Princess on Break Chapter 10

Chapter 10

I sat there at the stool waiting for answers; answers that didn't come right away. Why was I so down when Alex ran off to Trisha? I was encouraging the match. I knew that he loved her more than he admitted it but just because of what he said earlier at the restaurant, I believed him. I believed he didn't love her anymore but he proved himself wrong tonight.

He loved her immensely. I should be happy for them. I should be happy I got it right. But I wasn't. What was wrong with me? I should really gloating that I was right once again however it did hurt. And I never felt this disappointment since...

I looked straight up startled to the door opening, I quickly stood up and ran towards the door, it must be Alex. He came back. He decided not to leave me alone.

"A—" Alex. I stopped and stared at the man who just entered the flat. "Caleb." I greeted wanly. I knew he could sense the disappointment in me but I just couldn't help myself, I was sorely disappointed and I didn't even know why.

I might had gone daft. Yeah. That was just that. I had gone daft. This disappointment I was feeling, the shrinking feeling my heart felt were just poppycock. Of course. Why should I ever be disappointed that Alex left me here all alone?

He was nothing. He was just Alex. Just Alex.

Caleb smiled a little and waved a hand. "Hey." he greeted. "Alex called earlier and thought you'd want company tonight." he explained.

I nodded and gestured him inside. I walked forward and was sure he was following me, I got back to the kitchen and sat on the stool once again. I placed my elbows onto the breakfast bar and propped my chin in my one hand lazily.

I was bored and disappointed no, not with Alex anymore but with myself. For I actually let myself believed in that poppycock reason of mine.

Caleb cleared his throat so I was forced to look at him. "Don't know why you're in a sour mood but I bought you sweets." he waved the bags in his hands that I didn't notice earlier.

I straightened myself and I sure did look excited with the prospects that he bought me sweets. My. Caleb sure knew how to comfort my moods. I smiled childishly to him. "Caleb." I sighed helplessly. Sweets would actually help me.

He grinned and placed the bags on top of the breakfast bar, he took it all out of the bag and I couldn't even wait for him to finish unpacking and I just started taking some scones. "I knew you'd take the scones first." he remarked.

I looked at him and grinned. "We English love scones." I pointed out. "Oh did you bring any blueberry jam?" I asked.

He smirked and waved at me the bottle of my favorite blueberry jam. "Would I even forget it?" he placed it on front of me. He sat beside me and I grabbed the tablespoon while he opened the bottle for me. I spread some jam on my scone and ate happily.

This was good. This was the comfort that I needed right now. And no, I won't deny myself this delectable treats. "The cook back home makes the best blueberry jam in all of England." I boasted. And I wasn't even lying. Our cook was the best cook there was in England. Father had never left the Palace without Cook with him.

We had the best kitchen staff and the head Cook was the best of all the chefs we had.

"No wonder you love blueberry jam so much." he remarked.

I beamed at him forgetting that I was once disappointed at Alex. If Alex could bring out the worst in me, I seldom thought Caleb could actually bring the best in me. I ate in silence as Caleb read the book he brought with, sometimes I would noticed that he was staring at me but when I glance back he was back on his book.

Caleb loved reading, it was so obvious with his cafe and also he never left anywhere without a book in hand, I liked that about him because I was also a bookworm and it was nice to know someone who also could be lost in the book like me.

We went to the living room afterwards. He sat beside me after setting the movie on the player. He leaned forward to grab the bowl of popcorn and some Snickers bars. He gave me the chocolate bar and he decided to place the bowl on his lap.

We watched comfortably and ate at the same time. It was comforting. And it was Caleb's way of comforting me. He would never initiated to ask me what was bothering me, he would like it if I could actually tell him without him asking.

He was that kind of a guy. Thoughtful. Very.

It was when the credits of the first film we watched that I actually spoke. "Alex ran off to Trisha."

He went still but a second later he relaxed. "Naglasing si Trisha sa bar ni Troy." he explained. "Minsan lang malasing si Trisha at pag na lasing na yun, kung ano ano ginagawa." he shivered at something he might had imagined. "Alex can become overprotective when it comes to Trisha." he suddenly said.

"I guess that's love." I said hoping he wouldn't hear the hurt in my voice. The hurt I didn't even know I was feeling until now. I never liked this kind of pain in me. I never did. It was just unbearable.

"Yeah maybe." he said and stood up to put the next DVD in the player. He strode towards the kitchen and he got back with two pints of Ben & Jerry's, one Chunky Monkey and one Half Baked. He gave me the Half Baked knowing how I loved cookie dough. He also handed me a spoon.

I opened my pint and started eating. "He's not going home is he?" I asked suddenly.

I ate the scoop of ice cream first before he spoke again. "No. They'll probably have an argument and then you know..." he said not wanting to divulge me in some information but I knew what it was. They were going to have those steamy hot make up shagging.

And I didn't want to think about that. What was wrong with me? And these emotions stirring up? Am I to believe that I actually felt something for Alex?

Could I even allow myself to feel something for him? For the man who kidnapped me? Who held me against my will? Could I even try?

Of course, I couldn't. It was wrong, so wrong in so many levels.

"Alex told me he doesn't love her anymore but when I looked at him when he said he needed to be with her, I knew he lied. He still love her." I said. I wanted to burden someone with these feelings I had, with these pains that I wasn't accustomed anymore. I wanted to lean on someone because when I felt this kind of pain before, there wasn't anyone for me.

I just wanted someone.

"Trisha is Alex's first love. Kahit anong deny niya sa sarili niya, mahal parin niya si Trisha. Ayun yung isang bagaya na lahat kami ay alam. He might seem indifferent sometimes but with his feelings for Trisha it never is." he said. "You can't fall out of love with your first love because that person will always hold a piece of your heart no matter what happens. Hindi ko alam kung totoo yan dahil hindi ko pa ito nararanasan pero sa nakikita ko, totoo ito. Kahit anong mangyari mamahalin parin ni Alex si Trisha. Ayaw lang niyang aminin dahil sa pride niya. Dahil kay Alex pride always rule his decisions." he told me as he played with his ice cream.

I scooped a little bit of my ice cream and ate it. "It's true."

He looked to me and was asking me what was I talking about.

I smiled a little. "That you can't fall out of love with your first love."

"Have you ever been in love Ara?" he suddenly asked me. But I knew he was always contemplating on asking me that question since that first night in Troy's bar.

I wanted to be honest with him but I had never been open with my feelings. I was taught to never show anyone my emotions, I hid it so well or so I thought.

I ate some more ice cream before deciding to answer him. "People like me can't afford to fall in love." I answered without thinking. I never wanted to tell him that, to tell him that answer, I had always dodge that question whenever asked.

But somehow with Caleb, I really knew I could trust him. That I could share my feelings and he would be there to listen to me. I knew I could be open to him. There were only few people that I could trust and be open.

Remember the last person you knew you could trust? Look where that got him. Somewhere in the back of my mind suddenly told me.

"Everyone can love, even the unfortunate can. There's no exception in love."

Except royalties like me especially me.

I smiled sadly. "There is an exception in love. Would you love someone dying?" I asked him.

"Of course I could. You can't tell yourself who to love or not to. It comes unexpectedly. You said it before, you could even love the wrong person." he reminded me.

"I know but still there's always an exception. If you were dying, would you tell someone you love that you love her?"

He looked like he was thinking of how to answer and then he finally looked at me. "I would."

"Kahit mamatay ka na? Sasaktan mo siya sa ganoong paraan?"

"Ara anong mas masakit, ang mamatay ako ng hindi sinasabi yung tunay kong nararamdaman o mamatay akong alam niyang siya lang yung minahal ko nung nabubuhay pa ako?"

I looked out at the window, it was dark and well raining. It seemed so dull like what I was feeling right now. "I would prefer not to know. Mas masakit para sa akin na nalaman kong mahal niya ako pero sa huli iiwan din niya pala ako."

"But you will live wondering."

I shrugged. "But I would have my heart protected from the pain of losing someone who I knew loved me."

He shook his head. "There will still be pain."

"And I will live with that pain. But I can't live with the pain he will imprint if he ever told me he loved me and then leave." I said and I knew with my voice that I was close on bursting my emotions. "Living when the one person you loved most die so sudden is the most unbearable pain that one could feel."

Minutes past and we grew into this silence and I wanted that silence for me to think. "And you would then blame yourself am I right?" he asked suddenly.

He caught me off guard. He understood what I was telling him. Nobody else did. I nodded. "Yes. And I wouldn't do that to the person I love. I wouldn't let him feel that unbearable pain." I said. "Because I know living with that kind of pain is hell."

"You would die without him knowing how you truly felt?"

"Letting him know would be selfish in my part."

"I guess you're right but it would be his choice if he would want to stay isn't it?"

"Maybe."

