The Modern Princess

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Charity was my thing, yes it was. I haven't been in any charity works for almost a year, that was since we got married. I know I've been really uptight and rigid in the past years but when it comes to other people's welfare, I am concerned about it. I make sure I do it far away from everybody so no one would know me. Usually I come with Josh in isolated provinces so I can teach the kids for a week. I love teaching. Nursery and orphanages wasn't my thing really but sometimes I do go with Josh there. Sophia used to be our companion but because of the cute little Kiel, Josh wouldn't let her to.

We've spent about three hours in the orphanage. They accept babies from zero months to thirty six months and after that they have to pass it to another orphanage.

I salute Lexumbia, it never fails to amaze me, they make sure that citizens are happy here and they provide more than their necessities. One great thing about them is that they don't teach their citizens to be lazy, if they lose a job they'll find them another job and will not just give them food passes to get through the their everyday lives.

Wondering why are there orphanage? Actually it's just an orphanage, fifteen little cute babies in it and it was their tenth year foundation celebration, most of them were from unwanted teenage pregnancy. The government highly recommends for the babies to stay with their mother, all needs will be provided by the government, but the fifteen of them didn't agree.

I cuddled, hugged, kissed and feed them and the whole time that I was there all I was able to say was, why did they left these little angels? If you will ask me I really didn't want to leave but Tasha said we had another appointment to go through and I wonder what does that have to do with the airport?

"Why are we here?" I asked

"After a tiring day girls love to go shopping" she said.

"But..."

"Come on Kathy, if Jeanne wouldn't let us go far away then we'll just roam around France. It's an hour drive anyway" she winked. What Tasha wants, Tasha gets.

"I called Chanel, Versace and Louis Vuitton and they all had their elite collection ready" The elite collection, one of a kind, exclusive, matchless, distinctive in short unique. Most of them are done per preference of the client.

"But we have to eat first. Lance said it will be his treat" Lance, Jeanne's cousin. "He lives here in France and he closed a Burger King for us to eat" she smiled happily. Do they really think that's a great idea?

A few minutes after, we arrived in front of the Burger King, all blinds down and yes, it was really closed.

"Hello there my beautiful cousin" Lance greeted, removing his shades that completes his faded blue shirt and leather jacket. He kissed Tasha's cheek. "Are you going to buy me shoes?" she greeted enthusiastically.

"Whatever you want, charge it on me" Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.

He looked at me and gave me a warm smile "Hello Kathy" and he kissed my cheek. Is he Lance? I mean, the last time we've talk casually he was an ass.

I smiled in reply and at the same time Tasha's phone rang. "Oh. This is work. I'll talk to you later guys. I have a show coming" she winked.

Orders were taken and we waited in the round table, Tasha was on the phone and scribbling notes.

"So Kathy..." he started. I smiled at him "Yes?"

He looked away and breathed heavily. "I'm sorry I was an ass when we first met. I know, I passed out the line" he said softly, very different from the Lance I knew.

"I was trying to piss Jeanne," he continued "It was the only way to get his attention" and he looked away from me.

"I know the story" I said, trying a little luck if he will open it up. He smiled at me and said "I'm happy you do."

"I'll be honest, maybe I'll hate you too if I was at his place"

"And maybe I hated myself too" he said, pressing a grim line. "I hated myself for keeping it, but he was my best friend, my cousin, all he wanted was to be close to uncle and that was the happiest days of his life and when I knew it, I know he'll hate him forever" and that's what is happening now, even I cannot do anything about it. I wish I can do something about it.

"He hated me, he still hates me, and he never tried to talk to me after he knew and beat the s**t out of me, that's why I did what I do to you..."

I frowned, confused of what he said. "We do not have the same preferences when it comes to the chic we date, but for me to get his attention, I date the girls he dates. I try to flirt with them, to seduce them for him to talk to me and tell me to back off, that's the only way I get his attention."

I smiled, brotherly love is not really common but I find it sweet, really sweet. "And I want to thank you, for coming to his life, he rarely confronts me when I try to seduce the girls he dated but that day, when I saw you at the garden, he come to me and threatened me so I'll stay away from you" He did what?

"And you find that cool huh?" I can't believe it.

He smirks. "I told you, any way I can get his attention I'll do it" He held both my hands and said "I know this sounds gay but please have a little longer patience. I know he can become infuriating most of the times and I know that you're in a fix marriage but please..." he gripped my hands and looking at me sincerely. "Please love him. He needs you and I know he will love you" I looked at his eyes, everything he said was with love for Jeanne, hearing Jeanne's side made me somehow irritated at Lance, but now, with what I see, I think it was really hard for him to say it, for it to come from him.

