UNBROKEN Pia Angela Elemos

I know I look stupid. Who would be staying in the beach during the night? It‟s almost eight and he should be here any minute now. If he chooses me. All of a sudden, the wind turned

chilly and I have to pull the collars of my black coat up. It‟s raining and the few people with me hanging out at the beach are starting to leave except me. I‟ll stay even though I have no umbrella

or anything to protect me from the rain. He will come. I know he will.

For my family and friends who always

believe in me and keeps me sane

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

― Lao Tzu

1

1.

Staring at the starry sky above, Dani Clairvaux was lounging around at her bedroom

balcony, sipping scotch, waiting for fatigue to kick in. It was almost dawn but drowsiness was

shy to Dani. She cannot sleep. Of course she can‟t. It was exactly 12am of the 28th

and this day

scared the hell out of Dani.

It had been exactly one year since Rhys died, her brother, her confidant and her best

friend.

Growing up, Dani was an introvert. Even though she came from a pretty well-off family,

people around her were scared to approach her. Dani never understood why but whenever she

was around, grownups start to whisper and pull their kids away from her. She grew up alone but

she doesn‟t really care. She has Rhys. He was the only person Dani loved so much besides herself and she could never shake off the feeling that Rhys died because of her.

That single thought brings a burning sensation inside Dani‟s stomach. She wrinkled her forehead, took another swig of scotch then out of nowhere, Dani sent the glass flying across the

balcony.

Tears start to flow from Dani‟s gray eyes. “Damn.” Dani said as she wiped her betraying tears. Even though Dani tries to distract herself, the memory remains crystal clear inside her

head as if it was only yesterday.

Dani‟s parents, Elizabeth and Marcus Clairvaux decided to throw a huge soiree for their

family and friends to celebrate the success of their company. Everyone, from huge business

moguls to designer clad girls, was there. It was the biggest and grandest party of the year and

Dani don‟t like it. “Why do I have to be here? It‟s not like anyone will care about me. They will talk to

themselves and pretend to be friends with everybody.” Dani complained to her brother. “Dani,” Rhys started like the typical old brother that he is. “This is also our party. Our

parents are the host of this gathering so it is given that we should be here as their kids.”

I was sixteen then while Rhys was already twenty and even though he was still in college,

everyone treats him as if he already owned our business.

“Whatever Rhys. I hate being here and I hate being treated like this.”

“Like what?”

2

“Can‟t you see? Everyone here treats us as if we‟re royalties and they all act that way so that they can suck up to mom and dad.”

“Think whatever you want to think Daniella. This is our parents‟ party and we should be here.” Rhys responded, patting my head playfully.

“Stop calling me Daniella!” Dani exclaimed, walking straight into the throng of people in

front of them.

Dani snatched her silver flask from her purse and took a long swig of scotch. She hated

being there. She hated being Daniella. She hated being a Clairvaux. Most of all, she hated herself

for being so hateful.

“Dani dear! Where are you going?” Dani heard her mother shouted at her but she

pretended to be deaf. Grabbing the keys of her brother‟s black Ferrari, she scooted out of the party with an evil grin pasted on her face.

Then everything changed. All she can remember was driving furiously through the

highways and not stopping into every red light she faced. She was free. Or at least she thought.

Dani lost track of time when she finally decided to stop at a nearby McDonalds branch

along the freeway. She fished through her purse and searched for her phone.

“Seriously? Fifty missed calls?” Dani laughed to herself. It‟s so not her parents to call her fifty times in a row. They are probably just looking for her so she can say goodbye to their

guests. So shallow.

Her phone rang.

“Hello,” Dani answered. It was her father. “Where the hell are you young lady?!” Her father bellowed angrily. “Uhm, I‟m at McDonalds.”

“Did you realize you had been missing for almost three hours? We‟re worried sick of you?”

“You are? You‟re worried about me? Well, that‟s a first.” Dani laughed. “Look,” Mr. Clairvaux sighed, suddenly serious. “It‟s not the right time for us to argue.

We‟re at St. James Medical Center and you should come here right away.”

Dani froze at her seat. “What‟s going on Dad?”

“We‟ll explain when you‟re here. Just drive safely and come here as fast as you can.”

Mr. Clairvaux hung up.

Dani stepped onto the gas and drove down to St. James. Dani felt like a bucket of ice was

thrown at her. She felt cold, numb and weak. Something is wrong. She knew it.

“Daniella!” Her mother sobbed as soon as Dani entered the hospital. Elizabeth was still in

her gown and she look gorgeous as ever but her eyes look miserable and devastated.

“Mom, what‟s going on?” Dani whispered.

Dani‟s parents hugged her so tight and the both of them were crying. Dani never saw her

parents cry so she knew that something is up. Something wrong is up.

3

“What‟s going on? Can somebody tell me what‟s going on?” Dani shrieked hysterically, pulling away from the tight embrace of her parents. She can no longer stand this drama. She

wants to know the truth.

“Rhys is gone.” Dani‟s father said weakly. “What? What the hell are you talking about?” Dani asked. A wave of shock and disbelief

washed over her. Rhys is dead?

“Please Dani. Calm down,” A low voice said. Dani turned around and saw her brother‟s best friend, Philip. He looks disheveled and tired but Dani knew he was trying not to break

down. “Rhys went out looking for you when he realized you were gone as well as his car. I tried

to stop him but he won‟t. He kept on telling me that he needs to find you.”

“Rhys was driving when a bus came out of nowhere. It was a car accident. He was dead on arrival.” Dani‟s father continued.

“You‟re lying!” Dani shouted as tears start to flow from her eyes. Rhys cannot be dead.

“He‟s not dead! Rhys is not dead! I was just talking to him a few hours ago. Where is Rhys? I want to see him. You‟re joking!”

“Dani please, calm down.” Dani‟s mother said, pulling her daughter into a tight hug but

Dani kept on pushing her away.

“Leave me alone! Rhys is not dead. You guys are sick!” Dani screamed, running out of the hospital.

He can’t be dead. Rhys is not dead. A few months later after the accidents, Rhys was laid to rest and even in that moment,

Dani cannot still accept the fact that his brother was dead.

“Rhys died because of me.” Dani mumbled to her parents after the ceremony. Her parents did not say or do anything. They did not comfort her or argue with her

because she knew they were thinking the same thing. If she did not left the party, her brother

wouldn‟t have looked for her and he wouldn‟t have been caught in the car accident.

Her parents never said a word to Dani after the burial. They left the U.S. and went to

Spain for business purposes but Dani knew better. They knew they left because they cannot

stand living with the person who caused their favorite son‟s death. Dani knew they hated her. Now, Dani had been living in an enormous estate at Los Angeles that was owned by her

grandparents when they were still alive. Her only companions inside the estate are the maids,

gardeners, cooks, chauffeurs and drivers. In short, she is living alone with a number of house

help.

Reminiscing of the good old days made Dani laugh so hard that she started to cry and

before she knew it, she was half-laughing and half-crying. She was losing it and she knew it.

Dani sent the whole bottle of scotch flying across the balcony. She stood up and flopped

unto her bed.

4

2.

Dani had no intention of going to school that day but she need to, she have to because if

she don‟t, she will definitely fail. And so, even though her eyes were bloodshot from crying the whole night and even though she only has a few minutes of rest, she prepared for school.

She stepped in front of her full-length mirror and gazed at herself. Her St. Regis

Academy uniform was pressed perfectly. Everything, from her white blouse, blue necktie and

plaid skirt, was perfect. Dani looked beautiful and she wasn‟t even trying. With her long brunette hair, pale white skin and piercing gray eyes, it is very hard to resist Dani Clairvaux.

Dani pulled her hair into a tight bun and went to school.

St. Regis Academy is one of the most popular schools in Los Angeles and it has produced

many great alumni like Elizabeth and Marcus Clairvaux which Dani hated. Dani hated living

under her family‟s shadow. She wanted to be known as Dani and not as Dani Clairvaux and that

is the very reason why Dani try to annoy and rebel against her teachers.

“Dani! Are you sick? You came to school today!” Georgina, one of Dani‟s true friends, exclaimed as Dani came inside the classroom and perched onto her sit by the window.

“What can I do Georgina? I‟m going to fail if I don‟t go to school.” Dani shrugged.

“You okay?” Georgina asked worriedly. She and Dani had been friends since kindergarten and even though they are not best friends, they look after each other.

Dani looked at her blonde, green-eyed friend. “I‟m fine Georgina. Trust me.”

Georgina felt very worried but she knows that Dani wouldn‟t confide anything to her. “Okay but if you need someone to talk to, I‟m here.”

“Thanks.” Dani replied wholeheartedly. The morning bell rang and Dani‟s classmates came running inside their classroom. Dani

never paid attention to anyone inside the classroom. She just sat there and wait for the day to be

over but this time, she was forced to listen.

Miss Peterson, Dani‟s class adviser, came inside the classroom with a huge smile

plastered on her face.

“Good morning class. I have a special announcement today so I need all of you to pay attention especially you Miss Clairvaux.” The thirty-something teacher said to her students,

eyeing Dani. Miss Peterson already has gray streaks of hair over her black ones but her hazelnut

eyes never fails to warm anyone.

“Even though we are already in the middle of the semester, the administration decided to welcome a new student here in our academy and I am so grateful that they placed him in our

class. Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to meet your new classmate, Louis Degrassi!”

5

Dani‟s head jerked forward. Did she heard Miss Peterson right? Louis Degrassi is here in Los Angeles but before Dani could react, a slender yet muscular boy came inside the classroom.

He has ashy blonde hair and sapphire-colored eyes. He was beautiful and Dani‟s classmates went berserk when they saw him except Dani.

“Good morning,” Louis said cheerfully. “I am Louis Degrassi and I am very pleased to meet you all.”

Dani must be imagining because she thought Louis was looking at her the entire time.

She must be out of her mind.

The class began and it was both agonizing and painful for Dani. She barely made it

through History and English without having to shout at her new classmate. She was fuming mad

and Dani cannot wait to step out of this classroom so when the bell rang which marks the

morning break, Dani sprint out of the room, trying not to caught anyone‟s eyes especially Louis‟s.

The softball field was Dani‟s escape place in St. Regis. It was overgrown and nobody bothered to clean it for years so it was a safe place for Dani to be alone and just think.

“Why is he here? Why is Louis Degrassi here?” Dani choked. Of all the people in the

world whom Dani knew, why is he the one who decided to come back?

Louis Degrassi belongs to Dani‟s past and somehow, he decided to come back.

Dani was ten years old when her parents decided to spend the summer in the Hamptons.

They own an all-white summer house there with an infinity pool and huge landscapes of grass

and trees. It was perfect back then.

“This place is beautiful!” The eight year old Dani exclaimed to her parents. “Of course it is honey. I and your father chose this place.” Elizabeth replied, picking up

her daughter from the ground.

Dani and Rhys played tennis, swam and painted during their stay in the Hamptons. It was

a time of solace for Dani and her family and it even got better when the Degrassis came.

Dani could still remember how her father introduced her to the Degrassis.

“Rhys and Dani, I want you to meet Uncle Brandon and Aunt Matilda. I and your Uncle Brandon were friends back in high school and college. We are best of friends so I invited him

and his family to stay here with us. Is that okay?”

Dani and Rhys nodded shyly and gazed upon their visitors. Uncle Brandon has olive skin,

blonde hair and blue eyes while Aunt Matilda has porcelain skin, brown eyes and the same hue

of blonde hair. Dani was too engrossed to her visitors when she saw another pair of blue eyes

peering from Aunt Matilda‟s back. “Who‟s he?” Dani blurted out, pointing at the kid. “Don‟t be rude Dani. Be polite to your Aunt Matilda and Uncle Brandon.” Marcus

reminded her daughter.

“It‟s fine Marcus,” Uncle Brandon beamed. “Dani, this is Louis. He is our son and I think

he is about your age. Why don‟t you say hi, Louis?”

6

The kid walked forward and smiled beautifully. “Hi! I‟m Louis.”

Louis quickly became Dani‟s friend. Except having the same age, they have the same

interests. They love to paint and draw they even shared the same queries about their life.

“I don‟t get it why other kids avoid me. It‟s not like I have a disease or something.” Dani said one day as she and Louis were spending the day by the pool.

“I get the same thing. No matter how I try to be friendly to them, they just won‟t say anything to me.” Louis agreed. It was very hard to believe that Louis Degrassi has no friends. He‟s your typical American boy but maybe it is not enough.

A smile came out of Dani‟s face. She was truly happy that she has someone who can

understand her besides her brother and parents, “I‟m happy that you‟re here.”

“Me too. It‟s fun to have someone who understands.” Louis beamed happily. “You‟re an only child right?” Dani asked. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

“How does it feel? I mean, do you like being an only child?”

“Honestly, I don‟t like being an only child. I‟m always alone. I told you, I never really have any friend before I met you. The truth is I‟m actually jealous of you because you have a brother.”

“Really? You‟re jealous of me?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Rhys is the only person I trust in the whole wide world but it is obvious that he is my

parents‟ favorite. It kind of sucks.”

“It sucks because you‟re not your parents‟ favorite?”

“It‟s not that,” Dani replied, looking up at the sunny sky above them. “I just don‟t like being compared to Rhys.”

“Well, I never really encountered that problem of yours.” Rhys replied with a smile then he suddenly yanked Dani into the pool. “Enough with the serious talk! Let‟s swim!”

Louis and Dani spent the whole month together. They became closer each and every day.

Dani was ecstatic that she finally has Louis. She wasn‟t completely alone until the summer has to end.

“We‟re leaving tomorrow night.” Louis confessed. Louis and Dani were still up even though it was almost midnight. They were still watching TV while drawing a bunch of doodles.

Dani was surprised. Louis‟s confession caught her off guard. “Where are you going?”

“We‟ll be living in France.” Louis answered emotionlessly. It was obvious that he was trying to be strong but it was also evident that he was hurt.

“You‟re not coming back?” “I don‟t know. My mother kept on telling me that he wants me to grow up there.”

Tears start to well up on Dani‟s eyes and the next thing she knew, she was sobbing. “You never should‟ve come here when you‟re just going to leave me! I hate you!”

Dani stood up and ran away from Louis.

7

The following day, Dani never utter any word to Louis. She wasn‟t really mad to Louis. She just felt betrayed and sad and when the night falls, everything just turned upside down.

“It was nice having you guys here,” Elizabeth said. “I always love having company here.”

“Have a safe trip. Call us when you landed in France.” Marcus said, pulling Uncle Brandon into a tight hug.

“Thank you for coming Uncle Brandon and Aunt Matilda. It was nice having you here.” Rhys said as politely as ever.

“Awww, thank you darling Rhys!” Aunt Matilda exclaimed and squeezed Rhys into a

hug.

“Do you have anything to say Dani?” Dani‟s father asked, raising his eyebrows. Dani shook her head. She had no intention of saying goodbye to them. She doesn‟t care.

An awkward silence hung over them until Aunt Matilda said, “Well, we have to go. Thank you for inviting us here Marcus. We‟ll call you as soon as we land.”

“Have a nice and safe trip.” Marcus replied and bid goodbye. Uncle Brandon and Aunt Matilda headed for their car but Louis hangs on for a few

minutes. He held Dani‟s hands tightly and promised, “I will come back. I‟m sorry.” It was pretty obvious that he was sincere and his eyes look pleading and sorry.

Dani didn‟t utter any word. Louis pulled away and followed his parents into the car. Dani and her brother and parents watched them go farther away until they couldn‟t see the car anymore.

They are gone. Louis is gone.

Dani was about to leave the softball field when she saw someone looking at her. It was

the new kid.

“How long have you been there?” Dani demanded, walking towards her stalker.

“Long enough to realize who you really are. You‟re Dani Clairvaux right?” Louis answered.

Dani crossed her arms and replied coldly, “So? You‟re Louis Degrassi. I‟m expecting a French accent from you.”

“Well, I hate to disappoint you Dani. I‟m never really good speaking French.” Louis said. “I have to go. You can stay here if you want.” Dani muttered then started off to go down

the bleachers.

“That‟s it? That‟s all you have to say to me?” Louis demanded, suddenly getting frustrated and angry. He ran towards Dani and in a matter of seconds, he caught up with her.

“What do you want me to say? That I‟m glad you‟re here? That I am delighted that I finally have you? Come on Louis, it has been seven years.” Dani answered.

Louis caught Dani‟s wrist and held on to it, “You‟re right Dani. It has been seven years. I think I at least deserve some welcoming remarks from you.”

8

“Why are you here Louis? Why did you come back?” Dani asked, whipping away her wrist from Louis‟s grip.

“Because I want to!” Louis shouted angrily.

“I don‟t believe you,” Dani whispered. “Tell me the real reason why you are here. I know you enough to know that you will not come to U.S. just because you want to. I know you want to

be in France.”

“If you don‟t believe me then don‟t! It doesn‟t matter anymore anyway. I‟m already here.” Louis snapped back.

“Did my parents ask you to go here?” Dani asked. Louis was caught off guard but quickly regained his composure, “For once, can you stop

focusing on yourself and think about other people too?!”

“For once Louis, can you stop pretending you know everything about me?!” Dani snapped back harshly then left and all Louis could do was watch her go.

9

3.

Dani was pretty sure that Louis‟s arrival is no big coincidence. Dani don‟t believe that

Louis is here simply because he wanted to. It‟s too vague and it‟s too weird to suddenly decide to come home after seven years of living in France. Louis is here for a reason and Dani knew it.

The day went on swiftly for Dani. She didn‟t utter a word to anyone even to Georgina

and she tried very hard to not look at Louis. She was too angry and frustrated.

Dani planned on painting furiously when she gets home. It was her way of releasing

stress. Surprisingly, something very big was waiting for her at her house.

“Welcome home dear!” A high pitched voice exclaimed. It was Dani‟s mother, Elizabeth and she wasn‟t alone. Marcus was also there. Her parents were at home.

“M-m-mom! What are you doing here? Why are you here?” Dani stammered as she hugged her parents.

“Aren‟t you happy that we are back in town?” Marcus asked. Dani did not know what to say. This is the first time that her parents talked to her so

casually after her brother‟s death. She was befuddled. “I know this is quite a surprise,” Marcus started. “We are here for a special gala and you

are also going.”

“I don‟t understand.” Dani admitted, throwing her bag on the couch. Elizabeth shared a glance with her husband and said, “Let‟s eat. We can talk about

everything while we are eating.”

Dani and her parents gathered at the long dining table. For a long time, the table was

occupied by more than one person.

“Let‟s get to the point. Why are you guys here?” Dani asked strongly. She did not intend to sound so harsh but it came out that way and she cannot do anything about it.

“We know you are skipping classes and you are failing them. We also know that you keep on drinking and drinking and you really don‟t have any friends. We‟re worried about you.” Elizabeth replied worriedly, holding Dani‟s hands.

“I‟ve been doing that for years. Why do you suddenly care right now?” Dani snapped, crossing her arms.

“We are your parents Dani and we want the best for you.” Marcus answered. Dani sighed. This day is getting weirder and weirder. Life is turning against her.

“You said you have to attend a gala?” Dani asked, taking the conversation away from her.

10

“Yes,” Marcus replied. “It is a very important charity gala that our company is hosting and you are coming with us. No ifs and buts.”

“Whatever. If that‟s what you want, I‟ll do it. How long are you guys hanging around?” Dani answered icily.

“A week. We‟ll be leaving this Saturday and after that, you can go back to your old usual self.” Marcus said, not looking at her daughter.

“Louis Degrassi is back.” Dani said abruptly. She knew her parents have something to do

with his comeback.

Elizabeth took a bite of their dinner before answering, “Is that so? Well, I guess he‟ll have a good time here since he already knows you.”

Dani sighed. Her parents do not own up to their doings. They are too stubborn as Dani is.

Dani pushed her meal and stood up.

“I‟m full.” She said then walked towards her bedroom. She can finally be in her own safe

place.

Dani flunked on her bed and rolled onto her back. Her life is turning upside down and it

is all because of her parents. Everything about the past is coming back to haunt her.

“Miss Clairvaux, I brought you some strudels in case you get hungry.” It was Dani‟s personal house help, Mrs. Harris. Mrs. Harris is already on her sixties but she still look young

with her high bun and very wise brown eyes. She had been Dani‟s second mother since her parents left her.

“You can come in Mrs. Harris.” Dani answered, still lying on her bed. Mrs. Harris opened the bedroom door and walked inside. She placed the basket of

strudels on the bedside table then sat on the edge of Dani‟s bed. The feeling of Mrs. Harris‟s weight comforted Dani. She was the only one that kept Dani sane.

“They love you Dani and they want the best for you.” Mrs. Harris said in her husky voice.

“But they love Rhys more and I still believe that they blame me for his death. How long had they been here?” Dani asked.

“They came around noon. We were also surprised when they arrived. They told us that they‟ll be staying here until the weekend.” Mrs. Harris explained.

“Did they tell you where they are going after this?” Dani mumbled. “They never mention anything. I have to go Miss Clairvaux. You need to rest.” Mrs.

Harris said, squeezing Dani‟s foot then left. Dani jumped from her bed then grabbed her canvass, paint brushes and paint. She didn‟t

care whether the floor will get dirty or she is still wearing her school uniform. Nothing matters

anymore.

She started to paint. She splattered paint on the canvass and created creatures from it.

Dani painted a girl standing alone on a vast expanse. Everything was black and gray. There was

no color and life. It was a perfect representation of Dani‟s life.

11

Dani never felt confused and frustrated like this before. Yes, her parents are back but she

knows they have something in store for her and Dani know that Louis‟s arrival meant something.

12

4.

The gala fall on a Friday night, exactly one day before Dani‟s parents leaves the country

again. It was pure torture for Dani. She wasn‟t in the mood to attend a gala and socialize with

everybody since the last gala she attended was the night her brother died and it was horrible.

“Are you ready darling?” Elizabeth asked her daughter. She was wearing a stunning red gown with matching diamonds and with her hair dangling down her shoulder, she looks amazing.

“Yes, I am.” Dani replied and stepped out of her bedroom. Dani looked divine with her white wrap-around dress. Her hair was draping down her shoulders and her face was flawless.

She was flawless.

Dani and her mother walked down the stairs hand in hand. It wasn‟t because they are very close but because they need each other to not trip down the stairs. Her father greeted them

with a huge grin on her face.

“You look very dapper.” Dani said politely and she was correct. Marcus looks good with

his structured tuxedo and freshly shaven face.

The ride towards the St. Pierre Hotel where the event was held was quiet. None of them

talked and Dani could not stop herself from fidgeting while her parents were busy texting on

their phones.

St. Pierre Hotel was one of the topnotch hotels in the country and for this night, it was

made for the Clairvaux. It was very obvious that everyone was anticipating for the Clairvaux‟s entrance because as soon as they walked into the ballroom, they all hushed up.

Marcus led her wife and daughter towards a stage that was set up at the west side of the

hall. He tapped the microphone and started to speak, “Thank you for attending this special event with us. At this very moment, we are going to launch something very close to our hearts. We will

be announcing it later on but in the mean time, let‟s enjoy the night!”

“What is the big announcement? Nobody informed me?” Dani asked her parents as they mounted off the stage but they just smiled at her and started to chat with the guests.

The hall was already filled with fully dressed people. They all range from teenagers to the

elderly but Dani was sure that every one of them is influential since they are here.

Dani was left standing by the buffet table. She has no intention of speaking to anybody in

the room especially now that her own parents are keeping something from her. Dani grabbed a

glass of champagne and quickly drank it. She was about to set it on the table when she saw him.

Louis.

Louis looks gorgeous in his tuxedo. His tousled dirty blonde hair falls perfectly into place

and his blue eyes pops out in his all black ensemble. He saw Dani looking at her and smiled.

Dani shrugged him off.

13

Hours passed by and finally Marcus and Elizabeth Clairvaux took the stage once again.

Dani couldn‟t help feeling uneasy and she finally realized that she doesn‟t exactly know why her parents are throwing a grand party like this.

“Good evening once again,” Marcus started and the crowd applauded. “As I said before, we are going to launch something very huge tonight and we are all grateful that you came to

share it with us.”

“My son, Rhys Andrew Clairvaux died a year ago and to commemorate it, I and my wife, Elizabeth decided to open a foundation dedicated to him. The Rhys Clairvaux Foundation will be

dedicated to all abandoned children whom Rhys was very fond of when he was still living. I

hope you will support this endeavor of ours as you did in our previous projects.”

Marcus stopped momentarily and locked eyes with her daughter who was standing

dumbfounded at the back of the crowd, “Dani, this is our surprise for you. I know you loved Rhys very much and this is dedicated to you as well.”

Elizabeth took the microphone and started her speech, “Again, I just want to thank you

all for coming and being with our family during our darkest moment. You are all good friends of

ours so we want to share this special event with all of you and to officially launch the Rhys

Clairvaux Foundation, here is a video clip made by our personal team. I hope you enjoy it.”

Elizabeth wiped a tear and grabbed her husband‟s hand. They turned and raised their

heads toward the huge screen above them.

The screen went alive then it was filled with pictures of Rhys. A newborn Rhys was

flashed then his seventh birthday then his graduation, both high school and college. Rhys was all

over the screen and every picture depicted how happy and charismatic he was. Everybody loved

him and the audience started to get emotional as well as Dani.

Dani‟s body froze. The mere sight of Rhys made Dani wanted to run and hide under the

covers. Her eyes started to water and she started to hyperventilate. She can feel all of the guests

around her staring at her and she knows they are blaming her for Rhys‟s death like her parents

did. Dani wanted to leave but she was immobile. Her limbs weren‟t working and everything just

went numb.

All was cold until she felt someone jerked her arm and pulled her through the crowd of

guests. Dani‟s sight was getting blurry and she couldn‟t make out of what was happening to her until she saw a navy blue handkerchief dangling on her face.

“Are you okay?” It was Louis Degrassi. That was the only time when Dani figured out

where she was. She was sitting inside a car with Louis Degrassi. He might be the one who

dragged her across the crowd while she was having a meltdown. She felt confused. Why did

Louis helped her?

“I‟m sorry I dragged you out of there. I was just worried. You were sobbing and you started to shake very hard and no one can calm you down. I‟m sorry.” Louis said worriedly.

Dani looked up and saw how pained and exhausted Louis was. She took the handkerchief

and wiped her tears, “It‟s okay.”

14

“If you want to go back there, I can go with you. I didn‟t know what to do and I wasn‟t able to talk to your parents about this.” Louis offered kindly, his blue eyes piercing through Dani‟s soul.

“No,” Dani answered definitely. “I don‟t want to go back there. I can‟t go back after what

happened.”

Louis scratched his hair and it was obvious he doesn‟t know what to do, “What do you want to do then? You call the shots.”

