deathless (chapter ten)

Caleb arrived at the venue almost an hour late. He had a hard time of convincing Fiona and Leonard to accompany him. All the success he had came from Leonard. Better to have him than have no one. Because he was late, he wasn’t able to see Laverne in her grand entrance. He was already in the party for two hours but still, he hadn’t seen even the shadow of the celebrant. Is this how hard she is to get? He didn’t intend to stay until the end of the party. He knew that somehow there would be people who would recognize him, and he doesn’t want to answer any questions concerning the issues about his family. All he needs to do is to find Mr. and Mrs. Beaufort and apologize, on behalf of his mother, why she couldn’t come. Then, he would go and talk to Laverne, if he ever finds her. Am I in love with her? No, that’s impossible. He doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Besides, he was just challenged. Never has there been a girl who had treated him like she did the time they met at the park. I’ll just make sure that I’ll have her wrapped around my finger. After that, done. The feeling would be satisfactory. Imagine, I made the youngest daughter of the mysterious Beaufort family cry.

Yet, his way to the success of his plan wasn’t easy. As he expected, there are people who recognized him. In fact, there were a lot of them and they were all bombarding him with questions about his family. This made it hard for him to approach the Beaufort couple when he saw them pass by. It also made it harder for him to look for Laverne. As the party continues on, his hope of seeing her and talking to her started to fail. At the same time, he couldn’t stand the busybodies who don’t seem to stop asking him questions. Soon, he decided to leave.

But where is Leonard? Caleb proceeded to a part of the garden which was beyond the party premises. He never thought the Beaufort’s has a garden this big, and he literally mean big. As he was walking on, he noticed a movement in the corner of his eyes. When he looked to his left, he saw a woman with her back at him, looking up at the night sky.

For the last time this evening, Laverne changed her gown. This time it was a black and white gown with a big flowing skirt. This only means that the party is about to end. Finally. Right now, all she wanted to do is to lock herself up in her room. She already had too much. She felt like she’s suffocating whenever she’s in the middle of the crowd. Some way or another, she was able to sneak out away from her parents for a couple of minutes to have a breather. But since that Mitchell was introduced to her, he had been accompanying her wherever she went. He wasn’t that bad actually. He’s such a gentleman and he knows how to start a conversation, by which she soon found out that he’s pretty smart. However, that is not what she needs right now. She tried to be friendly and accommodating to him, yet she’s not in the mood for fancy conversations, learning that this guy has interest on her. No need to bother whether it was sincere or it’s all because of their families. Whatever. She won’t be thinking about it for now.

After she had dressed, she told Deborah that she would just go out for a while to take a deep breath. She never mentioned where exactly she would go for she, herself, doesn’t know. She first decided to stay in the library for a while but as she was heading there, she happened to look out the window and saw, for the first time that night, that the moon was full and the sky is flooded with stars. Though she’s a few more steps away from the library, she suddenly changed her mind.

Now, she’s out in the non-party premise of the garden where a beautiful gazebo, her favorite among all others, was located. She just stood there, letting the moon envelope her with its dim light. She was looking up at the stars, admiring their sparkling beauty, when…

“Excuse me,” it was a man’s voice. Laverne first thought that Mitchell had found her and is now invading her private moment. The thought irritated her but she tried to calm herself, manage to put a smile on her face, before facing him.

“Hi,” she had already blurted out before she realized that she was wrong. No Mitchell is standing in front of her. It was Caleb.

Caleb, on the other hand, was stupefied. Seeing Laverne, all dressed up like a princess, standing under the gazebo with the moonlight serving as the only thing that illuminated her, he almost forgot to breathe. She was such a spectacle and right at that moment, Caleb wanted to believe that there is such a thing as love at first sight. But this isn’t my first sight of her. He suddenly forgot his plan of wrapping her around his finger and instead, he wanted to wrap her in his arms. And whisper to her that I love her.

“What are you doing here?” Laverne was trying to control her surprise. Now, he knows who I am. I never thought that my little game with him would end this soon.

“Uhmm…” Caleb was trying so hard to speak straight and calmly. “My mom received an invitation but she couldn’t come because she has a lot to do in New York. So, she sent me-”

“Wait. You got me wrong. You have the right to be in this party. You’re a member of Portugal’s royal family. But that doesn’t mean you can come into this place. This is beyond party premises. This place is private and guests are not allowed in here. So, what are you doing here?”

