deathless (chapter five)

Insomnia was back again, and this time, Caleb invited it. He is not tired enough to lie down and wait for sleep to overcome him. He took this opportunity to sneak out of the house and roam around the city. It is already half past one, but the main streets are still alive with people all about. What do you expect? This is Bern, Switzerland, one of the major cities of Europe. Caleb thought that people here never sleeps, which is actually quite a possibility.

He decided to stroll around the park instead of going inside one of the bars. He’s not in the mood for partying right now. All he wanted was to breath some fresh air.

He had reached an avenue of trees. He had always liked this portion of the park for it reminds him of the family ranch back in Portugal. The air was so cool and the surroundings were so serene. There was not single person in the avenue, which is a good sign that he could wallow in his nostalgia. Except, there suddenly appeared a woman. From fifty meters away, Caleb could tell that she’s one of earth’s very blessed. Blessed with beauty that is. As they were approaching each other, Caleb slowly recognized her. The girl back in Fiona’s school! Now is his chance to introduce himself and get to know her. Ten meters… Five meters… Two meters…

“Hi! You look familiar to me,” Caleb started.

The girl raised an eyebrow at him. This guy is actually using the oldest and the lamest pick-up line she had ever heard! And he’s using it on her…

“Oh really?”

“Don’t you remember? We passed by each other in your school the other day while my cousin was touring me around.”

“And who’s your cousin?”

“Fiona. Fiona Goulbourn.”

“So, you’re a cousin of that Goulbourn girl.”

“You know Fiona?”

“I don’t know her personally.”

“Anyway, I’m Caleb.”

“Nice to meet you, Caleb.”

Gosh, she’s not falling into my pick-up!

“So, what does a girl like you walking alone at this time?”

“I could tell you’re new here. Don’t you know that people are used to seeing girls walking in this avenue alone, whether it’s broad sunlight or dark moonlight? In fact, this avenue is more popularly known as the `Lady Lane`, for it is intended to impress ladies of all ages.”

“But I didn’t see any sign that says that men are not allowed here.”

“And who said men aren’t allowed here? I was answering your question of why I am here alone.”

“Then, would you like an acquaintance? Someone who would serve as your company?”

“I don’t need a company right now, nor an acquaintance. Besides, I so much not trust strangers.”

“But I am not a stranger to you. We’ve seen each other in your school. You know that I’m Fiona Goulbourn’s cousin. And just now I told you my name, which is Caleb. If you’re still not satisfied, then I’ll give you my full name: Caleb Luis Antonio Goulbourn Santibañez.”

This girl is so hard to get. I have already given more than I have bargained for.

“You do not need to introduce yourself. I already know. You’re from the royal family of Portugal. The only son and heir of the Baron and Baroness of Portugal who recently divorced, in so happening that Señora Santibañez denounced her title and Señor Santibañez would soon be removed of his, after marrying another woman. Am I not correct or just precisely?” the girl said with a little wicked smile playing on her lips.

“OK, missy. You got it. You already know who I am. Now, may I know your name?”

“My name is Laverne, and that’s all I can give you. Besides, you’re the soon-to-be baron of Portugal. Why don’t you just look me up for more information?” her wicked smile started to grow. With that, she walked away, leaving Caleb standing frozen in the middle of the avenue.

She’s one out-of-the-ordinary woman I have ever met! I am sure I am going to look you up, Laverne.

Laverne started walking out of the park. After what she had heard from her family tonight, she asked for their permission to have a breath of fresh air. What she didn’t expect is that they let her go without any chaperone or bodyguard. That means, they let her go alone. Her very first taste of freedom. Something she needs to hold on to and cherish forever for she had a feeling it will not last long and it will never happen again. Yet, it was all ruined by that royalty from Portugal. Laverne admitted to herself that the future baron is in fact cute, and the hint of Portuguese accent when he speaks English made him more dashing. Nevertheless, she can’t believe that a royalty would use the lamest pick-up line ever composed in history and that he’s too slow to pick up things for himself. Minus dashing points.