I only teach the children for half a day, and in the afternoons, I help with selling souvenirs and other accessories for tourists. Though this town is small, it’s known for its beautiful beaches. It may not be as commercialized as other popular beach destinations, but it’s like a hidden gem. There are neighboring islands, but they are often private and not open to the public.
“Sorry, I’m late,” I said. I must have been lost in thoughts about Gio, and I didn’t realize I was running late. Once again, that man had invaded my mind.
I could see his regret, but I didn’t want to show Gio too much that one endearment could easily win me over. What if we have a bigger argument next time? He might think I’m always like this – a little coaxing, and I’m ready to give in. A touch, and I’ll yield immediately. Oh, please.
“Hello, Tasha,” three of my co-workers greeted me. We’ve become close despite our different personalities. They’re a lively bunch, while I prefer silence. Nonetheless, I still managed to click with them.
I quickly took my place. There weren’t many sales today, so we were now making ornaments and accessories crafted from pearls, shells, and other underwater treasures. I helped out to keep myself occupied.
“Gian was here earlier. I think he assumed you’d be here,” Ida remarked.
Gian is the Mayor’s son. He became close to me after he confided his secret in me. He’s gay, but only a select few know about it. He’s not ready to tell his parents, especially his father, as he knows it wouldn’t be well-received. Because I reminded him of Rae, I quickly became close to Gian. However, since not everyone knows his secret, people often mistake us for a couple.
“Why’s that?” I asked, keeping busy with my work.
Laura shrugged her shoulders. They didn’t know either. I let it go. Maybe it wasn’t important.
When evening came, we all headed home together. Marcos and Gelo, the husbands of Ida and Amy, who were also my colleagues, picked us up.
Laura was the first to be dropped off, and then it was my turn. I said my goodbyes and thanked them for giving me a ride home. As I was about to enter my house, I noticed Gio standing not too far away. I wondered if he had been there for a while. The night air had a cool breeze, but I remembered that I had no recollection of him. I entered my house before I could think about approaching him.
The next morning, I got up early to prepare for my class with the children. I hurried to the teaching area when I noticed some commotion.
“Wow! This is beautiful! Thank you!”
I halted as I approached the scene and saw Gio, Elliott, Dario, and David there. They were distributing school supplies and the children looked delighted.
“Teacher! Teacher! Look at what Gio gave us! They’re so pretty. Our writing, reading, and coloring will be much better now!”
I glanced at Gio, my eyes fixed on him. He gave me a restrained smile before turning his attention back to the children and engaging in conversations with some of them.
Elliott passed by my side. “The way to Ma’am Millie’s heart is through her students,” he remarked. I turned to look at Elliott because of what he said. His laughter quickly stopped, and he walked away.
“We still need to get supplies for the kids!” he said as he hurried off.
I turned my gaze back to Gio, who was speaking to a little girl. She was absolutely delighted, showing Gio what she had received.
“Thank you, Mr. Gio! The notebooks and pencils are so pretty! They have princess designs!”
“You like princesses?” Gio asked. He crouched down to the girl’s eye level, and she nodded enthusiastically. “Okay, next time. I’ll get you a princess doll.”
Gio’s remark caused a bit of excitement among the children. I was taken aback when I saw Gio smile, especially when the children hugged him and expressed their gratitude.
He must have noticed my gaze on him. He looked at me with a hint of sadness in his smile. I averted my eyes and clasped my hands. There was something tugging at my heart every time I saw Gio with the children.
~***~
I approached them, and for now, I refrained from touching Gio. I pulled him away from the children. The kids didn’t pay attention to that since they were busy with their received items.
“What are you doing?” I asked seriously when we were alone. Gio didn’t immediately respond. Instead, he stared at my hand holding onto his arm. He took my hand and gently lowered it. My eyes widened, especially when he intertwined our fingers. I quickly withdrew my hand. Gio chuckled at my reaction.
“I’m just teaching you how to hold my hand properly, in case you’ve forgotten,”
I sneered at him. He remained unfazed and even smiled at me. When did he learn to smile like this? I couldn’t remember him ever smiling this way.
“The children don’t need those items,” I said, unable to hold back.
“Can’t you see the look in their eyes? They’re happy with what they’ve received. I just wanted to help make their efforts more effective. I noticed one of their notebooks is almost out of pages, and they’re trying to save them.”
I couldn’t find my voice. I was pleased with what he’d done, but for some reason, I felt irritated.
He walked closer to me, and I took a step back. He tilted his head, studying my face seriously.
“Why? Did you think I was doing this for you?” he asked meaningfully. I swallowed, not wanting to consider that he might be right.
Gio grinned as though he found amusement in the situation. My expression remained irritated, even though I felt a cold sweat forming.
“Well, yes. I’m doing it for you, but on a side note, I also wanted to do it for the kids,” he shrugged after saying this, as if it weren’t a big deal. “My wife loves children, and I’ve also learned to love them. So, what’s the harm?”
I was about to respond when I suddenly heard footsteps and was unable to continue.
“Sir-”
I saw Elliott and David. They stopped when they saw Gio and me talking.
“Oh, sorry, there’s a reconciliation happening here,” Elliott explained.
I noticed David struggling to stifle his laughter at Elliott’s statement. They both took a step back, and I couldn’t miss the playful shove David gave Elliott.
Gio looked at me again. I sighed and considered leaving the area before something beyond my control occurred.
“Who wants to kill me? Why are you after my life, Millie?”
I pretended to be irritated as I confronted him. “Do you really think I would reveal who my boss is? I’m here to protect his identity, which is why he assigned me to eliminate you. Besides, Millie is not even my real name.”