Philip Lefeuvre's Story

A woman was waiting on the porch as Philip parked his car on the driveway. From a far, he can already recognize that it was his sister. She is not hard to distinguish as she always emit this overpowering aura that makes everyone or anything around her several levels lower. Somehow she makes the modern cabin look shabby despite how intricate the designs are. Consequently, Madelaine has the same effect on her young brother and like the others, Philip feels the same way about her. After picking up his duffel bag from the trunk, he hesitantly treaded towards the porch.

“Hi Maddie.” Philip obligingly greeted his sister then gave her a quick hug.

“Kate’s not here yet.” Madelaine said in reply.

“I wasn’t expecting that.” He gave her a puzzled look. “Shouldn’t you greet your brother like any normal sister would do?”

“You know I’m not your average sister.” Madelaine chuckled. “I can see right through you, bro.”

“If you say so...” Philip turned away from her and headed towards door.

“No girl tagging along?”

“Why ask the question? I thought you can see right through me?” He mocked her.

“Smart move.” She gave him a sly smile then followed him as he entered the Cabin.

---

Philip headed upstairs hoping to settle down in his room where he usually stays during vacation. Before he took a turn to the left wing, he took sight of Kate’s room and noticed that the door was open. The sweet aroma of Kate’s perfume still lingers as Philip whiffed it before the door. It made an impression that she’s standing before him; imagining that she is giving him her sweetest smile.

This illustrates Philip’s current relationship with Kate. He knows that Kate will always be there for him but still he feels distant. Ever since the latter years of highschool he does not quite understand why he feels obscure around her. Deep inside there’s a lingering thought he does not yet want to accept or confront that is perhaps causing him discomfort.

Before turning around from her room, he caught site of the photo which has always been on her bedside. He just hoped that everything was simpler like back in the days.

---

As Philip lay on his bedspread, he felt his phone vibrated in his pocket. He took out his phone and read the message: “Can’t wait till tomorrow, babe. I miss you!”. Philip sighed and replied: “Wish you were here. Miss you too.” Upon pressing send, he gently closed his eyes and a soft murmur came out, “Tina..”

As soon as he stepped away from Kate’s door step, he heard a familiar voice calling out his name. With much enthusiasm, he quickly turned towards her and received her tightest hug which he returned. He was really glad to see her. Just a moment ago he was just reminiscing how things were in the past and now she’s actually there. He can’t seem to grasp how odds can quickly turn around.

"I missed you most of all I have to say. Strange even though we're in the same state for college."

Philip missed her too. It’s been a month since the last time they saw each other and her statement made him ponder. He asked himself why they are not able to spend time together. As soon as Philip entered college, he became preoccupied with women; neglecting the people who matter most. He would always spend time in bars after class “socializing” and “casual drinking”; adhering to what his wants. Moreover, he doesn’t realize that this is causing the distance between him and Kate.

“I missed you too, Kate. You would not know how much.” He said with a smile as he let go of her from his arms. “Now is the best time to catch...” as he was about to finish his sentence, he was interrupted by man who had just entered the door.

"Baby, I have to say I am pretty lucky most girls pack 7 bags extra. You just have-" The man paused."Oh I thought everyone would be-"

Kate quickly turned and spend down the stairs while Philip followed. It was the first time Kate brought a male “friend” at the cabin. He didn’t know to react when saw the man on the lobby. He noticed that Kate’s parents were also down the stairs and somehow he noticed that they share the same expression.

"Mom, Dad, Phillip...this is my boyfriend Jace. I kind of invited him to stay with us." said Kate.

“Boyfriend” Philip thought. He gave Jace a condescending look, looking at him from head to toe. As soon as Kate gave Jace a quick Kiss on the cheek, for some reason Philip’s chest tightened. He can’t seem accept the current situation yet he tried to keep his cool and acted as if everything is normal. Also, he noticed that Kate’s dad can’t digest what his daughter has just announced. Like her dad, Philip wanted a drink too but stopped the urge.

"So.....?" Kate said with a raised eyebrow hoping to know what was running through his mind to cause such an expression.

Philip pretended not to hear her. He slowly walked towards Jace and took one of Kate’s bag from his hand which Jace reluctantly released from his grasp. “I’ll help you with that.” Philip said. “It’s nice to meet you, Jace” he said with a sarcastic tone. “Kate sure has a lot of surprises” he continued. “Come, I’ll show you where to put these.” he eyed him and went towards the stairs urging Jace to follow.

