"ARE WE going straight to New York this weekend?!" Farrah asked Nicholas enthusiastically.
We are in her suite now because he called a meeting. After all, we just finished our last fashion show last night.
"So get your sweaters ready because it's winter season there." he made me think.
"Right, Cherry?" said Nicholas to me.
He has decided that we will not go home to the Philippines for a weekend vacation. What would you expect, Cher? Nicholas is not the type to waste money just on your whim!
"Yeah, It's a good idea. Ah, I'm going to rest. Let's just talk tomorrow." I was no longer holding back Farrah when she called me.
I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes firmly. My heart and mind are debating whether to follow the plan or, go back to the Philippines.
Rexon was immediately the first thing that came to my mind. What if I lose him again? What if Hannah had to intervene with them while I was not there?
I straightened up when I heard a faint knock from my room.
"Cherry, can we talk?" Nicholas's voice was what I heard outside.
I didn’t answer, instead, I pulled the pillow to my side and hugged it tightly.
The door turned open so I slowly closed my eyes.
I heard his footsteps approaching my bed and his soft sitting next to me.
"I know you're not asleep, Cher." His started.
I was speechless as I listened to his heavy breathing beside me.
"I don't want to upset you because I didn't give you a vacation, but we need to fly to New York this weekend. This is our chance to be in that show. After that, you can do whatever you want. You can fly back to the Philippines right after the show if you want, I won't stop you. "
I looked up at him and I sniffed. Even if I wanted to ask for a week's break, he still wouldn't give it to me.
"Is this about, Rexon?"
He vowed his head so he could see my face under the pillow.
"I promised to get back this week to... meet her parents," I uttered.
His jaw working while he is still in that position.
I lay down and hugged the pillow I was holding in front of me. I averted my eyes from him and continued. "He proposed to me, he wants us to get married," I uttered lowly.
I heard explicative words came out from his lips. He wiped his face with what I had said.
"Come on, Cher, your career is in full swing now. You want to tie the knot with that superstar right away?" he exclaimed.
I bite my bottom lip, what he said is true, I'm just starting. I only go to a few fashion shows and here I am giving him a headache right away.
I got up and faced him. I bravely pulled his hand away and stared into his eyes, "I can still manage my time, Nick."
He chuckled, "So, you decided to marry that man? After all, he did to you and hurts you, that's just the way it is?"
I was stunned. Why did words come out of my mouth?
"What if you'll get pregnant? You can't walk while there's a baby in your womb."
I shut my eyes firmly, I let go of his hand, "I love him, Nick, I love him so much," I whispered.
"Bullshit, I'm not asking how much you loved that asshole, what I'm saying is he screwed you many times. How can you just swallow all that?"
My lips parted, he was right, I had been hurt a few times and Rexon hoped, but even so, he was still the flesh of my heart. I could still feel the butterflies in my stomach whenever I think of him. The thundered of my heart whenever he near me. The sweetness and melancholic of his voice, his warm touch, and hot kisses that I can't resist.
"I'm sorry but I have to book a flight back to the Philippines."
He didn't do anything with my decision. That's another one of my plans in the first place. To go home after the show.
I rested early because I wanted to get them awake father Gorio. I made a video call with Andrew to announce my scheduled return. ko
"We're excited for your fashion show at Vitoria's Secret!" That was the opening of him to me immediately after I greeted him.
"Sister Cherry will see Hollywood!" He moved the camera to focus on dad next to him.
"That's good daughter, if your Mother is still alive she will be very proud of you."
I pursed my lips, they would surely be disappointed if I told them that I was going home and not going to New York, but they didn't seem to want to open my lips.
"My shoes? Don't forget!" Andrew groaned at the screen.
"Oh, It's Andrew!" I heard Auntie Melva's voice from nowhere.
"Does Auntie want anything?" I asked.
She immediately popped out of nowhere and pulled the laptop from dad.
"Bag and perfume," he said with a wide smile at me.
"All right, I'll buy some souvenirs tomorrow." I smiled promise.
"Thank you, Cherry, God will bless you for your kindness!" Auntie Melva said.
"I'm doing this for all of you." I glanced at Dad who was just silently watching us.
"Ah, Dad, what do you want me to buy for you?" Andrew faced the laptop to him.
"I don't have anything more to ask for, my daughter. Just be careful there always and don't forget to take your vitamins."
I smiled at him. I knew he wanted me to fulfill my dreams and his dreams for me, so even if I wanted to confess to him about Rexon’s proposal I wouldn’t be overreacting.
"All right, you might be too awake. It's late at night there."
"Yes, Dad. Be careful, don't forget to take your medicines and vitamins."
After the video call, I was ready to go to sleep. But my cellphone rang on the nightstand. My chest immediately throbbed when I saw Rexon calling.
I cleared my throat first before I slid my finger to answer the phone.
"Hi, Sweetheart," he said, so softly that I almost didn't hear.
Again I swallowed the lump in my throat and shifted from my seat before I speak.
"Hi! Hello, any news?" I asked softly.
"I just came home from the office," he said.
"Oh? How's work?!"
"Hmm, very tiring. I've already turned down a few gigs for meetings and gatherings." His voice sounds terrible tired.
"You must be tired, have you eaten yet?"
"I just want to hear your voice, I'm full." A mixture of amusement buried in his deep voice.
The heat rose to both my cheeks. The hot-and-cold chill went down my spine. Damn, Cher, relax!
"I'm not joking!" I pretended to be angry to hide the thrill in my voice.
"I'm still full, I had dinner with Peter, it's a bit fun to drink."
My forehead furrowed, if Peter was with him, Hannah would not be far away as well.
"Hmm..." I bit off the words.
"What do you mean by, hmmm, huh?" His voice sounds more amusing.
"W-No, I mean, well do you enjoy it?"
I shot my eyes after. Is it obvious that I'm just making excuses?
“I had a dinner with Peter and Hannah,” he said on the other line.
My lips parted, as I was expected I Hannah can't be without his brother.