The Gift

Story by: Ra^v^eN

It was a typical sunny day, the sun shining brightly in the crowded highway. Everywhere you look there is traffic. I was really growing impatient by the minute and it was very hot.

I still can recall my mom's instruction.

"Be sure to be on time to delivered this to Mrs. Sanchez or else  they won't get this package."

"Of all the rotten luck, why am I stuck in delivering this goodies for Mrs. Sanchez." I thought to myself.

Most of our employees are on a day off cause it's All Soul's day so no one's left to deliver it but me. If I didn't need the money for sure I won't do mom this favor. She's probably wondering what's gotten into my head that for once she has persuaded me to run an errand for her. Maybe she already thinks the miracle she's always waiting to happen was already on the process of coming true.

Dream on for no matter what, I'll never change what I am. I like it the way I am now. Carefree, independent and most of all have everything I wanted. Perfect family, perfect home and of course terrific bunch of friends but still there's something missing, that special someone I keep on searching. But maybe I wouldn't find him for I've come to wonder if there really is Mr. Right for me. Most of my friends have someone special to share their precious moments with while I was left alone waiting for that someone.

What would it feels like to have someone to hold on to, share intimate moments with. Oh it must really be wonderful seeing the looks on my friends eyes.

A car horn blaring startled me from my reverie, it must have been a couple minutes pass since the go signal. I better hurry or else I wouldn't be on time and they already left for the states. Just one more turn and it's the Sanchez Residence or more like it mansion.

I've never seen anything this huge before with wide manicured lawn, fountains at the sides and white marble statue leading to the entrance of the mansion. The house is partly old fashioned designed like a castle and partly modern with glass exterior and futuristic designed. The combination is quite impressive. I never thought that you could combine old and modern style in a house. My perfect house paled in comparison. Now I really wondered why I haven't noticed this house before. It could be that I'm so stuck up with myself thinking that who & what could possibly equal what I have right now, pretty dumb huh!!!

But well that's just typical of me so high opinionated about myself. Who wouldn't if you're treated like a princess all your life but to their disappointment (my parents I mean) I've grown up quite the opposite of what they expected. I'm wild and go out of my way to disobey them but I can be as sweet as an angel if I want to.

My motto in life is to do whatever I like whenever or wherever I want it.

My problem now is to get that money I desperately wanted to pay a bet I've made with my friends 2 weeks ago. I simply told them that I could get myself that special someone in a week's time but to my misfortune I still haven't find any. Of course I could hired someone to pretend as my boyfriend just to win the bet but I'm not the type who will fake a thing just to win.

Remember I said I'll get what I want but that doesn't mean I fake it because it's not me. I could not get money from my bank account cause I've used up most of my funds shopping and besides I still need a couple more to pay that bet. You may think I'm really dumb but you see I'm really sure at that time that I'll win this bet only to find out the opposite. I never believe in bad luck cause all I know is only good luck my twin sister since I was born. For I'm always lucky in all the things I've set my mind into except for this last one.

"Yes, may I help you" said a voice

"Ah, uhmmmm, yah, I'm looking for Mrs. Sanchez. I'm here to deliver a package from Mr. & Mrs. Gonzalez." I replied matter of factly.

"Well you're lucky they're almost on their way to the airport if only Phillipe had hurry a little bit." she said with a sigh.

I only nodded and followed her inside to the living room. It was huge and magnificent with priceless paintings, crystal chandeliers, china porcelain dolls of different shapes and sizes, gold & brass statues and other valuables. If you asked me it's more like a museum than a living room. I started humming when I heard an angry voice rising.
 

"If you could only learn to hurry your pace maybe we've already gotten to the airport"

"As you wish my dear mom," said a cool confident voice.

It sounds like a prince voice to me so sure of himself and an attitude to match. A beautiful elegantly dressed woman stepped out of the door followed by the most handsome creature I've ever seen. There stood before me, a god in the making--tall, well built with a body shaped like one of their statue. I feel so breathless and disoriented. I thought to myself this must be love at first sight.

"Hello dear, you must be the daughter of my beloved friend Elizabeth" said Mrs. Sanchez.

I just nod in agreement too tongue-tied to say any word for I'm already weak in the knees and my hearts doing flip flops and my stomachs full of butterflies. So it's really true all that nonsense talk about how they feel when they're in love. I thought it's kind of corny and overacting but now I know what it's like.

