Thirsty Soul (English Version/ Completed) 18+

Chapter 4 - Precious

Everything was not my plan or intention to get use with his kindness but I couldn't ignore his offer and his genuine sincerity. Aside from that, there was something on his sweet mouth that fluttered me. The heartbeat of my heart can justify it.

After the delightful breakfast s***h lunch, I slept for about two hours on his bed, while he was on the phone. And then I waked up that he was nowhere to be found. I kicked the blanket, stared on the ceiling for quite some time. I could felt the heaviness on my body, there was something wrong for sure, but first things first I needed a remedy before it gets worst. One more kicked on the blanket and then I was ready to go back on my unit.

I had a weak immune system, aside from medicine kit I always had with me my vitamins. I took two tablets before I washed my face. This time I chose to wear the violet robe that had Swizz logo on the back.

By quarter to twelve, I am sashaying it on the Lobby. Eyes roamed around, looked for him as I remembered the sticky note I pasted on his bed saying, ‘Thank you and see you later.’

"They arranged a different style this time. The Project Manager and Mr. Neil loved your performance, they come up with Yacht intimate shoot. You and selected models will participate. Anyway, I received an email from our designer from Swizz. They wanted you to attend the O’dil audition by next week."

"Alright. Thanks, Mia."

She helped took care of my robe when the photoshoot started. It took us two hours to finish it until I heard a loud cracking noise of Jet Ski from nowhere. Suzanne and her minions were not selected on the Yacht Shoot. We were just six; four foreign African models, me and Chloe from Haute Agency New York.

"I like the sea. The beaches here in the Philippines are really great. Maybe I will come back here next time," Chloe said, her back rested on the railing.

"You should come back and explore more different hidden paradise here," I thrilled, turned my gaze on the driver of one of the two incoming Jet Ski.

"Are you done?" Paulite’s bronze wet skin was shining from the kissed of the sun. And that malicious smirked on his face couldn't tame my racing heart. On his side was Oswold, who had that sparkling eyes towards Chloe.

I nodded. My eyes surveyed his tattoo on the bottom of his nape. I didn’t know that it was there before. He looked sexier though.

"I want to take you for a tour, just in case you are free." He proudly mounted on the steering of the Jet Ski before showing his captivating smile.

I liked the idea. Beach was my happiness and this man was the most entertaining entity that existed in this mankind, but I already agreed with Neil after the shoot. Mia discussed something to me about the collaboration of Majesty and Foxman. I was excited about it.

Majesty’s interpretation of Fashion was empowering, challenging, historical, and controversial. The coolest and rare that no one could ever imagine. Foxman was a simple guy but his ideas were the same with Majesty in terms of capturing pictures. If they collide, it will be a major cat throat for all the models who will get into the show. I won't waste that opportunity, and that sounds rejection to someone over here.

“Red wine is perfect for red meat.” I let out a weird chuckled. “I want red wine instead.”

“I’ll take that as a no,” Oswold got me.

But I am more concerned with Paulite’s reaction. He had that smile on his face but I don’t know why I could see the other side of it.

He gave me a spare key card. "I understand. I will wait for you, J." He motioned something to Oswold and they left.

I put my palm on my chest as I watched his back slowly faded on my sight.

“Let’s go back inside?” Chloe instructed and we go inside.

Neil and the other team were talking about the raw photos. He had a bottle of Heineken on his hand when he glanced at us. "Jessica and Chloe!" He kissed us on the cheek, pulling us to check the screen. "They are the real deal. Imagine, I was just enjoying the shoot because we had all the great models but these two exceeded my expectation. They made the intimate as if it was a piece of cake.”

“Phenomenal,” the Project Manager mumbled.

I was very overwhelmed that I felt my cheeks burned, I almost choked when I and Chloe gazed at each other. She should felt the same way.

