7:40 PM

“Oh my gosh is this him? Page, you totally forgot to mention he’s hot.” Heather screamed from outside. I quickly put on my robe and opened the door to check him out.

My jaw practically dropped when I saw him. I knew he’d look way better without the beard but I didn’t know one bath could do the trick. “Oh my gosh, how old are you?” I was undeniably shocked. I told Heather that he was in his early twenties when she asked what size the jacket should be. 22, 23? I wasn’t too sure but now he looks just the same age as us.

“Oh my gosh this is so not true. What did you do to my caveman?” My added joke caught Heather but he didn’t seem to take it that way. Heather begged me if she could borrow him but I denied. I don’t let other people touch my pets. I also reminded her of our little secret. Only she and I know more about it and we’ll have it discussed over coffee tomorrow afternoon if were both available.

I had a quick warm bath and walked out of the bathroom with my thick white robe on. I took my medicine kit with me as I watched him. He seemed not to mind but I know what bruises and cuts looked like when they’re from accidents or from any form of beating. This guy, has been suffering from the latter. It’s a big deal that he saved me once and now I’m planning to do the same to him.

Wherever he came from; I’m not planning to put him back there.

I silently watched him scan my photo album and whirlwind of horrible thoughts came to me as I think of how he was beaten up. No one deserves intended physical injury, especially a good person like him. I looked back at the medicine kit and decided to ignore his scratches. He seemed to be over the pain somehow.

I noticed that Heather had already gone home and left the food arranged on the counter. I admired how organized she works under pressure. I took two cans of coke out in the fridge and brought the plate of ravioli in the small glass table in the center of the living room.

He saw me arranging the table and he brought in the Chinese take outs. I handed one can to him and sat beside him. He was in a stiff posture and I knew he wasn’t comfortable. I turned the television on and left CSI on low volume.

We started eating and suddenly he spoke. “20”

“Excuse me?” I had no idea what it meant. 20 bucks? 20 more spring rolls? Or am I the 20th person that he’s going to kill?

“You asked me how old I am. I’m actually 19 today but I’ll be 20 tomorrow, so I’m s…still 19.” He said. His voice sounded really shy and nervous.

“No way. I can’t believe I came to know your birthday first instead of your name.” I joked and finally for the love of God and everything holy, he laughed. His laugh was the kind of music that you’d want to hear over and over again. It was like the song that you’d set on repeat.

“Seth,” He said as he extended a hand for me to shake.

“Seth? Is that it?” I can really be curious fly sometimes.

“Seth Miller.” He was hiding a smile.

“Page,” I shook his hand. I expected his hands to be rough but there somehow soft. Not the soft, soft but the normal manly one. The kind of softness I didn’t expect from someone who lived in the streets, maybe because they don’t have apartments to clean or thesis papers to write. He looked at me like he was expecting more so I spilled out my long boring name. “Patricia Georgina Barton Harper”

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Harper,” He said.

“It’s my pleasure Mr. Miller. You may call me Page. I prefer my nickname.”

“I prefer it too than the long one.” He said as I raised the can to toast.

“For saving my ass out there in the streets,” I said as he raised his can as well.

“For letting me inside your house tonight.” He said as we chinked the cans. “Cheers” We chorused.

I was happy to hear that he finished high school. We talked mainly about it as I tried my best not to mention college. I asked him who his parents were and it wasn’t a surprise he knew mine, my dad at least. He said his father’s name is Franklin Miller and he left them when he was fifteen years old. His mother died when last year and because they don’t have relatives he was forced to move out. He said it’s been a year that he’s wandering.

I changed the topic into clothes and how excited I was to see him in the outfits I had for him. I also told him I’d bring him somewhere special tomorrow. Though I honestly didn’t have anywhere in mind. Maybe I’ll just take him to my favorite restaurant, or the mall, or the spa, or the tennis club. I’m sure he’d like the tennis club, they have a pool there.

I wanted to tell him the little proposal I had in mind but I know it’d just be too much for him so after we finished dinner; I gave him a glass of milk and a new toothbrush.

