I'm Nothing Without You Chap 17

After one month…

‘Where is everybody?’ Klive asked the servant that helped him carried his luggage. He had just arrived from his business trip abroad and he was looking forward to this day. He thought his parents would greet him but his father and mother didn’t materialize inside their mansion. He was also looking forward on seeing Avie. Before he left months ago, she was mad at him for defending Denise’s actions. He knows pretty well that Avie had avoided him since her and Denise fought at the Thompson’s building.

‘They were all at the hotel celebrating Mrs. Thompson’s success in her collection this season.’ The servant told him the name of the hotel.

‘Oh great! And I thought I could see everyone today.’ He murmured as he headed to his room. As his was on his way, he stopped at the door just adjacent to his. It was Avie’s room. He twisted the knob and wasn’t surprise to found out that her room wasn’t locked. Klive silently enters and couldn’t help but smiled at him self upon smelling Avie’s scent cascading inside the room. He slowly walked towards her bedside table. He took a small box inside his pocket and put it down gently. Klive looked at the box, satisfied he turned his back and started to march towards the door. He stopped abruptly as he remembered something. He took another box bigger than the one on Avie's table, from his other pocket. Smiling without any reason he looked at the box he was holding and then looked at the one in Avie’s bedside table. After a moment he puts the box back to his pocket and continued to march towards the door.

He decided to surprise his parents and Avie by showing unannounced to his Mom’s party. He changes his clothes. He heard that the party was formal so he chose to wear a simple yet suitable suit. He went out to their mansion gaily.

Minutes later he arrived in the hotel. ‘Klive.’ Someone called his name. He was in the hotel’s car park. ‘Hey there pal! Long time no see.’

‘Hey Joe, how are you?’ Klive asked while walking towards his college buddy.

‘Still fine.’ He looked at Klive. ‘I’ve heard that you have a hot chick in your mansion. Am I right?’ Joe asked him as they proceeded their way to the party.

‘What?!’

‘The girl who walks in the run way’s finale last night wearing your Mom’s design, she’s so lean, sexy, seductive, sophisticated yet she can project an innocent and charming look. Man she’s the BOMB or something like that last night.’

‘Hey are you referring to my girlfriend Denise? If you are-’

‘I’m not! To tell you the truth she’s more beautiful than Denise.’

‘Who are you talking about?’ Klive asked still clueless about their topic.

Joe was silent for a moment as if thinking of something. ‘I actually forgot her name. It sounds like Eve but not exactly Eve- Klive where are you going?’ he asked as Klive turned his back on him without letting him finished his sentence.

‘I’ll be at my ‘rents’ table so if you remembers her name feel free to approach me.’ He said a little bit irritated to Joe’s actions. Somehow he was curious about the girl that Joe was talking about. A hot chick in the mansion?! Could it be? But it’s impossible. She’s still recovering from her operation, he thought as he moved towards his mother’s table. He saw that she was arguing about something to a senior well known fashion designer. He stopped walking and decided to listen to their discussion.

‘Come on Katherine! She’s perfect! She could be the next Super Model and you know that, base from last night’s performance.’ Jun took a deep breath. ‘She was perfect in the run way as if she was born to be a model. The camera loves her and the audience too. And did I mention she is well suited in our designs as well?’

Klive heard his mom chuckled. ‘Yes you do mention it to me, a hundred times I guess.’ Katherine pauses as if to give drama. ‘Jun I told you this yesterday and I’m telling you now the answer is NO. She is not interested to become a model. The girl’s has her own dream you know and it’s not modeling. Besides last night’s event was only a shoot deal. She was bored and I wanted someone with an aura like hers to wear my designs so we both decided to do the show.’ She explained.

‘Okay then,’ he said as if convinced to Katherine’s explanation. ‘Please tell me WHEN will she feel bore to death so that we can have a talk. You know my number right?’

‘NO!’ Katherine said firmly in response to his earlier statement. ‘Look I’m not comfortable at how things ran so fast. We didn’t expect her to have this attention from the media and down to the people. So please you have to understand. Jake and I don’t want to jeopardize her safety and freedom.’

What? Now I’m so confuse… it was Klive still standing just an arm away from his mom. ‘Hey Mom, great party you have here.’ He called her attention as he kissed her cheek. ‘How are things going here? Congratulations about last night.’

‘Klive? Since when did you arrive?’

‘Just now, I closed the deal immediately so here I’ am.’ he said gaily at his mom.

‘That is good news.’ It was Jake standing at Klive’s back. ‘Welcome back.’

He smiled at his father. ‘Thanks dad. Hi Jun. What are you and mom is talking about?’ Klive asked the fashion designer.

Jun’s lips slowly twist at one corner as if he was smiling wickedly at his plan. ‘Klive, Jake I’m glad to see you both here.’ He started. ‘Please, try to help me convince Katherine here, who had just discovered a talent from last night’s event, that with a lot of exposure Avie could be the next Super Model, even more famous than Denise. No offense meant Klive.’