Maddie was watching all along from the sofa she was sitting on. She can’t believe that Philip is being impetuous again so she walked up to Kate and Laura and greeted them. “Hi Laura and Kate” she said as she gave each of them a tight hug. “It’s been awhile, I’m so happy to be here.” she continued. “Don’t mind that. We know Philip; he’s just being his normal self - acting without thinking” she chuckled.

---

Philip gently placed the bag on Kate’s bedspread. “You can place the others here.” he said. While Jace was about to put down his own bag. Philip quickly interrupted him. “Your room will be the one across the hall he said.” pointing to a room next to an open door which Jace inferred was Philip’s room.

“So you’re the best friend...?" [Jace]

Philip raised a brow when Jace asked the question. With that, Jace sealed the barrier between Philip and him. As he emphasized that Philip was only “the best friend”, somehow it places him in a lower level since Jace is the one who’s in a relationship with Kate.

"I have to thank you...I would have never met Kate if you hadn't stood her up the night you were supposed to meet her at that pub a couple of months ago." [Jace]

As soon as Philip felt Jace hands on his shoulder, he clenched his fist and wanted to punch him at that very moment. When he started to walked away, Philip wanted to call him back but hesitated at the last moment.

Everything came rushing in what happened three months ago. Philip was supposed to meet up with Kate after her dance rehearsal. He remembered that he was already at the pub 2 hours early, and in order to pass the time, he talked to several girls. Thus he ended up getting heavily drunk and walking out with them and then eventually forgetting about Kate. “How can I be so stupid?” he said to himself.

---

“I'm happy for you Kate that you're really doing great in Julliard unlike my little brother.” Maddie paused. “And lucky of you, you found yourself one young hot guy. He's really gorgeous.” Maddie said and jokingly pursed her lips seductively. “Too bad Philip can't compete with that, but we will never know until he tries.” she thought to herself. And as she saw Jace walking down the stairs without Philip, she had a hunch that things didn’t go really well upstairs. She just hoped that they can it put it aside make this vacation worthwhile.

---

As Philip was going down the stairs, he observed Jace walking towards the kitchen. He saw Laura and Maddie talking in the living room and Kate was nowhere in sight. He walked up to them and bent towards Laura and gave him a polite quick kiss on the cheek. “Hi Laura, How are you? I didn’t notice you were already here.”

“You were too busy to notice, especially when Kate came in.” Maddie teased her brother.

“You two haven’t changed.” Laura commented and let out a slight laugh.

“Kate’s outside the porch, that is if you want to talk to her.” Madelaine, assuming as ever, directed the information to him. Philip eyed her sister even if that’s the reason why he approached them in the first place.

“Go Ahead. I know you have a lot of things to catch up on.” said Laura. She beckoned him to go outside and see Kate. He nodded and slowly left the room.

As Philip went out the door, the sun was already setting and he can feel the summer breeze was getting cold. From his right, he can see Kate sitting on the swing hinged on the porch’s ceiling. He walked up to her, admiring her, as she gazed towards the horizon. Upon hearing his footsteps, Kate looked up to him and Philip can’t seem to fathom what she’s thinking or currently feeling. He removed his jacket and placed it around her shoulders hoping it would keep her warm. He sat next to her and inadvertently kept a distance between them.

“It’s getting a bit cold.” he said trying to break the silence. “So how are you?” he asked. “I’m sure that I missed out a lot based on what had happened earlier.” he said to her as he tried to evade her eyes.

"You mean Jace?" [Kate]

Upon hearing his name, once again jealousy struck Philip. He tried to keep himself calm, allowing Kate to continue on. He knows he should feel otherwise because it is supposed to be a good thing for her. At last, there’s someone who would be there for her, a person who would always keep her company which Philip understands it is something he cannot give. However, he is also aware that Kate is at the same time vulnerable. Philip is afraid that Jace might hurt her and break her heart in the end, yet he tries to ignore this thought. But still he can’t help feel protective of her.

"I met him at the pub, I was waiting for you and you never showed. I was tired from practice and he came up and introduced himself. He told me he seen me on campus dancing before and well we hit it off. He's majoring dance too...and got me into the athletic side of partner dance.” [Kate]

Philip didn’t know what to feel when he heard those bitter words. From the tone of her voice, it is as if she’s not making a big deal out of it. She was not mad at all which made him feel uneasy. It appears that ditching Kate at the pub turned out pretty well. If Philip had showed up, Kate wouldn’t have gotten to know Jace. Philip just stared at the horizon watching the sun disappear.

