Chapter 31 - Plans

“Congratulations sweetie,” mom said as she leaned in for a hug. I met her halfway, letting her hold me tightly.

“Thanks mom,” I murmured over her shoulder.

All around us, parents and their newly graduate sons and daughter’s were doing the same thing. In case you were wondering, it was graduation day, an end of a chapter for us. Finally! As I looked to the left, I noticed Glace staring at me with a wide smile. Her father Henry was beside her. Breaking the hug I said, “Mom this is Henry, Glace’s real dad.” Henry reached out for mom’s hand while I focused my attention to my girlfriend.

“Congratulations Dulce,” Glace murmured shyly, her ears beginning to turn a light shade of pink. Before I could wonder why she was blushing, she raised her hand and gave me a bouquet of roses. She has never given me flowers before. I took the beautiful arrangement, looking as red as the roses.

“Thank you baby. They’re beautiful!”

The two of us glanced at each other, the same expression of tenderness in our eyes. “Oh come here,” she murmured before taking me in her arms. My cheek settled on the hollow of her throat. We stayed like that for a few minutes before someone clapped behind us. Glace and I turned rigid as we realized at the same time that we were on a public place.

I removed my arms from her, noticing for the first time that people were looking at us, including my mom and Henry. It was so embarrassing. Glace bowed proudly as if it was a performance. “Excuse us,” she said loudly, grabbing my hand as she dragged me to the restroom, away from the gaping onlookers. Locking the door behind her, she said with a smirk, “I’m sure someone took a picture.”

I groaned, shaking my head. “Why do I get the feeling that you’re enjoying this? Have you forgotten that I’m still being chased by your crazy fans and the paparazzi? And where’s your sister? It’s her graduation too.”

It was true though, only one week has passed since Glace and our friends took me from the house. Things were so chaotic that I haven’t set foot back to the place since then.

Glace frowned at the mention of Denise. “I don’t know where she is. I don’t care either. Maybe she went here with her mom.” Glace stared at the ceiling, then back to me. Her frown was gone. “Enough about her,” she said, stepping closer to me. “Did you like the flowers?”

“Maybe.”

“Oh? Won’t you tell your Peter Pan?” Her hands went to my face, cupping my cheek.

I smiled coyly. “Only if Peter Pan strips.”

Her mouth opened in surprise. “You mean now?”

Nodding, I placed the flower carefully on the nearest sink and looked back at Glace. Raising my hands, I trailed my fingers from her forehead to her jaw, a naughty expression on my face. “I’ve always wanted to try it inside the bathroom. Let’s do it quickly on one of the cubicles or someone might catch us.” Glace gulped loudly, staring at me like I lost my mind. “Strip,” I commanded, tapping my foot impatiently on the tiled floor.

With a subtle nod of her head, she began to reach out to the hem of her dress. She was serious about this. “Stop,” I guffawed. “Oh my God stop Glace I was just kidding.”

“I can’t believe I fell for that,” she muttered with a smile while I took the time to laugh at her.

“Sorry baby,” I chuckled. “It was the perfect opportunity.”

“I’ll get you for this,” she warned, moving to tickle me. I ran to the other side of the bathroom while Glace chased me. We were like children playing and screeching with delight, uncaring for anyone who could possibly hear us. It was nice to laugh again after weeks of going through so much.

“You have nowhere to run baby,” she said with a gleam in her eyes. She was right. My back was pressed to the wall.

“I won’t surrender,” I said, turning the faucet on to my left and cupping a small amount of water on my hands. Before she could react, I was already spraying her with water. To get back at me, she did the same move. We did it over and over while laughing hysterically until we heard someone knock on the door.

Glace gave me a look, straightening her dress, trying to appear serious as she opened the bathroom door. My mom, Henry, Patty, Tim, including Eris went inside and closed the door again. “We were looking all over for you,” mom said to Glace. She wasn’t scolding though and had a small smile on her lips. There was no doubt that she heard us laughing, plus Glace’s hair was dripping wet.

“Sorry Andrea,” Glace mumbled. “I just wanted to make Dulce happy before we go outside and get bombarded by the fans.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked, staring at Glace.

