Whispering a Prayer - One More Chance

8/9/2019 Whispering a Prayer - One More Chance

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Whispering a PrayerOne More Chance

By Fleur Therese Q. Puao



This book is for those who are miles away from the ones they

truly love.



his help then I guess Robert would still be working on the comic book all

by himself. But hell! I threw his feelings away! Is that any good way to

thank a friend who's loved you all along? Of course no-

"Ara, Ara! Your phone's ringing." Robert interrupted, I wasn't aware

of my phone's ring tone. But it was just a text message, so I checked it out

to see who."Who is it?" Rob asked.

"My fiancé." I replied.

"Jake? You really think saying 'I do' to him could really help you

solve the burdens in your life?"

"Aw, come on Robs. You know why I have to marry him." I took out

my left hand and stared at the engagement ring Jake gave me two weeks

ago.

"Oh yeah... I forgot. Why again?"

"Sigh; because my dad and his dad were best buddies since... birth?

And now my dad has great financial problems, he turned to his best friendand then both of them recalled their childhood promise: to let their

children marry. So...you know already…"

"Oh...bad luck for you..."

"Yeah, I know... but Jake’s a good guy… and he's also cute. So I

think Jake and I will be good partners." I tried to think of words to motivate

myself, “And actually... I love him." Sigh, I lied, that’ll never work.

3. The returnFour days later, I visited the park... again. This time, I climbed that

same old tree beside the lake and sat on the same old branch. I haven't

sat on this spot for nine years - since I first met Joey. Well I guess I really

believed that if I sat under this branch, Joey might've planned to surprise

me by letting something fall onto my head on purpose... throughout the

years. But nothing happened.

That was nine years ago; I was still eleven. But now I'm twenty-

years old, I have a new big job I have to focus on, I'll be married in a few

weeks, and my family still has those financial burdens that could take a

lifetime to pay off. The horror of that horrible thing I've done to Joey still

haunts me - but he's probably swimming in a sea of Euro and Dollar billsand maybe dating hundreds of rich European women.

But something inside tells me I'm missing some detail - something

really important. But I guess I had that feeling out of hopelessness. I've

always loved Joey, and I kept saying that after the night I first said it in

words. But what else is there to hope for? Joey was just struck by some

baby love! He's a man now, and I’m sure he already realized we were so



young... and unprepared. So I guess there's no point for hanging around

any longer.

When the wind blew gently, I reached for something in my pocket

and took out that small keychain I held on for so long. "Joey... you were

young when you said that you loved me. Now that you're in a wider world,

I hope you understand why it's always better to love at the right time...even if it's your first love." I whispered "Time changes things, and there

are countless things in this world... this is stupid!" and I dropped his

mummy keychain as I closed my eyes and allowed tears to fall.

"Ouch!" someone from below the branch cried out. I couldn't tell

whether it was a boy, girl, young, or old. But the best thing I can do is to

apologize. So I jumped down from the branch and apologized while

bowing my head. "I'm sorry, I'm really, really, really sorry. I dropped it

without knowing that someone was down here-"

"Ara?" a familiar yet matured voice said. I lift up my head to see

who, and I couldn't stop my jaw from dropping. Silky black hair thatreached three inches below the shoulders, a very sexy figure, bright blue

eyes, and the most cheerful and very beautiful face I've always admired.

"Ta-Ta-TANYA?!" I screamed out.

"Ara! It is you!" she cried back, and both of us were in a big, tight

hug.

"It-It's been so long... why now, after nine years?" I managed to say

while sobbing.

"Aww... we really, really, really tried! But my aunt wouldn't allow us

until I graduate from college." she explained while also sobbing (a bit).

"Oh Ara, look at you: your hair's finally halfway down your back, and

you've gotten really beautiful."

"Well, thanks Tanya, but look at you! Are you working as a

supermodel or something?"

"No, I was forced to become business woman. Ugh, really not my

type! What about you?"

"I didn't finish college, only until first year. But I took Fine Arts,

though. And I'm currently working with my cousin.

"Aww, you poor thing... and speaking of cousins," she held on to me

tightly. "Joey's here."

I wanted to jump around, scream his name, and let him come out

from where he's hiding right now. I just can't believe it: after nine long

years, Tanya and Joey are finally back! Just when I was about to let go!

"But he's not here in this park. He's out there in the city, working on

some business his mother placed him into.” Well, that disappointed me.

"So, is he really busy these days?" I asked.

"Yeah… he’s really busy. Remember he told you after he graduates



from college, he'll be under his mother's 'clutches'. So am I, but she's

more into her son." she paused and rolled her eyes hilariously "You know

about the family fame... and you know what? You should meet him - right

now!"

"Aww, Tanya you know what I-"

"Really! He hasn't forgotten about you throughout the years, Ara.And now he needs you the most!"

"....Really Tanya?"

"Of course! Ara, you can start a new relationship with him. This is

your chance; now that you're older and matured enough, you guys can

start all over again! Who cares about his mother?!"

"But Tanya I'm... sigh... I'm getting married." It pains me to give her

this bad news, but I have to tell her this before she starts something that

I'm surely going to regret.

".... WHAT?!" her cheerfulness dissolved. "But - what the - do - don't

lie to me Ara! You can't fool me with your jokes the way you did when wewere fifth graders!"

"But I'm not, Tanya. My father and his best friend had this promise

that they'd let their children marry, and my family also needs money. So I

hope you understand."

"Sheesh, this guy you're marrying sounds rich Ara. But you should

tell your father that no other guy in this world is as bloody rich as Joey

Brendon, and no one else can love you as sincere and passionate as Joey

Brendon can!" When she finished her sentence, her phone rang and she

answered it automatically. She spoke very rapidly and aggressively, and

hung up with an irritated face.

"By the way, Joey's stuck in an arranged marriage too. Only his

situation is a lot worse than yours."

"What?! I mean, really?" I forced to say, despite the strong urge

inside of me to scream.

"Yeah... and that person who just called me, that's the person he's

going to marry, and that person is Courtney Paxton." she said like one of

those rich and popular girls in High school "Man, I hate her! I mean I

despise her; she says she's marrying Joey to ‘help’ her father by uniting

the 'glamorous' family of the Paxton’s and the 'extraordinary' family of the

Brendon’s. I say she's just after the fame!"

"I see..." I pretended to be calm.

"And now, she's having allergies. Hmph! Why the hell would I care!

She's asking me if there were anyone available and eligible to pretend

and to replace her for their very first date with Joey this afternoon." she

paused to breathe and shook off her anger. "And she said she's going to

pay that 'replacer' a big amount of money per day whenever they have



dates or meetings... since her allergies usually lasts one week or even

more." she added.

And then we sat down and remained silent. I don't know about how

I felt about Joey getting married, but I couldn't help smiling while looking

at Tanya, just like in the old days. We always do this when we're bored,

it's like God gave me and Tanya a chance to be together again... but whatabout Joey?

"Ara! I just had the craziest idea, but that doesn't matter." she went

closer and closer and said. "Why don't you pretend to be Courtney

Paxton? After all, you need money don't you?"

"Yes Tanya, I do. But even if I'll have the money to pay my family's

debts, I still have to marry my dad's best friend's son." I stood up and

walked away. As I marched farther from the tree, I heard Tanya catching

up. "I know that, but Joey will be very, very, very busy after this. And I

swear: with all the schedules and meetings and pressure he has, he would

never be able to drop by your house to simply say 'hi'." I halted by whatshe said. Joey really is under his mother's control, and she'll be driving

him around without giving him a break, I know. So I guess this is my only

chance.

"Sigh, all right. But aren’t we like trying to help Courtney?" I asked, but

she just rolled her eyes and say “Nah, forget about her. What matters is

that you’ll have time to be together with my pathetic cousin.” And Tanya

directly dragged me to her car and we drove through the city until we

reached the Brendons’ old mansion. The maids weren’t around and the

spy cameras needed to be repaired. So no one knew what Tanya was up

to – including me. She led me to her big room and locked it. After that,

she let me sit on a chair and treated me like her 'best dress-up doll

friend'.

In her room, Tanya brought out an adorable black dress from her

wardrobe, together with a matching pair of high-heels (which she forced

me to put on). She never allowed me to look at the mirror until she was

finished. She was digging up something in a big box and then she came

back bringing a blond wig and pinned it really tightly on my head, she

then gave it a hairstyle which involved more pins. Then she took out her

make-up kit and was applying a lot make-up all over me. "Finally! Ara, you

look so much like a nice piece of art!" Tanya commented on her own

work. She allowed me to watch the mirror and I had to admit, I thought I

was face-to-face with a billionaire's daughter... which is what I'm

pretending to be.

4. the fake Courtney {Paxton



"Your name's Courtney Paxton, you're from London, your mother is

a German, your grand father was a Chief Justice in Britain, oh, and your

pet's a Chihuahua... and her name is Twinkle pie. Got it?" Tanya's been

explaining to me about Courtney Paxton all the way while she drove me in

her car. We were heading to a restaurant where Joey and Courtney were

supposed to meet. "Tanya, how am I supposed to remember all of that?" Iasked, trying to sound like I wasn't complaining, she replied "It's all crap, I

know. Whenever I see that girl you're pretending to be, all I see is dung

heap." she paused so that she could laugh together with me. "But I'm just

trying to help you out Ara; this is the only chance you can meet Joey again

- maybe your first and last, after nine years." We were already a few feet

away from the venue, and I was already shaking. "Ara, honey, I know

you're dying to 'x' and 'o' Joey, but remember you're pretending to be

Courtney... otherwise, I guess you can just get money from you're fiancé,

and I don't even like Courtney and Joey to get into this date to let the

wedding speed up, and... oh my gosh, Ara you don't have to do this! Youcan just actually give Joey a smacking 'x' and a big, tight 'o' as Chiara

Miller! Hold on, after I park, let's take off that wig and do your make up

again." Tanya was a genius; I loved her idea, but... that's not - I don't

really want Joey to see me... I just don't know why.