“Other than that...I am really doing well at school instructors all say I have so much talent for someone so young."

Philip was able to breathe again when Kate changed the subject. With no doubt, Philip knows that Kate’s instructors will be impressed of her performance because she is indeed a very amazing summer. It was his first summer at Lake Kenforth when he first saw Kate dance. She was barefooted on the patio, swinging her arms and doing several pirouettes at a time. He never saw something beautiful as that. Everytime he see her dance, he always feel that he is in a dream. He is amazed how can Kate tell a story through her movements, and how she can harmonize with the music making them flow as one. “I’m very happy for you, Kate. No one can beat in you in doing a Fouetté en tournant.” he smiled at her.

“It always gives me a head-” he wanted to joke but stopped when he felt Kate lay her head shoulders. He can smell her strawberry-scented and feel her soft hair touch his neck giving him a tingling sensation all over. "I really missed you though." he heard her whispered into his ears. “I badly miss you too Kate” he said in reply as he looked at her sad eyes. Philip felt uncomfortable by the sudden change of emotion from Kate. He lifted his arm attempting to put an arm around her. However, stopped at the moment she asked, "Now why I have you been avoiding me ever since we got to New York? What's going on in your life that has kept you away? I know it's not just school...you hate finance." He slowly dropped his arm back to his side.

Philip can’t find the words the say. It is true that he hates finance, so he can’t make that as an excuse. As he thought of it, he doesn’t want to make any excuses anymore. He doesn’t want to lie either. Ever since he started college, he went to a dating spree. Always having a good time and drinking all the booze he can get. Someone as perfect as Kate, she wouldn’t approve of this. Moreover, he didn’t want to be a bad influence to her and didn’t want to show her what he had become.

“I’m sorry Kate... I-”

“Hey, you two.” a familiar voice interrupted them. Philip looked back and saw Maddie standing on the doorway. “Supper is ready. Everyone is already there.” she said before turning away. “Oh yeah, dad wants to talk to you.” she said addressing Philip.

---

Everyone was already sitting around the table. He saw his father with a stern look as he entered in the dining room. He ignored this and focused on the food that was presented. “The theme is spanish” he thought as he saw several dishes containing tomato sauce. Kate and Jace trailed behind him and sat together as they reached the table.

“So, Philip how’s school?” his father asked him. Philip almost choked on a potato which he had swallowed whole when his father had asked question. “Laura has mentioned Kate is doing great at school. I believe that she is the best dancer of her class.” he continued. “So, I would like to ask if it’s the same for you?”

Philip didn’t want to tell his father that he failed several core classes during semester. He is not even sure if he is still eligible to attend next semester since is average didn’t not reach the minimum. He breathe in deeply. “It’s not the same for me, dad. I don’t dance” he mocked him.

“How dare you mock your father in front of our host?” his mother erupted from her chair.

With that, Philip stood up from the table and left the cabin.

---

As Philip reached the dock, he removed his shoes and sat on the ledge letting his feet in the cold water. From his pocket, he grabbed his lights and marlboro then started smoking a stick. He never really liked the smell of it but he believed that this is one of those moment that he really needs a smoke.

Philip was already on his second stick when he noticed silhouette of a woman walking towards him. As she moved in closely, he recognized that it’s Kate. He drew in one deep smoke letting it fill his lungs and slowly exhaling it away. She gracefully sat beside him only a few inches apart. At that moment, Philip wanted to be left alone but somehow Kate presence makes him feel otherwise. He was longing for her - the sound of her voice, the touch of her hand on his skin, and the flash of that sweetest smile. He wanted the time to think by himself but he knows he can’t push her away anymore. She is his best friend; she has the every right to know.

"I thought you said you didn't smoke anymore... Is school really going that bad...?" [Kate]

Prior entering college, Philip never had a problem with school. He always had above average grades but recently he lost the interest to attend lectures. When he failed the screening at École des Beaux-Arts, his family has been pressuring him to take business instead. His parents did not understand that he never wanted that; it was taken lightly and ignored.

