∞ L A U R E N ∞

"You know what, one day when Frost left me in his home alone I ate some fries and drank some hot cocoa and guess what?!"

Mhyco said as he shake my shoulders with excitement. We're currently riding in his car and travelling back to the class A society. Frost is the one driving with Cloud sitting beside him and I'm sitting beside Mhyco at the back seat.

"What?"

I said with a smile painted on my face.

"It tasted like choco waffles!"

Mhyco said with delight as he looked up probably trying to recall the taste of fries and hot cocoa.

"And I was still so bored after that, thanks to Frost who ditched me that day! Can you imagine? I cancelled my concert in Europe because of him and he left me hangin'! So since I was so bored I started watching the films of Riyuki Michi and guess what---"

"Mhyco!"

I was startled when Frost and Cloud screamed Mhyco's name interrupting whatever he was trying to say.

"What?"

Mhyco said as he shrug his shoulder asking what's wrong.

"You can't talk to her about those stuff ok? She was born in year 1983 remember? "

Frost said as he stop for a moment because of the traffic light. Mhyco's lips formed an "O" as he nod his head while staring at me. Why what's wrong?

"Ok I get it. My bad, I guess I can't share to you the story of Riyuki Michi and her new porn film--"

"Mhyco!"
"This little shit."

Frost and Cloud said in unison interrupting Mhyco again. I think I'm getting a hint of what Mhyco is trying to say right now. I let out an awkward laugh as I tried to divert the topic.

"So uuh--tell me Mhyco, how did you end up in the showbiz world?"

A frown formed at Mhyco's face, ok so I guess showbiz is not the right term.

"I mean, how did you end up being a famous personality?"

Mhyco scratch his right ear as he tried to recall his past. That's cute, I've seen boys scratching their chin, or the nape of their neck as they try to remember things and this one is new to me, scratching your right ear to remember.

"I was just 13 during that time when my mother left me in the streets of the class A society. I was an outcast before, a citizen of Isola."

There was an awkward silence after that, I never knew Mhyco had a sad memory of his past. I don't even know if it's right to ask him about it.

"Then luckily someone adopted me. Then I was discovered by a talent agency when I was 15, since then I started writing songs and performing and practicing every day. That's how my career started, they gave me the title of being the phenomenal singer of the year and here I am now. How about you how did you end up in this year?"

I felt a lump in my throat as a thought of Casper flashed in my mind. I started playing with my fingers trying to piece some fragmented memory.

"I ahh-- I went through cryonics procedure without my consent. I was diagnosed with a rare disease and died in the year 2002 then I was revived in this year."

Mhyco responded with a nod as he rub my head like a puppy with an apologetic smile on his face.  We finally had a stop at the city plaza. Frost and Mhyco will be going home together and here I am again stuck with Cloud. He was walking ahead of me and he's been quiet since last night. He was not bothering me at all!

"Cloud what do you want for lunch?"

He stop walking and place his hands inside his pocket and inhaled sharply.

"I can't join you for lunch or dinner later. I need to prepare for the launching of our new hibernating pod tonight."

Oh so I guess he'll be attending a party tonight. I nod my head silently as I followed him towards the bus stop. A bus stopped right in front of us and he just nod his head at me as a signal to get in.

"You know our new address right? I'll be heading to my office right now."

He didn't even say good bye. He fish his phone out of his pocket and made a call as he started walking away from me. I let out a sigh as a frown form on my face.

"He's back to being a jerk again. Eesh!"

I started throwing punches in the air as I look at him walking away from me. Ha! Hope he'd have some fun later at the party. Psh! I get inside the bus and sat near the window, the bus is spacious today and we took the upper route.

As the gate opened I saw an unfamiliar car parked at the garage. It's my first time seeing this car. When I approached the front door it was open and I spotted Drey vacuuming the carpeted floor in the living room.

"Good noon Drey! How are you?"

