Chapter 8

16: Alexa Meets Avah

"I'm already consenting to the marriage," the young man's face quickly brightened because of Avah's statement. But Avah quickly calmed down. He said, "but! But on one condition," Davien frowned again.

What condition will it be? The young man asked himself. Later, he put his questions to life. "What condition?" He asked.

Avah took a deep breath. Then she said, "while we are not married you will leave here. You will not come home, sleep or live here. While we are not married I would have liked to be alone first. I am the only one, no one else but myself and the child ko. "

Davien sighed. If that's what Avah wants go ahead, she'll give. After all, they will soon get married because Davien is rushing the process, especially since he has already announced it to his mother and brother. His mother was the chief in charge of the child's marriage. In fact, her mother had already planned which church they would get married in.

After weighing the decision Davien spoke again. Anito, "sige, aalis ako. But not now, tomorrow is the effective date of your condition. But unfortunately, you can't be alone tomorrow night because mama wanted to meet you and to talk about our marriage. I'll pick you up by seven in the evening. "

The girl could do nothing but nod and agree with whatever Davien said. The young man got up from his seat on the pallet. He pulled out the mat under the bed. She opened it, she put Avah's old pillow there and her blanket. His soft and comfortable pillow was left on the bed, which he deliberately left for the girl. For its beautiful and comfortable sleep.

"Have you eaten?" Davien asks. Avah shakes her head side-to-side. Davien took his car key from the top of Avah's desk. He approached the girl, stopped in front of her and stared at her. She is bent over here because she is taller than Avah. After looking at her for a period of time, Davien held her hand. He opened the door behind her and lead her out.

"W-where are you taking me?" Avah asked in astonishment.

"We're going to eat."

"Where? Don't, I'll just cook,"

"What are you going to cook? Instant noodles? Or canned foods? Eggs? No. We're going to eat out." Avah just kept quiet when Davien said that. He allowed himself to drift in the young man's tow.

When they reached the vacant lot where Davien's car was, Avah couldn't help but ask. "That car is yours?" He was amazed because of the beauty and splendor of the car.

"Yes, and soon it'll be yours too." Davien said in a matter-of-fact tone. He opened the door for Avah. The woman looked at him first, if Davien hadn't said he came in he was probably still looking at the young man as if asking.

While driving Davien couldn't help but turn around and glance at the girl who was obviously amazed at the beauty of the car's interior. Davien doesn't know why but he chose to go to his favorite restaurant. Mejo has this distance and has a long drive. Ewan ba. Davien feels that he wants to be with Avah for a long time.

To get to know the girl better, Davien asks, "why do you want to be a nun, Avah?"

Avah was obviously surprised by the question because her eyes widened slightly. Davien thought the girl wouldn't answer him but he was wrong. The girl said, "because I want to serve God for life. I want to teach children to believe in God. I believe my only purpose in the world is to teach His word but it looks like I can't do that anymore ..." she smiled of acrid.

Davien feels guilty somehow. He never lost his mind that the girl's dream was ruined. But he believe that all this shit happened for a reason. That's what he always says to himself. That everything has a reason. It's just like her dad left them. His mother wouldn't have stood that strong if not for his dad's inflicted pain.

While driving Davien said, "of course you can still do it. I know you'll raise our kid well and God-oriented."

Avah was shocked at the word that came out of Davien's mouth. She didn't expect that Davien know how to speak like a gentleman. They even talked and Avah did not realize that she was becoming comfortable talking to the young man. Tonight Avah sees a different personality in Davien. Its kind and calm side. They talked about Davien"s job as a doctor, Avah"s desire to be a nun until Davien parked his car at the restaurant he frequented.

He got out of the car first and opened the door for Avah.

"Thank you," the girl said as she finally got out of the car. Davien locked his car and then he put his right hand on Avah's back. Escorting her towards the restaurant. The sudden warmth on her back brings cold shiver down her spine. There was again the tickling sensation that electrified Avah's entire body.

He tried to ignore it until Davien opened the door to enter the restaurant again. The employees greeted them quickly. Avah is surprised because the people who work there know Davien.

"Why do they know you?" Avah asked as they walked further into the better part of the restaurant.

"I often eat here with ..." and that's when he remembered that this is the restaurant that he and Alexa often go to. "with my friends," Davien continued.

