Episode 15

Chapter 14

I just woke up and I was already sitting on my bed. I look so haggard now. I can't sleep well just because of the thought of what I said yesterday.

“I Love You Jethro…”

My eyes widened. “KYAAAH!!” I shouted and covered my face with a pillow. So, this is how it feels when you confessed— wait a minute, CONFESS?! NO! I DIDN'T CONFESSED!! Lacey just forced me to say that! That's all. End of story!

But, I can feel butterflies in my stomach that I could not understand.

Eish! I shook my head. Yani get yourself together. I just got out of bed and went straight to the CR.

Wait, how many tour have I been? I counted… only seven and then there are eight princes so there’s only one more. Who is the eight one?

I was thinking while brushing my teeth and when I realized who the last and eight prince that would tour me, I immediately spilled the water I was gargling in no time.

Oh My Gash! HE IS THE EIGHTH ONE! It just means, HE IS MY TOUR GUIDE NOW! Oh my! Wrong timing.

After tidying up, I stopped in front of my door. Is he really my tour guide now? Can the other prince replace him first? Huhu. I'm not ready yet.

I was holding the door knob and I could see my hand is trembling. I just wish now, I hope he is not out of this door yet. I took a deep breath… and let it out. Okay. I opened the door with my eyes closed.

I opened my left eye to peek. He is not yet in front of me. I took a deep breath. Thank goodness.

"...you’re so slow to change."

I was a little surprised. Am I just imagining that? I turned to my right. He was leaning against the right wall of my door. My eyes widened in shock.

"Let's go—"

BOOGSH! I immediately closed the door very loudly.

SHACKS! He's already here! As in, HE'S HERE!! I thought he wasn’t there yet! Why didn't I feel he was there?! Why do I feel so warm right now?! Is it because it’s spring and that I am wearing a jacket ?! Probably Yani... you’re blushing again.

My eyes widened again and I shook my head again. Waahh!! What’s with these thoughts?!

"Yani," he called across the door while knocking. "What's going on?" he asked coldly.

I was speechless. "We need to go to the cabin to finish the tour," he added.

"Uhm uhh... ca-can the tour be tomorrow?!" I stuttered. Huhu. I'm not really ready yet.

"Why?"

“Huh? Uhm we-well... because I wanted to! Tomorrow please?!”

He did not speak.

Suddenly the surroundings became quiet. What does that mean, he left? Did I convince him? I opened the door again to look.

Great. He’s still here. Now, he is leaning against the wall just in front of me with his arms crossed and his head bowed.

"Are you ready?" he asked coldly and raised his head and looked straight into my eyes.

I was speechless at what he did and scared because of his stare. "You have a tour today, whether you like it or not," he said very seriously.

"Bu-but we-well uhm..."

"Follow me if you don’t want me to carry you just to take you there."

WHAATT?! "Okay, okay. This is it. Let's go,” I panicked immediately and I walked away and he followed behind me.

None of us spoke as we walked out until I gradually felt the surroundings get cold. It also started to snow on our way. We stopped at a large gate made of ice. Brr, it’s cold.

"Put on the hood of your jacket," he ordered while just looking at the gate.

“Huh? Why?” I wonder in question.

“They will attack you because they know you are not from here. They think you are a bad person even if I am with you,” he replied coldly.

"Okay," at the same time I wore it.

"Hold my hand so you won’t get lost."

I was shocked just looking at the hand he offered. Is he serious?! Is the Jethro I know who is really with me now?!

"Wa-wait u-uhm I-I’m okay," I stammered.

"Are you sure?" he asked me curiously.

God. He was serious. “Ye-yes. Promise,” I assured.

He just looked at me coldly and didn't say a word as he walked inside the open gate. Thank goodness... but that left me unsatisfied.... THE HELL YANI!! I’m already speaking English.

