A Million Miles || Christopher Velez

Chapter 25: Warning [/]

"Don't glide." It was Joel. And he sounded frustrated. "Oh my gosh, you're gliding."

"You're stressing me out, Joel. Spare me the criticism, its my first time," Anaeya replied. "I'm just walking."

"What's going on?" Christopher questioned just as Anaeya disappeared into the dressing room.

Richard shrugged, gesturing at the two other strangers in the room. They were both dressed glamorously in pantsuits, casting a professional sort of vibe.

"Some people came in with fancy makeup and clothes," Joel explained, seated on the worn out couch. "You didn't tell us Ana was scouted for modelling. Okay, I mean, you did tell us but we never thought you were serious."

"She's my girlfriend. Of course, I'm serious about her," Christopher said, raising an eyebrow. "Why must I tell you?"

"Your girlfriend is upset," Richard sighed, massaging his temples. "Zabdiel and Erick went to find for Sylvia but hadn't been back since. She probably disappeared from the face of the earth and will resurface somewhere later or she is likely lost. Chris, why don't you go and see what Ana needs."

Christopher didn't reply but went straight into the dressing room, shutting the curtains.

He found the girl dressed in a ridiculous looking purple dress that seemed to have no end to it at all. Clearly, it wasn't her fault if she had trouble walking because this dress seemed capable of killing anyone who tramped on it. Especially people with heels.

Anaeya was leaning her forehead against the wall, her hands covering her face. He gently tapped her to make his presence known, kicking the ends of the dress aside to avoid steeping on it. When she didn't react, he hugged her from the back and leaned his head on her shoulder.

"You know, you don't have to do this, Ana," he whispered, kissing the back of her ear. "You can just cancel the contract with the.. um, I forgot her name. You don't need to stress yourself."

She nodded. "But I want to try. At least once. It's mom's legacy."

The boy bit his lip, thinking. "If that's the case, then you have everyone's blessing and approval. You can do it. I walked down the runway before. It was easy and I know you can do it."

"But what if things go wrong? Just about two months being here, things are already going wrong. Nothing is coming out well. Everything is falling apart."

"No, its not falling apart," Christopher softened, reassuring her. He cupped her hands and lifted them to his lips. "You have Sylvia," he whispered, kissing a finger. "And Rayna. And Dayana." He kissed two more and continued kissing the rest as he muttered. "Your momma is watching from above. Clara and the company will support you. You have Richard, Joel, Erick and Zabdiel. They have your back."

She smiled, a tear escaped and slipped down her cheek.

"You also have me. I love you and I won't leave you," he muttered, kissing the last one. When he looked at their reflection, he frowned. Anaeya's reflection stared back with aggravated sadness. "What's wrong?"

"Something is bothering you, Christo," she uttered, firmly pursing her lips. His jaw clenched, trying to act indifferent. "I know I should not interfere. And I know you think it is best if it doesn't bother me. But I can't just watch."

"What are you talking about?"

"You're acting strange. I'm not entirely sure but something spooked you during that party. And I can't exactly pinpoint what the problem is."

"Its nothing, Ana. Really. Nothing serious."

She hummed in response, but he knew it was not in agreement. "Regardless, will you tell me what it is when the time is right? Can you please talk to me if you need help?"

He sucked in a breath, closing his eyes to stop the tears. He didn't want to cry in front of her. Even if he did, he would refrain from it. Anaeya deserved someone who is good to her and still does. She didn't need any more conflict after what she had been through.

"I love you." He hugged her. "Ana, mi amor.. how about I pick something for you?" Christopher suggested, trying to dodge the topic.

The two of them didn't need to talk about anything serious today. Besides, he was there to help her, not the other way round. She kept silent for a bit and nodded.

"I'll be back, mi amor." He kissed her on the cheek and left.

For unknown reasons, Christopher felt remorse but content that he had left her. He couldn't stand being in there with her. Not after what she had offered. She had offered him a hand. She wanted to help him.

He didn't understand what or why was everything happening. Deep down, there was a part of him that wanted to reach out and accept it but the other didn't want to make things worse for her.

For unknown reasons, Joel's advice before the party rang in his mind like an ominous warning. It was then followed by a memory. It was of a face he achingly wanted to forget or possibly repress to the back of his mind like it never existed.

"So?" Richard said, snapping his friend out of his reverie. Joel was sitting on the arm of a chair, crossing his arms. "What did she say?"

"She wants me to pick something for her," Christopher said, silencing his thoughts. The two designers immediately followed him, offering to help to which he refused.

"Sir, are you sure you want to give her that?"

"Yes."

"That's an unfinished piece."

"Then, why is it here?" Christopher raised an eyebrow. The two designers kept silent. He huffed and passed the clothes to Joel.

Joel widened his eyes at Christopher's choice. Christopher gave his friend a look, challenging him to say something. Christopher wasn't sure why he was acting this way but it felt somewhat safer.

Richard chuckled, "Joel, just give it to her."

This chapter marks the first half of this book. I never thought I would reach this far. What do you think about the first half?

Will things work out for Chriseya? Or are things going to go from bad to worse in the following chapters?

Stick around to find out. The next chapter will be posted latest on the day after tomorrow.