I also led him to the guestroom where he’d sleep and I just know how amazed he was. For me, it was different though. Having a complete stranger sleeping inside my apartment was a big leap for my trust issues. Either way, I locked my room just to be secure.

Sleep took over my senses as my lights automatically dimmed with the timer turning itself off. I dreamt of the day my mother got shot. I was in the balcony with my first nanny when a green van stopped across the road of our house. The van’s window rolled down and a guy in black mask set his sniper pointed to our garden where my mom was. A loud bang resonated all around me like unending ripples from a stone dropped in a calm body of water.

I woke up, severely sweating from the uncanny nightmare. I dabbed myself dry with a towel and adjusted the air conditioner from 21 to 16. Once again, I fell asleep.

I hated Cynthia. She thinks she could replace my mom but she couldn’t. She always buys me stuff that I really liked but I pretended not to care. Only my mom has the right to shop for me and she’s taking the role like some kind of theatrical play to please dad. But months passed and I’ve started to appreciate her efforts of becoming my friend at least. Dad was happy that I started going out of the house and going to the mall with Cynthia. It was then that I finally thought we’d be happy; that I’d be having a complete family once again. All was well and breezy until Cynthia came to our house crying one day. She said she had to break up with dad and leave for the better. I didn’t understand. What could have been better than us becoming a family? The very next day, news of Cynthia’s murder reached us. And just like mom, she was shot.

I stirred once again and this time I was unable to go to sleep. I looked at the digital clock on my bedside table and it was already passed four in the morning. Curse these nightmares. They always have their way of keeping me up like some new kind of insomniac.

I decided to go for a short run but before I could get out of my apartment. I visited Seth in the guest room. Just as expected, he was sleeping like a baby. With my most gentle touch I brushed his soft dark hair that covered part of his eye and planted a soft kiss on his forehead.

I didn’t know why exactly I did that. Maybe I was just carried away by the moment that I didn’t realize what I was doing was wrong. But I like him. I definitely have very strong feelings for him but I just don’t know if this is really love.

I went out of the room with a stupid smile plastered on my face and raging heart, exploding beneath my chest. God, he’s adorable.

9:30 PM

The pillow was too fluffy. Maybe I’m really just to used on sleeping in the streets that the hard cement reminds me of its feel every time I flip over the velvety mattress. I breathed in the scent of the pillow and the thick white blanket. It was the scent of cleanliness, a hint of Tide, fabric conditioner and somehow the scent of Page. She seemed to have her own signature scent of strawberries, fresh air and sunlight.

Just her scent sends me in an ocean of green and gold grass with the gentle afternoon breeze and the warm touch of the pinkish orange afternoon light. A special place where she holds my hand and I embrace her close to me.

Talking to Page was awesome. She’s like the kindest down to earth person I’ve ever met. She never mentioned my being homeless, or asked how I survive each day. She told me she’ll take me somewhere special tomorrow for my birthday.

My mom also told me the same thing for my 18th birthday, but it never happened. When I woke up that morning, she was gone. She was shot. I shook off the thoughts and let sleep consume me. I haven’t slept that good for a very long time. I’ve dreamt of Page opening the door of my room and leaning down to kiss my forehead. I really am in love with her.

When I woke up, I was surprised to see where I was. I almost forgot everything that happened last night. I looked at the looming gold pendulum clock; it was 9:20 in the morning. I went out expecting to see Page but all there was were the scent of bacon. I checked on the counter and found a large plate of bacon, eggs and fried rice. On the side was a tall glass of milk just like the one last night and beneath it was a note.

Off to school. Be back at luncheon. I left your snacks in the fridge. I didn’t know what you like so… enjoy, birthday boy. J

Luncheon: who uses that word instead of just ‘lunch’? I can’t help but smile at how she treats me. I finished everything on the plate and took another cold bath. I put on the clothes she gave me and left the others on the bed where I slept. The snacks on the fridge that she’s saying were two grocery bags filled with canned goods, processed meat, and cartons of milk, fruits and expensive chips. Those weren’t just snacks but I’ll take them with me. I’m sure Alejandro and the rest would be happy. This could last us for four days at most.