They were close to their destination when suddenly a customer stood up. A man and a woman that's having a dinner date, by the look of their table, its easy to conclude that it was a date. When the woman turns around, aiming to leave, she stops on her spot. Alexa and Davien's eyes locked. Both are surprised and don't know what to do.

Davien's hand automatically wrapped around Avah's waist. That simple movement didn't escape Alexa's eyes. While Avah was also surprised by Davien's sudden embrace.

"Babe, what is it?" asked the man with Alexa when it stopped.

"D-Davien! You're here?" Alexa asked while looking at Davien's hand that was wrapped around Avah's waist. Alexa look at Avah from head to toe, she's seizing her, glaring at her. When Alexa pulled herself up, she decided to drive Davien angry, but no luck. Alexa said, "Babe, meet Davien. Davien, meet my boyfriend, Wilson." She emphasizes the word boyfriend thinking that maybe it'll hurt Davien but she was wrong.

Instead of seeing anger in his eyes, all Alexa saw was his neutral reaction. As if he wasn't affected at all!

Davien replied saying, "Hi, I'm Davien." He offered his hand which Wilson gladly took.

"Wilson," said the young man with Alexa.

"And this woman here with me is my fiance, Avah. Avah, she's Alexa, my old friend and her boyfriend." Alexa's jaw almost dropped when she heard who and what that woman was in Davien's life.

17: Soon Mother-in-Law

Alexa stopped momentarily. It was as if his mind was suddenly taken aback by what Davien had said. Him? Getting married and I'm not the bride? He must be fooling himself. Poor you miss. He was just using you as a rebound, covering holes. Alexa's wild thoughts said while staring at Avah with sharpness.

"Oh, really? Congratulations! Congrats!" Alexa repeated her plastic greeting to them. He thought that his ex -girlfriend was just lying to annoy him like those who are always on television. What the poor woman did not know was that the two would actually get married.

Davien thought he'll see regret in Alexa's eyes. He wanted to see it badly but there's non. It's even mocking. So in order not to look like Alexa is the only one who can do non, Davien smiled big and gripped Avah's waist more than tight that the girl almost complained of pain. "Why, thank you. I was hoping for your marriage soon. Excuse us please, we'll be having our dinner." He said politely and then lead Avah to a vacant table.

"D-Davien, the tightness of your grip on me. M-it hurts," Avah reminded as Davien seemed to have no intention of loosening the grip on his waist.

"O-oh, sorry. I didn't mean too." Davien apologized. He pulled a chair for Avah and once they're settled on their table, they order. Avah can see the sudden change in his mood but he hasn't asked yet. They're not that close for him to be curious.

The dinner was calm and silent. Even when they returned home Davien never spoke again. Avah was also silent. Just like the original plan, Davien slept on the ground and Avah soloed her bed.

Next Monday morning, when Avah woke up, Davien was no longer at home. She look around and noticed that most of his stuffs are gone. The only thing left was the blanket and pillow that the young man had deliberately left for Avah. Suddenly, Avah feel empty inside. He didn't think that in just a few days of Davien's stay there, he would get used to it. He stared at his roof for a few more minutes, hugging Davien's pillow.

Why? Why am I acting like this? Avah asked herself with her feelings. Avah stomped on her bed and sat up. He messed up his own hair then he stood up and prepared himself for his new day at work.

Like the days he spent at the restaurant, it was no different than his day today. Over and over again, smile at customers, wish them a nice day, noon to afternoon. After work he said goodbye to his companions and quickly went home. While on the road he remembered that he did not have a nice dress to wear for tonight. Her clothes are all long pants and skirts and are old. How is that? Avah asked herself.

When he arrived at his house, he quickly searched for something to wear. As she was unpacking her clothes, there was a knock on her door. "Avah? It's your Ate Marya," the landlord said.

Avah quickly opened the door to the babe holding the fancy box.

"A woman came here this afternoon, knocking on your door but you weren't there. When I saw her she said there was a shipment for you. She didn't say who it was from. Oh, here. It's yours," Marya said and handed the box.

"Thank you," Avah accepted the shipment while wondering who it was from. When he closed the door, he then opened the box on his desk. The first thing Avah saw was the small piece of paper lying inside the box. That letter:

See you tonight.

Davien

Avah's smile suddenly flashed on her lips without her being aware of it. When he opened the paper that wrapped whatever was in it, he was surprised to see that it was a dress. It is black in color, with flower patterns, up to her knees in length. It also has a sleeve and ribbon for the waistband.