I said with a smile on my face but that smile immediately faded when I saw
Jenia walking out from the kitchen with a glass of wine in her hand. She was just wearing a red top paired with black micro shorts and knee length boots.

"Where's Cloud?"

She said clearly not interested with my presence. Wow she is rude.

"Why are you here?"

I am just being straightforward. I don't even know how did she know about the pass code of this house. She raised her perfectly shaped brows as she flipped her hair to the right.

"Excuse me? Have you forgotten the fact that I am Cloud's fiance? If it wasn't because of your stupidity we should have been married by now. Geez you're getting in my nerves, just answer my question."

Ha! I may be a product of a generation who respects people but I know that no one should speak on me that way. I flipped my hair to the right and folded my arms on my chest with my brows raised at her.

"Excuse me too but who's the wife again? I may be his wife in a piece of contract but I have all the rights to decide who should step foot in this house because it's not just a house, it's our home. Please leave, now."

She was surprised with my response but then she managed to maintain her poise.

"If you're the wife then why are you not joining the party tonight? Aah, maybe because your so called husband is probably too embarrassed to show you to everyone."

This bitch. She grab her purse and put on her red blazer. Before she open the door she looked back at me and threw a card on the floor.

"By the way, Cloud forgot his invitation. He can't get in without that card. Give it to him, you're the wife right?"

Then she went out of the house with a sly smile on her face.
I need to close my eyes for a minute and take in deep breaths to calm my nerves down.

"If you're the wife then why are you not joining the party tonight?"

I said trying to mimic her voice. Argh! A stamp my foot with with anger before I forcefully drop my body on the couch.

"Are you ok? Your vital signs are showing that you are agitated."

Drey said as he raise his index finger like he is explaining something crucial. I close my eyes once more before inhaling deeply.

"Now what will I do with that invitation card?"

I tried dialing Cloud's number but he was out of reach. I remember that he wasn't able to charge his phone last night. I know it's risky, I don't even know if I am welcome in that place or whether Cloud wants me to be there or not but...

"I need to give this to him, right?"

※ C L O U D ※

"Sir, please raise your arms so we could measure it."

I raised my arms and they started measuring my shoulders for the tuxedo that I will be wearing tonight. I don't have any idea with styles but I do trust my designer. My designer told me to wait at the lobby as they finish my Tuxedo. It'll only take 30 minutes to finish a dress these days with the technology and machines we have cutting and sewing of clothes is never an issue. Just scan the design you want, enter the measurements and the machine will be working on it.

I impatiently tap my right foot on the carpeted floor as I wait for the tuxedo when Jenia came in with a smile on her face when she saw me.

"I'm right that you're here."

She said as she seat beside me clearly invading my personal bubble clinging her arm on me like an endangered monkey in the wild.

"Are you ignoring me?"

I close my eyes as I take her hands off me and move away transferring at the far end of the couch. She scoff clearly offended of my actions as she take her jacket or blazers off, whatever you call that thing.

"I went to your new address earlier."

I felt my muscles stiffened at the sudden mention of my new address. Did she meet Lauren? I know she's a bitch she could've done something wrong against Lauren.

"Don't worry I did nothing to your boring housewife. But maybe soon I'll be doing something interesting."

I gave her a stern look as a warning before fixing my gaze outside the window watching some flying cars. She's trying to piss me off and she's probably enjoying right now.

"You should invite her you know? It's a shame that she calls herself your wife and yet she's not even invited."

A smirk was painted across her face and I know the hidden agenda behind her plan. She wanted to invite Lauren to the party to put her to shame in front of everyone and I won't allow that to happen.

"Sir here's your attire for the party tonight."

Thank goodness, it was just right on time. At least I have an excuse to leave, I grab the bag and faced the exit.

"See you tonight future husband."

Fvck. The word future husband gave me the chills down my spine, she sounded like a psychopath ready for murder.