"Sorry Tanya, I don't want to," I said after Tanya finally parked in

front of the restaurant. "I really want to see him again as myself, but I'm

getting married. If you say he still loves me... then I guess I still do. And I

if we fall deeper into a relationship, I’m going to disappoint my father. I'm

sorry Tanya." And so I went out of the car, before Tanya could react.



book two:

Joey

1. Home The airport was crowded with people - some of them I'm sure I have

met before we left for France. It was eight-thirty in the evening when we

arrived. As soon as we got out, we directly rode in our service and went to

our old residence.

The old mansion we used to live in looks livelier than I have ever

seen it. Surely, my mother had set arrangements for our maids to clean

the entire place up before we arrived. It feels good to be back here in

Toronto after nine crucial years. At last, my prayers with Tanya are

answered. And we felt better and relaxed - forgetting about our desperate

and failed attempts to escape from my mother while we were in France.

I'm finally relieved by two things: one, away from those despicable peopleI have met during my High school and College years. Two, I'm home... but

there's one more thing that's been tickling inside me and it couldn't let

me wait to accomplish this little problem: Ara.

"Joey, Tanya, the two of you should now get some rest - especially

you Joey. We have a lot of things to cover tomorrow." my mom ordered.

"Yes mother." I answered, and so Tanya and I climbed the stairs. I



noticed Tanya was acting a little weird, soon I realized she was watching

whether mom and dad were out of sight and weren't following us. "Joey,"

she began "are you sure you're going to allow your mother to let her treat

you like a puppet?" Again with that question, "Tanya, you know I DON'T

want to... but my dad... it's the Brendon family. I'm just trying to make

him happy you know." as always, Tanya would roll her eyes and oppose towhatever I say. "My dear cousin, you're not making your father happy -

it's your mom!" she tried to whisper. "Joey, I think your father will be

happy if he sees you that you too are happy, get it? I think he won't... rest

in peace, seeing you being your mother's little robot."

"Sigh, Tanya you've been telling me that since I was a fourth year in

college. You know I love my parents; it's just that mom has a cold heart

when it comes to business and work, okay?" I tried to tell Tanya, but she

wouldn't allow it.

"Yeah, whatever; but don't you see? You're being pushed around,

ordered around, pressured all over - don't tell me you like it!""No, of course not-"

"See! Joey, can you just talk to your mother about this? I'm only

your cousin, but I really care for you, okay?"

"Okay... Tanya..."

"You know what cousin? You're pathetic.”

"Haha! I know, sorry..."

"That's okay, now if there's anything you need, just tell me and I'll

try to help you out."

"Wait Tanya," I paused as she looked at me with anxious eyes.

There are so many things I need in this horrific life, but I guess there's

only one thing that I need the most. "I guess... the biggest thing I'll ever

need right now is Ara." and then we were silent. I looked at her and saw a

smile that slowly stretched in her face. "You really love her, don't you?

Throughout the years, you remained head-over-heels for her... hmph,

cousin you really are a pathetic." she said, still with that smile on her face.

I replied "Yeah, she's just the only thing I want to have right now..."

"Sigh, come on Joey, we better be in our bedrooms before your

mom catches us."

2. Brendon Business The next day, I woke up really early with a bad wake-up call by

falling down from my bed. While my back was still o

the floor, I noticed a small photo under the bed frame. I took it and

examined the photo; it was just a photo of me in my bedroom before we

left to the airport. Only a few things changed about me from this picture:



I've gotten really taller and I've become a little muscular. So far that's the

only changes I've noticed. I still have my black hair, those gray eyes, that

same complexion, and... Well I guess that's all.

Yesterday while we were in the airplane, mom showed me a list of

schedules, meetings, and dates I have to attend to. I actually forgot that

today was my first day of working with my family's businesses here in Toronto, well only a few of them since I have a date later on. Before I

could meet up with my mother in the dinning room, my father called my

attention and told me to go to his study. And so I obeyed.

"Hey son," he started when I took a seat "I just wanted to tell you

something." I didn't speak, I waited until he continued. "I'm really, really,

really sorry... about your mother. I know that you see 'arranged-marriage'

as a commitment with a selected partner one has to vow on for the rest of

the relationship. But this is a family tradition we follow in order to

continue the family tree. I hope you understand, Joey." he paused then

continued. "And I think you know that you too should follow this...""Dad, I know that. And do I really have to meet her all by myself

today? Well, isn't it better if you, mom and her parents meet together with

us?" I tried to suggest.

"Yes, we all know it is. But your mom and I and her parents decided

that it would be better if the two of you would meet each other alone.

Anyway, even if it's the first time for the two of you to meet each other,

you can always just... treat it as some sort of a blind date, am I right?"

A moment later, mother called my name and I had to go. But

before I could go out of the door, my father said "But Joey you don't have

to do this." and I halted. Yes, I know I don't want to - but if it's the best

way to continue this family then... "Don't worry dad, I'm fine." I lied, and

went out.

While I walked going to the main door, I heard Tanya catching up.

"Hey, where're you going?" she asked

"I'm going out to do some business with mom and dad, and then I'm

meeting my cursed future wife. What's her name again?" she showed me

a picture of her, we both laughed. "Courtney, Courtney Paxton. She was

my classmate from freshman to senior year during high school back there

in France. Ugh! I don't even think you'll survive your honeymoon together

with her." We laughed again, until we saw mom in the main door, we

waited for a few seconds for dad and then we left. Tanya decided to stay

at home since she didn't have any work to do (lucky for her!).

We visited only three companies from our family today: first, that

fashion boutique for teens which was called Project Black (I loved that),

second, that bookstore that was named Brown Bookstore, and third...

Black Orchard ? Hey, that's sounds really cool, it's a publishing company



founded by my dead great aunt, my mother was thinking about changing

the name into our own family name, but I begged her 'no'. It really sounds

good and catchy; this company used to publish books only, but now

they're expanding their publications by publishing this really cool comic

book, although I can't remember the title and I forgot to ask about the

authors. A few hours later, the time has come for mom and dad to dropme in this restaurant we owned, it's called Helena’s, founded by my great

grand mother. That's where I'm going to meet this Courtney, whom I'm

sadly stuck with for the rest of my life... well, not yet.

3. CourtneyI just felt sick when I entered the restaurant - I'm meeting this

woman I have to marry, even if I don't love her or even if I don't want to!

The workers recognized me and started to greet, and I tried to act normal

so that I wouldn’t attract the other costumers. I found a nice spot beside

the glass wall and waited. If I think she's the person I've always wanted to

be with, it might actually work. Well, there's no point in describing the

type of person whom I’ll choose, because I already found her nine years

ago, and her name is Chiara Miller.

Since I left Canada, I wasn't able to communicate with her. I

would've continued to send her those white roses and white ribbons, but I

didn't have any available time to do all that. All I did with my nine years in

France was study and work hard, but Ara was never pushed out from my

mind. She was always there, and I can't really believe how much of

pathetic I was while confessing to her. And I was a little hurt when she

said she feels nothing for me............... but then she said she loves the boy

who gave her those roses and ribbons. I am the one who gave them... so

she loves me too. Sigh, I wonder if she knew about it... oh yeah, I send her

that mummy keychain that fell from her pocket when she ran away. So I

guess she does. Is she aware now, that we were in love each other? Does

she still love me until now? Where is she? Sigh... well there's no point in

meeting with her again, I'm getting married after all.

I looked outside and saw a beautiful woman coming to the doors. I

don't believe it, but she looks exactly like Courtney Paxton in the photo

Tanya showed me - only that this woman was way more beautiful, but Ihave a strong feeling this woman is Courtney. When she entered, she was

scanning the restaurant for someone, I didn't know what I was doing but I

stood up and she saw me. Then she began to walk to my direction. Oh

God, this is Courtney Paxton. But I guess I needn't to worry; her eyes, her

calm expression, and that little smile on her lips gave me the feeling that

she'll make a fine partner. And so I smiled back hoping that things would



go well with our very first date.

"Hi, you must be Joey Brendon. I'm Ar-I mean

Courtney Paxton." she said in the most familiar voice, but I guess

my memories about Ara were still lingering in my head. Now that she's

right in front of me, I came to realize that Courtney looks a little bit like

Ara. Ugh! I tried to blink, but she still looks like Ara! "Yes I am. It’s nice tomeet you, Courtney… go on take a seat." A few moments later, the waiter

came in and asked for our order. While we waited for the food, we were

talking about ourselves. Courtney said a lot of things about herself, as if

she's been trying to memorize them. After that I started to introduce

myself and my family background. Even when the food arrived, we

continued to talk. I never expected to have fun with this blond head, and

Tanya said she's not worth a single penny from my pocket. But I guess

she changed when she was in college.

Honestly, she's beautiful; her eyes were glossy green, her body

was... well she's sexy, her smile made her more beautiful... a lot like fromAra, but this woman was unbelievably more beautiful (well, the last time I

saw Ara smile was nine years ago, so I can't really confirm that). She's just

beautiful, and way different than I have ever expected. I guess things will

just go well.