As soon as he learned that Kate got accepted to Julliard, he was envious of her. Laura and Trevor has always been there for Kate; they’ve never missed a show ever since she started dancing. Philip doesn’t know why his parents can’t be supportive of the things that his passionate of, it was the very least that they can do for him. When Kate and Philip started college, he started to distance himself from Kate because somehow she’s a constant reminder of what his parents can’t do for him. Also, he thinks little of himself every time he’s around Kate. Slowly, she is climbing towards success while for him he describes it as being stuck in limbo, floating around, undecided on what to do.

In order to take these things out his mind, he parties all night and end up not waking to attend the class the next day. It has taken a toll on their friendship and they did grew apart. Philip puffed in last one smoke and pressed it against on a wet side of the dock watching the cigar’s light diminish.

"Phillip...you used to tell me everything...Now I feel like I barely even know you.I miss the boy who I used to draw pictures with even though I sucked horribly at it. The boy I used to give the craziest dares to and he still would do them even if he got hurt." [Kate]

“I don’t know, Kate.” he shook his head. “I think I’m just making several bad decisions lately.” Philip continued, trying to laugh it out.

"I know we haven't talked as much as we used to...even since high school, But you know you can tell me anything...that I am still your biggest supporter ever." [Kate]

Philip wanted to hold her hand when she said those very words. Despite of his misbecomings, Kate never neglected him. She has always been there for him and at the same time understood him. He is thankful, yet still he hesitated to act upon it. “I still remember the promise we made to each other when we were eight.” he said as he looked into the lake, gazing at Kate’s reflection. “It was on this very edge of the dock. I remember you were sad because it was our last day before my family leave for France. You said you will never forget me and you wished I could have stayed.” he paused. “After all those years, I was not able to tell you this before, but I was so glad to hear those words from you. It made me feel that I matter to you.”

Going to the lake house during summer became a refuge to Philip because he knows that Kate will always be there. Kate the only person whom he trusts, the only person he can be honest to and yet she’s still the person whom he’ll hurt most. In addition to his family issue, he still can’t get Jace out of his mind. He is selfish because he believes time spent in the lake house should be only about him and Kate - no one else.

“But looking at things, everything is just so distant.” he said." I’m stuck in Columbia. God knows why i’m still keeping up with it. And you, you’re doing great at school and now you have Jace to accompany you wherever you go.” he said with bitterness.

“It’s just that things are doing well for you kate, but for me it’s like being stuck in a whirphool - going in circles, no where to go.”

If only there’s no counter separating him and Jace, Philip could already have tackled him and started a fight. But before he can make any further movement, he noticed Kate entered in the room. His anger started to settle down as soon as he saw her.

Philip watched as Jace approached Kate giving her a quick kiss below her ear. Images came into mind as soon as he heard Jace hinting that he can’t wait to see what’s underneath her clothes. As they were growing up, Philip can’t help fantasize about Kate as she blossomed into a beautiful woman. He had always thought about her perfect curves, perfectly shaped bosom and of course her long flawless legs which he greatly admired. He was still in disbelief when Jace admitted he had already slept with Kate which has clearly set the boundaries between Jace and him. Philip never really pushed his relationship with Kate to the next level because he is somehow content as it is. He was afraid that if ever he asked her out their relationship would end up like the others he had.

As Jace left the room, "Do you want to watch an old French movie like we used to...you can still translate it for me even though I know what it says now?" Kate asked.

As he remembered there is this one particular French movie which Kate really loves but Philip can't understand why she finds it interesting. Les Enfant du Paradis is a story about a young woman named Garance who was being pursued by several suitors. There were only two of the suitors which are prominent in the story namely Baptiste and Frederick. Baptiste was her saviour and also was madly in love with her yet she ended up choosing Frederick who was a very popular actor and womanizer. The story didn’t end like any other fairy tale for Garance failed to be with the man he really loves, Baptiste.

For some reason Philip was not in the mood to watch a movie as questions did circle his mind. He still can’t get over about what Jace had told him and why Kate hasn’t said anything within that three months. He wanted to ask Kate why Jace? Why just now? At this very moment he can't understand what he should he feel. He just can’t believe why she hasn’t told him anything since he is her best friend. “Why just now Kate?” he softly murmured.

He looked up to her waiting for an answer. He can now feel the distance, the wall, standing in between them. He realized that his relationship now with Kate is not like before.

“Nevermind that.” he said breaking the silence. “It's a bit late. I think I'll be sleeping early today. I need to pick up Tina at the airport in the morning. Goodnight Kate.” he softly smiled at her and retreated towards the staircase. “On n'aime que ce qu'on ne possède pas tout entier.” he said.