“At the beach. Any beach will do. Just take me out of here.” Dani mumbled. The beach is the only place where she could think properly and it is the place where she and Rhys spent time

together before the accident.

“Okay boss.” Louis answered then he revved the engine and pulled the car out of the

parking lot.

Dani didn‟t even notice the ride to the beach once she noticed that the car halted into a

deserted beach.

“Well, this is Catton Beach,” Louis said. “I‟m sorry. This is the only beach I am familiar with.”

Catton Beach. Dani knew this was a hundred miles away from the hotel. Louis must‟ve broken a dozen traffic rules since they arrived at the beach earlier than anticipated.

“It‟s fine.” Dani mumbled then stepped out of the car. Her heels quickly sunk into the sand she was on her knees in a matter of seconds.

Louis quickly got out of the car and helped Dani to her feet but Dani just pushed her

away, “I‟m okay. Leave me alone.”

“You‟re not okay and I‟m not leaving you alone whether you like it or not.” Louis answered stubbornly, seating beside Dani at the damp sand.

That‟s when Dani began to cry hard. She let all of her emotions get out. All of her

frustrations, sadness, anger. She let them out freely. Dani had been keeping them for a long time

which made her skin tougher and colder but inside; she is a shattered piece of glass, broken and

irreparable.

Louis glanced at Dani and he couldn‟t help feeling sorry for her. He underestimated

Dani‟s ordeal and he just left her alone and even criticized her for what she is going through. Frustration quickly filled Louis. He didn‟t know what to do and he didn‟t know what to say. All he knew is that he can‟t leave Dani all alone.

Minutes of silence stretched between Louis and Dani. Neither one of them was

courageous enough to speak and Dani was too busy crying and Louis doesn‟t know what to say.

“Dani,” Louis started awkwardly. “I‟m sorry. I‟m sorry for all of the horrible things I said

to you. I‟m sorry for leaving you and I‟m sorry for judging you. I‟m not the right person to say all of those things to you.”

Dani pulled her hair back and wiped her tears. Every inch of her body hurts but it feels

warm to be with someone who genuinely cares for her. “It‟s okay. It doesn‟t matter since I also said a lot of mean things to you and you were right, you have the right for a welcoming speech.”

15

Louis felt a smile coming out of his face. At least Dani‟s humor is back. “It‟s getting late. Your parents might be getting worried. We need to go back home.”

“No,” Dani answered stiffly. “I don‟t want to go home. I can‟t be inside the same roof as my parents are.”

“Well, we can‟t stay here forever. You left me with no choice. I‟m taking you home and I

mean my home.” Louis said. “I don‟t care where you take me just don‟t let my parents know where am I.” Dani

replied.

Louis helped Dani get into her feet and into the car. They drove back home and the

streets started to get unidentifiable for Dani. Louis‟s place must be miles away from Dani‟s since Dani can‟t recognize a thing about the place.

“Where do you exactly live?‟ Dani asked. “I got a condo unit at the Masalah Towers. It‟s a few blocks away from your house.”

Louis replied.

Dani was befuddled. If Masalah Towers was near her house then why is everything

seems new to Dani. “Where are we?”

Louis grinned a sheepish smile and answered, “I‟m smart enough to take an alternative route. There is a great chance that we are going to run into someone familiar if we take the

normal route.”

“Thank you. Thank you for not leaving me and for saving me back at the party.” Dani answered sincerely.

“I told you, I‟m not going to leave you all alone. I‟ll stay by your side whether you like it or not.” Louis replied with a sweet smile.

Dani‟s childhood friend is back and he is quickly creeping into her and it scares her,

“Don‟t say that to me Louis. My brother used to tell me that all the time and look at what

happened to him. He is gone and I‟m all alone. My parents abandoned me and they didn‟t even take a second glance at me. They probably still hate me.”

“I don‟t know your story Daniella Clairvaux but I promise you, I‟ll be in town just in time for you to get back up. Keep that in mind.” Louis said sweetly.

“I‟ll keep that in mind Louis Degrassi and if you break that promise of yours, I‟ll punch you right in the face.” Dani answered happily. The real Dani is surfacing and she is not drunk or

high which is a good thing. She is happy while sober.

16

5.

The sun rays strained Dani‟s vision when she woke up the following day. Her memory

was so fuzzy after drinking flasks of scotch back at the party and she could feel every muscle in

her body restraining whenever she tried to move. She felt sore and weak. Dani swung her legs

off the bed and it hit her. She wasn‟t at home. She was in a different place and panic started to fill her.

Dani tiptoed out of the room she slept in the night before. The room was pleasantly neat.

Everything was white, from the curtains to the linens that covers the bed and to the couch that sit

a few steps away from the bed. She loved the room but it wasn‟t hers to keep. She walked down

the flight of stairs and found herself in a sea of half opened boxed. Every square meter of the

room was covered by clothes, boxes and shoes but Dani could still make out the black couch that

sits hidden under the chaos of the room. The kitchen was empty except for a dining table and the

cooking equipments that surround it but it was evident that everything was untouched.

“I can see you‟re already awake.” A familiar voice said to Dani. She spun around and there he saw Louis in his khaki shorts and white t-shirt. Dani looked at herself and realized she

was still wearing her white dress from the party.

“Louis, where am I? What is this place?” Dani asked. “You don‟t remember,” Louis replied. “Well, I guess you wouldn‟t since you already

dozed off when we were still in the car but hey, this is my place. You said you didn‟t want to go home so I bring you here.”

Memories caught up with Dani and she recalled what happened at the party. She ran off

with Louis after her parents announced the launch of the Rhys Clairvaux Foundation. Louis took

her to Catton Beach where she cried the entire time then she remembered her conversation with

Louis at the car on the way at his place but she has no recollection of stepping in this condo unit.

Louis smiled smugly and said, “I‟m sorry for this mess. I haven‟t found the time yet to sort out my things and by the way, I didn‟t tell your parents that you‟re with me.”

“Thank you but what happened last night? When we arrived here? I don‟t remember entering your home.” Dani asked.

“Well, like I said, you dozed off when we were still at the car. When we arrived here, I

tried to wake you up but you were too stubborn and continued sleeping so I carried you and let

you sleep in my room.” Louis narrated patiently. “I slept in your room?” Dani answered nervously.

“Wipe that look off your face Clairvaux. I slept here in the couch.” Louis explained defensively.

17

Dani‟s eyes grew bigger and said with a laugh, “You slept here but you can‟t even see the couch?!”

“Give me some slack Clairvaux! My whole still hurts after falling into the boxes last

night. You didn‟t even thank me yet after I let you sleep in my comfortable bed!” Louis replied dramatically.

“I already thanked you Degrassi!” Dani countered happily. “And, it is not my fault that you‟re too lazy to fix your things.”

“Said by the girl who is still wearing her party dress! Come on, I have some food if you‟re hungry.” Louis exclaimed, heading towards the kitchen.

Louis and Dani ate their breakfast quietly which consists of a bowl of cereals and a piece

of bread for each of them. Dani suddenly felt how hungry she was after chugging down her bowl

of cereal and shoving the piece of bread into her mouth.

“You really are hungry, aren‟t you?” Louis said, grinning from ear to ear. “Come on, I didn‟t ate anything at all last night except scotch!” Dani replied, licking her

spoon clean.

Dani stayed on the dining area while Louis do the dishes. She insisted on doing the dishes

since she owed him a lot after saving her from the party the night before but Louis was just as

stubborn as Dani is and ignored her.

“You know you can‟t keep wearing that dress for the whole day,” Louis said after doing wiping the dishes clean. “I‟ll look for something here though.”

Louis rummaged through the scattered boxes around his living room and after throwing

his stuff on the floor he finally found an oversized shirt and shorts for Dani.

“Where did you get this shorts Louis? It‟s obviously too small for you.” Dani teased, waving the pair of shorts in Louis‟s face.

“Whatever Dani. You can change at the bathroom over there.” Louis answered dismissively.

While Dani was changing her clothes, Louis finally conquered all of the courage he needs

to say the question that has been eating him since his argument with Dani at the softball field,

“Dani, what happened after we left? You know, when we were back in the Hamptons.”

Dani stepped out of the bathroom and throw her dress into the pile of boxes and sat on the

dining table with her legs crossed, “You really want to know?”

“Yes. Tell me what happened to you after we left.” Louis replied firmly as he takes his

place beside Dani on the dining table.

“Everything changed when you left. Rhys tried to cheer me up but he didn‟t succeed and the rest of the summer was pretty dull for all of us. When school started, I was pretty much a

loner. I was like that since I entered high school. I don‟t know what kept me from having friends. I don‟t know if I intimidate them or I was busy pushing them away.” Dani narrated.

“What happened with you and your parents? Were you close with them back then?” Louis asked.

18

“I wouldn‟t say that I and my parents were in bad terms then but we were not really

close,” Dani answered. “I already accepted the fact that Rhys was their favorite but I was in

speaking terms with them. Honestly, I was closer to my mom but you know what happened.

Rhys died and I was invisible to them.” “You know that‟s not true. You‟re not invisible to your parents.” Louis said in a serious

tone.

Dani smiled, “You‟re a very noble man Louis but you don‟t know my parents. I don‟t even know if they really care for me.”

“Why do keep on saying that? Why do you keep on telling me that you‟re parents don‟t love you?” Louis asked, starting to get frustrated with Dani‟s hardheadedness.

“Honestly, I don‟t know and I don‟t care either. It doesn‟t matter anymore.” Dani replied. “It matters Dani. They are your parents and I don‟t believe that they don‟t care about you.

You are their daughter.” Louis argued. “Yes, I am their daughter and the reason why their favorite son died. I know they wish

every night that I‟m the one that died.” Dani answered softly.

“You‟re stupid!” Louis shouted, jumping off the dining table. “Say what you want to say Louis because I don‟t care. I am grateful that you let me stay

here but you don‟t have any right to judge me.” Dani said stubbornly. Louis started to calm down and faced Dani who was as emotionless as a rock, “You‟re

right and I‟m sorry but I meant what I said. I still believe that your parents care about you but

you can stay here until you‟re ready.”

“Thanks.” Dani mumbled. “What do you want to do then for the rest of the day?” Louis asked in a lighter tone. “I can help you sort out your things if you want to. There‟s nothing left to do anyway.”

Dani offered, managing a smile.

“Sure. It‟ll be great to finally see my couch again.” Louis answered kindly as he helped Dani jump off the dining table.

They crouched down on the living area and started to throw Louis‟s things on the floor. Dani folded the clothes while Louis managed to unpack the rest of the furniture. They worked

quietly and peacefully. It was almost noon when they finished the last box.

“So, how was your life in France? Did you manage to get some friends?” Dani asked as they were setting the boxes aside.

“My life in France was better here. I met a lot of people who are not intimidated by me. They didn‟t even care whether you‟re rich or not. My life there was pretty liberal.” Louis replied.

“And your parents? How are they? I don‟t know if they called after you left.” Dani continued.

“Oh, they‟re fine. They‟re probably busy in handling the family business.” Louis answered.

“Are they fine that you‟re here and not with them?” Dani asked.

19

“You do have a lot of questions Dani. Are you making me pay after quizzing you awhile

ago?” Louis said, smiling. “Well, it‟s not fair if I‟m the only one who has to be in the hot seat. You started it Louis.”

Dani answered cockily.

Louis grinned and replied, “My parents are fine with me being here. They are actually the reason why I‟m here. They insisted that I should learn to be independent in the place where I was born.”

“How long are you going to stay here? I want to be prepared when you‟re going to leave.

I don‟t want for the past to happen again.” Dani said. “I think I‟m going to stay here for awhile. I love being here and I don‟t want to leave you

again.” Louis replied. “Louis,” Dani said in a low voice. Louis thought she was going to cry. “You‟re such a

pain in the ass!” Dani exclaimed, pinching Louis‟s cheeks. “You‟re a bigger pain in the ass Daniella Clairvaux!” Louis shouted back as he pinched

Dani‟s cheeks too.

20

6.

“Are you sure this is where you live?” Louis asked as he pulled the car outside the huge

two storey Victorian style which stands a few blocks away from his condo unit.

“It‟s pretty hard to believe, isn‟t it?” Dani answered, stepping off the car. Dani and Louis walked side by side towards the enormous mansion before them. The

mansion was surrounded by rose bushes and countless trees. It looks like the house was built

inside a forest and it was breathtaking.

“How many people live here? This house is huge!” Louis exclaimed feeling very amused and overwhelmed.

“I live here with myself and the other house keepers. Pretty much, I‟m alone here. You want to go inside?” Dani offered, swinging the oak door open.

Louis smiled and replied, “Sure.”

The inside of the house was even breathtaking than it‟s outside. A grand staircase

welcomes them and rows and rows of pillars stood before them. The high ceilings were

embellished with crystal chandeliers and eccentric details. Floor to ceiling windows welcome the

sunshine inside and you can hear the leaves ruffling outsides.

Mrs. Harris walked towards them and greeted them, “I‟m glad that you finally made it home. Your parents already left this morning but I think they left you a note in your room.”

“Thanks Mrs. Harris. Mrs. Harris, this is Louis Degrassi. He is a friend of mine.” Dani introduced.

Louis smiled and answered, “Nice to meet you Mrs. Harris. This is a lovely home.”

“I have to agree with you Mr. Degrassi but I have to get back to work. Excuse me.” Mrs. Harris said as she walked back to the kitchen.

Dani faced Louis and asked, “What do you want to do?”

“As a matter of fact, I want to see the rest of the house. This house looks amazing.” Louis confessed.

Dani led Louis outside the garden where more rose bushes stood. There is an infinity pool

which sparkles under the sun and rows of benches sit around it. Dani also bring Louis upstairs

where numerous rooms are left unoccupied and of course, her room.

“I can see that you still paint.” Louis remarked as he noticed the paint brushes scattered on the floor and the canvasses which are line up at the wall.

“Yeah. Painting actually makes me sane. Without it, I could be in the mental facility right now.” Dani explained, taking a sit on the edge of the bed.

Louis caught sight of a particular painting that it is standing by the wall. It was covered in

black, white and gray. It was evident that it looks sad and dark. “I like this but it looks gloomy.”

21

“Oh, that one. I actually made that the morning you came. It was my brother‟s death anniversary and I was wallowing up my sadness. I even broke a few glasses.” Dani smirked as

she remembered the horrible night.

“If you want to break glasses, call me. I would love to break some glasses.” Louis answered, grinning widely.

Dani caught sight of the white envelope that is placed on her bed side table. The note

from her parents. She wanted to throw it away immediately but she was curious about what it

says. After all, she never got the chance to talk to them.

“Everything okay?” Louis asked, noticing Dani‟s sudden shift of mood.

Dani stood up and picked the letter on her bed side table and answered, “Yeah. I just remembered this. This is the letter from my parents.”

“Do you want me to leave?” Louis asked worriedly, a frown forming on his face.

Dani flipped the letter over and over and she finally replied, “No, you can stay. You said you wanted to be here when I break some glasses. There‟s a huge chance that I‟ll be breaking some today.”

Louis smiled and perched on the side of Dani‟s bed. Dani sat beside her and hesitated. She was afraid and she didn‟t know if it is because the letter may contain hate messages from her parents or the fact that Louis is with her. She took a deep breath and stripped open the letter. The

letter says,

Dani,

We’re sorry that we have to leave without speaking to you. We’re worried about you and we just want you to know that we are here if you want to talk. We know you

were caught off guard regarding the Rhys Clairvaux Foundation. We should’ve told you sooner. We’re sorry and we love you. Take care. See you soon.

Love, Mom and Dad

Dani‟s vision started to get blurry and all she knew was she was crying and Louis was

cradling her in his arms. It felt very good to be with someone whom she knew that could

understand her. Louis may just came back a few days ago but he was all Dani have. He is Dani‟s only friend.

“I‟ll ask Mrs. Harris for glasses if you want to break some.” Louis offered after Dani

broke away from Louis‟s grip and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. Dani shook his head and continued to cry. She wanted to stop but tears kept on spilling

from her eyes. This was the very first time that she felt her parents‟ love for her. They weren‟t angry with her after storming out of the party and not saying goodbye to them. They felt sorry

and they understood. For the first time in a long time, Dani felt a daughter of her parents. She

wasn‟t exactly alone.

22

Louis pushed Dani‟s hair back and wiped her tears with his hands. They felt warm and

strong on Dani‟s skin. “I‟ll get you some water.” Louis said then walked out of the door. A few moments later, Louis came back with a glass of water and handed it to Dani. She

drank it all the way down and threw it across the room which startled Louis but he just smiled

and sat beside her.

“Everything okay? I‟m right here if you want to talk.” Louis asked with a kind smile. Dani smiled back and handed over the note to Louis. He read it swiftly and said, “Your

parents love you. You have to remember that.”

“I wasn‟t exactly expecting this Louis. I was expecting some sort of reprimand or something from them. You‟re right after all.” Dani answered.

“I am 99.9% right. I guarantee you that Dani Clairvaux.” Louis said sarcastically which

made Dani felt better.

Dani found an elastic rubber band from her bed side table and pulled her long hair into a

tight pony tail. She smiled sweetly and said, “Do you want to paint with me?”

“Of course. Like you, painting is as normal for me as breathing. It also keeps me sane but

I have to admit, my skills are not as good as yours.” Louis replied, standing up. He handed him a canvass and a paintbrush and then they were painting like they used to

do when they were still kids. Streaks of bright yellow, orange and red filled Dani‟s canvass. She had never painted something so colorful. Maybe the reason was she was truly happy. Delighted

even.

“I missed this,” Louis said. “I miss painting with you.”

Dani smiled to Louis and she told him, “Yeah, it‟s been a long time since I painted with

somebody else. I always painted here alone.”

“I like being your painting-slash-breaking-glasses companion.” Louis replied with a sincere smile.

Time quickly flew by for Louis and Dani. Painting is something they shared, something

that only the both of them could fully understand and it bonded them somehow. It was almost

dark when they announced they were finished with their artworks. Dani hold up her canvass and

showed her painting. It was a marvelous sunflower field wherein the sun shines brightly on them.

The sky above was a wide blue expanse dotted with light clouds. Louis was so amazed that all he

could do was to say, “Wow.”

“Wow? That‟s all you have to say?!” Dani teased, feeling proud of her work. “No! I mean it‟s beautiful! I extremely forget how you make things alive when you paint

them. You truly have a knack for painting. You should make money out of it. That‟s how good you are!” Louis elucidated defensively.

“You don‟t need to overreact Louis,” Dani answered modestly. “I‟m just messing with you. So you have seen my work then, I guess it‟s time for you to show your masterpiece.”

“I won‟t call it a masterpiece but I won‟t say it‟s bad either. I present to you my art!” Louis exclaimed with full emotions. He was so melodramatic that he looked like a terrible

magician performing on the streets.

23

Dani laughed on Louis‟s overdramatic introduction but she was quickly dumbfounded when she gazed upon Louis‟s work. It was her. The painting was her. It was her profile taken from the Catton Beach where she sobbed the whole night but in the painting, she wasn‟t crying. She was just there looking at the beach before her. Louis made her look like a Grecian goddess.

“So? Do you like it or are you just going to make fun of me? Dani?” Louis asked, waving his hand in front of Dani‟s face.

“It‟s me.” Dani mumbled. Louis scratched the back of his head and said shyly, “Yeah, it‟s you. I understand if you

want to punch me right now but it‟s all I wanted to paint. I want to paint you.”

“I won‟t punch you,” Dani smiled. “But, why me and why did you paint me on Catton

Beach?”

“Honestly, I don‟t know. You were so fragile and sad when we were in Catton Beach and that was the moment that I realized that you were not a complete bitch after all.” Louis admitted with a shy smile.

“You thought I was a bitch because of how I treated you when we were in the softball field.” Dani said.

“Yeah. You were so mean and coldhearted but I remember seeing you very shocked

when you realized I was there. I was expecting that you‟ll be happy when you see me.” Louis answered honestly.

“I don‟t know how to react when I first saw you. All I know was I really wanted to punch

you right in the face for leaving me.” Dani replied smugly. Louis‟s face turned suddenly serious. He looks older than he really is. “You were really

mad when we left. I should‟ve known.”

“Yes, I was. I always waited for you to come back but after three or four years, I gave up

and accepted the fact that I am all alone.” Dani answered back. “I‟m sorry. I should‟ve called or at least sent you a message. I was so dumb.” Louis

apologized wholeheartedly. He looks so sorry that it seems like he was going to cry and break

down.

“You shouldn‟t,” Dani said as she gave him a wry smile. “I expected too much from a

kid. I don‟t know if you will too has a life. He has friends and I had none. I was too dependent on

you and I shouldn‟t have let that happen.” “Are you still mad at me right now?” Louis asked somberly. “No, I‟m not mad at you. I‟m just scared that if I get too attached to you again, I‟ll break

apart. With my brother gone and all, I am as empty and fragile as a ceramic tea cup.” Dani confessed, looking at the floor shyly.

Louis smiled comfortingly and answered, “I promise that I won‟t break you. Hold on to that.”

“Thank you. Why do I feel like I always gratify you?” Dani replied. “Because I am such a great and wonderful person! An awesome painter too if you might

ask!” Louis exclaimed feeling a wave of relief as the mood becomes lighter.

24

“You‟re such a very modest person Louis Degrassi!” Dani answered sarcastically. “I have to agree with you Daniella Clairvaux but sadly I have to go home. I need to do

some things at home too.” Louis said, standing up.

Dani stood up as well and stretched, “Okay, do what you have to do at home. Thanks again for everything.”

“Sure, but would you mind if we swap paintings?” Louis asked. “Uhm, okay. You can take mine but promise me you won‟t tear it apart.” Dani replied. “Of course and I‟ll guard it with all of my life. I‟ll see you tomorrow at school then.”

Louis said as he took Dani‟s painting and headed towards the door. “Goodbye. I‟ll see you tomorrow.” Dani answered. Louis was almost at the door when he called, “Don‟t break some glasses without me or if

you feel like shattering some pieces, call me. I‟m just a few blocks away. Don‟t ruin my painting!”

“I‟ll keep that in mind Louis.” Dani replied with a huge smile on her face.

25

7.

Dani smiled to herself and started to clean her painting tools. Paints covered her carpet

and her paint brushes are starting to freeze. Her bedroom looks awful but the weird part was

Dani didn‟t care. She was busy trying to clean her paint brushes when Mrs. Harris popped her head into

her bedroom. “Everything okay?” She asked sweetly as she walked inside the messed up room. “Yeah. Everything‟s okay. My room is just a mess from painting. I‟m sorry about that.”

Dani answered.

“There‟s nothing to be sorry about Miss Dani. Do you need any help cleaning?” Mrs. Harris offered with a kind smile.

“No, I can handle all of this mess by myself. Thanks though.” Dani replied, putting the paint brushes into a black box where it truly belongs.

Mrs. Harris smiled and perched on the stool by the door and said, “You look different.”

Dani gave her a weird look and replied, “What do you mean? Is that supposed to be a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Don‟t take it as an insult Dani,” Mrs. Harris answered. “It‟s a good thing actually. I can see you smiling and you‟re not drunk although I heard something broke a few minutes ago.”

“Oh, I broke another glass. Don‟t worry though, I already cleaned it. Well, the truth is I am really happy. I feel light and young again. I don‟t know if you understand this.” Dani replied.

“I understand you Miss Clairvaux. I‟m just happy that you‟re happy. You deserve to be

happy Dani.” Mrs. Harris grinned widely that made her wrinkles disappear for a few minutes.

Dani smiled and sat on the floor a few inches away from Mrs. Harris stool, “Where is this coming from Mrs. Harris? Don‟t tell me you‟re leaving me.”

“I am not going anywhere Dani,” Mrs. Harris reassured her. “I was just worried about you since your parents‟ party but it seems like everything is turning out well for you. It‟s a good thing Sir Louis is here to be your company.”

“Louis? Well, he is pretty much the only friend I have. It‟s a huge relief to have him after the accident.” Dani admitted.

“I am pretty sure Rhys is happy for you. He wouldn‟t want you to be sad for the rest of

your life.” Mrs. Harris said, stroking Dani‟s brunette hair which gives comfort to Dani every time.

Dani leaned her head on Mrs. Harris lap and answered, “I miss Rhys a lot but you‟re right, I can‟t be sad forever. I am just scared that all of this happiness will be gone soon. If that

happens, I don‟t know if I will be able to survive it.”

26

“Don‟t worry Dani, if that ever happen, I will be here as well as your parents. We are here for you.” Mrs. Harris replied comfortingly.

“Thank you Mrs. Harris. I‟m so lucky to have you.” Dani said as she gives Mrs. Harris a

smile.

“I am happy to hear that Miss Clairvaux but I have to go. You go to bed and I‟ll continue cleaning your room tomorrow.” Mrs. Harris answered. She gently pats Dani‟s head and left the

room.

Dani sat there for awhile then went to the bathroom to take a quick shower. She changed

into her favorite purple silk pajamas and jumped onto her bed. She lies there and looked at the

ceiling. Yes, she is alone there but not completely. Dani rolled to her side and noticed Louis‟s painting of her. She wasn‟t being narcissistic but she has to admit it, Louis painted her

beautifully. The painting highlighted her high cheekbones and cascading hair. Is that the way

Louis sees her? Dani smiled at the thought and dismissed it eventually. It‟s just the magic of the brushes, Dani thought. Louis would never see her like that.

She shook her head to clear her mind when she remembered the note from her parents.

Dani forgot where she put it after she cried. She stood up and looked for it under her bed but it

wasn‟t there. She rolled her blankets off and found nothing. She was starting to panic when she finally saw it lying on her box of paintbrushes. Dani sighed a sigh of relief and took it. She

cradled it carefully with her hands and reread it again and again. This letter means a lot to Dani.

This represents her parents‟ love which she never felt since the accident. Dani walked to her balcony and stood there peacefully. The full moon illuminated her

pale skin and the stars shine brightly as ever with the gentle breeze blowing her hair. She looked

again at the piece of paper on her hand and smiled. She walked back inside and rolled under her

covers and slept a good night sleep.

27

8.

St. Regis Academy was not yet half full of students when Dani arrived the following

morning but she was feeling energetic that she wanted to go to school earlier than usual. Dani

could feel Mrs. Harris watching her as she ate her breakfast and left for school. She knew Mrs.

Harris felt happy for her but Dani was starting to feel weird about it. She doesn‟t want Mrs. Harris checking on her every single day.

Anyway, Dani entered her classroom and she could feel every person in the room looked

at her. Was she so bad back then that they feel weird whenever Dani walked inside the room?

She gave them a slight wave and headed for her seat where Georgina is already sitting.

“Someone‟s feeling happy today.” Georgina greeted her friend as she gave the seat to Dani.

