The Modern Princess

CHAPTER TWELVE

In less than twenty four hours that I have stayed, after ten hours of grinding my mind and two hours of meeting with the people of the bureau finally we’ve resolved it. None of us had the idea that the person might do it but with his motive and because of pressure he has.

“Duchess Kathy” Josh bowed in front of me. “Bodyguards everywhere eh?”

“Whatever Joshua” I rolled my eyes.

“Two on two” he said and we went in the court. Tennis is our favorite game, a rule we do? Who losses shall pay. We played inside Joshua’s village. It is a single tennis court and an exclusive one. I don’t want to reprimand others from playing when I do. I know if we go somewhere public it will just cause pain in the ass of my guards and of the other people who wants to play too.

We played three games and in the crucial ending we unluckily failed. Teresa and I don’t blame each other when we lose that’s nothing compared to the friendship we’ve shared.

“That was close. We almost lose on that” Josh said, wiping his sweat with a towel.

“That’s surely luck” I countered. Josh and I loves to tease each other, you shouldn’t be surprised why Sophia teases me a lot too right?

“That’s because of teamwork of a married couple”

“And so what are you trying to say?”

“That happens when you know how each other move” he smirk mischievously. Shall I put there no pun intended? I don’t think so.

“Where’s Tim?” Josh asked Teresa.

“He had a business meeting and said he will fetch me after we play” she answered checking on her phone.

“When are you going home?”

“Tomorrow night”

“That early? You just came in today right?”

“Yeah. I can’t stay long. I’ll just pay a visit to mom and granny and I’ll go.”

“Because you will be missed by your prince?” I glared at him and throw the box of tissue in front of me.

“Hey.” Unfortunately he caught it.

“That’s one of the reasons why you and Sophia are meant for each other” They know how to piss me!

He chuckled. “No seriously why are you staying for that short period of time?”

“I am really planning to extend my trip but I have some duties to do there.” I said getting the apple in the table.

“Duties! That sound’s big responsibility” and I rolled my eyes on him.

“Whatever”

“Kathy at this age you should be pregnant, you will be menopause in one to two years” I throw the apple on him.

“You kept on throwing things at me” he laughed.

“Let me remind you if you just forget that you are a surgeon and not gynecologist!”

“And let me remind you that you are not getting any younger. When are you planning to have kids then if you don’t start making one now?” he asked. He has a point…but I won’t admit that.

“Shut up Joshua.” I startled him.

“Kiel needs a playmate.”

“Why don’t you make one for Kiel to have a playmate?”

“Well we can make one if you will look after him” he said.

“I will not say no to that” I love Kiel and he’s not hard to handle, he’s charming, cute, handsome and if I have time I’ll try to kidnap him. Kidding!

“Really?” Josh asked, astonished.

“Well if you will ask it from me I’ll say a no” I truthfully answered.

“Stop teasing the Duchess honey” Sophia came in from fresh from bath. “Go wash up now” and he followed but he kissed her first, and you wouldn’t want to know how.

“How do you manage to still kiss like that when you have an almost four year old kid?” Teresa asked out of curiosity.

“Well we don’t get tired of one another. I mean we explore” and with that word I don’t want to follow up anymore I just take a bite of the apple I’m holding. No, this is not the one I threw to Joshua.

“Where's your ring?” Sophia inquired. I bet she saw it when I take a bit of the apple.

“In my bag” I answered truthfully.

“Do you remove it whenever you're there?”

“Sometimes” I’m not just accustomed to it, but I make sure I wear it when I go out.

“Why did you remove it?”

“I don't feel comfortable wearing it while we are playing.” What’s the big deal with the ring? Sophia’s getting crazy I think.

“Are you single when you are here?” Where does this go?

“Sophia. What's the big deal with the ring?” I asked, she’s getting pissed by a piece of jewelry?

“Did you ever saw him removed his ring?”

I shrugged. “I don't know. I don't mind if he wears or he doesn't.” He never removed it…even when he’s busy flirting with girls on the tabloids.

“You should mind! And you should not remove your ring.”

I rolled my eyes. “It's just a ring.”

“Look, stop arguing about the ring, you must be thankful that they put a ring on your hand. There was wedding whether there is a ring worn or not.” Teresa said and we both stopped arguing then there was a call to Teresa’s phone.

“Excuse me” she said and walked away.

Sophia and I looked at each other guiltily. “Sorry. I should not talk about that while Tessy was around.” She guiltily admitted.

I shake my head in disgrace, “It was my fault. I should have not removed it.”

“I was too insensitive.”

“I think we should apologize. Especially me…I mean I got married just that. I know I didn't give importance on you guys”

After a minute she came back, smiling at us. “Where's josh? Let's eat. I'm hungry now”

“Tess let's talk” Sophia said.

