Chapter 11: Bonding

"We hang out, we help one another, we tell one another our worst fears and biggest secrets, and then just like real sisters, we listen and don't judge." – Adriana Trigiani

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Eleanor Pallos' POV

I woke up feeling empty and alone. After that kiss with Nicolai, I felt like hell. The feeling like I betrayed my sister.

Speaking of my sister, I was wondering if she needed me.

I glance on the small clock beside my table and it says ten in the morning. It's Saturday so I have no classes, except some reports that should be done soon.

God, I'm starting to hate hotel management.

I lazily swung my legs out of my bed and dragged my drowsy self to the washroom to do my morning routine like washing my face and brushing my teeth before my breakfast.

Not long, I was venturing through the hallway. Just as I pass my sister's room which is two rooms before the staircase, I heard her voice.

I thought to ask her of any activities today.

Her room is ajar. I walk closer and again that guilt feeling assaulted me and it's breaking my heart.

I shook thd the thoughts off and was about to knock when I heard her pained voice.

"I still love you Xandrous. Please tell me you do and I will break the engagement." I heard her crying as she talks. Her voice is raspy but clear enough to hear her pleadings.

I was shock with the revelations I just heard.

Why didn't I notice that?

She loves Xandrous?

She's hurting?

I had to do something, but what or how?

Just hearing her crying like that breaks my heart. Why diddn't she objected when dad announced the arranged marriage?

Why did she agreed?

"So, just like that?" She croaked. "Well then, Goodbye Xandrous!" I heard her said. I could feel the pain, hatred and the determination in her voice.

Then seconds later, she burst into tears, wailing. Then a loud thud and when I peak through the small opening of the door with deep curiosity, I saw her laying on her chest crying hard on her bed.

I slowly and quietly sneak inside and saw her cellphone on the floor, pillows everywhere, her small disney alarm clock was on one corner. Her room is a disaster.

My heart clenched at the sight of her. She didn't notice me so I called her. "Vicky."

She was still on her position and I could hear her sniffing, crying silently while cursing incessantly.

I walk closer to her and still debating if it's good time to talk to her.

"I hate you Xandrous ... *sniffing* .. I hate you!" Her raspy voice tells that she's been crying for a while.

"Vicky," I called once again as I sat beside her, touching her shoulder to tell her my presence.

"Go away Elle!" She hissed, but didn't move.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but I hate to see you crying." I croak as I gulp. I really do hate it and it really pained me to see her pain.

I thought she will stubbornly push me out of her sight but she sat upright. Her eyes are bloodshot and puffy.

"Am I that bad?" Her tears started to pour like rain.

"No, your not Vicky!" I shook my head in disapproval.

I don't know why she's asking me this, but I can't tell her that she is sometimes. Eventhough I had to lie. It will only break her heart all the more.

"Am I selfish?" She continued on.

"Vicky, everything that you heard are all lies." I said and pulled her to me. She hugs me while crying in my shoulder and I hug her back. I was surprised. Vicky hugs me and for the first time I saw her crying.

I was rubbing her back in circles to comfort her. "I'm sorry If I have been too hard to you."

I stiffened for a second before I smiled and shook my head. "I understand you Vicky. You are frustrated sometimes and you got some temper." I giggled softly and she chuckles between sobs.

She pulled herself away and wipes her wet face and smiled weakly.

I felt so envigorant and truly happy. I felt this sisterly feelings after a long time. It was beautiful feelings and I like it when we talk this way. Sweet and loving.

"Please don't tell dad whatever you heard, Elle. Promise me?" She then asked and I shook my head.

"Promise." I smiled reassuringly. She smiles back.

"Thanks Elle." I just nodded.

"Why didn't you object when dad announced the arranged marriage Vicky?" I asked "Dad would surely listen." I continued on. "Did you try?" I asked looking at her.

Her eyes suddenly sharpened when she looks at me. I almost take it back. "Dad never listens to me, Elle. All my life he sees me like a failed child." Bitterness is evident in her voice and I felt that hatred again.

I felt that too that sometimes dad was too attentive to me more than her. That's why I grew up so very dependent on them and Vicky was opposite. And I felt sorry for her. I feel like I took all their love and she was forgotten.

"I'm sorry Vicky." Was all I said and then look away. I can't meet her sharp gaze. She's hurt and I can feel the pain she's going through right now.