“Why does everyone tells me that? Is that wrong or something?” Dani answered back. Georgina smiled and replied, “It‟s not wrong but you can‟t blame them. You‟ve been in

and out of class for the past years and whenever you came to school, you‟re either late or you disappear eventually.”

“Well, too bad for them, I‟m in a good mood today.” Dani smiled back. “Is it because of a boy named Louis Degrassi? Has he finally broke your thick shell?”

Georgina teased, arching her perfect eyebrows.

Dani laughed and answered, “Whatever Georgina. He‟s a friend of mine way back and we just became friends again. It‟s no big deal.”

Georgina grabbed another chair and sat beside Dani and said, “It is a big deal Daniella Clairvaux. I know you don‟t see me as a best friend but I also know that I‟m the only one in this

classroom who has enough courage to talk to you and I can say that this is the first time that I see

you feel so glad and carefree. You‟re not wasted and you‟re not drunk. Louis managed to get into you.”

Dani was about to argue something to Georgina when Louis entered the classroom with

his posse which consists of James Falcon, a muscular man with curly black hair and hazelnut

colored eyes, and Isaac Parson who has a small built but has a fiery red hair and blue eyes. Dani

has to admit, this is the first time that she took notice of her classmates besides Georgina.

“Hey Clairvaux!” Louis greeted immediately with a huge smile painted on his face. “You didn‟t break any glasses without me, did you?”

“The glasses are pretty safe. I know they are relieved that they are not losing a sibling.” Dani answered happily.

James raised his left eyebrow and grinned maniacally, “Someone‟s in a good mood today.”

28

“Shut up James.” Georgina snapped forcefully to James. Dani has to admit, Georgina and

James looks good together. She suddenly wondered if something is going on with the two of

them.

“Dani is in a good mood while little Georgina is feeling feisty. Is today opposite day?” James teased back, putting his arms around Georgina who quickly shrugged it off.

“Stop it James,” Isaac said to his friend. “You don‟t want Georgina to punch you, do you?”

“Of course not! My face is too good looking to be punched.” James answered. Dani scowled and found Louis staring at her, “What? Is there something wrong?”

Louis smiled and leaned forward. Dani‟s heart suddenly stopped. He looks more beautiful in close up. “Nothing is wrong Dani except you look flushed.” Louis teased and before Dani knows it, he was pinching Dani‟s cheeks.

Georgina, James and Isaac and everyone in the room fell dead silent. “What? Why did you suddenly hushed up?” Louis asked curiously while keeping his hands on Dani‟s cheeks.

“Nothing. It‟s just weird to see somebody stand up against Dani. Nobody ever does that

to her.” Georgina explained although Dani is pretty sure that she doesn‟t want to be the one

explaining this.

Louis grinned devilishly and replied, “Except for me. I have no fear to Little Miss Clairvaux.” Louis suddenly pinched Dani‟s cheeks harder and Dani squeaked.

“Stop it Louis! I‟ll kill you!” Louis stopped pinching Dani‟s cheeks and he was holding her face. “I am pretty sure

you‟re not going to kill me Dani.” Louis replied as he let go of Dani‟s face. “You‟re not sure about that Louis.” Dani snapped back as she rubbed her swollen cheeks.

“We‟re only a few days away from the term break. Do you guys have any plans?” Isaac asked, filling the silence that followed after Dani and Louis‟s scene.

“Term break? I just came here and it‟s already the term break? That‟s unfortunate.” Louis said with an unnecessary pout.

“ It‟s not unfortunate for us.” Georgina laughed. “Well, if you‟re looking for a getaway. I have a perfect place for all of us.” James

answered proudly.

“Where do you want to take us James Falcon? I hope it‟s not somewhere off the map where no one can follow us.” Dani asked sarcastically.

James smiled and snapped, “Well, Miss Clairvaux, my family actually owns a beach house down at the Riviera Bay.”

Riviera Bay is a beach located at the far end of Los Angeles. It has a breathtaking view

and white sand but even though it has great grandeur, it is not so popular and Dani never

understood why. The only people who actually spends time there are a handful elderlies and

some teenagers.

“It will be perfect!” James continued. “The beach is not packed with tourists and we can have the place all to ourselves plus I heard many supermodels go there.”

29

“You‟re such a pervert.” Georgina said, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Whatever Georgina. So, are you up to it? We can stay there for a whole week. My

parents won‟t mind.” James asked. Dani looked at Louis. He gave her an assuring smile and Dani finally answered, “Sure.

That‟ll be a great idea.”

“Are you sure you want to go Dani?” Georgina asked worriedly. It‟s not she don‟t want to go but she is worried about Dani. Georgina likes the new Dani but she cannot wave the feeling

that someday, somehow, the old Dani will resurface and it could be worse.

“Yeah. It‟ll be a good distraction from me. I want to take a break from my family drama.” Dani replied.

“It‟s set then! Riviera Bay, here we come!” James exclaimed excitedly.

“You should stop pinching my cheeks Louis.” Dani said as she and Dani were walking home after school.

“It‟s not my fault your cheeks are pinchable.” Louis smiled. “That‟s not even a word Louis,” Dani muttered. “I‟m serious. Stop pinching my cheeks.”

Louis stopped on his tracks and replied, “Sure. I promise. I won‟t pinch your cheeks anymore. Anyway, are you sure you want to go to Riviera Bay?”

“Why does everyone ask me that? Why do you guys looks at me like I‟m about to break every time I say something.” Dani questioned.

Louis laid her hands on Dani‟s shoulders and locked gaze with her, “You can‟t blame them Dani. You had been an emotional train wreck before. They‟re worried about you.”

“I‟m not an emotional train wreck!” Dani countered, pushing Louis‟s hands off her. “Listen to me Dani,” Louis said in a serious tone. “Are you sure you want to go?”

Dani sighed and mumbled, “Yes, I want to go. I want to have a normal life Louis.” “You don‟t know what a normal life is Dani. A normal life for you is locking inside your

room, drinking scotch and sending the glass flying on the floor. You either ditch school or don‟t even go to class.” Louis said straightly.

Dani was caught off guard. Louis was right. She doesn‟t know what a normal life is. Her whole life has been filled with sleepless nights and heavy days.

She doesn‟t reply so Louis continued speaking, “You can‟t drink whenever you feel

gloomy or dramatic. Throwing glasses is not acceptable either. That‟s not a normal life.”

“You‟re right,” Dani whispered. “I don‟t know what a normal life is but I want to experience it. I want to live a life outside my house.”

“If you really want to go, you have to promise me that you won‟t do anything reckless there. Your drama should be left behind. Do you understand that?” Louis asked.

“Aye, aye, captain!” Dani replied with a joking smile. Louis caught her wrist and answered, “I‟m serious Daniella Clairvaux. I don‟t want you

to do anything stupid except if you‟re with me.”

30

Dani smiled, “I am serious Louis. Don‟t you have any plans of getting home? It‟s getting dark.”

Louis sighed and strode past Dani. Dani glared at him and ran after Louis. “Wait for me!”

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9.

“Are you sure you didn‟t forget anything? There‟s no turning back once we are on the

freeway.” James asked them as he, Isaac and Louis placed their bags on the van they have rented.

Dani, Georgina, Louis, Isaac and James were standing in front of Dani‟s house. They had agreed to meet up there so that they can ride together in the van James had arranged for

them. It was almost five in the morning and they are getting ready to get to Riviera Bay where

they will be spending the rest of the term break.

“Yup! Everything‟s set.” Georgina chimed in. James smiled his infamous devilish grin and answered, “Okay then, everybody in the

van! I guarantee you that we can fit in there so squeeze!”

Georgina took her seat on the front seat beside James who will be their driver for the rest

of the trip. Isaac already made the back of the van his so it leaves the middle part of the van for

Dani and Louis.

“Everybody set?” James asked, fixing the rearview mirrors. The rest of them hollered

back excitedly then James revved the engines and in matter of hours, they were already in the

freeway.

“I can‟t wait to get to Riviera Bay! Are you sure there are a lot of babes in there?” Isaac shouted.

“Hell yeah! My cousins spent their summer there last year and they came home very

happy. Riviera Bay is paradise!” James exclaimed. Georgina rolled her eyes and grunted, “You guys are such perverts! Why did I agree to

come with you?”

“This is pretty much your idea too Georgina. You can‟t blame them.” Dani answered back.

“Dani‟s right,” Louis agreed, placing his arms around Dani. “You cannot blame James for this hell of a trip.”

“Take your freaking arms off me!” Dani shouted, pulling away from Louis‟s surprising firm grip around her.

Isaac, James and Georgina laughed together which made Dani uncomfortable and mad.

Georgina was supposed to be on her side! Dani was getting angry but she couldn‟t help stifling a small smile. They may be laughing at her but they are her friends. She cannot bear being mad at

them so she chimed in and laughed her head off.

The sun was shining brightly upon them when they arrived at Riviera Bay. James drove

for a few minutes then finally parked in front of a modern style beach house. It has no colors

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except for black, brown and white although there are a few touches of gray too. The beach house

was two storeys high and has an infinity pool placed at the back of the house.

“This is it!” James said as they unload the van. “This house was built less than a year ago and my folks rarely use this so this is pretty much brand new.”

“Wow. This house is amazing.” Georgina muttered under her breath. “Wait until you get inside. It‟s even more amazing.” James replied as he led them inside. He was right about the inside of the house being more amazing than the outside. The

furniture was in different shades of black, brown and white. The kitchen was fully stocked with

foods and chips. It even has an acceptable load of beers and wines. The second floor consists of

the two bedrooms for the guests. They agreed that the boys will take the left wing while the right

wing will be occupied by the girls. Each room has an enormous bathroom and a small balcony

where you can have a great view of the Riviera Bay.

Once they already cleaned things, Dani and the rest of the gang stripped into their bathing

suits and raced towards the beach. The beach has pure white sand and the water was crystal

clear. A few tourists were already swimming and sunbathing. Dozens of food stores, clothes

stores and gift chains were standing by the far end of the beach where kids were already buying

popcorns and cotton candies.

“I bet I can swim faster than you! First one to reach that rock over there wins!” Louis shouted at Dani who was still amazed by the beauty of the beach.

“Hell no! I‟m a better swimmer than you are Louis!” Dani exclaimed as she plunged into the ocean. The cold water was tingling Dani‟s skin and the current was strong but Dani didn‟t notice any of this. She was too focused on defeating Louis.

The chunk of rock stands meters away from the edge of the beach and it will take a good

swimmer to reach it first. Louis and Dani reached the rock at the same time. Both of them were

panting heavily but they were still smiling from ear to ear.

“Beat you!” Louis exclaimed proudly. Dani raised her left eyebrow with great amusement, “You didn‟t. We got here at the same

time!”

“Whatever Dani,” Louis smiled, floating on his back. “I still win. I always win.”

“You‟re such a pain in the ass!” Dani answered back, jumping on Louis‟s shoulder that made him sink. Louis tugged Dani‟s hair as he resurfaced from the water.

Louis panted heavily and said, “You‟re a bigger pain in the ass Daniella! You almost drowned me!”

“I‟m sorry but I thought you always win.” Dani replied with a mischievous smile. “Hey!” A voice from behind them shouted. It was Georgina swimming with Isaac and

James. “Why did you leave us?”

“Louis was busy being a big pain in the ass. I‟m sorry we left you.” Dani said happily.

Georgina gave Dani a menacing look which she only show when she smell a great gossip.

Dani rolled her eyes and answered, “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

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“Nothing. Why I are you being so defensive?” Georgina replied, swimming away from Dani and the boys.

“So, have you seen any gorgeous girls in bikinis?” Louis asked his two best buds. Isaac gave a melancholic pout and answered, “No. There were just old grannies and

stupid kids running around the beach.”

“Aw, don‟t be sad bro. We still have the rest of the week for bikini watching.” Louis said with an evil grin.

Dani guffawed which Louis definitely noticed since he suddenly said, “What‟s your problem Clairvaux?”

“I have no problem Degrassi.” Dani smiled as she swam towards Georgina who was already floating on her back with her shades on.

“Dani, is there something you want to tell me?” Georgina asked once Dani reached her spot.

“Uhm, what do you mean? I have nothing to tell you.” Dani replied, bewildered. Georgina got on her feet and raised her eyebrows, “I don‟t believe you. What‟s with you

and Louis? Tell me.”

“Nothing‟s going on with me and Louis. He‟s just a friend. A good friend.” Dani answered defensively.

“I know he is not just a friend for you. I know Louis is special to you.” Georgina said

matter-of-factly.

“I don‟t understand what you are saying Georgina.” Dani admitted in a small voice. “Don‟t you understand Dani? Louis is the only person that makes you smile. He is the

only one that has been able to break your tight shell. He was able to bring you out and you let

him. You accepted him. I think you‟re in love with him.” Georgina explained patiently. Dani was paralyzed. She was trying to absorb what Georgina just told her. Yes, it was

true that Louis was able to break her from her reverie but she was sure that she doesn‟t love him. Maybe as a friend but not love love him. She looked over at Louis who was busy goofing around

with Isaac and James. “I am not in love with Louis. He is just a friend whom I known since I was a child. That‟s the only reason why I feel comfortable with him.”

“Believe what you want to believe in,” Georgina answered. “But I still hold on to my grounds. I know you feel deeper for Louis.”

Georgina swam back to the others, leaving Dani by herself. Let Georgina thinks what she

wants to think. “I am not in love with Louis. I am not. He is just a friend.”

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10.

That night, Riviera Bay was throwing a huge bonfire for all of its guests. The beach

transformed into a magnificent party scene. Lights covered the entire bay, all sorts of grilled food

were cooking and boozes were available everywhere. There were plastic chairs and tables for

everyone and a huge pile of wood were placed by the edge of the beach waiting to be lit but the

main event was the stylish guests. Teenagers were clad in their bikinis and cover-ups and their

chlorine covered hair were swaying in the wind as they dance into the heavy music.

“So, how do you like the night life of Riviera Bay?” James asked, grinning widely. “This is awesome. It‟s like the beach has transformed! Riviera Bay looks great!” Isaac

exclaimed, his fiery red hair sticking out in different places. His eyes were gleaming of

excitement and happiness.

James patted Isaac‟s back and said, “So, what are you waiting for then? Let‟s party!”

Dani, Louis, Georgina, James and Isaac dived into the crazy mob of partying kids. They

danced into the heavy beat and drank cocktails. Isaac was already satisfied when he finally met a

group of seventeen year old girls who were very willing to be his friends. James even met Molly

and Dolly, a pair of twins who have similar blonde hair and blue eyes while Georgina glared at

him the whole night. She was definitely jealous.

“Don‟t you want to get your fair share of friends from Isaac‟s little group of girl friends?‟ Dani teased Louis. They were seating on plastic chairs placed near the unlit bonfire, eating

hotdogs.

“Why? Are you jealous?” Louis teased back, leaning closer towards Dani. Dani pushed Louis away from her and answered, “Hell no! I don‟t care whether you‟re

dancing with those girls! Why would I care?”

“Chill,” Louis said, backing off. “I‟m just messing with you. Partying is not really my scene. I just attend parties for the free food and drinks.”

“Well, that‟s surprising. I though you spent your time in France partying day and night.” Dani smirked.

“Why did I suddenly smell a tinge of jealousy from you Dani? You don‟t like the idea of me spending some time with some hot French girls?” Louis answered back, leaning too close to Dani that their noses almost touch.

Dani suddenly felt hot and uncomfortable. Louis was directly face to face with her and

one single move can move them from “face to face” to “lips to lips”. They were stuck in that moment for about one whole second when Dani shouted, “You‟re such a pervert!” She had to admit. She almost lost her control there.

35

“So I am a pain in the ass and a pervert too? I love this game of ours.” Louis replied, pulling away but keeping his arms around Dani‟s chair.

“We do not have a game!” Dani exclaimed furiously. “I‟m already annoying you, am I?” Louis asked, raising his eyebrows intently. “Isn‟t it obvious? Louis Degrassi, you‟re already annoying me! My nerves are going to

pop out anytime soon because of you and your annoying antics!” Dani answered back. “I like this,” Louis said, grinning widely. “I like being the only one who can touch a

nerve of the infamous Daniella Clairvaux. I like having you as a pet.”

Dani was definitely bewildered and annoyed at the same time, “Me? As your pet? I don‟t like that idea.”

“But I like it.” Louis answered, definitely dismissing their subject of conversation. Moments of silence filled the atmosphere between Louis and Dani. It wasn‟t like their

silence a few minutes ago. This silence was filled with awkwardness and unfinished business.

“Am I really just a pet to you Louis? Be honest.” Dani asked seriously, looking straight ahead to the mob of dancing party goers.

“Of course not,” Louis answered with a sincere smile on his face. “You‟re not a pet to me or to anybody. You‟re a great person Dani. I‟m just messing you. Don‟t listen to me. I‟m not very reliable when it comes to that.”

Dani smiled at Louis and replied, “I have to agree with that Degrassi. Reliability is not your forte.”

“Hey Dani, Louis! They are about to light up the bonfire. You don‟t want to miss that!” It was James. His arms were around Molly and Dolly but he was still standing with Georgina and

Isaac.

“Come on! I don‟t want to be stuck with this person!” Georgina shouted, eyeing James. “Let‟s go. The bonfire will be amazing.” Louis said, extending his right hand to Dani. “Sure. We don‟t want to miss the bonfire.” Dani answered, taking Louis‟s hand. James was right. The bonfire was to die for. The word „amazing‟ was not enough to

explain the surreal glow of the bonfire. It brought the whole beach alive. It gave everyone

intensity and energy that once the bonfire was ablaze, every person in the beach cheered and

started to dance wildly than before. As for Dani, it was even better because she was holding

Louis‟s hand the whole time the huge event happened before them.

“Come on James! Let‟s have some fun! Better yet, let‟s drink!” Isaac hollered to James once the DJ plays a heavy dance beat that hovers around the beach.

Louis looked at Dani worriedly. “Go. Have some fun. I‟ll just get some food. I‟m getting terribly famished.” Dani urged Louis. She let go of Louis‟s hand.

Dani knew she cannot hold Louis forever. She cannot let Louis be her pillar of strength.

Dani knew Louis also wanted to have a life that does not include cleaning Dani‟s mess and wiping her tears away.

“Go! Have some fun. Don‟t worry about me. I told you, this is not my scene. I‟ll be there somewhere.” Dani said again, looking directly to Louis‟s deep blue eyes.

36

“Are you sure? Are you sure you‟re going to be alright?” Louis asked, his face suddenly shifting to seriousness.

Dani grabbed Louis‟s hand and said, “Yes, I‟ll be alright. I‟m not a kid anymore. I can look after myself.”

“If that‟s the case. Call me whenever you need me.” Louis replied with a small smile.

“I promise. Now, go! James is waiting for you. Go!” Dani shouted, gently letting go of Louis‟s hand.

Louis smiled at Dani then joined James and his wild group of friends. Dani watched him

get swallowed by the mob of dancing party goers. She looked at Louis as he dance and let loose.

Dani smiled then walked away from the party.

Dani headed away from the party scene. It was not her favorite place to be in. She doesn‟t like being squeezed and being forced to dance and be wild and let loose. She was not used to it

and she doesn‟t know whether she will ever get used to it.

The woods was Dani‟s only choice to go to. She cannot go back to the beach house because it stands near to the party place and the woods was the only place she could think of at

the moment even though she knew it was not the smartest choice.

Dani delved inside the woods. The thick trees surrounding her obscured the faintest light

of the bonfire behind her and it was a good thing that the full moon shed some light above. The

woods was eerily quiet. Dani thought that all of the birds may be fast asleep somewhere in the

covers of the trees and all she could hear was the cracking of the dried leaves below her feet.

The silence kept Dani at peace. Most people will definitely be scared once they step foot

in this place alone but not Dani. She loved the way that she could think without any distractions.

There was no other person to think of, no other things to remember about. She felt serene.

Dani suddenly thought of Louis and of what he said to her momentarily ago. She felt her

cheeks burn. She was definitely embarrassed. Dani shouldn‟t have question Louis‟s joke about her being his pet. It was a joke but Dani couldn‟t help believing it since somehow, Louis was right. She was being his pet. Dani lean on to Louis for support and strength. She relied unto him

whenever she felt alone and sad and self hating. It wasn‟t like she didn‟t like it but she was a girl of pride. She hated being treated like a baby. Worse, as a pet. Dani should talk to Louis about

this once she gets back to the beach.

Time flew by and Dani did not notice it until she felt that the trees were getting thicker

and larger. She must be in the heart of the woods. Dani looked above and the moonlight was

hidden by the leaves. Panic started to fill Dani but she tried to remain calm. She took out her cell

phone from her pocket. She needs to call Louis but there was no signal. Not one bar. Dani took a

deep breath to calm herself then turns around. She must have been walking a straight line since

Dani could not remember taking a turn from her long walk.

Dani continued to walk but instead of going further into the woods, she goes backwards.

She felt more vulnerable until she felt her body being thrown into a dip pit. Dani wanted to

scream for help but her tongue was too dry and she felt too scared to even make a single noise.

37

She could feel her own body falling deeper and deeper. Dani thought it was not going to end

until she felt the land slamming her face hard then everything went pitch black.

38

11.

It was almost one in the morning and the party has slowly died out. Only a few teenagers

were still dancing and drinking but most of the guests were seated in the plastic chairs eating

hotdogs and burgers. Louis, Isaac and Georgina dragged along a very drunk James into their

seats. Every one of them had bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping unto their faces. Georgina

bought water for each of them and they all drained it in a matter of seconds.

“I‟m so tired,” Georgina mumbled. “My whole body hurts and my head is spinning. I

think we should go home and call it a day.”

“I agree. Mr. Partyboy here is completely passed out.” Isaac agreed, looking at his drunken friend who was already sleeping in his seat.

“Wait, where‟s Dani? I figure she‟ll be here eating waffles or something. Have you guys seen her?” Louis asked worriedly suddenly getting very alert and very awake.

Georgina‟s popped open and answered, “No, I didn‟t seen here after she left. Try calling her. I‟m sure she has her cell phone with her.”

Louis took his iPhone from his pocket and dialed Dani‟s number. First ring, second ring, third ring, fourth ring. Louis put down his phone and gave up after the fifth ring, “She‟s not answering. Where the hell is she?”

“She can‟t be too far. The beach is pretty small and I‟m sure she‟s somewhere near. Let‟s split up and look for her.” Isaac suggested.

“What about James? Should we leave him?” Georgina asked. Louis and Isaac shared a glance and nod. “He‟ll be fine. No one‟s going to bother him.

Be back here after an hour. If we haven‟t found her after an hour, we‟ll call the police and the rangers.” Louis said.

“I hope we don‟t have to do that.” Georgina replied, jumping to her feet.

“I hope so too, Georgina.” Louis answered then disappeared into the mob of teenagers. All of a sudden, all of their tiredness and drunkenness evaporated and it was replaced by

panic and worry. Georgina headed for the clothing stores, Isaac went back into the dance floor

and searched for Dani‟s face while Louis walked around the whole beach. Louis knew deep down that something was off. Dani would pick up her phone and she

would have even called them if she decided to go home. Louis brisk walked along the shoreline,

keeping his eyes and ears on full alert.

“Excuse me,” Louis said to a balding man, about in his late forties who was strolling the beach. “Did you happen to see a girl with long brunette hair and gray eyes? She‟s wearing a white tank top with a picture of the Beatles printed on it and denim shorts. Did you saw her?”

39

The mad thought intently and scratched the back of his head and answered, “No, man. I‟m sorry. Never saw a girl like that. I had been here for hours and I swear I was all alone.”

“Thank you sir.” Louis replied, trying to sound polite then dashed away. Louis searched and walked around the beach but he found nothing. No sight of Dani and

after an hour, he walked back to the bonfire and found Georgina and Isaac with the same

disappointed look on their faces.

“I found nothing. I asked every store and they said they didn‟t found Dani. They even told me that there had been a few customers since everyone was preparing for the bonfire.” Georgina reported.

“I have the same thing. I‟m sorry. I already asked all of those drunken strangers but they all say the same thing. They didn‟t notice Dani.” Isaac added.

“Where the hell is she?! I knew I shouldn‟t have left her in the first place! How can I leave her all alone when I knew she‟ll wander off away from the party?!” Louis shouted angrily.

Georgina caught Louis‟s arm and said to him, “Don‟t blame yourself. Isaac is already calling the police and the rangers. We would find her. I promise.”

“How do you know that?!” Louis boomed so loud that a few guests turned their heads

towards them. Louis didn‟t care a bit. “Dani could be somewhere all alone! She didn‟t know this place! How do you know that she is okay and we will find her?”

“Calm down Louis,” Georgina answered, her wise eyes tearing up. “You‟re right. Dani is all alone in an unfamiliar place but we can‟t find her if we‟re angry and paranoid. Let‟s go home so we could think straight. We need to take a breath.”

Isaac put down his phone and said, “Georgina‟s right. Let‟s go home. I already called the

police and the rangers. They are already searching for Dani.”

Isaac and Louis carried the drunken James under the arms and dragged him home.

Georgina trailed behind the boys as she punched angrily the keypads of her phone. She had been

doing this to keep herself from crying and breaking down.

In a few minutes, they reached their beach house. Isaac and Louis flopped James on the

couch and they sat stiffly on the marble floor. Georgina started to cry and the boys sat there

quietly. Louis stood up and paced back and forth around the living room. The silence was killing

him.

A knock broke the silence.

“Good evening gentlemen,” Isaac greeted the policemen as he swung the door open, revealing three muscular policemen. “Please come in.”

“Have you already seen Dani?” Louis asked maniacally, his blue eyes almost popping out of his face. Dark circles formed under his eyes and his hair was disheveled in many ways.

“Please take a sit sir.” The policeman said, pulling Louis towards the empty couch. Louis obediently sat and Georgina started to speak, “Have you found anything sir?”

“We already alerted the securities around the beach as well as the rangers unfortunately, it‟s getting pretty dark and it is very dangerous to send a search and rescue team at this hour.” The policeman said monotonously.

40

“Are you saying you are not going to look for her?!” Louis shouted, springing from his seat.

The three uniformed men hushed up.

“You are not going to look for her, are you?” Louis continued angrily. “You‟re not going

to look for a seventeen year old girl who is in an unfamiliar place all alone because it is dark?!

That‟s bullshit! What if she‟s in a bad place? You‟re still not going to look for her?! Damn!”

Isaac threw his arms around the infuriated Louis, “Shut up Louis! You‟re not helping!”

“And so are they! I thought you‟re the police but you‟re just some stupid uniformed men who pretend they can do anything because you have a license!” Louis shouted angrily as he storm out of the living room and into his bedroom.

“We‟re very sorry for our friend‟s attitude,” Georgina said calmly. “He‟s just worried about Dani but please call us if you found anything.”