Included inside the box is a sandal without heels
Included inside the box is a sandal without heels. Cream color thing in the dress. Avah took a quick shower. She wore a clean bra and panties and short shorts, the next thing she wore was the dress. Fortunately, she closed the zipper of the dress on the back properly.

He just combed his long and black hair because he didn't know any other hair style. Since there was no lipstick, Avah just bit her lip hard to make it redden a little, she also applied a little powder.

About seven o'clock there was a knock on his door. Avah doesn't know why but she's happy to think that Davien might be the one knocking. When he opened the door the small smile disappeared from his lips.

"Miss Avah?" There was a man wearing long sleeves and black pants.

"A-I am,"

"Sir Davien is sending me to drive for you. You'll meet him in his mother's house. He'll be waiting for you there."

"A-ah, is that so? Wait a minute. I'll just take my wallet." Avah grabbed her purse and hurried out of her house. "tara po?" Pagaaya nya. The driver smiled at him and the man got out of the car first.

Avah was in the backseat, silent and looking at the road. He reads every establishment shining because of its light. Because he was too busy watching the streets of Manila, he did not realize that they were about to enter a private village.

When the vehicle stopped opposite 7/11 Avah saw Davien's familiar vehicle. Her chest throbbed quickly. What is happening to me?! Anas he to himself.

"Yes, sir. We're already here." said the driver. Soon there was a knock on the car door. It was there that Avah clarified that Davien was in the car because the window was already there. He's wearing a black suit, he looks so professional, elegant and ... handsome. Davien looked at Avah from the driver's seat window, then handed the money to the driver he had instructed. Davien opened the door for Avah and the girl came out.

"You look gorgeous. Tara na?" Fortunately, it was dark, Davien didn't see the redness on his cheek. Avah just nodded and got back in the car. Now it was Davien's car, and next to him.

Their quick flight was quiet because Davien's house was just across the street. Davien came out first and he opened the door for Avah again. He offered his hand and Avah took it with gratitude. After locking his car, Davien snaked his hands on her waist which brings incredible sensation to Avah's body.

Davien pressed the doorbell. Their maid open the gate for them. The maid also opened the door for them to enter their mansion. As soon as the two of them entered the big house, Davien immediately heard his mother's voice from the kitchen.

"Are they here? Is that Davien?" the old doctor's voice excited. When she exited the kitchen and went to the front door, her smile went wider. "Oh my! Are you the one? You're Avah, right? You are so beautiful! I'm Divina, your soon mother-in-law!" Divina squealed far away and then she hugged Avah excitedly when she stood next to her.

18: Stay For Tonight

"Ma, stop that. You're suffocating her." Davien said while watching his mother crush Avah's body against her.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I was just too excited to meet her." Divine admitted. Her eyes are sparkling with excitement. "Vien, she is so beautiful! The baby will be beautiful too, I can tell. I'm so happy, I'm going to be a grandmother!" She squealed. Davien is twenty -eight so Divina wants him to get married. But if her son only goes to Alexa, she will prefer this young man to grow old.

But things have changed. He brought home a very beautiful girl today, a polite, modest, and really decent woman. It looks like there is no body art and it looks like an angel with too much facial humility. She's so beautiful even though she doesn't have makeup unlike Alexa, she doesn't seem to come out of that house without eyebrows, contact lenses and whatnot.

"Mom, is it older?" Daniela asked from the kitchen. She fixes the dishes. When she saw her older brother Vien, she called him. "Kuya!" then Daniela run towards him. She kissed Davien on his cheeks. "Is she ate Avah?" Daniela asked with a wide smile on her face.

Avah doesn't feel discomfort because Davien's family's reception of her is so warm. Her beautiful and clear smile is indelible.

Since his mother had calmed down a bit, it was Davien's turn to introduce the mother of his future child.

"Avah, this is my mother, Doctor Divina. She is my younger sister, Daniela. Ma, Niela, she's Avah, the one I was talking about." Davien briefly introduces both sides.

"Hi, sister. Good evening." Daniela hugged Avah and then kissed her on the cheeks. Avah is not used to such social greetings but she just drifted through the events.

"Good evening," Avah greeted Davien's mother as well as his brother.

