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.”