The policemen nod and walked out of the house leaving Georgina and Isaac as still as

stones. Georgina started to cry again and Isaac opened a bottle of beer from the freezer.

“They are going to find her, aren‟t they?” Georgina sobbed. Isaac didn‟t answer. Nobody answered.

Louis lied there on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The room was dark and every inch of it

was covered by shadows. The moon shone lightly from the window and cold wind brushed his

face. Dani could be out there. All alone and freezing in this cold weather and no one seems to

care. Even the police, Louis thought harshly.

Then, the heavy realization came to Louis. If no one’s going to look for Dani, I will look for her myself! Louis thought. He grabbed his jacket lying on floor, put on his sneakers and

snatched a flashlight stashed under the closet. He slammed the door behind him and went down

the stairs loudly.

“Where the hell are you going?” Isaac demanded as soon as he saw Louis going down the stairs.

Louis brushed him off and left.

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12.

Louis stood outside the house under the freezing weather for awhile. He did not know

exactly where Dani is and most of all, he don‟t know where to begin. Think! Louis thought to

himself. Think like Dani! Where will Dani go?

Louis suddenly knew that Dani was not somewhere near the bonfire or the dance floor.

The bar and restaurants were not a good option either. Dani would prefer somewhere quiet.

Somewhere no one would bother her and distract her. Somewhere like the woods. The woods!

Louis realized that he noticed that there was a woods a few miles away from the place of the

bonfire. His heart started to pound heavily and he found himself running towards the thick forest

before him.

He switched on his flashlight and turned from running to walking. There were many

branches around him and roots covered the bed of the woods. Louis started to walk faster,

breaking the branches off as he passed them. He took his phone from his pocket. There was no

signal and it tells him that it was past three in the morning. That may be the reason why he

wasn‟t able to call her and the other way around. “Dani! Where are you?” Louis shouted as he continued to get deeper into the woods.

“Dani!”

“Where are you?”

“Can you hear me?”

“Damn it, Daniella Clairvaux! Say something to me! Please!”

Louis continued to shout and walk for the next few minutes that passed by. The trees

were getting taller and thicker and the forest bed was getting trickier to walk in. He must be in

the heart of the woods. Cold sweat dripped from Louis‟s neck and he wasn‟t sure if it was because he was nervous that Dani was still missing or he was in the woods all alone.

“Dani! Can you hear me? Talk to me!” Louis shouted to make himself feel calm and steady.

The woods was getting darker and darker and the atmosphere was turning heavy which

made Louis gasp for air every now and then. Louis slowed his pace and willed himself to

continue but eventually, he decided to take a break and sat under a thick tree.

“Dani where are you? I need you.” Louis whispered, closing his eyes in prayer and once

he opened his eyes, he felt something change in the forest bed. The land was getting wet and

soggy. Louis stood up and walked cautiously. He don‟t know why but he knew that Dani was nearby.

Louis strode deeper into the woods, taking each step with caution. Louis was lucky that

he walking like that because if he wasn‟t, he must have been falling down a very steep slope

42

located at the edge of the woods. He took a deep breath and turned his flashlight towards the cliff

to see how deep it was but instead of seeing its bottom, he found a brunette haired girl scrambled

in the dirt with a small pool of blood surrounding her.

“Dani!” Louis gasped nervously. “Dani!” Dani did not respond.

Louis swallowed nervously and carefully climbed down the steep slope. His hands were

shaking but he brushed them off. Dani needs him right now. He cannot give up. He can‟t. Louis could feel shards of branches tearing his pants and his legs were starting to bleed. He sulked his

breath and continued to go down. Finally, he reached the ground and jumped into the dirt. His

legs were shaking and his body was groaning in pain. Dani was a few feet away from him. Louis

dragged himself towards her and dropped beside her. He ripped the edge of his jacket and

wrapped it around Dani‟s head to stop the bleeding. “Dani. Can you hear me? Talk to me.” Louis mumbled as he gently shakes her and took

her head into his hands.

Dani groaned then opened her gray eyes slowly. Even in the darkness, her eyes were still

piercing. “Louis? What are you doing here?”

Louis smiled in relief, “I should be the one asking you that Clairvaux? What are you doing here in the woods?”

“I wanted to take some time off then I don‟t know what happened next. I knew I was

falling then everything went pitch black.” Dani answered. “I‟m sorry. I shouldn‟t have left you in the party. Please forgive me Dani.” Louis

apologized as he held Dani‟s hand with his own. “You don‟t have to say sorry Louis,” Dani mumbled, squeezing Louis‟s hand back.

“Besides, I don‟t want to be a burden to you. You also deserve a life without me.”

“What are you saying?” Louis shouted angrily. “You‟re not a burden to me! I like having you in my life. Where did you get that stupid idea anyway?”

“The pet joke. I don‟t know why I thought of that but I realized that I am becoming your

pet. I don‟t like bringing you down whenever I‟m down. I don‟t like you taking care of me because you feel that you need to. I don‟t want to be anybody‟s pet.” Dani explained calmly.

“I don‟t think of you as my pet Dani. I see you as my friend. A good friend that I care

about. I don‟t need to take care of you. I want to take care of you. I want to be with you. Erase

that stupid idea Dani. It‟s just a stupid joke.” Louis replied, looking straight into Dani‟s eyes.

“Thank you. I‟m glad to hear that.” Dani answered, smiling sincerely. “Although, you broke your promise to me.” Louis said mysteriously. Dani looked bewildered.

“You promised me that you won‟t get into trouble without me. You left me.” Louis answered, pouting dramatically.

“I‟m sorry for leaving you. I don‟t mean to do that.” Dani answered sadly. Louis smiled gently and asked, “How are you? How do you feel? Can you stand or even

sit down?”

43

Dani tried to move but her whole body shouted in pain. She squinted and tried again. She

cannot move an inch. “I‟m sorry. I can‟t. I think I broke my ribs and my head is in flames.”

“You don‟t have to move.” Louis answered, stroking Dani‟s hair that was already stained with blood.

“How are they? Isaac, Georgina and James? Did they have a good time in the bonfire?” Dani asked, making the mood lighter.

Louis grinned, “Yes. They have a good time. The truth is James is already passed out in the living room although Isaac and James are already worried about you.”

“Do they know that you are here?” Dani asked suspiciously. “You really want to know?” Louis answered. Dani nodded; her face glowing from the moonlight. She looks even paler than before.

“I stormed away from the house. I got angry because the police won‟t look for you

because according to them, it is very dark to go to the woods. They say it is dangerous so I

decided to look for you myself.” Louis explained. “Well, I‟m happy that you found me but I am not happy with you storming away from

them. They‟ll get worried.” Dani replied. “I know but I have to find you. I need to see if you are okay.” Louis answered, now

touching Dani‟s cheek with his bare hand. “Louis,” Dani whispered. “I‟m not okay. It is a lot to ask from you but I want to go home.

My whole body is burning in pain. I‟m sorry.”

Louis stopped and looks down on her. Dani was right. She was in a really bad shape. Her

limbs stick out in weird positions and her breathing was getting irregular plus her head is

bleeding. “I need to get you of here.” He said finally. Louis squeezed Dani‟s hands firmly and gently put her into a sitting position. Dani

groaned and shouted as Louis did this but he has no choice even though it hurt him to hear Dani

scream in pain. He pulled Dani up into his back and staggered as he stand up. Louis pulled

Dani‟s legs and held it strongly. “Are you okay? Do you feel hurt?” Louis asked. “My body still hurts but I‟m okay. Do what you have to do Louis. I trust you.” Dani

answered.

Louis nodded then took his first step. His whole body groaned in pain yet again, he

brushed them off and continued. He felt the land beneath him go uphill and it gets even steeper

and steeper. Louis‟s legs were turning jelly and the branches around them cut into his arms and

legs.

“Do you need to take a break? I can go down. I know you‟re also in pain.” Dani asked worriedly into Louis‟s ear.

“No,” Louis answered. “I am okay. I need to get you out of here. We need to get out of here.”

44

Louis began to walk uphill. He almost fell a few times and he could feel Dani trying to

get some weight some off. His body was burning. He fears that he won‟t be able to get them out of here. Finally, he reached the top of the slope and that‟s when he fell down completely.

“Louis?! Are you okay? Let‟s take a break. You need to rest too.” Dani said, crawling off

Louis‟s back then lied back down into the ground. Louis stayed in that position. His face slumped into the dirt and his arms and legs

sprawled outwards. He looked at Dani. The strength and arrogance on her face was gone instead,

it was filled with pain. “I‟m sorry.” Louis mumbled. “Stop apologizing. I‟m the one who get into the woods all by myself. I‟m the one who

fell into the slope because I was stupid. This is my entire fault.” Dani whispered. She felt she was crying.

Louis sat up and wiped Dani‟s tears. He kissed her forehead and carried Dani down her back. He locked her legs in front of him and walked faster. Louis was more determined than

ever. He cannot bear to see Dani cry. He longs to see Dani‟s strength and egotistical ways. Louis

needed his Dani. The Dani that he met and wanted to be with.

Dani wrapped around her arms around Louis and tried to be lighter. She doesn‟t know

how but she wanted to help Louis. She owes him that much. “Thank you for doing this to me. I owe you a lot.” Dani said.

Louis smiled then continued their travel inside the woods. It was a good thing that he

broke the branches that he passed by when he get into the woods. Thanks to them, Louis was

definite that he was on the right path.

At last, Louis can see something, a light at the end of the path they were taking. He

walked faster and more determined. They can finally be free from this maze.

“Did you just saw what I saw? I can see something down there.” Dani said, pointing forward.

Louis nodded and half walk and half jog towards the light at the end of the trees. He can

see it. They can finally be free!

Dani was almost blinded. Police cars surround them. Its sirens were deafening them and

hundreds of uniformed men carrying large flash lights greeted them. She could hear the crowd

cheered and hollered as they step foot out of the woods. They were liberated of the maze of

woods.

Louis‟s legs wanted to give up and he gave in.

45

13.

“Louis! Are you alright?” Dani screamed as she and Louis slammed into the ground. She

scrambled off Louis‟s back and continued to shout. Dani felt arms grabbing her away from Louis. She could see Louis passed out on the

ground. His hair was disheveled and dark circles surround his eyes. All Dani wanted to do was to

be with him and take care of him but the arms were fighting her to do so and they were winning.

She cannot understand what was going on around her and all Dani could do was scream at the

top of her lungs. A sharp needle pierced Dani‟s arms then the screaming stopped.

Light blinded Dani as she slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes focused and refocused and it

took a while for her to realize that she was confined in an all white square room. Tubes were

stuck into her arms and she still felt a tinge of pain as she tried to move. Louis was nowhere in

sight. The door opened and it revealed a big surprise for Dani.

“Mom? Dad? What are you doing here? Where are we?” Dani asked. Her head was fuzzy but she still tried to sit up.

Georgina shuffled inside the room after Elizabeth and Marcus. She closed the door gently

and said, “I called them when we realized you we were missing. I‟m sorry for stepping in but I felt like it was the right thing to do.”

“No,” Dani answered as she took her parents hands. “I‟m glad you called them. Thank you for being a great friend Georgina.”

Georgina nodded and gave Dani a slight smile. She opened the door and left in a swift

motion.

Dani looked at her parents. Her mom placed herself at her right side while her dad stood

on the left. She held their hands tightly and she spoke, “What are you doing here? Actually, where are we?”

“We‟re in Riviera Medical Center. It‟s a few miles away from the beach,” Elizabeth answered, wiping her tears. “We were in Italy when we received Georgina‟s message. We took the first flight home.”

“What happened? Where‟s Louis? Is he okay?” Dani asked worriedly, looking at her parents hopefully.

“The doctors injected you with a calming medicine. You were in a really bad state when you got out of the woods. You were screaming and screaming. As for Louis, he‟s doing fine. He‟s in the room beside yours.” Marcus replied.

“I want to see him.” Dani blurted out. “No.” Elizabeth and Marcus said at the same time.

46

“Not this moment,” Elizabeth continued. “You need to rest and we want to talk to you.

How are you feeling?”

“I‟m fine I guess. My whole body still hurts but I feel better.” Dani answered. Elizabeth sat beside Dani and stroked her hair, “The doctors said you had a really bad

sprain and your ribs are bruised. Your head was also bleeding.”

Dani touched her forehead and it definitely hurts. She tried to move her feet but it still

feel numb. That was when she realized how serious her injuries were.

“I‟m sorry. I‟m sorry for worrying you. I‟m sorry.” Dani said as she started to cry. Marcus took his seat beside Dani and held her hands tightly, “You don‟t have to

apologize Dani. It was an accident but you have to stop doing this to us Dani. You have to stop

making us worry for you.”

“You‟re worried for me?” Dani whispered. “Of course! Dani you‟re our daughter and you‟re the only kid in our life today. We love

you. I love you Daniella.” Elizabeth answered, starting to cry as well. “I‟m sorry. It‟s just that I thought you were angry with me after Rhys‟s accident. I knew

you wished that I was the one who died and not Rhys.” Dani sobbed heavily. Marcus grabbed Dani‟s face and looked at her face to face, “We‟re not angry with you

Dani. We do not blame you for Rhys‟s death and we do not definitely wish that you were the one that died and not Rhys. We love you Dani. You‟re our child.”

Dani sobbed and hid her face with her palms. She was embarrassed and scared at the

same time, “I‟m sorry. I‟m sorry. I knew you loved Rhys more than you love me. I understand that. He‟s smarter and stronger and he is more willing to dabble in business. I just thought...”

Marcus and Elizabeth hugged Dani tightly. Both of them were crying and Marcus spoke,

“Dani, we love you and Rhys equally. We do not favor any of you. It‟s just that we feel that you were stronger than Rhys so we let you do anything you want.”

“You thought I was stronger than Rhys? But, I am not. I‟m not.” Dani mumbled through her tears.

“We shouldn‟t have thought of that in the first place. We should‟ve held on to you like we did with Rhys. We did not want you to feel left out. I love you Dani.” Elizabeth answered.

“I love you too Mom and Dad. Thank you for holding on to me and I‟m sorry for pushing

you away for the past year. Please forgive me.” Dani sobbed. “Ssshhhh. No need for apologies. We are your parents and we‟re the ones who need to

apologize to you. I‟m sorry for making you feel alone and leaving you here all alone. I‟m sorry.” Marcus said.

“I love you.” Dani answered. Marcus and Elizabeth pulled away from their tight hug and wiped their tears. Elizabeth

wiped Dani‟s tears with her hand and smiled, “We love you too and we‟re not going to leave you anymore.”

Dani‟s eyes grew and she asked, “Are you saying you are staying here for good?”

“If you want to.” Marcus grinned.

47

“I know you have to take care of the business and I don‟t want to hold you down. Do what you have to do. I‟ll be fine. I am fine.” Dani responded, giving her parents a huge smile.

“The truth is we can‟t stay here. It‟s a huge risk if we settled down here but we promise to call you every day and visit as often as we could or you can come with us.” Elizabeth explained.

For the first time in years, Dani spoke with full honesty with her parents, “I want to stay here. I have my friends here and I have Mrs. Harris. I‟m just happy that I finally have this

conversion with you guys.”

“Thank you for understanding Dani. I know it‟s too much to handle now that Rhys is gone and you‟re alone but we don‟t want you to feel that way. We‟re always here for you. Remember that.” Marcus said.

“Thank you and I‟m so lucky to have you as my parents. I love you so much and I am just sorry for being a pain in the ass. I know I can be a handful.” Dani answered.

“Yeah. You can be a handful.” Elizabeth agreed and they all laughed. “What happened to Louis? Is he doing well?” Dani asked once the laughter died down. “He‟s doing okay,” Elizabeth assured. “He fainted out of exhaustion and dehydration.

Isaac told us that he barely ate before he looked for you.”

Dani nodded and continued, “Did his parents came? Is he already awake? I don‟t want him to be alone.”

“Unfortunately, his parents couldn‟t be here but James, Isaac and Georgina are with him. I believe he‟s not awake yet. He was badly injured too and the doctors gave him a lot of medications.” Marcus explained.

“I want to see him.” Dani said abruptly and wished she didn‟t say it out loud. Marcus and Elizabeth shared a glance and Elizabeth replied, “You can see him tomorrow.

We promise. Just rest today.”

Dani nodded but before she go back to sleep, she said, “Don‟t leave me. Just stay here

with me.”

“Of course,” Marcus answered with a sweet smile. “Your mom and I will be here. We won‟t leave you.”

And with that promise, Dani closed her eyes and went to a deep slumber.

The following day, Dani was allowed to see Louis. Her mother told her that he finally

woke up the night before and Louis also wanted to see her. The nurse helped Dani into a

wheelchair even though Dani refused. They wheeled her into the right door beside her room and

suddenly, her heart began to pound really hard.

“Hey,” Dani greeted as the nurse left her beside Louis‟s bed. Louis looked better. His hair was perfectly combed and he regained his color. “How are you feeling?”

Louis took Dani‟s hand with his own and he replied, “I‟m sorry for fainting. I couldn‟t help it. I‟m doing fine although my body still hurts. How about you?”

48

“I‟m fine. I can‟t really walk properly because of my sprain but all in all, I‟m doing better.” Dani said, giving Louis her brightest smile as to assure him that she was telling the truth.

“Your parents visited me. They looked happy. What did you do with them?” Louis teased, his lips curling into a wicked grin.

“I apologized and cleared the issues between us. The Clairvaux household is finally in peace.” Dani answered.

“I‟m glad to hear that. I guess you don‟t need me anymore.” Louis said with a serious face.

“What are you saying?” Dani asked, annoyed. “Of course, I need you. I owe you my life and besides, I still need someone to accompany me whenever I want to get into trouble.”

Louis smiled, “Just no more hiking, okay? I think I developed a trauma because of what happened.”

Dani nodded and she asked, “Are your parents not coming?”

“They already called and checked up on me. They were pretty worried and they said sorry for not being here.” Louis answered.

“Are you okay with that? I know you also want to see you your parents.” Dani asked, frowning.

“I‟m fine with that. Unlike you, I have a good relationship with my parents. Everything‟s okay. No need to worry. Understand?” Louis assured Dani.

“I understand. By the way, I just want to thank you again for saving me. I could‟ve died there.” Dani said seriously.

Louis squeezed Dani‟s hand tightly and he replied, “Let‟s not talk about death Dani. I had a nightmare about death last night.”

“Tell me about it. I want to hear it.” Dani muttered. “I dreamt of you. In my dreams, I was too late. You weren‟t breathing. I was screaming

and shouting your name but you weren‟t responding. I thought I lost you forever.” Louis narrated.

“Well, your dream is wrong,” Dani said energetically. “I‟m not dead. I‟m alive and I‟m okay. I‟m badly bruised but not dead. Don‟t ever think about that anymore.”

Louis reached out and touched Dani‟s face, “I was scared I lost you forever. I can‟t imagine losing you. You scared me. I don‟t know what will happen to me if the dream was true.”

Dani touched Louis‟s hand on her face. It was freezing cold, “I‟m sorry for scaring you and putting you in that position but I‟m not going anywhere. You‟re not going to lose me anytime soon whether you like it or not.”

“I‟m glad to hear that and I‟m not going anywhere too. I‟ll be your crappy friend whether you like it or not.” Louis said and he pinched Dani‟s cheeks painfully.

49

14.

“Are you sure you‟re both fine?” James asked. It has been three days since the horrible

accident at Riviera Beach. Currently, Dani was hanging out at Louis‟s loft with James, Isaac, Louis and Georgina. They all decided to meet up after school since this was the first day of

school after term break.

“We‟re both fine,” Louis answered. “Well, I am fine. My body‟s feeling better and my bruises are starting to heal.”

“You don‟t have to worry James. I‟m getting better too. My feet still hurts but I can walk now.” Dani added.

“I hate feeling left out! I shouldn‟t have drunk numerous whole bottles of beer! I could

have been there and helped.” James exclaimed overdramatically. Isaac grinned enthusiastically and draped his arms around James, “No need to despair,

brother. At least you were able to spend some time with Molly and Dolly.”

“Yeah. Those twins are damn hot! I should‟ve asked for their number.” James replied, flashing an evil smile.

Georgina shot James an evil glare and continued flipping the pages of Teen Vogue

angrily. “You‟re such a douche bag.” She muttered under her breath.

“What did you just said Georgina? Did you just call me a douche bag?” James shouted furiously.

“What if I just did?! What are you going to do James? Are you going to beat me up?” Georgina snapped back.

James sprung out from his seat and walked forward to Georgina. She also jumped from

her seat and stood face to face with James. All of them could feel the heat coming from the both

of them.

Isaac, being the mediator of the group, stood up and said, “Hey, this is going out of hand. There‟s no need to beat someone up. Calm down. We don‟t need someone to be confined in the hospital once again. James, Georgina stop this.”

“No. I am not going to back off Isaac. I want to know what‟s up with you Georgina,” James answered, shooting evil glares to Georgina. “You had been pretty cold to me ever since

the bonfire and I want to know what‟s wrong with you Georgina? Tell me.”

Georgina smirked and replied, “There is nothing wrong with me James. The question is what is wrong with you!”

“What‟s your deal Georgina? Why are you getting angry with me with no particular

reason? By the way, nothing‟s wrong me!” James shouted back.

50

Dani and Louis watched them, even Isaac. They were amused and excited with what will

happen with Georgina and James since Georgina was the only girl who can boss James around.

“Nothing‟s wrong with you?” Georgina laughed acidly. “You just spent the night with two strangers and now you‟re calling them hot?! What‟s the deal with you?”

“Molly and Dolly are not strangers! They are my friends unlike you! You‟re just a pain in the ass!” James answered defensively.

Dani looked at Louis and she said to him, “Why did that sound familiar?”

Louis smiled at Dani then they both continued watching the scene between Georgina and

James.

“I am not a pain in the ass and how could you call me as your non-friend? If you are not

aware James, I am the only person who could spend time with you!” Georgina shouted, stepping closer to James.

“You‟re right,” James said in a low voice. “You‟re the only person who can spend time

with me without judging me. You‟re the only girl that can boss me around and not feel intimidated whatsoever.”

And it happened. Dani, Louis and Isaac were dumbfounded and the room turned eerily

quiet. Their eyes were huge and their mouth hung wide open. The main reason of their

unexpected behavior was the scene before them. Georgina and James were kissing.

Georgina was on her tiptoes and her arms were on a tight embrace with James. James

locked his arms Georgina as he caresses her long hair. He pulled away from the kiss and

whispered to Georgina, “Since when?”

“I don‟t know,” Georgina confessed. “All I know was I suddenly mind whenever you flirt

with other girls. I get mad and jealous. You?”

“Since the bonfire. I got all excited and challenged whenever you smirked or guffawed at

me. It feels good to have someone watching out for you.” James replied, brushing his lips unto Georgina‟s ear.

“Now what?Georgina asked shyly, her cheeks burning red.

James pulled away from their embrace and said aloud, “We‟ll talk about it when our friends are not watching us like we‟re sick people.”

Louis stifled an awkward laugh and said, “Well, we‟re happy for the both of you but you

cannot blame us for being surprised.”

“Yeah. We are surprised too. We cannot blame you but I think I have to go.” Georgina said, heading to the door.

“I also need to go. If it‟s fine with you Georgina, I would like to go with you.” James added as he headed to the door as well.

Georgina nodded then they bid goodbye and headed out of the door. Dani, Louis and

Isaac were left in silence. All three of them were still in shock.

“I think I also need to go. I need to get a drink to clear up my head. That kiss was weird.” Isaac said as he stood up.

51

“Sure. Have a nice trip. I‟ll see you tomorrow Isaac.” Louis replied as he opened the door

for him. Isaac waved goodbye to Dani then disappeared into the hallway.

“Do you want me to leave too?” Dani asked feeling unsure. Louis flopped into the couch beside Dani and said, “You can stay as long as you want.”

“Thank you for letting me stay here. I am not really in the mood to go home right now.” Dani muttered, hugging her knees to her chest.

“Are you okay? Are you sure you don‟t want to follow your parents?” Louis asked worriedly.

“I don‟t want to leave,” Dani replied. “I‟m not yet ready to leave although I still miss them. I don‟t know when I will be able to see them again.”

“Your parents miss you. I guarantee that Dani. Have they called you?” Louis answered, flashing Dani a comforting smile.

Dani shook her head and replied, “They just left last night Louis. I am pretty sure they are still on board but they promised me that they will call once they get to Prague.”

“Prague? That‟s far.” Louis said absentmindedly. “Yeah. It‟s far. Louis, I know it‟s crazy but can I ask you a favor?” Dani asked suddenly.

Louis looked at Dani then he answered, “What do you want Daniella Clairvaux? Your wish is my command.”

“I suddenly have the urge to break things. Is it okay or should we just go to my place?” Dani replied.

Louis flashed Dani a huge smile and stood up from the couch. Dani watched him as he

rummaged through box after box until he finally faced Dani.

“We can use this.” Louis said, handing over a box of delicate and pristine glasses. “Are you sure?” Dani asked. The glasses were still covered in bubble wrap and it was

evident that it was good as new. “It looks very expensive. I don‟t want to cause you any trouble.” Louis opened the box and unwrapped one of the glasses. He smiled at Dani then sent the

delicate glass flying across the room. It shattered into a million pieces.

“Fine. Give me some. This will take a few minutes.” Dani smiled back as she stood up and grabbed the glass from Louis. She stood in the middle of the room then threw the glass.

Louis took another glass then threw it across the room. Dani felt a huge boulder lift from her

chest. She felt better. Of course, she still misses her parents but it felt good throwing delicate

glasses across the room with Louis.

They alternately threw glasses across the room and with every glass that shatter; they

holler around and shout at the top of their lungs. They did this for almost half an hour but none

of them felt any fatigue or tiredness. Both of them were caught up in the moment and in a matter

of minutes, the box went empty and all of the glasses were sitting dangerously at the far side of

the loft.

Dani threw the empty box then flopped down into the floor, “That felt good. Those

glasses can really make a depressed girl happy.”

52

“Well, I am glad that you feel better unfortunately, I have to face the rants of my mother.

Those glasses were her gifts to me and I promised her to use them.” Louis confessed somberly as he dropped beside Dani.

“You should‟ve told me!” Dani exclaimed, panic blazing through her eyes. “Your mom will kill you and it is her gift to you. You should‟ve let me go home and break my glasses.”

“Dani relax. It‟s okay. I‟ll just tell my mother that it broke inside the boxes. No need to worry.” Louis replied, placing her hands on Dani‟s shoulder.

“Are you sure that she will not get mad at you? I can tell her the truth if you want to.” Dani answered, still worried.

“Dani,” Louis said, facing Dani squarely. “My mom can handle this. It‟s just glass and

most probably, she also wants to break those glasses. It‟s ugly plus you‟re worth more than those stupid glasses.”