"Do you want me to help you?" I asked out of the blue. I don't know why I offered help where in fact, it's obvious there's now way I could help, not in this kind of situation.

I wanted to at least let her know that I'm willing to do anything for her, I guess.

I look at her and she was looking back at me. "I don't want to marry Nicolai, but I don't know what to do." She cried again.

I can't think of anything to do. And if I'll talk to dad, then I may not be sure if I could keep her secret. I can't lie to my dad. He knows me very well.

"And I can't fail dad. I don't want him to get more disappointed at me." She stood up and started picking all the messes in her room. I was just watching her.

I was trying to think of any way to stop the wedding, but I can't think of anything. I admit, I'm not as experienced as Victoria, or as mature as her I guess... I was always depending on dad and mom, even to my friends, well except on my studies.

When things like this, I'm not smart enough.

I sighed.

After a while, she stops and stood in front of me. "How about you seduce Nicolai Elle?" She suggested. Her eyes was shining in victory.

I froze.

I can't do that?

I could feel all my blood feeling draining as I stared onto the wall.

"Forget it." I heard her said and she turns to starts picking the pillows.

But then again, the thought of Nicolai kissing me flash through my mind and I could feel all my nerves get tingles all over again. The same feelings when his skillful lips touch mine. It felt like my body was like a wildfire in the forest, hot and burned with that strange sweet sensations he introduced me.

"You're blushing, Elle." I heard Vicky's voice and I when I look at her, she was staring at me with deep curiosity. Her eyes now was filled with amusement.

"It's hot in here." I lamely excused and she just raise her one eyebrow and stared at me unconvinced.

"You like Nicolai, don't you?" She teased and I felt like all my blood rush over my cheeks.

"Oh My God!" She suddenly grab my hands and jumps on her feet. "You love him .." It's not a question. It was a statement.

I was only gaping at her happy face while blabbering about my feelings towards Nicolai. I could feel my face burning with embarrassment.

"No, I'm not!" I lied shaking my head, a late reaction and she just burst into a bit of laughters.

"You're not a good lier, Elle." She chuckles. "Dammit, why didn't I notice it?" A question to herself while shaking her head. I could feel the amusement in her tone.

"Please don't tell anyone." I sheepishly beg her and stood up to face her.

"Only if you promise me to help me out of this mess?" She negotiated and I gulp.

"You're blackmailing me?" I asked incredulously.

I can't believe she's using it against me. That's is preposterous.

"Dad wouldn't know promise. And if ever, he won't get mad at you." She stressed out and I heaved a sigh.

I can't believe her. She's just like my dad, shrewd.

"But, I don't know how to seduce a man, Vicky. And Nicolai, no less." I trailed of, still thinking about it makes me cringed in retreat.

I can't do it.

"You love him, Elle. Are you ready to give up without a fight?" Her eyes suddenly turns sad and I saw the pain again. I guess she really loves Xandrous that much and maybe when I do this, she will forgive me for taking all dad's love and attention, which I unintentionally did.

I didn't want to and I don't know what's the reason of my dad.

"I don't know how to flirt and Nicolai won't ever like me, Vicky." I sigh. "Look at me?" I pointed to myself can't contain the bitterness in my tone and Vicky scrunched her nose.

"You're beautiful Elle. You just need to highlight you asset. Like dressing more sexy and get rid of that glasses." Vicky grinned and I felt suddenly confident. Vicky telling me I'm pretty is a lot to me. I felt like my confidence rose up to the highest level.

"You think so?" I bit my bottom lip and she nodded in ageeement.

"You are Elle. It's just the way you dress yourself. Those outfits you're wearing are plain and boring. And your hair. It needs some touch of the hairstylist and you will look fabulous." She ranted, then she close our gap and pulled the hair clamp that was holding my hair.

I felt my thick hair cascaded over my shoulder and back. It felt heavy and I haven't noticed it before. It was thick and long now.

Then, she took my glasses off. My vision was a bit blurry after. I could still see anything closer, but farther was a bit blurred.

"Your eyes was your asset. Why hiding it?" I saw the envy in her eyes.

"Your eyes is beatiful too, Vicky." I smiled. She smiles.

"We are Pallos after all." Then we all both giggled.

It was the best moment of my life. We never talk like this before. I mean she never treat me like this or talk to me in a sweet manner.