4. Sigh, Tanya… Two hours later, Courtney and I decided to go home. I offered her a

ride, but she said she has another appointment that night. And so I was

fetched by my parents. Mom was asking me so many questions about her.

I felt calm, now that my mom sounded proud of me by doing well with

Courtney. But I'm guessing Tanya would put it the opposite way when I

tell her about it, I'm sure she'll say Courtney awarded as a good actress in

their sophomore year together.

When we arrived home, I would've told Tanya everything but she

wasn't anywhere to be found. Our butler said she went out to go shopping

and visiting her old friends. Sigh, she's so lucky... she might've visited Ara.

That same night, my mother gave me the number of companies and other

properties we own. Tomorrow I'll be another three companies, the next

day I would be visiting four of our properties, the following day anotherfour properties, etc., etc., etc....I didn't pay attention for the rest of the

week's schedule, but I listened again when mom said we were going back

to the Black Orchard to see the first printed output of the company's first

comic book... next week. Gah! Can't wait! Mom added that we're also

meeting those two awesome authors! Err... just a few more days to go.

It was already nine thirty when Tanya arrived home. She came in



bringing a few shopping bags, geez. "Hey Joey! How's Courtney, does she

still look like she's all made of junk or what?" she asked in a different

way... like she's expecting some good feedback from me. "No, not at all.

She's the most charming girl I've ever met, and she's actually cute." but

Tanya's expression shifted to another one and asked “What about Ara?"

"Sigh, yes I know I said before we left for France that 'she's themost beautiful girl I've ever met, and I'll never love any other girl in this

world except her'. I know I said that, but there's a wider world out there.

And don't worry; Courtney is not the same as Ara - not at all."

"Hmm... Joey, tell the truth; you like Courtney do you?"

"Okay, yes I do. And she turns out to be a good partner anyway." I

turned on my heels and walked, just before I could reach the stairs, Tanya

called out. "I saw Ara in the mall a while ago!" that forced me to halt, turn

back, and ask a lot of questions.

"Oh well... I was in this fashion boutique when I saw her entering

the door. Her hair grew really long; she got taller, sexier, and moregorgeous than I have ever seen! I directly recognized her with those green

eyes and that charming smile she always had... so I surprised her and we

were both crazy when we saw each other. But unfortunately we weren't

able to hang out for so long because she was in a great hurry. She was

buying a little gift for her cousin... last minute shopping maybe, and then

she had to leave.....end of story." and Tanya walked past me as if we

never talked. Sigh, great to have a cousin like her...

5. Lolz The day after that night, I visited our other companies. I finally had

my free time at six o'clock, and I didn't have anything else to do after

that. My parents were still working, so I decided to visit Ara's old house.

Unfortunately, there was no one there. I tried to call Tanya but she

wouldn’t answer her phone. So I decided to call Courtney.

"Hello?" her voice sounded a little different... and a little funny.

"Hey Courtney, it's me Joey-"

"Joey?! OH MY GOSH! Yes, oh yes! What is it?!" okay her voice was

really different, and the way she talked was so... opposite the way she did

the other night."Erm... are you busy? Because I have nothing to do here, so I

thought if we could-"

"Of course! Of course! Of course! No problem! Where should I meet

you?!"

"Ahh... outside that bookstore, beside Helena's. Think you could

come?"



"Oh my gosh! Of course, of course! I can really, really, really come!

Hang on Joey, I'm comin'!" and then she hung up. Whoa, that was weird.

Outside the bookstore, I waited for an hour. Maybe she was in the

middle of a surgery or something. From afar, I saw Tanya's car. And for a

miracle: I saw Courtney jumping out of it. Hmm, maybe the two finally got

along with each otherWhen Tanya drove off her car, Courtney was still breathing and

fixing herself, she then walked to where I was standing as if nothing

happened. I pretended I never saw that scene and greeted her.

"Hey Courtney."

"Hey! Sorry if I'm late, I was... trying to escape from my 'girlfriends'

and it wasn't easy, I’m telling you."

"Hahaha! Are-are you feeling well?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Well, you sounded really funny in the phone a while ago. Are you

sure you weren't busy at that time?""Yes, of course... um... my friends were watching... volleyball! Yes

and the game w-with the awesome players made it so thrilling so I guess

that's why I sounded... different."

"Ah, I see. Lolz."

"Lolz?"

"Oh sorry, that used to be a big habit of mine when I was still

young." I kind of regretted saying 'lolz', but Courtney didn’t think it was

that weird. She just smiled and chuckled a little.

The rest of the night, we stayed in a nearby coffee shop. We had

more fun together, and that night I learned more things about Courtney:

she loves her mother and father so much that she'd do anything to make

up the failures she's done to them when she was young, she loves to

draw, sketch, and paint, she’s thoughtful, kind, and she’s quite friendly,

and honestly she has a big laugh. According to Tanya’s description,

Courtney was really opposite than what she really is right now. But they

were only classmates during high school, so I’m sure changes have

occurred when Courtney entered college. She’s hardworking, talented,

and caring. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I really have this strong

feeling that things would go really well after we’re both married.

6. Remembering Ara That week, a miracle would happen everyday: my work would

always end early and I was able to meet with Courtney every night. The

day after we stayed in that coffee shop was Wednesday. That day we

talked in a restaurant a few meters away from her company’s building.



Thursday, we were roaming around a mall. Friday, our last day together

for that week, we met in another restaurant, this time it was beside the

beach.

For Saturday, I was meeting my mother’s other business partners.

Luckily the only things I had to do were pay attention and maybe take

down some notes. But all I did was recall this week’s fun events togetherwith Courtney. I guess I was in a middle of a hang-over. But I was just

having so much fun with her; I’m looking forward to hang out with her

again. Although, she said to me last night that she wouldn’t be available

today and tomorrow. So I guess I’m going to have to focus on work while I

have the chance to.

The next day, Sunday was my only ‘relax and unwind’ day. So what

I did was just locked myself inside my room so that I could avoid my mom

and be reminded for the next week’s schedules. Bad news is our meeting

with the two authors from Black Orchard was moved to Friday, since the

printed output wasn’t ready yet. Sigh and that was the only exciting thingabout this coming week’s events. I really wished Courtney was available

today, so that at least I can invite her for dinner tonight or I’ll just ask

Tanya to do it since they’re already friends, I think.

My cell phone rang; I received a text message from my friend back

in France; we weren’t so close, so I just replied to his message as quickly

as possible and placed my cell phone on my side table. As I placed it, I

noticed a small box beside the base of my lamp. I don’t remember placing

that box there.

I opened it and saw Ara’s guinea pig keychain, its chain was

wrapped with a white ribbon, and there were wilted white rose petals

beneath it. “Sigh… Ara, if only God would allow us to see each other

again. I would try my best to find you, but my efforts are getting slower

now that I met Courtney. Please come back before I’d start to forget you…

well unfortunately, I think I already am.”

7. UnexpectedGOOD NEWS: My meeting with the two amazing authors is moved

back to Wednesday! Hallelujah! I can’t wait to tell these guys how much I

love their comic book! Only two more days left, and finally something canreally brighten my day. I was together with my father handling the

museum we owned, and since Courtney didn’t say that she was busy

today, I decided to call her for a while.

“Hello Courtney?” I began.

“OH MY GOSH!” I had to pull my ear away from the receiver, “Joey!

It’s so you! Yes what is it?”



“Erm… nothing, I just decided to call you. Um, how are you

anyway?”

“Oh, I’m so fine! What about you?”

“Great, as ever; um, Courtney are you busy this Wednesday?”

“Oh, I’m so not! WHY?!”

“Well I was just thinking if you were interested to come with me thisWednesday to our publishing company, Black Orchard. We’re going to

meet the two new authors of our very first comic book, and I was thinking

that you would be interested to-“

“Of course, of course, of course! Don’t worry, Joey. I’ll be meeting

you soon! Bye DEARIE!!!” Dearie? She never called me that. Well, anyway

she might’ve been watching a movie with her friends.

When Wednesday came, mom and dad went together with me since

it’s a really important meeting for the Black Orchard. Courtney texted me

that she would be late, and Tanya said she would be going to Courtney’s

place to help her out whatever she’s doing now, which pleased mom.Later on, we were already walking in the Black Orchard’s lobby; a lot of

people were greeting us and also lots of annoying girls giggling.

Whatever, I just want to meet the two authors. My father was the

president of this company as for now, so basically we were waiting in his

office. Later on, my father received an urgent phone call form a man

saying that my dad should meet with him as soon as possible. It was

about the Hospital we owned, and my mother doesn’t want to miss a thing

when it comes to that Hospital. So both of them needed to leave at once,

leaving me and my father’s new assistant. While we waited for the other

people who are attending this meeting, I observed the new assistant: he

seemed to be just my age and he looks like a nice guy. I noticed he was

holding some papers which seem to contain the two author’s name.

“Excuse me, but can you tell me anything about these two

authors?” I asked him.

“Sir, the two authors are both cousins; one of them is a man, the

other is a woman.” He replied. “This man took Fine Arts as his course, and

he graduated as the highest of his class. Although his cousin wasn’t able

to finish college, she made a humungous contribution to the comic book.

She also took Fine Arts, and she was only able to study until her first year

in college. She says an old friend of hers was the one who helped her

improve her talents and if it weren’t for her friend, she wouldn’t be able to

help her cousin.”