We changed clothes and wore a jacket. The topic went through until Neil called our attention. He brought us on the upper deck and talked anything under the moonlight. He dropped something humor that I and Chloe burst into laughter. I don’t have an idea that he had this side of goofing around, far from his countryside appearance. Chloe was having fun too. I had no difficulty in engaging in our conversation. They don’t make me felt that way.

The topic jumped to Chloe. I’ve learned that she was famous in New York, but she acted not one. Actually, she was very sweet— down to earth, to perfect the description. And then Neil opened his particular interest regarding the collaboration.

"I never knew that I will meet an Alexander McQueen version here in Asia. She's very beautiful and talented," Neil said.

Chloe shifted on her seat. "Let me show you this. I bought her newest release bag. If you are going to convert it into a dollar, it was like seven hundred. Expensive but the style and the type of fabric used are worth it. I loved it. I hope she would open a branch in New York."

I smiled. That handbag was on my list during the Fashion Show. I had the same bag too, but different colors given by Majesty. All of her masterpieces were produced limited editions and I should say Chloe was truly a fan. I’m lucky too of having them without payment.

"I met the stylist of the top lingerie line in Paris. They were curious about Majesty. In social media, she is exploding. I am excited to work with her. I hope you both would get into the Fashion Show.” Neil winked.

"I will definitely work hard on the casting," Chloe said.

Neil turned to me. "Hold on… Jessica, you are an Angel, right?"

"Yes. But not all Angels can get through her separate show. Majesty is huge. We all know that. I will be honored if I pass on the casting too."

Chloe poked me. "Hey! That's not my girl. Keep the spirit high."

"It's on Monday, right? Majesty will kill herself if she wastes the both of you. I assure you that. Please, excuse me, ladies." Neil stood up to give his attention on the newly arrived guy.

The sky was already dark when we got back on the shore. Mia was there waiting for me. “Can you phone back, Mrs. Hetch?"

“Oh! Yeah, right. Thanks.” I dialed Jyra while following Mia in the lounge. It was a video call to see what they were doing.

“I thought you are busy, Jess.” Jyra said, my attention was on her daughter who was on the background busy with her song from the Nutcracker movie. She was so adorable that all my exhaustion was miraculously was gone.

Mia joined our fun talked until Chloe waved on us when they passed by.

"Sweet, they'll throw a banging bonfire party later. I will see you around."

"Sure. See you, Chloe." I waved back before pulling my attention back to Jyra on the screen. "She's an Haute model from New York."

"I think I saw her on the red carpet in Paris. She is nice. I like her for my brother."

"Excuse, Miss. There’s a blind item about Frank. I’d guess it’s not Chloe… hundred percent,” Mia spotted.

Jyra giggled. "My brother is a heartbreaker. I don't doubt that, Mia." Her husband appeared on the video, he was chasing the witty munchkins.

"Well that’s the benefit of being a good proportion, so equal mean with Paulite and your husband. Bausch Men's Magazine proves that" Mia enumerated.

"Paulite? Do you mean Paulite Cristobal?" Jyra queried.

"Yes, Miss. He is actually fascinated with our girl, right here! Ouch!"

I needed to defend myself from my best friend, but her accusing squinty eyes won’t accept that. Same as her husband’s uneasy smile.

“He is there?” Jyra said.

I bit my fingertip, feeling guilty. A mouse caught in the act of stealing a cheese.

"Yeah." Mia shrieked.

"You are smart, Jess. You can't be easily fooled by a notorious playboy."

That statement from Jyra left me dumbfounded. The call was already ended but I’m still into it. I am disturbed. In just second, my investment of emotion to him shattered. The fact that I don’t know anything to him.

After the brief review from my schedule, Mia pulled me on the Night Party.

It was loud. I don’t have the mood for it but I already made a promise to Chloe. Mia was very insisting too. She pulled me on the seat of my co-models. The bonfire was tall, giving sparkle to everyone. I joined the mini chit-chat, then later I settled on the side with a glass of cocktail on my hand.