This has been too much. I can’t accept all of her kindness any longer so I chose to leave. I locked her Apartment; which I thought was a hotel and left the building. The people weren’t eyeing me like a piece of garbage anymore. Looks can really be important sometimes because it spells your status.

I reached the junk yard after nearly an hour of just walking. Alicia and Alejandro were there. They stood up when they saw me and when Alejandro was just about to say something, I handed him the grocer bags.

“What have you been up to all night?” He asked but I refuse to talk about Page. Knowing that I’d never see her again makes my heart constrict.

“An old lady took pity on me and made me use her bathroom.” I lied. On the corner of my eye I can see Alicia smiling. I gave her a ‘What?’ kind of look. She was wearing a very revealing red corset and a skin tight leather skirt. Those surely are courtesy of a new boyfriend where she sleeps over with most of the time.

“You look nice.” She commented as she smiled flirtatiously at me. Alicia is a waitress at a night club but only she knows the services a waitress has to offer. She has the hight of a fourteen year old kid but the face and the breasts of a matured young woman which makes every guy drool. Not me though.

“Thanks,” I replied as I helped Alejandro rummage the bags. “I think we have to cook this first. It’d go bad if we don’t put it on a fridge.” I said.

“We already have a fridge.” He said as I was quite taken aback. “Bought it last night; brand new.”

I was about to ask where he got the money and everything came up to me like a bright light. Somebody paid Alejandro to shoot that car where Page was. “Where did you get the money?” I finally asked, hiding the worry on my face. So someone’s after Page?

“Some rich guy. He wanted to scare the Mr. Harper guy so he’d change his mind on some deal. Rich people; they don’t know where to spend their money. He gave me ten thousand bucks for that. Imagine? Twenty thousand bucks. I’m thinking we should buy a new trailer van. What do you think, amigo?”

The thought of Page getting hurt rips my soul but I didn’t want them to notice. “That’s a great idea. We can sell this one to some scrap metal buyers for some extra.”

“Don’t worry about the extra, amigo. My man Mr. Jones just called this morning and he said something about scaring the Harper even more. He said he’s paying double. Forty thousand! Can you believe it?”

“That’s awesome. So where are the others?” I couldn’t hide the worry in my voice for what diabolical plans Alejandro has in mind.

“Doing the job man. I sent them to this place to kidnap Harper’s daughter. Mr. Jones wants her killed after Harper gives him the ransom. It’s a win win for Jones because he seems to hate the kid.” He gave me a familiar card. It was the same card that Page gave to the cab driver. It was her apartment’s address. My stomach knotted and my heart stopped beating. She said she’ll be home by lunch. I asked Alejandro what time is it and I found out I only have an hour left before noon.

“Hey, I gotta bounce. I almost forgot the old lady telling me to meet her by lunch.” I sprinted out of the junk yard. Literally; sprinted, before Alejandro could even respond.

She can’t go home. I mentally cursed at myself for throwing away my phone months ago. I could’ve called her and told her to stay away from her apartment. I mentally cursed at the people who won’t let me through. I ignored the deliberately honking cars as I crossed a couple of roads. All I had in mind was run, passing by expensively clothed mannequins and restaurants and bakeshops displays.

I ran and ran until I reached the building at last.

11:35 PM

I saw the time at the guard house. And I brisk walked inside the building. As I wait for the elevator to come down on the ground floor, I prayed for her to be safe. There was no sight of Rafael or Malik anywhere but still, the knot in the pit of my stomach has been making my sweat cold.

The elevator opened and I entered with a little girl on ballet costume who’s also off to the fifth floor. She said her name was Holly and she thinks I’m hot. I think she’s annoying. She blabbered nonstop from the ground floor till the elevator opened for the fifth floor. I didn’t even realize that she was holding my hand as we walked out.

My whole world stopped when I saw 503 slightly open. I ran towards it, leaving the kid trail behind me. I opened the door and found her holding my clothes. She looked like she’s seen a ghost when she saw me.

“Seth,” She spoke my name in almost a whisper as she threw herself to me. She sounded relieved for something but not as relieved as me, seeing her alive. “I thought you already left. Leave a note, will you?” She added as she tightened her embrace. I hugged her back, feeling her soft luxurious curls that cascaded behind her back. She smells intoxicating.

