"No."
I try to brush off the thoughts involving Nero but it's not possible. The reporters are there. Aiden's there. Nero should be somewhere there too if he didn't leave already. And he'd be in a lot of trouble if Anne reveals everything which u know she will, in her defence.
"What do you mean No?" He lies back again putting his hands under his head in a relaxed pose. One of his buttons at the front is loose. He wants to keep me company again.
But I bristle. "I'm going back there."
"Loretta we barely escaped from that raging crowd. Atleast we left when it was still possible. If you go back now you will be plunged in that mess too."
"I can't run away forever." Not when their names are at stake. Nero is my family which brings me into this too whether I believe it or not.
"That place should be booming with journalists now!"
"Which means I can still save the day. Are you coming with me?"
"Do you even have to ask that?"
••••
I wake up with a headache. Levi's not beside me. I can use some tea. I kept wondering about all the happenings of last night. I don't know how I even drowsed off after everything.
The door swings open with Levi entering with a breakfast tray in his hand. He made it by himself when I was asleep..?
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"You were sleeping so soundly." He grins nonchalantly drawing a chair close to the bed. "Yesterday was quite a..."
I feel my phone under the pillow—which I turned off yesterday after leaving that place at 12a.m. Yeah. I should've stayed with them instead, right?
I hold the cup up to my nose inhaling the sweet aroma.
"Loretta I know this is early but..." He swipes lis tongue over his lower lip reading my expression. "You should turn on your phone to check the news."
"Is it serious?" I set the cup gently.
"See for yourself."
After dwendling about it in my head I give into his words.
Levi exits the room.
50+ calls! Same goes for messages.
Gotta check on Aiden first.
"Are you okay Loretta? Please call back when you feel like talking."
Another from Myria. "Lori darling what's going on?! Where are you? Is Levi with you too?"
He comes back with a newspaper then unfurls it before me. I read the headline. I'm in the front page! Same goes for Aiden. Nero. Anne. And Levi.
I put my palm against my forehead frustratingly.
"Go through that passage first." He suggests.
I skim through the article.
Happily Ever After or a Deceitful Devotion?
Popular Idol Aiden Jordan deceived by Model Anne Dalton! Reputed Artist Nereus Augustus's confirmation of Anne Dalton's twisted game vindicates Aiden of any suspicious act validating there was no love for Jordan-the youth charmer, from her side since the beginning. The beautiful talented heir of Knight family emerges at a crucial time along with Levi Fawcett the young CEO of Phoenix Enterprise to shed further light on this matter disregarding Anne's claims of him deceiving him, providing evidence which she had to acquire by playing into her own game. She has been aware of all that led to today's revelation justifying Nereus's innocence. His statement imparted illumination on the inner life and dealings of stars once they step on the ladder of fame while admitting his admiration and respect for Loretta Knight. Yet, sources state she withdrew herself Anne's party for a good while. Why leave if everything was part of the ultimate plan? Her manager proffers his insight in this matter concluding she had some urgency at the studio. Or was she not concerned at the beginning? What caused the change of heart? That was a daring step on her part. Is she the true Muse of Augustus after all? Where was Mr. Fawcett when Loretta left. Was she with him? Who's going to capture her heart in the end?•••
So much for keeping quiet huh...
They have praised him for his bravery whereas... nevermind. Their job is to write whatever they think will bring more public attention which is none other than more spicy details and complications. Nero deserves all the praise he got. Shame it is for Anne. Quite a scandal!
I fold the paper and look outside the window. My phone starts beeping again. I ignore it but Levi swipes it up—my phone which is still on my lap. The gesture makes my stomach do a flip.
"Hello Myria." He turns up the volume bringing it nearer.
"L-Levi? Where's she? Is she okay?"
I stifle a chuckle. "I'm fine."
A relaxed sigh. "Lori darling when are you coming home? I know a lot has happened but..." A five seconds pause. "To be honest, I was afraid last night. But everything turned out just fine. Atleast he's got supporters. And our boy is not at fault."
She's talking about Nero. I continue listening to her without saying anything other than Hmm Mmm.
"Say something Lori!"
I-uh... What am I supposed to say? That I'm spent last night with Levi again? And today too..?
Levi holds my phone back to his ear this time. "Your niece's gonna spend the rest of the day with... Uh...This cool guy."
"Levi!"
"What? I'm not cool??"
That wasn't my point!
"You really want to go home then?"
"I...I didn't say that," I say lowering my voice.
I fetch my phone from him. "Myria don't worry about me. I just...need the day for myself. You know..." I thought of not mentioning him now but I can't help. "Is Nero home? How's he doing?"
"He is. About how he is...that you better ask him yourself. Hasn't talked much to any of us anyway."