No signs of paparazzi are around, this doesn't happen every day huh. Food was great and we thanked Lance for it. We got in Versace's boutique, the first thing I've noticed wasn't the one on the Elite Collection, well, I really love the ones available to the public, maybe because I used to really see that stuff whenever I roam around Paris and not those hidden ones. I pull out a black classy dress that will sure huge every woman's curves, it was inches above the knee but it doesn't really look slutty, it was a sleeveless one and what makes me want it was the two inch thick baby yellow that stands out on the side, that forms from the top to bottom.

"You liked anything?" Tasha asked and I immediately pushed it back shook my head and answered "No, I haven't" I lied. I'm dying to buy that dress really. I'll call Sophia to buy it for me. I once did that and have it delivered to me like it was my gift for me so Jeanne wouldn't pay for it.

Next store we got it was Louis Vuitton. Please, help me God. I never fail to buy anything in Louis Vuitton. Yes, I'll admit it. I'm a spoiled brat. At the age of ten I had a Louis Vuitton coin purse, papito gave that to me, my first and definitely not the last because from age ten to twenty one he's given me different kinds of Louis Vuitton.

The white doctor's bag was the thing I fell in love with today. I will not think twice if I was alone. I see my Louis Vuitton bags not as luxury but long term investments. I need to send Sophia a message now. I want this bag like N-O-W. Knowing Louis Vuitton it will surely be sold out in a couple of days. I love this bag, it has four diamonds near the zipper but has no name at all, it doesn't shout out loud that it is a Louis Vuitton, humble yet expensive.

I immediately walk away from the bag, not that I even tried to hold it, because if I do, I'll end up buying it. I hate this, Tasha will make sure she'll hand the plastic card before me and it kills me to see that every damn thing I wanted was being sold in front of me. The black dress was sold and the sad thing there is that it was even my size and now, the bag. I sighed. A woman come in and she bought it.

I then look through the men's collection to shift my attention and I saw a black leather belt with a simple LV statement on the middle. It will look good in any color of pants and my first thought was "It will look good at Jeanne" God. Why do I even miss him now? It's not like we've been away from each other for about six hours now but I don't know, I just miss him.

I walk towards the counter and got the belt together with the clutch bag I'm buying for Tasha. Ten thousand two hundred fifty pounds will be the total, that's fine I have a hundred thousand credit limit on this.

The clutch bag will surely fit on any evening dress that has a very, I mean very intrinsic design of Swarovski crystals but before I can handle my card the body guard handed Tasha's. I stopped his hand and said "This is on me please" but before he can answer Tasha appeared on the side.

"I will pay for them Kathy." And that will make me not buy anything. "I will give it to Jeanne and my good friend so please let me pay for it. You don't want me to buy something out of Jeanne's money do you?"

"Okay. I'll accept that" Thank God she's not as stubborn as Jeanne.

Third boutique: Chanel. I've been dying to buy stuffs but I have to control myself for buying any because one, Jeanne and I aren't in good terms, two, he have to let me pay for my own expenses and three I cannot think of any reason other than my stubbornness.

Tasha asked me the question again "Did you like something?" I shook my head.

"Come on Kathy. This is our third, This is Chanel, I know everybody loves it. There's no way you don't like any. You have a sense of fashion for you not to like anything here. Come on, what's bothering you?" Who wouldn't want to have anything from the famous Coco Chanel? That must be a damn sin!

"Tasha, I just don't feel comfortable whenever you guys pay for every expense I have, you know. I mean maybe it's because before the marriage, I buy my own things. I accept gifts but not these often. Jeanne pays for everything I hold. I know when I choose any you will not let me pay for it."

"Kathy, you have to get used to it. We do this because we have the means"

"But I can spend my money for myself. I also have those means"

"Okay Kathy, let's do it this way, spend your own money in buying what you want but let me buy you three clothes that will be charged at my expense. Is that a good deal?"

"How about two?" I smiled.

"No, it must be three."

"Fine. At least you are not as stubborn as your brother"

We spent a little time longer in Chanel and hurried back to the plane, we have to be home before dinner or Jeanne will kill Tasha, well I just repeated what she said. I bought five clothes in Chanel all of which she made me pay and that is because she bought everything I handed on the first two stores we got in. Yes, just like Jeanne. I was wondering why everything I held on to was being bought, what I do not know was it was being bought in behalf of me.

As we settled in our seats we had some drinks and chips "Kathy, it was really nice being with you"

"No, it was nice being with you. I am happy that Jeanne has a sister. Hey look I have something for you" I passed the bag with the purse inside and she excitedly took it. "What's this?"

"A little thank you gift. Open it, I wish you'll like it"

Her eyes grew wide and sparkled, like she didn't believe me giving it to her, it was the purse that she thought I'll give to a friend "Oh my God. Is this really for me?" I smile and nodded, to my surprise she hugged me. "My gosh. This is the last one and when I saw you buying it I was like 'I wish I'd see that' I really love it. Thank you Kathy" and she hugged me again. I'm so grateful that she liked it and I like it more that she treats me like her real sister.