“Oh hey Holly,” She broke off the hug when she saw the little animal clinging on my pants.

“Hey girlfriend,” They did a signature handshake. “Is he you’re boyfriend?” She asked as she felt my jacket. She’s only as tall as my waist and she’s acting like some slutty high school queen bee.

“No, he’s just a friend but he’s living here with me.” Page’s answer shook my world. She just knew me for a day and she already calls me a friend. If I stay for another day maybe she’ll call me a boyfriend. How much more for a week? And I just slept over. I’m not living here.

Anyways, she looked different today. She’s wearing a really short white skirt; she looked like those tennis players on TV. I liked it, she looks less expensive and less out of my league, unlike last night.

“I knew it. T shirts and long haired guys aren’t your type.” Page waved goodbye and disappeared into 506.

“Don’t mind Holly. She totally doesn’t know what my type is.” She said as she patted my back and grabbed a new paper bag. Whatever she meant by what she said surely doesn’t mean I’m her type. No one would have homeless guys as their type. I know I’ll never have a chance with her so I’ll just delete these feelings, whatever this are. “Here, change into this. They have dress code on the club so you need sportswear.” She pushed me inside the room I slept into.

I changed into a Nike shirt and knee length shorts. As I slipped on the new socks and tennis shoes, I remembered the kidnapping threat. I shoot out of the room and find her standing outside the door with both her hands on her back. She’s now wearing a white sun visor. “Happy birthday,” Her voice made me forget everything I had in mind. She grabbed my left wrist and buckled a rubbery white Swatch watch. I noticed she has an identical one on her wrist as well. “It matched your shirt and your shoes perfectly. Do you like it? I didn’t know your favorite color so I chose it according to mine.” She added as she looked at it then my face. It’s obvious her favorite color is white while mine is black so it the dirt won’t be too obvious.

“It’s… awesome. Thanks. I don’t know how to repay you for… this.” If I elaborated what ‘this’ means it’d take us too long.

She just laughed and it sounded like wedding bells to me. She hauled her bag and held my hand. “Just think of it as part of the job description.” She said as I followed her outside the apartment.

“Job description?” I asked as I punched the inverted triangle beside the elevator. Did she just offer me a job? The elevator pinged open and we got in.

“I’m hiring you as my new pet.” She said sweetly.

“PET?” If my eyelids were just a little bit loose, my eyeballs could’ve popped out. She just giggled at my reaction. “How does that work?”

“You’ll see.” She said as she patted my hair and arranged it so it won’t get into my eyes. “I’ll tell everyone that you’re my cousin from California and you study in UCLA. Do not forget that okay? My friends can be really nosy and… not nice.” She grabbed my hand and dragged me out to the underground where the parking lot is located.

It was dark and only the flickering lights of the fluorescent bulbs provided luminescence for our path. She seemed like she was used to it. Maybe these lights never get fixed.

We walked towards a red SUV which she said was from her dad for her sixteenth birthday. After three years, the car still looks as good as new. As she opened the driver’s seat, I noticed someone move from the end of the row. My heart constricted with the thought of Rafael and Malik sneaking around in this secluded place so I pushed her in and slammed the door close. I quickly turned to the other side of the SUV and opened the car door to sit beside her with my heart pumping like a brand new bass drum.

I was almost hyperventilating when I was regaining the breaths I held for the few moments that I was outside the car. She looked at me, wanting explanation for my sudden act of hostility. “We need to get out of here. I’ll explain it to you while we drive.” I said with eyes stapled on the rear view mirror.

She started the engine and we went out of the parking lot. “Are you going to start explaining?” She asked with an amused smile that was too inappropriate for the situation.

12:45 PM

I was definitely weirded out when he suddenly shoved me inside the car. I accidentally bumped my shoulder on the steering wheel on the process.

“Are you going to start explaining?” I said as we drove past the guard house. I thought he was just teasing but the serious look on his face shut me up for his explanation.

