Touch Of Solicitude

TREINTA Y TRES

"You should not only contribute your effort and hard work to me, but you are also the one who worked hard for it," I retorted, "Everyone will feel bad if they heard that; the people that surround you continue to love you because of that, and they look forward to each performance you make,"

"You brought happiness and warmth to others, so you should stop saying that this is all because of me, because if I were in your place, I might not overcome what you have been through, and that is I say, is not something that everyone can do," I raised, "You should trust yourself also, Elias,"

As moments passed with no one saying anything, I soon realized what I said, once again, this big mouth of mine, "I apologize, I was out of the line," I lowered my head, "I apologize,"

Elias just shook his head and ruffled his hair; this man has such a handsome face. Even at this crucial moment, why do I think about this? We have always stuck together at the academy, but now that people adore him, it feels like a privilege to be close to him.

"Actually-" He started, "Yes?"

"Nevermind, I will tell you some other time," It looked like something was bothering him, but I chose to ignore it since he looked like he was uncomfortable, "Oh, all right. Be sure to tell me next time,"

After we finished eating, I noticed a magazine from afar; it was the latest issue from another company, "Look, you are in this magazine," I pointed at the cover page, "Do you ever get nervous shooting these?" I questioned.

I turned into the page he was featured on; it was an article about him for the month; he can easily accomplish such a feat that no ordinary model can do; he is imposing. He lives in an entirely different world than me.

He chuckled, "No, I grew up doing it," He replied, "I had many appointments this week, and my schedule is full and packed for the following months. I am glad that I can take today's rest."

As time passed and the afternoon arrived, a sudden heavy rain poured upon the lands. "Let us go, I will take you home-" He could not finish what he was saying when a black van appeared in front of us, opening, I saw Elias' manager, "Take him," Before he could react, the van drove off, leaving me in the streets.

"What just happened?" I mumbled in the air as the rain poured hard; I then felt someone pulling me to them; I felt ahead resting on my shoulder behind me, "The rain is coming down hard, do not get yourself wet," It was a familiar voice that took me back to reality.

"You are here?" I asked him, "Yes, always,"

There were no signs of rain for today; everything was pleasant as I started the day with Elias. We laughed and enjoyed our time together, but somehow, just now, it was entirely different when he called out to me.

My fists clenched; I must be mad having these thoughts in my mind. "Were you with us this whole time?" I asked, "I could not help it-" His left hand slowly wrapped around my waist as the other continued to hold the umbrella above us.

"Luigi?" I called his name, "Can we just stay like, even for a while?" I nodded as he buried his head on my neck.

I felt pathetic after pushing him away, "Let us go home," He held my hand, guiding me to his car, "All right,"

I felt embarrassed sitting beside him; I could see my undergarments peeking through my clothes, "Here," He handed me his coat, "Thank you,"

Thankfully, he drove fast, which helped me take a shower earlier; after changing, I went down and saw Luigi making coffee, "Here," He gave me a cup, "You should warm yourself, it would be bad if you catch a cold,"

"I know," I sat at the breakfast bar, not knowing, tears started to roll down my eyes, "The truth is, I am the one who is the burden here, I know that I am selfish and does not care about others if you do not like you, I can move out,"

"You have always liked me when we were kids, but it is not the same anymore; I have changed, I am not the same Sunny you once knew so-" I could not finish my sentence when Elias, from the other side of the breakfast bar, he raised my chin, leaning close and pulling me into a kiss, "Do you still not understand?" He questioned, releasing me from the kiss.

He caressed my face, wiping the tears from my face, "I will not bother to coming here when I was already doing well if not because of you," He explained, "I do not waste my time on such pointless feats when I know that I will not gain anything."

He walked to me again and kissed me, "Do you feel the same way, Sunny?" He raised a question. However, the door suddenly burst open, making me push him in shock, "Sun Hee," The persons at the front doors were all familiar faces.

My mother, Lina, and the least expected was Elias; all had confused and shocked looks on their faces as if Luigi and I had done something terrible. Lina came rushing to me.

"I am sorry I could not stop them; they all wanted to meet you," She whispered in my ear, "If I had known that there would be this many people, I should have brought more stuff with me," Mother was carrying bags and bags of side dishes and other ingredients.

The four of us made our way to the couch as Mother went into the kitchen and started to unpack the stuff she bought with her. "I did not know that you would be friends with a model, Sun Hee," I heard Mother shout from the kitchen, "Hey, boy. How do you know my daughter? What is your relationship with her?" Mother approached us, questioning Elias. The four of us had stiff faces, with Lina feeling awkward the most.