"I don't know how we ended up talking about dying, it feels so dragging." he chuckled a bit trying to let go the dully feeling that encircled us.

We then decided to watch the movies silently no more talking about love or anything that was gonna sure bring our spirits down.

I leaned over his shoulder and relaxed a bit. I yawned and closed my eyes for a bit.

"Have you ever felt that kind of pain Ara?" he asked and I knew in myself I wasn't ready to answer him.

I would never be ready.

So I feigned sleep.

I heard him sigh and he just let me pretend but after awhile I drifted off to sleep and was only awakened when I was being lifted up. I didn't open my eyes and just let him carry me.

Once he gently tucked me in my bed, I nuzzled on my pillow and murmured my thanks. He walked towards the door, he turned the lights off so sudden.

 I sat quickly. "Please turn the lights on." I muttered. But I knew my fear was shown.

He didn't comment on the way I behaved just now. "Okay. Good night Ara. I'll be on Alex's room if you need anything." he said and closed the door.

I laid back and closed my eyes. 

Princess on Break Chapter 9

Chapter 9

We went back home—now if you would look at that, I referred Alex's flat as home— after our lunch at that Korean restaurant and yes we did argue more about the car, I wanted to drive and he wouldn't let me. Telling me he couldn't risk his life with my driving skills, such an insufferable man. I was more important to him, I was a bloody Princess for God's sake. 

I was quiet when we drove back home and when we did reach the building I stormed out of his car and waited for him at the lift. I folded my two arms across my chest as I leaned into the wall of the lift, a scowl was likely seen into my face for Alex to smirk like that when he finally came into the lift. 

Though his back was on me, I knew that he was still wearing that Godforsaken smirk of his. 

When we finally reached our floor, he stepped out first but I raced with him to the door of the flat. I opened it and stormed inside the flat. And that was when I finally noticed that the television was on and someone was sitting on the couch. 

I stared at the woman and suddenly I recognized her. What was she doing here? How did she even get inside someone else's apartment? 

When she did notice me she rose and I saw the recognition in her eyes. She rose from her seat and curtsied her acknowledgement. "Your Highness." she greeted. 

"Princess, ayaw ko ng Chinese ngayon kaya magluto k–" Alex said as he was walking towards the living room but stopped when he noticed I was standing and there was another person in his flat. "Mom? Anong ginagawa mo dito?" he asked. 

I turned to him with my mouth opened. His mother? I turned back to the woman and back to Alex. She was Alex's mother? Jesus, did she know what her son had done? If so, was she an accomplice? 

"Binibisita ang anak ko. Masama na ba iyon ngayon, Ace?" 

Alex sighed. "Mom, I go by Alex not Ace." he told her. And he finally realized I was in the room for he turned to me and I was so sure he wasn't too comfortable with his mother being here. "Mom, this is Arabella, she's staying with me for awhile."  he introduced little did he know I knew his mother and so did she. 

"Your Highness." she greeted once again. 

"Miss Lane." I greeted back. "Are you still working with Cassandra?" I asked her. 

"Wait." Alex interrupted before his mother could answer my question. "You know each other?" he asked bewildered to know his mother knew the girl he kidnapped. 

"Of course, Ace. Your Highness is one of my important client." Why was she referring to him as Ace and not Alex? 

"At hindi man nasagi sa isip mo mom na sabihin sa akin na client mo siya?" Alex asked. 

"Ace, you don't have any keen interest with my work." 

"That's not true." Alex protested. 

"About your question, Your Highness, yes Princess Cassandra is still my model for the line." Juliet didn't bother talking to Alex anymore. "I trust you still don't want to work with us, Your Highness?" 

I smiled kindly to her. She was one of the very few designers that I liked, she was sweet and her designs were very beautiful, it fitted a lady of my rank. "A lady of my rank shan't model for all the public to see Miss Lane." I said politely. 

I wanted to be some help with her line but of course I needed to think of my rank in the society. I wasn't born to be a model, I was born as a princess. 

"Of course, Your Highness." 

"Please it's Arabella for now." I told her. 

She looked at me confused with what I just said. Of course, I was a very arrogant princess and I never wanted anyone below my ranking to call me by my Christian name. It wouldn't do. I wanted respect. If only I could let Cassandra call me your highness in private that would do but of course, we were family and very closed at age and she was after all a princess too. 

"Mom walang nakakaalam na nasa Pilipinas siya kaya..." Alex explained "Alam nila pinsan ko siya  kaya do pretend she's your niece while she's on vacation." 

"Vacation? Here at the Philippines, Your Highness? Pardon my rudeness but how did you meet my son?" Juliet asked.

"Oh we met at Boracay." I told her, it was the truth anyway but I wouldn't tell her that her son kidnapped me, that just wouldn't do. "I wanted time away from the world and Philippines sounded good at the time."I said. "I didn't know you have a son Miss Lane and it's Arabella please." I smiled politely. 

"Then it's Juliet." She smiled. "Ace is my son." she smiled at Alex. "Though right now he is my prodigal son." she smiled once again. Wow. I could see her love for her son. 

"Mom." Alex protested. "Anong kailangan mo mom?" he looked at her with some serious look in his face.

"I'll bring tea." I said when I sensed that they needed to talk and I needed to be out of the way for them to talk privately. I walked out of the living room and walked to the kitchen. 

"Binisita mo na ba ang dad mo?" I heard Juliet asked. 

"Hindi mom. Kamusta si Cassie?" Alex asked. 

I prepared the tea while I could still hear them. It wasn't like Alex's flat was big and soundproofed. 

"She misses you. Ace, you need to visit your father." Juliet said sternly. 

"I don't want to talk to dad okay?" I could hear Alex's frustration. What was wrong with his family especially with his father? I must ask Caleb soon. "Kailan ka pa nakabalik ng Pilipinas mom? At bakit hindi mo ako tinawagan kung nakabalik ka na?" He asked his mother. 

I heard Juliet chuckled. "My Ace, I just got back and I wanted to see you first." she said warmly. "How are you my dear?" 

"I'm fine mommy." I pressed my hand in my mouth to stop myself from laughing. Did Alex just called his mother mommy? He sounded like he was still a little boy. "Dito ka nalang mag stay ma." 

"Ace dalawa lang ang kwarto dito." Juliet said. "Wait don't tell me you're sharing a room with her highness!" 

Alex laughed. "Mom, she's just staying here and she's not my type." Why did I suddenly felt a tinge of disappointment? What was wrong with me? "Pwede ako sa sofa matulog mom." 

"Wag na. Dun nalang ako sa mansion. You must visit me Ace." 

"I don't want to see dad."

I poured the hot water to the the tea pot. "He is still your father no matter what he did Ace."

"He cheated on you mom!"I heard Alex yelled softly as if he was trying not to yell at his mom. "He cheated on you and you want me to forgive him?" 

"It was a long time ago Ace." Juliet said."It's all in the past and you need to forgive him."

"No mom. He will never earn my forgiveness. He did not just cheat on you but he was also the reason why you had a miscarriage." Ales voice was soft and tender. "How could I forgive the man who hurt my mother?" 

"This is why I dreaded the day you found out about it." Juliet said wanly. 

"I can never forgive him mom. I can't even look at him with respect mom. He's not the dad I once knew."Alex said. "He's too controlling mom."

"Damon is always controlling Ace." Juliet said with a light humor in her voice. "I hope someday you will learn to forgive your father Ace."

"I can't mom. I just can't. He hurt you mom and I don't want anybody to hurt you." 

"I do love you my Ace." 

"I love you too mommy."

And that was my cue to go back with the tea and biscuits. I did walk back to the living room and Alex was just pulling away from his mother's embrace. This was the other Alex, the Alex who loved his mother to death that he can't even forgive his father. 

His sense of loyalty to his mother was something remarkable. I admired him for that. 

Alex noticed me and helped me with the tray and placed it in the table. He poured his mother a cup of tea and gave it to her. "Princess, come and join us."

I shook my head no. "I'm sleepy." I lied. I didn't want to interrupt them both anymore, I was sure they had some catching up to do. As far as I knew Juliet was in London when I left and that had been a very long time now. "I think I'll rest for a while." I said. "It was lovely seeing you again Juliet. Please do not tell anyone in London that you saw me here." I smiled at Juliet. 

I walked towards my room. 

"She's a great girl so treat her well Ace." I heard Juliet said before I closed my door. I jumped to my bed and closed my eyes. Now that I was in my bed, I kinda felt the fatigue overcame me and I drifted off to sleep.

I didn't know how long I slept but I felt refreshed. I rose from the bed and walked out of the room, when I reached the living room, they were both gone I decided to go to the kitchen and maybe cook some dinner when I heard their voices down the foyer. 

"Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyayari sa buhay mo ngayon Ace pero tandaan mo ah nandito ako para sayo lagi."Juliet said. 