I changed my clothes in my office, I have a combination of black and red tuxedo for tonight. It looks fine and I'm quite satisfied with it.  

I drove myself towards the venue, outside the dome are guards in suits with big guns. I was greeted by a girl dressed in black crop top and beige micro skirt with a knee length boots. I can't help but sigh in frustration as I spotted some businessmen being ushered by some girls with their hands roaming around their body.  It's a filthy scene, I honestly don't want to have an usher dressed this way but the board outnumbered me in votes.

"This way sir."

The girl said as she touch my hand which made me stop from walking.

"I know the way, you don't have to touch me."

She was clearly embarrassed as she slowly let go of my hand. I pulled my suit together and put on one button on before entering the hall. All you can hear is the sound of men chattering with each other. I can see the new hibernating pod displayed on the stage but something else caught my sight. She walked towards me, making her way through the crowd with a sophisticated smile painted on her face.

"How are you son?"

I felt my jaw clench as she mentioned the word son.

"You lost your rights to call me your son years ago."

The smile faded from her dark red lips as she brought a glass of red wine closer for a sip.

"Never thought you can be this rude to your mother."

A short yet bitter laugh escape my lips as I touch my right brow.

"You are no mother to me."

I said before walking away from her. I don't care about her damn feelings, she deserve that treatment.

No matter how much I wanted to never see her again she's always present in every party of this company because of her stupid husband mr. Chang.

The party went well, I gave my speech, the new pod was introduced and of course food will always be a part of parties. I'm not in the mood of eating, I was just enjoying a glass of red wine at the corner when I spotted Lauren with Shan not far from where I am. I sighed in frustration as I loosen my tie.

"This is not good."

Shan was my block mate in college and he's a guy who chew girls and spit them out once he's done with them. He's an asshole for short but what the fvck is Lauren doing here with Shan? I scan my eyes around the crowd and spotted Jenia at the corner while smirking, her vision clearly focused on Lauren. This bitch is behind all of this shit. I look back at Lauren and saw Shan touched her cheek which made me...mad.

His hands glided down her shoulders but before he could do whatever he's planning to do I was quick enough to push him away. I was about to give him a good punch on his face when I felt Lauren's grip on my arm telling me not to. I look around and noticed we got everyone's attention.

"That was rude Cloud, I was just enjoying a moment with this pretty server."

He said eyeing Lauren, I pulled Lauren closer towards me as Shan stood up and brushed his clothes with his hand.

"Server?"

I said trying to clear things out. Why the fvck is he calling Lauren a server?! A smirk form at the corner of his lips as he place his hands inside his pocket.

"Yes, she gave me a glass of wine a minute ago. Come on don't be so greedy, you gotta share that babe to me even just for one night."

I bit my lower lip trying to calm my self down but I know I can't be at peace if I won't do this...

"You son of a bitch!"

I heard the crowd gasp as my fist landed on Shan's face. That felt so good, it's been a long time I punched someone. Can I do it again? Shan wiped his lips and as soon as he saw the blood on his hand I know he was pissed off. He was about to punch me when his friends stopped him by pulling him away.

"Fvck you!"

He scream while trying to escape from the grip of his friends.

"Fvck you too! She's my wife not a fvcking server! Go find yourself a bitch outside!"

I felt Lauren's hand on my arms giving it a squeeze, I was so mad I almost forgot she was standing beside me. I looked at her for a moment and saw how terrified she is right now.

"Let's go home."

I said and she just nod her head as a response. I hold her hand and head towards the exit but something made me stop from walking.

"Aw, you're leaving too soon. The party is not yet over. Right Lauren?"

I close my eyes as I heard Jenia's voice, she's bringing out the demon in me. I felt Lauren squeezing my hand and I know she's trying to tell me to stay cool but damn Jenia needs something to stop. I turn towards the direction of Shan who's currently touching his bruised lips.

"Hey Shan! I take my words back, you don't need to go outside to find a bitch, she's right here."