“Do you know a Mr. Jones?” He asked as his bright blue eyes glued into my dark brown ones. For a moment I was lost in his pools of blue eternity but as I noticed my slight change of direction, I quickly looked at the road.

“Uncle Marley? Marlon Jones. He’s my dad’s step brother if you’re wondering any the different surnames, so, yes I do know a Mr. Jones. It could be any Jones you know but, why?” I wasn’t surprised if we were talking about the same Mr. Jones. I know Uncle Marley and his son Sean does feeding programs every Christmas.

“He wants to kill you.” He said as I almost missed over taking a pickup truck.

I have a subject in Psychology. One lesson taught us how to see if one person’s bluffing. This became helpful during Poker sessions. But now that I’m looking at his dilating eyes, I wonder if my little instincts came dull or he’s just telling the genuine truth. He was serious and dead worried.

Uncle Marley has no enough reasons why he has to do that. I know what he’s capable of and I know he could pay to kill anyone at any given time. Dad told me how tough his partnership with my dad became ever since dad got married and I came up but that’s not enough reason for him to kill me. If he wants me six feet under like one of his assassinated subordinates and enemies, he should’ve done it when I was tot. “You did not just say that.” He couldn’t be any more serious.

“Page, believe me.” He was almost pleading. But I just swooned, my name sounded so cherished when he says it. He released a hopeless sigh but his eyes spelled determination.

“You know you can be really weird sometimes.” I crumpled his raven colored hair. “I like it. It’s cute.” I didn’t know why in the name of class I said that but when it comes to him I just blab naturally.

“Just don’t go anywhere alone.” He said as he gave me a pained smile.

“Stop worrying. That’s not what a nanny does.” I smirked at him.

“You’re hopeless kid.” He asked as his eyes slightly lit up and his mouth slightly lifted up in a small smile.

We drove till we reached the club. I expected him to be ecstatic. He was actually undeniably pleased and I can see it in his eyes but there seemed something deep inside him that’s bothering him. We entered the lobby with the usual desk lady greeting me with her usual gleeful smile- which was usually fake, and today wasn’t an exemption. She greeted me with her high pitched voice and asked who my arm candy was. I wasn’t very amused with her term in regards with Seth whom I was clinging to like a sloth with his arm as some branch. I told him he was my cousin and he’ll be a guest. Her flirtatious and equally annoying grin came into a halt when I gave her my very own death glare. You may now notice that I really am not so nice but hey, look at me. This hottie on my side used to be a caveman before I gave him a little makeover, that’s a good deed.

We walked straight to the restaurant where Tamika said she’ll wait as I curtseyed respectful nods to the old and grumpy Mr. Kadyrov and his conversely young and nosy wife Gretchen. Waving at Mr. Trotski and Mr. Chang who seemed to be friends since the Second World War, I noticed Seth hiding a bemused smile.

I stopped walking in the middle of the hallway and stared at him, hiding my smile as well. “What?” I feigned being oblivious but I know perfectly what he wants to say.

“Is this a retirement home or is this just the place you rich people hang out?” He asked as I proved myself partly correct except for the last part.

“No and no. This is a place for all ages and all kinds of people.” I answered as we resumed our walk to the restaurant.

They’re all here. A pang of fear pierced my little heart as I saw them scrutinizing Seth from afar. I gave them a small wave and led my new cousin to meet them. The girls seemed all too pleased and Heather’s acting of seeing Seth for the first time was worth an Oscar. The other side of the table on the other hand was well, silent.

“Heather said you’re from California.” Tyler spoke dryly as he sliced his lasagna. My eyes quickly darted from him to Seth.

“Um, yeah.” He said, avoiding Tyler’s curious gaze. I knew Tyler since freshmen year in high school; he’s someone you won’t lie to and everyone in the group knows this except my new cousin from California.

“Where exactly in California?” He asked, and leaned closely to the table to face Seth. His head was slightly tilted as he toyed with the straw of his protein shake; a gesture he does when he’s curious. I wanted to interject but Seth was just fast enough to answer.

“Los Angeles.” He answered, giving him a small smile. I could’ve sworn he was telling the truth if I didn’t instruct him to lie myself.

