Chapter Three- When pride is in bloom

Sandy was totally caught in big surprise when Alexis holds her face and look at her eyes intently. She thought he is going to kiss her (what a crazy thought) … but Alexis said in a very hard voice…tilting her chin “Just a warning Miss Mendel, stay away from my uncle if you don’t want to get hurt. Little girls usually get burn when they play with fire…”

She almost fell to the ground when Alexis let her go.

He did not even glance back at her.

Sandy felt like her heart was struck with a knife. What in the world she got into. She came here to work not to get involved with anybody. All she wants is to earn that money that she desperately need for her father. She is not dreaming of finding a romance in this strange land. No way.

Sandy was not able to sleep that night. She wished she did not sign that contract. But her feelings are not important. What is more important is that her father will be able to receive proper treatment.

She was crying that night thinking of the future and her parents at home.

She remember her conversation with the doctor who attended her father which was the main reason why she accepted this job. Sandy could still hear the doctor saying: “The chemotherapy can help your father but we cannot give you the assurance how long will he be able to endure the treatment and whether it will improve his health condition.”

“Please help my father doctor… please…” she was crying when she asked the doctor for help at the time.

Her mother on the other hand barely say anything at the time. But Sandy felt that her mother was trying to be brave in that situation. When she decided to reply that employment opportunity Sandy knew that her mother did not want her to go abroad but she insisted.

“We cannot go against the plan of God Sandy. Granted that the chemo will help your father but for how long?”

She knew at the time that her mother was right. God has a purpose in everything but she was so stubborn to follow her own plan and not let God establish his plan for her and her family.

Sandy finally fell asleep with tears in her eyes. The next thing she knew was that there was a loud knocking on the door. She heard somebody asking if she was all right. Sandy replied nervously… “Y–Yes, I am all right. I just had a bad dream.

The bad dream was somebody played a joke on her and saw herself being thrown into the water. She does not know how to swim so she screamed for help. That was when she woke up and heard somebody knocking on the door.

Sandy was bothered by that dream. It was very scary thinking of herself on the water knowing that she could not swim. That was one of the reasons why much to her desire to enjoy the beautiful swimming pool of Villa Andreas that she stayed away from it.

Days had passed. Sandy found herself get attached to Yalena. Their relationship is more of good friends than a caregiver and an employer. She also found out that Yalena was not really a bad person as what her bestfriend Lora told her even before she accepted this job. Another thing also that puzzled Alexandra was that since she arrived in Athens she did not hear anything from Lora. She called Lora’s phone but no answer. It is not natural for Lora to ignore her call even when she was still in the Philipppines they maintained their communication with each other.

Sandy found herself so alone and so lonely. The feeling of being homesick was so strong that she almost said to Yalena that she wanted to go home.

One day Vasilli made an effort to approach Alexandra and extended an invitation to go out with him for dinner. That was her day off. Sandy accepted that invitation innocently because she felt so alone. She asked permission from Yalena if she can spend her day off with a friend and be back before dark.

Yalena did not know that it was Vassilli who invited her to dinner.

Vassilli took her to a famous restaurant in Athens. Vassilli was a gentleman as she found out and was fun to be with which is a total contrast of Alexis. “Why am I thinking about that nasty man?” Sandy thought.

“Is something wrong Alexandra?”

“No, nothing Mr. Vassilli. And please call me Sandy.” Sandy replied with a forced smile.

“Very well then, Sandy. We don’t have to be so formal anyway. Please call me Vassilli.”

“Okay V-Vassilli.”

“Here’s to our friendship Sandy!” Vassilli offered a toast to Sandy.

They spent that whole day in sight seeing and Sandy really enjoyed that dinner with Vassilli. She thought that was a nice day spent with somebody who was a good guide and very attractive man… and an important man she added.

Two days later after that outing with Vassilli, Sandy was summoned at the office of Alexis. Sandy’s heart was beating rapidly. What is wrong this time? She tapped the door nervously. “Be at peace Alexandra… for goodness sake…!” She was trying to calm herself silently which to her really sounds crazy.

“Come in!” was the abrupt reply from Alexis.