"Mom, I'm fine. I can do things by myself."

"Alam ko. You grew up with me." Juliet said proudly. "Hindi ko alam kung anong trabaho Ace kaya nag-aalala ako sayo. I checked your trust at alam kong hindi ka pa naglalabas ng pera, pero Ace walang normal na trabaho na ganyan kalaki ang sahod." she said. "You own this unit and you bought yourself a car."

I heard Alex sighed "Mom, wag kang magalala sa trabaho ko."

"Hindi ba to ilegal Ace? I don't want you involve in something illegal son. You know very well that the Lane and Monte Vista can–" 

"Can never cause a scandal, I know mom." 

"So it's not illegal?" 

"No mom." Alex answered. I didn't know if he was lying or not because how could I know? For all I knew he was lying, he did kidnap me if I may recall. And kidnapping was illegal. 

"Okay I believe you." Juliet said. I wondered could my parents be like Alex's mother? Could they also believe the words I tell them? Of course they wouldn't. What was I thinking my parents would never believe me. 

They won't even listen to my side. 

"Take care Ace and take care of her highness. She's a little bit–" Juliet cut off. 

"Stubborn? Obnoxious? Pain in the ass? Bitch?" 

Oh I was going to kill Alex when we're finally alone. I was going to strangle him to death. 

Juliet laughed. "Don't speak like that about her. She's stubborn yes but just deal with her, she's also kind and sweet Ace, so don't hurt her."

"I would never hurt her mom. She's..." 

I walked towards the kitchen not wanting to hear anymore, eavesdropping was rude and I was taught never to do that. Though I wanted to hear more, I couldn't, it would be rude to listen to someone else's business. It wasn't my place. 

I admired Alex really. He loved his mother and respected her highly. And Juliet, I liked her, I met her at the Palace when she was showing her designs for my dresses and she was that sweet designer who designed beautifully and fitted my characteristics as the Princess. 

And today I met her as a mother. A mother full of tender love for her son. I knew she was a great parent and  Alex was lucky to have her as his mother. Though from what I heard earlier I just kinda felt sad for her, being cheated on by her own husband no wonder Alex hated his father. 

I would too. A husband should always respect his wife no matter what. He must always desire his wife and no other woman should he desire more. 

But I wondered did she stay with her husband after his affair? Were they still together? It did sound like she was going to stay with him in his house. But why would she stay with him after everything? 

He cheated on her. He hurt her and somehow trampled on their marriage. How could she stay if ever she was? 

I wouldn't. I couldn't. No matter how much I loved that said husband, I wouldn't stay. I wouldn't allow him to have the liberty to hurt me again. No matter what. 

I would leave with my head held up high. 

"Mom cooked for us but and I joined her but we saved some for you." I turned back to see Alex standing behind me. 

"Okay." I said. I looked at the food at the breakfast bar and they looked divine. So I sat on the stool and decided to dig in. "I like your mom, she's one of the best designer for me." I said suddenly. 

He looked to me and grinned. He was proud of his mother's work that was given. "Of course she is." he said. "Princess, tha–" he cut of as his phone rang, he took it out of his pocket and stared at the screen for a while and was going to put it back on his pocket when he stared at it once again. When it rang once again, he answered it after one ring. "What's wrong?" he asked with his voice full of concern. "You know she can't hold her liquor and yet you allowed her to drink.... No, I'll go there and pick her up... Goddammit, don't let her out of your sight." he said. "Pag ako dumating diyan at may nangyaring masama sa kanya, I'll kill you myself." he snapped.

Who was he talking to? 

He put his phone back to his pocket and looked at me. "Kailangan kong umalis. Kumain ka na. Tatawagan ko si Caleb para masamahan ka dito haggang bukas." he said. 

I frowned. "Saan ka pupunta?"

"Kay Trisha. Dito ka lang. At kumain ka, hintayin mo si Caleb ah. I need to go to her now" he said, he turned his back on me and started walking. He sounded so worried about her and he looked so concern, so torn. 

And as I was staring at his back while he was walking away, my heart sunk and I didn't know why. 

I didn't know why I was actually thinking of calling him back and ask him not to leave, not to go to Trisha. But I couldn't because I didn't know why. Why I was feeling like this. 

But I knew one thing, he lied to me earlier. He still loved Trisha, not the friendship kind of love but the kind of love a man loved a woman. I saw it in his eyes. 

I knew that kind of love when I saw it and I saw it with him. 

And that revelation didn't go well with me. 

Princess on Break Chapter 8

Chapter 8

"Hit the brake!" Alex screamed.

And I did press my foot harder this time to hit the brake, the car stopped and I felt Alex's glare that I was afraid to look at him but I did it anyway, I wasn't born as a coward. I slowly turned my head to meet his glare with an awkward smile. "So?" I pressed. I should had not, he was fuming mad.

"SO? MUNTIK NA TAYONG MAMATAY!" he snapped at me.

I flinched. "It wasn't so bad!" I defended my driving skills.

"It wasn't so bad? The truck almost hit us!" he hissed, he took a deep breathe before speaking once again. "Get out." he ordered.

I stared at him, my mouth agape with what he just said. Did he just kicked me out of the car? Did he expect me to walk? Was he leaving me? Oh no that would never happen. Instead of following his order, I started the engine again and drove.

I heard him yell but I didn't listen, I was driving! Hell I was doing great, it was just one time and he was overreacting, the truck didn't almost hit us and it if almost did that was the other driver's fault, who the hell drove passing the speed limit in this area of the town?

The driver must had been drunk or he was the one who didn't know how to drive his freaking truck! It wasn't my fault that the driver didn't know which lane his truck should be in, I was in the right lane and he wasn't.

And why was Alex so angry at me? I saved his life! I maneuvered before the truck would almost hit us, see I was a good driver.

"Stop the damn car, princess." I heard the warning tone in Alex's voice but I didn't pay attention to him, I was so hungry to care about him. So I drove around the town with my eyes searching for any restaurant that I could eat.

I really was hungry and pretty much hangover. I still heard Alex hissing and ordering me to stop the damn car but who cares about Alex when my stomach was grumbling?

I hit the break when I finally found a bloody restaurant around the block because I was driving fast and when I hit the break unexpectedly, the car jerked up that I almost hit my head on the bloody steering wheel thank God for seat belts.

"Sira ba talaga yang ulo mo?" Alex snarled beside me, I knew he was glaring at me.

I turned to him and glared back. "I'm hungry!" I whined. "At isa pa it wasn't that bad." I defended my driving skills."I drove perfectly well. And I saved your life earlier. You're such a girl sometimes Alex." I smirked at him and took my seat belt off me, I opened the door and went out of the car.

I stretch my arms, driving was so overrated. I looked through the window of the car and Alex was still there staring blankly at the driver seat. He really was a weird guy. "Don't you wanna eat?" I asked him that was when he looked at me and he was still glaring. I just smiled nonchalantly.

I went inside the restaurant, it was a Korean restaurant; I had always liked eating Asian delicacies. Asian foods were so differently with European.  I chose a table near the window and felt that Alex was following me.

I sat down and he also did. He was still scowling. "Lalo kang papanget kung hindi ka ngingiti." I teased him. The waitress gave us both a menu and left. I studied the menu for quite long.

"Ready to take your orders ma'am, sir?" the waitress arrived with a pen and memo pad with her.

"We'll have Jajangmyeon, Gulgamja-jeon and Samgyeopsal." I smiled at her. I turned to Alex who was still looking at the menu.

"Add Bulgogi also Jin Mandu." Alex said to the waitress.

The waitress wrote our orders and nodded. "Drinks?"

"Two lemon iced tea." Alex ordered. He really knew me well enough to know what I wanted for our drinks. "Diba may kasama na naman yang mga side dishes like kimchi?" he asked.

The waitress nodded. "Meron na po sir. Ulitin ko lang po yung order niyo. Isang Jajangmyeon, Gulgamjya-jeon, Samgyeopsal, Bulgogi at Jin Mandu. For the drinks dalawang lemon ice tea." she said.

I nodded. The waitress left us. "I'm so hungry." I whined as I spread my arms in the table. "Oh I right!" I bob my head and looked at Alex. "We should buy our dinner too!" I exclaimed.

He sighed."Lunch na Korean tas dinner din?"

I pouted. "Okay. So mamaya order ka nalang ng P.F. Changs." I said hopefully. Korean and Chinese foods in a day that would never happen with Alex and I's everyday meal.

"Bakit hindi ka nalang magluto mamaya." Alex said. "Araw mo ngayon." he reminded me.

I frowned. I was hoping he would forget that today was my day to cook. But I really didn't want to cook, I wasn't into it right now. We seldom eat takeouts because Alex really wanted home cooked meals. He said he grew up like that and they rarely ate dinner out when he was young.