“I was looking for my cousin and I happened to wander into this place,” And found an angel instead.

“Well, you will never find your cousin here. If you want, young princey, describe your cousin to me and I will tell the security to look for him. If you’re going to look for him alone, you might as well look for a grain of rice in a bucket of sand.”

“No need. I would just call him in his cell phone. Thank you.”
“Suit yourself.”

“Anyway, since I’m already here, I would like to greet you a happy birthday, Miss Laverne Gwendolyn Daniels Beaufort. I wish that you would have more birthdays to come.”

I’ll assure you right at this moment, that even before you had wished me more birthdays, it has already come to pass. “So, it seems you already know who I am. I bet you hadn’t had a hard time looking me up.”

“As a matter of fact, yes, I didn’t. Taken into consideration that today is your birthday, my cousin knows your whole name and the Internet is just a click away. But I hope you wouldn’t mind if I ask you, what is the birthday celebrant doing here? This is your party. Shouldn’t you be out there and enjoying it?”

“Who told you that I’m enjoying this party? I would rather choose to be in Thailand or Brazil right now and celebrating alone.”

“Oh… I’m sorry. I always thought that girls love to have parties like this.”

“Well, you should understand that not all girls are the same.”

I understood that since I met an extraordinary girl like you.

“Still, you should be thankful of what you have. There are a lot of people out there wishing that they are in your shoes.”

“People should be careful of what they wish for, because they might get more than what they have bargained. I should get going. They might already be looking for me. Good luck in your search for your cousin. And, if I were you, I’ll get out of this garden before the security sees you.” As Laverne was walking away, she looked back to Caleb and said, “Thank you for coming.” Not only to my party, but also to my life.

deathless (chapter nine)

The moment Laverne has been dreading had finally arrived. The party is to start exactly at seven in the evening. It’s still fifty-five minutes away but Laverne is all set. At least, her outward appearance is. She’s wearing the rose-colored long gown, one of her three gowns for the evening, especially designed and made by one of Europe’s best designers, Antonia Villars. She’s sitting in front of her superbly sophisticated dresser, while staring deeply at her reflection on the mirror. I thought scenarios like this only happen in the movies. Now, it is for real and she is the main character. In just a few more minutes, she will be presented to the guests that are already arriving and filling the grand garden of the Beaufort mansion. How many of them knows that the celebrant is actually an immortal and that parties like these are such a waste if there would be another lifetime waiting for me? She suddenly wondered.

Immortals should not be allowed to celebrate their birthdays. It doesn’t matter if they age. They would be born and live once again after two generations. What is the essence of birthdays to them? We celebrate our birthdays because it is the time we look back on the day we are born and be grateful that we were given the chance to live on earth. And that is because we know that we would never be given another chance to live. That also makes up the essence of life. You start to value the people, the experiences, the feelings you have while you’re still alive, for you will never have it again. Never. Does this essence still live in the hearts of immortals? Or do they even value their life, the current life they have?

Laverne suddenly saw her mother’s reflection beside her. She was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice her mother come in her room.

“You look so beautiful tonight, sweetie. More beautiful,” said her mother, smiling.

“You think so? I’m worried that the gown’s shade is too dark than I said it should be.”

“It’s fine, sweetie. You don’t have to worry about it. Any shade fits you. Are you ready?”

“Is it time?”

“Yes, it is. And the guests are waiting for you.”

Laverne took a deep breath before she stood up. She took her mother’s arms as they walk out her room. At the bottom of the magnificent stairs, her father was already waiting.

She never imagined her parents invited these many people. Most of them, she doesn’t know who or from where. In fact, she could count in her fingers the people she personally knew. So, for the most part of the party, it was all introductions to the different guests which really gave her a migraine. Deborah slipped an ibuprofen in her fingers and secretly drank it, just to keep her going for the rest of the party.

When she thought the introductions were all over, her parents took her arms and led her to a table which was obviously larger than the others. The occupants were all looking up to her as they were approaching.

“Now, it’s time to introduce you to another immortal family,” her father gently whispered to her.

That means, in all those people they have introduced to me so far, not one of them is immortal. How much longer is this going to last? Laverne asked herself but still managed to keep a smile on her face as they finally approached the table.

“Laverne,” her father started. “This is the Van Burkenne family of Germany.”

She gave them a slight bow. “A pleasure to meet all of you.”