"We will go shopping today and start changing your closet." Vicky exclaimed and I gasp.

"Today?" I asked.

She nodded furiously.

"After breakfast. I'm hungry." She explains and I got excited. It's my frist time to hang out with her and shopping with her, was more exciting.

"Thanks Vicky!" I hug her and I heard her gasp before hugging me back. "I love you." I emotionally said and I could feel the tears brimming around my eyelids in joy.

I heard the door opens and when we both pulled apart, we saw mom smiling sweetly on us.

"Oh, my babies." She exclaims and she close our gaps and hugs us both. "I can't believe how much time flies by. I don't want you both to grow up fast. I miss you when you were both in diapers..." Mom cooed and Vicky rolled her eyes. I just giggled.

"Mom, we aren't babies anymore. Accept it." Vicky chuckled and mom snorted.

"You are all still my babies." She said as she pulled away.

"Breakfast is already cold, waiting for you two." Mom said.

"We are ready." Vicky responded and I just smiled.

Mom's both hands were on both of our waist and Vicky while we headed to the dining room.

"There's my favorite girls." Dad's exclaims in a very enthusiastic voice as he stood up and meets us. He hugs us together and then gave me a kiss before Victoria and then he pulled mom possessively and kiss her like there's no tomorrow in the lips.

"Gross/Eww ..." Vicky, Luke and I said in unison.

Dad and mom just chuckled.

Just as we are done our breakfast, Vicky spoke. "Dad, Elle and I will go shopping."

Dad look at her like she just grew two heads. I can't blame him. It was really surprising. For the years we have been together, we were just civil, but not like this.

"Are you sure?" Dad's forehead knitted in curiosity.

"Yes dad. She needs new set of clothes and maybe we could also drop by at the salon too. Please.." She sweetly beg and dad's face lit up.

"Of course, baby. You can use my credit card. Shop whatever you both want. Bring Jorge and Luke with you to carry your stuff." Dad exclaims and Luke loudly protested.

"NOT ME, DAD!" He harshly stated, glaring at both of us. Vicky was just giggling.

"And what would you do?" Dad ask him.

"I have some works to do." His face a bit shade of red and you know when that happens, he's lying.

"Really?" Mom butted in. "Is watching porn a work nowadays?" Mom was glaring at him.

Dad guffawed upon hearing it.

Luke's face was deep red.

"Ewww." My eyes widened as I stared at embarrassed Luke.

"Mom, I'm not watching porn!" He objected furiously.

"If you say so." Mom stops pressing about it when she saw how embarrassed he is now. Dad, Vicky and I was now laughing and Luke was giving us all a deathly glare.

"I'm out of here," he quickly stood up almost toppling the chair backward and stormed out of the room.

"Oh, my baby is embarrassed." Mom cooed after.

"I'm not a baby anymore, mom." We heard him said. We just laugh.

"He's a man after all." Dad commented when his laughters died down as he made a sip of his coffee.

"Let's get ready Elle." Vicky stood up and walk to our parents and gave them a kiss. Dad slides down his black card in the table and Vicky took it.

"Thanks Dad." Vicky said before heading to the door.

I quickly drank the half full cup of water and then rose from my seat and gave both my parents a kiss before leaving them to get ready.

"Now the kids are gone, come sit on my lap babe." I heard my dad's husky voice, while mom giggles and I rolled my eyes.

I knew it. If I stayed more, I would see more of it and my eyes would be devirgize.

Knowing how flirty my father to my mother. Seems like they never age. They are still sweet as ever. They always shows their affection whenever they had a chance.

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We stayed at the mall for like hours and hours trying different style and length of dresses. I felt giving up after like hour, but Vicky was too persistent so I just followed her.

Jorge and two other of dad's securities were like Christmas tree holding all the bags we bought, both for us.

When we both got tired walking and fitting clothes, we decided to est st one of the restaurant inside the mall. Jorge, together with the to security went to put the shopping bags in the car before going back to watch over us.

Vicky also bought them food which I'm glad. Even how much they protested, Vicky made them eat with us. I think she did that because there's few guys who wants to take her autographs and she's already tired.

Since we entered the mall, a few ladies and some guys already asked to have a photo with her and with her autograph.

I felt so proud of her.