"I'm too lazy to cook." I whined.

"Alright we'll order Chinese for dinner."

I smiled at him. We sat there and we didn't talk, he was staring through the window, maybe he was watching the passerby walking around the street and I was unfortunately staring at him.

His phone rang so he took it out of his pocket, he looked at the screen and frowned. Who was the caller that he didn't even bother answering it? He placed his phone on top of our table and he turned his eyes back to the window.

It rang again but he didn't even bother with it, that was my cue to look at who. I leaned over the table and with wide eyes I looked at the screen.

Trisha calling.

So it was Trisha. I felt Alex's stare so I immediately sat straight from my chair and casually looked around the restaurant. I heard him sigh but I didn't dare look. I didn't want to be labeled as nosy by Alex. I knew I was one but still it was different from knowing yourself and others telling you.

I wanted to ask him why was Trisha calling but it wasn't my business, I shouldn't pry into his business especially his personal affairs. But really it was staring to eat me alive. I wanted to know what was wrong with them both.

They looked good together. They were perfect! Trisha could handle Alex's temper and Alex definitely could handle Trisha being a perfectionist.

But it wasn't my place. I couldn't play matchmaker between these two because I was no one in their lives.

I sighed as the phone rang again, I really wanted to know but I was too much of a coward.

"My relationship with Trisha is complicated." He suddenly blurted out. I snorted. It wasn't so complicated. It was clear they were still into each other, Trisha was trying to win him back and Alex, I knew he was still hang up with Trisha but he was too damn proud to say it aloud.

After all Trisha made him choose.

"It is complicated." He prodded.

I shook my head. "It isn't. You're just making it complicated. She loves you, you love her. Done." I said even when I didn't even believe what I just said.

"I don't love her anymore." Alex said wanly.

"Rubbish."  I turned my gaze to him and frowned at him. He was really damn proud to even admit he was still in love with Trisha. I could see it, hell the world could see how he looked at her sometimes.

"I really don't."

"You look at her like you would give her the moon." I said. "I could see it."

"I do love Trisha." He finally admitted but I did sense a but coming. "But I am not in love with her anymore." he said.

The waitress arrived with our food and she placed everything neatly at our table. "It's the same." I said.

He shook his head and I could still see there was an amusement in his eyes. "Princess, have you ever been in love?" he asked me.

And I was caught off guard by his question. I stared at the foods on top of our table and back to the waitress who smiled at me so I nodded my thanks. I took my chopstick and break it apart. I started mixing my jajangmyeon while the waitress was still turning the grill on.

"So?" Alex pressed.

I looked up to him, he wasn't going to let it go. "What do you think Alex?" I asked him.

"Sa tingin ko hindi ka pa nai-in love kaya hindi mo pa alam ang pagkakaiba ng dalawa." Alex told me as he took his own chopstick. The waitress left and Alex was the one grilling our beefs.

"I know the difference." I said. "When you're in love with someone it's about the passion and excitement, it's this unexplained feeling towards someone. Love is when you care about someone. I don't know why people make this a big deal." I told him as I took one dumpling and dipped it in the soy sauce. "You said it yourself you still love her, are you really contradicting yourself?" I asked him.

He sighed, he was still putting our beefs on the grill as he spoke. "It's not the same anymore, princess." he stated. "Mahal ko siya bilang kaibigan nalang. Bago ko pa man siya minahal bilang isang girlfriend minahal ko na siya bilang kaibigan. Alam ko minahal ko siya nung kami pa at hindi ko siya kailanman gustong saktan pero matagal ng walang kami, nag move on na ako." he said. "I don't see her the way I see her before, now I just see her as a very dear friend." he added.

"But the way you look at her, it's like you're going to maul her over." I exclaimed.

Alex being Alex who couldn't take anything seriously laughed at what I just said. He only stop when I glared at him. "Princess, I'm a man." he told me seriously.

I frowned at his answer to me. "So, I'm a woman." I said.

Again he laughed. "I'm a man, a hot blooded man. Trisha and I have a great chemistry and we were-"

I cut him off before he could finish what he was saying, I already got it. He was a man with needs and he wasn't in love with Trisha but only lusting over her. "Okay I get you now Alex. I don't need for you to tell me all the horrid details of your sex life." I told him as I ate my noodles.

He laughed so loudly that everyone in the restaurant looked over our directions, they must had thought we were crazy. Well whatever.

It was really good when Alex and I could somehow hang out and not bicker about everything. It was nice because somehow I knew that Alex would had been a great friend to me. He was loyal.

It was really ironic to think that I knew with my heart that I trusted my kidnapper so much.

How did I grow to trust Alex anyway?

Princess on Break Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Three months since the day Alex kidnapped me and probably those three months were the happiest days of my life. Who wouldn't be happy if your life was once guarded and meticulously watched but then now you have the free reign to do whatever it is you want to do, no more faking smiles and pretending. I have freedom and Alex gave me that, though he did kidnap me I wouldn't put it that way, he never treated me like I was his prisoner, he treated me as a normal human being. He kidnapped me but I am free in my own way.


And with that my friend I am happy.


Well of course the day wouldn't be complete without Alex and I arguing. I swear we were always at each other's throats, never was a day we didn't argue even if it was the most stupidest thing to argue about. We are two bickering idiots. I don't know why but Alex just keep on pushing the wrong buttons when it comes to me and yeah hate to admit it but I do know I am also pushing the wrong buttons.


We couldn't agree with each other with everything and I mean everything. Silly things like arguing who's better, is it Spongebob or Patrick, I swear Caleb and Troy would just laugh at how silly we were. One time though, Troy and Caleb came to the flat and Troy jokingly told us that our neighbors were complaining with the noise and we actually believed him because we both knew how loud we can be when we argue.


We believed him that we didn't fight for that night, well we tried but really we can't. We just don't click! We get along fine but once the argument starts there's no turning back and our friends (yes I consider them as my friends now) would just sigh and watch us argue for almost an eternity.


I worked at the cafe Caleb owned and it was pretty great. I loved working at the cafe because really there's not much I do except well make the occasional coffee but most of the times I'm just sitting and reading the books Caleb bought for the cafe.


At noon we don't really have much customers and so Caleb and I would just sit with the coffee he made for the both of us and enjoy reading a book or sometimes just we just relax. Caleb is probably my best friend, he's a good company.


You wouldn't believe me if I tell you that Trisha and I were friends. Yeah I thought I would hate the girl for sending me deathly glares when we first met but we actually did become friends. She asked me to tutor her for her French and I agreed. Apparently she's taking up her masters at some prestigious business school at France.


Caleb was right, Trisha was suffocating sometimes, she was really some girl from the upper class who wants the best for her, she was uptight not just with herself but everyone around her. I think if you did grow up with a mother always telling you what's right and what things you can never do and a father always telling you to be a responsible adult when you're just a little kid then you would really be like Trisha.


She just wants everything to be perfect. And she's just trying not to fail her parents.


I guess I kinda understood her life, I mean I have parents like hers, well except for the fact I have a King and Queen for a parents. But basically we have the same life, growing up with people telling you what you had to do. Trisha listened to those words, I however wasn't like her, I rebelled against every words, that's our difference.


She cares too much about her image to her parents and the people around her when I on the other hand couldn't care less. Why would I care about how they think of me and defend myself when I know for a fact they wouldn't believe me anyway. What's the use? I'd rather not waste my time with that one cause I'd just lose with the arguments. And I am not a not a fan of losing.


I pulled my hair up into a messy bun as I stared at myself in the mirror, I looked awful. It was Sunday and last night Alex and I went to a party and I drank a lot. I don't know why I kinda like drinking. Alex warned me beforehand not to drink too many but I just can't help myself. Oh Lord. Am I becoming an alcoholic?


That would be impossible.


I walked out of my room and went straight to the kitchen to make coffee and breakfast. Alex and I agreed that we would cook alternately and unfortunately today would be my turn. I bet Alex is still sleeping soundly in his room.


I bet when he wakes up, he would complain with his hangover. Why wouldn't he? He certainly thought the whiskey he was drinking was just some water. I wouldn't be surprised if his liver got ruined. But then again he kinda had a heated argument with Trisha last night at the party.


At first they were cozy with each other then the next they were screaming at each other. It had something to do with Trisha going away I think. They still love each other and I don't get it why they won't just get back together. They are both hurting themselves with how they were acting.


I placed the breakfast I prepared at the breakfast bar along with the aspirin for Alex's hangover. I heard his door opened and I waited for him to sit. I looked up to him and I smiled secretly, he looked more horrible than me. "Morning." I greeted.


"Morning." he greeted back as he picked his coffee up and took a sip on it. "Ang sakit ng ulo ko." he whined.