“Thank you. Not just for the glass but for everything. Thank you for being a good friend to me Louis.” Dani answered sincerely.

“You‟re getting dramatic again Clairvaux. You already thanked me countless times

before and like I said during those moments, I like helping you. I don‟t need to help you. I want

to. Always remember that Dani.”

“I am glad to hear that Degrassi and I am not being dramatic.” Dani replied. “I need to clean up this mess though. The house help will not be happy to see this.” Louis

said, standing up.

“Good luck on your cleaning then but I have to go home. It‟s getting late and Mrs. Harris will get worried.” Dani said as she bounced on her feet.

“You‟re going home?” Louis asked, stopping on his tracks. Dani nods.

“Forget the mess. The help can deal with that. I‟ll drive you home. Let‟s go.” Louis said, grabbing Dani‟s hand.

“Are you sure about that?” Dani asked worriedly. “Of course, I am sure with that. Like I said, you‟re worth a lot than those stupid glasses.

Let‟s go. I‟ll take you home.” Louis beamed as he dragged Dani out of the room and into the parking lot.

53

15.

The rain was starting to pour when Louis pulled over in front of Dani‟s house. Both of

them could hear the heavy downpour outside of the car.

“Everything okay?” Louis asked, looking worriedly at Dani. “Of course,” Dani answered, grinning from ear to ear. “I am fine. My eyes are tired from

crying anyway. Do you want to come inside and say hi to Mrs. Harris?”

“Sure although, I have no umbrellas in here. Do you want to run under the rain?” Louis asked with an eager smile on his face.

“I don‟t mind. It‟s just rain.” Dani replied as she and Louis opened the car doors and ran under the heavy rain. It took awhile for them to reach the front porch of the house since the

ground was slippery and it was covered in mud.

Dani fumbled with the doorknob and finally, she was able to open the door and they ran

inside dripping wet. Mrs. Harris‟s eyes grew in surprise when she saw them. They must look

horrible.

“Please dry up. I don‟t like for the both of you to catch a cold or something. I‟ll make some hot chocolates to heat you up.” Mrs. Harris said automatically then headed towards the

kitchen.

Dani and Louis took their places on the couch in the living room, facing the fire place. It

felt good to be heated by natural fire. Dani wiped her hair and put up them up in a turban while

Louis wiped his face and disheveled hair and of Dani‟s great surprise, Louis pulled off his shirt

revealing his lean body. Dani‟s eyes grew. “What?” Louis accused, shooting Dani with weird looks as he continued to wipe his

body.

“Nothing.” Dani mumbled, embarrassed. It was a good thing that Mrs. Harris entered and broke the awkward silence between the

two. She gave them two large mugs of hot chocolates. It even has marshmallows which Dani

loved. Dani quickly took a sip of the hot chocolate and sighed out of relief.

“This hot chocolate is awesome. It‟s the best hot choco I ever drank.” Louis said as he emptied his mug.

“Mrs. Harris always made me hot chocolate as a kid. It is the best.” Dani replied, drinking the dregs out of the mug.

“I should go. Thanks for the drink by the way. I‟ll see you tomorrow.” Louis stated.

“Are you sure you really have go home?” Mrs. Harris said as he entered the living room. “The rain is getting heavier and heavier and even though you live nearby, it is dangerous to drive. The roads are wet and slippery.”

54

“Well, is it okay with you if I stay here? I don‟t want to be a problem for you.” Louis asked, looking at Dani for confirmation.

Dani thought for awhile and it took a whole lot of effort for her to not stare at Louis‟s structured abs. Finally, she spoke, “It‟s okay. You can stay at the guest room. Mrs. Harris, can

you give him any shirt? He is pretty wet.”

Mrs. Harris nodded and disappeared into the dim room. Louis took a seat and stared at

the fire place. The fire glowed into his skin and Dani could not help but stare.

“Louis,” Dani started. “Are you okay?”

“Of course I am okay. A lot of things are just on my mind but I am fine. There‟s no need for you to worry about me.” Louis assured.

Dani nodded and answered, “You know you can always tell me anything. It‟s the least I can do for you.”

“I am glad to hear that Dani.” Louis said, giving Dani a huge smile. Mrs. Harris appeared again and handed Louis a white shirt. She led them upstairs and

showed Louis‟s room for the night. It was the room right next to Dani‟s. “Good night then.” Dani said as she opened the bedroom door.

“Good night Dani and thank you for letting me stay here.” Louis replied as he walked inside the room.

Dani hovered out of her room for awhile. She doesn‟t know why but she felt something off about Louis. His smile does not truly touch his eyes and she was pretty sure that Louis is

keeping something from her. Dani sighed and went inside.

It was almost midnight but somehow, Dani could not get into sleep. She tossed and turn

and rearranged her pillows. Dani stretched for awhile and lie on her back. Finally, she gave up.

She reached for her phone and texted Louis even though he was only a few feet away.

Are you awake? I a ’t sleep. I’ sorry to distur you.

A few minutes later, Dani heard a gentle knock from her bedroom door. It swung open

and it revealed Louis. Dani sat on her bed and smiled at him. He looked different in the dark.

“The truth is I can‟t sleep too. The rain is too loud or maybe I am just looking for the comfort of my own bed. How about you?” Louis confessed as he perched on the edge of the bed.

“I don‟t know,” Dani murmured. “I just can‟t sleep. I feel tired but my mind won‟t stop working.”

Louis smirked and Dani noticed it. She asked, “What? Is there anything you want to say to me?”

“I just have a crazy idea and I know you‟ll kill me if I said it out loud.” Louis replied, brushing off the idea.

Dani crawled nearer to Louis and said, “Tell me what‟s your crazy idea. Maybe we can get a good night sleep out of it.”

“Are you really sure you want to hear it?” Louis asked cautiously.

55

Dani nodded.

“I was just thinking if you want me to stay here. I mean if you want me to sleep beside

you since we both can‟t sleep. Are you going to kill me now or at least punch me? That‟s definitely a bad idea.” Louis answered, moving inches away from Dani. He was expecting a

terrible punch from Dani for such kind of an idea.

“I am not going to kill you,” Dani answered. “I think it is a good idea. I mean misery

loves company, right? Well, is it okay for you to stay with me?”

“Of course. If I can deal with you awake, then I can deal with you when you are asleep.” Louis teased.

Dani smirked and answered, “Whatever Louis. It‟s a good thing my bed is big enough for the both of us.”

Dani lie on the bed and raised an eyebrow to Louis. He smirked and take his place beside

her. They were facing to face and they were like that for a few minutes.

“Are you feeling better?” Louis asked as he pulled the covers over them. “I think so. Tell me Louis, why are you being so kind to me? I know I‟m the best person

in the world but why do you keep on being friends with me?” Dani answered in a low voice. She

suddenly felt conscious and shy of how she looks and how she speaks.

Louis took her hand and squeezed it gently, “Maybe I am just crazy enough to be your

friend. Remember that I am your friend and I will always be here for you.”

“I am glad to hear that Degrassi.” Dani answered happily.

Louis inched closer to Dani and Dani felt her heartbeat go wild. She swallowed

awkwardly and whispered, “Is there anything you want to say?”

“Can I ask one small favor Dani?” Louis began seriously. “Can you stop asking why I kept on being your friend? It is not something to be thought about. Let‟s just enjoy our lives together. I tell you, I am doing all of this because I want to and not because I need to. I never

sign an agreement with your parents to take care of you. All of this is of my doing. Understand?”

Dani looked straight into Louis‟s blue eyes and replied, “Yeah, I understand. I‟ll no longer ask anything about it anymore. I promise.”

Louis‟s face light up and he planted a kiss on Dani‟s forehead. It wasn‟t romantic but it was sweet and very peaceful. “You should rest Dani. Good night.”

“Good night Louis.” Dani replied as she tighten her grip on Louis‟s hand.

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16.

The sun shone brightly outside Dani‟s bedroom window. Louis opened his eyes slowly

and realized that his hands were still intertwined with Dani‟s. Dani was still in deep slumber and Louis took the opportunity to take in Dani‟s features. He watched her chest heaved up and down

and noticed how Dani looked peaceful when she was fast asleep. No lines were visible in her

face and her cheekbones were sharper than ever. Louis wanted to watch Dani sleep all day long

but he had to break his reverie.

Louis gently shook Dani‟s arms and watched her come to life, “Good morning Dani.”

“Good morning.” Dani mumbled as she pulled her hands away from Louis and stretched. “I need to go. We still need to go to school and my uniform is at my house. We both have

to get ready.” Louis said.

“Okay,” Dani answered as she sat up. “Thanks for staying with me. I really appreciate it and tell your mom I‟ll pay for the broken glasses.”

Louis sat up and left the bed, “You‟re welcome and there‟s no need for you to pay for the glasses. No need to worry about that.”

“Sure. I‟ll see you later then.” Dani bid, giving Louis a sincere smile. “You‟ll definitely see me later. Bye.” Louis said as he opened the bedroom door and

disappeared.

Dani stayed on her bed for awhile. Her heart started to pound as the thought finally sinks

on her. She slept with Louis. Dani‟s cheeks started to burn and she cannot help but smile. She has

to admit that she felt very at ease with Louis. She felt safe and comfortable with him. It is not the

same feeling she felt with her parents or even with her late brother. This feeling was different

and she felt confused and troubled so she fumbled out of her bed and get ready for school.

Georgina was the first one to greet Dani when she entered the almost full classroom. Dani

gave her a sweet smile and walked towards Georgina.

“What‟s up? You owe me an explanation about what happened yesterday. Spill.” Dani said gleefully.

“Fine. Take a sit. I‟ll tell you the details.” Georgina ordered. Dani grabbed the chair beside Georgina‟s and dragged it in front of Georgina‟s desk. She

rested her head on her hands and opened her eyes dramatically.

“I don‟t know when and how it began. James has always been my friend. We were close but not that close but all of a sudden, I felt very protective of him. I didn‟t like the idea of other girls flirting with him. I get irritated.” Georgina explained.

57

“But the kiss? How did that happen? It was too abrupt. We were really off guard.” Dani asked, totally engrossed into Georgina‟s story.

“It was not in my plan,” Georgina admitted. “Although, I felt that yesterday was the right time to do it. Both of our emotions were high and everything didn‟t seem to matter anymore. I love him. I love James.”

“What did he said after the kiss?” Dani asked. “I was scared. I thought he was going to hit me or something. I was afraid he will fight

me but fortunately, everything happened smoothly. We talked after that and I confessed my

feelings for him then he confessed too.” Georgina explained. “And what did James confessed?” Dani pressed on. “Well, he told me that he liked me too and he is willing to try everything out.” Georgina

finally answered with a shy smile.

“So you two are officially together?” Dani asked happily. Georgina nodded.

“Oh my god! I am so happy for you Georgina although I will have a huge fight with

James if he hurt you.” Dani exclaimed giddily. “Thanks and I‟ll keep that in mind.” Georgina laughed. “Can I ask you something Georgina? Promise me that you won‟t laugh or anything.”

Dani asked, getting serious all of a sudden.

Georgina‟s face turned somber and answered, “Ask me anything Dani.”

Dani was about to spill her queries when the bell suddenly rang and Ms. Baltimore, their

thirty-something adviser, waltzed inside the room.

“I‟ll tell you during lunch. Let‟s meet at the rooftop, okay?” Dani said as she shuffled back into her original seat.

“Okay.” Georgina answered.

The following classes came as a blur for Dani. She was preoccupied about her pending

conversation with Georgina. She really don‟t know what to say her but Dani knew that she really

want to have this conversation with Georgina.

At last, after Dani‟s English class, she rushed out of the classroom and ran upstairs towards the rooftop. She saw Isaac staring at her as she left the room. Fortunately, Louis was

nowhere in sight.

Georgina was not yet at the rooftop when Dani arrived. The wind was blowing hard and

Dani tried to keep her hair in proper place. She stood beside the railings and gazed down at the

scene below her. Students were already walking out of the school and Dani could notice how

excited they were for the lunch break.

“Hey Dani.” A familiar voice greeted. Dani spun around and saw Georgina walking towards her with a huge grin on her face. Dani has to admit that Georgina‟s smile comforted her.

“Thank you for coming Georgina. I really need to talk to you.” Dani greeted back, giving her friend a tight hug.

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“What do you want to talk about then?” Georgina asked. Dani‟s face turned somber and leaned on the railings. She suddenly don‟t know where

and how to begin.

“Georgina,” Dani started. “How did you know that you were in love with James and that

it wasn‟t just friendship anymore?”

Georgina smiled widely and stood beside Dani, “My heart started to pound whenever he is with me. I got all tongue tied with him and I feel very protective of him.”

“Then, why does it seem like you are always angry with him?” Dani asked. “I guess it was my way to act normal with him. I don‟t want to give anything away until I

couldn‟t hold it anymore. Once in awhile, you need to release your feelings because it will

definitely eat you slowly.” Georgina explained. Dani fell silent. She doesn‟t know how to respond to that and somehow, she understands

what Georgina said. Feelings can eat you inside out and it can be scary.

“Dani,” Georgina said in a low voice. “Do you want to say something to me? I can see that something is bugging you.”

“I think I am in love with Louis.” Dani whispered. “That‟s not a big surprise Dani. Louis was the only person that truly became close to you.

He was the one that truly broke you from your shell. I know he is special to you.” Georgina answered, giving Dani a sweet smile.

“What do I do then?” Dani asked, feeling embarrassed. “You‟re not going to do anything.” A husky voice answered from behind them. It was

both familiar and unfamiliar to them. Dani turned around and saw where the voice came from. It

was Isaac.

“What are you doing here Isaac and what do you mean about Dani not doing anything with her feelings to Louis?” Georgina demanded angrily.

Isaac closed the gap between them and stopped a few feet away from them. He took a

deep breath and said, “I saw Dani ran outside the classroom and I knew something was up and I was right to follow you.”

“What did you mean about me not doing anything?” Dani asked, staring furiously at

Isaac.

“I don‟t want to be the one say this to you Dani,” Isaac began. “You cannot have a

relationship with Louis. Please listen to me Dani.”

“Then, give me one good reason to listen to you Isaac. What do you know?” Dani snapped back.

“Louis has a girlfriend and they had been together now for almost a year now.” Isaac replied.

Dani‟s head started to pound and her chest started to tighten. She caught the railings for support. Her body was collapsing. It was betraying her.

Georgina wrapped her arms around Dani and she spoke, “Where did you get that crap Isaac? How did you know that?”

59

“Before Dani and Louis became friends once again, I was his first friend and he opened up to me. We talked for awhile and we talked about girls. Louis told me he had a girlfriend and it

is wrong for you to step in Dani.” Isaac said strongly. “Why didn‟t he tell me?” Dani whispered, mostly talking to herself rather than to Isaac or

Georgina.

“I can‟t answer that Dani but we all knew how fragile your state was. Maybe Louis just don‟t want to put your friendship in danger. He truly cared about you Dani.” Isaac continued, his voice turning gentle and smooth.

“What‟s her name?” Georgina asked suddenly.

“Nina Carson. I never really met her or anything. Louis just told me her name. That‟s all I can say to you.” Isaac replied.

“I…I need to go. I‟m sorry.” Dani stammered, her head spinning fast but she knew she needs to get out fast.

“I‟ll go with you.” Georgina blurted out worriedly. “No,” Dani answered immediately. “I need to be alone right now. Thank you Georgina,

Isaac. I‟ll be fine.”

“I‟ll be here if you need me Dani. Remember that. I am always here for you.” Georgina said sincerely.

Dani gave them a forced smile and started her way down the building. She felt tears

coming out of her eyes and her chest was getting heavier as she went down. She felt betrayed

and hurt although she knew Louis has nothing to do with it. Dani cannot blame him for

everything. All she can blame was herself.

She stopped for awhile as she reached the door that separates the staircase and the school

hallways. Dani still has Calculus and Chemistry and she has a paper due today for Spanish. She

took a deep breath and finally decided to ditch class for the rest of the day.

Dani opened the door quietly and walked quickly towards the faculty room. She tried to

look sick but she didn‟t have to try hard. Dani looked already fuzzy and she could feel her eyes

getting hot. Dani scanned the faculty room and finally caught the eyes of her Spanish teacher,

Miss Waltzberg.

“I‟m sorry to interrupt Miss Waltzberg but I need to talk with you right now.” Dani said meekly.

Miss Waltzberg gave Dani a sweet smile, revealing her age lines, “There‟s no problem. What is it that you need Dani?”

“I feel very sick and I think I can‟t make it to class today. I am here to turn in my paper.” Dani replied, handing over a brown sliding forward to her Spanish teacher.

“Well, I hope you get better Dani but I need you to know that I still have to mark you

absent for the day.” Miss Waltzberg said as she took Dani‟s paper. “I understand Miss Waltzberg. I‟ll see you tomorrow.” Dani bid as she tried a smile. Miss Waltzberg gave her a nod and went back to her table. Dani hovered there for awhile

then finally left. She tried to avoid every way that Louis could be hanging out. Dani ran out of

60

the building and was greeted by the scorching hot sun. Dani squinted her eyes as they adjusted to

the light then she started to walk her way home. She finally let the tears came out of her eyes.

61

17.

Dani was grateful that Mrs. Harris was busy in the laundry room and all of the house help

were all occupied on their work. She ran towards her room and slammed her face into her

perfectly made up bed. She was not crying. She was sobbing.

Pain blasted into Dani‟s body, both physically and emotionally. Her eyes stung and her breath starts getting heavy. She wanted to break things but it will only make her remember about

Louis and how he let her break his special glasses. Painting. That‟s all she could do. She grabbed a blank canvass, her paintbrushes and her tubes of paint. Dani started to

splatter black paint unto her canvass. She did not care that she was making mess. Dani needed to

paint hard.

Random streaks of black, brown, gray and red covered her canvass. It was a perfect

symbolism of how she felt. Her love for Louis was encompassing but it was wrong. Everything

was wrong and a dark cloud covered all of her feelings. Betrayal. Pain. Hurt. Dani felt everything

and she hated it.

“Dani, are you okay? I didn‟t hear you come in.” Mrs. Harris said from outside the door. “Please leave alone. I need to be alone. I‟m sorry but please.” Dani answered, wiping her

sweat from her forehead.

“Dani,” Mrs. Harris said worriedly. “I understand but if you need me, I‟ll be downstairs.”

Dani could hear Mrs. Harris‟s footsteps drowned out. She threw her paintbrush and stared at her work. It was crazy like her feelings. She felt wrong and sad. Everything was undiminished

even though she already finished her work.

She flopped down unto the ground and stared at the ceiling. She wanted to cry but her

tears were starting to dry out. Dani stood up as she heard her phone ring. It was Louis. Of course.

“Hello.” Dani muttered emotionlessly. “I heard you were sick. Are you okay? Do you want me to come over?” Louis answered,

his worry evident in his voice.

“No!” Dani snapped. “I‟m okay. Just stay where you are. I need to be alone right now. I

hope you understand.”

“Dani, is everything okay? Tell me. Please.” Louis pleaded sadly. “Honestly, I am nothing but okay. I feel terrible and sick to the stomach but I need to be

alone right now. I…I can‟t bear to see you right now.” Dani explained. “Okay but please call me when you feel better. I want to see you.” Louis bid. Dani could

feel the hurt strained in his voice and she could not help but feel guilty.

“Thank you.” That was all Dani could say as she turned off her phone.

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Dani lay on her back on the floor. Paint was all over her room and yet again, she did not

care. Louis was so hurt and worried and Dani felt sad to hear it but she cannot see him right now.

Everything was too fresh for her.

“I love you Louis. I love you.” Dani mumbled under her breath as hot tears spill from her

eyes.

She closed her eyes and let everything inside her flow out. Dani finally let her gates of

emotion open and she let everything lash out of her.

The sky was already dark when Dani decided to do the thing that she fears to do. She

grabbed her laptop and sprung it to life. Dani opened Google and typed in Nina Carson.

Thousands of answers came before Dani. She clicked open an article from The Block.

Dani felt hesitant at first if it was the correct Nina Carson since The Block only talk about people

which belongs in the inner circle.

Out of Dani‟s great surprise, the article talked about Nina Carson, a seventeen year old socialite based on London. Dani knew she was the correct Nina Carson.

Dani read the article:

Filipino-British-American socialite Nina Carson was spotted leaving the

topnotch KOKO club at Camden Town with Issa Farren and top model Cara Delavigne.

Gossip continues to circulate that she has broken up with her American beau

after not being seen for months since she and her boyfriend was spotted almost every

night at restaurants and bars. They were caught kissing and hugging. It was obvious

that they were not ashamed of their relationship although the huge question is where is

the boyfriend? Are they still together or are they in a quick break?

Carson quickly brushed off the issue and smiled for the cameras. She did not

utter a single answer and just continued to walk. Her love life may be unsure but one

thing is pretty sure, whether Nina is taken or not, her light will continue to shine in the

London social scene.

A picture of the infamous Nina Carson smiled at Dani. She has a short, pixie cut and

black hair and gorgeous hazelnut eyes. She has an even sun kissed tan and her smile even made

her more alive. Dani couldn‟t help but feel amazed by her beauty. Dani knew she could never hate Nina. She has no reason to hate her.

Nina Carson.

Nina.

Carson.

The words continued to spiral inside Dani‟s head. She did not know what to do after her great discovery. She suddenly wished that she did not search for Nina in the first place but she

knew that her curiosity will get the better of her.

63

Dani stood up and stayed in that position for awhile. She wanted to talk to someone.

Someone whom she trusts but Louis was the only person whom she can think of and he was

definitely out of the list. She has nothing to do but drown herself in her reverie. Dani grabbed her

hidden stash of scotch under her bed and took a huge swig. She gulped down the bottle in a

matter of seconds and reached for another one. Dani walked outside to her balcony and gazed at

the stars above her. Nothing changed except for her. Every inch of her life went before a 360

degree change.

As soon as she emptied her second bottle, she placed it on her side table and reached for

her phone. Fifty missed calls from Louis. Twenty unread text messages from Georgina. Dani

smiled and felt grateful for their worry towards her but she just could not bear to talk about this.

Not tonight. Not now.

Dani went inside the bathroom and decided to take a long bath. She stood under the

showerhead for minutes not thinking about the cold water dripping on her body. Dani shivered

but she stayed. Dani knew that no one can bother her here. She was free to think and be herself.

Almost an hour past when Dani stepped out of the bathroom and changed into her

pajamas. She dried her long locks with her blow-dryer then slumped unto her bed. She knew that

she has to cry or shout. She was angry and torn but nothing happened. Dani felt numb.

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18.

Dani arrived at St. Regis Academy a few minutes before the bell rang. She walked as

slow as she could manage even though she knew she was going to be late. Her classmates eyed

her curiously as Dani walked inside the classroom. Dani knew her classmates are either worried

or scared of her with her bloodshot eyes and tangled, cascading hair. She no longer cares about

them. She does not care about anything at all.

“Are you feeling all right?” Georgina asked worriedly, leaning forward towards Dani‟s desk.

“I don‟t know Georgina. I just trashed my whole bedroom and I emptied two bottles of

scotch last night. Am I alright?” Dani snapped sarcastically. She did not meant to be edgy to Georgina but she was not in the mood to express her feelings in front of the class.

“Dani,” Georgina muttered under her breath. “I‟m sorry for what is about to happen. You know I care for you and I just want you to be happy. I‟m sorry and please don‟t freak out.”

Dani has no time to feel perplexed or question Georgina about what she just said because

as if on cue, Louis entered the room without a single word and grabbed Dani. Dani started to

shriek and pull away from Louis‟s tight grasp but no one was helping her. All of their eyes were watching her with terrified looks. That was then Dani realized that all of her classmates were into

Louis‟s plan of dragging her out of the classroom. She did not stop fighting Louis until they reached the softball field where she and Louis

had their first connection after several years of being separated. Louis did not let her go and

looked directly on Dani‟s eyes, “Talk to me Dani! Tell me what‟s wrong! I beg you Daniella Clairvaux!”

Dani started to cry and she finally answered in a barely audible tone, “Why didn‟t you tell me about Nina Carson?”

Louis froze and let go of his grip on Dani. He stumbled backward and sat on the damp

bleachers. He took his head on his hands and started to mumble senseless words. Dani wanted to

comfort him and tell him it was alright but it was not alright. Nothing is alright between them.

“Why didn‟t you tell me about Nina Carson?!” Dani shouted furiously. “Start speaking to me!”

“I‟m sorry for not telling you about Nina but why does it matter? Why is it a big deal Dani?” Louis asked weakly, looking up at Dani with his blue eyes.

“It is a big deal Louis! Why do you keep on lying to me Louis! Tell me who she is for you!” Dani shrieked, her body starting to shake with anger and ferocity.

“Nina is my girlfriend from London.” Louis whispered.

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Dani flopped down on the bleachers and cried. It was true then. Isaac was not lying to her

after all. He was just looking out for her. She was the one who was wrong. She was the one who

made a mistake for loving Louis and hoping that he felt the same way too. Dani was the wrong

one.

“Why didn‟t you tell me?” Dani asked. “Because I don‟t want you to stay away from me. I don‟t want to jeopardize our

friendship. I know everything will be different between us when I told you that I have a

girlfriend.” Louis explained weakly. “You lied to me.” Dani stated. “I‟m sorry. I should‟ve told you in the first place but tell me Dani, will you stay away

from me if you know the truth?” Louis challenged, holding Dani‟s arm tightly. “I will definitely stay away from you,” Dani confessed. “I do not want to ruin your

relationship with Nina. I do not want to be a problem for you.”

Louis softens his grip and closed the distance between him and Dani. He wants to touch

her and hug her and pull her close to him. He wants to but he can‟t and he won‟t. “Please stay away from me Louis.” Dani said strongly, looking directly at Louis. “No! I will not stay away from you Dani! You know I cannot do that to you! I care about

you Dani!” Louis shouted angrily. “Can you hear what you are saying Louis? Open your eyes to the truth! You have a

girlfriend and you are saying these things to me. Please avoid me for the sake of Nina and your

relationship.” Dani pleaded. “Why does it matter if I have a girlfriend Dani? Nina will understand. She knows that I

have a childhood friend here. She will not get upset.” Louis answered in a low voice. He batted his lashes and looked straightly at Dani.

Dani smiled briefly and stood up. She faced Louis and replied, “Be honest with me Louis. What am I to you?”

“You‟re a person that I care about,” Louis said as he stood up from the bleachers. “You are special to me Dani. You are my best friend and I won‟t leave you.”

“That is the problem Louis. I am just a friend to you but I want more Louis. I know this

sounds crazy but Louis I am in love you. I love you and this cannot go on like this anymore.” Dani confessed, stepping away from Louis.