I put it on my side and glared on the key card that Paulite gave to me.

Why he didn’t go to the party? My eyes roamed on front. There was a portion where it wasn’t reachable by the bonfire’s light. Maybe he was there? I stood up and tour around. I saw Oswold at Suzanna’s group. I passed through them to join Chloe. There were two African models on their circle. Chloe introduced me to them. We talked about each other until we ended up getting selfies and dance beside the bonfire as traditional.

I was drowned with it. Neil joined us. We danced ‘til our feet sore. We were laughing, panting as we sat back on the sand. I whipped a glance at Oswold’s group.

He is really not here, huh?

I stood up, shaken off my jean from behind for some dirt before I bid goodbye to them. Same with Mia who was drunk at the moment. She murmured something about Paulite being around me, guarding me all time.

"Do you remember when you received your first wings? You got an interview live on the Time Square Owl City Main? He was there. He paid big for the VIP seat just to watch you." My coordinator passed out.

Was it possible in ten men, there was one person who will end up obsessed with me? After dragging Mia on her unit, I stared at the number seven-button from the elevator. I should be walking straight at my own unit but Paulite’s sad eyes disturbed me. Jyra’s last statement even confused me.

It was already late, he might be passed as asleep by now. I pressed five and then I stepped back so that I could lean on the wall while playing the key card on my hand. A small voice played in my head.

I will wait for you, J.

I gasped. My emotion submitted on that small voice. Conscience crept in my chest. I stared at the number seven-button and think what if he was serious? Ever since we’ve met, he never lies. He was very uptight to whatever he said.

The elevator notified me that I am now on the fifth floor. It opened but I panicked, almost ruining the number seven-button when I pressed it many times. The door closed again and moved going up to my desire floor.

It was just ten seconds and then I reached the seventh floor. The moment I stepped my foot on the carpet, I could barely hear it as my heart was thudding crazily as hell.

What should I say when I open the door? Should I pretend drank? Angry? Acted not knowing that he was waiting for my freaking appearance?

My hands shook as I tapped the keycard on the door lock. The sound of unlocked notification boomed my heart. The door automatically opened for me, revealing the dark and cold room.

“Where is he?”

I tried to reach for the switch but the light from the side glistened one by one in the living room. The golden beautiful artificial rose illuminated the whole place. It was dramatically gorgeous that it triggered my emotion. Tears escaped from my eyes at the sight of the man who was sitting in the middle with a cake in his hand.

"Happy birthday to you," Paulite sang. He looked so serious, passionate, and sincere as he walked slowly. Don’t forget the birthday cap on his head. He was so very goofy and hot at the same time.

How many hours did he wait for me? Definitely he got bored and should scold me now but he doesn’t, instead, he sang with a warm smile on his lips.

"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday, J," he greeted. His eyes motioned me to blow the candle.

I nodded, prepared myself to do it but he moved the cake away from me. "Make a wish first, J," he insisted.

Oh! Yeah, of course. I closed my eyes, unconsciously bit my lower lip, and think about what do I want most in this world?

I wish Paulite is genuine for his feelings for me. I can accept his past, everyone had a nightmare, that’s fine with me. I like him being around me. Each time I would be happy and wants to share that happiness, when I look back he was there, giving his whole support. I opened my eyes and blew the candles. He put it on the side and gave me a tight hug.

“Happy birthday, J," he murmured.

I pushed him a little for me to see him. I don’t care anymore. I like him. "Thank you, Lite. How did you know that today is my birthday?"

"If you love a person. You will know everything about her." He hugged me again

I hugged him back. "Thank you, Lite. Thank you for letting me know that… at least, I am special. I really appreciate this surprise. Thank you so much."

I never celebrated my birthday. For what? No one appreciated my existence. My family doesn't care about me. They didn't bother themselves to say happy birthday, Jessica, not even for once.

All of the parents, generally speaking, it was mandatory to celebrate the birthday of their kids. Especially with their firstborn. But I hadn't experienced one.

