A Love Mismatch... Episode 2

London, the heart of England. The land of aristocrats and royalties.

Walking with his head bent, James took a stroll along the streets of Piccadilly Circus, the largest entertainment area in London. For years, he had spent his holidays in England. His parents just fell in love with the place. With its many shops, department stores, theatres and restaurants, James still find it interesting and entertaining even though he’d been staying there since he started his high school year.

As he watched the green light turned red, James felt the coldness seeping through his jacket. He absently rubbed his arms to ward off the cold. With his parents spending the night in one of the finest restaurants in London, James felt alone as ever.

It is better this way, James thought as he crossed the street. He would rather be alone than suffer watching his parents canoodling each other. Luckily, his parents were just visiting him for the holidays.

As he turned to an intersection, James heard the countdown for the New Year. Walking straight ahead, James looked through the restaurant windows, watching people with happy smiles as they counted for the coming year. Taking the lid off his coffee cup, he stopped and looked up at the sky, waiting for the fireworks display. 

“Damn.” She cursed under her breath. Devs walked as fast as she can, trying to escape the paparazzi. With her hoodie covering her face, she made her way through the crowded streets in one of London’s best entertainment place, Piccadilly Circus. At her haste to escape from being seen, she didn’t notice the man standing in the middle of the sidewalk, looking up at the sky. Just as she turned, she saw a tall figure blocking her way. She would have moved away but it was too late and she came crushing towards him, hitting her forehead on his chin. She staggered and would have fallen down if she hasn’t caught the sleeve of his jacket and the quick reflex of the arm that encircled her waist.

James would have been livid if his conscience didn’t prick him upon seeing the woman in his arms who was poured accidentally with his coffee.

“Are you alright, Miss? I’m sorry…” James said curtly, lips in a tight line.

Devs’ muddled mind was penetrated by the deep, cold voice.

Is he angry? I should be the one! She thought defensively.

And then it hit her. The way she’s bent backwards, supported by him and the hot coffee seeping through her thick jacket… they must look comical.

She looked up just when the fireworks explode in magical kaleidoscope, the hoodie gone from her head.

James was dazzled. The lights emitted by the fireworks highlighted her beautiful face… an exotic beauty beyond compare.

He was entranced, mesmerized by her alluring eyes… innocent, bewildered… irritated?

Devs tried to stand, making James aware of their position. He steadied her and took note at how her bangs fell gracefully on her forehead.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t see you standing there in the MIDDLE of the sidewalk.” Devs mumbled giving emphasis on the word ‘middle’ while trying to wipe the mess on her jacket.

James took his handkerchief and offered it to her.

“Are you alright? I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have stood in the way.” James apologized again, trying to comprehend whether she’s being plain sarcastic.

“No, it’s okay. It’s my fault. I should have avoided you. After all, you were just standing at the MIDDLE appreciating the wonderful fireworks while I was trying to find my way home.” Devs said, flashing him with her brightest smile.

James caught the sarcasm in her voice but he was transfixed by her smile.

Devon noticed the paparazzi getting nearer that she panicked and put back her hood on.

“Nice bumping to you, mister. Enjoy your night.” Devs said, hurriedly walking out on him. James’ gaze followed her as she crossed the street, confused at what just happened. He didn’t know if he should be angry or embarrassed at what just occurred, standing there looking at her like a dolt. He can’t believe he just let a woman run over him, tarnishing his ego. He shook his head in amusement and irritation. He looked back at the fireworks display and the girl’s face appeared.

She’s really pretty, he thought, unaware of the smile playing on his lips.

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Fast and Furious. A red, hot Volvo C70 T-5 fights its way through the throngs of cars in the hustling streets of New York.  Wearing white, stylish Gucci sunglasses, a man in his early twenties already exudes success and wealth. Known for his blue scarf, Ramonito Jorique Eleazar Paquito dela Vega, is one of the most trusted associate of the Montebello family.

“Yes, mommy Lav, I’m coming over. I brought with me the jewelries you asked me to buy from France. Are the twins awake?” he asked, turning the car to the left.

He is a famous designer, working under the company of the Montebello Empire. He may be known throughout America and Europe but to the Montebello family… he’s just Monique. A friend. A confidante. To Devon Zerryne though, she likes to call him… Jorique.