Louis was frozen in place. He does not know how to respond with what Dani just said.

Yes, Dani is a special girl to him but he does not know if he loves her. He never really thought

about that until now.

The silence lingers and Dani knew that everything was over. Her fantasy has finally come

to an end. She gave Louis a small smile and turned around. Dani felt hurt but she felt lighter. At

least Louis knew about her feelings. She was happy about that.

“Stop.” Louis whispered, pulling Dani from her stride and pulling her in him.

66

Dani wrestled against him. She tried to pull away from Louis and loosen his grip around

her. Dani wanted to scream but her throat was all dried up and all she could do was sob and

punch Louis‟s chest. “Please Dani. Don‟t leave me. I can‟t bear that.” Louis whispered soothingly as he

continued to pull Dani closer to him.

“No,” Dani whimpered. “Just let me go Louis. Please Louis. Everything will be fine. We

will be okay without each other.”

Louis hardens his grasp around Dani. His face was expressionless but Dani could see the

pleading in his eyes. She continued to wrestle against him until she got tired and stopped. Dani

knew it was wrong. It was a mistake but he let Louis cradle her. He let Louis hug her tightly.

Dani breathe in his sweet scent and she decided that this will be the last time that this will

happen. This will be the end.

“I beg you Dani. Please don‟t leave me.” Louis whispered into Dani‟s ears. “You will be fine. We will be fine. Thank you for everything. You made me whole again

and I promise you that I am a better person now. I have my family and I have Georgina and the

others. I will be okay and so would you. Goodbye Louis.” Dani said as she pulled out from their embrace.

Dani looked at Louis and she realized instantly that it was a mistake. She cannot bear to

see his pained face. This was even worse when she saw him in the woods. He was hurt and Dani

caused this. She nodded and turned around.

Louis hopped down the damp bleachers. He was following Dani and it seems like she did

not care at all. He continued walking behind her letting a few feet between them. Louis watched

her walk. Her long brunette hair falling on her shoulders, her smooth skin under the sun and the

perfectly toned legs. He wanted to be with her so badly that it hurts.

Dani was almost at the exit of the softball field when she halted into a stop. Louis noticed

this and grasped the opportunity to catch up with her. He ran breathlessly until he was right

beside her. He looked down at her and realized that Dani was looking at something. Someone.

“Nina.” Louis said, shocked.

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19.

The pixie like girl widened her eyes with excitement and waltzed her way towards them.

Her smile was from ear to ear and her short hair was effortlessly down in a perfect manner and as

soon as she arrived in front of them, she quickly pulled Louis in a tight hug and gave him a long

and passionate kiss.

Dani could not help but look away.

“What are you doing here?” Louis asked as he pulled away from the kiss. His expression was unreadable.

“You don‟t want me here?” Nina pouted, cocking her head on the side. She looks so innocent and young. Dani could not believe that this girl was a London socialite.

“Of course I want you here,” Louis apologized. “I am just surprised. I hope you called me.”

“I want to surprise you babe. I missed you a lot.” Nina answered coyly, pulling Louis into another kiss.

Dani cringed as she heard the word babe. She could not take it. She was feeling sick and

she felt throwing up at this very moment.

“I have to go.” Dani managed to mumble as she walked past the couple.

“Wait!” Louis exclaimed, stopping Dani to her tracks. “Nina, I want you to meet Dani. She was the one that I told you about. My very good friend from the past.”

From the past, Dani almost gagged at the words.

Nina smiled sweetly and closed the gap between her and Dani, “It was nice to finally meet you Dani. Louis always talked about you that I felt like you are the girlfriend and not me.”

Dani was stunned with Nina‟s words. Louis was even in a worse position. His eyes were huge and his mouth was wide open.

“I‟m kidding!” Nina exclaimed, laughing. “You two looked terrified. I am really glad to meet you Dani. I am.”

“Nice to meet you Nina but I really have to go back to class. I‟ll see you later then.” Dani said as she smiled to Nina and nodded briefly to Louis without looking at his eyes.

“Aren‟t you supposed to be in class too?” Nina teased, eyeing Louis. “I think that‟s out of my itinerary for the day now that you are here. Where do you want

to go?” Louis asked, trying to suppress a smile. “I don‟t want for you to miss class Louis. I know you did that several times in London

but I don‟t want to ruin you. We‟ll talk later.” Nina said, giving Louis a quick peck on the

cheeks.

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“Okay then. I‟ll text you where to meet. I assume you are not going to get lost.” Louis replied, raising his eyebrow.

Nina pressed herself unto Louis‟s chest and mumbled, “Of course I will not get lost Louis. I‟ll see you later.”

Dani avoided Georgina for the rest of the day. She actually avoided everyone around her

and she managed to go finish the day like this. As soon as the bell rang, Dani grabbed her things

and rushed outside of the room.

“Dani, you can‟t evade me forever. What happened?” Georgina said as she easily caught up with Dani.

“Can we talk about this at your house? I just don‟t like to go home right home. You owe me for doing this to me Georgina.” Dani answered, grabbing Georgina‟s hand.

Georgina nodded.

The two girls walked silently towards Georgina‟s home. She lives a few blocks away from the school yet for Dani, it felt like forever. Dani could not wait to finally open herself to

Georgina. She was the only person in her life right now that she can trust.

Georgina stopped in front of a massive white modern estate. The whole outside of the

house was embellished with black and white. It was very new and very modern for a house

standing in uptown Los Angeles.

They were welcomed by Georgina‟s mom when they came inside. That was when Dani

realized that this was the first time she came over to Georgina‟s place and met her parents. She felt weird and comfortable at the same time. Georgina led her upstairs and opened a door at the

farthest door on the hallway.

“Welcome to my haven Dani.” Georgina said warmly as she entered the room. The room was full of pastels and colors and Dani felt out of place. Everything about the

room screams happiness and sunshine. It was the complete opposite of Dani‟s room and personality. The walls were covered with various pictures of landscapes and persons. Dani was

surprised to see a picture of her together with Louis, Isaac and James when they spent the term

break at Riviera Bay.

“Are you okay? I am sorry to do that to you but I have no choice. I have no more ideas.

Please talk to me Dani.” Georgina begged. Dani sighed and sat shyly on the director‟s chair placed a few feet away from the bed.

Then, she began to cry. Georgina hugged her tightly and patted her back gently. Dani was truly

grateful to have Georgina in her life.

“I told him what I felt.” Dani mumbled as she managed to pull herself together.

“And?” Georgina asked. “He did not felt the same way about me Georgina or at least he didn‟t tell me. For him, I

was just a good friend. A very good person whom he cannot leave without.” Dani explained,

feeling anguish and pain.

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“I don‟t know what to say Dani,” Georgina admitted as she run her hands on Dani‟s back. “But what I know is you will be better. Everything will be better. You will be okay.”

Dani pulled away from Georgina‟s grasp and wiped her tears. She coughed a little then

said, “Everything will not be okay Georgina. Everything will change now that…”

“Now what? What is going on Dani?” Georgina pushed; her beautiful face now looks

more somber and pained than ever. Dani could not believe how she could hurt multiple persons

in one day.

“Nina is here. She is here and I could never compete with her. She is gorgeous and she is a huge socialite in London. Nothing will ever be the same.” Dani explained.

Now, Georgina was the one having the shock of her life. She walked away from Dani,

shaking her head relentlessly.

“What are you going to then Dani?” Georgina finally asked, giving up and perching on the edge of her fully made bed.

“I am going to do what I should‟ve done in the first place. Louis will no longer be a part

of my life anymore. It will be hard but I will survive. I cannot hang on to him forever.” Dani said calmly.

Louis sat worriedly as he waited for Nina who was ordering their drinks. They were

inside a half-empty Starbucks shop miles away from the school. Louis wanted to be here because

it was far enough for him to not think about Dani and all of the things that she said to him. He

still cannot absorb what she confessed to him.

“Salted Caramel Frappucino as usual.” Nina said as she placed their drinks on the table

and slide swiftly on her seat.

“Green Tea Frappucino for you. As usual.” Louis replied. Nina took a sip of her drink and spoke, “So, how are you? How‟s life here in Los

Angeles. It is so different from London.”

“Yeah it is. Anyway, I have been fine. Life is going on smoothly for me here.” Louis lied. “Dani looked upset. Were you having an argument before I came? Is everything okay?

Don‟t lie to me Louis.” Nina asked worriedly. “She was just having a bad time and there is nothing to worry about Nina. So, when did

you arrive?” Louis replied, changing the subject about him to her. “I just arrived last night. I really want to surprise you. I hope you‟re not mad.” Nina said

worriedly.

“I‟m not mad Nina,” Louis smiled. “I really did not expect you to be here but I am so happy that you are here.”

Nina leaned over and kissed him full on the lips. Louis noticed the other people around

them turning their heads toward them.

“I am happy to be here too.” Nina breathed on Louis‟s neck then sat back. “Where are you staying?” Louis asked.

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“I am hoping that you are going to ask that. Currently, I‟m in a hotel but I really would like to stay at your place. I really don‟t know anybody here but you. I hope you don‟t mind.” Nina said, batting her lashes as if she was casting a spell on Louis.

Louis suddenly felt worried and uncomfortable. His hands began to sweat and his heart

pound fast. It was not that this was the first time that Louis and Nina stayed on one room. They

had been dating for almost a year now but ever since he came here in Los Angeles, his home was

either occupied by him or Dani. For him, it was their sanctuary. Their own private place but with

Nina here, everything seems to be complicated.

“You can stay at my place.” Louis suddenly blurted out, regretting it as soon as the words tumble from his mouth.

“Thank you so much babe! I know it was a great idea to visit you here. I know you won‟t push me away. I love you so much babe.” Nina said sweetly.

“I love you too.” Louis replied although for the first time in many months, he was not

sure if he truly meant it.

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20.

That Saturday morning, Dani received a surprise phone call from James. His

overenthusiastic voice woke Dani up and she could not help but feel annoyed and happy at the

same time.

“Good morning Dani!” James greeted excitedly.

“What do you want James? It‟s just seven in the morning.” Dani complained, scratching the sleep from her eyes.

“I‟m sorry for the sudden call Dani but my parents decided to have a gala tonight and I

want to invite you. It will be held at the Baltimore Place. Can you make it?” Louis explained hopefully.

Dani pulled away from her covers and sat straight, “Why is it so sudden and what is it exactly for?”

“My parents are always like that,” James answered, embarrassed. “They always do shotgun parties at the weirdest places and time. The gala is for their 15

th wedding anniversary

and they insist on inviting every family member in town including my friends. So, are you going

make it?”

“I‟ll be there. Uhm, what is exactly the dress code? I don‟t want to wear a clown suit.” Dani teased, feeling lighter and happier.

“It will be a suit and tie event. Everyone will be in their best attire and I want you to be in your best too. Don‟t embarrass me Dani.” James replied sheepishly.

“Okay, I won‟t embarrass you. I promise that. I‟ll be there.” Dani answered. “Then it‟s settled then. Baltimore Place at eight. I‟ll see you later then. Goodbye Dani.”

James bid, delighted as he hung up the phone.

Dani got up from her bed and took a nice long bath. She put on her favorite Snoopy shirt

and gray sweats. She took her black ponytail from her drawer and pulled her long hair in a messy

bun. Dani grabbed the phone and dialed Georgina‟s number. “Hello?” Georgina answered. Dani could feel that Georgina was still half-asleep and

must be in her bed. She suddenly felt sorry for calling her at this hour.

“Hi Georgina. This is Dani.” Dani greeted, failing to sound excited and happy. “I‟m assuming that you also got the call from James about their family gala tonight. Are

you going?” Georgina replied, fully awake. Dani smiled and felt the sudden comfort radiating from Georgina‟s voice. She spoke,

“Yeah. I have nothing better to do tonight and I don‟t want to upset James. You‟re going, aren‟t you?”

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“Absolutely. I‟ll be there. James will kill me if I don‟t come. I don‟t want to bring you

down or anything but you know there is a great chance that Louis and Nina will be there too?” Georgina said worriedly.

To be honest, Dani wasn‟t able to think about that. After her conversation with Georgina

a few days ago, she tried to push Louis at the back of her head. She avoided him at school and

avoided every text message and phone call from him. Up until now, she was succeeding.

“I forgot about that.” Dani confessed, flopping down on her bed, caressing her silky bedspread.

“So, are you still going?” Georgina asked. “Yes. I will be going. James is my friend too and I don‟t want to embarrass him. I

managed to stay away from Louis for days and one night will just be another night. That‟s all.” Dani answered, trying to sound indifferent.

“Will you be okay?” Georgina continued anxiously. Dani was suddenly worried and scared. She remembered of the kiss between Nina and

Louis and Dani was so sick she want to puke. One more display of affection between the two of

them can kill Dani. Even worse, Dani do not know what she can do to the both of them.

“Dani? Are you still there?” Georgina said in a whisper. “I don‟t know what I can do later but I will be there. Just promise me one thing Georgina.

Promise me that you won‟t let me do anything stupid and do not let me be near to anything

breakable. Georgina I am counting on you.” Dani replied, the words tumbling fast from her mouth.

“That I can promise you.” Georgina answered happily. “Thank you Georgina. I know I haven‟t been really a good friend to you but I just want to

you to know that I really appreciate it.” Dani said. “Don‟t be melodramatic Dani,” Georgina replied teasingly. “No matter what happen, I

am your friend. I had been looking out for you when you were in your dark days. I am not going

to leave you. Anyway, what are you wearing?”

Dani smiled. She was grateful of how Georgina knew how to shift subjects and turn the

atmosphere lighter. “I don‟t know. Maybe, I‟m just going to scour through my things. You?”

“I‟m waiting for you to ask that. James gave me a dress!” Georgina exclaimed happily. “I thought he was joking but he told me that he want us to be coordinated.”

“So, you two are really dating huh? I‟m happy for you. So, what did the dress look like?” Dani answered.

“I don‟t know. James does not want to label things this early but I guess we are dating. In

a girl‟s perspective that is. Anyway, the dress looks amazing! It‟s fire engine red and it is

embellished with crystals. It is breathtaking. I can‟t wait for you to see it!” Georgina exclaimed

excitedly.

Dani could imagine her jumping up and down her bed as they were having this

conversation. Dani was truly happy for her. “I‟m so happy for you Georgina. I wish I could say the same thing for me.” She spoke.

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“Don‟t worry Dani,” Georgina said soothingly. “Everything will be okay. You will get better. Everything will get better. I promise.”

“Thank you Georgina. I‟ll see you later then. Bye.” Dani bid gratefully. “No problem. I‟m your girl. See you later. Bye.” Georgina said as she hung up.

At exactly seven p.m., Dani was on her way to the Baltimore Place. It was at the heart of

the city and miles away from her village so she left early.

She managed to find a deep blue tube floor length gown. It was cinched at the waist and

it was able to emphasize her toned figure. Dani also found her mother‟s silver strapped heels and

her jewelries. That was when she realized how few her clothes were. Her hair, on the other hand,

was tied in a neat bun that Mrs. Harris made for her. Dani has to admit. She looks regal.

The concierge greeted Dani as he opened the car door for her. She led her to the main hall

wherein the guests were starting to pour in. The walls were draped in ivory cloths and crystals.

Tables were carefully placed at the edge of the hall and a buffet table was placed at the farthest

side of the hall while an orchestra played classic music by the stage.

Dani gazed over the unfamiliar faces and she suddenly felt out of place. If Louis was

here, they will be already emptying the buffet table. Dani shook her head to clear the unpleasant

memory and reminded herself that Louis is not a part of her life anymore.

“I‟m glad you make it Dani. I thought you were not going to make it.” James said who was standing behind Dani.

Dani turned around and faced James. He was looking dapper. The classic suit and tie

accentuate her muscles and biceps. He looks hot, “Of course I‟ll be here James. I promised you.”

“Well you look gorgeous.” James said kindly. “You look fine yourself James,” Dani joked. “So, Georgina told me you gave her a dress?

Are you guys dating exclusively?”

James scratched the back of her head, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “I think so. I really like her. I never felt like this before.”

“You do love her then?” Dani asked. “I guess so.” James answered awkwardly.

Dani grinned and replied, “Well, if you truly love her, don‟t hurt her. If you do, I will snap your neck. I‟m serious James.”

“I understand boss. Nothing will happen to her. If she gets hurt because of me, I‟ll look for you first thing.” James agreed.

“Speaking of which, have you seen Georgina? I would really like to see the gown you gave her.” Dani asked, looking around the hundredths of guests surrounding them.

James looked around and finally spotted her, “There she is. She‟s by the orchestra. I‟ll see you later Dani. I still have to greet the guests.”

“Okay.” Dani smiled as she went through the throng of guests before her. Georgina spotted her first and gave Dani a warm smile, “Hi Dani. I saw you talking with

James. Is everything okay?”

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“Don‟t tell me you‟re getting jealous with me?” Dani teased. “He was just telling me that the both of you might be exclusively dating.”

“You‟re kidding! Are you sure? Oh my god!” Georgina squealed excitedly. “I‟m not kidding and I am so happy for you. For the both of you. You deserve to be

happy Georgina. I just gave James some warnings.” Dani answered, giving Georgina a mysterious smile.

“What did you say to him?” Georgina asked, sounding very curious and worried at the same time.

“That‟s between me and James. You don‟t have to know about it. Just trust me.” Dani replied.

Georgina sighed in exasperation then said, “You look gorgeous by the way.”

“Thanks. This is actually my mother‟s dress and jewelries. You look awesome too. That

dress is amazing.” Dani answered.

Georgina twirled, revealing the gems emblazoned on it. The gown was perfect for

Georgina. It was very conservative on the front but its back was a plunging backless which

exposed Georgina‟s flawless skin. “James has a good taste for gowns.” Georgina said as she stopped spinning.

“That I can agree with you.” Dani smiled. All of a sudden, Georgina stiffened and grabbed Dani‟s hands. Hers was cold and strong.

Dani followed Georgina‟s gaze and found the two persons she was trying to avoid. Louis and

Nina. Dani‟s heart stopped when she spotted Louis in an all white ensemble. His blue eyes were blazing and his hair was perfectly tousled. On the other hand, Nina was breathtaking herself. She

was wearing a light pink, one-shouldered floor length gown. Nina was adorned with ruby

crystals which made her tan skin even more beautiful. They look perfect together.

Nina caught Dani‟s eyes and her face brightened. Her lips automatically turned into a

huge smile. She tugged Louis behind her and dragged him towards them. Dani could see how

Louis tried to avoid her eyes.

“Hello!” Nina greeted excitedly. “You look amazing Dani and you must be Georgina. You‟re James‟s girlfriend, right?”

“Uhm, I guess so. It‟s nice to meet you Nina. You look good.” Georgina answered awkwardly. Dani could see that Georgina was trying to be polite but her anger was getting the

best of her.

“Hi Nina.” Dani greeted back, giving her a small smile. This was the first time that she

was close to Louis after their conversation at the softball field and Dani could not help but feel

hurt and sad.

“Aren‟t you going to greet them Louis? They are your friends. Don‟t be rude.” Nina said as she pulled Louis‟s hand.

Louis slowly lifted up her face and gave Dani and Georgina a tiny smile. His eyes were

filled with sadness and his face showed pain and hurt. He finally spoke, “Hi.”

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Dani was about to do stupid things when Isaac approached them. She shot him a thankful

grin.

“Hi guys. You all look dapper. It‟s been awhile since I last all of you fully made up.” Isaac greeted them optimistically. He was wearing a black suit and a red bowtie which matches

his fiery red hair.

“Isaac! You look amazing.” Nina answered happily. Dani was starting to get annoyed

with Nina‟s enthusiasm. She do not know if Nina was being kind or playing with them.

“You look good yourself Nina. It was nice to see you again.” Isaac replied sweetly. Georgina looked from Isaac to Nina then from Nina to Isaac. She said, “You two had

already met?”

“Yes. We already met in school. Did Louis already tell you that I will be studying at St.

Regis Academy starting next week? My parents finally sent me my documents.” Nina answered happily.

Dani was taken aback. First Louis, now she is already taking St. Regis Academy. Nina

was slowly but surely entering her life and she do not how to react. Her eyes fell on Louis and

found him looking at her. She looked away.

“Finally! I thought you ditched. Are you having a secret meeting without telling me?” James boomed, filling in the awkward silence that hovers around them.

“Hi James,” Georgina smiled gleefully to him. “We are not having a secret meeting without you. Nina was just telling us that she will be attending St. Regis Academy starting next

week.”

“Really? That‟s good. I think. We could all be together and we can be great friends.” James responded awkwardly as he took Georgina‟s hand.

“I love this song! Let‟s dance Louis. I‟ll see you guys later.” Nina said, pulling Louis

towards the dance floor. She pulled him closer to her and started dancing. Dani‟s heart began to tighten.

Dani felt Isaac‟s hand on her shoulder. She looked up and Isaac said, “Do you want to dance Miss Clairvaux?”

“Sure.” Dani replied politely as she took Isaac‟s hand and walked to the dance floor. Dani and Isaac swayed into the slow music from the orchestra and Dani could not help

but stare at Nina and Louis. They are perfect for each other and she felt hurt.

“I‟m very proud of you Dani.” Isaac suddenly said.

Dani looked up at him with bewildered eyes and asked, “What do you mean Isaac? I don‟t understand.”

“I was not expecting to see you here. I was not expecting that you will show up here. I truly admire you for your strength.” Isaac explained.

“Is it because of Louis?” Dani murmured somberly. “Yeah. I thought you will not be able to face him but you did. I am so proud of you but I

could not help but feel worried about you. Are you okay?” Isaac said directly into Dani‟s ear.

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“I will be lying if I say yes. Of course I am not okay. Louis has been my constant companion for the past months but now everything has changed. With Nina here and after my

confession, Louis does not belong in my life anymore.” Dani whispered, pushing back tears. Isaac tightened his grip around Dani‟s waist and he said to her, “Don‟t worry Dani.

Everything will be fine for all of us. I promise.”

Dani was about to say something when she heard a deafening sound from the stage. The

lights began to erupt and the cloths that decorate the hall were starting to fall down. Dani let out

a scream then the lights dimmed. She was fighting to keep conscious when she heard someone.

A voice both familiar and unfamiliar for her. She can feel the pain and worry from the voice. It

was shouting for her name.

“Dani! Dani! DANI!”

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21.

Voices. That was what Dani woken up although she could not fully understand what the

voices were saying. She shifted her gaze then looked around. She realized that she was not in a

hospital. She was in huge hotel room. Dani figured out that she was still in Baltimore Place.

“Are you okay?” It was Georgina. The door creaked open and it revealed James standing

behind her.

Dani sat up then answered, “I guess I‟m fine. What happened? I do not quite understand.”

“There has been technical difficulties. My parents are still trying to figure out the reason behind it. I‟m sorry for getting you into trouble.” James said as they entered the room.

“It‟s okay. I just wonder why this keeps happening to me. Trouble always seems to follow me around wherever I go.” Dani joked, trying to make the atmosphere lighter.

“It‟s not okay,” Georgina mumbled. She was crying. “You almost died out there until…”

“Until what? What happened? Tell me what happened. I need the full story.” Dani said

worriedly.

“You were dancing with Isaac then the damages happened. One of the chandeliers fell off from the ceilings. The chandelier was heavy and it could kill somebody right away. Fortunately,

somebody pulled you out of the way.” James narrated. “Who pulled me out of the way?” Dani whispered, confused. “I heard someone calling

out my name before I black out. I don‟t remember who it was.”

“Louis was the one who pulled you out of the way.” Georgina mumbled through her tears.

“He did that?” Dani asked in an almost inaudible tone. She bowed her head; her hands

starting to shake.

“He did. Louis saved you.” James answered. Tears sprung from Dani‟s eyes and she shouted furiously, “Why did he do that to me?

Why did he keep on saving? Tell me why! I do not understand!”

Georgina sat beside Dani and held her hand, “We don‟t know either. All we knew is Louis pulled you out of the way.”

“Isaac!” Dani suddenly said. “I was dancing with him. Where is he? Is he okay?”

“He‟s fine. He has some bruises but no serious damage. Isaac is fine. He‟s staying at one of the rooms here.” James explained.

“That‟s good. That‟s very good.” Dani mumbled. “I‟m sorry Dani but I have to go. I need to check on the other guests as well. Georgina?”

James said as he headed for the door.

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“We have to go. I‟ll be back later. Don‟t move.” Georgina ordered strongly as she followed James out of the door.

Dani wiped her face and fell on the pillows. She shut her eyes and tried to push

everything away from her mind.

“Louis? What are you doing here?” Georgina gasped as she saw Louis seating on the floor outside Dani‟s room. His head was bowed and his hair was disheveled and dirty.

“I‟ll see you later Georgina.” James nodded, squeezing Dani‟s hand then continued to

walk through the hallway.

Georgina gave James a quick kiss on the cheek then turned toward Louis. She suddenly

felt annoyed and angry at the sight of him. Georgina exclaimed, “What the hell are you doing here?”

“How is she? Tell me how she is doing. Was she hurt? Was she injured? Please tell me.” Louis asked crazily as he tumbled unto his feet.

Georgina slapped him. “Why are doing this Louis? I don‟t understand you and your stupid games! Why did you save Dani? Why do you keep on looking out for her?!”

“I don‟t know,” Louis whispered. “All I want to do is keep Dani safe and happy. I want her to be happy.”

Georgina pushed Louis against the wall and continued to shout, “You want her to be happy? You want Dani to be happy?! But, you are hurting her! You are hurting her more than

you could ever imagine!”

“I‟m sorry.” Louis muttered.

“You‟re not sorry because if you truly are, then you will be able to stop hurting her! Stop hurting Dani!” Georgina said through gritted teeth.

“Let me see her. I want to see Dani. Please Georgina.” Louis pleaded in a low voice. He was starting to cry.

Georgina gave out a hysterical laugh and answered, “You want to see her? Of course, I will not let you. I will not let you hurt Dani again and again. You don‟t know what she is going

through each and every day because of you!”

“I don‟t mean to hurt her. I just want to see Dani. I just want to know if she is okay.” Louis continued in a quiet voice.

“Why do want to know if she‟s okay? Why do you care Louis? I know Dani is your

friend but I can feel that you are hiding something from us. From her! What is she to you? What

is Dani for you!?” Georgina shouted, frustrated. Louis‟s eyes flew open. His face looked as if he was stabbed. Pain and anguish were

evident on his face. His blue eyes were not as piercing anymore. Louis whispered, “I don‟t know.”

Georgina loosens his grip from Louis and took a step back. She stood in front of Dani‟s bedroom door. She spoke, “You are not going to see her until you are sure of your feelings for

her and for Nina.”

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“Just tell me how is Dani. I need to know if she is okay.” Louis muttered, pressing himself unto the wall as if he wants to be a part of it.

