02 - Yours.
"Zoey, are you ready?"
I heard mom's voice. Maybe she's inside my room while I am here in the comfort room. I'm currently gathering the essentials that I am planning to bring to Palawan.
"Wait, Mommy. I'm not yet done." I replied.
"Okay. I'll go outside now. Be sure to move fast." She uttered.
"Yes, Mom," I answered immediately.
We were planning to spend our summer in Palawan, and we decided to stay there for more than a month.
There's a part of me that I don't want to go to, but then I don't have any choice since I will be left alone here. All of our helpers were given an extended vacation.
Unfortunately, Jax will go to Italy for the whole summer to visit his relatives. We talked about that, and he was despondent that he will spend his summer without me.
I also feel saddened, but I assured him that we will frequently talk through phone calls and face time.
After fixing my things, I went down and halted. I am surprised that Jax was there, sitting and talking to Kuya Zach.
I abruptly went down, and they saw me. Jax stood up as I close our distance.
He was taken by surprise by my sudden move. I am also astounded by my action of hugging him tightly.
I felt how he returned my embrace. Then, I was released from his hold when I calmed down from a sudden surprise from seeing him here.
"You are here," I uttered.
"Yes, baby. I don't intend to not see you before you go." He declared.
I beamed at him, and he chuckled. Then, he hugged me again, and I can hear my heart beating so fast. I love this man.
We were interrupted by the honk of our car. I frowned, and I heard him chuckle because of my facial expression. I sulked more.
He pinched my cheeks, and I glared at him. He really knows how to annoy me. Finally, I removed his hand on my cheeks and punched his arm, and he just smirked.
"I hate you." I snapped at him.
As soon as I said that, he glowered. Ha! Because of what I said, he's now who's frowning. Ha! Taste my revenge!
"No, you don't... But, baby, don't say that. Take back what you said." He stated.
I didn't follow him and just stared at him while sporting a naughty grin from him.
"Zoey Calista Saavedra." He completed my name to gain my attention. I know he's annoyed now 'cause I am not doing what he asked me to do.
"Blaze Jackson Villaraza." I continued fooling around him. I grinned.
He was very reluctant every time I am saying that I hate him. He told me that he knows that it wasn't true, but he really doesn't want to hear me saying that, most especially to him.
He's still very grumpy, so I decided to make amends with him; that's why I went near him and held his hands.
I flashed my smile at him. Every time I am smiling at him, that's the time when he can't force himself not to forgive me.
"Sorry, Jax. Are we okay now, hmm? Come on, smile for me." I teased him.
I know that once I show him a tad of affection, he'll finally give in. So I wrapped my arms around his waist while saying sorry.
I felt his arms wrapped around mine too, and I know that he forgave me already. I looked at him and caught him smiling.
We laughed together and decided to go out of our house. He carried my bags and gave them to Kuya Zach when we reached our car. My brother tapped his back, and he nodded at him.
He's still holding my waist, and he turned to face me. First, he cupped my cheek and kissed it. Then, he hugged me again, and I felt him kissing my hair. Eventually, he leaned down to reach my ears.
"Baby, I'll call you from time to time. Hold your phone every time. Answer my calls. Cali, I'll miss you. Please, baby, update me always."
I nodded. This is the first time we'll be away from each other for a long time, so Jax has too many requests and orders. He released me from his hug and held my hand.
I looked at him and smiled. He smiled at me too. Finally, he gently gripped my hands and hugged me again for the last time.
"I love you, my Cali. Please stay safe for me. I love you and always remember that."
He opened our car, and I went in. I waved bye at him, and he also did. Then, our car started to move, and all I did was look at him through the car window.
I saw him went into his car. And that was the last time I saw him personally.
We went to the airport. In the long drive, I slept. Then, we transferred to another car owned by Saavedra's and headed to the resort.
As I wake up, I noticed the many resorts that we passed by. We are entering a familiar road every time we take our vacation here in Palawan.