My younger sister always celebrated her birthday. When she reached seven, all of our classmates were invited to our mansion to celebrate her fairytale birthday. When she requested to celebrate abroad, it happened. She received a lot of expensive gifts from her friends. Everyone loved her while I was just on the corner. Watching them from afar. Envying everything that she had.

I lied with Jyra and Lawrence about my birth date, November one. No one celebrated their birthday on All Saints day. That was bad, good for me.

I swallowed those bitter nightmares and felt his hands rubbed my back.

"What is your wish, J?"

Wished? Hmm. I hurriedly wiped the side of my eyes before I said, "That this moment won't stop… because right now, I feel completely human. For the first time, I felt I am me. That I was born for a reason too."

His hugged grew tighter. "You are my precious jewel, J."

His voice was too soft. Just like a feather that caressed my heart. Brought my mind into peace. It made me felt a whole lot better. He held both side of my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. A deepening silence loomed over us before he slowly knelt before me.

I covered my mouth with my hands in surprise.

He took something in his pocket and showed me a small black box. He exhaled sharply before he said, "I know we just met days ago. It's too soon, but how long do I have to prove myself, J?" He opened the box to convey the diamond ring. "Will you marry me, Jessica Jones-Smith?"

I stiffened as the power of the vodka disappeared on my body. My racing heart doubled the pace, thudding unbearably. "Are you sure about this, Lite?”

“I have never been serious as now, J.”

“Getting married means you are cutting your reason for going to a bar. No more virgin ass. No more beers but for me and your future family. You see, Malik. He is your friend. Jyra’s husband. Big chance, you’ll be like him." I really emphasize everything on his face, but he didn’t change his expression, not even a blink on his eyes.

"I can leave everything behind, except you. Baby… please accept my ring! Please?"

I made a wish. I don’t know that it will be granted very… very soon. "You are not real," I said.

Fear seized in his eyes. He took my hand, still on his knees. "J, are you saying no?"

I tried to pull him up. But he insisted and shook his head like a stubborn kid.

It made my heart and mind fought over a decision I can’t name. I like him… the reason why I am here. I am worried about him. Knowing him for a few days was enough for me to fall to him like this. But I am scared to risk.

A small voice said, ‘Look at him. He risks everything for you. Why are you afraid to risk too? You won’t die, Jessica. He does if you reject him.’

I knelt down and looked right through his eyes. “Do you love me?”

He pinched my hands. “You don’t know how much I love you, J.”

I let myself feasted on his soulful, yet domineering eyes. I can do this every day. "My answer is yes. Yes, Lite. I am accepting your proposal."

He immediately stood up to hug me and groaned inwardly. "You cannot take it back, J. You are officially engaged to me. You are mine.”

Teary, but I chuckled. "Yes. I’m all yours, Lite."

He slid the ring on my ring finger. The smile on his face won’t be taken away from him as he stared at it. He was so cute! He even took a selfie on that while kissing my knuckles. He posted it on his i********: with a mysterious caption. He never looked for the feedback, he just carried me on the couch.

"I will prepare a private plane for us going to Australia. I will introduce you to my grandad and father tomorrow.”

I removed his resting hand on my lower abdomen, so I could look him over my shoulder. I like his plan. Meeting his family was not difficult for me. Actually, it kept on reminding me that everything was real. He was my fiancé now. He was serious about our relationship. The problem was how I am going to tell my friends? 

"Lite? Can we take slow? You know Jyra and Lawrence. They are not only my friends, they are like family. I should’ve told them too about us. Is it okay?"

"Alright. Let’s do that."

"Hmm… about tomorrow. Actually, I registered for the surfing competition. That means I have to spend more days here… with you. Let us do. The. Extreme. You. Are. Talking. About the last time."

My cheeks flushed red when his brow rose up and the side of his lips lifted up into a mischievous grin.

"We will do everything extreme that you have never done, J."