---

The car windows are down and the breeze freely entered. Philip really liked driving in the countryside because there's no traffic, it’s peaceful and the air is at it's freshest. He can see the clear reflection of the sun on the lake and the mountain surrounding it. He missed going hiking to the mountains and of course cliff diving in one of the most memorable spots.

As he parked on the driveway he saw young woman greeted him an enthusiastic wave. He lowered down his window and his eyes glowed when he saw how Tina looked very pretty. “Hi Babe!”

“I've thought you'd never pick me up.” She said with a frown face as she leant inside the window flaunting her perfectly shaped bosom.

“I'm sorry. I was not able to sleep well last night.” he replied as looked at her chest and then back to her eyes.

“Mhm. I wonder why. I'll make sure you have a good one later.” She winked at him.

“I’ll look forward to it.” Philip went out of the car and helped to Tina to place her luggage in the trunk.

As they sped off the airport, Tina grabbed his iPod and searched some good tunes to play. “I never really liked your taste in music. I mean most of the songs you have here I don't get to listen from the radio.” But as she scrolled down, “Oh, this is one I like.” It was Do You Realize?? by The Flaming Lips.

Philip’s relationship with Tina could be defined as give and take. If someone wants something the other one will be willing to provide. The reason why the so called relationship is lasting on because they both tolerate each other and have the same perspective. Like almost all of the girls he had dated, he met Tina in one of the local pubs near ColumbIa. And like any other girls their attraction to him was because he’s French, good-looking and loaded. Yet, what separates Tina from the others is that she treats him as project. She wanted to change him and place herself in a positive note to his parents.

“You know what I find funny about this song? It start off by saying someone has the most beautiful face and then he’ll be like: that everyone you know will die.” she laughed.

Philip couldn’t stop to laugh along with her but as he thought about it is saying that life is finite and good things never last so now is the time make things happen.

---

“I’m impressed. Kate’s place is much bigger than your patio in France.” Tina commented as she they left the car. “And I hope she doesn't mind me coming, and you did tell her I’m going, right?” Philip nodded back at her.

The first and last meeting between Katrina and Katelynn was not a memorable event. It was during a house party of one Kate and Philip’s mutual friend before Christmas break. At that time, Philip brought Tina as his date. When Kate saw Philip upon her arrival, Kate rushed towards him and gave him a tight squeeze which Tina took the wrong way. Without thinking she pulled Kate away from him, demanding who she was and accused her that she was one of those random women who kept flirting with him at the pub. Of course, it caused a scene at the party thus they were never in good terms.

“You’ve insisted to go.” he raised a brow at her. “But knowing Kate, I know she won't mind not unless something changed within the past three months.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nah, forgot about it.”

As they entered the lobby, they can already hear the chattering from the kitchen and the aroma of eggs and bacon being fried. Philip held her hand as they pass through the kitchen arc. As they surveyed the area, it seems that only the housekeepers are the current people inside. “Sir Philip, they are having coffee at the garden. We will be serving breakfast in a while” one of the helper mentioned to them. Philip gave them a nod and thanks.

“I never had breakfast in the garden.” Tina commented. “Probably, it looks like one of those movies.”

As they went out to garden, they immediately saw a long table covered in a white cloth and the eccentric silverwares and plates perfectly placed on it. There was already bread and the coffee was being served. Eyes were already upon them, 2 couples ages nearing half a century and a young woman who somehow resembles Philip (which of course Tina inferred was not Kate) were sitting around the table. For some reason, Tina cannot understand while the other couple (which she thought were Philip’s parents) were glaring at him. “Hi Everyone, this is my girlfriend Tina. I have you don’t mind her joining us for the whole vacation.” She instantly flashed her brightest smile in front of them.

Philip directed Tina and himself towards the empty seats near Maddie. As Philip looked around the table, he noticed that Kate and Jace aren’t there yet. “So that’s the girl you’re talking about?” Maddie asked Philip.

“Yes, why?”

“She seems different.” as Madelaine observed Tina started engaging the 2 couples in a conversation about business and stocks.

“Is that supposed to be a good thing or not?” Philip asked.

“Maybe, or maybe not.” Maddie smiled at him.

As he heard the glass door slide, he was instantly mesmerized as he saw Kate walked over to them. She was wearing a yellow dress which completely literally and figuratively made her glow. Philip can't take his eyes off her as she approached her parents and the Lefeuvres. He heard her greeted them in French which made him conclude that she has been working on her French. And with that every word came out from her mouth made his ears tingle.