She gave us a fake smile. “I'm fine girls. I'm sorry about that.”

“No. We're sorry about that.”

“It is not your fault that he didn't put a ring on me”

“Tess...” Josh then appeared, didn’t try to say a word, sensing that there’s something going on, instead of the usual Josh who loves to tease, he just seated beside his wife.

“I...I don't know what to think. He betrayed me once, he gave in with the temptation, but I forgave him. That's how much I love him…” And that is something I can't do—forgive. Tess is a very nice person, a reason why she was taken for granted and because she's nice. She forgave him and since then he didn't betrayed her, well, that's what we know. I don't really believe in second chances, when it's done then it's over.

“But I can't do anything if he doesn't feel like I'm the type of woman that he must marry.” She continued,”

“Lately he's been barely talking to me and I don't know why. I'm afraid to ask...maybe he's slowly breaking up with me…Maybe I should read between the lines." Gosh. Tessy had enough. She doesn't deserve this. I was about to say something when Sophia started nagging.

“And he thinks you are not the kind of woman he should bring down that aisle? Tim should know better! If he doesn't marry you this year leave him. If he breaks up with you it is his lost not yours. Do not run after him. Why run after him if you can just turn your back? If he does anything wrong leave him and marry Philip." Philip, her ex-boyfriend who turned out to be her business partner.

"Sophia" I warned. It’s not good to really talk about exes.

"We all know here that he still wants you and he never did cheat on you. I don't understand why people liked to be hurt." Long distance relationship? A big no to tessy. So she broke up with him.

"Am I wrong Tessy? Why isn't Philip courting any woman? Why didn't he even try to date Kathy? Because he loves you! He wants to be with you even that means you must “just” be business partners!

"If it's just that easy to revert your love to someone else then I should have done it" Yes. It is not easy but it is possible. If it is possible then why didn't I?

"Okay stop this love lecturing. We are overanalyzing. Let us wait and see what comes next okay? Because if we do anticipate maybe we can miss something more special that was about to come" Joshua said. I raised a brow to him. Really? Joshua can give sensible comments? That’s new.

I reverted back my attention to Tessy. "We love you Tessy and we want you to be happy with whomever you want to be but when he started hurting you physically and emotionally you know that we will leave our manners and fight for you. The hell I care if I'm a princess" and we all laughed.

------

I was woken up by sharp shootings on my head; the pain is throbbing on my head like a drum being hit again and again. My eyes were still closed and I try to find a position that can ease the pain, but I find no luck. My eyes were still close when I called for help.

“Ava…Ava” I called and a sprint was coming towards me the next second.

“Madame? It’s me Lawrence” Uh. I forgot Ava was sick, she caught colds on our way and I asked her to rest.

“Please bring me an ibuprofen? My head is aching. There’s a medicine box above the refrigerator.” I said and I tried to massage my head a little.

“Right away madame” he said and after awhile he was back with an ibuprofen and water on hand. He held me to sit up on the bed and gave me the medicine and assisted me to drink the water.

“Does it hurt too much madame?” he asked but before I answer I heard his phone rang. “Hello sir?”

“Prince Jeanne is on the line madame” Lawrence said handing me the phone.

“You told him?” I hissed.

“Ava asked me to Madame” I rolled my eyes. I cleared my throat before speaking, “Jeanne”

“Hey, how do you feel?” he asked.

“I’ll ask them to bring you to the hospital” Can you wait for my response first?

“No I’m fine just a little headache”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah and Lawrence gave me a medicine”

“Where exactly is Ava?” he’s pissed.

“She’s sick and I told her to get enough rest or else she can’t come with us going back there”

“You should have brought someone else with you so they can assist you better”

“I am fine Jeanne. It’s just because of the weather I guess, and besides Lawrence is here to assist me. He’s assisting me well.”

He didn’t answer for awhile “Jeanne, you still there?”

“Yes. What time is your flight?”

“Eleven in the evening; Philippine time”

“Are you sure you can come home? You sure don’t want to be brought in the hospital?”

“No need. This is just a little headache”

“I’ll fetch you from the airport”

“Okay”

“Sleep now, Call me in the morning and let me know how you feel” he said sweetly. Why does he always have to be like this?

“Yes Jeanne”

“I care Kathy, please when you feel something ask them to bring you to the hospital” and I hung up on him. I care Kathy… I shook my head and smile. Care…just like how he feels for other people. He cares.

Two o’clock. I’m two hours early for the celebration of Lexumbia’s Independence Day. I stand up and check on my things. “Madame” Lawrence called out. “You have something on your face” I panicked and rubbed it. I didn’t know Lawrence got a tissue and put a water on it. “May I madame? I nodded and he gently damped it on my face…then I heard someone clear his throat.

