Forever In My Heart - Chapter 4

For two days, Soleil managed to avoid him. When she didn't answer his wake-up call, Freddy would go to the beach alone. She kept herself mostly in her room, coming out only after he had left the house. She couldn't face him. Not yet.

Something wrong with you, 'Langga? " Manang Pepay asked while serving her breakfast.

Huh? No. Nothing's wrong. Why? " Soleil raised a quizzical brow.

Well, I noticed you've been spending more time locked up in your room than before and you stopped going to the beach with Dodong Freddy in the mornings. How come?”

Oh, that. It's because the mornings are getting too cold for me there, and I also have to start packing up my things before Daddy arrives,”she lied.

But I can always do the packing for you. Why didn't you tell me?”

Soleil stood up and reached for the lady's hand.

Because you’ve done so much for me already, Manang Pepay. You treated me like a princess here, I might get used to your spoiling me.”

A nice girl like you ought to get pampered and a little spoiling once in a while. When is your father coming?”

Tomorrow, I guess." The thought of leaving depressed her so.

She was out in the garden watching the lovebirds in their cage when Freddy arrived. She closed her eyes and held her breath as he heard him coming. It was too late for her to escape. Why did he come home this early? Thoughts were racing in her head when he sat in the chair across here.

Hi. I was wondering if you'd care to come drive with me?” he said, without looking.

Where?" she asked and hoped her voice didn't sound so nervous.

Her heart was pounding in her ears so loudly, she thought they would explode.

I got the first prize for my entry and I owe you," he looked at her, eyes pleading.

You mean, the one with me on it?"

Yes. I promised to take you out and you promised to go. You haven't changed your mind?”

She shook her head. If I could only talk and act normal with him again, she wished. “Give me ten minutes to change,” she said and walked inside the house.

They drove in silence. Soleil pretended to be busy with the sights they passed by even though there was nothing much to see except endless trees and beaches.

As they were nearing the heart of the city, he asked : “Where do you want to go first?”

To the Art Exhibit.”

He looked surprised but pleased with her answer. “It's not far from here.”

It was the biggest campus she'd ever seen. And quite impressive, too.

The Art Exhibit was in the Ground Floor of the Fine Arts building, where a number of people were viewing the works.

Freddy's piece was poised on an elevated platform together with the two other winners. A big medal-shaped ribbon marked “FIRST” was attached to it.

Soleil felt proud looking at his sketch. She just realized what a remarkable artist he was. His work was more than beautiful.

It was breathless...and she was quite exhilarated to be part of it.

Hey, Frederick! Good you're here. Congratulations, you did a good job.”

A man who looked like somebody important shook Freddy's hand vigorously. Must be a professor or something, Soleil thought.

Thank you, Sir. " Freddy said politely. “This is Soleil. The girl in the picture.”

Oh...I see.” The man-who-looked like a professor turned to Soleil and made an instant appraisal of her. “Pleased to meet you, Miss. Well, well...I can see why Frederick picked you as his masterpiece. Too bad it was done on a side view.”

She felt suddenly uncomfortable under the man's scrutinizing eyes and gave Freddy a piercing look.

Ah, Sir. If you will excuse us, please. I still have to show Soleil the rest of our exhibit.” Freddy got the message. Good.

Not yet, Frederick. I was wondering if you'd consider selling the piece? My wife wants to buy it.”

I'm very sorry but I cannot sell it. That piece is too precious for any price.”

Not even if I'll double your cash prize for First Place?

Freddy smiled and looked at Soleil intently.

No, sir. Sorry.”

Well, if that's your decision. But, in case you change your mind....”

I won't.” Freddy said, not waiting for the man to finish his words. He then led Soleil the other way.

Who was that?” she hissed.

Mr. Mendoza, our college dean."

What an abominable creature! " He laughed at her big frown and messed up the hair in her forehead.

He was only appreciating your beauty. What's so wrong about that?”

When they were on their way out, Soleil stopped at the threshold and said : “Can I keep the sketch when the exhibit is over?”

No." He turned his back and went on ahead of her.

His curt reply surprised her.”Why? I'd like to bring it home with me.” She pressed, trying to keep up with his long strides.

He stopped and said gravely: “Because it's the only thing that will be left for me when you're gone.”

She didn't say more. He said it with such finality as the One who said the Seven Last Words.

Where do you want to go now?” Freddy asked as they were driving out of the campus.

Anywhere there's ice cream and chocolate cake?”

For lunch?" He raised an eyebrow in amusement.

Whatever.”

I give up." Freddy shook his head in complete abandon.

He brought her to a cozy ice cream and soda parlor. For the first time in weeks, Soleil got to devour her food with gusto.

Freddy sat staring at her with an impish look in his eyes.

What's so funny now? " She wished he wouldn't look at her as though she was a little rascal.

You. I knew you had a thing about ice cream and chocolates, but I didn't realize you have a monstrous appetite.”

I tried to warn you, didn't I? I bet none of your girlfriends ever finished a pint of ice cream off in seconds!”

Because there are no girlfriends to start with, silly girl,” he laughed.

She became quiet all of a sudden. She knew she had touched a delicate matter that could spoil the fun right now.

Freddy sensed the change in her mood.

Am I scaring you, Soleil? " He asked thoughtfully.

She didn't answer. Then she felt his hand touch and lift her chin. He was holding a gold necklace with a heart-shaped pendant made of crystal.

No.” Soleil said softly when he put the necklace in her hand.

I'm scared of myself and the way I am feeling right now, she wanted to say. “I bought this necklace with the prize money I won. I want you to have it instead of the sketch,” he said, clasping her hand still.

She looked at him and saw how sincerely he meant it. For a brief moment, their eyes locked and Soleil hastily looked away.

Freddy, I - "

Shhh...don't say it.” He put a finger over her lips.

I don't want to burden your thoughts, Soleil. If things are too hard for you to say, or even understand, then let them be.”

But she didn't see it coming. What she had been fighting to hold back burst in the form of tears. It was so confusing...his honesty and gentleness are weakening her and the defenses she tried to build were about to crumble.

I made you cry again..." Freddy moved to sit beside her and laid her head on his shoulders. “Soleil, I am sorry for whatever trouble I am now causing you,” he said, stroking her hair.

I take all the blame. I cannot forgive myself...please stop crying..."

But she couldn't. His words and his touch were making her helpless.

For half an hour, they stayed that way with Freddy trying to quiet her. When she was done crying, Soleil realized that people were throwing curious glances at them.

Freddy gave her a handkerchief to dry her tears. It smelled faintly of musk.

Thank you." She half-whispered, trying to put on the necklace.

He helped her then, and she saw that his hands were shaking.

As long as you keep on wearing it, I know that I mean something to you. Whatever it is you feel for me...pity, fondness, or even dismay...you will know in time.” And he kissed her gently on the forehead before they stood to go.

Can we buy some peanut brittle?” She asked on their way back.

For your folks at home?”

No, I'm getting hungry again.”

Already? You're unbelievable!” He laughed, looking straight ahead for a place to park.