Tasha's like a little kid receiving a treat, she opened it with amusement like it's been the best she'd ever seen. "You really have a great taste. How have you seen this? I didn't even saw it at the Louis Vuitton. I mean, it didn't catch my attention."

"I bet you did saw it, it's just that it was with so many clutches that made it look like an ordinary bag."

"You have such a keen eye" I smiled in reply.

The next second Tasha's phone ringed. She smiled. I think that's Xavier, his boyfriend. "Oh wait. Excuse me I'll take this call"

"Hey Xavier" See? I'm right!

"Yes, I'm at the plane right now, I went out with Kathy and do a little shopping"

"Tomorrow? Yeah sure"

"Okay. I love you too"

"It's now my time to interrogate you, Tell me something about you and Xavier" I raised a brow.

"Xavier's family is really close to our family and we've known each other since we're young but we never thought that we'd be together not until two years ago in my cousin's wedding where he happens to be the best man and I am the maid of honor"

"So what happened after?"

"Through the wedding, we asked how each other's life goes until we get each other's number and suddenly we just felt in love"

"How long have you known each other?"

"We've been together until junior high then he was admitted at a school in America so he decided to go there and study and we haven't seen each other for about six years then the rest was history" The story sounds so familiar to me.

"You think he's the one?"

She nodded. "Why did you asked?"

I shrugged. "Nothing I just saw myself with you. I also thought of getting married at the same age" Yeah. Back then I was too imaginative and I still believe in fairytale happy ending but I think Tasha's case is different.

"And I thank God you didn't, if you did, then how can you be my sister?" she pouted.

"And I'm glad you are my sister" I smiled at her. I always wanted one.

"Actually Xavier is Jeanne's friend, they're of the same age" four years older than her, hey that was my dream age gap with my dream husband!

"Small world."

"Yeah. He's actually not just a friend but he's his best friend"

"Then why he isn't the best man in our wedding?" Our wedding big word!

"Because of the toss coin, when they tossed the coin it was our cousin who won" she rolled her eyes.

I shake my head. "A very small deal for men really"

"So does he know about this?" I asked. I just want to know who knows and who doesn't, not that it matters still. Hey! What do I mean about that?

"Yes he does. Aside from the family it's just him and John" that answers the question!

"Are you planning to get married?" I asked out of curiosity, that was a ridiculous question though!

"Seriously, I know he's really the one but he hasn't asked me and I guess I'm not yet ready to be a mother"

"It does not mean that when you get married you will immediately have kids" Just like us! No way! I'm getting crazy!

"Yes, I know but that's how we portray things together, that when we get married we will immediately want to have our own kids"

"Then you should really enjoy life now"

"Yeah, but I know it's soon."

"Woman's instinct?" She nodded.

"And that never fails" I said. Never.

It was past dinner when we arrived. Tasha and I have not eaten dinner and I know everybody's tired. With all the walk we did? I'm sure all of their feet are sore but shopping is a form of exercise right? A very good form of exercise.

Lila opened the door and greet us. "Good evening Princess Tasha and Duchess Kathy" she said with a bow.

"Hello Lila! I miss you very much!" she hugged her. "Let's have coffee sometime and talk about what's happening here" she winked at her.

"Hey, hey, hey. What time is it? Where did you bring my wife?" Jeanne said as he goes down from the stairs. Was I saved or was I unlucky?

"Hi Jeanne, after we went to the charity event we went shopping. You know, it's our stress-reliever and I think we should do this more. I think you're stressing her a lot so I think it will be better if I come here often and we go shopping!" Tasha kissed her cheeks, Jeanne can't do anything with her, she's the only woman in the family that's why she always win against them, even mom's always at her side.

"It will never happen Tasha" she pouted but before she can answer Jeanne walked towards me and caressed jaw then kissed me on the forehead.

Jeanne didn't let me move far from him, he just held me on the waist, never letting me go. "Tasha I'll cook for dinner; eat here with us. That'll not be long. What do you think?" I offered, I'm not one hundred percent sure if she will like it but I can really see that she wants to try it.

He looked at me, confused. "You never cooked" Jeanne butted in.

"It doesn't mean that when I don't I can't"

"I'll just bring it upstairs" I added.

"Let me do that" he grabbed the paper bags that I am holding. "Head up to the kitchen I want to try what you can cook" he whispers. Am I inspired by that?

"Don't expect too much" I whispered back.

Lila told me that Jeanne was waiting for me and he has not eaten his dinner yet. My anger subsides now and I am more than willing to forgive him. I made a simple sweet and sour fish fillet for dinner it's past dinner and he I mean they have to eat now.

"Hmm. It looks delicious." Tasha exclaimed, she's always excited with everything.