"That's for drinking too much." I said and handed him the aspirin "Here drink this." I said.


"Thanks." he said and I just smiled. We ate in silence. I don't want to ask about him and Trisha, it's not my business after all. Alex and I weren't close like Caleb and I. I don't even know if we're friends, sure we hang out but nothing else. We argue most of the times and because of that I don't know what we are.


"So....." I started when we were both on the couch watching ESPN, I grew to like sports especially football and the three of them were to blame for it. I liked watching games with them though.


Alex teared his eyes from the game and stared at me waiting for me to tell him and I couldn't help but feel a little bit nervous. He was overprotective sometimes and I don't know if he will agree with the thing I would be suggesting him. "What?" he asked when I couldn't find my voice.


"Well I want to learn how to drive." There I said it, I would think I said it within 2 seconds, it was so fast that I blurted it all out. I just needed his approval. He was staring at me surprised with what I just said "Caleb told me he could teach me but said that I still need your approval after all you are my 'cousin'." I told him and used my index fingers to quote the word cousin.


I fussed about not knowing how to drive when Caleb and I were watching a race. I whined and whined until he agreed not he'll teach me how to drive if Alex will agree to it. Jeez. They all think that I still need Alex's approval every time. Well I do need it.


He sighed "I'll teach you." he then told me.


Which utterly shocked me. He. Would. Teach. Me. How. To. Drive. Him! Alex would! "You don't need to Caleb offered already." I said brushing his offer off. I know for a fact that if he does teach me then we would argue inside the car for God knows how many hours. I might not learn how to drive! "You're busy, I appreciate the offer though." I said. I really do but it just won't work out. We don't just click!


"Ayaw ko lang magreklamo si Caleb sa akin pagkatapos ka niyang turuan." He told me. What the hell. "I don't want to be embarrassed. I wouldn't want them to think that I have a stupid cousin who can't turn a vacuum on " he smirked.


He just wouldn't let that down would he?


"It was one time! How the hell do you suppose me to know how to turn a freaking vacuum on! I haven't even held one until that day!" I defended. It was when Alex decided we should clean the whole house and I was tasked to vacuum the living room but the thing was I didn't know how to turn it on.


Laugh all you want but in my defense I am a princess.


"Still princess, a four year old would know how to push the freaking green button." His smirked got wider if that was even possible. "So get ready."


"I told you Caleb offered me!" I whined. I won't let him be my instructor because I know one mistake like the vacuum issue then he would always use it against me. "It'd be rude if I turn him down for you!"


"You wouldn't turn him down." Alex said. "Diba mas maganda kung marunong ka na talaga pag tinuruan ka niya, pretend like you were actually listening, it would please him and he would think you're really smart!" he smirked.


I remembered when I was still pretending not knowing Tagalog.


"Sabagay."


He stood up from the couch. "Then get ready." he said and walked towards his room humming.


What's up with him?


Oh well I have to get ready for my driving lessons with Alex. 

Princess on Break Chapter 6

Chapter 6

When I went out of my room, Alex was sitting at the couch trying to watch something on the television but I guess he's just killing time cause the show was his least favorite, how did I know that? Well we sometimes watched shows together before and when I changed the channel to the animal network he seriously told me he hated that channel. How it was plain and boring. 

And yeah he was watching the animal network. 

"I thought you hated that show?" I asked him when I was behind the couch. I got changed and chose to wear the long sleeve black dress, all of the clothes that Alex bought me are let's just say simple and not those dress that most girls wear these days. The dresses that he bought for me barely show skin.

He turned his head to me "I still do." he said as he stood up. "You don't have to go with me." 

I shook my head "It's fine Alex, I figure I can't always be cooped up in your flat right? So might as well give me a tour of this city." I smiled at him "Now let's go." I said when he was looking at me intently.


He led me out of his flat and down to the car park where his car was parked obviously, I opened the door at the backseat but then Alex shut it "No way princess. Dun ka sa harap." he stated "Naiindintihan mo ba ako o yung linya lang kanina yung kabisado mo?" He asked me.


So he was not sure whether I was lying or not. Can that mean I can still play him? Nah I'm too tired with studying. "Of course I understand you Alex. I told you I know it already." I said and opened the door of the backseat once again and hurriedly went inside so that Alex wouldn't throw a fit anymore.


I am so not going to ride at the front seat of his car. I saw him from the tinted window sighing as he walked towards the driver seat. When he entered I leaned forward and encircled my arms into the headrest of the passenger seat "Well hello to you driver." I said "You sure do have many professions." I teased as I reclined back at my seat.


I saw him smirked at me with the mirror. "Princess, kailangan mong magTagalog." He said.


"Nah I don't feel like speaking in Tagalog." I said.


"You don't feel like or you don't know how to?" he dared to ask me.


"Diba dapat madami kang alam sa akin dahil kidnapper kita?" I asked him and he looked at me in the mirror with his eyebrow raised. "Well shouldn't you have some kind of file on me?" I asked.


"I do have a file princess."


"So bakit hindi mo alam na marunong akong magTagalog?" I asked him. Wikipedia knew the languages I am fluent so why the hell was he not?


"Sa tingin mo may oras akong basahin lahat ng bagay na ginagawa mo?" he asked and I nodded "Princess, hindi ko kailangan malaman na may collection ka ng mga porcelain dolls? Ang kailangan ko lang ay yung malaman kung saan ka magpupunta." he said. But how did he know about the doll collection when he said he didn't read it? Was he lying because it slipped him? Maybe he did read it but when he was at the languages he didn't seem to mind, it didn't cross his mind that I am fluent with his native language.


Yeah. That was it. And he didn't want to admit it cause it'd bruise his ego. Guys and their huge egos.


"So saan ulit tayo pupunta?" I asked as I looked over the window to see the streets.


"Sa bagong bar ni Troy. Have you ever been inside a bar princess?" he asked and there was humor in his voice. He must have thought I have never been inside a bar.


"Of course I had." I lied, well truth was I've never been out clubbing, I can't even if I wanted to. Yeah I've been rebelling but I never been in a bar, how can I when there are men in black practically surrounding me? And no my royal body guards are not wearing the red army suit when they're around that's just too superficial.


"You? I don't believe you. How could you even do that when you have your guards?" He asked. He didn't believe me? Well who would anyway?


"Well how did you kidnap when I have guards?" I retorted back.


"Good point." he smiled "I've always knew you're the kind of girl to sneak out."


"And you do know I regret sneaking out that day." I said but I didn't mean it, for once I thought of my kidnapping as a blessing in disguise. I had to live freely. I had given a chance to get away with my overbearing family and country.


"Do you miss them?" He asked suddenly.


"Not really." I said as I looked at the window. It was the truth I don't miss them. I kinda felt free "I do miss nagging my ladies-in-waiting." I smiled at the memory of me giving them hell.


"Why aren't you missing them?" he asked.


I just shrugged "I have no idea." I said but of course I know why, it was all because for the first time in my life, I was free well not free because Alex did kidnap me and yeah I've been in his flat for a week now but I haven't really felt like he did kidnap me, if he would have just asked me that day I would probably come with him and there was no need for the chloroform.


We reached Troy's new bar called The Kingsmen, the name was so funny and lack creativity. There were a lot of people outside and when I said a lot I meant it, there were actually four long rows of people waiting to be let in. Wow was that the impact of a newly opened bar or was it just because it was a bar and it was Friday night?


Being the friend of the owner, the big man in a black shirt, yeah the bouncer as they call that profession let us in. The place was packed with people. It was big and spacious but still packed with people.


Alex placed his hand on my waist as he walked to somewhere, he was leading the way to which I assumed was the VIP lounge. We reached one table and there I saw Troy and Caleb with others whom I still don't know. Alex removed his hand but he then put his arm over my shoulder "Guys pinsan ko si Arabella." he introduced me to the group.


There were 7 of them including Troy and Caleb,  3 girls and 2 other guys. The two guys started at me and the remaining girls glared at me.


"Ara kamusta?" Troy asked when no one in their group actually acknowledged Troy's introduction.


"Fine Troy." I said and smiled sweetly at him. "I must say you're a big success." I complimented and he grinned.


"Sit Ara." Caleb offered as he moved a little and so I did sit beside him and murmured my thanks. "Alex didn't say he's going with you." he said.


"Oh I wasn't supposed to come with him but he changed his mind when he couldn't trust me to be alone in his flat." I told Caleb.


"Alex bakit hindi ko alam na may iba ka pang pinsan?" a girl asked, this one girl in particular was the one who glared at me, well they all did but hers was different, if only looks could kill as they say I was already dead with the deadly glare she was sending me.


"Hindi ko kailangan ireport sayo ang buhay ko Trish." Alex said as he sat beside me. "I thought I made myself clear that you're going to speak in Tagalog princess." he said to me.