And minutes later, we arrived at our beach house, and I'm very excited to see the beautiful views. I am welcomed by the sound of waves from the sea, and the pristine white sand clung to my feet.
I can't help to admire the serene sea. It was vast, and I can't contain my excitement to see this beautiful creation.
My eyes won't divert my attention from this magnificent view. It feels like the sea waves can wash away all my problems and will never burden you again.
Mommy ordered us to go to our beach house first, and we obliged. I went to my room, and I took a shower.
I was too tired from the long drive, and it's so hot, and I want to freshen up first. I was busy looking for what to wear when Jax suddenly appeared in my mind.
Jax! Oh my god! I forgot to check my phone. I am very sure that he already called and forgot that I put my phone on silent mode to not disturb my sleep. Wrong move!
I hurriedly looked for my cellphone, and I sighed in relief when I finally found it.
10 missed calls and 26 messages. Oh, shoot! I face palmed. Maybe he's starting to worry now because I ignored his calls and forgot to reply to his messages. I was about to call him when my phone rang again.
Jax is calling…
I felt nervous. That's why it took me longer to take his call. I am still trying to contemplate and think for a reason why it took him multiple calls and texts before I answered it. at
"Hello... Jax."
"Cali." I felt his composed yet looming anger as I heard his voice.
"Sorry..." I uttered slowly. He heaved a sigh.
"Cali, I reminded you before you went to Palawan to check on your phone. I was so damn worried. If I didn't reach Zach, I probably died because of worry." He demanded.
"Sorry, Jax. It won't happen again. Please forgive me. Forgive me, please." I heard his deep and sharp intake.
"Cali, don't pull that stunt again. Please, love." His voice slowly surrendering.
"Yes. It won't happen again. I promise. I'm sorry, please." I explained.
I tried to persuade him until he gave in. After we talked, I went to the living room and found Mom and Dad talking.
It took me a while to realize that they were waiting for me because we will have lunch together at the resto located at the seaside.
Mom and I talked about Jax while dad, together with my older brothers, talked about business. Kuya Zach will soon finish college, and after taking his Master's, dad will also give him an executive position in our company.
Kuya Zavi is managing the SVD Holdings, which is the largest and handles the main business of our family. It is the biggest and most known construction firm for skyscrapers, land and property, including corporate businesses globally. He is the firstborn. That's why my grandfather, Alessio Saldivar Saavedra, gave it to him.
The secondborn, Razien Kaius, who happened to be my cousin and the first son of my Tito Zen and Tita Saniya, handles the SVD Creations, a large company under SVD Holdings and operating on private and residential real estate properties globally. Kuya Kai was based in New York and decided to have the main operation there since my Tito Zen can't handle it this time. Ceratinly, my cousin will soon transfer here to the Philippines and the central business operations of SVD Creations when Tito Zen will quickly take over in New York.
The thirdborn in our generation, Reizo Aillard, the first son of Tito Zane and Tita Dane, handles SVD Designs globally. It is also a large company under the wing of SVD Holdings in service for industrial and commercial lands. Kuya Reizo is here in the Philippines and operates the primary transaction of SVD Designs.
My cousin, Rion Andrex, is currently finishing his Master's in New York and will soon work with his brother, Kuya Reizo. Kuya Zach, and the third son of Tito Zen, my cousin, Ridge Allistair, are in their last year of college.
After eating, my brothers and I went back to the beach house first because mom and dad decided to stay and enjoy the sea breeze.
While spending my summer here in Palawan, Jax never failed to call me from time to time. He always tells me what he's doing, and I did too.
I miss him so much. I can't wait to see him after two months.
Jax and his family went home first from Italy. After that, he wanted to go here, but I refused since we'll be back in the city after this day.
"Oh my gosh, I am so tired…." I whined as I saw my inviting bed.
Then, because I am so worn out, I dozed off to sleep as I closed my eyes.