I said before looking at Jenia. Her nostrils flared up as her grip around her wine glass tightened.

"Are you talking about me?"

Ha! I want to laugh at her question right now. She should not ask the obvious.

"Your common sense should have told you that yes, I was talking about you."

I gave her a good smirk before walking out of the venue. I know this will create an after effect but who cares?

We were both quiet during the ride and the silence is killing me right now! I stop the car beside the road and turn the engine off. 

"What were you thinking Lauren?! I told you to stay at home is it so hard to understand?!"

There I just blurted my thoughts out. I lean on my chair as I tap my fingers on the steering wheel.

"I'm sorry."

She said followed by her sniffing. She's crying right now and she said she was sorry which made me feel bad about myself for raising my voice at her! Damn this! I let out a sigh as I look at her. It took me seconds to realize she was wearing a green sleeveless and knee-length dress exposing her collar bone and slender shoulders with her hair neatly brushed. She caught me staring at her which made looked away. I loosen my tie as I felt my body temperature  increasing. Why the fvck is it turning warm in this fully air-conditioned car?! 

"Y-you know it's cold tonight why are you wearing that kind of dress?"

I got my handkerchief and hand it to her which she immediately accepted.

"Does it look awful? "

My eyelids fluttered nervously as words started to form in my mind convincing me to tell her how beautiful she is tonight but...

"Yes you looked horrible don't wear that again."

We were both speechless for a second and I know that was beyond the line, I wasn't suppose to say that, that wasn't even the words I wanted to say. Lauren lick her lips as she pulled the clip from her hair allowing it to hang up to her waist clearly feeling down because of my stupid comment. Can't this day get any better?

"I-I'm sorry, that's not what---"

"It's ok."

She said interrupting my sentence. A smile form at the corner of her lips as she slowly look away.

"You were just telling the truth. I know I'm not that pretty as Jenia."

Damn this. Now I feel even worst. I let out a sigh before facing her.

"Lauren this has nothing to do with that---"

"Cloud."

She said almost like a whisper while staring at her hands placed on her lap.

"I just want to go home."

I felt a pain inside me as she say the word home. I don't even know if she's talking about the house we currently live or the time where Casper exists.
I inhaled deeply before starting the engine.

When we reached home she headed straight to her bedroom and I did the same thing. The house is so quiet, I've been living with silence for years and it's really annoying how the comfort I once had with silence is now slowly killing me. The silence is so loud it's driving me crazy.

I look at my digital clock to check the time and it's already damn 2 a.m in the morning and here I am still wide awake!

"Did I offend her?"

Aish! I grip my hair tight as I sit on my bed.  Should I say sorry? No Cloud, no.

"You know what this is actually good. By doing this you won't get too attached to her. Right?"

A short laugh escape my lips when I realized I was talking to myself. What is wrong with me? I lazily got up and head straight to the kitchen to grab some water.

On my way down I spotted Drey recharging.  I stop for a moment in front of him and I can't help but smile as memories flooded my mind.

I was so happy and contented to have a late night talk with Drey before, but right now why do it feels  like I'm searching for something else. I let out a sigh and I made my way to the kitchen but something made me stop right at its door.

"Oh fvck."

I whispered at myself when I spotted Lauren in the kitchen with a mug in her hand. This is so awkward, I don't even know if I'd go get myself some water or should I just return to my room. I decided to leave, I was about to turn around when I heard Lauren speak which made me stop.

"You can't sleep?"

I blink my eyes twice before I cleared my throat.

"Yep."

Damn it!  There's something wrong with the pitch of my voice. I hold my breath trying to hide the feeling of guilt inside me as Lauren walk towards me.

"This will help."

She said as she extended her arms with a mug of milk in her hand. I wanted to take it but I shouldn't, I ended up scratching the nape of my neck trying to think of the right words to say.

"I--uhh-- I don't need