“Physically, she is doing okay. No serious injuries and damages. Emotionally, Dani is

stressed out. All I want to ask from you is to stay away from her.” Georgina snapped back. “I understand. Just let her know that I am sorry. I truly am.” Louis bid as he disappeared

into the hallway.

“Dani does not your apology. She needs your answer. If you don‟t feel the same way about her, just stay away from her. Dani deserves to be happy.” Georgina exclaimed to the retreating Louis.

Louis heard it. Loud and clear.

And so did Dani.

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22.

Dani watched Ms. Peterson walked inside the classroom. It was Monday and only two

days ago, she was at James‟s gala wherein she was almost killed by a hundred pound chandelier. The reason why she was still in this classroom was because of Louis who was sitting four seats

from her. She sighed then tried to paid attention to her teacher.

“I have a big announcement for today,” Ms. Peterson began. “Starting today, you will have a new classmate. She just flew in from London and I am expecting each and one of you to

be nice to her. I want you all to meet Nina Carson.”

As if on cue, the front door opened and Nina Carson walked inside as if she was on the

runway. She looks glamorous even with her uniform and what even made her more beautiful was

her smile.

“Good morning everyone. I am Nina Carson. I know I am your second new classmate for

the school year but I am still hoping that we will all get along together.” Nina introduced herself. Dani was dreading this moment. She tried to forget that Nina will be studying in St. Regis

Academy with her and Louis. She composed herself and managed to give her small smile. Nina

gave her a sincere smile then took her seat at the front row.

The class began. Ms. Peterson talked about Literature that day. She discussed animatedly

and enthusiastically. Dani could see that Ms. Peterson enjoyed the subject. Except Dani. She was

not in the mood to listen or study. Her mind keeps on drifting to Nina and Louis but most of all,

she could not forget the conversation between Georgina and Louis.

Georgina must have thought Dani was asleep but she wasn‟t. As soon as she heard Louis‟s voice outside, she got up from her bed and crouched down by the door, leaning her ears on the door. Despite the thick barrier between Dani and Louis, she could feel the anguish and

hurt in Louis‟s voice. Dani could feel his worry for him and the way he pleaded Georgina to let him inside the room. Dani does not know if she should be angry with Georgina for what she did

but she wasn‟t. She was actually thankful for Georgina‟s concern. Dani began to hyperventilate and breathe hard when Georgina asked him what Dani was

for him. Like the conversation between Dani and Louis, he was not able to give an exact answer.

All he said was that Dani was important to him but he did not love her and that scared Dani.

She let her eyes drift to Louis. His head was leaning on the table and his eyes were

closed. Dani knew that he was not asleep. He was just thinking. She studied his face and realized

how much she missed him. Dani missed their jokes, their conversations and their crazy antics.

She wants for all of those to exist again and not just a fragment of memory for the both of them.

Dani suddenly thought if she should have not confessed her feelings for him in the first place but

she knew that sooner or later, she will confess especially now that Nina is here.

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Dani looked at Nina. Nina‟s short hair was tucked behind her ears revealing her diamond earrings. She was busy copying the lectures on the board and Dani thought that Nina may not be

a bad girl after all. Dani realized that she never really gave Nina a chance to introduce herself yet

Dani knew that she could never give Nina a chance.

Nina and Louis were perfect for each other. They were both good looking and very witty.

They will be a huge couple in London if given the chance. Dani let out a sigh and finally give in

to the discussion.

The bell signaling that it was already lunch finally rang. Dani threw her things at her bag

and waited for Georgina when Nina showed up by her desk. Her face was serious and Dani

suddenly felt anxious.

“Is there anything I can do for you Nina?” Dani said casually, sliding off from her seat. “Can we talk?” Nina asked somberly. “Sure. Right now?” Dani replied. “If it‟s okay with you, I would really love to talk to you right now.” Nina said hopefully. Dani thought for a second then she saw Georgina and James looking at them with curious

faces. She smiled at them briefly then answered to Nina, “Of course. Where do you exactly want to talk?”

“Somewhere private. I really want to talk to you about something. I hope Georgina will

understand.” Nina said, cocking her head to Georgina‟s direction. “Oh, I‟ll talk to her. Uhm, do you want to talk at The Bento Box? It‟s a Japanese

restaurant outside and it is rarely full.” Dani replied. “Okay. I‟ll wait for you there. I just need to fix some things at the office. I‟ll see you later

then Dani. Thank you.” Nina bid as she walked outside. “What was that about?” Georgina demanded as soon as Nina was gone. “She just wants to talk. We‟re going to grab lunch at The Bento Box.” Dani explained. Georgina gave Dani a worried look then answered, “Are you sure about what you are

doing? This is Nina we are talking about. She is Louis‟s girlfriend.”

“I know that and that‟s exactly why I want to talk with her. I will be okay Georgina.

Don‟t worry about me.” Dani said, looking straight at Georgina‟s green eyes. “If you said so but if something happens just call me, okay?” Georgina finally replied. “Thank you Georgina for looking out for me. I‟ll see you in a bit.” Dani said sincerely as

she hugged her friend.

The Bento Box was packed with few students and old people when Dani arrived. She

looked at the tables then saw Nina. She was seating at one of the booths at the back of the

restaurant. Nina waved at her then Dani walked towards her.

“If you don‟t mind, I already ordered the pork bento box for the both of us. I‟m actually starving.” Nina said as Dani noticed the food on the table.

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“That‟s okay.” Dani replied, taking her seat in front of Nina. She stabbed the freshly

cooked vegetables with her fork then ate it.

“Dani,” Nina began. “I really want to talk to you about Louis.”

Dani wiped her mouth then answered seriously, “I know he‟s going to be our subject for the day. What is it that you want to talk about?”

“Did you know that Louis was the one who saved you from the falling chandelier back at the party?” Nina asked.

Dani nodded.

“Did you notice his face?” Nina continued. Dani shook her head.

“Well, you should have seen his face. I saw you dancing with Isaac when we were

dancing. I was trying to talk to him but he was distracted and somehow, I knew he was looking

at you.” Nina said. Dani was speechless. She does not really know how to answer. Nina, the girlfriend, was

saying to her, the friend that Louis was staring at her the whole night. All of a sudden, Dani felt

uncomfortable.

“When he saw the chandelier was going to hit you, he suddenly lost it. He threw my hands from his then dashed to your direction. Louis was shouting your name frantically then he

yanked you away from the chandelier. I could see that he was very terrified as he tried to wake

you up. He was very scared for you and I thought she was going to make a scene.” Nina narrated as if she was telling the story to herself.

“Nina, why are you telling me this?” Dani asked, confused. “Can‟t you see it?!” Nina exclaimed impatiently. “Louis loves you! He doesn‟t know it

yet because he can‟t accept it but I know! The way he looks at you when you passed was so heartbreaking. He thought he was going to lose you forever and he was so scared.”

“I still don‟t get it Nina. Maybe, you are wrong. He is your boyfriend and he loves you. I am just his good friend.” Dani answered.

“He loved me when we were still in London. He loved me when he hasn‟t met you. Dani, he loves you. I know that. I can feel it in my heart.” Nina said, full of grief in her voice.

“What do you want to do then if Louis really loves me? He is your boyfriend in the first

place.” Dani replied. “I have a plan.” Nina said strongly. Dani felt scared. Dani don‟t know what Nina was capable of. Yes, she is witty but that

does not mean that is incapable of harm, “What do you want to do?”

“We will let him choose between the both of us. He will decide and we will wait. Once

he finally chooses, the one who wasn‟t picked will respect his decision and let him be. Do you understand?” Nina explained.

Dani nodded in understanding then said, “How are we going to let him choose? It‟s not like we can just question him face to face. He‟s just going to avoid us.”

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“That‟s why I need your help. Do you have any idea?” Nina admitted, putting her fork

down.

Dani sipped her iced tea then thought for awhile. She was out of ideas but Nina was

expecting something from her. Besides, that was the only thing that she could do if she was

going wreck Nina and Louis‟s relationship. “What if we ask him to meet up with us at the same time but different places? Wherever

he arrives, then that will be his choice. Is that okay?” Dani suggested. Nina nodded, absorbing Dani‟s idea. That could be good and Louis may be able to

choose properly. He would not be forced to do something he does not want to. Everything will

be up to him and the both of them will be waiting.

“That could be a good idea. Time and place?” Nina nodded in agreement. “This Saturday, eight in the evening. The place where we will meet will be up to the both

of us. Once he arrives at one place, the chosen one will text the other to tell her that Louis was

with her.” Dani explained. Nina took another bite of her food then said after swallowing it, “That could be a good

idea but how can we be sure that Louis will come?”

“I know he will come. He will not let us freeze to death. He cares too much for the both of us.” Dani answered.

“It‟s settled then,” Nina said, wiping her mouth with her handkerchief. “Louis will be making his choice this Saturday. Whatever happens, no hard feelings?”

“No hard feelings.” Dani echoed.

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23.

“That‟s crazy! You are crazy!” Georgina exclaimed. Dani and Georgina were sitting crossed-legs on the floor inside Georgina‟s room. Dani

decided to tell what happened between her and Nina after class. Georgina continued to question

her for the rest of the day and Dani tried with all of her power to keep mum.

“Yeah. It is crazy but that‟s the only thing I can think of. This Saturday, Louis will finally make his decision. It is either me or Nina.” Dani said.

“Honestly, Louis‟s face was very haunting when he saved you. You could see the fear in the eyes. He was very scared that he will lose you.” Georgina mumbled.

Dani leaned her head on the edge of the bed and answered, “I don‟t know if that was enough to say that he loves me. He may have done that because he feels like he owes me. It is

not enough to explain everything.”

“But that wasn‟t the first time he went frantic because of you.” Georgina said in a low voice.

“What do you mean?” Dani asked. “He has the same look on his face when you went missing at Riviera Bay. Louis was

asking every person the beach if they saw you and he almost punched the police when they said

they have to stop searching for you. He really cares for you.” Georgina explained. “I don‟t know. Care is different from love and I am not sure if he really loves me.” Dani

whispered, suddenly losing hope.

Georgina took Dani‟s hand and look at her in the eyes, “I know he loves you. He loves you okay? Trust me.”

“What if you‟re wrong? What if Nina was wrong and Louis still love Nina? What if all of

this is a huge misunderstanding?” Dani muttered as she began to cry.

“What if he really loves you? What if he truly felt something deeper for you? I know I said all of this is crazy but it is the only way. We‟re just going to wait.” Georgina said comfortingly.

“I don‟t know what to believe anymore. I don‟t know what to think anymore. Nina. Louis. Me. Everything is out of hand!” Dani said through her gritted teeth.

Georgina pulled Dani into a hug and she said, “I know but everything will get better. Once Louis made his decision, we could all move on and whatever happens, I will be here for

you.”

“Thank you Georgina. Thank you.” Dani replied. “How are you going to tell him about your plan?” Georgina asked as she pulled away

from their embrace.

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Dani wiped her tears with the back of her hand and answered, “Nina told me she is going to talk to Louis about it today. Most probably, they are together right now.”

“Aren‟t you going to talk him face to face?” Georgina asked. “I haven‟t thought about that. I really don‟t know what to say to him, Georgina. I don‟t

know.” Dani confessed. She was really scared to talk to Louis. Their last conversation was pretty awful and

traumatizing. Dani confessed her feelings to Louis but he rejected her. He never really gave a

clear answer to her and Dani was afraid that it will happen again. She was anxious that Louis

will just leave her all alone.

“You need to talk to him.” Georgina said with a determined look on her pretty face. “What?” Dani gasped, surprised. “You need to talk to him for him to realize that you are sincere with your feelings. You

have to make him choose you. You are his best friend. You are the only person who really knows

him inside out. Make him remember that.” Georgina elucidated. “I‟m not sure I can do it.” Dani whispered. Georgina pulled Dani into her feet and rested her hands on Dani‟s shoulders. She spoke,

“Yes you can! You‟re freaking Daniella Clairvaux. The Dani I know is fearless and she is ready to do anything to have her way. Where is that Dani?”

Dani broke into a huge smile. She was touched by Georgina‟s kind words. Georgina was truly a good friend to Dani and she has a very big heart. Dani was grateful to have her in her life.

“I‟ll do it,” Dani answered. “I‟ll talk to him and I will make him realize that I am the better choice. I will not be afraid. I am not afraid because I am freaking Daniella Clairvaux!”

“That‟s my girl!” Georgina exclaimed happily as she pulled her friend in a hug. “When are you going to talk to him then?” Georgina asked. “Maybe tomorrow after class. The sooner the better. I am still scared but I can no longer

let him slip out of my hands again. I love him. I love Louis.” Dani said straightly. “Then, get him. Get what you want. Get what you love. Get Louis and never let him go.”

Georgina advised.

Dani stood at her balcony that night. The wind was gentle and it made her feel

comfortable and at ease. Her bare foot brushed against the tiled floor beneath her. She looked up

at the stars then smiled. This will be the last time Dani will be at peace.

“What have I done? When have I become a gambler?” Dani said to herself. As if to answer her question, Dani‟s eyes fell on Louis‟s painting of her lying by the wall

of her bedroom. She walked towards it and picked it up. Dani looked goddess-like at the

painting. Is this how Louis sees her? If yes, then why? What is she to him?

Tomorrow will be the beginning of everything. Whether Dani likes it or not, the answers

will be given to her and she was uncertain if everything will be at her favor. All Dani could do

was wait.

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Dani traced the outline of Louis‟s painting. She remembered how they painted together. They were like little kids once again. They were spontaneous and honest to one another. Dani

wanted for them to be like that forever. Until the end.

She placed the painting at its original position then took another glance at the sky above

her. She inhaled the sweet scent of the wind then finally collapses on her bed. Now, all she can

do was wait and see what the future holds for her.

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24.

Dani looked at the sent items folder of her cell phone for the nth time. She had been

doing this since she sent the text message to Louis that morning. Dani could even say the

message out loud without looking at her phone. She already memorized by heart. She read the

text once again:

Hey Louis. I k ow I’ the last perso you wa a talk right ow ut I really eed to see you. I need to talk to you face to face. Can we meet at the park after class? I will be waiting.

Thanks.

Then after reading her text, she opened her inbox and read Louis‟s reply for the nth time. It was only one word but it means a lot to Dani. She sighed and read it:

Sure.

For Dani, that reply means there is still hope for the both of them. She still can save their

friendship. They can still be together and Dani needs that hope right now. She was in the last five

minutes of her Math class which was her last subject for the day. She peeked at Louis then to

Georgina who was staring at her worriedly.

“I‟m okay.” Dani mouthed then gave Georgina a reassuring smile. She cannot gave her friend more things to worry about. Dani knew Georgina has a lot of things on her mind too. Dani

cannot push Georgina to her limit.

Dani sprang out of her desk as soon as the final bell rang. She initially planned to catch

up with Louis and walk with him to the park but Georgina stopped her and Nina caught Louis

first. Dani almost gagged when she watched Nina gave Louis a deep kiss on the mouth.

“Are you ready?” Georgina asked nervously. Dani tucked a loose hair behind her ear and gave Georgina a small smile. She answered,

“I am anxious but I am ready. I am so ready get this over with.”

“Good luck Dani. Call me as soon as you can. Promise me.” Georgina said. “Thank you George. I will call you as soon as I can but I cannot promise anything. See

you tomorrow.” Dani bid as she gave Georgina a quick kiss on the cheek. Dani slung her backpack behind her then ran excitedly out of the school grounds.

Students were already flowing outside the huge oak doors and Dani squeezed herself between the

excited teenagers and finally managed to free herself from the throng of students.

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As soon as she set foot on the curb, she began to run again towards the park. She did not

care that she was sweating and her hair was getting frizzy with all of the humidity around her.

Her body was already screaming with pain when she reached the park. Her heart began to pick

up when she realized that the park was deserted. Louis was not yet here.

Dani took the extra time to finger comb her long locks and wipe her face with her

handkerchief. She does not want to look like a mess when Louis arrives. Dani found a huge tree

at the center of the park and sank beneath it. She hugged her knees up to her chest and waited.

The old ladies started to pour in with their poodles. They were chattering loudly and

some of them gave Dani a weird look. For them, Dani may look like a crazy teenager hanging

out at the overgrown park where nobody rarely come and hang out.

Dani was starting to get anxious when Louis finally arrived. He stood before her and the

sunlight outlines her body. Dani gasped with amusement and nervousness.

“What do you want to talk about?” Louis asked icily. Dani suddenly felt weird and scared. Louis‟s voice suddenly sounds foreign to her ears.

The sweetness and calmness which covers his voice whenever he talks to her was gone.

“Nina must have told you what we talked about.” Dani began, staying in her position because she was scared to stand face to face with Louis.

“She told me everything. She also told me that this was your idea.” Louis replied emotionlessly.

“Yeah,” Dani murmured. “It was my idea.”

“What do you want me to do then?” Louis asked harshly. “I don‟t know. You‟re the one who‟s going to decide. I don‟t want to overstep you.” Dani

said shyly.

Louis put his hand on his pockets and answered, “Then why did you want to talk to me? What is it that you want to talk about face to face?”

Dani fell silent.

“If you‟re not going to say anything, I‟ll just go. I have other things to do.” Louis snapped, turning his back towards Dani.

Dani did not what she was doing but all she knew was that she was grabbing Louis‟s polo. She was stopping him and she refused to let Louis go once again. Dani tighten her grasp

unto Louis‟s shirt then rested her head on the back of Louis. The radiating warmth from Louis made Dani calm down.

“Don‟t,” Dani murmured. “Don‟t leave me alone Louis. I…I need you. Please don‟t leave.”

“Dani.” Louis whispered and Dani could feel Louis getting softer and calmer as every

minute pass.

Dani was not aware of what she was doing but all she knew was that she was grabbing

Louis‟s polo. Dani stood up and tighten her grip on Louis‟s shirt. She breathes in his scent and rested her head on Louis‟s back, not loosening her hold on Louis.

“Don‟t,” Dani whispered. “Please don‟t go. Don‟t leave me alone Louis. I…I need you.”

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“Dani.” Louis said in a low voice. Tears started to fell from Dani‟s eyes. She did not bother to wipe them away, instead, she

continued to speak, “I know this may sound selfish but Louis, please choose me. Pick me. I am

begging you to not leave me. You know you are the only person I completely trust and care

about. You were the one who risked your life to save mine twice. You were the only one who

finally brought out the real me. You rescued me from myself. You…You are the only one I want

to be with.”

“Dani.” Louis said once again but instead of the cold voice he used awhile ago, his voice was infused with sweetness and kindness. This was the Louis whom Dani was yearning for.

Dani pressed her face deeply on Louis‟s back. She was not letting him go. There was no way she was letting the only person whom she cares about disappear in her life forever.

“I know that you care about me too or else you wouldn‟t have risk your life to save mine

twice. I also know that you see me through a different perspective. I am different to you. Special.

Your painting says it all. Louis, I don‟t want to lose another person that I love. I don‟t know what I will do if I lose you. Louis, I need you. I love you.”

Dani was not crying. She was sobbing and she was holding Louis for dear life. She needs

him. She loves him. Dani wants Louis to be with her forever. She knew she sounds selfish and

insensitive but she needs Louis to know what she feels.

“You‟re such a pain in the ass, Clairvaux.” Louis teased in the voice that made Dani feel

happy and secured.

Dani let out a small smile before saying, “You‟re also a pain in the ass, Degrassi. Nothing can change that.”

Louis took a deep breath and watched the clouds slowly drift away above them. The sun

was shining marvelously and the sky was as peaceful as the ocean. It was the perfect way to do

this, Louis thought.

“Tell me what to do Dani. I am as confused as you are.” Louis muttered and even though Dani could not see his face, she could feel the fear in his voice. Dani knew that Louis was scared

to let someone go.

“Like I said, you‟re the only one who can answer that. I cannot control you. You are not my puppet. You‟re your own person” Dani answered softly.

“Why does it have to be this way? Why do I always have to choose between the persons I

care about? Why does this always happen to me. Tell me why Dani.” Louis replied. “I don‟t know Louis. I don‟t know.” Dani mumbled. “You gave me a very short time to decide. You only gave me a few days. It is very

difficult. Trust me.” Louis said. “I‟m sorry,” Dani whispered, leaning closer to Louis. “I‟m sorry for putting you in this

position. I‟m sorry for always dragging you in my problems. You don‟t deserve it.”

And in that moment, Louis quickly pulled away from Dani‟s grip and pulled Dani into a tight hug. He touched her hair carefully and said to her, “Why do you always have to apologize

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to me? I do what I want, Dani. I want to protect you and make you happy. I want to take away

your pain and be your refuge. I want to be with you all the time. You deserve to be happy.”

“You also deserve to be happy Louis,” Dani said. “Since we were kids, you were always there to make me happy. Now, I want to make you happy. Do what makes you happy. Choose

what makes you happy and not what you want. You‟re a very unique person and persons like you deserve to have a good life.”

Louis tightens his embrace and he asked, “Why do I feel like you are saying goodbye to

me?”

“Because I made a deal with the devil,” Dani chuckled with no humor in her voice. “We decided that the one who will be left behind will stay like that. You can only pick one. In other

words, choose Nina and I will be gone in your life forever.”

“Forever is such a long time.” Louis mumbled.

“Yeah. It is.” Dani whispered back. Louis let go of Dani and stood a few inches from her. Dani now saw the anguish and pain

in Louis‟s face. His blue eyes were somber and his lips were in a tight line. Dani touched his face gently and said, “Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. No matter what happens I will

always be forever grateful that I met someone like you.”

“I am also happy that I met you but I have to go. I need to make sure that I am not going

to make a decision I will regret.” Louis bid as he traced the jaw line of Dani. Dani pulled away her hand from Louis‟s face and smiled at him, “Do what you have to

do, Degrassi.”

Louis lingered for a few seconds then kissed Dani on the forehead. He squeezed her

hands and finally retreated. Dani watched him as he walked away from her until she could no

longer see him and Dani was sure that she doesn‟t want this to be their last conversation. Yet, Dani knew that she cannot have all she wants.

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25.

Dani fell on her knees and started to cry once again as soon as she was certain that the

park was empty besides her. She leaned unto the tree and clutched on to the dried leaves

surrounding her. Dani felt scared and confused as ever. By the way Louis held her and talked at

her, Dani felt something from him. She felt the care and longing radiating from Louis. She felt it

completely but deep inside, Dani was not sure if this was enough for him to pick her. Yes, she

told him that she wanted for him to pick her over Nina but Dani was never aware of the kind of

bond that lies between Louis and Nina. She was ignorant to their relationship and that made her

felt terrified.

She closed her eyes and let the sun heat her entire body. The birds started to sing and the

insects‟ buzzing sound was getting loud. It must be getting late so she opened her eyes and was

surprised to see Louis in front of her.

They were standing face to face with only a few inches between them. Louis opened his

mouth and whispered, “I choose you. You‟re the one I truly love. Not her.”

Happiness overflowed in Dani‟s body. She could feel her lips curving up into a huge smile. She laced her arms around him and started to kiss him. Dani was over the moon. She was

finally kissing Louis and he was not pulling away any time soon. Instead, he was holding her

tightly around her waist. She belongs to Louis and Louis belongs to her. Finally.

Dani slowly pulled away from Louis to catch her breath. She smiled at her sweetly but

she gasped as she saw her reflection on Louis‟s eyes. She was not Dani. She was Nina. Louis did

not choose Dani. He chose Nina.

“What‟s wrong? I thought you will be thrilled when you find out that I finally chose you.

You‟re the only one I love Nina.” Louis said worriedly. “No. This cannot be happening. This is not real. No!” Dani shouted back, slapping off

Louis‟s hands. Dani took a step back. She was about to run when she felt something hit her on the face.

Dani saw her face. No, not her face. Nina‟s face. Dani looked around her and found Louis gone and taking his place was a huge mirror.

Huge mirrors were surrounding her and found her reflections mocking. Each of them shows the

face of Nina. Dani was in Nina‟s body but worst of all, Louis did not pick Dani. She chose Nina. The person that she was inside in.

A deafening scream came out from Dani/Nina‟s lips. Her legs weaken and she fell on the ground. She started to cry and scream at the same time. All of a sudden, the mirrors around her

shattered into a million pieces. It fell down into her, cutting her arms and legs. Blood sprung

from her body and she felt as fragile as a rag doll. She can no longer hear her own scream.

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Dani‟s eyes flew open. She could feel sweat the dripping from her face and the damp earth beneath her. She looked at her hands and found it clutching on the dried leaves. She

loosens her grip and stretched her hands and found it sore and redden. It was all a dream, she

realized.

It was already twilight. The stars were already shining and the park was completely

deserted and dark. She hopped on her feet and twinge as she tried to walk. Dani must have been

seating for hours that her legs were strained. She swallowed hard and walked slowly from her

hiding place.

Cars sped fast at the highway as Dani headed for her street. Most cars honked at her for

being too close at the highway but she never really paid attention to any of them. Her mind keeps

on drifting back on her dream.

She was Nina and not Dani. Louis did not choose Dani. She chose Nina. In her dream,

she was the rejected one. The one who was left behind. Panic surged into her and she quickens

her pace. Dani cannot imagine her life without Louis. Even though she has Georgina as her

friend, it was not the same. Nothing can surpass her endearment for Louis. She loves him. A lot.

It was starting to drizzle when Dani arrived at her front porch. She creaked open the huge

oak door and was welcomed by Mrs. Harris who has a worried look on her face.

“Oh my god!” Mrs. Harris exclaimed. “What happened to you? Go change your clothes.”

Dani burst into tears and hugged Mrs. Harris tightly. She felt Mrs. Harris‟s hands holding her and she felt safe and secured but still, she was scared.

“Miss Dani. Whatever you are upset about, it will get better. You will get through this.” Mrs. Harris said in her velvety voice that she used to use on Dani as a child.

“I don‟t know if I can get through with this. If he doesn‟t choose me, I don‟t know what will happen to me!” Dani shouted through her tears.

“Are we talking about Sir Louis?” Mrs. Harris asked carefully.

“Yes.” Dani mumbled. “Oh my sweet little child. Love can destroy and make you all at the same same. If you

think your love is enough, everything will be okay. You will get pass through this.” Mrs. Harris said.

Dani let go of Mrs. Harris and smiled at her thankfully. She was grateful to have her and

her wisdom to comfort her. Her anxiety was still there but she was coping with it. She wiped her

tears with the back of her hand and replied, “I need to go change. Thank you so much.”

“You‟re very welcome Miss Dani. By the way, you should at least control your crying.