“Really, may I know their names?”

“The man’s name is Robert Miller and his cousin’s name is Chiara

Miller.”



book three:

Ara

1. Worth itI was fetched by Tanya again. It’s Friday today, Joey showed me this

small restaurant beside the beach. I was glad I had the whole week likethis; pretending to be Courtney and being able to be with Joey for a while.

But I’m getting really exhausted – the real Courtney Paxton would call me

every afternoon and say that Joey asked her out again. Ugh! Yeah, I’m

beginning to agree with Tanya about her, dung heap.

“You okay Ara?” Tanya asked.

“Yeah… A bit… this thing is getting old and really tiresome. I mean

troublesome.” I said while I took of the blond wig and allowed my real

mossy-brown hair to flow down.

“But you are feeling great now that you have the time to be with

Joey, right? And he’s really head-over-heels about you.”

“As Courtney – he doesn’t know that the Courtney Paxton he’s been

dating is actually Chiara Miller. And yeah I can see he’s falling in love…

with Courtney.”

“Sigh… Ara, Courtney is way different than you are. Well if you were

the real Courtney, I don’t think you’ll call your replacer all the time and

tell her that she has a date with Joey without caring that you still have



work to do, right?”

“…. Yeah, right.”

“Anyway, I’m sure after the real Courtney shows up to Joey, he’ll just think

she’s just getting tense for the wedding… and for the rest of their

relation.”

“… Yeah.”I didn’t want to say it, but I had to tell Joey that I couldn’t be

available tomorrow. At least the real Courtney wouldn’t phone me again

and scream out “ARA! I DON’T CARE HOW BIG MY PAYMENT IS! JUST CALL

TANYA, GET DRESSED, AND LET JOEY FALL IN LOVE WITH ME!!!” Arg! I

loathe her already! But that’s fine – it’s worth the hassle; being together

with Joey but not being myself, though – well, in the physical view. I can’t

help being Chiara Miller when Joey’s around. Well, I better get some rest. I

gotta work double time with Robert tomorrow.

2. RobertI woke up and directly ate my breakfast. Ma and pa were out until

afternoon, but ma prepared some bacon and eggs, so that I could go

directly to Robert’s place which was just five houses away.

No one knew I was being paid by some billionaire freak because I

was pretending to be her when she has a date with the man I love. Only

Tanya does, and good thing Robert understands about how I felt now that

Tanya and Joey are finally back. So he divided my time: in the morning ‘till

noon, I work as a comic book writer together with him, and in the

afternoon he sets me free to hang out with Tanya (which is actually the

time for me to pretend to be Courtney and be out on a date with Joey).

So after I finished my meal, I took a shower, changed into clothes

and went straight to Robert’s house. He was making the twenty-third

page of the second volume of our comic. He looked at me and gave a little

smile and said “Hey, how’s Joey doing?” then he went back to his work,

waiting for my response. I circled the room while I answered “Great and

healthy.”

“Ara, can you do a poster of the main character and her twin? You

know what to do.” He said with the same smile. I replied to him with a

grin, even if I know he wouldn’t look up. So we were silent while weworked. I heard him clear his throat, so I paused and listened to whatever

he’ll say.

“So… how’s Tanya?” okay, I think I know what’s going on.

“…. You like her?” I asked while turning around to see his reaction.

He stopped with his work and turned to look at me with a calm

expression.



“Yeah, I guess so. Such a waste for her to be forced into a business

woman when she can actually be a make-up artist, or a fashion designer,

or even a… a…”

“A model?” I finished for him

“Yeah, a model; she’s quite cute and photogenic and… hmm, such

a waste for her to be become something she doesn’t want to be.” And heturned back and continued to work.

“You know what? She needs a man in her life. She said she never

had one, so I guess this is a good opportunity for you, Mr. Such-A-Waste.”

“Oh really, so what am I going to do, ask her out? What then?”

“Take her out for some ice skating, or go to the fair. You know

something fun you could do together.”

“Hmm, okay.” And for the rest of the day, we worked with the comic

book.

The next day, Robert insisted that I should take a rest, since I’ll be

meeting with my fiancé, Jake later on and finalize things for the weddingwhich will be held next week. Courtney will surely call me again tomorrow

and say she has another date with Joey… I guess I’m going to have to

prepare an argument with her regarding my own priorities and her own

problems. Did I mention that if I wouldn’t go on their dates, she would

replace me with another girl, so I’m doing all of this for the sake of being

together with Joey while I’m not yet married? Robert said he’s still working

on the second volume’s outline. We were still going to discuss about the

comic book’s printed output. But Robert wants to start making the outline

already, since we submitted the first volume to Black Orchard. By the

way, Joey once mentioned to me that his great aunt founded a publishing

company and handed it to his family when she died, although I forgot to

ask what the company’s name was. And I wonder what it would be like if

Joey were the owner of the Black Orchard. Hmm, I don’t know… I heard a

European-descent owned the Black Orchard.

I was just in the living room flipping through the channels in the

television and ended up watching MTV. The engagement ring Jake gave

glimmered when it was struck by the light. I stared at it for a second, and

then I went back to the TV. My mind was tore into half: the first half with

the romantic music video being played, and the other half was with the

dates I had with Joey while pretending to be Courtney. I don’t know when

their wedding is, but all I know is that Courtney’s allergies are getting

better, according to Tanya. I closed my eyes, feeling the wonderful slow

song that played on TV and thought about Joey. Joey. Joey. Joey. Joey.

Joey. Joey…..

3. Dilemma



Next day, Monday... I woke up by the ringing of my cell phone. It

was a call, so I answered it with a drowsy mood, if it’s Courtney I hope

she’ll think I’m sick (well I am when it comes to her!)

“Mmmm… hello?” I was still closing my eyes.

“Hello Ara, it’s me Tanya. You’re not sick right? Good, because if

you are, your fever would get worse when I tell you this…”“Come on Tanya… tell me, what is it anyway?”

“Erm… you’re working as a comic book writer, right?”

“Yes…”

“And you’re working in the Black Orchard – and you never even told

me!”

“Yes I am, and I’m really sorry; too preoccupied with replacing-

Courtney-and-dating-Joey.”

“Okay, so this coming Wednesday Joey asked Courtney out again.”

“Okay.”

“And at the same day, you’re meeting the family who owns theBlack Orchard together with your sweet cousin, Robert – and that’s a

really important thing for your job, right?”

“Err…. yeah?”

“…. And the founder of the Black Orchard is my dead great aunt

which she passed down the company to Joseph Brendon which is the

father of the man you love, Joey Brendon…” after she finished that

sentence, I felt the tremor in her voice as she said the two last words, and

it sent a shockwave all over my body. Oh. My. Gosh.

“Tanya... what are you trying to tell me?”

“Ara… you’re meeting my cousin Joey Brendon face-to-face as

Chiara Miller , and you have to pretend to be Courtney Paxton AT THE

SAME TIME!!!”

“WHAT?! B-but can I just pretend to be Courtney after our

meeting?” I tried to suggest.

“No! If Joey will call the real Courtney and ask where she is right

now, she’ll haunt both of us for the rest of our lives! Well, mainly you!!!”

“Crap! What if I’ll just have to pretend to be Courtney at first and

then when the meeting is about to start, I’ll pretend that I had an urgent

call and had to leave… and then, and then?

“And then, while you’re gone, you’ll change into your ‘Chiara Miller

clothes’ as quickly as possible and then go back to the meeting and give

some acceptable excuses like… traffic, anything like that!”

“You’re right! Nice thinking Tanya! Whew. Okay, relax… let’s both

relax Tanya. It’s going to be fine…” and so we both calmed down, I could

hear her breathing heavily through my cell phone. This situation was a

desperate one, but I can’t help smiling. It’s like the old days when Tanya



would ask me about any good strategy for escaping class officer’s

meetings and stuff.

“Sigh… Ara?”

“Yes Tanya?”

“Your wedding’s next week right?”

“Yes, yes it is.”“Should I let Joey know?”

“No thanks, I’ll find a way for him to know someday, just not now…”

“Okay, and advanced congratulations. Your fiancé’s name is Jake

right?”

“Thanks and how’d you know?”

“Robert told me… hehehe, such a sweet cousin of yours, he really

is.”

“You like him?”

“I think… he asked me if I were available tomorrow, and I said yes.

And he’s taking me to the cinema. Think I’ll do fine for him?”“Tanya, you’ll always be the best for any guy. Besides, you need a

guy for yourself, and he too needs a girl in his life. He never had one too,

so just go smoothly on him and he’ll try his best to be a perfect partner.”

“Thanks, Ara. Thanks for the advice….”

“Don’t mention it…”

4. Plan ruined Tuesday….no news about Courtney, worked with Robert the entire

day, talked with my mom about weddings and relationships, talked with

Jake on the phone for a little while…

Wednesday… today was the day of a total nightmare. This is it.

Tanya arrived in my house at ten o’clock in the morning. Ma went to the

market early, and Pa jogged to Jake’s house and maybe chatted a little

with his future son-in-law and his dad.