Sandy opened the door and found Alexis standing at the window looking outside. He did not even spare a glance at her. “Please close the door Alexandra.” Alexis said in a tone of voice that Sandy could not tell whether he was angry or tired.

Sandy closed the door and lean on it. Then Alexis face her and motion her to sit down. She sat down hesitantly. Alexis did not say anything but just looking at her and Sandy could not sustain that look. It confused her.

“So you went out with Vassilli?” Alexis asked softly.

Sandy just nodded.

“Where is your voice Alexandra?” Suddenly the atmosphere seemed like full of fire.

“Yes! And what is wrong with that?” Sandy asked bewilderedly.

“Everything is wrong!” Alexis thundered.

“That was during my day off!” Sandy said defensively.

“I already warned you Alexandra. Stay away from Vassilli.” Alexis said firmly.”Do I have to spell it for you or are you just so desperate to find a rich man to supply your needs?” Vassilli added sarcastically.

Sandy felt her blood pressure went up to two hundred. She felt like exploding upon hearing that very hurtful and insulting remark from Alexis. She was not able to hold her temper this time and slapped Alexis.

It was too late when she realized what she just did.

Instead of slapping her back, Alexis grabbed her and kissed her brutally. But that was just a split seconds. The kiss suddenly became so tender and probing that Sandy felt like wax in the arms of Alexis.

“How dare you…!” Sandy was crying.

Alexis could not say anything. He was shocked of what he did and what he discovered.

But instead of apologizing he said harshly “Get out Alexandra! Now!”

Sandy was crying when she left the office of Alexis. She did not even know that Amina was in the doorway standing and watching her leave the office.

Alexis was still in a shock of that discovery how Alexandra felt in his arms. He could not explain why he kissed her like that. He intends to punish her but he ended up liking to kiss her tenderly like a long lost lover.

“NO! I will not be fooled twice!” Alexis hit the table with his hands.

Amina who just came in was also surprised. “What happened Alexis?”

“Nothing! Will you please knock before you enter somebody’s office Amina?” Alexis said angrily.

“Why are you suddenly mad at me?” Amina asked tearfully.

“I am not in the mood to entertain anybody right now my “dear” cousin. So if you will excuse me… I have plenty of things to do and please lock the door on your way out.” Alexis said and started reading the pile of folders infront of him.

Amina felt strong resentment. “She made you angry, am I right?”

“No, Amina. You are the one who made me angry… so please leave me alone so I can finish these documents, okay?” Alexis said patiently.

“Why are you so mean to me and you are so nice to that mouse?”Amina asked with full of resentment over Alexandra.

“I-I’m sorry Amina. You see… I am so busy right now.”

You are not angry with me, aren’t you?” Amina asked.

“No, I am not.” Alexis smiled.

Alexis was not able to avoid the bold kiss that Amina deposited on his lips and then ran away like a kid.

Alexis could not help thinking again of Alexandra. There is so much warmth in those lips. He felt his whole body was in fire while he held her in his arms. “You are going crazy Alexis. Why did you kiss her anyway?” he whispered.

Alexis was too proud to acknowledge what he felt at the time for Alexandra. That was just plain chemistry.

Sandy was too embarrassed of what had happened. But she thank the Lord that nobody saw her and Alexis when he kissed her.

But she was wrong. Out in the window at the other side of the mansion, Vassilli was watching them from his room. Vassilli felt that rage of jealousy that he never felt before.

Yalena on the other hand was talking to Vassilli. “What is your intention Vassilli? Alexandra is not your type. You should stay away from her.”

“Is there something wrong in spending the day together maman? Does it really matter so much if I chose to invite your caregiver for dinner? I thought I was being nice to her.” said Vassilli trying to reason out to his mother.

“You are not being nice to her Vassilli. You are attracted to her! Am I right?”asked Yalena boldly.

“What? Maman… what makes you think that?”

“You love competition my son. I know you because you are my own blood. But I am telling you to stay away from Alexandra. Don’t hurt her. She is too innocent to be deceived by your charm.” Yalena said forcefully.

That left Vassilli speechless. He is not sure whether he just wanted to compete with Alexis but he could not explain either why he was thinking of Alexandra.