When I entered, ooohhh Ice buildings. Awesome. It’s so cool here. He did not speak much. He just said what he had to say. What more could I expect. The special thing about ice people, their body temperature is about 10 degrees celsius so imagine how cold it is. It was as if their bodies were dead. They don’t like foods or drinks that are hot or even spicy because they can get sick.

We entered the house of an ice person here and of course no one lives here. All the furniture inside is made of ice as well as their bed while their pillows, mats and blankets are made of soft snow.

"We rarely go out of the house and the Ice Cabin itself during the summer in the Main Cabin because we cannot stand the heat," he explained. "In a little while we get soaked in the heat, we can die."

"Is that so?" I answered. "Why do I sometimes see ice people in the Main Cabin this spring?"

“When spring starts, we can still cope with the heat because winter has just ended or we can make our own "flurry", a cloud floating in our heads giving us cold wherever we go."

I was curious there. "How is that?"

He first gave me a serious look before snapping his finger and then suddenly there was a flurry on top of me. I raised my head and was marveled.

"That's a flurry," he said. "This is one of the things every ice person learns at the Ice Academy."

I heard what he said but I was still focused on the flurry. I opened my two palms once a snowflake fell on it.

"Wow that's great," I said in amazement.

I was just focusing on the snowflake in my palm when it suddenly melted and I was surprised when he snapped his finger again so the flurry disappeared.

“Aww. Wait—"

"Let's go to my place," he cut me off as he turned around and walked away.

I just watched him leave. Great. I am already enjoying the flurry. I also want to learn that but what will I do with it if I learned it?

We arrived in front of an ice palace. Wow. Nice.

"Uhm I have a question," I said while still looking at the palace.

"What?"

"You made this ice palace, didn't you?"

"Yes."

“Wow. You’re amazing,” I smiled and at the same time I looked at him.

He just averted my eyes and I realized what I had done. I suddenly felt my face heat up again. Just great.

We entered the building I was referring to earlier. Everything is really made of ice; from the poles, stairs, walls, doors, windows, all of it. So COOL.

We went straight to his office. Upon opening, the tables and chairs are also made of ice. I sat on the soft snow cushion of a couch and of course it’s cold. He sat down at his desk and like the other princes, he began to write.

There is the awkward silence again. Of all the eight of them, he’s the only prince I did not want to talk to. I have no intention of starting a topic because first of all, I don’t know what to say and secondly what else can I say.

"Are you thirsty?" he asked breaking the silence.

I was slightly surprised and I looked at him. "Oh uhm no-not really," I replied.

"Aren't you tired?"

“Huh? Well, not really. We just walked earlier.”

"Why are your cheeks getting red?"

I was surprised by his last question. "What?!"

"Your face is red."

Ows? “N-no ah. I-I'm not blushing,” I said in denial.

"Look at the floor if you want to prove it."

I did it because the floor was made of ice, and that I could clearly see my reflection. Shacks. It’s true.

"Are you sick?" he asked.

"Ha-hah? N-no,” I replied.

"Then what?"

What will I say? Because I'm blushing? What?! "We-well.... uhm uhh...i-its uhh, wind burn."

He was confused by my answer. "Wind burn?"

“Yes! When it’s too cold uhm my face heats up.” Please work. Please. I hope he doesn't ask again.

He let out a sigh. "All right," was his sparing answer. I breathed a sigh of relief at what he said. That's so close. Good thing my excuse worked.

There was an enveloping silence again between us. Up until now, I can still feel the awkwardness. What can we talk about? No, don't. Do not intend to speak Yani. You might say something in no time.

There was only silence between us. This silence is deafening. What then? Doesn't he love music? Ah that's it. Let’s just see where this goes.

“Jethro. / Yani.”

We were both surprised because we spoke together. Ops.

"You first," we both said it again at the same time.

We looked away from each other after that. Okay. That’s the sign Yani. I wish I hadn't spoken earlier because it was more awkward.

"You go first," he said.

I looked at him. “Ah it's okay. It doesn't matter anyways so you go first.”

"Important or not, just say it."

Oh great. This is where this conversation is heading.