Making his way to the winding road, passing to a barn, where horses are well kept, Monique finally arrived in front of the great manor, The Montebello manor. He took off his glasses, throwing it on the dashboard and stepped out from the car with grace, taking out the bags at the back of the car. Just as he reached the steps toward the house, the door opened and the butler greeted him.

“Good morning, Mister dela Vega. Madame Thalialav is waiting for you in the saloon.” The butler said, gesturing to the door at the far end of the hall. Monique came in and strode toward the close door.

“Monique! Welcome back. How’s Paris, my dear?” Marimarimar greeted him, putting down her cup of tea.

“It was great, Mommy Mar. The fashion show was a success.” Monique answered, sitting at one of the settee. “And here’s for you.” Monique said, handing bags to Thalialav. “Tell me if I missed something. I’ll tell my assistant to buy it.”

“It’s all here. Thank you so much.” Thalialav said, opening the velvet boxes. “I’ll put the money on your account and by noon it will be there.”

“No need. Take it as a gift.” Monique said graciously and stood up, “where are the girls?”

“They’re still sleeping.” Rosalindianne said, looking up from the magazine she was reading. “You better wake them up. You have to fit them now, right?”

“My gawd. It’s almost noon. I’d better go upstairs. I’ll see you, later ladies.”

“Alright, see you later. And thank you so much for these gifts.” Thalialav said, smiling gratefully at him.

“You’re very welcome.”

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Visible tiny particles illuminated from the rays of the sun are floating in the air as the light tried it’s best to get through the draperies. Two sleeping heads are in deep slumber, dreaming of a world full of wonders and the secrets in their hearts are well depicted in their dreams. Unaware of the inexplicable future that awaits for them, the twins dreamt to their hearts content.

Monique came in, with a swift perusal on the two girls occupying the two king-sized beds in the room, he walked to the closed windows and without even a signal, tore open the draperies and let in the full blast of the blinding light emitted by the aubade.
He heard groans behind him and he knew the twins are awake. He turned to them and with a loud voice, he exclaimed. “Wake up, ladies. It’s already noon. We have a busy day today. So, don’t give me a lazy ass. I’m not in the mood to tolerate such acts.”

Burying her face on the pillows, Yvon ignored the man whose patience is getting thinner every minute. Devs turned away from the bright sunny rays and covered her face with the comforter.

That did it. Monique went beside their beds and took the comforter and with a stern look, he said, “You are trying my patience. Get up or else I’ll spank your derriere.”

The twins immediately sat up from the bed and attentively looked at him. Monique hid a smile, remembering the day when he really make true to his threat.

“What are we going to do today?” Yvon asked, yawning.

“I hope we won’t have to pose for another magazine or I might just die.” Devs said exasperatingly, looking up at the heavens for emphasis.

“No, I cleared all your schedules regarding modeling. I’m going to measure and fit you. I was tasked by your mother to garb you with new garments. Since you’ll be studying in England, you need a new set of wardrobe.”

The two groaned and looked up at him with muted appeal. But, Monique ignored them and went to the door. He turned and gave a last instruction to the both of them.

“I’ll meet you downstairs after an hour. Ready yourselves, girls.” He said and closed the door behind him.

“Man, why for heaven’s sake, do we have to transfer schools? “ Devs asked aloud.

“I’m sure mama has good reasons. Let’s just accept our fate.” Yvon said with a thoughtful face.

“Come on, let’s get ready or Jorique will be mad.” Devs said, heading to the bathroom.

“Good thing you didn’t let Monique hear you say that or he’ll surely have a fit.” Yvon said, giggling.

“What’s so wrong with that name? It’s not like I’ve made it. It’s his name.” Devs reasoned out, throwing a disgusted look on her shoulder and closed the door to the bathroom.

“Well, you know he doesn’t like that name. So, you better not push it.” Yvon shouted to be heard behind the closed door. She heard her sister laugh and she knew that Devs won’t heed her. She smiled thinking about her sister’s stubborn nature. 

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Sitting in front of the mirror, idly brushing her hair, Yvon looked at her sister, who was sitting on the bed putting lotion on her arm.

“Devs, do you think it’s best for us to study in England?”

Devs  looked up at her sister and met her eyes on the mirror. She put the lotion bottle down and went over to her sister, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.

“As much as I doubt our mother’s decision, let’s just trust her judgment and make the most out of everything. As Mama pointed out, we had no normal lives since our identity have been exposed. This is the best opportunity for us to have normal lives, to have a life with no paparazzi trailing us.” Devs said and smiled at her sister.