For the first time in my life my dream started to become a reality. But it was only short-lived for Mrs. Sanchez son didn't even glance at me but instead continue to walk through the door of their hallway. Mrs. Sanchez followed suit taking the package from me saying thanks and regards to my family. I also followed them ready to go home when she suddenly turn around almost bumping me.

"By the way dear, I've forgot to introduced you to my son, Phillipe come over here please I like you to meet…"

"Veronica" I supplied

"Please to meet you Veronica" said Phillipe while shaking my hands.

"My pleasure too" I've said coolly though I wonder how I could sound so cool when I'm feeling the opposite way around.

Then after that we went our separate ways. I was still dazed when I arrived at our house later that day. I didn't know what hit me, could it be a lightning, a hurricane or a storm by the name of "PHILLIPE". I decided to soak myself in a long hot bath just to rid myself of this crazy notion I've got.

"What have happen to me" I asked myself in bewilderment.

Just a few hours ago I was in total control with my life now the walls I've build around myself started crumbling down. I stayed at home all afternoon too numb to move or think. Maybe it's the after shocked of my encounter with Phillipe. God where on earth does Phillipe hide before, through my 17 years of existence, I've never in my wildest dream could imagine that someone like him existed which only proved me wrong of course. There's only one way to find out though and that is asked my mom without giving away what I feel.

As it turn out Phillipe grow up in the states and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez. He was only here for a vacation and this morning they were going back to the states. Phillipe has live most of his life in the states. From the information I gathered from mom I'd guessed his the complete opposite of me. He is subdued, man of few words, serious, intelligent, gentleman and very responsible. He loves peace and quite and a harmonious surrounding while I love something wild and outrageous and everything that speaks of danger. Well I'm just a typical teenager living my life to the fullest while Phillipe is a lot more matured for his age (he's a year older by the way).

For the first time in my life I know what it's like to get hurt and how I wish I haven't set eyes on him. I know you'll think it's nonsense, for how could I possibly fall in love with a guy I just meet. But no matter what reasons I give, I know deep down that I have fallen in love and that is stupidity to say the least. My problem now is to get rid of that thing they called "love" and to forget him and get him out entirely in my life. How could he made such a big impact on me when I've known him for a moment. But just that moment it change my life forever. I know it wont' be easy especially when you're young, in love for the first time and then suddenly you'll realize you can't have it all. For someone whose so used to having her way it's so hard for me to accept defeat but I know I'm strong and I can make it through.

Days, months and then years passed that I've finally get over him. The first few months have been the hardest months of my life. I went to their house frequently and even befriended some of the servants so I can go inside and what's worst I stole one of the snapshots of Phillipe in the states. I gazed at him every night just before I fall asleep and then I dreamed about him. I keep on waiting for their return but that hope turn into despair and that's when I realize I'm a fool and stupid to fall in love with someone I'd hardly know.

Life goes on as people say and no matter what happen you have to go on living eventhough some part of you feels like dying. I straightened out myself and keep on the right track of things then I go back to school. I know someone who's probably jumping out and down in joy at my change of attitude and that's my mom. She's probably thinking that her prayers were answered and that finally I've stop being such a spoiled brat. From then on I was on the right side of things. Just a few years sweat and I graduate from the university majoring up business management. What's more through that span of time love was the last thing on my mind even my childhood infatuation with Phillipe. I've had a couple of relationship but I never did feel again those weak knees, those stomach butterflies, those breathlessness and uncontrollable beat of my heart.

I've finally made a big progress with my life that at 25 I have a very promising career and my own apartment. I couldn't have asked for more since I'm pretty contented at the pace I'm going but something happen that forever change the way I see things. It was during one of my parents party when the subject of all my fantasies and heartaches materialize before me once again. And for all the things I've said, I think I'm the biggest liar of all, for my heart still beats faster, I still feel weak in the knee, and there's still butterflies in my stomach only I'm not a stupid teenager anymore. I should have learn my lesson but guess I'm not immune to him as I'm immune to all the other guys.

What surprise me is that he looks so different. The once serious and collected Phillipe has become wilder and dangerous looking guy. It should have please me to no end that at least his loosening up not a goody two shoes anymore but it didn't. Questions filled my mind. His even wearing a denim for christsake. I know it's not a crime but as far as I know he doesn't wear denim only a trouser and to think this is a cocktail party. It's so unusual of him. Don't think I don't know him that much cause I've only meet him once but that meeting was all it took too get me so interested in him that I could say I've known him as well as his mother. I'm not some kind of a stalker or a crazy lunatic. I'm just so crazily and hopelessly in love with him that I'll do anything.
 