I groaned "Why can't I just speak comfortably with my preferred language?" I asked him.


He smirked "Because you said so yourself that you're fluent."


"I take it back!" I said.


He just chuckled. "No can do princess."


"Dude haggang ngayon tinatawag mo parin si Ara na princess?" Troy asked disbelievingly.


"Bakit mo siya tinatawag na princess?" I assumed this girl was Trisha or simply Trish for Alex. She sounded so jealous. Because I am idiot.


"Stop acting like a jealous girlfriend Trish at tatawagin ko siya kung anong gusto ko dahil pinsan ko siya." Alex said and I huffed when I heard him say pinsan yeah right, we're cousins.


They all looked at me "What? Am I not allowed to breathe?" I asked.


The other two guys introduced themselves as Marcus and Aaron, and the two girls which I also assumed to be Trisha's minions introduced themselves too as Dana and Stacey. Trisha was still giving me her deadly glares but I didn't mind for I was happy conversing with Caleb.


Alex got up and asked me what drink I want and champagne was at the tip of my tongue but then I remembered I was in a bar, what do they drink in a bar anyway? I supposed I should drink those girly drinks, I turned my gaze over to Trisha's drinks, it was pink. What kind of drink was that?


Alex must have noticed that I frowned because he smirked "Troy a bottle of Dome." he said to Troy but he was still looking at me and telling me that I lied to him. "We're celebrating Arabella's arrival in Manila." he said and sat again beside me. "Liar." he whispered into my ears that made me shiver.


Troy stood up and went over to call someone to bring us the bottle. They did talk to me now, and Trisha was being friendly to me now, I don't know why though. Alex forbid them to converse with me in English and I hate him for that. But I was fluent in Tagalog so there was no problem except the accent.


Finally they all seemed to go and dance, so they went to the dance floor while I stayed with Caleb. I don't want to dance, no not ever.


"Kailan ka pa natutong magTagalog? You sound so fluent already." Caleb complimented.


"Marunong na talaga akong mag Tagalog. I was just playing with Alex." I said while I was playing with my glass. "You should have seen Alex every time he was teaching me, the look in his face when I pretended I don't understand a thing." I smiled at the memory of Alex's furious face.


"So all along naiintindihan mo na kami nung naguusap kami nila Alex?" He asked, he was bewildered with what I just admitted.


"Of course. Si Alex lang naman ang nag assume na hindi ako marunong mag Tagalog eh. I never said I can't."


Me and Caleb talked more and it was relaxing talking with someone other than Alex, then I looked over the dance floor and saw Trisha and Alex together, Trisha's body were all over Alex's and it was pretty sensual. Earlier Alex acted like Trisha was just the crazy-ex but now if you look at them, he was acting like Trisha is his girlfriend.


What's the deal between the two anyway?


"Hey Caleb?" I called Caleb "Are they dating?" I asked as my eyes never left Alex and Trisha's whereabouts.


"Ex." answered Caleb as he also looked at the two dancing.


"What happened?"


"Well they broke up." he said


"Bakit naman?"


"Ewan. Siguro dahil gusto ni Trisha na mag trabaho na si Alex sa kompanya ng pamilya nito pero ayaw kasi ni Alex sa sumunod sa yapak ng dad niya kaya ayun nag break sila. Trisha wanted a successful man and well Alex was far from the successful man Trisha dreamed to have. He was a bum." Caleb told me. So where does this one include him kidnapping me? If he was some jobless man then why does he have a huge flat and also a flashing car? "Trisha wanted Alex to be groomed to be the next CEO and well Alex was never the type of man to stay inside an office for 8 or more hours, so yeah Alex and Trisha broke up because he got suffocated and well Trisha drew an ultimatum and being Alex he chose to break it up." he continued "Nawala si Alex ng 6 months pero nung bumalik siya, madaming nagbago sa kanya, nakabili siya sa sarili niyang pera ng kotse at nung unit niya ngayon."


Maybe I am not the first rich girl Alex kidnapped. So he was really expecting a huge amount of ransom from the royal family. How much would that be, I wonder.


"Pero bakit parang hinahabol parin siya ni Trisha?" I asked.


"Trisha regret giving that ultimatum and when Alex came back with a new aura in him well she wanted him still pero ewan ko lang kay Alex, sabi niya ayaw na niya kay Trisha pero sometimes they do act like they're still together." Caleb said. "I guess that's love?"


I huffed and he turned to look at me "What?" I asked him.


"You don't believe in love?"


"I do." I answered. Of course I believed in love but I don't believe it lasts. "Kung mahal nila ang isa't isa bakit hindi sila magbalikan?"


"I don't know. I haven't been in love." Caleb admitted.


It was my turn to look at him wide eyes "You. Haven't. Been. In. Love?" I asked and he nodded "How could that be?" I asked again.


"I guess I haven't found the right girl."


"But you can also be in love with the wrong person, can't you?" I said because I knew that love is unpredictable and it isn't about the right person, it is how your heart beat fast and there's sparks fly.


"Maybe. Pero sa lahat ng babae na naging girlfriend ko, wala akong naramdman. Sabi nila baka daw nagyeyelo yung puso ko pero hindi ko pa talaga nararamdaman iyon." he said. I guess he was right somehow. "Let's change the topic, Alex told me to offer you a job at my coffee shop." he said.


My jaw dropped with what he just announced. Me? Working? At a coffee shop to top it all? What the hell? "W--what?" I asked still shocked. "Me?" I pointed a finger at myself. "Working?" I asked and he nodded "No that can't be." I said shaking my head.


"Well you can talk about it with Alex but you're welcome to work there." he said casually.


I stood up ready to strangle Alex's neck. "Excuse me." I told Caleb and started to walk towards the dance floor where Alex was. When I reached Alex and Trisha, I pulled Alex away, well I tried but he was strong so I just got his attention.


He looked at me irritated "What do you need princess?" he asked me like he was bored.


I glared at him more. "You! Daft. Arsehole." I started insulting him which shocked him "Vous! Ravisseur stupide qui pensez-vous que vous êtes pour me forcer à travailler. Connard! Je suis une princesse et vous osez décider ce que je devrais faire. Putain. Fils de pute!" I said. When I am really fuming mad, I get to start speaking in French. Don't ask me why but I just do.


"Alright princess." Alex said "Calm down." he said as he placed both his hands over my shoulder and looked at me "I can't understand  whatever you just said but I do believe you just cursed at me." he said "So what's the problem?" he asked.


I noticed that some of the people at the dance floor stopped from dancing and were watching us both, Trisha's jaw dropped open. "Vous!" I started again but Alex cut me off.


"In English princess." he said and I glared at him once again when he smirked. "Ok, I guess we should talk privately." he said and led me out of the dance floor, Trisha followed us and when Alex noticed "Go away Trish, maguusap kami." he said.  Trisha left and Alex led me to the hallway of the rest rooms. "So explain your sudden outburst princess." he said in a very authoritative tone. "And I expect it you be in English."


I breathe deeply "Why did you tell Caleb to offer me a job?" I asked.


"Because you will be working."


"No!" I said


"Don't fight this one with me princess." he said and there was a warning in his voice. "You need to earn your keep." he said.


And all I saw was red. I was really angry and I forced myself not to speak in French "You kidnapped me and now you want me to work?"


"Yes. Is that so hard princess? I won't be forever feeding you."


"You!" I pointed angrily to him. "Vous m'avez enlevé il est donc de votre devoir de me nourrir et me faire sentir réconforté. Trou du cul. Je suis une princesse et pensez-vous que je puisse travailler à un café boiteux?"


"I told you to speak in English!" he growled.


"I don't want to work. You can't force me to work. I'm a princess and you should respect me. No work."


"So you expect to be forever locked up inside my place?" he asked.


"YES!" I said "Well not exactly but I don't want to work!" I protested.


He moved closer to me and because of how he looked at me, I was scared so I moved backwards and then I hit the wall. Where can I escape this man? "You will work princess." he said "I told you before, I make all the decisions not you. So if you want to go home soon, you'll obey me." he said and his voice was really scary that I just nodded "Good." he smiled creepily.


I looked at his eyes and his eyes were showing the glint f victory, his eyes were mesmerizing. He has a beautiful black eyes and it suited him.


He was still close to me and his smile faded the moment I stared at his eyes. "You sound so feisty when you spoke in French." he said huskily. He trailed his finger in my face then it lingered in my lips. His touch was electrifying and I don't know why. He leaned closer and closer that I anticipated what was next to happen but it didn't happen.


"Ara." Caleb's voice interrupted whatever was supposed to happen.


I pushed Alex away and turned my back on him to look at Caleb "Caleb." I called and smiled as I walked towards him.


"Princess." Alex called me but I didn't turn to look back at him.