"Uhm well, I forgot so I'll think about it first so you go first," I said as an excuse.

He just looked at me and I immediately avoided it. What I’m about to say is not really important. He also returned his gaze to his desk and there was a passing silence.

"Wait, don't tell me you forgot—"

"Am I still numb… do you think?" he interrupted.

I stopped talking and could not speak to his question. I looked at him for a while because of that question. Shacks! I didn't really expect that. What should I answer?

I let out a sigh. Eh what else. It’s already obvious.

"Yes," I replied. He suddenly averted his eyes from me and just looked at his desk because he seemed to dislike my answer.

"Ah I mean yes on the first time we met..." I added so he looked at me again. "...but during the time we were together uhm... you changed..." and touched the back of my neck.

I don't know if it's embarrassing or what but I feel really warm from what I'm saying. “Although, you still talk like that but uhm... I'm used to it. It looks like you are really trying to change but I don't think you are really numb. You are just sad so that is how you treat others.”

He was surprised again.

“Uhm uhh again, what I mean is uhm… that’s just my opinion. Uhm just tell me if I am wrong—”

"How did you know?" he cut me off again which surprised me.

Does that mean my guess is correct? That the reason he is numb is because he is sad?

I turned to him and smiled. "Because I once felt that."

He didn't say a word so I just kept going. "It's not like uhm you know numb but I know the feeling that you are alone and you think no one in this world understand you."

I looked at him who is just staring at his table.

"Actually…" I avoided looking at him. “…every time our paths meet after each of my tours, I don't know if you noticed but I do not leave your side because uhm, yes I want to help but well uhm I also want to see the kindness that you hide inside you so I am so happy— ”

TOOGSH!! He suddenly landed his hand on the table very loudly so I fell silent and was very surprised.

“Ouch! Sh*t!” he muttered as he held his chest and squeezed it.

Extreme pain was evident on his face. I got up immediately. "Jethro, are you okay?!" I panicked.

He looked at me while panting. "Yani... get out first."

“Huh? But maybe— ”

"Please Yani," he begged.

I was surprised by what he said. “Bu-but I want to help. Maybe I can do something,” I assured him.

“Yani— Ouch!!” and he looked down. “Sh*t! It hurts!!"

“Jethro—”

“YANI PLEASE! GET OUT!” he shouted.

I just stiffened in my position and was speechless with what he did and at the same time I was scared.

I bowed my head down and turned around and went out of his office and immediately closed the door. I stood for a moment in front of it.

I just want to help. For some unknown reason, tears welled up in my eyes. His chest always hurts that I don't know why then he just says he's okay?! After everything that I said, it was just like that. It’s making me angry.

A tear fell from my eyes. I’m even crying at what he did. I wiped it off and immediately ran out of his palace. A few noticed me. It's a good thing that I'm still wearing my hood.

When I came out, I stopped in front of the palace door panting. So, that's where our conversation goes. I really wish I hadn't just spoken and thought of talking to him. Everything I just said earlier was for nothing because, he’s still really numb. Whatever I think and do, it 's really hard for someone like him to change.

I also went down the stairs and walked around the Ice Cabin. I want to go back to the Main Cabin but even though we just toured here, I still can't remember the way back. It's always like this every tour and I'm used to have someone with me to guide me. I was walking without looking at the road.

Bogsh. I bumped into someone.

“Hey! Watch where you're going!” she complained.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to,” and I raised my head.

She was shocked. Shacks, I’m so stupid. "Wait, you are not an ice girl."

“Huh? Uhm I—” the wind blew so hard that I covered my face and at the same time my hood was removed. Oh no! Why now?!

“You are not an ice girl! AN INTRUDER!” she shouted so most of the people around us got the attention.

“No wait. You don't understand— ”

“You are coming with us to Prince Jethro.”

I did not speak again when I heard his name and ran away.

“AFTER HER!!”

Why am I so unlucky in this cabin?! Anyone please… HELP ME!!