After that confrontation with Alexis, Sandy did not hear anything from him and did not even see him even once at Villa Andreas. Then one day the unexpected happened. Yalena collapsed while they were walking in the garden. Sandy called for help. Vassilli came and carried Yalena to her room and called the doctor right away. Sandy did not know what to do. She praised God that the doctor came right away and treated Yalena.

Yalena almost died with that heart attack. She is in a very frail condition that really needs close monitoring and care. Sandy was at her side day and night.

Yalena woke up with Sandy on the bedside.

“Sandy…”

“Ms. Yalena… Thank God you are awake now. Do you want something to eat?” asked Sandy.

Yalena was smiling at her. “Hmmm…. I think you are the one who needs to eat something dear. You look like you have not eaten for days.”

Sandy could not say no… she would be lying then. How did Yalena guessed she did not know.

“I am fine Ms. Yalena.” Sandy said with her usual big smile.

“You can’t fool me child. Get something to eat and please call Alexis. I need to talk to him.”

Sandy was about to say yes but Alexis just came in with flowers and fruits for his grandmother.

Sandy left the room silently after nodding at Yalena. She did not even looked at Alexis.

Sandy went out to the garden for a walk. She did not know what transpired in that room but it seemed that since that day Alexis kissed her… she is not ready yet to face the man.

In the room Yalena thanked Alexis for the fruits and the flowers. “Where have you been these days Alexis? You have not visited here for quite a while. Were you so busy that you cannot visit your grandmother even once in a week?”Yalena asked.

“Yes, I was so busy maman. Anyway, I trust that your caregiver has been very kind to you. So what happened? I thought Ms. Mendel should have known better that you are not fit to have a long walk in the garden!” Alexis said with a tone of voice that put the blame on Alexandra for what happened to Yalena.

“That was not her fault Alexis. I was the one who wanted to walk.”

“But she should not let you…”

“Do you think she can stop me if I wanted to walk around?” Asked Yalena.

Alexis was not able to reply. She knew her grandmother so well. She is very stubborn.

“Don’t blame it on her. I am very glad that you came because I want you to call my lawyer Alexis. I have some things to discuss with him. I am not sure what the future holds but I want to be prepared and I want everything to be in order.”

“Maman!”

“Please don’t argue with me. I am just being practical.”

“But…” Alexis was about to reason but Yalena cut him off.

“No buts. Just do what I want you to do for me please…”

That ends the conversation. Alexis left and when he came back he had with him the family lawyer which arouse the curiosity of Amina and Vassilli who are both thinking of Yalena’s “Will.”

Source: http://crystalgraphics.com

Chapter Four-does love has a standard?

The family lawyer came with Alexis. Whatever transpired during that time, Sandy doesn’t care. It is not her business anyway.

As the days went by, Sandy tried her best to get out of Alexis’s way. Alexis on the other hand was keeping his distance from Alexandra which gives Vassilli the opportunity to get closer to Sandy. Alexis will visit his grandmother when Sandy is not there. She was wondering whether Alexis is really trying to avoid her purposely. Well, who cares if he is avoiding me? Sandy thought. I don’t want to see him either. Sandy was not aware that she expressed her thoughts aloud.

“Who is the unfortunate man that you don’t want to see Sandy?” It was Vassilli who was smiling at her.

Sandy just shook her head and said “I am sorry Mr. Vassilli… I was just thinking aloud. It was nothing actually.

“I thought we already had a truce. Why don’t you stop calling me ‘Mister’? I felt so old when you call me Mister Vassilli…”

“And are you not old ‘Uncle’?” said Alexis who was behind them.

Sandy and Vassilli were surprised to see him.

“What are you doing here Alexandra? You are supposed to take care of my grandmother and not to flirt with the man in the house!” Alexis thundered.

Sandy was trying to find the right words to answer the question of Alexis and his very rude remark. She faced Alexis and looked at him in the eye. “I am not flirting Mr. Andreas! And for the record… if you remember right… today is my day off!”

“Ah… that is why… you are out here…to let somebody know that you are available?” That last word sounded so insulting that Sandy felt so embarrassed.

Vassilli felt sympathy for Alexandra.

“You are insulting the lady Alexis!”

“Am I?” Alexis asked sarcastically.