“Good afternoon your highness” Lawrence greeted.

“Jeanne” I greeted, he looked serious and walk towards me, and descended his face to mine…crashing his soft lips with mine that I was force to close my eyes and hold on to his chest. He kissed me…which doesn’t happen often…. I bet the guards see that “How’s your head?” he asked brushing my hair down. It’s spinning now because you kissed me.

“I’m fine. I told you it was just an ordinary headache” He really was that concern that I haven’t even gone out of the plane when he came in huh?

“We’ll go to the hospital before this assembly” I hold him on his chest.

“No need for that Jeanne” I said softly.

“We have to make sure”

“Okay, later after the assembly” I said and he gave me a smack on the lips and buried my face to his chest before we went down the plane.

Lexumbia’s Independence Day—mass, walking around the city, waving at people, talking to the ministers and politician that is what it is all about. Jeanne never left me throughout the occasion. He consistently hold my hand or put his hand around my waist and most of the time we are glancing at each other…which I find…awkward…I mean…He always caught me looking at him…well…If he catches me looking at him then he’s looking at me too then right? Don’t kid yourself Kathy.

The whole Royal Family was there but when we went inside the conference hall where a small talk will be done by the Prime Minister and a little chit-chat with high officers Laureen and Laurent didn’t come in, they’re too young to listen to a boring speech anyway.

The speech was about the economy of course, how the wealth was maximize, then to global warming etcetera…etcetera. Two full hours of boredom and finally it was over. Yes we’re going home.

“Jeanne” it was Jeanne’s mom.

“Mom” he said.

“Where are you two heading?”

“To the hospital mom” his answer made her mom’s eyes glow and she held me on the sides and sighed “Congratulations” she said and hugged me. I’m not pregnant!

“Mom, this isn’t what you think. She’s not pregnant” he said. “She had a headache last night and I asked her to go to the hospital so we can check out what was it”

“I told him it’s not necessary mom”

“Why don’t we dine first before you go to the hospital?” she said, leading us to her car. Mom snatched me from Jeanne’s side, now she’s in between us.

“When are you planning to have kids anyway?”

“We're getting near there mom.” Jeanne answered.

“Near? You mean...”

“Mom” Jeanne rolled his eyes. “We are enjoying each other's company.”

“Yes. Besides that’s a good thing so we can roam around the country and party. You know, schools over for me” Tasha coming out from nowhere.

“Tasha” her mom warned

“Well, I'm just saying. Besides Jeanne’s busy so we can roam around Asia or just nearby like London. I want to try partyin’ in a foreign country and meet cool boys” she winked at me. I smirk back at her, did I go mute or something?

Mom glared at her giving her “I don’t want what you’re saying” look

“Okay. I get it. I just want to have fun with her.” She pouted.

“Jeanne, you two are not getting young.”

“You've got kids three years after marriage.”

“Don't tell me you're looking forward to imitate that. We got married at 25. Kathy’s twenty eight now and she needs to get pregnant before thirty!” his lips pressed a grim line, not even attempting to answer. Maybe he doesn’t want a baby? Or maybe he doesn’t want it to be with me? Of course he doesn’t want it with you Kathy! That’s a fact!

“Have you used the passes we booked going to Switzerland?” What passes? We looked at each other but before we can speak…

“Jeanne, what is going on?” her mom interjected.

He rolled his eyes. “I was about to take her there next week as surprise but you just revealed it”

“Oh…”

“So you’re planning to finally consummate your marriage there?” he rolled his eyes and looked away. “Mom you, granny and I agreed about not pressuring Katherine”

“Well I am not pressuring…”

“Just thinking out loud” Jeanne finished. “Okay I’ll give you time to. I’m sorry honey” she said.

After we had an early dinner with mom and Tasha we proceed to our house. And the winner is…Katherine! Maybe he forgot about coming to the doctor’s office though my head ached while we were having the conference. Jet lag maybe.

Jeanne’s still holding on my waist. Come on Jeanne, we’re at home now, we can stop the show.

“Good evening your highness Doctor Ed is in the living room” Lila’s introductory speech. I thought I won!

I tilted my head and looked at him. “Jeanne, I’m fine” he kissed me on the forehead and said “I just want to make sure okay? It will give me peace” I sighed in defeat and nod.

We walk hand in hand towards the living room. Somehow I realized it’s been years since I held hands, hugged and…kissed. And it feels…great. Perfect.

“Ed” Jeanne greeted as we enter, he shook hands with us. “Thanks for coming after a short notice”

He smirked. “No problem. You paid a fortune for it” and I glared at him but he didn’t looked my way though I knew he knows I’m looking at him. He rolled his eyes and answered “I told you to shut up your mouth”

“I didn’t spoke on the figures” he laughed.