“And this is their son, Mitchell.”

A young man, who is six feet and two inches in height with a quite muscular body, stood up, took her right hand and kissed it. Laverne smiled and blushed, but not because of the young German’s action, but because he reminded her of another man who is about an inch or two taller than him and almost as athletic as his body is. Caleb.

deathless (chapter eight)

Caleb was sitting on a couch in his room. He was in deep thought. No, not about the controversies his family are facing. He already had enough of that. He was thinking of that “Beaufort’s daughter”. Caleb couldn’t help smiling at the thought of her. He’s thinking of his next move. Obviously, from their first conversation, simple pick-up lines aren’t successful. He needs to be smarter than the first time. But would there be a another time around? That’s the biggest question that only time could answer. What if I don’t get another chance to see her again? Even if I come over to Fiona’s school everyday, there is no assurance that I would see her. Didn’t Fiona say that even she couldn’t point me to her? That means, she’s one girl who never achieved her popularity because she’s a friend of everyone. Caleb was already giving up when all of a sudden his cell phone rang.

“Where is that thing?” Its been ringing for seconds now but he still could not find it. He laughed at himself when he realized that it was on the couch he’s sitting on all that time. Nonetheless, his laughter was blown away when he saw that it was his mom who’s calling.

“Hi, Mom,” he said coldly.

“Hi, Caleb. Are you busy?” his mom asked.

“Nope. Why? Should I?”

“Not that I know of. Anyway, how are you?”

“I’m doing alright. I never realized that Switzerland is a very beautiful country to live in. I should have known earlier so I could have moved here before…” He dared not to continue.

“I’m glad you’re liking Swiss. I assume that you’re adjusting fairly well. By the way, I called because I want you to do something important. I know I am really, really late in telling you this and I’m sorry. I should have called you the moment I received the invitation.”

“What is it about?”

“I want you to attend a very special occasion tonight and be my official representative. I have a lot to do here in New York that is why I couldn’t come over.”

“What occasion is it?” Irritation is quite obvious in Caleb’s voice. The occasion is tonight and she just told me now. What does she expect I could do?

“It’s just a birthday party. For the youngest daughter of the Beaufort’s. Have you heard of her?”

Caleb’s eyes grew wide with excitement, his irritation suddenly gone. “Yes, I’ve heard of her and the party tonight. So, you want me to represent you?”

“Yes please, darling. I don’t want the Beaufort’s to think that I am turning their invitation down. Just send them my apologies of not coming. You can take care of yourself, hmm?”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I know what to do. I have been to parties of much bigger personalities than this.”

“That’s my boy. And before I forget, I just talked to your grandparents, I mean, the Duke and Duchess, yesterday.”

“Really? Why? What’s up?”

“I was telling them that you should get settled in your own house there in Switzerland. You now I don’t want you `renting` quarters in my brother’s mansion.”

“What did they say about it?”

“They said no. I guess they didn’t send you there to get settled in. They still want you back in Portugal.”

“I’ve been expecting that.”

“And I hope you’re also preparing yourself. Now, don’t get too comfortable there in Switzerland and don’t make the girls fall in love with you, so that when it is time for you to leave, there wouldn’t be broken hearts everywhere.” His mom was actually joking but Caleb was taking it seriously. One person suddenly came into his mind. Laverne.

“What if I take one home to Portugal?”

“Caleb!” his mom exclaimed.

“Relax, Mom. I was just joking. Anything else you want me to do or you want to tell me? ’Cause if there’s none, I need to be get going and preparing myself, right?”

“Yes, you should. OK, honey. Take care of yourself. I love you.”

“Yes, Mom. Give my kisses and bear hugs to my two little sis.”

deathless (chapter seven)

Laverne was still wide awake, lying on her bed, when Deborah came in her room and opened the curtains of the large windows. The sunlight that flooded in strained her eyes. Not because it was already high time of the day. In fact, the sun was still fresh from the east. Its moreover because she hasn’t slept since she came home from her walk in the park. Is it because of the shocking reality her family unveiled to her? Or because the brief taste of freedom still hang over her? Maybe, because of His Majesty of Portugal. She slightly smiled at the thought.

“Happy birthday, princess,” Deborah’s voice took her back to the present.

“Thank you, Debbie.”

“You had a good night’s rest?”

“Rest? No. But a good night? Yes, someway or the other.”