Eris joined the conversation. “Someone conveniently leaked out that today was your graduation.” She pointed to Glace and me. “Of course the fans and paparazzi are already gathered outside to have a piece of you. It’s already war out there.”

“B-but it was so quiet when we arrived. Only the guests and parents were here,” I said.

“That’s because we came early sweetie,” mom said. “And Violet here helped cover up the whole thing from the paparazzi.”

Eris waved her hand, blushing. “Please don’t call me that Andrea. I told you that everyone calls me Eris around here.”

“Violet,” Glace snickered.

“Shut up Frio,” Eris scowled. “Anyway, Kitty Galore and I came up with a plan.”

“Wait. Who exactly is Kitty Galore?” Henry asked. Tim raised his hand slowly with a sheepish expression.

“Now that we’re all up to speed,” Eris continued. “We have a plan to get you out of here without the fans or anyone else knowing. We’ll tell everyone that you’ll have a meet and greet. Sort of like a press conference. While everyone is focused on the front of the building, Pillow Princess will meet you with the getaway car out back.”

“I’m not even going to ask who the pillow princess is,” Henry muttered.

“What about our parents?” I asked. Eris smiled at my question. “You’ll be using a van to fit everyone. The destination is Frio’s house. Kitty Galore and I will catch up. We need to make them believe that you’ll have a conference first.”

“But everyone will hate you when they find out you’re lying,” I said, concerned for my friend.

Eris snapped her fingers and pointed to herself. “You forgot who you’re talking about Dulce. I’m the top model remember? Everyone loves me. In worst case scenario, I will remove my panties and toss it to the crowd to shut them up.”

Patty growled beside her. “I’m just kidding babe,” Eris said quickly. “So are we ready?” Everyone nodded. “Wait here until Tim calls for you.” The two, together with Patty went out in a hurry, leaving the rest of us inside the restroom.

Glace held my hand, squeezing it gently. “This is all my fault. I should have protected you better.”

I shook my head in objection. “Stop saying that baby. If anything, it’s Denise’s fault.” Glancing at Henry’s direction I said, “No offense.”

“None taken,” he replied. Everyone knew that what I said was true. But strangely, I was neither mad nor irritated at Denise. Yes she sent the picture to the paparazzi and yes there was no turning back now, but still. . . She was Glace’s sister. Someone knocked on the door. It was Tim. This is it, I thought.

It seemed that lady luck was on our side. We pulled off the stunt quite effectively. Compared to the time that Tim and I escaped from my house, no one saw us take the back door. After 30 minutes, we arrived in Glace’s home, safe and sound. Tim and Eris followed soon after.

For the first time in weeks, we had the opportunity to just talk, eat, and act normal. There were no paparazzi threatening to take my pictures, no fanatic guys and girls screaming Glace’s name, no scary strangers, just us and our family.

“Take care of her for a while,” mom said, staring at Glace while standing on the front door. It was a few hours after the party. Everyone else has already left except for her and Henry.

“You know I will Andrea,” Glace replied.

Nodding, mom turned to Henry. “Shall we go?”

“Yeah. I need to get my present for Denise. It’s a new car.” The two went on their way, talking about their job as they exited the property. Now there was only Glace and me. Perfect!

Taking her hand, I guided her to the bedroom. We have been staying here for a week and it felt like we were playing house instead of living a rather chaotic life. It was a dream come true. Sitting on the bed, I patted the space beside me. “Come here you. I missed you all day.” Glace obediently sat on my right, but she didn’t speak, as if she was thinking about something.

“No I love you’s? No, you’re beautiful Dulce?” I asked playfully to erase that bothersome look on her face. Instead of answering me, she went to the middle of the bed and took a pillow which she held against her chest.

“I need to tell you something,” she said, her eyes catching mine.

I sat crossed leg in front of her. “What is it?”

She took a deep breath. “Andrea and I have been talking,” she started, hesitation in her eyes. There was an abrupt pause. I sensed that she was afraid to tell me about it. My heart skipped a beat. What was going on?