“Where exactly in LA?” He sounded like he wants to pick a fight. I glared at him and gave Tamika a what’s-his-problem kind of look.

“Westwood,” Seth answered exactly the same time Heather created a diverting question. “So you’re interested in transferring schools to escape Anatomy, Tyler?”

All eyes were on Heather before I laughed an Oh-my-gosh-that-was-so-funny kind of laugh that was obviously unreal. I ended the laugh with a question so I can end these awkward silent stares. “Anyone up for a match?” I raised an eyebrow as I stood up to fold my arms in a challenge. They all know dad and I are best at this. Tennis has been his only way of sweating when he was suffering from fatty liver and we come here every free weekend to play.

“Ooh, the game face. It is on, honey child.” Heather stood up and hauled her bag from the nearby vacant table. “We can play doubles. Say, Tammy-Ty and Sean and I.”

“Where do I come in?” I asked as I held my laughter. They would always think of ways wherein I can’t play. My cousin Sean also declined an offer because of a new waitress that he needs to follow or else his heart would be on endless agony until the day he dies. We’ve heard that for six times within this semester and countless times since the start of college. We all didn’t know where he got that from but it’d always end up with his face having a handprint.

“Good idea, Seth can take Sean’s place. Surely he’s just as good as you, and your dad, or Sean and Mr. Jones.” Tyler said in an unusually friendly way as his last statement seemed to ring a bell in Seth’s ears.

“He’s Marlon Jones’ son?” He asked like he’ll never believe it.

“Yeah, you’re cousin?” Tyler gave him a puzzled look. Luckily I was there to rescue.

“Seth’s from my mom’s side of the family.” I gave him a small smile and nudged closer to Seth who’s been avoiding Tamika’s curious stares on his face. “Is there a problem, Tammy?”

“No, just I think I saw him somewhere.” She said as she stepped forward to look at him closely. Too close for my approval but Tyler doesn’t seem to care about whoever Tamika’s being too close with.

“Maybe in California. You spent the entire summer in there.” I suggested, afraid that she might’ve seen him in his previous state.

“Yeah, I’m thinking in Hermosa but I’m not entirely sure bec…” She said but Seth cut her off.

“I’ve been on that beach for two weeks, it might have been there.” He said and I was just… amazed on how he knew.

“I knew it. I know I could never miss someone at hot as him. I wonder why I didn’t chase you.” She said as we all laughed. Tyler surprisingly laughed at this too; he knows what Tamika’s capable of when it comes to men on beaches.

My heart sank when I saw Seth’s grip on the racket; he surely doesn’t play. I came to him and taught him the proper gripping and as my hands came in touch with his; my heart completely drowned. I ignored the feeling and showed him how I held my old Prince. He followed but he seemed to have a soft clasp. I shook my head and held his hand firmly. “You’ll have to hold it firmly if you don’t want the process straining your wrist every time you hit the balls.”

“You’re really good at this, huh.” He said as I gave him a what?-no-way kind of look.

I tucked his sun visor in his head and fixed his ruffled hair. I went into the court when I saw Tamika and Tyler stretching into position. It was then that I realized my last statement to Seth was kind of horny. I smiled a stupid smile, remembering his answer. He didn’t seem to be bothered by it the way it did me so still I’m thankful.

The game started with Seth dodging Tyler’s serve. The game continued with me taking all the hits meant for him but I was happy it still ended up with us as victor. I suggested a water break before we changed court and everyone agreed. I was enjoying myself but I was starting to notice that Seth wasn’t so I decided to call it a day.

We went back to the restaurant where we left Heather and my cousin Sean. I wanted a drink and it was nearly lunch so I supposed Seth wanted food instead so we sat down to order. But then, Sean decided to be a dick. “Hah! Page, your cousin sucks.” He laughed at him and I’ve never been this furious in my entire life.

Sean being rude; I can tolerate. But Sean being rude to Seth; I can’t. So I lost it.

Was watching tennis on sports channel, and cleaning my dad’s trophies before writing this chapter. Hope you like it so far…’cause I know you’ll love the next two chapters after this one. *Cue: Evil Laugh*