Tina took notice of how Philip's watching Kate’s every move. She had always known that Philip has this hidden attraction to Kate. Every time the name Kate pops up in conversation (within that 5 months of being in a relationship) it always made his eyes glow. Accepting this fact was a challenge for Tina, but she knows it was something she has to deal it if she wanted to get into his circle.

As Kate passed by them, observed the man trailing behind her. “He seems cute and looks familiar.” she thought to herself.

Katelynn the moved towards the empty seats in front of them and then greeted Tina with her gleeful smile with hint of sarcasm as in her tone. Tina can't herself but return an awkward smile for that gesture. “You look beautiful Kate.” she said in a reply.

As soon as Jace was introduced, she unconsciously tucked her hair at the back of her ear, flashing him with a smile. “Hi. I think I've seen one of your shows before.” she paused. “It was the summer before school starts. You’re the premier danseur in Giselle right?” She leaned on the table making her breasts almost pop up from her clothes.

Embarassed of the sight, Jace just gave her a nod. "You were really good." Tina complimented him. She propped back to her seat observing how Jace and Kate look good together.

This was indeed a very awkward situation for Philip. The incident at the party when the two first met came rushing over him. He sensed the awkwardness between the and just hopes that nothing similar will happen within the duration of the stay. Moreover, he also noticed Tina was subtly flirting with Jace which made him jealous and annoyed. He just grabbed another toast from the basket and took a strong bite.

Almost biting his tongue, Philip was startled as he soon as Laura spoke. "Oh Katelynn sweetheart, Madelaine came of with the wonderful idea of us possibly seeing a small performance from you two. Its been so long since I have seen you dance and it would be wonderful to see."

Kate smiled nodding, "Sure mother...I can show you something from the last dance recital we had."

As soon as everyone has finished eating breakfast, Tina interrupted them.“I’m sorry Kate. I don’t think I’ll be able watch. I was up all night preparing for the flight.” she said standing up from her chair. “It’s nice meeting everyone. I guess I’ll see you all later.”

In response, Philip stood up from his chair. “I’ll be back.” He then followed Tina and showed her to his room.

Upon hearing the door close behind them, Tina sat down on the bed casually inviting Philip. However, he just stood her and watched her warily. “Don’t give me that look, Philip!” she blurted out.

“You’re the one who’s flirting with Jace!” Philip raised a tone.

“You’re the one who’s been watching Kate the very time she stepped out of the house! God knows what you do when the two of you are alone.” she said in reply. “The least thing I want now is a jealous boyfriend who has the every right to flirt with every girl in the world.” she turned away from him and ungracefully climbed on the bed covering her head with one of the pillows. “Please, just let me sleep and stop acting like a jerk.”

Philip clenched his fist and let out a loud groan as he left the room, slamming the door behind him. He treaded towards the Patio trying to erase the thoughts from his mind.

Everyone was already seated on the couches waiting for Philip to join in. As he entered the Patio, Madelaine noticed the grim look on his face which could be result of whatever had happened in his room. Noticing the empty seat beside her, Philip walked towards it and sat indignantly. “Tu vas bien, Philip?” Madelaine asked.

“Ça va” he lied, leaning back on the rest and let out a sigh.

Philip did not fail to notice Katelynn’s smile and bright blue eyes as she positioned herself in the middle. He returned a smile and mouthed “Good Luck” at her. Seeing Kate dance again is surely one of the things he missed the most. As he watched her dance, he can notice the details and techniques and how they’re gracefully executed. He was amazed on how perfectly the lines and angles were made. He can’t help but compare it to every stroke he makes whenever he sketches or do art on his pad. He realized that with that every delicate detail they create a picture which is retrieved from the depths of their hearts – a surreal image that’s trying to release itself to the limiting reality.

He can clearly saw the passion emanating from Kate as she dances. Every jump, pirouette, pointe, and action were done beautifully. For Philip, watching Kate dance makes him think that she is only dancing for him. It might be a selfish thought but it’s a moment wherein he doesn’t take notice of the other people around him watching, not even the thought of Jace lifting her and the harmony in their dance bothered him.