Before we left, I picked out a formal yet easy-to-wear-on clothes

and wore them; Tanya said she’ll be waiting in the nearest girl’s restroom

in B.O. so that she could help me change. I left a small note to my parents

and placed them on the fridge, saying: I’m out early to Robert’s place, I’ll

be riding with him going to B.O., wish us luck! Love, AraBut actually, we spent our time in the condominium Tanya just

recently bought. She had a few of her things in settled there already. I

called Robert and said that I told my parents I was coming to his place

when I bumped into Tanya and decided to stay with her instead. So we

waited until it was three o’clock and then we started my very last

transformation: Tanya lent me a simple and less-complicated dress, she



simply placed the wig without any pins or any style, and last she applied

light make-up so it would be easy to erase. Then we were off to Black

Orchard.

While we were on our way, I called Robert again and said that I

would be a little late because I had to go to the mall for an emergency,

and then I hung up before he could react. We arrived the same timeRobert did, but he didn’t notice me; he only kept waving at Tanya and

saying ‘hi’. We let Robert enter the building first, a few moments later we

followed. When we entered the lobby, a lot of people greeted us. I

recognized the group of girls who whispered when they first saw me and

my cousin, now they were greeting me like I was the President’s daughter.

Whatever, I’ll wait until they see the real Courtney. Tanya and I were

heading to the elevators, when it suddenly opened and to my horror, it

revealed Mr. and Mrs. Brendon.

I was horrified at the sight of them – not that they look horrible,

they were really good looking people, but they might just start a longconversation. As they went out, a crowd of tall men went along with them,

probably their escorts or bodyguards or whatsoever. They never noticed

us. Thank God!

And so Tanya and I directly went up to the fourth level where Mr.

Brendon’s assistant, Joey, Robert, and other people were waiting. Tanya

taught me where the nearest rest room was and I had to go to the

meeting room myself. When I entered, a lot of eyes were on me, Robert

was talking to Joey quietly. Joey saw me entering, his charming smile

stretched across his face. He came to me by the door and kissed my

cheek, and he gently held my hand and introduced me to the other people

in the room.

“Everyone this is my fiancée, Courtney Paxton and she’ll be joining

us today in this meeting.” Everyone clapped their hands; afterwards Joey

led me to a seat beside his. A few seconds after I sat, Mr. Brendon’s

assistant talked to Robert for a little while and then announced “Alright

everyone, sadly Ms. Chiara Miller couldn’t make it today. I think it’s best if

we start this meeting.”

What?! Robert, what did Robert say to him?!

“Joey, I’m so sorry, I just remembered something really urgent…” I

was about to stand when Joey held on my hands tighter, we looked at

each other and he just kept smiling. Joey let go! Robert’s trying to

monopolize the credit! I can’t believe I am betrayed by my own cousin! I

gave Joey a troubled expression but he just brushed away the hair that’s

covering my face and kept smiling. Joey wake up!!! My hands were

shaking, and Joey could obviously feel it. When I was about to force myself

away, he took my hand and kissed it gently, then he looked at me again



with the same smile. Oh Joey, Tanya was really right, you really are

pathetic…

Because of that frantic situation, I wasn’t aware that Robert was

already discussing about the comic book. I listened carefully if he were

making any mistakes until he finished. Thank goodness he didn’t. The

ones who had to keep talking were Robert and the Printing Press guy. Inoticed Mr. Brendon’s assistant paid more attention than Joey did,

especially when the discussion got boring.

“My dad owns this publishing company. And since he’s not here his

assistant has more burden than I do… for now.” Joey whispered quietly in

my ear.

5. Truth…. Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, RING!!! At last, this

meeting’s over. Hmm… I wonder what Tanya’s doing. Gosh, I have a lot of

explaining to do later. Everyone left the room, except me, Joey and

Robert.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Brendon, although, this meeting would’ve

been more interactive if my cousin were able to join us.” Robert said. Hah,

yeah right!

“Yes, I think it really would. By the way, just call me ‘Joey’.”

“Thanks again, Joey. I’ll see you on Friday, you too Ms. Paxton.”

Robert said with a mysterious look I have never seen him with.

“And Robs, may I have one more question?” Joey added.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Do you happen to know why Ara couldn’t make it today?” Oh no,

what’s Robert going to say. If he’ll say something terrible, I’ll truly curse

him for the rest of his existence.

“Well, all I know is that she’s with her wedding planner.” He was

lying! I never told him anything about a meeting today with my wedding

planner.

“Wha-I mean, why would she be with a wedding planner?” Joey

asked with a confused tone.

“Well, maybe she hasn’t told you anything yet; Ara’s getting

married next week.”“Re-really? To whom?” Joey asked as his hand held tighter onto

mine.

“To the son of her father’s best friend, at first I don’t agree a single

bit to that couple, but Ara says that she loves him. So I guess there’s

nothing I can do about it.” Oh Robert, what did you just do? I looked at

Joey, it was obvious he was trying to hide something – he was trying to



hide pain.

“You used to be close friends right? She told me everything about

you when you were still in France. Wow, it’s been so long since you last

seen her… well, anyway I’m sure she’ll be able to come to our next

meeting here in B.O. I have to go now, Joey, still have other things to do.

Bye and thanks again.” Robert left Joey standing speechless, with hishand entwined with mine.

“Joey… are you all right?” I tried to ask him. There was no response,

I reached up to brush his cheek, that’s when he woke up and looked at

me.

“Yeah… I’m fine. Want to go out for some fresh air?” Joey led me to

the roof deck, it was already five o’clock and there was only a little trace

of sun light. Joey stayed at the edge of the building, where his back would

face the setting sun. Whatever he was thinking about, I’m sure it’s

something related to me.

“Joey, is this ‘Chiara Miller’ a good friend of yours?” I asked with themost innocent tone I have, I stayed beside him and placed a hand on his

shoulder. His gray eyes were adrift, gazing at a far distance.

Suddenly he moved to face me and started to kiss me in the lips

without warning. I broke off successfully, though his hands were still

cupping my face.

“Sorry, I should’ve asked if it were okay to kiss you…” he whispered

while brushing away the strands of hair that invaded my face. “Yes,

Chiara was a really good friend of mine. And I haven’t seen her for nine

years, and now I just recently got the news that she’s getting married…

next week.” He said with a pained expression. He was shaking his head

vigorously and then he stopped to hug me. “But that doesn’t matter; now

that I have you Courtney I guess I don’t have to live alone for the rest of

my life.”

“Sigh, Joey you won’t. We are betrothed after all.” I comforted, and

he continued to kiss me. “I guess I haven’t told you I’ve always loved that

woman, Chiara. And if I had the freedom to choose my own bride, I’d

choose her.” He whispered gently, unaware about the shaking of my

hands. “I think it’s better if I tell you about this now; you are my future

wife right? So I guess you really have the right to know about my past...” I

couldn’t take it anymore; he’s supposed to be telling this to the real

Courtney, not me. So I broke off from his hug and walked away as fast as

possible.

“Courtney, where’re you going? I don’t love her anymore.” He said

as I walked faster while tears began to flow down from my eyes, “she’s

getting married next week. And we’re getting married soon. Come on

Courtney, please don’t leave.”



He was already behind me when I began to run. I felt his fingers

tangle in the wig, and in a swift movement I saw my mossy brown hair all

over my face. I stopped. I slowly turned back and saw the blond wig on

the ground. I can hear the way he’s breathing, like a prisoner finally free

from his cell and into the world. My eyes were still leaking with tears.

“Ara? It-it’s been you all along?!” he said when his face changedinto less shocked expression. He walked closer and I tried to step back.

With my hands and tears, I erased the light make-up on my face and

made sure my face was clean.

“Yeah… yeah, it’s me.” I managed to say, this time my body was

paralyzed, and Joey was a few inches in front of me.

“But – but how… why did you?”

“Look, I met Tanya in the park two weeks ago, and then the real

Courtney called her saying that she has allergies and she’s looking for

someone who can pretend to be her whenever you have dates, because

her allergies could last… almost lifetime! So I took this chance to be withyou – in order to have time to spend with you before I get married to

someone else. And yeah, it was me from your very first date until today. It

was always me!” I said quickly with a shaken voice. I can feel my heart

was beating so fast. I said in conclusion. “And today’s my last day. The

real Courtney’s getting well. You’ll probably meet her anytime next week.

Sorry Joey I have to go… my fiancé’s waiting.” And so I turned my back

again and walked away. Suddenly I could hear his footsteps rushing

behind me, and in a sudden movement I was already in his arms.

“Wait, please don’t go.” He begged. “You denied me once, but you

know you loved me…”

“Wait… how’d you know I loved you too?” I couldn’t understand at

first, after then I came to realize that this was the small detail that’s been

bugging me all along.

“You said you loved the boy who gave you those white roses and

ribbons. I was the boy remember?”

So that’s the detail; I was so filled with guilt that I forgot about it!

“You might think I’ve forgotten about you because you denied me, but no,

I didn’t. I forgave you from the very moment you said that you loved that

boy.”

“Joey… I’m getting married. I have to go.” I finally broke free and

ran as fast as I can. He wasn’t following me. I sensed there were eyes on

me when I was inside the building. I guess I heard Tanya and Robert

calling me, but I ignored them. I just kept running and running until I was

already outside Black Orchard’s building. I looked up to see a small figure

high above on the roof deck, and without wasting another second, I

continued to run.



book four:

Joey

1.StupidI watched Ara disappear into the door, with the wig under my shoes.

I stood there for a few minutes, and then I moved to the edge of the deck

and watched the people below. I noticed a small figure with a brown head

running away. It paused and looked up. It was Ara. After one short

moment, she continued to run away again.