I reached Caleb and he asked me what was wrong and I can't answer him because I don't exactly know what happened.


Bloody hell.


My kidnapper was to kiss me.


And I anticipated the kiss.

Princess on Break Chapter 5

Chapter 5

I woke up from the banging of the door, I groaned as I heard it. It's been a week since Alex kidnapped me and it's been a torture for me. He would wake me up at 6 in the morning and we would study until midnight. I was so tired that I wanted to scream at him and tell him I know the language already but I didn't. 

I didn't cause I thought I could also make his life a living hell since he has been doing it for me. He was frustrated just as I was. But this has to stop. I need to rest properly. So I decided to act that I finally learned like sort of a miracle or maybe I could tell him I have a photographic memory or something like that.


I'm pretty sure I am a good liar, I got away with pulling Cassandra's hair when we were still young, she cried telling everybody that I pulled her hair but I put on a good show and pretended to be hurt by her accusation, told them that she was the one who pulled my hair. They got mad of course that was the time I was still the first in line to the throne.


But things changed when they found out the gender of the child my mother was carrying, of course it was a boy and that sucked because I was no longer the adored 3 year old princess. All things were about mom being pregnant again and it's a boy.


I hated it. I hated my brother for stealing my spotlight. Life's so unfair in the British Royalties, why does boys always get the spotlight. I mean I am the eldest child but then my mother got pregnant with a boy and I ranked down to second.


And that's why I became the most hated princess of all time. I rebelled. I got mad. I had tantrums but they couldn't care less because they were busy ogling my brother. I was left out and pretty much due to me being well me, Cassandra suddenly became the adored princess. And I being the obnoxious princess that I am.


Alex started knocking again "Princess, come on get up." he yelled.


I got up from the bed "I'm up." I announced as I walked towards the bathroom to take a long shower, this would make Alex go crazy. After showering, I took my time from choosing what to wear for today.


After a long deliberation, I decided with a plain summer dress and went out of my room. I walked towards the kitchen and saw Alex reading the newspaper while holding his cup of coffee. I stood across the breakfast bar and saw that he already poured me my cup of coffee and that there were toasts in my plate. I mumbled a little thank you.


He didn't say anything just kept on reading the newspaper and I ate my piece quietly. That was until I saw the headline of the newspaper. Prince Benedict spotted at Las Vegas with Victoria Secret model Sasha Wayne.


I rolled my eyes, I'm pretty sure he got away with that one. I'm sure it's all positive. And if he ever decided to marry that Sasha, my father would have consented the marriage. Ben is after all the well-favored.


"Stupid Ben." I murmured. Me and Ben doesn't get along, or he tried but I just can't. Call me whatever you think I am and tell me that I am just jealous but I hated Ben because since he was born, I was left out. He would do something stupid but they would let him off the hook but not me.


They'd reprimand me saying I'm the eldest so I should set an example but why can't they tell that to Ben? Since the heir apparent and he should be the one with good image not me but no, he always get away and not me.


"I take it you're not fond of your brother being with the model?" I heard Alex voiced, I looked up and saw him staring at me.


"What did the news say exactly?"  I asked.


"Just a wild night at Vegas." He answered. "And that it is speculated that your brother proposed to Sasha Wayne." he said in a matter-of-fact tone.


I snorted and he looked at me "What?" I asked I was getting irritated by how he looked at me.


"Nothing. Nothing." he said nonchalantly.


"Why couldn't you just kidnap my brother instead of me?" I asked him when the thought of that model being my sister-in-law and be the queen consort. How could I let that happen?


Alex chuckled and I fought the urge to throw my remaining toast to him but I was hungry so I decided not to. "Why do you hate your brother so much?" he asked in a dead serious tone.


I do hate Ben but I don't admit it to people. I guess they just see it right through me. "I guess it's because of my bruised ego." I tried to say it as if I was just joking, I don't know if he bought it though. "Because he was born as a he and not a she." I said.


"You hate him because of his gender?" He asked. "You're such a feminist."


I rolled my eyes "It's not like that, I was the first in line to the throne then he came along."


"You want it so bad that you ended up hating your brother?" He asked and I saw the way he looked at me, the disbelief. And how he finally defined who I am. He thinks I hate my brother because I want to be the successor to the throne after my father. That's all they thought of me.


That I'm acting out to get their attention.


I just shrugged, not minding what he really thought of me anymore because they're all the same. They all labeled me as the princess who is acting out because she can never be queen. I didn't say anything and just ate my remaining toast.


They all think I want to be the queen and that's why I'm rebelling but can't they see? I'm like this because they wouldn't care about me. I'm always wrong even if I'm right. Ben is always right. It's always Ben the perfect son, Ben the perfect prince, Ben who never makes mistakes, Ben who will be the King.


And it's always Arabella the spoiled brat, Arabella the obnoxious princess, Arabella the rebel, Arabella who's always wrong, Arabella the disappointment, Arabella who will never be Queen.



"Have you hated him ever since he was born?" he asked again.


I didn't answer him, what's the use?


I was happy when my mother got pregnant even if we found out it was a boy. I wanted another sibling. I know my spotlight had been taken away from me at that moment but it was fine in the beginning. It was. But it all changed when I was 7 years old.


Ben wanted us to play inside the gallery with his new ball, I knew we shouldn't because Maria had always told me never play inside the palace. But little Ben insisted so we played with Cassandra, then Ben hit the vase and it got broken.


I was panicking and I started to tell Ben that we were in big trouble, he started to cry along with Cassandra. When a staff came and saw what happened, she reported immediately to the king. Dad asked us what happened and I being the eldest told him that Ben broke it. Ben started crying again. Cassandra then interrupted and told dad that I was the one who broke it, dad asked Ben and he pointed at me.


Dad was so mad at me for lying and putting the blame on my little brother. The vase Ben broken was supposed to be auctioned at the charity event later that evening. And that was the first time I was told I was a big disappointment.


I hated Ben since then. No one believed me because how could the sweet little prince could lie and point the blame on his big sister?


For a seven year old girl to be told as a disappointment, it pretty much ruined my childhood. Since then I am always the disappointment. No wonder they could care less about my condition.


"Princess?" Alex called, I then snapped from zoning out and looked at him "I said finish your breakfast and we'll continue with your study."


Suddenly I was no mood for this things, I just wanted to go to my room. "Marunong na akong magTagalog, niloloko nalang kita na hindi pa ako marunong pero mabilis akong makaintindi kaya can I just please go to my room?" I asked. I don't care anymore if he finds out the truth, I just want to go back to my room.


Alex was taken aback by what I just told him, it was written in his face. "Go." he just said.


"Thank you." I muttered and walked towards my room.


When I entered my room, I closed the door and locked it. I fell on my knees and just started crying. My family don't care where I am right now. They believed the worst in me.


If Ben was the one who got kidnapped, would they look more into the letter? Would they believe that he just got bored with his life and decided to have a vacation? Or would they look for him?


Because as for me, they didn't look for me, they didn't ask any questions to why I was nowhere to be found in Boracay. They believed the letter and maybe they are all thinking what a disappointment I am to them. I left the event without even informing them.


How could they not looked for me? I know I am not important as Ben but I am still their daughter, I was their first born, shouldn't they feel worried?


I cried the whole day and when I looked at myself in the mirror I found my eyes swollen, I took a long cold shower. I decided to face Alex, I know he has questions to ask and I'm quite hungry.


When I went out of my room, I saw Alex in the living room tying his tie. Is he going somewhere? He haven't left the flat since we got here so is he?


"Are you going somewhere?" I asked.


He then turned to me and nodded "Troy's bar is opening tonight and he invited me." he answered. "There's an ice cream at the fridge. And when I get home we'll see if you really do know how to speak." he said.


I smiled at him "You're leaving me alone?" I asked excitedly and he nodded "Me alone?" I pointed at myself "Aren't you afraid that I am going to call the consulate and ask them to pick me up?" I asked him.


He then looked like he was thinking something "Right. Then you're coming with me princess."


"Wh-what?" I asked. I thought I was to be alone tonight?


"You said it yourself. You might call them and I can't let that happen."


"I was just joking Alex. I won't leave, I promise. Don't you trust me?" I asked. I wasn't really leaving, being here is much better than home. If they don't want me there then might as well stay here where I can find solace.


"I don't." Alex said. He doesn't trust me, who would anyway? "So go and change."


I smiled weakly at him "You know even if you kidnapped me I do trust you. I don't know why but I do. I thought that you leaving me here alone would mean that you trust me too." I said and turned around to walk towards my room again.


"Arabella wait." he said but I didn't look back and just walked away.

Princess on Break Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I looked at him with disbelief, did he just tell me I am an obnoxious princess? "I am not!" I almost yelled at him but I remained calm. I don't want this guy to think that he hit some nerves.