I was hiding but there were ice people in every corner so they could see me right away.

"There she is!" I turned around and would have run but there were also ice people blocking the way. Shacks. I have no escape.

“Wait please. Hear me out!” I beg.

“Explain yourself in front of Prince Jethro.”

I was speechless and just looked for a hole in between the crowd to get through there and run away. Suddenly a woman from the crowd flew in front of me which surprised us all.

“Stop this instance! This girl is not an intruder,”s he said immediately full of authority.

“But look at her hair. She's not even an ice girl,” said one of them.

"Yes she isn't but she's a special guest of Prince Jethro," the woman replied seriously.

“How is that possible? Prince Jethro would never bring a girl like her here.”

"Believe me or not but whoever hurts this girl, I tell you even the prince himself will be the one to punish him or her," she said seriously and even looked deadly.

Suddenly they murmured. “How can you say that? You're just his assistant.”

"I am his assistant and I am just taking his orders."

They murmured again.

“Let them be. Must be really a special guest.”

“Yeah. Let's just go home.”

And gradually the ice people around disappeared. When there were no more people, I just sat down and sighed in relief. Oh thank God.

She approached me so I raised my head. Her white hair is up to her neck and her eyes are light grayish. So this is Jethro's assistant?

"Uhm thank you," I thanked.

“Tumayo ka diyan. (Stand up there)”

I was surprised by what she said. "Pilipino ka? (You’re a Filipino?)"

"Tumayo ka nalang, (Just stand up)" she seriously said.

This girl is so sassy. I stood up. Well whatever. She saved me. "Uhm thank you again."

"You have nothing to be thankful for because I just follow my orders." I already said thank you.

“Okay. Uhm I’m Yani,” and I offered my hand.

"Callie," she replied without even looking at my hand. I just lowered my hand.

"Did your majesty say you can roam the cabin?" she asked me.

"Uhm majesty?" I wonder question.

“Prince Jethro.”

“Ah. Uhm no, he didn’t.”

"In that case, why are you here and people are chasing you?"

"Ah that uhm… I'm looking for the way out of here."

"Your Majesty told you to do that even if you are not with him?"

"Yes," I replied. "He even shouted at me that I left his office so I tried to get out of this cabin alone."

She gave me a cold stare after I said that and then let out a sigh.

“I don't even know what happened so you said that but next time don’t let your feelings control what you act. This should serve as a lesson to you,” she preached. Wow. In fairness, she acts like a mother even though she said that coldly.

"Let's go. You need to go back to the majesty's office. Maybe he is looking for you,” she offered.

“Really? Him, finding me? You are just fooling me.”

She gave me a poisonous look that is threatening.

“Uhh I mean yes. Let's go."

We went back to his palace. She should be thankful that her look was so scary so I was forced to go back. It is impossible for that guy to be looking for me. He's making me leave, isn't he?

When we arrived at the door of his office, "Go in," she ordered.

"How about you?" I asked.

"I still have work to do," was her simple answer and then turned around and walked away.

"Wait," I called so she stopped at the same time she looked at me. “Uhm about what happened earlier, uhm he said I had to go out so I said all those things. I think, he really kicked me out of this office and at that time, he was scary…”

She just looked at me while listening. "If possible, please join me first before you leave," I beg.

She confronted me. “I understand but I am sorry because what I have to do is also important. Don’t worry because he is not like what happened earlier today and I assure you, he has no intention of hurting you.”

I was stunned by what she said.

“I need to leave. Stay inside no matter what happens,” was her last order and she finally walked away.

I watched her go away and also faced the door. I held the door knob. If this guy is going to do that again, I will hurt him, promise! Even if I will make a scene here.

When I opened it, I thought I should just knock first because of what I saw.

"Yani," he said as he stood up from where he is sitting. I don’t know what I will do with what I am seeing right now.

"Yani, I'm sorry—"

“KYAAAHHH!!” I shouted and turned around as my two hands covered my eyes.

