“Gab–”
I immediately zipped my lips when he opened his eyes. His eyes was back to its usual black color. His expression seemed firmer as his jaw was locked as if permanently.
“Eat first, I need to do something,” he said in a low voice.
I couldn’t do anything when he already turned his back on me, but since I’m not really hungry, I decided to follow him.
From the window, I could see him talking to someone through the phone. I saw him shake his head while talking. He then rubbed his neck and lifted his head skywards.
When he ended the call, that’s when I closed the curtain. I got back to the kitchen like nothing happened. I heard his heavy steps slowly getting near.
“It’s getting late, I’ll drop you to your cottage,” he said, emotionless.
My head nodded, I didn’t bother to ask him. I placed the menudo that I cooked inside the refrigerator, I don’t have any idea if he’s still gonna eat it or not.
Just like earlier, we walked in silence. The sound of the wind rushed into my ears. I stole him a glance a few times and he seemed to be in deep thought. I wanted to ask who he talked to over the phone, but I chose to keep mum about my curiosity.
Time seemed to fly ever so quickly. I could already sight our cottage from here, but anxiety immediately drowned me when I saw a man at the public cottages where we were earlier.
Marcus was leaning against the edge of the table while the smoke from his cigarette escaped his mouth. He stood up properly when he saw us and blew one more smoke before throwing the cigarette.
My mouth was dry and my tongue was swollen. I could not see whites of his eyes nor the pitch-black iris that sunk deep into his head. I know what he’s thinking of us.
My worried gaze went to Gabriel but he was just calm as we get closer to the cottage that Marcus is in.
“Alessandra woke me up, she’s looking for you for quite a time now,” he casually said.
His eyes went to me and to my clothes. “It seems like you went far from here,” he added.
I gulped and lowered my head. How should I say that there’s nothing between Gabriel and I?
“We just talked,” Gabriel answered.
Marcus walked a step closer to us with a stoic expression on his face.
“I see…” he nodded.
“Uh, Sir Marcus. I’m sorry, but Gabriel’s telling the truth. We just talked and…” My voice trailed off. I can’t even finish that sentence.
I opened my mouth again but Gabriel cut me off. He extended his hand, to slowly gripping my arm and my eyes closed in a state of panic.
My knees weakened and my heart dropped to the ground at his sudden action. Damn it, Gabriel!
“I’ll lead her to her room,” he said calmly.
Marcus nodded with gritted teeth and simply looked away. Gabriel started to walk pass him while I followed him, head cowered in shame.
When we stopped in front of my door, he suddenly faced me.
“You shouldn’t have done that. What will Marcus think of us now?” I shook my head lightly.
“Leave it to me. For now, you need to res. t..” his eyes and mouth softened as he looks at me evenly.
I shook my head at him and mentally sighed. I’m still not convinced at what he stated. I know that at this point, I can’t move freely around Marcus. I’m sure he’s observing my actions whenever I’m with Gabriel.
I sighed and laid down my bed. Until now, I still can feel my heart pounding fast.
I’m worried about Gabriel, I’m sure there’s a high possibility that they will fight once it reaches Alessandra.
If that ever happens, I won’t have any choice but to say the truth. There’s no reason to pretend because I’m running out of time. I have to deal with my own problem in a right way… and this is the perfect time I’ve been waiting.
The warmth of the sun’s rays began to warm the air as the gentle breeze caressed my skin. I rolled on my bed and stayed for minutes.
The sun shined through my eyes so I got out of the bed and headed to the bathroom. I bathed myself and fixed myself for our trip back to San Marcelino. I peeked through the window, the sun was up so I opened my phone to check the time.
“Oh, shit!” It’s already past 12 noon!
I hurriedly got out of my cottage and the scorching sun welcomed me instantly. There’s another batch of guests in the public cottages that we’ve occupied yesterday.
I narrowed my eyes to recognize the groups in the cottages, but I failed to see Alessandra and her friends.
I turned my eyes to Gabriel’s cottage beside me but I was shocked to see children going out of the cottage. I don’t want to think about it, but I guess they left me alone here.
I returned to my cottage and got my clothes and things. I was about to exit the resort when some crews and security guards stopped me.
“Ma’am, wait a minute,” a crew suddenly stopped me.
“Uh, yes?”
“Are you Mrs. Grant?” he asked timidly, seemingly nervous while talking.
“Yes, I am. What can I do for you?” I gave him a smile.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, ma’am, but your bill isn’t paid yet. It was charged under your name…” he pointed at his notepad.
I gulped, not because I can’t pay for it, bit because I can’t believe that the bill was charged under me.
“Ah, no problem.” I got my wallet out from my shoulder bag and handed him my card.
“Sorry for the inconvenience, ma’am. Ah, please wait here!” He led me to a seat near the reception desk.
I waited for a few minutes before I saw the crew walking towards me.
“I’m sorry ma’am, do you have another card?”
Though wondering, I still gave him another card. But just like the first one, it was also declined.
I was massaging my temple in so much confusion. How did all my cards got declined? It’s impossible! I decided to get my phone from my shoulder bag and called bank, but before I could even do so, I notice the crew walking to me again.
“Excuse me, ma’am. The owner of the resort wants to talk to you,” he uttered with respect and formality.
I sucked in air and close my eyes for a second. I ended up nodding and followed him into an office.
A familiar woman greeted me. I just can’t remember where I saw her.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Grant. I’m the manager of this resort,” she introduced and offered a handshake.
“Good afternoon!” I greeted back and accepted her hand.
“Hmm, this way please. The owner has been waiting for you,” she led me inside.
I don’t know why, but I suddenly got nervous. The familiar throbs of my heart hit me big time. I glanced at the woman and stared at her longer.
I know her, I just can’t recognize her well because of her makeup and formal clothes and postures.
She turned to me and smiled. Although embarrassed that she caught me, I returned a smile and continued walking.
She knocked once at the door before she opened it.
“Please, come in…” she invited.
I entered the air conditioned room. I almost jumped when I heard the door closed.