Deborah noticed the smile playing on Laverne’s lips. If I am not mistaken, the family tradition was held at midnight so, she should have learned about the truth by now. But, what is the meaning of that smile? It doesn’t seem to fit the picture. Is she all of a sudden happy to know that she’s an immortal?

“How come you didn’t have a good rest? Weren’t you able to sleep?”

“Yes. At least since midnight.”

“I know it happens all in a shock. I have been serving your family since I was a little girl and I knew all along your family’s secret. I know that you are dying to have answers in the past years of your life but I am not in the position to tell you about it. All I could do is to be here for you, Laverne. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologize for anything, Deborah. In fact, I would like to thank you for always being there for me. That already means much. And yes, when they told me that our family are immortals, it completely took me in a shock. I never thought nor imagined that kind of answer. Nevertheless, what could I do but accept it, right? I mean, I could not change what is laid in front of me. The process of acceptance would be slow, I know, but it will soon come to pass.”

“I am happy to hear that you’re not taking things harshly. The little princess is really a grown up now. But, I am somehow curious. What made you have a good night? Someway or another?”

Laverne smiled at Deborah. This woman really knew her, inside and out. She would never get away with any secret. “They let me taste freedom last night, after the family tradition. They let me go out without any chaperone or bodyguard, which really made my night a little better.”

“And so, how was it? Where did you go?”

“Well, I always wanted to go partying unchaperoned and unguarded, but last night I was not in the mood. So, I just strolled in the park, particularly at the popular ‘Lady Lane‘,” Laverne tried to hide her smile, suddenly remembering the incident last night.

But it didn’t go unnoticed to Deborah. “I know there’s more. Be out with it, young lady.”

“Well,” Laverne hesitated. “I met a guy there.”

Deborah was taken aback. “Who is he?”

“He’s none other than Caleb Santibañez, the only heir to the title of Portugal’s Baron.”

Impossible. What would a royalty like him doing in the park at that time of the night? At the same time, this is not good. Wasn’t Laverne warned about falling in love with mortals?

“So, you made a new friend. And a royalty, as a matter of fact. That’s good,” Deborah was trying not to sound worried. “And I’m happy that you had your wish of freedom somehow. Well, though I know you hadn’t slept yet, you need to get up and get dressed. It will soon be time for the family breakfast.”

Family. Why does it sound so odd this time? As if, something has gone missing. No, nothing was missing. Something was added. Something big. Something unnatural.

deathless (chapter six)

The next morning, Caleb woke up early. He was determined to ask Fiona if she knows anyone in school by the name of Laverne. I hope she does. That would make my research easy. In the breakfast table, he found Leonard and Fiona busy talking.

“Don’t you know what’s going to happen tonight?” Leonard asked his sister.

“Of course I know, dummy. It has been the talk in the school for months now.”

“What I know is that it has been the talk of the whole country. It is said that today she will be formally introduced to the public.”

“I don’t get the idea why they need to do that.”

“This time you’re the dummy, Fiona. Their family is one of the wealthiest and most influential families here in Switzerland. They need to do that for business, at the same time, social purposes.”

The topic was getting interesting so Caleb couldn’t help but join in the conversation.

“Who and what are you talking about?” he asked curiously as he sat down beside Leonard.

“We’re talking about the Beaufort’s youngest daughter. Today is her twenty-third birthday and tonight is the party the whole country has been talking about.”

“Really? Did you guys receive an invitation?”

“No, of course. We don’t belong in their group. In fact, only a very few
people in school were invited. Only the elites among the elites are expected to be in the party of the year,” said Fiona.

“Seems like it’s grand.”

“Sure it is,” Fiona answered. “What do you expect? She’s the youngest daughter of the Beaufort family. She’s the favorite, as what I have heard. I actually wonder if it’s just a birthday celebration they’re having tonight.”

“What do you mean?” asked her brother.

“I mean, something this big just for the twenty-third birthday of the Beaufort’s daughter. I think, in some way or another, there will be a wedding proposal behind it.”

“So, you think the Beaufort’s are putting two celebrations in one? Hmmm… Quite possible. Who do you think is the lucky guy the Beaufort’s daughter is about to marry?” wondered Leonard, as he poured chocolate syrup on his Belgian waffles.

“Why do you keep on calling her `the Beaufort’s daughter`? Doesn’t the girl have a first name?” rejoined Caleb.