Sandy left the two men without a word. She was almost running to her room. After locking the door she burst into crying.

“That brute! What right does he have to accuse me of flirting? That PIG!” There she finally found the word for that horrible man.

Vassilli and Alexis were facing each other after Sandy left.

“Where is your manner Alexis?” Vassilli confronted Alexis trying to hold his anger.

“There is nothing wrong with my manner! You should know better Vassilli. I already warned you not to seduce her!” barked Alexis.

“Seduced her? What are you talking about? We are just talking like two adults exchanging some kind of greetings… is that what you call seducing? Are you really that jealous?” asked Vassilli mockingly.

Alexis gritted his teeth. “Why would I be jealous? I just don’t want to be blamed whatever if something happens to her while she is living under my roof!” Alexis replied defensively.

“Then proved to me that you are not jealous, because I am going to invite her again tonight for dinner.” after saying that Vassilli left Alexis.

Alexis felt his heart was crushed. He could not be jealous. He is just concerned of that fool caregiver. Alexandra is really out of his league. Anyway… she can do whatever she wants. Why would he care? Alexis grumbled. But deep in his heart… he really cared.

True to his word Vassilli extended his dinner invitation to Sandy but Sandy refused. She just wanted to be alone. But Vassilli threw a challenge to Alexandra’s face that she was not able to refuse.

“Are you afraid of Alexis that is why you don’t want to go out with me Sandy? Are you giving him the satisfaction?” Vassilli said in a voice that Sandy did not like.

“What do you mean by that? I am not afraid of him and who cares what he thinks of me?” Sandy said angrily unable to hold her temper anymore.

These men… they are both giving her a hard time. “Please… I just want to be alone Vassilli.”

Finally, Vassilli left Sandy but he was not really happy that Sandy refused to go out with him.

Sandy had never been so alone in her life. Today of all the days… it is her birthday. This is the first time that she will be celebrating her birthday away from home and celebrating it alone. Her rebellious nature made Sandy decide to go to Athens by herself. She was already in the Ferry when she realized that she really did not know where to go. She did not even have her passport— she only have her purse with some Euros in it and of course her camera.

As soon as she got out of the Ferry, Sandy tried to find a store where she could buy a map. She was already walking for almost an hour trying to find what she is looking for. Maybe she could find a map in the hotel or a restaurant. They usually have it even in the Philippines, hotels and restaurants have plenty of tour guide. The question is… how to get to a hotel? She already felt so thirsty and hungry. It was almost midday. Then she saw a restaurant. Sandy was so hopeful that she will really be able to buy a map of the city.

The tavern-restaurant turned out to be very nice and well kept. She also observed that the people were friendly and so welcoming. She was seated by the host in the table near the swimming pool. Sandy was not even sure how much would it cost to pay for just a drink. When the server tried to introduce himself and ask what kind of drink she wants, Sandy did not know what to say.

“I—I really don’t know about what I am going to drink but please could you give me your special drink? I heard that Greece has a very special kind of drink.” Sandy said with a smile. She was thinking this is her special day anyway. She thought… it is a treat for her.

Sandy was so busy looking at the menu. She was not aware that somebody was watching her in the other table. When the waiter arrived with her drink, Sandy ordered grilled Salmon and some vegetables. She took a sip of the drink and liked it. “Mmmm… taste good. I wonder what kind of drink is this? I hope this is not alcoholic?” she thought. Well, I don’t care. This is my birthday and I am going to enjoy it. Period! She said to herself with a giggle.

She liked the grilled Salmon she ordered. She asked for refill of the drink. She just baredly finished her meal when she started to get dizzy. My goodness! What is happening to me? Am I going to be sick? Sandy mumbled.

“Are you okay Miss?” asked a very tall, dark man, the one who was watching her in the nearby table.

Sandy felt the whole room was moving. She tried to grope on the chair. “Y-Yes… I guess I am. May I have my check please…” she said trying to steady herself thinking that it was the waiter who was asking her.

“My name is … ” the man was not able to finish speaking because Alexandra passed out.

The man was about to help Sandy when a voice said behind him “Don’t touch her!” It was Alexis Andreas.

“Alexis! What brought you here? Surely not this beautiful lady?” said the man to Alexis.