‘NO!’ it was Jake. ‘She may not be my biological daughter but for me she is close to one and I don’t want her to be in the spotlight of those pen sharks. A little modeling stints under our roof wouldn’t hurt but I don’t like your idea. She didn’t seek for any popularity or what so ever so forget it. She will NOT enter the modeling world and that’s final.’

Jun sighs as if defeated. It was Jake Thompson after all. Whatever the man says everyone follows. That is how influential Jake could be. Jun bid the three goodbyes as he headed to his own table.

‘Wait Mom, Dad did I hear it right? Avie is the model they all talking about?’

‘Yes .’ His Mom said smiling gaily at him as she sits down from her chair. ‘Dear, WHERE is Avie?’ Katherine asked Jake as if it was the first time she noticed Avie’s disappearance.

‘She was standing there with John awhile ago.’ Jake pointed near the entrance.

‘I’ll better find her.’ Katherine said with obviously worried about Avie.

‘Ms. Avie, Katherine and Jake were looking for you.’ Mr. John informed me casually. The two models that had brought me to their table where am I right now were busy chatting with their fellow models. They included me in their ‘group’ when in fact I’m not. I’m not actually a model. Last night’s event was purely a one time shot. I only accepted it because Katherine told me that she made the dressed only for me and I don’t have the heart to refuse her. For the past month, both Katherine and Jake where so nice to me, treating me like their own child which by the way I really needed right now after Mom’s death, that I couldn’t help but to love them as my own parents.

I smiled at Mr. John. ‘Your timing is right Mr. John, I’m bored to death here and I’m hungry too.’

Mr. John fought himself not to laugh at me for fear that I might get offended because I said my last words seriously. He cleared his throat. ‘They were waiting for you. I’ll escort you.’ He said thoughtfully.

My smile broadens. For the past month also, it wasn’t just Katherine and Jake that I came to love, I also came to love Mr. John not just my bodyguard, which Klive insisted me on having, but like a bother and also my lady bodyguard. Being an only child, I’m so grateful for having a brother and sister.

Mr. John escorted me back to the Thompson’s table. His presence were a great help for driving away the people whom I don’t want to speak because a lot of people get intimidated by his looks especially the fashion designer named Jun which constantly asking me to model his designs. I had reach Thompson’s table in no time. I was about to seat on the chair next to Katherine but I was interrupted by the burning gaze of those mysterious grey eyes casting on me as if studying me closely and couldn’t believe his eyes from what he saw. For a moment we just stared at each other. I was so shocked with his presence here tonight. All of the sudden I felt conscious. I wore another design from Katherine but the one I wore was not included on last night’s show. It was a simple gown that matches the color of my eyes, one thing I like in this gown. It was embedded with enough diamonds to complement the design. The gown’s not over powering me and surprisingly I was able to carry it with grace, poise and sophistication.

I blink as if reality finally hits me. ‘Hi Klive.’ I greeted him gaily to cover up my palpitations. Now I wonder if my Valve Replacement didn’t work because palpitations were one of the signs and symptoms of mitral valve prolapse. ‘Welcome back.’

He smiled at me that made my heart leap. He moved towards me and gave me a tight hug as if telling me that he missed me. ‘It is good to be back. It is really good.’ He whispered in my ear.

I smell his scent that I mentally distinguished only for him. I kind of missed that smell of his. It really gives me an assurance about something. I stiffen from my thought. What am I thinking? I silently asked my self. I slowly pull my body out from his tight embrace.

‘You look great Avie.’ He said smiling at me and excited about something. ‘How are you doing?’

‘I’m fine. The operation was a success. I recovered immediately, my wounds are already healed. Thanks to Katherine here,’ I looked at Katherine. ‘No surgical scar was visible.’ It was Katherine who insisted about that. She insisted on suturing my incision inside not outside which normally some senior surgeon was practicing. Using an absorbable suture upon suturing that did the trick.

We both keep quiet abruptly as if we couldn’t find anything to talk about. After a few seconds we were interrupted by Denise sweet voice. She greeted Katherine and Jake before French kissed Klive in front of us. I looked away and silently I sat on my chair next to Katherine. The ‘lovers’ were in front of me still kissing.

‘I miss you honey. How was your trip? Did you miss me?’

‘Of course.’ He said lamely and looked at me.

I sigh. They missed each other even though Denise joined Klive's trip abroad but she left ahead of Klive to do his business. Denise arrived the day before. Without giving so much attention on my thought, I happily eat as the waiter started to served us the food.

‘Uhm… excuse me Miss.’ I heard someone called the attention of someone. I’m not quite sure if it was me he was talking about because my back was on him and I didn’t bother to look at the owner of the voice. ‘Sorry to disturbed you but you really looked like my best friend and I’m just checking it out. You see it’s been six months since I last saw her and I really, really missed her you know.’

I frowned somehow I recognized that voice and somehow I recognized that smell. He was talking about his best friend that looked like me? Hey just wait a second- I looked at the owner of the voice. My eyes were widen as I recognized its owner. Involuntarily some of my memories that I had tried to erase from my mind flashed back as fast as lightning, just seeing the guy standing in arms length with me.