"Hey Ms. Beautiful it would make my day if you'll spend the night at my flat." somebody said behind my back

So I turned around to give the speaker a piece of my mind but I froze for the person speaking to me is Phillipe. I got mixed reaction. I don't know it I'll feel insulted because he thinks I'm an easy girl or flattered because he calls me beautiful. How many times did I imagine our meeting and telling me I'm beautiful but not like this so brusque and rude. It's so unlike him.

"No thanks I prefer my own company than spend a night with you." I replied

"Suit yourself you're not the only lady here and I bet they'll jump at the opportunity to go out with me. I'm very much an eligible bachelor" he said

" I don't care even if you're the richest man alive."

Liar, liar, liar I thought to myself since when did I not want to spend time with him. Well he's so conceited and insulting and I could not quite grasp it. When did I become so safe and cynic and critical? I am not like this and I always live dangerously. I always love adventure especially if it spells trouble with a capital "T".

But here I am now being so noble and feeling insulted by his comment that I pass up a chance to spend some time alone with him. Maybe I did grownup and became responsible and stop seeing things like a spoiled child. Everything I want I always get no matte what. My parents didn't thought me what "NO" is all about. All I know is that YES word which people keep using at me until I realize what it feels like to not always get what you want. It's not a very good feeling and I'm not used to it. As if you are deprived of all you want and He is what I want but I didn't have him. It's not something I can control because we where not given a chance to get to know one another only a chance meeting which consisted of hi, hello and good bye.

I don't know if he remember me at all or the long ago meeting. Who am I kidding but myself and now I'm given another chance and I blew it. Where did my confidence go and what happen to my arrogance. It so unlike me to act this way. My mom would really approve big time that finally it did happen the miracle she keep longing to happen all those years ago--my complete transformation.

But then something snap inside of me, that thrill for adventure and excitement always lure me so I change my mind and accept his offer.

Indeed it was a night out of time. It was much better than all my wildest imagination. He was all I dream about and much more. It made realize then that after all this years I still got feelings for him and I could imagine forever with him.

Oh golly I've become such a cliché and corny but well I guess love is like that. Everyone who's been in love at one time or another passes this stage.

I thought it was the start of something good and wonderful but the next time we see each other he treated me with such cold disdain and hatred that got me so confuse.
 

"Ok selfish brat you got what you want but remember this you'll only get my name not my heart." And then he walked away.

I stare in confusion at his back and then turn to my father for explanation (we where at his residence dining because his father invited us).
 

"Your going to be married this Sunday" dad said

I couldn't speak, breath nor think. This is crazy and so unexpected. Of course I want to marry him but what brought on this idea I really don't know. But I don't want to marry a person against his will. At least I can now accept rejection but not hatred.

I don't want him to hate me. All I want is for him to learn to love me but how can I do that now. I stared again at my dad arching my brow in question.

"Don't be in denial Veronica your mom always told me how crazy you were with Phillipe and we've seen you two get along so well at the party so we decided that it's better to tie the knots."

"But dad we haven't been consulted and Phillipe is so angry with me. What did you tell him"

"That you've been betrothed since birth"

"What??? But that's a lie"

"Of course not, you ask your mom and his mom and they'll both tell you the truth. Those two are so inseparable since their teenage years that they made a promise that one of their children will marry each other and It so happen that your our only child and so is Phillipe so there is no other choice."

It was a good enough explanation so the wedding did take place with a very sour looking groom. Everything I believe, everything they told me turn out to be lies because at one of our constant argument Phillipe said that the only reason he marry me is that he's a good son and a responsible one. His father threatened him that he should do the right thing and marry me because he comprise and ruined my reputation by taking me to his flat.

It was so outrageous and laughable that I cold not help myself but laugh and laugh and laugh. I told him that thinking belong to the old age. Nobody threatens someone to marry for that reason alone. Then he told me it was not his father's idea it was my dad saying it. It stops my hysterical laughter because what my father told me was different from his story.