“I know that but… I can’t help but wonder what lies ahead of us. I find our future rather bleak.” Yvon said, brows furrowing in contemplation.

“Enough worrying, Yvon,” Devs said, turning her sister towards her, “Don’t you find it exciting? We’ll be going to England to study in one of the most prestigious schools ever built. We may have been there for several times but to actually live there on our own just makes it all more appealing.”

Yvon smiled as she looked at her sister’s exuberant expression and can’t help but let her adventurous side get the best of her.

“You know that’s not true. We aren’t living on our own there. Our mommies will surely come. And mama won’t allow us to be alone, that’s for sure.” Yvon said with amusement.

“Well technically, we will be living on our own. I’m sure there will be times that we will be left alone since their jobs are here. So, they definitely have to fly back here when some important things arise.” Devs said with a knowing smile. Yvon giggled.

“You’ve made plans already, I get it?” Yvon asked her sister.

“Yes. And we’ll surely have fun during those alone time.” Devs exclaimed, excitement wreathing on her face.

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Stacks of cloth in variant colors scattered around the parlor room… silk, cotton, furs, and other rare fabrics strewn on the settees and floor.

“Gawd, this is ugly. Jorique, please, don’t let me wear this thing.” Devs complained, throwing the fur aside, casting a disgusted look on the cloth.

“My dear, it’s an expensive and rare fur. Besides that, it compliments your features rather well.”

“The hell I care!  Don’t want that. Let Yvon have it.”

“You have a very dreadful taste, Zerryne.” Monique said, piqued by her use of his name, Jorique.

Yvon, who was lounging in the small chair near the fireplace, cast an amused glanced on the two. Sipping her tea, she stood up, putting down her cup, went to her sister, hugging her from behind.

“Wear it. It’s not that bad. It will keep you warm when we reach England.”

“I have my jackets and sweaters.” Devs pointed out.

“I know. But we’ll be changing schools. Let’s make a good impression.” Yvon said, turning her head to see her sister’s face. “And how could we save face if we are seen wearing inadequate clothing? Let’s live up to our image. You won’t wear that forever. Just think of the hassle Monique went through just to let us have the exquisite clothes. Wear it, please?”

Devs sighed and nodded glumly. She earned a kiss on the cheek and a tight hug from her sister.

“Thank you.”

Several luggages were positioned near the stairs. Tapping his gloves on his lap, Tish patiently waits for the twins to leave for London.  Having arranged everything, he made sure that all is in order. He was standing at the end of the stairs when the twins came down.

“Are you both ready?”

“Yes! Very.” Devs exclaimed, beaming at him.

“Where are they? We have to say goodbye.” Yvon asked, looking around for her mother and her mommies.

“They’re coming. They’re… uhm… just had something to do.” Tish explained, avoiding the twin’s eyes.

Just then, they heard some bustling in the upstairs rooms. The door opened and several luggages were dragged down the stairs.

“Are you leaving, Mommy Lav?” Yvon asked, confused.

“We are coming with you, darlings.” Marimarimar said, pushing her luggage forward.

“Oh? I thought you’ll go there next month?

“We changed our minds,” Rosalindiane said, straightening her clothing. “Besides, we don’t feel comfortable leaving the two of you alone for weeks even if Tish is there with you. And I’m sure your mom would come along if she only doesn’t have a work in Greece.”

The twins groaned exasperatedly.

“Come along now. We have a plane to catch.” Lav said, walking out the door. 

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England. The twins were exuberant. Watching the exquisite architectures surrounding them as the limousine wind its way through the throngs of cars in the streets of London, their faces are alight with excitement and joyous smiles.

Driving through a deserted road, the twins were too much agitated to settle down on their seats. Having left their mommies on the most expensive condos of London they went straight ahead to their school. Looking out of the car window, seeing the green rolling hills and feeling the rushing wind on their faces, they portray the childlike innocence that could melt anyone’s heart.

They entered a huge black gate and passed a long winding narrow road. The place was grand. Flower beds of different kinds filled the other side with trees of the greenest leaves. As they neared the neo-Gothic style architecture, the twins were in awe.

Stepping out of the car, they looked up at every detail of the exquisitely made structure.

And the one that greeted left them speechless and shocked.