“Of course, she has. But I can’t seem to remember her name. It’s quite long and unique so it’s hard to memorize. What’s her name again, Fiona?”

“Its Laverne Gwendolyn Daniels Beaufort,” answered Fiona.

Caleb was shocked. “How did you know her whole name?”

“I told you, she’s popular in school.”

“Would you describe what she looks like?”

“I can’t. I haven’t met her or even bumped into her. Remember?”

“Why are you all of a sudden so interested in her?” Leonard jokingly asked Caleb.

“Nothing. I was just curious if she looks like a witch or a zombie like what you told me.”

“Pshaw that talk of a nonsense, will you?” Fiona butted in. “If you wanted to know what she looks like, watch the evening news. For sure, they would be featuring the party.”

However, Caleb couldn’t wait for the evening news. He needs to know, and he needs to know now. After breakfast, he needed to lie to Leonard to escape from his invitation of playing a friendly game of football with his friends. He ran up to his room, turn the computer on and clicked the shortcut to the Internet on the desktop. He went straight to the search engine and typed Laverne Gwendolyn Daniels Beaufort. Within a few microseconds, articles and websites about the very popular member of the Beaufort family appeared on his screen. He clicked on one and immediately a picture of the young woman was produced. Caleb couldn’t believe his eyes. The girl who took his breath away with her smile back in Fiona’s school and the out-of-the-ordinary girl he met at the park last night was none other than Laverne Gwendolyn Daniels Beaufort. So it was her. I never realized I have already met this mysterious girl. But Caleb wasn’t to be daunted. This girl had challenged him and he’s not about to give up. Besides, she’s a worthy prize.

uaap finals - the broken dream

since the start of the 71st season i have already planned to take a break from school and watch a game live (particularly an Ateneo game). when i told my BFFs about it, they grew ecstatic and said that they would come with me. so we planned about it. our original plan was to watch during the regular season since i knew, based from personal experience, that the Finals is a tough time to watch the UAAP. however, due to school work, stress and other circumstances, we weren't able to watch an Ateneo game during the regular season.

before we knew it, it was already the Finals and, lo and behold, it was an Ateneo-La Salle Finals. in this kind of circumstance, you need to double (or triple, if need be) your guts and your speed on getting tickets. i called the ticketnet for n times and even begged them to reserve three tickets for me (it was a desperate move). i went to araneta as early as i could but came there way too early. next, i called a friend in La Salle (unfortunately, i don't have contacts in Ateneo) and asked her to purchase me tickets since 80% of it are sold in the schools. one of my BFFs, just to be sure of getting hold of the tickets, suggested that we'd go to araneta early morning of monday (these are for the game 2 tickets) despite of the fact that we have classes (she was willing to cut classes; another desperate move). good thing she changed her mind in the last minute because i reminded her that we have a quiz on our first subject (which is a major subject). we then decided to go to araneta after classes which is around 2pm. before heading there, i called ticketnet again to inquire if there are still available tickets. as i expected, it was completely sold out. our last chance was my friend but the night before the game she told me that she didn't get any. she tried reserving using her account in La Salle but they rejected it.

my BFFs were pretty much disappointed (i was able to overcome the disappointment sooner because i somehow expected it). it was their dream of watching a UAAP game live and meeting Chris Tiu in person. and within one week, it was slowly crushed. i felt bad because i put my friends' hope up even though i knew deep inside me that it wouldn't work. doing all that i could wasn't an enough consolation for me. besides, school work was a big hindrance. i wouldn't have enjoyed the game knowing that waiting at home was my mini-thesis. in fact, i was able to watch only the last 2 minutes of the game because i came home around 7pm already (due to school work).

watching the UAAP Finals became a broken dream but the fact that Ateneo won the championship, it was more than enough. because i knew that it is the dream of more people.

deathless (butt-in)

"deathless" is purely a work of my imagination. in fact, it's a work of my hyperactive imagination. it is my masterpiece where i let my imagination control every bit of me. therefore, every bit of my masterpiece is just imagination.
if there are points or pieces in "deathless" that doesn't fit facts or if there are people or events that relate to real people or events, blame it to my imagination. *wink* or just allow me to use my literary license. another *wink*
i read in a reader's digest once that a good writer makes the line between fiction and reality ambiguous. in that case, i still am a writer-in-progress.
nevertheless, you still have the right to indulge in "deathless", a work of pure imagination.