I may be pathetic, but she’s stupid. Running away from me again…

but she’s getting married. She might be afraid to fall into a relationship

with me and fall deeper into it, and she could not longer marry this fiancéof hers.

It was getting dark, and I had to go home. So I let my driver drive,

or I might loose concentration and crash. When I arrived home, neither

mom and dad nor Tanya was there yet. So I waited in the terrace while

looking up to the night sky. No wonder I fell for the Courtney I was dating.

She was the woman I’ve always wanted to be with from the very

beginning. But she’s getting married to another man, and so the question

is: What would be the real Courtney be like? I’d take an advice from Tanya

when it comes to that. She is my future wife, and I should know how to

deal with her.Until finally, I saw Tanya’s car entering the gates. From afar, I can

see her tired expression. So maybe I can just talk to her tomorrow about

Ara. Mom and Dad arrived a few minutes later. But I didn’t feel like eating

dinner. I just wanted to fall asleep and get lost in dreaming, forever.

2. Turned away Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and

Wednesday; I had this fever. And I felt more sick when the real Courtney

Paxton called. Luckily my mom asked if she could just leave me alone and

rest, thank goodness. It was Wednesday noon when I finally got well, but I

never told anyone except Tanya. I called for her and this time we talked

about Ara.

“I’m really sorry, Joey. I told her its okay to act as Courtney, but she

really didn’t agree to that. She said if you guys fall for each other more,

she might disappoint her father. I think you know she has to marry that

Jake guy, that’s her fiancé’s name.” Tanya explained.



“But why didn’t you just tell me? At least our last date together

wouldn’t end up like that.”

“I’m really sorry – wait a minute, oh yeah, I haven’t told you about

the set up.”

“Set up? What are you talking about?”

“Our original plan was to let Ara go out of the room when themeeting was about to start and say she has to go, but while she’s gone,

she’s going to change back to herself and then attend the meeting.”

“I get it. But sorry, I didn’t want Courtney to leave so I kept holding

her hand ‘cause Robert said something about the comic that would surely

interest her. So I’m sorry if your plan didn’t go well. It’s still my fault.” I

felt guilty and angry to myself, if it weren’t for me, things wouldn’t have

been like that.

“No, come on you little pathetic softy. You did great; Robert and I

had a secret plot to this. I told him to say something that would make you

want Ara to never leave. And also tell you the marriage part, but I didn’texpect things would end up that way.”

“Sigh, that’s okay” I stayed still and silent for a while, but then the

word ‘marriage’ made me remember “By the way, isn’t Ara’s marriage

this week?”

“Hmm? Yup, it is… oh gosh! It is! It’s this Friday, only one day to go

and she’ll be a wife!”

“Crap! What’s she doing now?” I asked in rush, and Tanya replied

directly. “She’s busy, Joey. Probably in Wedding rehearsals or dress

rehearsals or going out with her future husband. She’s just not available

today.”

To my horror, I received a call from the real Courtney that

afternoon. She said she was coming to see if I was fine and talk until

dinner. Ugh, the nightmare. I got dressed quickly and waited outside until

she arrived. She was screaming when she jumped out of her car and ran

to me. She hugged me tightly and I nearly got suffocated. Tanya couldn’t

help sniggering, even dad. Mom gave me and the real Courtney some

time alone. I led her to the garden, while we walked I compared the real

Courtney Paxton to Ara who pretended to be Courtney Paxton: she was

too thin or she looks malnourished, her gait is similar to the cat walk but

she couldn’t do it the same way Tanya can… or she can’t do it at all, her

hair was wonderfully blond but she styles it in a very bizarre way (with

fake flowers all over it), I have a feeling everything she has in her closet

was pink, she pouts her lips when she isn’t talking, her eyes aren’t green –

they’re blue, she talks the way she always did when I called her, and she

talks like I’m five yards away. Face it Joey, this is your future wife, deal

with it -I mean her.



“Oh Joey, I was freaking and worried when your mommy told me

you were sick! Are you sure you aren’t sick right now?” says Courtney,

while she sat on the porch.

“Yes, I am, thanks for the concern Courtney.”

“Oh, come on darling, we are betrothed. We must look after each

other for the rest of our lives!”“Err… yeah, you’re right. And Courtney I have a question, have you

ever fallen in love with someone else when you were younger?”

“Erm… don’t remember; all I know is that there were lots of pretty

boys in my younger years. But then I found out there‘s something more

beautiful right now that I’m older. So, where do you want our wedding to

be held? Here in your garden, or in my garden, or maybe by the beach, or

in the park, or just in the church? What do you think? Tell me!”

“No where.”

“What?! What do you mean? You want it in a sky scraper?”

“No, I meant our wedding wouldn’t be held anywhere.”“What?.... what?!....WHAT?! WHY?!”

“I can’t marry you, Courtney. Sorry, I love someone else. And I don’t

want to waste the rest of my life with someone I can’t love. I’m really

sorry.”

“…HMPH! Fine!” then she turned away; mom’s gonna kill me. But

that doesn’t matter; the main thing right now is my parents. I’m sure they

saw Courtney acting like that – they’ll kill me. But still I went inside the

house, I passed by my mother, but I ignored her and locked myself in my

room. I opened that old box with the keychain and the white ribbon and

rose-petals.

I spent the rest of the afternoon in my room. I never came out, even

for dinner. I was avoiding either of my parents. Tanya left the house after

Courtney arrived. So I was just on my own for that time. Then I fell asleep

at last.

3. FreedomI was the earliest to wake up. I sneaked into the kitchen and made

breakfast for myself and some for my family. I made sandwiches, some

eggs, chicken strips, and iced tea. I placed them on the kitchen table. Ihope my parents would understand it’s my ‘apology gift’ to them. I took a

sandwich and ate it when I was in the garden. I sat on the porch, beside

the spot where Courtney sat yesterday. Mom’s going to kill me. But it’s

okay; I’ll make her understand me this time. I’ll make her listen. I’m going

to talk to her today.

“Ahem.” I heard someone say behind me. I looked up and was



shocked to see my mother. “Well, I’m not happy with what you did to

Courtney yesterday.” She sat beside me “but I’m not saying that I’m

disappointed. Actually, I’d rather have you looking for a good bride-to-be

for yourself, rather than let her be your wife. Anyway, no one wants to

marry a person who he or she can’t live with.”

“Mom… I was wondering why you really want our family fame tobounce back. When our family is already known?”

“Sigh, my dear son, since you graduated from college and started

to work with us while we were still in France, our family has already

bounced back. And I just wanted you to keep up the good job. That’s all.”

She was looking at a far distance as I continued to ask.

“So, about this arranged marriage thing… do I really have to do it?”

“Joey, I have to tell you something: the reason why I was married to

your father… was because of me. I was the one who begged to my

parents to choose him as my future husband. I loved him, but he doesn’t

know that it’s real… but then we had a son – we had you, and I guess thatwas when he learned to accept my love.” She was smiling dreamily for the

very first time. “And you know what, son? It’s your father’s family

tradition, not mine’s. And to me it seems unfair for you to marry someone

you have no feelings for. So what do you say? You want to choose your

own bride, am I right?”

“Yes, from the very start I’ve always wanted to. But its okay mom,

we can just find another woman I can marry someday.”

“Why? Son, tell me.”

“Well, tomorrow, the only person I love is giving herself to guy she

has to marry for the sake of their father’s happiness. I only have this day

to meet her, but I’m guessing she wouldn’t be available anymore.”

“I’m sorry, Joey… but, love is never too late. Although, you are far

apart from that woman, love will always keep your hearts close. And

someday you’ll realize, seeing her happy and alive is the only thing that

matters.” Mom gave me hug, and I can’t help hugging her back.

“Thanks mom, thanks a lot.”

“Hey, this seems to be a very personal moment. Sorry to disturb.”

Mom and I looked up and saw dad together with Tanya. “We just wanted

to see the person who made the sandwiches; they taste really good.”

“Pure genius, you rock at this Joey!” Tanya commented after

swallowing half of the sandwich.

And so the four of us went back to the house and consumed the

food I made. Three hours after that I took a shower and changed into

some clothes. Mom and dad insisted that I wouldn’t work for today and for

tomorrow. So I decided to go with Tanya today to the mall and see what’s

new.



We were in the mall, Tanya and I never separated. We entered

some fashion stores for both men and women, we explored a pet shop,

explored some other bookstores and more. But then something came up,

and Tanya had to leave for a while. She told me to wait here in the mall

until she gets back.

I remained in a coffee shop then. I didn’t feel like strolling around bymyself. It’s been thirty minutes since I sat here. I was already in the verge

of leaving until an old man came near me.

“Heya son! I see you got back from France already, eh?” he said. It

felt awkward talking to him, but he was pretty familiar.

“Don’t remember? My, my… I supposed you don’t remember the

old man who visited you every Sunday and bring your favorite ice

cream?” Memories begin to flash in my mind I was in a short meditation

when I finally remembered.

4. One more help“Uncle Cal?” I said.

“Finally my boy!” we gave each other a big hug. “Man, you’ve

gotten really tall, I told you playing basketball could help a man grow.” I

couldn’t help laughing at his comment. Uncle Cal was my dad’s cousin.

He’s been living here in Toronto and never gave signs of interest in

moving elsewhere. Well, this is his home. He was always good to us,

especially towards me and Tanya. Everyone knows because of that big

diamond-shaped crest he wears anytime and anywhere.

We sat again and began talking about the past few years. He knew

about me being into an arranged marriage, but I told him it was all over.