“And?” I prompted.

“And we both agreed that it would be best if you leave the country for a while.” Seeing the look on my face she spoke hurriedly. “It will only be for college. You want to take culinary right? France is one of the best destinations for that. If you learn there, you’ll have a bright future in that career.” She finished speaking, looking at me like I was a bomb ready to explode.

I just stared at Glace, her words not sinking in. “What?” I asked in a barely audible whisper.

She took my hands, kissing it softly. Lowering it she said, “Baby. . . As long as you’re with me, you’ll never have a moment of peace again. You do realize that right? You won’t have a normal college experience. That’s why we want you to study in France.” She sighed. “There, you will have the best chefs teach you. There, you can go anywhere you wish without being bothered. There, your dreams will come true.”

I took a deep shaky breath, all the happiness leaving my body like I was a deflated balloon. “Are you coming with me?”

Glace couldn’t look me in the eyes. “No,” she said with a slight tremble in her voice. My heart sank to the ground. “If I go with you, it will defeat the purpose.” Her eyes rose to meet mine. “But it will be perfect there. We already contacted a famous chef and found a great place for you to stay.”

I stood up angrily from the bed, glaring at her. “But you won’t be there. How can you say that THERE is perfect when the very meaning of perfection is right here in front of me?” I paced the room back and forth, biting my lip as I tried to hold the crushing feeling in.

“Please think about it Dulce. This is the only way we know to make you happy. To make your dreams come true.” Her voice was pleading. But I was too mad to listen to her words.

I stopped walking and looked her in the eye. “I just got you back Glace and now you’re telling me to go away.” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “I know that Wendy. But to be happy, sometimes you need to fly on your own.” She swallowed hard, looking like she was trying not to cry. “This is for your happiness, your dreams.”

“Don’t Wendy me,” I snapped. “My happiness is not for you to decide, neither does my mom.” Her mouth opened to start another argument but I cut my eyes at her. They betrayed me. They wanted me gone, I thought bitterly. Wanting to break something, anything, I searched the room frantically. My eyes fell on the black jewelry box.

“Don’t,” she begged, knowing what I was about to do. I still did it anyway, shattering the box in an enraged fit on the floor, its single content bouncing softly, rolling away from us.

Something wet flooded from my eyes, impairing my vision as I saw the small plastic ring I gave her long ago on the floor. I was crying hard and I didn’t even realize it. Glace stared at me in panic, preparing to stand up from the bed and rush to my side. “Stop,” I sobbed. “I don’t want you near me right now. I’m so mad at you and my mom for making this decision for me.”

Her shoulders sagged. Before I could do or say anything to hurt her, I walked out, not bothering to shut the door behind me. I ended up in the music room. Sitting in front of the piano, my hands began to work on a tune. I played Omarion’s Ice Box, the song reflecting what I was feeling at the time.

Feeling tired after the song, I laid my head on the piano, letting all the frustrations out as I cried silently, biting my lips as I did so, choking on the burning sensation at the back of my throat. It was too painful. But I welcomed the pain. It was a better alternative from being separated from Glace.

“I don’t want to sleep next to you,” I mumbled as Glace carried me back to the bed a few minutes later. She didn’t listen to me, continuing to our destination. I was totally against the idea, but when she set me down on the soft mattress and lay beside me, I still cuddled to her soft breast.

“I’m so sorry Dulce,” she whispered next to my ear. I remained silent, waiting for her next words. “You don’t know how desperate I am to keep you beside me. If it was only up to me, I won’t allow you to leave. I love you too much,” she choked. “But your mom wants the best for you. And I agree with her.”

Her hands tightened around my waist. “I need you to fly baby. To do what you want. If I keep you from your dreams, someday you will look back and blame me, and end up hating me. But if I give you the opportunity now, hopefully someday you will fly back home to me.”

“Is that what you really want?” I murmured. Sadness didn’t even cover what I was feeling. It was more like I was dead inside. How could she even think that I would survive years in a foreign country, separated from her?

“It’s what you will want,” she said shakily.

I squeezed my eyes shut. “Give me time to think.”