Divina can't help her heart flipping in joy while staring at the fine young lady. Now, Alexa will see what she wasted. That's Davien's mother's brain. Divina will never forget the breakup of Davien's ex -girlfriend for no good reason.

Before going further in her own thoughts, Divina said, "the dinner is ready. Shall we? Maybe the baby is hungry inside mommy's womb." She joked.

Divina lead the way going to the kitchen. Davien held Avah's waist again and then they walked through the kitchen at the same pace. While walking, Davien leaned his face towards Avah. He whispers, "mom and Daniela liked you so much," Avah looked up at the young man which is why their lips almost met.

Avah's eyes widened and she quickly looked down the road. Watching her innocence was satisfying for Davien. He have to stop himself from smiling ear to ear.

She's so damn beautiful. I know the dress would fit on her perfectly. He said on the back of her mind.

When they arrived at the dining area Avah was surprised at the amount of dishes served on the large table. About twenty people could fit on the table. Davien pulled the chair for Avah. She sat down on the chair as Davien settled his own sit beside her.

They have already started eating. In the middle of the dinning, Divina spoke.

"So Avah, where's your parents?"

Davien mentally slapped himself. She did not tell her mother that Avah had no recognized parents. He forgot to warn Divina that it might be a sensitive topic for Avah.

Avah was silent for a few seconds. But he still answered the question. He said, "I don't know. I was just a child when my mother left me in the convent. I was left with Mother Segunda less than a week ago. I grew up not knowing or seeing them." Davien saw the loneliness in her eyes. That despite she answered the question with a smile, the pain in her eyes is undeniable.

"O-oh, I'm so sorry." Divina regretted asking the question. Daniela on the other hand admire Avah. They are both siblings who are suffering because they don't have a father, what about his sister Avah?

"It's okay," Avah replied with a smile.

She's a strong woman. And nice, far and lot better than ate Alexa. Daniela judged mentally.

"But you have friends who are going to the wedding, don't you?"

That was the start of the conversation about their wedding. The speed. Very fast. Two months ago, Avah was one step away from her dreams. Two months ago, God was the one she would marry. Now the course of his life is different. But even so he believes that the Lord Creator has a plan for him.

"Is it okay with you if the theme of the wedding is red and white?" That old doctor. Avah nodded. "How about the bride's maid? If it's okay with you, Daniela can be the bride's maid."

"It's okay," Avah agreed on every suggestion of Davien's mother. From the smallest detail until the most important information.

"Okay, I will handle everything. And since all my suggestions are okay with you, I will make sure that the wedding is speeded up. Maybe after one week or two?" Avah almost choked on what the Doctor said.

One or two weeks? It's very fast. Avah said that she was really surprised by the date Divina said. Avah didn't growl anymore. She is not the type of woman with a lot of art and complaints.

"P-can I invite my companion to the convent?" Avah asked even more scared.

"Of course, it was your wedding so whoever you invite is welcome. It's also for you to be comfortable on your wedding day. It's better when you have an acquaintance, especially if only our relatives are in attendance." Divina said. She's grateful that Avah finally asked about their wedding as well. He thought that the girl was not interested because he was just nodding and just agreeing with what he was doing.

For two hours only Divina spoke. She is super excited for her son's wedding. She makes sure the child's wedding is pretentious. He will be married once in a life time so you should just be proud! Fortunately, Divina saved a lot of money in the bank. He is not old enough to retire as a doctor so he can also recover the expenses of the couple's wedding.

After dinner, Davien and Avah said goodbye. Because the mansion was made of cement and glass they did not notice the heavy rain outside. That's why when Divina and Daniela took the two to the main entrance of the house, Divina came up with a good idea. She noticed the distant between the two and Avah was obviously still separated from Davien. And to solve the problem, to make the two comfortable with each other, Divina excalimed, "oh no, it's raining hard. It's not safe to drive at this moment. You two better stay here. Here you can spend the night. Always. Manang is cleaning your room Davien, just stay there. It's not good to drive with this weather, maybe the road will have zero visibility while you two are on the way. It's better to be safe. " Divina's long mantra.

"B-but I have a job tomorrow." Avah reasoned but Davien spoke quickly.

"I think mom is right, let's just stay here for tonight. The rain is pouring heavily. We'll just be stuck in traffic, or maybe even in the flood." He stated which earn small smile from Divina.

To be continued...