‘By the way I’m Et-’

‘Ethan!’ I shouted as I stand up and bear hug the guy. I didn’t give a damn about my poise, I just missed this guy. ‘How are you? What are you doing here? How is every body doing?’ I continuously asked him. I heard his laugh and I also felt his arms wrapped around my waist. ‘Oh I missed you too Ethan.’

He pushed my gently and looked at me intently. ‘What happened to you?’ he shook his head. ‘It’s been six months.’ He sighs as I looked at him innocently. ‘You lose awfully a lot of weight. You looked like an anorexic teenager.’

‘I don’t have a psychological eating disorder thank you very much. Besides I gain 10 lbs. this month.’ I said it loudly and proudly at Ethan. I heard Klive chuckle, I saw Katherine and Jake smiled at me as if they were expecting such a statement from me, and I saw the shocked and scandalized expression from the people around me which by the way composed of models and some members of the socialite. ‘What? What’s wrong with I said?’ I asked Ethan innocently.

He whispered at my era. ‘Because my dear, all of the people here are all figure conscious.’ He then kissed my cheek.

I heard someone clears his throat. I looked at it and found out it was Klive. ‘Who is he Avie?’ Klive asked as if he had the right in this world to ask me that question.

‘Avie?!’ Ethan repeated.

I glared at Ethan indicating him to shut up. ‘Katherine, Jake, Klive this is my best friend Dr. Ethan Killhorn. Ethan this are Thompson’s.’ I looked meaningfully at him.

‘Oh… the doctor that referred you to Dr. Eves right, Avie?’ it was Jake.

‘Actually the ONE who referred me to Dr. Killian and then Dr. Killian referred me to Dr. Eves.’

‘Dr. KILLIAN?!’

I glared at him.

‘Can we talk privately AVIE?’ he asked me.

I looked at Katherine and Jake. They nodded at unison. Then without a word I turned my back to them and walked with Ethan. I brace myself for a thorough interrogation from Ethan. I know he was confused and needed some answers.

‘What is happening here?’

I sigh and started explaining everything to him.

Later that night I heard someone knocking my door. I was just finished taking a bath and dressed in my pajamas and was ready to bed. ‘Avie…’ I froze from my bed. It was Klive at the door. What was he want? All night I avoided being alone with him because I know he will question me about Ethan. I had a thorough interrogation with Ethan so I didn’t want to have another with Klive. After our talked with Ethan, my appetite was gone. It was just, he talked like my Mom, everything was straight forward and sadly all he said to me were true. I know I was hurt by his comments on my 'new' life now but I didn't mind it. i just enjoyed the night but as time passed I knew I was impossible. My best friend just ruined my night without him knowing it.

I can say we argue about my position here in the Thompson's and he demanded me that I should leaved immediately. Of course I refuse. I have so many hang ups in my life that I hadn't resolved and I think I is way too early for me to face them.

‘Avie it’s me.’

I waited for another seconds to pass thinking that Klive might leave or maybe he thought that I already fall asleep and leave.

‘I know you are still awake. Can I come in? I want to talk to you’

I sigh audibly, stands up from my bed and opened the door. He immediately entered my room. ‘Do you like it?’ he asked me expectantly.

I raise my brow at his question. ‘Like what?’

‘The gift I bought you from my trip. I put it…’ he looked at my bedside table and then sighs. ‘So you hadn’t opened it.’

‘Open what?’ I asked confusedly at him.

He moved towards my bed. ‘This.’ He said as he picked the box at my bedside table. He gave it to me, smiling for something and I noted that he was excited about something.

I looked at him before I open the box. I frowned as I looked at the thing inside the box. ‘Why are you giving me this stuff? I don’t need it.’

He stared at me. ‘And here am I hoping that you might like It.’ he said. ‘Of course you need it! These past weeks I had heard that you had a habit of disappearing without leaving a trace and without your bodyguard’s knowledge. Mom was so worried about you then. So I thought it would be much better if you have a phone with you.’

‘A mobile phone IS okay but not an iphone.’

He snorted. ‘I heard you like music so the iphone is well suited you.’

I rolled my eyes on him. This guy knows everything! ‘I don’t have anyone to call to, so what is the use of having a phone.’

‘That’s good to hear.’ He said meaningfully at me. ‘My contacts, Mom and Dad’s were already saved in your phone okay?’ he pauses for awhile. ‘It’s not what I want to talk about. Avie, was that guy named Ethan is your boyfriend?’

I flinched at his question. ‘How on earth did you know that I have a boyfriend?’

‘Mom told me.’ He said simply at me but I'm not convinced.

Frustrated I sigh. ‘No. I told you he is my best friend.’ I looked at him inquisitively. ‘Why did you ask anyway?’

He just shrugged at my question. ‘It’s late. I think we need to get some rest.’ He then left my room leaving me confused.

**************************************************************************************

I'm sorry about this. My plan was to post one chapter each day but I didn't expect my shift was that stressful and busy. I tried to write through....hope you like it..enjoy reading...and oohh.... please don't forget to tell me what do you think about this chapter..thank you...