023: Cloudy
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"Judy, honey, are you certain you really want to marry Valence?" Hindi nagsasawang paninigurado ni Auntie Rita. Ipinatawag niya ako dito sa villa para i-confirm ang engagement. Unlike Uncle Nich who's being pushy on the marriage, she's really opposing to it.
"Yes, Auntie," wala ding sawang kumpirma ko.
"Rita, Darling, let her decide," napasalo na lang si Uncle sa noo. Nakaupo ito sa likod ng study table. Kasalukuyan siyang nag-a-approve ng requests ng student council para sa darating na Bála Tou Vasiliá which means King's Ball. It's like a prom in the middle of May before summer vacation comes and ends in August.
"Fine," suko ni Auntie. "But let me know when you have plans on being a runaway bride, okay, sweety?"
Tumango na lang ako ng may pilit na ngiti.
Nagpaalam na siya kay Uncle to do some business downstairs. "Careful," ani Uncle with a genuine smile. Nakakainggit. I can feel how much he loves her. "Now, Judy."
"Yes, Uncle?"
"Come here."
Tumayo ako mula sa couch. Lumapit ako sa harap ng table nya. I know he knows why I'm really here. I'm ready to hear everything about my parents. Hindi ko maiwasang kabahan. What would I find out? What kind of people are my parents?
He pulled one of his table's left drawers. From there he took out two thick portfolios and a usb. I looked at him with questioning eyes. He blew out a heavy breath as he push the files on my direction. "These are the only real records of Anythony Roberts and Mia Crisante ever existed. Everything you need to know will be in here."
---
A day later...
"Bála Tou Vasiliá will start it's preparations by today..." the class president Vaughn Jovovich had started his announcement so early in the morning.
While Caine is totally ignoring the words that comes out of his mouth, Akio is prepping the right words to use in reporting to Valence. Whom have not yet to arrive in the classroom.
Akio have been careful, thorough and good in hacking with a virus he created himself. It has ruined countless lives just for him to profit on his own since he turned thirteen. Only Valence doesn't pay him. Ever.
"You know, Akio," Caine inched close to him, "even if you're the Student Council President, you need to focus."
"Tell that to yourself," he retorted coldly. He stared at the blank white screen on his computer. Valence is not going to be happy about this. His virus just got erased by a more stronger virus, hence, he lost contact with the government system from Philippines and America. Or rather... there were really no record of the Roberts family. It's like they don't exist in the real world.
Vaughn is busy assigning people to their jobs in the preparations when the door slowly opened. All eyes were caught by the long, black, curly haired girl from another class. Her violet eyes roam the whole room, looking for something -- or someone in particular.
"Yes?" Vaughn asked with a poker face. If there's anything he hate, it's being interrupted while speaking in front of people. After all, he is a son of another Family from Russia.
The girl had this apologetic look and slightly bowed her head. "Sorry for barging in. Can I ask where Valence is?"
"We don't know. We don't care." He then called the attention of the whispering classmates and continued to where he had stopped earlier.
The girl left soon to continue on her own business. Caine raised his left hand. "I need to go!"
"No--" Vaughn hasn't even finished his sentence yet, Caine ran towards the door and left.
He ran and managed to catch up on Judy at the corridor. "Hey! Judy!" he scratch the back of his head to make it seem like an innocent call. He had a bright smile. He expected her to get flushed to remember the time he caught them in an inappropriate situation. But to his disappointment, she was looking back at him with a blank face. "Want me to help you find him?"
She gave him a faint smile. "I can manage. Thanks."
"No, I insist."
"Why?"
Well, he can't say he was suppose to watch over her while his grace Valence is not around. Besides, he'd like to know the person who caught the attention of the elusive young Ferrari. "No reason at all."
She sigh. "Do what you want."
And so they go on walking towards the garden's direction as he suggested. While on the way, he can't help but stare at her face. There's this weird feeling that this girl resembles someone. Though he can't name who. "You got a date on King's Ball?"
She glance at him. "Hmm, I don't."
"Want to be mine?"
"Huh?" Now she's got her right brows up on him.
"I don't have a date yet. Can you be my date then?"
"Why me?"
"Why not?"
"Is this how you rich people ask poor people? Answer the other with another question?"
He shrug his shoulders while letting out a small laugh. His smile went wide to see the corner of her lips form a smile. "Yes, that's right, smile."
"What are you doing?"
Both of them snap their heads ahead of them. Valence is glaring at him, arms crossed over the chest. Whoops. His grace is mad. It won't hurt to tease a little, riiight? So he intentionally inched his face onward to Judy's. He made sure it looked like he's almost to kiss her cheek, but he was gonna actually whisper, "Be my date. I'm not taking a no for an answer. I'll fetch you before thee ball," in his most hurry. After that he glance to his friend to give him a big wave then running away back to the classroom.
As soon as he lost sight of them, he stopped. His smile faded. Hands inside his pocket, he looked up into the cloudy sky. A heavy breath came out of his mouth as the cold morning wind hit his face. He surely needs to put Judy away from Valence. Or else...
---
VasiliasVampirMou
BINABASA MO ANG
Belonged to the Mafia 18+
RomanceVasilias University -- ang nag-iisang eskuwelahan kung saan angtipon-tipon ang mga anak ng mga naglalakihang tycoon at mafia sa mundo. The prestigious school is located in a huge island practically owned by the richest people. Power, fame, wealth an...