She didn't even wait for us to settle she took an ample amount of the fish fillet and didn't even look at the other dishes.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Why does it take forever? Her eyes grew wide in horror. This is not goot. "It's delicious" she cried out loud. I sighed hard; that was breathtaking.

"Oh my gosh! Why did you just cook this time? It's really delicious. Mommy and daddy will surely like this, isn't Jeanne?" she looked at him. I didn't even know that Jeanne took the fish fillet too

"Yes" He said shortly.

"Can you cook any other dish?" she asked.

"I...can"

"Can you cook another for me please? I'll come back tomorrow if you will!" I love my sister!

"Of course..." but before I can finish "Of course you will not come back tomorrow because you have to do your duties" Jeanne's eyes are startling her.

She rolled her eyes. "Why do you always keep Kathy all by yourself? She's my sister!" This is not good. I looked at Jeanne and shake my head. Drop it Jeanne. He nodded in reply and yes he did drop it.

She still pouting when she said, "If I will not come back tomorrow, can you at least promise to go with me again when I shop? I hate shopping alone"

I smiled at her. I know Tasha's like childish but she's a very sweet girl "Yes" and with that her pout turned to a smile.

After that dinner, Jeanne and I still haven't talked, I believe he didn't like the food at all, he hasn't talked that much since the dinner.

I continued combing my hair in front of the mirror, I can see his reflection from the mirror, he was half-naked, I can see his broad shoulder and his perfect body, he then grabbed a plain white V-neck shirt and he saw me looking at him through the mirror, I immediately removed my eyes off him and continued brushing my hair. He walked towards me, stopped at my back and looked at me through the mirror.

"Hey, why are you so quiet?" he asked softly, not encouraging any fight

"Nothing" I said, and then I looked at my hair as I brush it. He stopped me from combing, he took the comb and put it away, then he hold me on my shoulders and turned me facing at him, I am still sitting while he bend his knees down to be at my level.

"Until when are you going to be mad at me?" I shrugged.

"Look, I'm sorry for the bad attitude I have shown you, I'm really very sorry Kathy but I mean what I said, I was jealous"

I sighed. "I have forgiven you already; I know you just asked him to go back at the palace"

"Please I do not want any man making advances on you. I was so jealous" He wasn't making advances on me!

"Jeanne sometimes you have to trust me. If you wouldn't do anything to wreck our relationship then I wouldn't too"

"I'm sorry"

"Apology accepted Jeanne, that's over"

We looked at each other I looked at his perfect nose and stared at his eyes, he has a perfect face. I looked down on the floor to avoid the eye contact and tried to walk away.

"Why do you always look away?" he grabbed me on my elbow softly.

"I don't" I rolled my eyes, trying to sound as natural as I can, and he removed his hand on me.

"You just did" he said

"Tell me"

"I didn't Jeanne" I try to sound irritated and he walked closer and closer to me and I step back as he gets closer and unluckily I was trapped; leaning against the wall and cornered by him, I tried to move at side but he put his arm against the wall, blocking my way.

"Tell me Kathy" he's not removing his eyes on me, his face, very near mine, invading my comfort zone and I just can't stare any longer so I looked away from him.

"You looked away again" he said and he softly cupped my chin forcing me to look at him.

"I am just afraid..."

"Afraid of what?"

"Of..." I can't say it. I looked at him "Nothing, you know we'd better sleep" and I try to move another inch away from him, before I can move away he narrowed his face on me.

"Jeanne" I tried to push him away but he's way too strong to be pushed. He looked at me eye to eye, my hands still on his chest then I closed my eyes and waited for the next thing to happen. He then plants his lips on me. I feel the shiver all over my body, we've never kissed that way; we never kissed with love.

"You are afraid of falling in love with me" he said

I nod.

"Why?" still not removing his eyes off me.

"We better sleep; you have to go to work by tomorrow"

He moves closer to me, our bodies touched and his face is so near with me, that he almost kiss me.

"I am asking you why" he said in front of my lips, his nose touching mine.

What's his problem? Or should I say what is my problem? Why can't I tell him?

"Answer me" His lips getting close to mine, I bowed my head.

"Why Kathy?" he asked.

"I am afraid that you will also leave me one day" Finally, I spilled it out. He leaned back, surprised of what I've said. I know he didn't understand; that the thought is vague.

I moved away, I sit on the bed and bowed my head. Everything could be a lot easier if he gave me liquor so that I will have a confidence. I sighed, long and hard. I think it's time for him to know the truth.

"I never fall in love with any man like I did with Zach, When we were still together I saw myself walking down the aisle with this man"

"Why did you not say yes to his proposal?"

"I had no chance to."

"You confuse me Kathy. I thought..."

"Yeah, that's what everybody thought, that it was my fault, I broke it, I was the one to blame," I inhaled to gather some strength.

"But I just made up that story to protect him and his wife. Only a few knows what really happened."