"Ask your dad if you don't believe me and the only reason my father agree is to avoid my mom's estrangement with your mom as you know those two are inseparable"

I could not believe my ears so I hurriedly go to my father's office and ask him to confirm or denied the accusation but instead he told me it was all true what Phillipe said. He lied to me for fear that I might not push through with the wedding if I know the reason.

"But why are you complaining you love him all along. It's for the best" said dad

This is all a nightmare and I'm the puppet. They are playing games with me with my life and I am not happy about it at all. I don't really know what the real motive of my father in marrying me with Phillipe. It should have been a dream come true but it's not. I should have ask or maybe force my dad for the real reason but I cannot take it all in. I was so disillusioned with the whole thing.

Before that argument life with Phillipe was bearable sometimes his friendly and affectionate but he always keep his distance and put a wall in his heart. However after that incident our gap was like a gulf in the Pacific Ocean. We barely see each other anymore and we have separate bedrooms now (he sleeps in the guest room while I'm in the masters bedroom). If we ever cross path we always avoided each other like a plaque. It's a living hell and it's breaking me apart but still I love him though I cannot play a martyr wife so I ask for a separation. He refused it saying it'll only break his mother's heart so I said then either you go to the states or I go.

"Ok you go but only for a year and come back then. Don't worry about the reasons, I'll explain it all to them. I'll go to the states at least once a month so they'll not notice there's wrong with our marriage" he said.

I agreed without him knowing that I'm not keeping our bargain. I am planning on disappearing forever even to my parents. It was hard the first few weeks since I'm not used to doing things on my own I always depended on the servants. I guess they'll have a last laugh on me--the poor rich kid. What's more 2 weeks after I arrive in the states I found out I was pregnant. It added a complication to my situation but yet it gave me so much joy that all the pain the baby's father cause sometimes became forgivable. My plan is still the same but I must hurry because they might know what I'm up to. Thank god the Phillipe's trip was cancel for another 2 months so it give me enough time.

I decided to go to Europe because one of my close friends in college is there and I can ask her a little favor. My parents didn't know about this friend of mine so it's safe for me. She's living in Paris for five years now and is doing very well with her restaurant business (she's a chef). She's living alone in her apartment so there's no complication if I stay there for awhile.

After everything was settled I packed up all my things and go to Paris to start all over again. I guess lack was with me since I got a job immediately who accepted my pregnancy without question and granted me a month's leave when the baby comes. For someone whose so used to luxury I am now living a simple life and learning to save money for my baby. I have no regrets cause this is all my decision but at least I can now know what it feels like to really live on your own and support yourself.

My friend Lucille and I decided that I'd stay with her until the baby is born so that she can watch over me. Alexandra Phillipe was born on New Year's Day as if symbolizing a promise of new tomorrow for the two of us. It was indeed a good year with new beginnings. Lucille offered me a business partnership in her restaurant since she's expanding. We moved to our new apartment by the end of January and it has a great view of the River. It is a very nice place actually and very convenient for me since it's near the restaurant. Alex growing to be a very charming and intelligent child. You might think that I've forgotten the father but every time I see Alex I'm reminded of him cause she's so like her dad even her looks.

I don't have any communications with my friends and family since I don't want them to know where I am and besides no one even new I have a baby now including Phillipe. I don't regret the things I did cause even if I leave all the comforts of home and the man I love at least I find a little solitude and peace of mind which I couldn't find in my loveless marriage. Though I am so in love with him, I am not that naïve and stupid girl anymore thinking he might love me someday. I am a realist and opportunist. I don't cry for spilled milk. I'll always find a way that's why I always get what I wanted. But Phillipe is the exception to the rule cause he always seems so out of reach to me.

Time sped by so fast that it seems my baby is now 5 years old. Eventhough it's a bit cold and windy I still decided to take her to the park to celebrate her birthday though we'll have a little dinner at home with Lucille. She's even making a cake for Alex and will join us in the afternoon picnicking in the park. In that way it will give Alex and I to enjoy ourselves just the both of us.

Strange how time flies and how people change cause I believe that I really id mature and become responsible not just because of motherhood but also because I've learn what it was like to really live on your own and be a responsible person.

Oh God where is Alex she was just playing with her toys awhile ago. I panicked until I hear her laughter just behind the bushed, so I follow her voice and face the biggest shock of my life. For there in front of me is Phillipe and her mother lounging on a blanket without a care in the world and very much enjoying Alex company. They all look up to me and just as surprise to see me there.