Your eyes are getting puffier.” Mrs. Harris bid, lightening up the mood. Dani let out a smile small and ran upstairs to her bedroom. She turned on the lights and

gasped at the sight of her bedroom. It was spick and span and Dani clearly recalls how she

trashed her room for the past few days. She didn‟t even bothered to clean her paint brushes and make her bed but right now, all of Dani‟s painting tools were kept on her black box and her sheets were perfectly pressed on her bed.

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Dani was about to walk out of her room to thank Mrs. Harris for cleaning her room but

she was stopped by the sight of her painting. The painting which she made during her dark days.

It even looked awful and dark in the light. It was bad and very sad. Dani found a pair of scissors

in her drawer and dragged the painting at the balcony. She raised the scissors and slashed it

across the painting. Dani wedged the scissors into the canvass and cut it again and again. When

Dani was convinced that her painting was completely ruined and unnoticeable, she punched the

canvass and dropped it outside of the confines of her balcony. She watched it disappeared into

the black bushes below her. Dani was finally free from the dark clouds that hover above her for

days.

A smile broke into her face and reached for her phone on her pocket. She dialed

Georgina‟s number. “Tell me what happened!” Georgina squeaked from the other line. “Are you okay?

Should I go there? You know you can spend the night with me.”

“Chill Georgina. I am fine. Better even.” Dani reassured. Dani heard Georgina let out a breath and she said, “Are you sure? What happened and

you‟re suddenly feeling better?”

“We talked and I told him that I want him to pick me. Although, he didn‟t give out his

final answer, I think I have done everything for him to pick me. I let my feelings out. I didn‟t hold anything back.” Dani explained.

“And what was Louis‟s reaction? Was he distant and cold to you?” Georgina asked with a tinge of worry in her voice.

“Yes, at first she was cold to me but as the conversation went on, he became soft. He let

me speak and he listens with an open mind. I think everything went fine until…” Dani broke off as she recalled her horrible dream.

“Until what?” Georgina pressed on.

“I had a dream,” Dani said. “I was inside Nina‟s body and Louis was with me. Louis chose me. No, he chose Nina and I was the one who was left alone.”

Georgina fell silent and Dani began to worry that her friend will be the one who will be

going to break down.

“George? Are you okay?” Dani whispered. “I‟m here. It‟s just that I am confused. Why are you suddenly feeling better? I don‟t

understand.” Georgina replied softly. “I don‟t know,” Dani said, leaning on the railings of her balcony. “I just felt relieved that

I was able to talk to Louis. I know that whatever his decision will be, I was able to do everything

I could do in my power so persuade him.”

“That dream is merely a dream. That is not real and you and Nina have equal chances. You‟re on the same pedestal.” Georgina answered.

“That I am not sure of. I never really know how Louis and Nina‟s relationship in London was. I don‟t know if they have problems or whether their relationship was a smooth sailing. We

do not know anything.” Dani mumbled, suddenly feeling pessimistic once again.

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“But I know how deep your relationship is with Louis. I‟ve seen it with my own two eyes. Be positive.” Georgina said, failing to sound happy and delighted.

Dani sighed and pulled a smile on her face. She replied, “You‟re right. We never really know how Louis will decide and what his thoughts are. All I have to do is be positive and wait

and hope that everything will run smoothly.”

“That‟s the spirit,” Georgina answered cheerfully. “And I promise you, I will be with you

all the way.”

Right then, the smile on Dani‟s face became true and real. She was very grateful to have Georgina on her side. “Thank you so much George. You really are a good friend.”

“I know right. Anyway, I have to go but call me whenever you need me, okay?” Georgina said with a trace of tiresome in her voice.

“Sure. I know you need to rest. I had been bombarding you since forever. Thank you again. See you.” Dani replied gleefully.

“No worry. I love helping you. I want it.” Georgina answered as she hung up the phone.

Dani froze in her place. The last sentence Georgina said was the exact same thing Louis

used to say to her whenever he was helping her. I want it. It was a sign but Dani wasn‟t sure if it was a good or a bad one. She placed her phone on the bedside table and curled under her covers.

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It was still seven in the morning when Mrs. Harris gently knocked on Dani‟s bedroom

door and poked her head in. She said, “Miss Dani. You have a visitor outside.”

Dani grumbled and slowly set her foot on the floor. She scratched her eyes and yawn a

few times before answering, “Okay. I‟ll be down in a few minutes.”

Mrs. Harris said something back before leaving but Dani was too sleepy to understand

what she said. So, she dragged herself into the bathroom and took a quick shower. She pulled on

a simple shorts and Nike t-shirt then pounded noiselessly down the staircase with her wet hair

bouncing at the back of her.

She reached the bottom of the stairs and paced along the living room but it was empty.

No one was here. Absentmindedly, Dani opened the front door and was welcomed by the cool air

and an unexpected face standing before her. She was suddenly fully awake.

“Good morning Dani,” The pixie-like girl said with her brown eyes full with life. “I‟m sorry to come here this early.”

“Nina,” Dani mumbled. “No, I mean, it‟s okay. Do you want to come inside?”

“No thank you. I just came here to say something to you if you don‟t mind.” Nina replied. Dani nodded awkwardly and closed the door behind her. She leaned against it and waited

for Nina to continue but she didn‟t. “What do you want to say to me?” Dani asked, feeling shy and embarrassed. “Well, today is the day. The decision will be made tonight. After today, nothing will be

ever the same for all of us.” Nina began as she folds and unfolds her fingers. “I know I am not in the place to say this and I know you see me as a competition but

Dani, I don‟t hate you. I don‟t see you as an opponent in a game. I have a huge respect for you. You‟re so levelheaded when you see me with Louis and you never started a fight. I‟ve seen girls go berserk because of love but you didn‟t. You were able to control yourself and because of that,

I respect you.”

Dani was surprised to hear those words. That was the last thing she could imagine that

Nina would say to her. She opened her mouth and replied, “Thank you but I really don‟t understand.”

“I know,” Nina muttered. “I am also not sure why I came here. I was driving to clear my head and I found myself searching for your address and driving here. I know you don‟t like me but you are a very nice person. You don‟t have to underestimate yourself.”

“I don‟t hate you Nina. It is not your fault that I fall in love with your boyfriend. You should be the one who hates me but I really appreciate you coming here. It was really a surprise

to see you here today, though.” Dani said kindly.

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“Well, I am happy to hear that. After tonight, after Louis made his decision, I promise you that I will be out of your life for good. With or without Louis, I will be going back to

London.” Nina explained. “You don‟t have to do that.” Dani muttered. Nina smiled and answered, “I want to go back to London. That is where my life is.

Enrolling at your school was a silly action and looking back, I think I enrolled myself because I

wanted to be with Louis or rather protect him from you. I thought everything will be fine once I

am with Louis but I guess things do not really turn out the way we want to.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Dani asked, feeling sorry for Nina. For the first time since Nina‟s arrival, Dani see Nina as a friend. A really good friend.

“Yes. London is my home. This is your home and I don‟t want to ruin yours. I am really happy that I was able to meet you Dani. You are a very strong person.” Nina replied.

“I am also happy that I met you. I thought you were just some British socialite who likes to party and drink in exclusive clubs but obviously, you‟re more than that. You‟re a very smart girl.” Dani said, smiling from ear to ear.

“You Googled me,” Nina laughed. It wasn‟t a question. “Those silly reporters are dumb. They think know us but they don‟t. For them, we are just some beautiful faces who love to party

the night away.”

“You are beautiful Nina but you are smart and wise. You‟re the perfect package for any boy in the word.” Dani said sincerely.

“Thanks for the kind words Dani but I have to go. After all of this, you can still e-mail

me if you want to. I want to be your friend and I want you to have me as a friend. We are in an

awkward position but we are still teenage girls, right?” Nina answered happily. “Yeah. We are just some stupid girls,” Dani said with a huge grin on her face but it

disappeared as quickly it came. “But for the record Nina, I am not angry with you. Maybe, I was

a little bit threatened and insecure about you. But I am not angry.”

Nina‟s face became somber and bewildered at the same time. She spoke, “That‟s crazy. You should be angry with me. I am the girlfriend who suddenly barged into your life. I stole

Louis then your school and friends. How can you not be angry with me?”

“The same reason you have why you are not angry with me. I understand you and respect you. You are more than a pretty face and sometimes, I even feel like you are more beautiful than

me and that doesn‟t happen a lot to me.” Dani said broking into a smile.

Nina caught Dani‟s hand and replied, “It is truly a blessing that I met you. I‟ll see around then.”

Dani nodded and let go of Nina‟s hand. Nina gave Dani one last smile then walked

towards her car that was parked at the driveway. Dani was about to turn around and get inside

the house when she heard Nina yelled something at her.

“I still believe that I am prettier than you Dani! Goodbye!” Nina laughed as she practically twirled towards her car.

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“Goodbye Nina!” Dani shouted back, laughing. She watched her friend/enemy got inside her car and sped down the road and disappeared in view. Dani took a deep breath and walked

inside the house only to find Mrs. Harris wiping tears from her eyes.

“Have you been eavesdropping at us Mrs. Harris?” Dani asked with her hand on her hips. Mrs. Harris wiped the remaining remnants of her tears then answered, “I‟m sorry Miss

Dani. I just couldn‟t help it. You two would be very good friends if the circumstances were

different. You two were very much alike. I just listened because I thought you were about to

enter a fight.”

A smile sprawled unto Dani‟s face and hugged Mrs. Harris tightly. She missed her loyal nanny‟s smell and the wisdom that radiates from her. Dani will miss her. The plan has finally

caught up with Dani. Once everything ended and the finale was not to her advantage she will

leave once and for all.

“Are you sure about that? That‟s absurd! You don‟t have to do that! You cannot do that.” Georgina yelled who was sitting across Dani inside Dani‟s bedroom. She called Georgina after her realization sank in.

“I‟m going to do it. I will follow my parents if Louis will choose Nina. It is the fair thing to do. I cannot hover around here anymore when everything changes.” Dani explained.

Tears finally burst out from Georgina‟s green eyes and then it turned from crying to sobbing. Dani pulled Georgina into a tight hug and stroked her hair. She whispered, “You‟re going to be okay Georgina. You are stronger than you think.”

Georgina pulled from the hug and mumbled, “I am not going to be okay Dani. I cannot lose you. You are my best friend and I can‟t imagine my life without you. For the past years, all I have been worrying is you and your state of being. You cannot leave all of a sudden.”

“That‟s my point. You have been looking out for me for years and now, it is your turn to live your life. You have James by your side and Isaac will still be here. You have a lot of friends

with you and your family is here. Everything will be fine.” Dani assured. “You‟re so stubborn Dani,” Georgina mumbled, shaking her head. “You‟re being unfair

to me. You‟re just going to leave because Louis will not be here anymore.”

Dani was caught off guard. She stopped and backpedaled and cleared her head. She

sighed and answered in a whisper, “That‟s completely true. Everything about this place, this house and this neighborhood reeks of Louis‟s presence. I want to move on in case he‟ll be gone.”

“And if he chooses you? Are you still going to leave?” Georgina asked. “Maybe, maybe not. I am not sure. After tonight, the whole world will turn upside for all

of us Georgina. All I can do is hope that I will be okay.” Dani said. “Everything will be okay for all of us Dani. I can guarantee you that.” Georgina smiled

then hugged Dani for maybe the last time.

“I have to prepare. At least, I should look appropriate if Louis will come to see me.” Dani said as she let go of Georgina and stood up and opened her cabinet.

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“Where are you planning to meet him? Have you even texted him yet the details?” Georgina asked.

“I already texted him to meet me at Catton Beach.” Dani answered as she changed into a

simple, oversized shirt and shorts. She pulled on her black coat and kicked off her slippers and

put on her sneakers. She sat on the edge of the bed and finger combed her hair.

Georgina‟s eyes went huge and her face screamed of bewilderment. She said, “What?! It‟s freezing cold out there and you want to meet at the beach?! It‟s dangerous and it is not the perfect place for you two to meet up.”

“It is the perfect place Georgina,” Dani replied dreamily. “That‟s the place where everything began.”

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Dani let Georgina drop her off at Catton Beach for two reasons. First, Georgina wanted to

make sure that Dani will not break down or have cold feet. Dani tried to argue with her and even

told her that she will ask their driver to take her to Catton Beach but Georgina was too stubborn

to listen. Second, Catton Beach was just too far for someone to walk to.

Georgina looks very worried as Dani let herself out of the car. Dani gave her a reassuring

smile and walked off without a second glance at her best friend. She could not bear to see

Georgina‟s troubled face. As Dani expected, Catton Beach was deserted. Only a few people were there to visit the

beach and the only light that illuminates the whole place was the ones coming from the

restaurants at the edge of the beach and the huge street lamp. The waves were strong and Dani

could hear the clashing sound of the waves and the wind was getting stronger by minute.

Dani shivered at the unwelcoming weather and took her place a few feet away from the

rows of restaurants. She was both concealed and visible. Dani glanced at her watch and saw that

it was thirty minutes before eight. It was still early so Dani let herself wander before the true

drama comes.

“Excuse me,” A black man said who was wearing a camouflage suit. His eyes were gentle yet very authoritative. “Are you waiting for someone?”

“Yes, I am. Is there any problem?” Dani asked, confused. She was pretty sure that this man was not an ordinary visitor of the beach.

“I am Dale and I am a beach ranger here and I am advising you to leave any moment since the weather is getting bad and it is not safe to stay here any longer.” The man explained.

Dani knew she cannot leave yet. She looked at her watch and found out that it was

already eight. Louis could be here any moment. Dani cannot leave. She opened her mouth and

answered respectfully, “I‟m okay sir but if the weather turns pretty bad, I will leave. I promise.”

Dale looks surprised by Dani‟s answer and said, “Suit yourself ma‟am but please evacuate at once.”

Dani nodded dismissively and watch Dale the beach ranger walked away from her and

talked to the other visitors in the beach. She rubbed her hands together and hugged her knees to

her chest. Dani squinted her eyes in the darkness before her and tried to make out the angry

waves crashing at each other. Dani sighed and continued to wait and wait and wait.

8:05

8:10

8:16

8:20

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8:25

8:30

Dani‟s breathing gets heavier and heavier. Her chest was tightening and she was starting

to have trouble breathing. Cold sweat started to drip from her neck despite the cold weather and

Dani‟s hands were getting numb because of the stinging wind and because of her terrible anxiety.

Thirty minutes has passed since eight o‟ clock. Dani was starting to feel that Louis was not going to come. She wanted to leave and curl under her sheets and cry and disappear from

view but Dani could not will her body to move and she can never bear the truth that Louis was

completely out of her life.

Something cold touched her face and then in a blink of an eye, she was being showered

by the harsh rain. Dani turned around and saw that the few people braving the bad weather have

finally retreated. Except for her. She pulled her soaked jacket closer to her and pulled the collars

up to her ears. It was definitely getting colder and colder.

“Excuse me ma‟am,” It was Dale, holding a large black umbrella that covers them both from the pouring rain. “I believe it is best for you to leave. The waves are getting high and a

flood could form any minute.”

Dani shook her head and realized that she had been crying. She opened her dry mouth

and replied with a bleak voice, “No. I‟m sorry but I won‟t leave until my friend comes to get me. I‟m not leaving.”

“Please ma‟am. It is-” Dale trailed off as Dani stopped him in midsentence. “Dangerous. I know it is dangerous and I don‟t care! Don‟t you get it?! Just let me be and

I‟ll leave when I wanted to.” Dani exclaimed angrily. Dale‟s eyes grew both with amusement and anger. His mouth turned into a flat line and

he walked away noiselessly. Dani watched his retreating back and sighed heavily. She did not

mean to be rude him. She was just getting hot-tempered and all of her emotions are churning all

at once.

Dani clutched her knees closer and tighter. Her hands were shaking in the cold and the

wind continues to sting her bare face. The rain was getting cruel and the waves were getting

louder as they clash with each other. Dani knew she has to go anytime soon but Louis..

Louis.

Louis.

Louis.

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Louis‟s heart began to thump harder and faster. He could not believe what he was going

to do. Louis ran his fingers through his hair and began to climb up the stairs leading him to the

top of the lighthouse at Maybach Bay. A whole one hour drive from Catton Beach.

Everything was silent and the only light illuminating the place was the lighthouse itself.

He could hear the scratching sound his sneakers made when it comes into contact with the

marble floor. Louis took a deep breath as he finally saw her. She was facing towards the outskirts

before them. Her pixie hair gently moves in the soft, wind breeze. She stood steadily but Louis

was sure that she knows he was here.

“Why do I have a feeling that you being here is a bad thing?” Nina suddenly spoke, turning towards Louis and closing the gap between them. She looks small yet strong in her black

dress and sky high hills. Her hazelnut eyes boring into Louis‟s blue ones. “Why do you come here Louis?” Nina asked emotionlessly.

“I thought you will be happy when you see me.” Louis said, trying to sound happy and amused.

“Stop lying to me Louis. We both know you chose Dani yet you are here with so tell me why you are here.” Nina answered with her face turning serious and deadly.

Louis was caught off guard. He never thought that Nina‟s reaction would be like this. He thought she will be happy then Louis would have to break to her the bad news but he never

imagined that Nina would be here speaking those words to him.

“How do you know?” Louis muttered. Nina‟s face gave out a faint and sad smile, “Because I know you Louis. If you actually

chose me, you would be all over me and kissing me like you used to do back in London but here

you are, standing in front of me trying to be happy. We‟ve known each others for years and we‟ve been dating for more than a year. I pretty much know you inside out.”

“I‟m sorry.” Louis said softly. “I‟m sorry too,” Nina answered. “I shouldn‟t have come here in the first place. I

should‟ve known something was up when you stop calling and e-mailing me.”

“I truly loved you Nina.” Louis replied. “Loved. That‟s the problem Louis and I do believe that what we had was real. We lasted

for a year and you don‟t have to convince me that your love for me is true. Unfortunately, that

love was not made to last for a long time.” Nina said sincerely. Louis walked closer to Nina and touched her gentle face, “Why do you have to be so

smart?”

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Nina smiled and touched Louis‟s hand on her face, “Louis, I do love you and I still do

and I was hoping that my theory was wrong and that you would choose to stay with me.”

“Nina.” Louis said somberly as he took Nina‟s hands and held it. “No,” Nina shook her. “Don‟t feel sorry for me. I don‟t like being pitied.”

“I‟m sorry for hurting you and not choosing you. You really are a great girl and I had a

lot of fun being with you. I wouldn‟t have survived London without you but you deserve

someone better. You deserve someone who will be with you forever.” Louis continued. “But what if I don‟t want someone better? What if I want you?” Nina answered, tears

spilling from her eyes. “You‟re the only one I truly love since I can remember. You made me special and real. You never judged me and you don‟t see me as a dumb London socialite. You see the real me and I promise to be the best girlfriend if you stay with me. Please Louis, don‟t leave me.”

A wave of shock filled Louis. He never saw Nina this desperate and helpless. He always

see her as a strong and carefree girl but he never thought that he would see Nina this miserable

and most of all, Louis never thought that he would be the one causing Nina‟s pain. “I‟m sorry Nina but it‟s over.” Louis whispered, touching his forehead to Nina‟s. Nina‟s little body began to shake and she continued to sob. Louis pulled her into a

protective embrace and held her for awhile.

After a few minutes, Nina pulled away from the embrace and wiped her tears and said,

“You need to go. Dani is waiting for you.”

Louis looked at Nina sadly. He knew he has to go and find Dani but he just cannot bear to

leave Nina in such a bad state, “I can‟t leave you like this.”

“I know you would say that,” Nina answered, giving out a small smile. “But I would be

fine. Dani is somewhere waiting for you and it‟s getting late. I can take care of myself Louis.

You should go.”

“Are you sure?” Louis asked worriedly. “Yes, I am 100% sure. It‟s going to be hard but I‟ll be just fine. London is still waiting

for me anyway.” Nina replied. “You‟re going back to London?” Louis asked, perplexed. Nina sighed and took a step forward. She finger combed her hair and began, “Yes. I‟ll be

going home first thing in the morning. I already booked my flight before I meet you here. You

know, just to be sure.”

“You know you can stay here.” Louis said sincerely.

“I know,” Nina smiled. “But that means having to see you with Dani and I just can‟t handle it yet. Maybe in the future I‟ll come back but not now. I need to go home. I want to go home.”

“Are you sure about that?” Louis asked. “Yes. It‟s part of my agreement with Dani and it would be unfair for her if I stay. Don‟t

worry Louis. I already have my things with me and I could check-in in any hotel near the

airport.” Nina assured.

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“Nina, I‟m sorry.” Louis bid somberly. “Could you stop apologizing to me?” Nina said cheerfully as she took Louis‟s hands. “I

know this is also hard for you and I know you need to choose but Louis, I am still happy that I

was able to meet you. You‟re a great person and you deserve to be happy. You deserve to be happy with Dani.”

“You also deserve to be happy Nina and always remember that I‟m still here to be your bodyguard whenever you‟re in trouble.” Louis replied, squeezing Nina‟s hands.

“I‟m very happy to hear that but you should go. I mean it. It‟s almost nine and Dani‟s out there waiting for you. Go.” Nina said.

Louis checked his watch and found that Nina was right. He has been an hour late and

there‟s a chance that Dani must have left and went home. Louis smiled at Nina and said, “Goodbye Nina.”

“Goodbye Louis.” Nina replied. Louis reached over and planted a kiss on Nina‟s forehead then left.

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Dani shut her eyes and began to pray fervently. She willed every inch of force around her

to make Louis come and get her. She prayed for him to choose her. Dani needed him especially

now that her time was quickly fading away. She prayed, hoped and willed Louis to come but

minutes past and nothing happened. Dani was still alone in the middle of the beach under the

angry storm. Dani unclenched her sore hands and wiped her face.

She knew she looked terrible and crazy. The light make up she put on has disappeared

completely and her hair was flying in different directions. Dani knew that in the eyes of the

unfamiliar persons around, she looked stupid and weird.

Despite the noise of the rain, Dani heard faint footsteps approaching her. She did not

bother to turn around as she saw the familiar black umbrella which belongs to Dale. Instead, she

shouted impatiently, “I told you Dale, I am not going to leave! I am not going to listen to you

anymore so just let me be!”

“Are you sure about that?” A familiar husky voice answered. It was not Dale. That voice belongs to Louis.

Dani sprang to her feet quickly that she almost lost her balance. She took a step backward

to see if Louis was really there with her. Dani felt a huge chunk of rock lifted from her chest and

she said in a whisper, “You came.”

“I‟m sorry I‟m late,” Louis said. Dani looked at him and saw that he was just as soaked as Dani was but still, he looks better than her. “I got held up.”

“You came.” Dani repeated in the same tone. Louis broke into a huge smile and answered, “Yes I came. I thought you already left. I

was scared that I was too late and I will not be able to see you here.”

Dani felt her emotions rushing and she was unable to let them inside anymore. She burst

into tears and ran towards Louis and let him cradle her in his strong arms. Dani held him as if he

was the only way for her to keep sane.

“You came.” Dani muttered through her tears, staring at Louis‟s piercing blue eyes that

seem more alive than ever.

“Of course I came,” Louis said with a sincere smile. “I promised you that I won‟t let you do anything stupid without me.”

Dani inhaled Louis‟s sweet scent and rested her head on his chest. She replied, “I thought you were not going to come. I was starting to lose hope. I was getting really scared.”

“I‟m sorry. I just needed to make things right.” Louis answered. Dani looked up and asked, “What do you mean?”

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Louis sighed and held Dani closer to him, “I had to talk to Nina first before going here.

Your plan is good but it is quite unfair to me. I loved her and our relationship is true and that‟s why I just needed to talk to her. I need to end things with her in a good way.”

Dani faced Louis and saw his serene face, “What did you say to her? Is she really going

back to London?”

“So she told you about that,” Louis smiled. “I came to apologize to her. I hurt her a lot

and she has the right to know my side of the story and unfortunately, she is going back to

London. That‟s where her life is.”

“You really are a good person Louis.” Dani whispered, resting her head unto Louis‟s strong chest.

“I made you wait and you‟re saying that I am a good person? You really are crazy Clairvaux.” Louis teased.

“Well, I am really glad that you came. Thank you.” Dani said. “You‟re not angry that I was late? I was really worried that you‟re not here anymore.”

Louis answered.

“You know how hardheaded I could be,” Dani replied, smiling. “I bet Dale is already furious with me.”

“Don‟t tell me you already found someone better than me. I was a couple of minutes late

and you already met Dale.” Louis mocked overdramatically. Dani couldn‟t help but laugh and she said, “You should get a best actor award, Degrassi.

You really are a pain the ass.”

“I‟m waiting for you to say that.” Louis confessed. “Tell me the truth Louis. What made you come here and choose me? Nina is really a

great girl.” Dani replied more seriously. “You really want to know?” Louis asked, tightening his grip around Dani. Dani nodded.

“To be honest, I haven‟t really made up my mind until you texted me where you will be. When you said you wanted me to meet you at Catton Beach that was when I realized how I

really changed you and how you changed me.” Louis explained. “What do you mean?” Dani whispered.

“You changed my perspective. Yes, Nina is a great girl and I really loved her. I do but when I saw you during the party and how upset you were, I felt the need to protect you.” Louis continued.

“Thank you. I really am and I am truly grateful that I met you.” Dani answered sincerely. “Everything began here. Catton Beach is the place where you finally opened up to me.

This place is very special and when you wanted to meet here, I knew then that you are the person

that I love. I do not need to protect you. I wanted to and I wanted that to continue for a long

time.” Louis explained. “Louis. I…I don‟t what to say.” Dani breathed.

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“You don‟t deserve the pain that I caused you. You went through a lot since your brother died so Dani let me pay you back.” Louis whispered directly into Dani‟s ear.

Dani gently nodded.

“Daniella Clairvaux I love you. I love you Dani. I. Love. You.” Louis said strongly. Dani pressed her head closer and started to cry. She wasn‟t crying out of sadness and

hurt. She was crying because she was happy. Delighted even.

“I love you too Louis. I truly love you Louis Degrassi.” Dani replied, facing Louis directly.

Louis cupped Dani‟s face with his strong hands. He leaned closer and Dani could feel

every inch of his body getting alert. Her body leaned closer to him and laced her arms around

him. Dani faced him closely that she could feel Louis‟s breath on her face. Louis tucked Dani‟s loose hair behind her ears and leaned on. Finally, their lips met and melted into a sweet kiss.

It was an out of body experience for Dani. She felt her soul gravitating outside of her

body and began to intertwine with Louis‟s soul. She felt her hands tracing Louis‟s back, his glossy hair and finally his hands. Dani could feel Louis around her. He is here. He chose her.

This marks the fulfillment of everything.

For the first time in a long time, Dani felt whole and alive. She has her family with her.

She has Georgina and even Isaac and James and most of all, Dani has Louis. She has him and he

loves him.

Finally, she is unbroken.