you. You were the one who tolerates her-"
"Crescent," I gritted my teeth. It's just me; they should stop blaming others for the things I did for love's sake.
I drew my best friend behind my back and stared at Crescent while her gaze remained fixed on Kyla. I've seen her when she's provoked, and she's dangerous.
Everyone at our table was so tense that they leaped to their feet, exacerbating the situation! Elli and others were watching us, ready to assist Crescent if she needed it.
Damn it!
Crescent wandered her eyes to my friends, "Are you picking a fight on me?" she asks.
"No, Cres. It's the tension around here," Dizen said, modestly looking at her.
Crescent gives him a bored look before turning to face me.
"You should be prepared," Crescent says, "I hate what you did, but I'd hate to see you suffer the same fate as before."
My eyes soften, she cares.
"Bovver hex is... back.