"Oh here's my mommy now… thank you for the candy. Mommy I was just looking for my ball when I lost you. I was scared mommy until the man came and gives me some candy. They told me not to worry cause they will find you. They are very nice." My daughter said with such sincerity in her voice and awed too.

I couldn't reply for there's a big lump on my throat.

"Hello Veronica it's been awhile since we last saw you. You are looking good and your daughter's such a lovely child." There was a question in her voice.

I only smile for a lack of comment but my good manners caught up with me. I guess it's engrained in you cause your born to it.

"Uhmmm it's Alexandra's birthday and maybe you can come to dinner and catch up on old time." I said

"That would be lovely where are you living" Phillipe answered with such gusto.

I gave him my address half dreading and half excited in them coming to visit.

"Thank you for taking care of Alex we must go now. My friend is waiting"

Dinner was a formal affair only Alex was so excited to open all her gifts. Afterwards Phillipe's mother went home early and Lucille followed through saying she has a date. I think both of them are just finding some excuses to leave us alone (Phillipe and I). I am not some coward person who's afraid to be alone with him. I can answer all his questions even his accusation.

"I got to tuck her up now, its way pass her bedtime," I said

"Sure I'll just get us some drinks"

I was so caught up in cuddling and smooching kisses with my daughter that I didn't realize the door was open.

"Uhmmm I got bored waiting so I just brought your drink here."

Too embarrassed to speak I took the glass and take a big gulp.

"Your daughter is lovely but she doesn't look like you're at all."

I choked on my drink that it made me cough.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine let's go downstairs"

"Where's Alex father"

I almost lost my footing on the stairs but he was quick to steady me and guide me to the sofa. Still I didn't respond.

"I keep thinking and thinking for reasons and answer why you didn't keep the end of the bargain. But when I see Alex at the park and then I see you, I said to myself 'I know why she didn't come back, she has a new family now whom she can be proud of'. But when I came here and see no father figure for Alex, it made me wonder."

I look up suddenly and stared at him finding now the courage to face the truth.

"You know I always do what I want to do and after I leave you I promise myself I won't come back. I'll build a new life for me away from all the chaos, all the lies and all the heartaches. I'll start a new then here comes Alex. It was so unexpected as if it's my compensation for all the pain. I love her so much because I love her father for so long but I must leave because I cannot stand to see him hating me."

I heard a great intake of breath as if he were in pain and agony then I look at him and see a confused man and very much regretful when he realize what I was talking about.

"I tried very hard to hate you. I did all my best because all my life I was a puppet of my parents. They where the strings who controlled my life. I could never do anything wrong. I was the perfect child and son there is very little room to commit mistake.

When I was growing up I heard a lot about you. How you always do what your parents forbade you. How you cause such headaches and troubles for them. I even envy you because you are everything I am not so when we met that one time I tried very hard to ignore you but I can't. You became my role model in the states. You teach me how to disobey them and fight back. How to live freely and dangerously.

So when we meet again I tried to catch your attention by trying to impress you with my new image but instead you get insulted. Then you change your mind and I get ecstatic and I feel that for the first time in my life I'm in control of my fate and destiny, of what I want, of where I wanna go and I want you and be with you. Maybe spend time together and get to know one another but then here comes our marriage so unexpected and out of the blue.

It's not you personally that I hate it's me. Just when I thought I was free from the dictates of my parents then I was proved wrong cause all along what they wish I still follow. I really tried to hate you cause you symbolized my weaknesses but the more I tried the more I became drawn to you. You are what I always wanted to be--strong, free spirited, independent and carefree.

After you're gone I tried so hard not to miss you but it didn't work but I know that if you don't want to be find then you won't. So I let you go with my greatest regret and pain. I prayed and hoped that if ever we'll meet again it will not be too late to start over and I know it's not cause his given us a GIFT--ALEX"

Then he smiled at me with such love in his eyes that I've no question what he feels about me. Words couldn't even begin to express our feelings so we shug--for comfort and reassurance, for all the years wasted, for our unexpressed feelings, for our baby and most of all for our new beginnings. Finally we are home and family. Whatever the future holds I don't worry cause everything I want I have it here with me.

Note: This is an unedited version so no one has yet edited this work. If by chance you read some spelling and grammar errors and would like to correct and edit it please feel free to mail your edited works to the author and we might published it here.

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