“None of your business Geronimo. And what about you? What brings you here today?” Alexis said sourly.

Geronimo did not reply right away. He was just looking at Alexis who was glaring at him. Then Geronimo said softly “I think I understand why you looked like you wanted to eat me…” and Geronimo added a teasing smile.

Alexis did not reply. He simply carried Alexandra in his arms and went out of the tavern to the amazement of all the personnel of the tavern including Geronimo.

On the way home, Alexis could not help being angry. What the hell is going on? Why is this fool went out by herself?

Alexandra woke up the next morning. She prayed Psalm 23 drowsily. She felt weird this morning. She felt the throbbing pain in her head. Then she opened her eyes and saw that she was not in her room. “Where is this place?” Sandy was trying to figure out where she was and why was she here. Then she looked at herself and found that she was half naked, Sandy screamed that brought Alexis and Alfon in the room including the servants.

“What happened?” almost everybody in the room asked in unison. Alfon and the other servants were shocked to find Alexandra in the master’s bedroom.

All eyes of the servants were looking back and forth at Alexis and Alexandra. Sandy was trying to cover herself with the blanket. She felt so ashamed being the focus of the attention of the servants.

Alexis tried to smile to hide his embarrassment. “Ah… E-Er… since you are all here, I might as well let you know that Alexandra and I just got engaged last night…”

“Engaged???” said the servants in unison including Alexandra who was looking at Alexis with big eyes.

Alexis seemed to be a little bit relaxed now. He was not even bothered by the looks of the servants and including Alexandra’s.

“Why is it a surprise to you all? You can all go back to work now and I need to talk to you Alfon. Please wait for me downstairs.” said Alexis with dismissal.

The servants left including Alfon and some of them were giggling. Alexandra could not help herself being upset.

“You can’t do this to me Mr. Andreas!” Sandy protested.

“Cut the Mister thing Alexandra! If we are going to convince these people that we are engaged then you better start calling me with my name and please make it convincing to sound like real.” Alexis said while looking amusedly at Sandy.

“Why don’t you have to tell them a lie? And why am I here? This is not my room… and those servants… ” Sandy realized where she was. “This is your…” her voice failed to come out. Sandy started to cry.

“Please calm down Alexandra. I am not telling them a lie. That is all I can do to save you from this situation…” Alexis was sitting at the edge of the bed now.

“No! I won’t let you do this to me!” Sandy protested.

“You brought it yourself Sandy.” Alexis said.”What do you want me to do? Have the servants spread gossip that the Caregiver of my grandmother slept in ‘my bed’ is that what you want?” Alexis asked Sandy with a challenge in his voice.

“But I am just a caregiver…” Sandy said teary eyed. She was not looking at Alexis.

“Does love has a standard Alexandra?” asked Alexis holding her face.

“But we are not in love with each other! How can we get engaged without love?” Sandy argued.

“And what you do know about love Alexandra?” Alexis asked softly.”Is love really necessary for people to get engaged or married?” Alexis added that to Sandy sounds like sarcastic.

Sandy could not find the words to say.

Alexis on the other hand was thinking. “This little fool has no idea what he had gone through last night resisting the temptation that she presented herself.”

Sandy felt so embarrassed. “I-I’m so sorry… I could not remember what… what happened…” she said finally trying to remember what happened and why she ended up in Alexis bed.

Alexis was about to say something when the door suddenly opened and Amina was there staring at them. But that was just split seconds Amina came in and attacked Sandy who was not aware of Amina’s intention.

“You opportunist!” Amina was pulling Sandy’s hair.

“Stop it Amina!’ Alexis pulled Amina away from Sandy.”You can’t hurt her!” Alexis said angrily.

“Tell me that it is not true Alexis!” Amina said hysterically.

“What is not true?” Alexis asked Amina.

“That you are not really engaged to this mouse!” Amina blurted.

“Watch your mouth Amina! Don’t talk like that to my future bride!” barked Alexis.

Sandy was watching the two. Alexis looked so angry and pulled Amina out of the room. Sandy could not even manage to get out of that King size bed. She does not even know where her clothes are. She burst into tears again. Her heart felt like bursting with pain.