Chapter 28 - Paper Roses

Andrew was dumfounded. He just couldn't believe what he heard. He even felt he wasn't worthy of her presence during his concerts, how much more if she would insist to let him accompany her in seeing the child?

Dr. Jane Lopez was an epitome of beauty and intelligence. She was one of the world's few gifted individuals who were accelerated into multiple levels ahead than her actual age. Her presence in every gathering was better described as captivating rather than intimidating. Her smiles shone like a sun in a gloomy day, casting thousand happy spells into weary hearts. And one of those who were secretly mesmerized by her charm was Andrew. Only that she was too unreachable. She could only live and exist in his dreams as desiring her was like wanting to reach out a shining star in the midst of a beautiful night.

"Really, doc? " Andrew confirmed as he kept his stares into her beautiful eyes.

"Yes, Mr. Andrew. Is it possible? "

"S - sure. Here's Miss Allyza, Chloe's mom. " He glanced and smiled at Allie as he introduced her to Dr. Jane.

Allie stood up to acknowledge her presence as she understood that she was someone from a higher society as displayed in her outward attributes.

"Miss Allyza, please call me Jane. May I see your lovely daughter, please?"

Allie shivered as she heard her but she was still able to manage a smile. She heard very well when Andrew called her Dr. Lopez and also saw the awkwardness in his reactions as he talked to her.

"Sure, doc. Where will I bring her so that you may see her? "

"No, no. I and Mr. Andrew will go to your house if it's okay with you. "

She grinned widely as she ran her eyes towards the two of them.

"Okay, doc. Just let me know. "She replied nervously as she couldn't imagine her stepping into their doorstep.

Dr. Jane turned to Andrew. " Mr. Andrew, can you please pick me up tomorrow at my office at around 5 in the afternoon? It's in Beautiful Haven. "

"Got it, doc. "

Beautiful Haven is a learning institution which used the School of Tomorrow curriculum. It was also one of the schools which offered an Individualized Education Program. The whole facility was designed physically, not as a school but as a beautiful home. Once one would be at the entrance, a vast stretch of a kaliedoscopic garden would meet the eyes and to the eyes of the children, it was an enchanting playground.

The School of Tomorrow curriculum is an individual-instruction approach that allows each student to work on his own level of achievement, which may vary from subject to subject.

Whereas, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the basic component of special education programs for children with learning disorders and other types of disabilities. It entails some scopes which address a child's individualism and his/her unique ways of learning.

Having seen the contrast of the advanced paces of gifted children between mentally - challenged individuals, Dr. Jane one day felt a profound desire to help and guide these types of children to achieve a great leap of changes and improvement through a special education program which cater their needs. Thus, the birth of Beautiful Haven under her directorship and advocacy.

____

While in the car as Andrew brought her home, Allie wasn't able to hold her curiousity.

"She's so beautiful. Is she a public figure? "

Andrew glanced at her as she was fumbling mindlessly on the petals of the flowers.

"She is the daughter of Sir Angelo Lopez, the world's top luxury yacht builder. She is always featured in different magazines due to her beauty and brilliance as the youngest Filipino who acquired her Ph.D at age 18. "

Allie instantly felt so awed by the information.

" It's an honor indeed that you are well - recognized by her. "

"I don't know either why she's always present at my concert. "

"It could mean that she likes you. "

Flattered about the thought of it, he became thrilled and sparks of excitement glowed in his eyes. Yet, while he got lost in his thoughts for a moment, his eyes were unintentionally strayed at Allie that he was quickly reverted to his deeper purpose in establishing a relationship with her.

"You're far more beautiful than her. Her wealth is the only thing which sets her at an advantage. "

"Don't flatter me, Mr. Andrew. " She mimicked Dr. Jane and with this, Andrew burst into laughter.

All throughout the rest of their trip towards home, he stole side glances at her and wondered if he would go ahead with this mission or be true to himself. She was not difficult to love at all. She certainly possess unique charms which were incomparable with others. Even with Dr. Jane herself.

As soon as he pulled to a stop in front of Allie's house, Andrew saw again that perfect sillhoutte of the man he saw at the hospital's entrance few days ago.

"Allie, someone is waiting for you. "

Andrew sometimes called her by her nickname and at times, he called her just as how Anne did.

"She's Adrian, my daughter's father. "

She calmly replied, her face devoid of any expression.

"If it's not too much to ask, why was he not around at the hospital? And would it be alright for him to see you with me? "

Allie chuckled out loudly. " Certainly not, " but she quickly added, "but there is no reason for him to be angry, right? "

"There is, Allyza. " He said while fixing his gaze beyond the stirring wheel.

"W-what do you mean? " She stammered.

"I'm...I'm beginning to like you. "

Allie choked for a moment before she gathered her courage to ignore it.

"Liking is not bad at all. I even like many people...like Dr. Jane, like

you..."

" I hope you will understand what I mean. "

He alighted himself quickly after this and strode towards her side of the door to open it.

"Good night, Lyz. Thank you so much for the wonderful night of being with you. " He spoke rather loudly, loud enough to be heard.

"Good night, Andrew. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness and for all the efforts you have for baby

Chloe. "

___

Allie walked straight towards the door pretending not to see Ajie who was standing at the dark corner. As she turned on the knob, Ajie's big hand stopped her. He looked down at her then lingered on the roses.

"I hope you won't faint on the day that you will learn that these are just paper roses. "