Katelynn looked at him and smiled at him once more. Philip then gave her a nod and subtly smiled at her. As she did another pirouette, he remembered the summer before their sophomore year in high school when Kate wanted to show him her routine she’s been practicing. It was one of Philip’s favorite performances of Kate as she did an interpretation of The Chains. It was indeed both strong and graceful which he really liked. But for Kate it’s one of her worst moments. As she did the chaines, Philip already noticed that her en pointes are shaky. Doing the last turns, he heard a pop and she instanly fell to ground. She was grasping her ankle and slowly tears were flowing from eyes. Philip ran towards her and asked if she was Ok.

Kate faced him grumpily giving him a look of why he was asking the obvious. Philip sincerely apologized and suggested to get ice for her ankle. Unexpectedly, Philip lifted Kate with his somewhat developed young arms from the floor and carried her towards Kitchen. “Kate, have you been eating? I can tell you’re almost lighter than a feather.” He exaggerated. With Kate’s free hand, she gave him a punch on the chest. “Ok - Ok. I’m sorry. No need to do that. I just wanted to make you laugh.” He said smiling at her.

After laying her down on the countertop, Philip grabbed an ice bag from the freezer and placed it on her swollen ankle. He saw her squinted from the cold and saw another tear flow down from her eyes. He moved up closer to her and wiped the tear away from her face. “You still look beautiful Kate. I’m sorry” and he wrapped his arms around her and she freely leaned her head on his chest and started to cry.

“Magnifique!” Philip was startled when Elaine shouted the word and started clapped vigorously.

“You seem caught up.” Maddie commented at Philip. Kate and Jace were already exchanging bows in front of them.

“Just remembered something.” he said smiling to himself. In chorus, he also clapped his hands and saw Kate walked up to him.

“As always, you’ve performed well.” he grinned at her. “Glad, we didn’t have to get that ice.” he teased her.

Philip just shrugged; not knowing where to start. He gave out a sigh and took a deep breath as they walked out the patio. Kate waited for him to speak which she always does. She never forced him or fish out any details from him. She just gave him that space which he freely fills in. But now, Philip feels indifferent. He wants to be honest but has doubts. It's not because he didn't trust Kate but he was ashamed that he wasn't the best friend he should had been in the past year. He feels that he didn't deserve this kindness from her.

Their friendship is drifting apart. Yet, as he thought it over, it's not something he wants. His friendship with Kate is something he really cherish and wants to take the moment to rekindle it.

"Tina and I argued before I went down to watch your routine." giving out a sigh again. "I'm getting of tired of it. It doesn't feel right. I feel like I'm being sucked into void."

Philip glanced at her and she was giving him her the distinct "I-told-you-so" look. "Oh Kate, I know you're tired of it too. I just really suck in choosing the girls I date." he gave out a soft laugh.

"Why can't all the girls be like you, Kate?" he said looking down on the marble path. "Jace is indeed a lucky to have you." he said trailing off - hoping that Kate didn't catch the bitterness from his tone.

"I have to show you something" pulling her hand into his. It has been a while since he held her hand and he was just glad that she didn't pull away from him.

He lead her towards the open parking shed. Upon reaching his car, he opened his trunk and pulled out a sketchbook. Papers were protruding from it which he slowly pulled them out.

"I've been working on this lately." as he passed the book to her. She slowly opened looking at the first few pages. "I know it's not that much. I've been practicing with acrylic than the usual pens." he said as he studied her trying to distinguish how she finds the pieces. The colors were strong and surreal like an image coming out of a dream. Details were not elaborate like his usual portrait but he did it with through the outburst of his creativity. (http://bkblack.deviantart.com/gallery/)

As she browsed through the last pages. She can see several portrait drawings of Kate in pen and some acrylic painting doing ballet. "You're not supposed to see that." he blushed. [pic 1, pic 2]

"I'm might try again for the school in Paris before the summer ends." he said. Philip's going to Paris means he will not be able to see Kate for a year so.

--

Tina came down rushing down the stairs hoping to get some juice before taking a nap. As she entered the kitchen, she saw Jace leaning on the counter dropping a call.

"Hey" she said.

"Hey" he replied back.

"Where's Philip?" she asked as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"He's with Kate, you can see them from here." he pointed outside the window towards the parking shed. Jace noticed Tina cringed as she heard Kate's name. "What's wrong?" Jace asked.

"If you haven't noticed, my boyfriend has this thing with Kate..."

"So why are you still with him?" he asked.

"Ah you know..." she looked around the place. "It's pretty rare to experience this kind of luxury." she winked at him. "Don't tell him I told you that." she laughed.