He gave a smile.

“Well a man can’t live if he ain’t free. So, what’re your plans right

now, Joey?”

I didn’t know what to answer. I just said “Um… I’m not sure. I guess

I can help dad establish that new project in Ger-“

“Ah, ah, ah, ah!” he interrupted. His eyes were deep and obviously

trying to process something. “Tell me my boy, is someone getting married

tomorrow?”

That was it. I desperate to change the subject, but I couldn’t findthe right words to say. If only Tanya would arrive. “Ahhh, I see.” He just

said. “I guess you’ve heard the news that your old friend’s getting married

tomorrow, eh?... Chiara, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Yeah, Chiara Miller; actually I just learned that last week and I still

couldn’t get a hold if it yet. Look, uncle, I just don’t know what to do

especially when she’s married to some guy I don’t even know.” Both of us



were silent then. I noticed Uncle Cal was looking at a poster by the wall –

it showed different kinds of fruit shakes, and the background was some

sort of a park.

“Joey, tell me everything about her. Start from the very begging

until the last time you’ve met… come on, don’t be shy now.”

For the rest of the afternoon, I told him everything – about myyoung days before graduating Elementary, how we met with Ara, and

other things about me and her. When I finished, he was staring at the

same poster. I ordered a mango shake for him, the same one in the poster

he was staring at. When the waitress left the table, he said “Joey, giving

up the person you love doesn’t mean you failed – it means you learned to

let go, knowing that you will always love her.” He said intensely, I felt like

crying but if I do, he might force me to go boxing. “Don’t you ever mourn

on that, Joey! You don’t need to be together, what really matter is that

you love each other… No matter how far apart you are, love will always

keep your hearts close.”I directly swallowed his advice and thank him. His face was still

deep and sincere, but then it lit up and he directly said “By the way, I’m

selling some of my properties here in Toronto. Wanna have one? Don’t

worry I’ll give it to you for free.”



book five:

Ara

1. Wedding dayI didn’t want to wake up.

I didn’t like daisies for the floral designs. I didn’t like the theme color,

yellow… more like neon yellow. I didn’t like the venue for the reception. Ididn’t like the idea about the honeymoon. I didn’t like my future husband’s

relatives. I didn’t love my future husband. I never wanted to get married to

someone I just don’t love. Alas, who couldn’t wake up by a loud wake up call

from your very own mother?

I wasn’t aware of the things that were happening that morning. I was

still and silent like everything was completely normal. But I knew there wasn’t

anything normal about this day – today is the day that I would give my heart

to someone who’s not the rightful owner.

The ceremony was scheduled in the afternoon, while everyone rushed

around I was lifeless. I wanted to break away. I had the strength, I had theguts, I had the right – but I had no courage to disappoint everyone. I didn’t

want to continue the rest of the day, but I don’t want to put an end to my

life, not yet though.

I was strolling around the house when I caught a glimpse of my dad

in the garage. He was looking down at my old, battered bike. His eyes

were on them, but his mind was somewhere else. That was when my mom

came and gave him a hug. Things were getting a little fishy, so I crept

behind the car and listened.

2. Dad’s mistake“Sweetheart” my mom began, “it’s your daughter’s wedding day.

You’re supposed to be at Jake’s house helping the boy.”

Dad was deep in his thoughts. In a few seconds, he replied

“Maybe… maybe I should’ve told all of you about Jake.” His voice was

deep with despair. “Two days ago… I decided to drop by and give a little

surprise. When I was in the front steps, I heard Jake’s dad, Dave bellowing

at him and smashing some things; I came to realize that they were both

arguing.

I was about to leave until I heard my best friend say ‘How dare you

make that woman pregnant, you’re getting married in two days! Don’t you realize how much conflict this could cause?!’” then I heard Jake’s

voice “Look Dad, I’m really sorry. But I already told you about this a long

time ago: I love that woman, and I don’t want to get married to Ara

Miller!” I was struck by what he said… so I decided to listen a little more.

Dave bellowed again “ Jake, for once in your life can you do something for

me that would, for once, make me proud of you-“ Jake cut off and said



“Dad… my entire life, I’ve been doing everything just to please you! From

earning the highest awards in school to striving to become the team’s

Football Captain and be the school’s most popular guy around. Every

single bloody sweat was for you, but still none of them was enough –

NONE!” there was a slight pause and Jake continued “ And Dad… you

don’t know how eager I was to marry Ara just to please you. But something inside just tells me… that that wasn’t fair… at all. I’ve been

sacrifice so much, and now I have to sacrifice something even bigger.

Dad, you know everyone deserves to have their true love. And even if this

disappoints you again, I will not marry Chiara Miller. But I promise… one

day I’ll make you proud of me…” and so I left. I didn’t want to hear more

from their conversation.”

Mom stood beside him – she was reading him. She started “So

you’re telling me that our daughter feels the same way Jake does and that

she too deserves to have her true love, right?” my mother was

unbelievably accurate, it was clear in dad’s face. He was hesitating.“I just wanted our daughter to be happy too… I knew she was

lonely. Ever since that good friend of hers left to Europe, she never talked

about love or dating. But I’m not saying I wanted her to date that early;

you know she had a lot of boys lining up just to get a chance to ask her

out, but I just don’t want our daughter to end up single and lonely… y-you

know what I mean!”

My mom chuckled. She knew. “Sigh... sweetheart, our daughter’s

unpredictable. When she was in High school, she was eager to be a

photographer. But look at her now: a comic-book artist. And she’s doing

really great than newly hired artists usually do. You never know… she

might be behind the car hiding and listening to our conversation right

now…”

I was lucky to be able to sneak out before they peaked behind the

car.

3. JakeHearing my parent’s conversation gave me a little hope. I finally

looked less pale than I did a few hours ago. Poor Jake, I wonder how he’s

dealing with himself today. I called him to make sure he was still alive,somehow.

“Hello?” I heard him say.

“Hey… it’s me, Ara.”

“Oh, hey! So… how’re you doing?”

“I’m feeling… great, Jake. What about you?”

“Erm… same here. Dad’s getting a little too anxious for this



afternoon.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah. Hey, you sure you’re feeling well? You don’t sound so

good…”

“Yeah, I’m fine as always. I’m just a little… nervous for the dress

later.”“Oh don’t worry about that, Ara. You looked like a goddess when

you first wore that dress. I wonder what you’d look like with make up and

stuff…”

“Come on Jake. Make up isn’t much of a big deal, it’s just a little…

enhancement.”

“Hahaha. Fine then… I’ll see you later, Ara.”

“Yeah… I’ll see you too, Jake…”

“…. Bye.”

“Good-bye…”

He hung up. We were getting married in a few hours, and still wenever said ‘I love you’ to each other. And then I remembered Joey.

Oh, Joey. If things ended up differently, I guess I wouldn’t feel as

down as I am right now. And with the thought of Joey, that small piece of

hope disappeared.

4. Last-minute relief It was two in the afternoon; everybody was getting ready. I was

getting dressed in my parents’ bedroom, since my room was too small.

Even if I was in that room, I could feel the excitement and tension that

everyone was feeling outside, although I couldn’t relate to what they

feeling or thinking.

I sat at the edge of the bed, facing a big mirror. I wore a bathrobe,

and I noticed my skin got a little pale since a while ago. I could see a part

of that wedding dress I was about to wear that was being fixed by some

stylists. I buried my face into my hands. I tried to think I was marrying

Joey…… but he was getting married to Courtney. Darn it! I just don’t know

what to do!

“I see the bride’s not satisfied with her own natural beauty.” A

familiar voice said. I looked up to see who. She was the make up artistand the hair stylist and all… but then I stared into her face, and I felt color

was returning to my skin.

“TANYA!” I jumped and hugged her.

“Oh Honey… I’m so sorry about last week.” She whispered. “Joey

would’ve followed you while he still can, but then he got really sick and he

couldn’t even work.” She looked me in the eyes. “He’s feeling great



already, although he’s somewhere out there doing some business with our

uncle. I’m so sorry, Ara.”

“Oh, that‘s all right Tanya.” I said, tears flowing down to my cheeks.

“It’d only hurt me to see him again… in my wedding day…” I continued to

sob.

“Oh come on. We need to get you ready. Don’t worry; I know justthe right thing for you.”

A few minutes later, we were both seated while facing each other.

Tanya applied light make-up. Then she began with my hair – she styled it

into a loose but neat bun. A few minutes after a small pictorial, I got

dressed into my wedding gown. It was a tube (which is why I disliked it),

the rest of the dress was made of petticoats and white silk with a few

complicating details. Afterwards, Tanya placed the veil and added a few

accessories. I couldn’t speak when I saw myself in the mirror. Was it still

me? Well yes of course…

But in a few hours, I would no longer be Chiara Miller…

5. My little wedding sceneI watched the same old buildings as the car drove out.

Before I went in the car, I remember seeing dad looking at me –

both downcast and proud. I gave him smile and went in. Mom saw it; I

guess she understood. And as the car went on, I couldn’t keep my eyes off

my parents. I don’t know why, but this is like the part where children

break free from their parents. Although mine’s was different: I didn’t want

to break free, not because I was still dependent, but because I never

really chose to.

We passed by the old park where we used to have a picnic.

Unfortunately, the park was sold to an unknown man. Right now, some

workers are working up on something with the place. This made me blue.