Although I am well aware that I am really obnoxious, I still don't want others telling me straight to my face that I am. They have no right to tell a princess she's obnoxious, especially when it comes to me. I may not be the loved Princess of the British people for I have always been throwing tantrums and they much preferred my cousin. But what can they do about it? I'm the daughter of the king not her and she will always be beneath me when it comes to the line of succession.


Alex then smirked at me "Oh but you are princess." he said "Now come on, let's get back to my friends and you need to behave." he warned me.


And to my surprised also his, I nodded. He dismissed whatever he was about to say and opened the door and held my hand as we walked back to the living room. His friends were watching some lame football game and eating pizza with beer in their hands. Typical males.


Caleb turned his head to us as he slid the pizza down his throat. Eeew gross. Don't they know how to eat properly? "We ordered pizza, hope you eat pizza Ara." he said to me. Wait did he just call me Ara? No one ever call me Ara because of course I am a princess and they call me with formalities and that is "your highness" and my parents would call me by my full name Arabella not Ara.


I was about to tell him that I don't want him calling me Ara because they should respect me for I am a princess but of course I stopped myself knowing that I can't tell them who I really am. I sighed and smiled at him, a fake one of course. "I don't eat pizza." I answered him.


"Nonsense!" Alex exclaimed and went to the table to grab a slice and when he got back to me he handed me the pizza in his hand. I stared blank at his hand then at him. Why would I eat the pizza that has been in his hands? That's disgusting. "Oh come on princess, it's not like my hand is dirty." he said.


"Can't you just put it down in a plate and give me a knife and a fork?" I asked him.


He laughed at me "Arabella stop being a princess and just eat the pizza how normal people would eat it." he ordered me when his face became serious.


Oh how I wanted to scream at him telling him I am a princess but I fought the urge and harshly took it from his hand and I bit a small portion of the pizza. I sat at the couch and he sat down with me with a beer in his hand.


I just continued eating and when I finished my slice of pizza, I grabbed another. Sorry I was hungry. And I rolled my eyes when they looked at me with their eyes telling me how amused they were.


Alex stood up and went somewhere and when he got back, he threw me a book and I stared at it and then looked up to see Alex. "You need to study." he said and I stared back at the book which apparently was a Filipino-English dictionary. "I'll be your teacher." he said.


I wanted to say there's no need but of course I didn't. I would make this hell for him. I'll pretend that I am having a hard time learning when the truth is I am fluent already and don't need a dictionary or him to learn the language.


He escorted me to the dining table where we sat across each other and he then opened one of the dictionaries he bought for me. The guys were watching of course, they couldn't stop staring at the television since the game started.


He pushed the dictionary in front of me and I stared at it for a while. Then I took it and I started pretending I was reading. A few minutes passed and he cleared his throat and I stopped from my pretend-read and glared at him. "Now, I want you to speak in Filipino. Anything that you've learned so far." he said.


And I smiled deviously "Panget ka." I said.


His jaw dropped but he immediately masked his surprised by his smug expression "Is that all princess? I thought you were some kind of genius?" he asked probing me to speak up again.


"Maganda ako." I spoke which caused laughter for him. I glared at him but he was still laughing his heart out. "What's so funny with what I just said?" I asked him "It's true anyway." I said nonchalantly.


"You really are a narcissistic princess aren't you?"He asked with an amused grin plastered in his face.


If looks can kill, Alex would have probably been dead already. Oh how I wish I could strangle his neck! My hands are itching from doing so but I refrain myself, it's no proper act. I'm a princess so will they not press charges against me?


"Just speak again." he said giving up on me fighting him back. I wouldn't waste my energy on him. It's not worth it.


"Inaantok na ako."I told him.


He smiled at me and I don't know why "That's good. But you should learn the basics first, like kamusta, anong pangalan mo." he instructed.


Didn't he hear me? I told him I was sleepy and yet he's ignoring it? How dare him. I sighed and just proceeded "Kamusta ka na Alex?" I asked.


He grinned "Mabuti naman Arabella." he said and I glared at him. "You should get used to being called Arabella and not Princes or Your highness."he told me.


"No. You will call me your highness no matter what." I glared at him "I am a princess and respect should be at place." I said through gritted teeth.


He sighed maybe he just found out that he can never win this argument with me, that I won't ever let him call me Arabella, I might let others call me Arabella but not him when he knows who I am. "You're my cousin remember and not a princess."


"Your friends Caleb and Troy can call me Arabella but not you, you will address me as princess or your highness." I ordered him.


He looked at me with his deadly eyes and I know he's frustrated but then he just sighed like he was defeated. Good. "As you wish princess." he was mocking me.


But that's fine I guess. I don't really feel like having another argument with him, I just want to rest and I know he wouldn't let me.


He taught me his language and I pretended that I was listening when my mind was already preoccupied with how I can kill him quietly.


I didn't know how long we stayed at the dining table with him sprouting nonsense and I thinking of ways of killing him. But then maybe it lasted an hour, Caleb and Troy came and joined us at our table and they each took a dictionary and read it.


"Anong pangalan ko?"Troy asked me in a very demeaning way, it's like he was talking to some daft person.


I rolled my eyes "Your name is Troy." I said and Alex looked at me and shook his head. Ugh. "Ang pangalan mo ay Troy." I said.


They were pretty amazed when I spoke, and that gave me creeps. "Dude narining mo ba siya? May accent!" Troy said. I refrained from rolling my eyes at his stupid remark.


Of course there would be an accent. Stupid Troy. Stupid Alex for laughing. He had heard me and yet he was still laughing with Troy.


Only Caleb wasn't stupid among them. "Ara bakit ka napunta sa Pilipinas?" He asked me.


Why? Ask your stupid friend! I am supposed to be on a plane right now going back to my home! But your friend here decided to kidnap me!


I wanted to scream that one but I didn't. "Bakasyon."I told him and I saw how Alex smirked.


The four of us stayed at the dining table with Troy and Alex constantly teasing me while Caleb was doing a pretty good job on teaching me.


Few hours later, Alex decided it was time for Caleb and Troy to leave and so they said goodbye to me and also to Alex and left the flat. I thought we were going to rest but Alex said he was hungry and truthfully I was too.


"Cook some food princess." He said while he was picking the box of pizza and the bottles at the table in the living room.


I was standing behind the couch with my arms folded and I raised my eyebrow when he asked me to cook, I looked at him asking him if he was daft or just hungry that he forgot who I am.


"Oh right, hindi pala to marunong magluto" he said and I was pretty sure he spoke Filipino for me not to understand him. Ha.


He though I couldn't cook? That's funny. Of course I can cook, I only raised my eyebrow because I was not his maid for him to order around but I know how to cook. What's the use of having a world-class kitchen when you won't use it right?


I tormented our chefs from time to time and they taught me how because they were pretty tired with my torment.


I walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to scan for the ingredients and I grabbed three eggs and a rosemary and closed it again. I noticed Alex sat on the chair at the breakfast bar and I didn't mind him instead I went to the counter and took a mixing bowl.


I cooked an omelet because I wanted to eat something light. I placed two plates in the breakfast bar and gave Alex his piece and mine also.


I waited for Alex to eat but he was also waiting for me, I growled in frustration with this man "Come on I didn't put any poison there!" I said. He raised his eyebrow "I wasn't taught to do that because apparently if you want to kill someone you don't need to be discreet about it after all you can always get away with it. And why would you let the person enjoy his death when you can torture him?"


He laughed with my remark and started to eat. Good. He then looked at me and smiled "Job well done princess." he said. I also ate my piece silently. It's a good thing he shut his mouth right now I wanted to eat peacefully. "Anong pangalan mo princess?"he asked me. So who was I kidding again? Alex won't ever shut his mouth!


"Her Royal Highness, The Princess Arabella Katerina Elizabeth, Princess Royal."I answered him.


He looked defeated "I mean your name now. Not that one." He said. I looked at him in confusion. "Remember you're my cousin?" He said.


"So what's my name? Just Arabella?" I asked.


He nodded "Arabella Hart." he said and I laughed loudly. Really Hart? This man is just... "You don't like Hart?"he asked.


"It's fine." I said. "So you are Alexander Hart is that it?" I asked.


It was his turn to laughed at me and I glared at him "That's for you princess. Your English so you should have a different last night with me." he said. "I am Alexander Monte Vista."he introduced himself.


I just nodded at him. It seems that Alex had already planned the whole charade.


He volunteered to clean the dishes and I could go rest and so I didn't hesitate and just went back to room he installed me in. I fixed my bed and also the clothes that were in it. I placed it all in the closet and I walked back to the bed and I decided to sleep.


I guess it wasn't so bad after all.


I heard a knock from the door and it opened slightly, I didn't look anymore because it's just Alex "Good night princess." he said and closed the door again.