"Why are you shouting?"

"What do you mean why?! Button your clothes!” God those abs. My virgin eyes!

“It’s hot”

“What's hot?! It's so cold!!”

“But—”

“Fine! I'll just go out again and I won't really come back here!" I cut him off and was about to leave,

“Don’t. This is it. I will button it,” he stopped me.

…

"So, are you done?" I asked.

"Yes," he answered sparingly. I turned around. Oh thank goodness but I also avoided looking at him. I can't get over how well his body is built. God. He is hot for an ice prince title. Oh God! Come on Yani! Shouldn't you be mad at him?!

None of us spoke after that.

"Sorry…" he said breaking the silence.

I was surprised so I looked at him in no time. “I'm sorry earlier. I could not control myself .”

Woah. He’s saying sorry. As in S-O-R-R-Y! That’s a FIRST TIME. I looked away from him again. Although I was shocked, I remembered that I was still angry with him but,

"Yes. It's okay,” I forgave him. He already said he’s sorry. "So uhm, is your chest okay?"

"Yes," he replied.

“Really? Are you sure?"

"Yes."

I took a deep breath. "Thank goodness," I whispered to myself.

There was silence again.

"How about you, are you okay?" he asked again that shattered the silence.

I was silent for a moment before answering. I felt the warmth of my cheeks.

"Wh-why did you ask?" I asked back.

"Callie said you were crying while running away."

“Ah that, nothing. I was just surprised,” I replied and did not look at him.

"Crying because you were surprised?" he asked a simple question.

Of course. What a classic answer. I just sighed and looked at him. "Well it’s because of you," I said irritably. “I’m already trying to help but you don't want to and then you shouted at me to leave? Who wouldn't cry over what you did? I really want to help you because... uhm…” I stopped there.

"Because?"

"Well uhm… because ... because I don’t want to see you hurt," I gently said.

He was shocked. "I'm glad to know you're okay," I whispered enough for him to hear.

I bowed my head down and touched the back of my neck. I don;t know why but gradually my annoyance with him disappeared. Shacks. I feel like I’m melting in the extreme heat I feel now.

He did not say a word and suddenly walked towards me.

“Ops, ops wait. What will you do?" I restrained him. He stopped about an inch away from me. Whooh, he’s so close. Worse, he suddenly brought his head closer to the side of my face. I can already hear his breathing.

“Wa-wait. No-not because—”

"Yani," he whispered so I stopped talking as if my mouth hardened like ice. God. The coldness of his breath.

"…thank you...for everything," he added. Huh? Thanks for what? I want to ask those questions but I can’t move my mouth.

"Please always remember... whatever happens... do not... leave me…"

Huh? Leave? What? I don’t-

TOOGSH! I did not realize that he had fallen down and was now lying on the floor.

I partially processed what he said before I got back to the truth. "Uhm Jethro?"

He did not speak so I knelt down. "Hey Jethro," as I shook him.

He did not speak again. "Come on, Jethro wake up!"

Sh*t. Why is he not waking up?! “Jethro, it's not funny anymore. Wake up!" I panicked.

He does not move. Oh God, what's happening?! Waahh!! I need to call Callie. I got up immediately and was about to go to the door but suddenly it opened on its own and Callie was there.

“Callie! You better come. Jethro—”

"I know," she cut me off.

“Come on! Let's take him to the hospital!” while I am still panicking.

"No need," was her lifeless answer.

“Huh?! What are you saying?! He’s lying on the floor unconscious— ”

"Just calm down because they are already here."

I looked at her at what she said. "W-who do you mean by they?"

A man with white hair and yellow eyes entered. "Hi Yani," he greeted me.

Who is this? Why does he know me? “Uhm I'm sorry. Have we met?” I asked him.

“Oh. The disguise was really good, Edmondo. We weren't recognized by Yani,” he said as he looked outside at the same time.

“Edmondo? Wait you know Prince Edmondo?” I asked him.

He removed the wig and I was surprised.