No more days of being single – even the biggest momentum of my single

days has been taken away. But I have no other choice to make. Joey. If

only Joey was here. What would he do? My old best friend…

I remember how I wanted to melt into my knees when I saw him in

that restaurant after nine long years. He was a beautiful picture. That

cute, playful, and independent little boy has grown into a handsome,sweet, and responsible man. I wished we grew up together; I wanted to

see how he morphed into such a beautiful man. But seeing him into

something really tall and different after nine years was like witnessing the

most breathtaking magic a magician performed after a very long and

exasperating wait. It was worth it – it was worth all of this, somehow…

We were nearing the church and I wasn’t excited to see that



place……… until we finally arrived, I draw some deep breaths. They were

starting, and in a few minutes I had to come and out and march down the

isle. This is it.

**********

I wasn’t paying attention to whatever the speaker was saying. I was

drowned in my own thoughts, but I was aware of the world surroundingme. I felt my father beside me, and my mom in the other side. The crowd

stood up and turned their heads to face us. We started to walk. The choir

started to sing, everyone was staring at me and I felt all the colors

draining out of my face as we neared to the altar.

I saw Jake and his dad; but his head was turned to my direction but

his eyes were on someone else. I noticed he was staring dreamily and

hopelessly to a blond-haired woman sitting at the very edge of a bench.

She turned her head to me with teary eyes. She was so beautiful, but her

face looked forlorn and stressed out – like she was pregnant… and as I

came closer to Jake, I realized that that was the woman carrying his child.And so, my parents handed me to Jake. I shook hands with his

father, and that was the time I noticed the Best Man, Robert. He gave a

faint smile and a small nod. I smiled back and continued to the altar with

Jake. Jake was being gentle but troubled deep inside – kneeling down in

front of the priest by his side while his real lover watched with hidden-

agony. When the priest started, I heard a despairing sob that bothered

me. The sob was like of a young woman being abandoned by his husband

without a single penny to raise her child.

I knew who, and I can’t stand it any longer. The priest went on with

the ceremony, and so as the blond woman’s sobs. It was the only thing I

could hear and the only thing that’s been pushing me to stop the

wedding. Beside me, Jake was closing his eyes while muttering a prayer

without a sound. I tried to read his lips: “Please… please… please…” were

the only coherent words I could make out. He continued muttering and

muttering until he raised his head a little higher and whispered: “Lord,

everyone deserves to be with the one they truly love… despite all the sins

that we have committed, I know You have always fated me and Diana to

be together…” that was it. I shut my eyes and waited for something to

happen. Nothing. And so I was already whispering a prayer “Lord please,

one more chance to be free and happy…” and then I opened my eyes.

“Wai-WAIT!” I interrupted. I paused as I waited for the echo of my

voice to fade away. That was when I stood up. All eyes were on me; my

cheeks were flushing red, luckily the veil was concealing my face. Jake

stood up in confusion, he stared at me and asked in “Ara, what’re you

doing?” I pulled up the veil to reveal my face, and showed a faint smile. I

took out the engagement ring from my finger and held it in front of his



face.

“Wait a minute… you brought that?” he asked in amusement.

“Yeah, I just felt like it… Take it Jake.”

“But why?”

“… Everyone deserves to be with the person they truly love…

despite all the sins that we’ve committed… we are destined for oneperson.” I placed the ring in his hands. And I gave way to Jake and to the

blond woman named Diana. Slowly, a smile stretched in her face, and all

the sadness and stress was gone. She looked young and vibrant.

“That’s right my dear, BE FREE!” an old man seated near the last

row of benches cried out. “Run free my dear! THE POWER OF LOVE

CONGQUERS ALL!” I glanced at my parents; neither of them was taken

aback or was disapproving. I breathed deeply with a smile and took off my

veil and ran. I ran past Jake and Diana wrapped with each other’s arms, I

ran past my parents, I ran past Robert, I ran past everyone including the

old man who just cried. I noticed he wore this eccentric, oversized,diamond-shaped crest around his neck.

Finally, I was outside the church.

I breathed. I was free… but I had no where to go.

No, I thought to myself, I’ll go to my old sanctuary for the last time.

6. Joey and IBy this time, the lamps were lit – lamps beside benches, bushes and

the ones by the lake. But tonight was different: the park was being lit by

golden lights that hung everywhere at the top of the trees; the kind of

lights that looked like fireflies and the ones that you see in romantic

movies. The park looked so romantic.

“That was a brave speech you did a while ago.” A voice said behind

me. “You really are stupid, Ara.”

I turned to see beautiful grey eyes looking straight at me. I wanted

to melt. “But at least I’m not pathetic like you, Joey.”

Joey smiled with his hands in his pocket. He wore a white, long-

sleeved polo that reached to his elbows and pure black pants with

matching shoes. He was charming and dreamy is ever.

He was staring at my face and looked down to my shoes. I followedhim and saw that I was still wearing my wedding dress.

“You’re so beautiful…” he said.

“Thank you… and y-you look good.” Was all I can say.

He turned his head to another direction; I followed him and saw the

tree nearest to the lake. I heard him chuckle.

“Old memories.” He said, and there was a short silence.



“Yeah... it’s kinda funny for two old best friends to meet again like

this… you know. When one of them just ran away from her wedding and

the other one just… walked around without anything to do.”

“Haha. I wasn’t walking around without anything to do; I followed

you from the church.”

“W-what?” no wonder he knew about that little scene in the church.“I’ve been in this park before I saw a white car going to the church.

Well, I think you weren’t aware that your wedding was the talk of the

town, and the people I was with knew about it.” I remembered seeing a

group of people working in this park just a while ago.

“People you were with? Hold on a second, what were you just doing

in this park?”

He lifted his head to look at me straight in the eye “I bought the

park, Ara.”

“You… bought… the park?”

“Well, not exactly. My uncle sold it to me with a big discount since…since someone important to me is getting married.”

I wanted to say something. I was so touched and moonstricken by

what he said. That was when we decided to go for a little walk. I

untangled my hair from the bun and let it flow down. My hair was slightly

wavy, but it looked better with the dress. Joey and I were walking side by

side, only a few centimeters from other. Just then he held my hand.

His fingers entwining with mine felt like strong menthol spreading

from the tips of my fingers to the rest of my body. He moved closer until I

could feel his skin below his sleeves and he said. “So, what’re your plans

now?”

“I don’t know… what do you think when someone’s holding my

hand this way?”

“Erm… chop off my hand? Break my arm? Throw me to the lake? Or

just simply run?”

“Hahaha, run without breaking free from you?”

“Hmmm… that’s fine with me.” He smiled again.

“… seriously, I know what you really meant.”

“… so what is it that you’re really planning to do now?”

I looked at our hands, gently holding each other. Why couldn’t I just

answer his question in words when I can already see the answer with my

bare eyes?

“I just… do I really have to answer that question? I guess I’m the

one who should ask that…”

“Well for my part… my wedding with Courtney was canceled and

would never be brought up again. And well… that was the only bulwark to

my satisfaction in life. So that’s it – I’m free.”



“Really?”

“Yes… so, your turn again.”

We stopped in front of a circular terrace that overlooked the lake.

Its pillars had the same lights as the ones on the trees. Across the lake,

the city lights reflected on the water. There was a wide view of the sky,

and the stars were twinkling brightly.“You didn’t build this terrace just a while ago, didn’t you?” I asked

Joey.

“No, of course not, it was my uncle. He started building this last

month and finished it a few weeks ago. He hired professionals to build this

so it didn’t really take that long.”

We climbed the stairs, and now the terrace felt like a stage.

“I’m going back to Europe.”

Suddenly the romantic aura broke. I looked at him and needn’t to

say anything.

“I’m not getting married anymore, Ara.” He said, with eyes deepand sincere. “Mom says it’s better if I go back and handle our businesses

there, now that my parents don’t have other priorities that they can’t

handle by themselves.” He reached out his hand and ran down his thumb

from my temple down to my cheeks. “But if I find if I find an exception…

even if it’s not related to work, I’m sure they’ll consider it.” Despite the

bad news, the all the romance sprung to life by the touch of his hand.

I gulped. But I didn’t blush or have any shock waves within my body

– I guess I’m used to Joey’s aura. Still, I loved the feeling. “So tell me:

what are your plans now?” and I waited. He didn’t say anything. He

leaned forward to kiss me. My hands were shaking by that sudden action,

but I was able to stop it when I decided to kiss him back.

He broke off and let his forehead rest on mine. He whispered “I just

want to be with you, that’s all.”

I smiled and gave a little laugh. I felt a strong relief and bliss that

exploded within me. “For nine long years… I never realized that I wanted

to hear that from you.”

He also smiled and laughed a bit. He took something from his

pocket with his free hand. He held out my old guinea pig keychain. I

laughed a little louder.

“I see you brought that.” And from somewhere hidden underneath

the layers of my skirt, I took out a mummy keychain. He was amazed and

asked “Okay, first you brought out your engagement ring, and now you

brought out that old keychain. How many more knickknacks do you have

under the layers of your skirt?”

“Oh come on! I just felt like bringing this keychain because I didn’t

wan to let go of my childhood days with you.” And then we were silent.



“Ara, what if you married me?” he asked, but I wasn’t shocked. I simply

said “Give it a rest for a little while, Joey. Both of us recently escaped from

our own arranged marriage.” We laughed together.

“I love you, Ara.”

“I love you too, Joey.”

He wrapped me with his arms and brought me closer. I wrapped myarms around his neck and we were kissing again.

Whispering a Prayer - One More Chance

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