"Beauty, I thought you've decided to stay here before the regional trials?" asked Grandma Julianne.

"I did say that but I think I need to go back home now. After school, I went to be with my grandparents for a vacation. After coming back, I should have gone home first but I didn't. I feel like I'm a bad daughter."

"Grandma, she came back from Camotes Island just a week ago. The next day after arriving, we came here, but unexpectedly stayed longer than planned. In other words, her parents haven't seen her for a long time." Clarence explained to totally convince them somehow.

John and others just remained silent. As spectators, they understood well on what was Clarence's main reason but either they never wanted to help or not wanted to get involve or would not want to bother at all.

"Fine, if that's so. Just don't forget, you have a home here with us. Leave us your contact number. John, get her phone number before she leaves."

Grandma was low in spirit for no progress was seen with her grandson and Beauty. In some ways, she hoped that they would continue to keep in contact with one another. Probably later they would hear a good news.

Clarence went out first while Beauty was still being hugged by the old lady and Lorraine.

"You're fast. Your alibi is really persuading. But you can't keep her away from me. I have my ways." John appeared unmoved with them leaving after his challenge just hours ago.

"Oh, really? Don't ever think that I'm the same person before." Clarence answered composed.

"I hope you're not a coward enough to insist on her to change her phone number," warned John.

"No need for me to do that. Bye, hope not to see you soon."

"Haha, I'll make sure Beauty and I will see each other soon."

. . . . .

Early morning, John was waiting outside Beauty's bedroom door.

"Good morning, did you sleep well?" He was talking while carrying her bags.

"I slept well, Doc. Let me carry my things."

"Just carry those lighter paper bags you got there. I'll take these heavy ones."

Clarence was watching at the side.

"You came early, Doc. Didn't you sleep and stayed here all night worried sick of my presence?"

"Whose afraid with whom? I'm here to help Beauty. You're fine without my help, right?"

"I'm strong and don't need you to help her, Doc. We don't need you to carry that luggage as well."

"I have well-toned arms. I can even carry Beauty with me." John tried to impress the lady by showing his muscled shoulder.

These two were already sparring with words. The object of their word-war felt powerless. She had no idea how to stop their bickering.

"Come, Beauty. The car is now ready for us to go."

Clarence took advantage of his empty hands by holding her hand while carrying the stuff from her.

John wished to pull his hand away from her but he knew would only make him look bad. He thought he would have his time to get closer to her but not now.

He might have started wooing this lady to ease his grandmother's mind, yet his heart now started to sway to the path he never thought he would, earnestly courting her. He's a man who could be blind to his true emotions for he chose his career over love. With this denial, he was most susceptible to fall in love, but he didn't know that.

The road to building relationships have always been steep since time immemorial. One dared not act recklessly or what one worked hard might find it in failure. Clarence was careful while seizing the heart of the lady but sometimes felt threatened when a rival came.

The lady in question was standing between these two men. She was completely clueless when it comes to men and relationships. To be accurate, she never had had any suitors not even one. Now two men squabbled and were asking for her attention. What was she going to do?

Each one was in their own thoughts and remained silent until they were near the car.

"Beauty, I hope you won't mind if I'll call you sometimes," John spoke first breaking the silence. He thought of telling her that he would call and take her out for dinner but reserved it for later.

"I don't mind," replied Beauty.

"If she's not busy with her work with me." Clarence wished to nip the bud before it blooms. He really thought of stopping John from getting close to her. Could he really stop it? Unless he would be cowardly to change Beauty's number, as the other warned him. He just sighed and would try his best to establish his footing in the heart of this girl.

Oh, Beauty, when will I ever hear your sweet yes. Clarence wished it would happen soon.

He drove the car away from the villa. Beauty looked back and sighed, I hope Grandma Julianne is feeling fine.

"Are you okay?" asked Clarence.

"Yes, I'm fine."

Silence prevailed for a time. Clarence, who was feeling unsatisfied, chose to speak first.

"Beauty, have you thought of us? I mean our relationship. When can I hear your answer?"

". . ."

"I know I told you I'll wait but I hope no other man will stand in my way and snatch you when I'm unaware. You know what I mean, right?"

". . ."

"I love you, Beauty. I really do and will continue to wait but I hope you won't try to look your way on another man before you're sure of your feelings toward me."

Afterward, both remained silent while the car sped up on the winding road toward the city. The hearts of three were also traversing the winding path called love.

. . . . .

Meanwhile, Ronald stepped out from the mini-studio Clarence told him to stay. To be precise, it was a bachelor's pad borrowed by Clarence from another friend of his. This eyeglasses guy thought of trying to do some little investigation by himself.