I share an unresolved stare with Levi recalling Nero's painting. After hanging up I toss my phone on the bed and come out of the room.
••••
I run through the woody path not looking back. It's a fine morning. This is the first time I'm out here like this, feeling the breeze with such tranquility caressing the wilderness every now and then.
Everything can wait. But I can use some time. Not as Loretta Knight. But as my ownself. Cause no matter how much I try—it's impossible to impersonate someone you've never known in your life. I'm not sure if I should value this life that I'm given but I'm starting to value the people I'm spending my time with. A family. Myria, Levi, Aiden, Grandpa and even Sofia. I wish I could write a story about all of us. How a failed writer became a famous pianist— wouldn't it be great?
I feel a soft touch on my shoulder. Behind me stands Levi. Now he comes beside me, his face up at the sky gleaming with expectant uncertainties.
We share the same silence under the same horizon with only the thoughts running wild separating us. And yet every life is so different. I wonder what's his deal with his dad. And even if I ever find out I'm not sure if that'll make me happy cause every life is marred with scars of existence.
"Looks like we're going to be standing here all day." A grumble comes from him and he looks away.
"Err...sorry. I left you without a word."
"Hey relax." He takes my hand. "I told her not to worry. That, we'll be home soon.
I look at our now joined hands biting my lips. I'm still in my last night's clothes which is the dress I wore at her party. I came unpacked.
As if reading my thoughts he giddily asks, "Another shopping day?"
"Guess so."
"But we gotta recharge ourselves first." He suggestively adds. "Let's finish our breakfast first."
••••
"How many more ugh!?" I clasp the book of the dress coming out of the fitting room.
"You look exhausted." He gives me a boyish grin sitting on a chair.
"I'm on my 9th dress Levi!"
"And?" He shrugs in a way like it's not a botherat all—to him atleast.
After some more trials we come to the counter.
The sales associate asks, "All these to be packed then? I must say he has great taste in fashion. He could be a designer." She gushes over him. She kinda likes Levi, doesn't she?
"I wanted to be one you know." He mulls over.
"You can still be Mr. Fawcett. You're young and talented." She fawns over him again.
"We don't really get to choose our own fate, now do we?"
I run his words in my mind as I wait outside of the boutique. We don't get to choose our fate... that's so rigorously true. Back in the woods when we shared that silence he had the same look I once had—staring blankly at the intense blue. Will I ever be a part of those blissful memories?
"Would it be selfish of me to want to be a part of your past Levi?"
"What did you say?"
A current jolts my nerves as I jerk my head back at him. Did he hear it? Wasn't he at the counter?
"I heard what you said." He touches my forearm. "Would you like to come with me?"
"To where?" I ask feeling awkward.
"You've been there once. That time it was in a severe state. Now it's rejuvenated again. He ends the last part with a certain hint of conviction.
With no other plan I finalize to go with him since half of the day is already gone.
"What're you thinking?" He asks.
It's been sometime—he's driving towards his destination.
"Oh I'm getting used to these long drives." I manage my tangled wavering hair. "With you like this—I've never felt this much...unbounded. A mind that's ready for endless expeditions.
"Ooh." Suddenly he looks withdrawn again as if I should be the last one he'd hear that from. I just said what I felt that's all. Around him, I don't cater to pretense.
The rest of the ride flies by with some road music and afternoon air. I recognise the familiarity of the place when we reach.
That lake! And the abandoned house from weeks ago is replaced with its refurbished version. It feels like ages now.
This house clearly means a lot to him. Every pattern every corner is still the same in appearance. Only the previous wild vegetation is replaced with tiny flowers—mostly white and pink zephyrlilies.
I stamp on the soft grass looking at the outline of the house. I get this feeling like this place is full of fond memories.
A nostalgic smell in the air greets me when we enter.
"You're wondering about this house, aren't you?" On his face a calm smile. Behind the kitchen counter he stands pouring water in a glass from the glass jug.
When did he go over there?
"I...uh... Don't want to invade into things you're not comfortable sharing me with.
I remain next to the north wall feeling the smoothness of the newly painted wall. The interior probably cost him a lot.
"It's not really a matter of invasion Loretta—when you're with me..." He stops pouring—his eyes cast downward as he keeps the glass on the kitchen top making a little clunk.
He crosses the counter to come to my side.
"Then tell me. I want to know what has your thoughts consumed, Levi." I give his left arm a gentle nudge—an urge of pushing him into letting go of his burdens.
He steps away from me heaving an exasperated sigh. "This...is the house mom chose as a birthday gift for their 15th anniversary and his birthday."
He really holds a strong grudge against his father, doesn't he? He never says Dad or father...only Him/He.
I wait for him to say more not risking to speak a word that'd make him withdraw himself again.
"Phoenix belonged to my mom."
What?