I woke up at 8 P.M., and the first thing I did is to check my phone. I'm still sleepy!
I read all of Jax's messages.
Jax:
Baby, are you already home?
I texted Zach when you didn't reply and told me you got home already.
Love.
Baby?
I asked Zach to check on you, and he told me that you were sleeping. Sleep well, baby.
Call or text me when you wake up. I love you, Cali.
After reading his texts, I called him. In two rings, he answered it.
"Jax."
"Hi, baby. You slept well?"
"Hmm." He chuckled.
"Still sleepy?" He asked.
"Hmm," I murmured while my eyes still closed.
"Okay, baby, I will call you tomorrow. Be ready. I'll take you out on a date. I miss you. Can't wait to see you tomorrow." He mumbled.
"Goodnight, Jax. I miss you too." After that, I went back to sleep.
I woke up earlier than usual. Maybe because all I did yesterday was sleep. I checked my phone and read the messages of Jax.
Jax:
Good night, baby. See you tomorrow.
Can't wait to see you tomorrow. I love you, baby.
My brows furrowed. Tomorrow? We'll meet today? And suddenly, I remembered what he told me last night that we will have a date today.
I beamed widely and failed to suppress my excitement because I'll see Jax today! I can't wait to see him.
I stayed inside my room after taking my breakfast. I was lying on my bed hours after and decided to get up and go downstairs.
I went into the kitchen to get a glass of water. I was humming when I saw Kuya Zavi.
He looks like he got here a while ago. On the other hand, he's not wearing his usual house clothes, so maybe he just got here.
"Zoey, you look so happy, huh?"
"I will see Jax today. I'm so excited." I beamed while answering.
His forehead creased, but he didn't say anything. I smiled. They were very protective of me, most especially the time when Jax started to court me.
I am so glad when they lay low after almost a year of Jax courting me. They became close, most especially Kuya Zach since they were friends way before.
I suddenly remembered Thalia. I restrained myself from asking Kuya Zavi about their relationship when we're in Palawan. So maybe, I can ask him today.
"Uh... Kuya Zavi." I nervously called him
"What is it?" He stared at me.
"How are you with Thalia?"
I noticed how his mood and expression changed. He didn't answer me and just left me in the kitchen. I sighed heavily.
I hope that they'll settle whatever misunderstanding they have. I don't want to see Thalia sad because of my brother.
I am getting ready for my date with Jax. He told me that he will fetch me here, so I waited here in my room.
I thought of what will happen this night. I was too engrossed with what's happening in my mind, and I came back from reality when I heard a soft knock at my door. I opened it, and I saw Mina, one of our house helpers.
"Ma'am Zoey, Sir Blaze is here already." She informed me.
"Okay. Tell Jax I'll go down in a bit."
I was walking downstairs when I saw him. He looks dashing wearing his white long sleeves that are folded until his forearm, and the two buttons were undone. He's also paired it with black trousers. His Piaget watch was also eye-catching that perfectly matches his outfit along with his classic oxford shoes.
Different from his attire was the bouquet of sultry red roses that he's holding. I smiled at him, but he remained soundlessly still and just stared at me.
I stepped forward enough for us to be close to each other. Jax is still staring at me.
I'm wearing a thin-strapped black mini dress. Revealing a bit of my cleavage.
"Hey, baby." He handed me the bouquet,
It was a typical move to bring the bouquet near and smell it. It was lovely.
I looked up at him, and I saw him staring at me. I gave him a sincere smile. "Thank you, Jax."
He held my hand, and we bid goodbye to my parents.
He held me carefully while entering his luxurious car. I kept on asking where we were going throughout the drive, but he just answered me with a smile.
"Jax," I called him, trying to get my answer.
"Relax, baby." He smiled.
I just leaned in the car and closed my eyes. He held my hand while he's driving. It's always his favorite thing to do when he's driving.
When his car stopped, I opened my eyes to see where we are, but Jax was too fast and stopped me. I gasped when I can't see anything because he put a blindfold on my eyes.