Ed examined me, checked on my blood pressure, heartbeat, asked to stuck out my tongue, looked through my eyes… “When was the last time your head ached?”

“Err…During the conference” I saw him looked at me. “How many times in those three days?”

I glanced at Jeanne anxiously “Four”

“When was this?”

I can see him trying to stay calm but I know he’s angry with me. “When I was in the office, then the night, at the airplane on my way back and…in the conference”

He scribbled something on his paper. “I think stress is what’s eating you up. You just have to get enough sleep and less stress…are you taking pills?”

I frowned. “Contraceptives I mean?” God! Why am I discussing this to everybody? “No. I don’t” I said. “How about for healthy pregnancy?” I want to roll my eyes. “Err…no” and he scribbled again.

“I put there vitamins for your future pregnancy and for your headache. It’s nothing serious really but you have to rest, eat healthy and exercise. Just the usual routine” he smiled.

“So, I have to go now.” He said and stood up. “Jeanne, take care of your wife and don’t exhaust her tonight…I think you’re exhausting her a lot just be…” Jeanne slapped his stomach and he chuckled. “Well, I have to go now. Goodbye Kathy” and Ava lead her out.

Jeanne get the paper out of my hand and gave it to another personnel and ask him to buy it, we stayed a little longer in the living room and consumed our coffee.

“You didn’t tell me your head was aching at the conference” I was expecting that. “I just didn’t want the media’s attention you know” I said.

“But…”

“Jeanne I promise this won’t happen again”

“How was your travel?”

“Tragic” I rolled my eyes.

“Was the culprit imprisoned?”

“It is still under negotiation”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Paulo Buenavista, he was in the company for two years, same as me. He’s good looking and a year older than me, he wasn’t too loud but girls in the office are ogling him. When we’ve conducted the investigation we’ve known that he was the son of the number one rival of the Prestige, but he grew up in states that’s why he has never been known by the people around. He admitted he planned for it but the arson wasn’t his act.” He frowned.

“Well, the new Vice President that replaced me was Jessica…Richard’s daughter”

“Richard…you mean the owner?”

“Yes and Richard finally convinced her one and only unmarried daughter to head it up. So for eight months now that she manages it (two months before we got married) she became attached to everyone. She’s twenty five and she’s a cool girl, she doesn’t care about the status, she’s friendly to everyone”

“Paulo’s plans were finalized before he met her, they fell in love easily, even though she knows that he’s a mere employee. Then he said that it was too late to back out on it. Which is not true”

“What do you mean?” he asked curiously. “The arson was the idea of his father, and it was a mere threat since the warehouse were where the raw materials were and it was burnt slightly only because the fire was extinguished immediately”

“You mean he called on the firemen to tell them the warehouse is burning?”

“Exactly” I said “And we’ve tracked the call, which busted him”

“See? Tracking’s a big help” he smirk. I shook my head. “How is she now?”

“Mending her broken heart.” I replied. “He explained everything to me and Richard but Jessica never tried to listen. The case will depend on her as Richard says. Richard loves her kids very much even if it costs his company. He didn’t file any case against Paulo and leave it all to her daughter. Paulo on the other hand knelt in front of Richard…asking for forgiveness…and declaring his love for his daughter.” I shivered. I know what Paulo did was wrong but…when I saw him kneeling in front of Richard…crying…I know he’s talking through his heart. Jessica deserves that while I? I don’t deserve that kind of love.

“What are her plans now?”

“She didn’t want to talk to anyone…but I convinced her to talk to me” Jessica love’s me very much. Which I don’t really understand why, she looks at me like I’m her sister too. Richard’s family loves me every much.

“What did she said?”

“She was cursing the world” I shake my head and smiled. “She asked me what wrong did she do to deserve this and she wished…he was just the Paulo he knew…ordinary...the person she loved.” I smiled and sighed. I think that was a familiar line to me, cursing the world, asking what’s wrong with me.

He looked at me eye to eye and asked seriously. “If you were to choose the person you’ll marry…”

“Jeanne” I stopped him. “I don’t want questions like that”

“No. Listen. Just hypothetically…Just in case you were not in this situation…will you marry a man inferior to your status in life?”

“Yes. I will” I answered truthfully.

“Even though he’s an ordinary employee? Or a person who didn’t study in a university? With a shitty background…”

“I will Jeanne” I interjected. “I’m not after the money or fame. My standards we’re simple…I just want a man who is wise not intelligent, neat not handsome, God-fearing and respectful. All above that is just a bonus for me. I don’t care if he’s an ordinary employee, a janitor or a body guard”

“A body guard?” his brows meet in the middle. “Yes” I said with conviction and he looked away from me, his lips pressed a grim line and held on his chin “Jeanne…is there a problem?” and until the night his face cannot be painted.