“Hey, who’s that? I overheard some vendors say there’s a handsome tourist, is that him? He’s really good-looking. Why are you two together? You’re quite the player, huh?! You’re probably catching all the guys!” Gian playfully nudged me in the side.
I remained grumpy. “No, he’s my husband.”
Gian knew about my husband and my real life. We had become quite close over the past few months.
He stopped abruptly. I was about to confront him when he tugged my hair.
“Hey, seriously, bro? That’s your husband? Wow, he’s handsome! Hold on, I need to get a closer look.” I noticed that he seemed like he was going to return to where we left Gio, so I pulled him back.
“Cut it out! I want to get out of here. I feel like he’s about to catch me if I don’t avoid him soon.”
“Oh, right, you still have your mission impossible going on? Why don’t you tell your husband about it? Team up with him!” Gian suggested. “So you can be a power couple!”
I scrutinized him, especially when he chuckled. “No way! Gianna said it’s our mission. Plus, if Gio finds out everything, he probably won’t let me act. He might get angry or something. Besides, there’s something I still want to see from Gio.”
“So, what’s your plan, anyway? If you don’t like your husband, I’ll take him. He’s delicious, even yummier than the coffee in the commercial of that famous actor on TV!” He laughed again, so I gave him another withering look.
“You know what, you need to stop. I have a lot on my mind. I want to make sure that he won’t give up on me anymore. What if my life is in danger again? Is he going to suggest we split up as the solution again? If I’m going to make amends with Gio, I want to make sure he’s changed. That he won’t back out of this marriage just because my life is at risk, thinking he’s endangering what he carries for me. I want him to stand with me and not push me away. Plus, can you be a little less crude? Once this problem is resolved, we’ll talk. Right now, I need to contact his sister because I’m meeting Marion on Saturday.”
I hurriedly walked while trying to call Gianna. I entered the house, but she still wasn’t answering. What happened to Gia? Just when I need her. I’m starting to think she’s the one who told Gio about my location.
~***~
Gio is still here. He’s often far away, but I know he’s keeping an eye on me. There doesn’t seem to be a day when I don’t see him. I’m still trying to get in touch with Gianna, and I’m frustrated and worried. Should I be concerned? This is Gianna we’re talking about; I doubt she’s in any real danger.
I’d like to call Kyrie or even Carol, but then I remembered that Gianna had only given me her number in the phone I’m using. So, I have no idea what’s happened to her, and she’s been silent for several days now. Maybe she’s in another country? She often travels abroad for work. Yes, that’s probably it. I’ll just assume she’s in another country. When Gianna returns, we’ll likely talk. For now, I’ll have to trust my decisions.
It’s Friday today, and I’m meeting Marion tomorrow. I’ll prepare myself for whatever might happen. If something goes wrong, I know I should flee rather than fight because I’m outnumbered. It’s risky, but I won’t let this opportunity slip by to find out where Marion is.
I’ve been thinking about whether to tell Gio about this instead of taking action on my own, but if Marion finds out, Gia’s suspicions might be confirmed, and he might vanish again like a bubble. It would be difficult to trace him once more.
I can handle this. Nothing bad will happen tomorrow. I just need to show Marion that we’re allies, and Gio is the adversary.
I told Marion that we should meet early because Gio has been tailing me all afternoon. Marion agreed, and he said he would send someone to pick me up before the day gets too bright.
There wasn’t much change in my Friday routine. The kids wanted to do some drawing because Gio had given them drawing pads, and they also wanted to use the coloring materials he’d provided.
“Teacher Tasha, I don’t know how to draw. Can you teach me?” one of them asked.
I smiled and sat beside the child. I took their little hand and showed them how to draw different shapes. They were delighted when they got the hang of it. Even though their drawings weren’t perfect, I was happy to see their willingness to learn.
” Gio!”
I winced when the children called out to Gio. Due to his generosity and constant presence, he had won the children’s affection. I couldn’t deny that he was exceptionally skilled at handling kids, which drew them closer to him. Recently, it had been just Gio and Dario I saw here. Elliott and David were nowhere to be found. Maybe he sent them away because there was something to do in the city. But him? Did he have no intention of leaving?
The children swarmed around Gio. He smiled warmly and greeted the kids. Some clung to him, while others were focused on their drawing.
“Teacher, can Gio sit here?”
I couldn’t object, especially when they pulled him to a chair. I sighed; I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance against them.
Gio looked at me, as if gauging my reaction. I averted my gaze from him, as if I felt I would melt under his gaze if I engaged in a staring contest. When I wasn’t assisting the children, I kept myself busy because I knew Gio was here, watching me. I needed to distract myself from his presence.
“Teacher!” I turned to the child who called me and smiled at them. “This is for you.”
They handed me a folded piece of paper. I took it and smiled as I opened it to see what was inside.
“I’m sorry. I miss you.”
Those were the words written in beautifully elegant handwriting. The penmanship was so exquisite that it looked like it had been printed, not written by a person.
“Did you write this?” I asked the child, though I knew it was unlikely. My heart was pounding quickly, and I sensed a pair of eyes staring at me from behind the children. But as much as I could, I refrained from looking in that direction.
“No, it’s Gio!” The child said, pointing at Gio. I couldn’t help but follow the direction of their finger.