"Jax..."
"Just trust me, baby." He whispered.
We continued walking, and I'm holding Jax's hand real tight. Then, finally, I felt that we entered in a lift.
When we stopped, he removed the blindfold. I slowly opened my eyes, and I am very stunned and surprised by what I am seeing.
I roamed my eyes around from this special place. We are here where Jax asked permission to court me. We are inside the private restaurant of their hotel. I noticed that it was set up as an intimate celebration since no one besides Jax and me, including the staff, was there.
"Jax…" My eyes started to water because of the sudden wave of emotion from his surprise.
"Come on, baby." He guided me towards the table, and he pulled a chair for me, and I sat down. My heart is beating too fast. I can also hear some music playing.
There are many candlelights around the place, and it was very romantic. The floor was covered with rose petals.
I looked at him and caught him staring intently at me. I felt how his hands crossed the table and held mine.
"Jax, what is this?"
"Date?" He said like it wasn't obvious. I frowned at his answer that made him chuckle.
After eating, he stood up beside me and offered his hand.
"May I have this dance, Cali?" He gently asked.
I gladly reached for his hand and stood up. I put my hands on his nape, and his hands were on my waist.
We're so close, and I don't know whose heart that was beating so loud. Maybe his or mine. Or maybe, ours.
"Thank you for this, Blaze Jackson," I told him full of sincerity and love while staring directly into his eyes.
I leaned my head on his shoulder. I felt him kissed my hair, and I beamed. We slowly danced to the music. He stopped, which made my brows furrowed.
"Zoey Callista…" He started.
He held my hand tightly. He looked like he's too afraid to let my hand go if he won't hold it tighter.
He looks unsettled. That's why I withdrew from his hold and saw how his eyes widened from my sudden action. I wanted to laugh, but I stopped myself because he looks too stunned. I cupped his cheek and look at him in the eye.
"Jax, are you okay?" I asked slowly.
I saw how he closed his eyes and heaved a deep sigh. As soon as he opened his eyes, he reached for my hands, currently holding his face. He put it down and hold it again, tightly.
"Cali, from the first time I saw you, you already caught my attention. When I catch you smiling, I can't help myself to smile too. Every time I see you, it's like seeing you for the first time. You made me fall for you... hard, love. It hurts me seeing you hurt. You are my everything, and I want to be your everything too. Baby, will you be my girlfriend? Will you be mine?"
I blinked my tears away from my eyes, but I can't. The continuous tears flowing from my eyes caressed my cheeks. I am too happy that I can't control my emotions.
He cupped my cheeks and wiped my tears away. With these overflowing emotions, I can't stop myself from hugging him tight like I depended my life on him.
"Baby, it's okay. I can wait." I shook my head and faced him. I wiped my tears as he did too.
"Ask me again, Jax." I saw him looked at me before he nodded.
"Baby, will you be my girlfriend? Be mine, love." He softly said.
"Yes, Jax, I want to be your girlfriend. I'm yours, love. I'm yours." I answered, smiling while my tears still falling.
"Damn! Thank you, baby. You don't know how happy you make me." He leaned forward as I closed my eyes. I sensed his breath hit my lips, and I felt his lips softly place on mine.
It's my very first kiss, and Jax made it very memorable. His lips are full and soft. I'm surprised at how warm his mouth feels against mine, and when his tongue comes out to lick my lips, I feel my body melt against his.
I let him lead the kiss, and I began to mimic how he moves. Then, I felt him smile against our kisses, and we pulled away.
He rested his forehead against mine, and his hands wrapped around my back. He stared at me, and I looked at him with the same intensity.
"I love you, Cali. I love you so much, baby." He gently whispered on my lips.
"I love you too, Jax. I love you so much." I answered.
abbeysrnwp.
Note: Tito is used in our native language, Filipino. It means uncle.
Tita is also used in our native language. It means auntie.