She was so happy while chatting with her fans, but when she turns her back she grimace like she hated it. I kind of disappointed but then I thought maybe she's exhausted.

We got home alright. Dad and mom was happy to see us getting along so well. She helps me how to use make up, how to walk with skyhigh stilettos with elegance and grace, like how models walk.

It was torture for the first day and my sole feels like it was hammered. Blisters on my heels which wasn't bad, but still hurts like hell.

God, stilettos were like made from hell, but feels like heaven wearing it, but only after an hour. If you're a pro, probably three to four hours would be the longest time to feel heaven. But true, stilettos were made to boost confidence and makes you feel like the most beautiful girl in the world.

Although I'm still wearing my eyeglasses because I'm used to it, and comfortable wearing it than wearing a contact lens.

Two days before the wedding, I got used to wearing the very first Christian Louboutine pumps that I ever had and thanks to my sister.

For the times Nicolai came to visit for the preparation of the wedding, he seems to always ignoring and avoiding me. I could feel it.

But, Victoria is a shrewd one. When we went to meet their wedding coordinator for the finalization of the wedding three days ago, she lefts us as soon as her wedding coordinator left.

I can't make an excuse since she's going to meet Xandrous. Well, according to her. She was actually looking hurt and pained when she took her leave. I think something came up that made her upset and was in hurry.

I wanted to know, but then that would make the secret revealed since Nicolai has no plan of leaving us yet.

All the time we were sitting at that table in an Italian restaurant, until the lunch is done, he never spared me a glance.

He was obviously ignoring me and it hurts.

Did he feel guilty too with the kiss?

I look down on the hem of my dress that only reach my mid-thigh, to hide my blushing face. I wore one of the Burberry dress that Victoria picked for me and I'm wearing a peep-toe blue wedge that complemented my midnight blue drawstring chiffon dress.

I can't take the silence anymore.

I stood up and look at him. I felt stiffened for a second when I met his sad eyes.

Why is he sad?

Is it because my sister left him?

Again, that broken feelings crashes my confidence to seduce him. The reason why my sister left me with him.

"I have to go." I said in a hurry since I can't take his piercing gaze anymore. I felt mentally undress with that kind of stare.

"Going on a date again?" I hear a hint of anger in his tone.

After I hoisted my black Dior purse on my shoulder, I look at him coldly.

"So what is it to you?" I can't avoid to raise my tone in an octave with irritation.

"I told you to stop dating that guy." He stood up and spare me a madddening piercing gaze, that only create a havoc within me.

Even when he's mad, he still manage to look even more irresistible. And that sea-green eyes, that sometimes turns sapphire.

How possible it is?

It is the beauty of him. How he was made to perfection, or just my opinion.

How can someone explain, when all these women around us staring at him like a hungry predator ready to devour him. Those hungry looks that I couldn't deny I was feeling right now.

"Are you alright, sweetpea?" Nicolai's sweet tone drags me out of my train of thoughts.

"Yes." I managed to answer without faltering.

"Let's go!" I felt his hand on the small of my back, leading me to his car parked just outside the restaurant.

I froze for a second when his hand touch my back. Seconds later, my heart suddenly races, pounding loudly inside my ribcage.

I was hoping he can't hear it.

"Where are we going?" I asked frantic, but I let him led me anyway.

"Somewhere." He just simply said.

I didn't say anything until we get to his car. This is the purpose of this, right? To seduce him. He's already making it easy for me, but am I ready or has the balls to do it?

As soon as the car move along with the traffic, my palms started to break cold sweats.

"Isn't there's any clean jeans left in your closet?" Nicolai look at me in disapproval, as he runs my short dress with his piercing eyes, scrutinizing it.

"Can't I change?" I scoffed sarcastically almost inaudible as I look out the window. I felt embarrassed at his indirect scrutinizing remarks.

I heard him sneared. "So you change because of that guy? Is that how low you could stoop down to get him?" He said accusingly.

"Why do you care, Nicolai?" I asked in soft curious tone, ignoring his hurtful comment. Why is he always being rude to me ever since that announcement of their arranged marriage.

He just stared at me. I felt my heart started to picks up speed again.

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A/N: Okay, these ends the chapter that I manage to write while I was sitting under the palm tree-made umbrellas along the beach in Cuba.

I'll update tomorrow night after my work...

Hope you all like it. Please let me know what do you think!...

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