“He? Who’s that you’re referring to?” Emma piped in.
“My dad.” Eion pressed. “Now that you see me fine, you can leave now. Ignore that old man.”
“But we came here not just for you, we came here to have fun also.”
“Yeah, cmon, what’s done is done. You just have to go with the flow.”
“As they said, enjoy the moment, this won’t last long.”
They said in unison. I stayed quiet, not having enough energy to join in and argue.
When the food came, we ate our hearts out until we were full and discussed some matters. “Thank you for the food Eion! You’re the best!” Hannah exclaimed.
Finally! My first ever Filipino meal! I flashed Eion a thumbs up, burping so loud. “Oops, excuse me.” I smiled sheepishly. Good, this we are the only customer here, especially since it’s already nine in the evening.
Since Eion already knew our secret and the squad finally thought that it’s better to let the truth out, it’s fine to discuss some matters. “So what’s the plan?” Emma asked, looking at each and every one of us. I glanced at Luke for an answer since I was also wondering about that.
“Let’s rest for tonight. Find a hotel or an inn.” He answered, sipping some water. “Tomorrow, we’ll go to visit uncle Adam at the hospital.”
“At the hospital? Why?” I asked.
“His blood pressure increased. It’s not something so major. But just enough to send him to the hospital.”
I nodded my head in understanding. Is that also one of the reasons why his dad called him to manage the business? Since he’s sick and near death, maybe he wants to train his son.
Luke took a glance at Eion and announced, “And Eion, your dad wanted to see you. So you’ll come with us tomorrow. That is also the reason why we’re here. To convince you. It is just my personal plan, nothing to do with his wish.” He said seriously.
Eion scoffed and shook his head, “No.”
“Why?” Asked Luke.
But still refused, “Don’t want to.”
“No, you do.”
He snorted. “I won’t come. And it’s final. I just came to the resort, not to see him.”
We scattered to that point, Eion dropped us off at a hotel. Checking in, we headed to our room number and I laid in bed the moment we came. Luke mentioned it was also sponsored by Adam Hudson, this will be for the next four days.
They really that wealthy to even answer our food and stay here? Such a nice old man I have to thank him.
We, three girls, were in one room while the three boys shared also.
As we were tired for the day, we slept early that night.
And I couldn’t help but think. It’s my first time traveling without my family… I can’t wait for tomorrow!
**
We woke up early to visit Eion’s dad. The ride to the hospital was only a fifteen-minute ride from the hotel, much to our relief. As the traffic was not that worse right now. Not like what we had encountered last night.
“How are you uncle?” Hannah asked as we entered a private ward.
All of us stood beside Eion’s Dad, Adam Hudson’s bed. Tubes and pins and needles were attached to his arms so painfully I can’t help but to just stand and stare. He looked thinner now, compared to the time I had seen him in their house all lively and healthy.
There were also gray hairs sprouting on his head, his wrinkles got deeper and the thick beard and mustache on his face were unshaved. All in all, he looked weak.
Despite his condition, his lips formed a small gentle smile as his kind eyes looked so happy. “My condition is stable now, thank you so much, Hannah. It’s nothing serious.” He chuckled merrily at the end like everything’s fine.
“Uncle, really, thank you so much for answering all the expenses, and for everything,” Luke said.
“No no no.” He waved it off, his actions limited as the needles kept him. “It’s nothing. You deserve to have fun, especially at your age.” He then looked at each and every one of us.
“It’s you who I should thank.” He pointed. “Thank you for going all the way here. Thank you for taking care of my son.”
“Then thank you so much, again,” Emma spoke out.
“Thank you so much,” Both Leroy and Dax also said.
“Thank you, sir.” I decided to speak up. At this, he went silent, looking at me. The squad was also silent, staring at me curiously.
I darted my eyes back and forth, not sure what was happening as my face flushed. In front of me, Eion’s dad, Adam Hudson, squinted his eyes slightly and smiled at me, “You’re the girl… Snow right?”
Slowly, I nodded my head, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion. He nodded his head in acknowledgment.
“Oh, the introductions!” Hannah cut in. Holding Leroy’s shoulders, she smiled shyly, “Uncle, this is my boyfriend, Leroy.” Leroy waved at him, his infamous goofy smile plastered on his face as always. “Hi, sir!”
“Wow, you should have told me sooner about it Hannah, that way I could test him.” Uncle Adam joked, and we laughed at Hannah’s face flushing pink.
“That’s what I told her also, uncle.” Luke agreed, chuckling as he did so.
Seeing them now, Uncle Adam joking around and laughing happily, Hannah blushing, and Luke chuckling, their family, even distant ones, since the wedding of Aunt Maggie, are all close with each other. It’s like everyone knows their secret. Even Eion’s.
Hannah cleared her throat, “Let’s move on.” She changed the topic. “That is Emma and his boyfriend Dax,” She pointed at Emma and Dax, the two of them beaming. “Hi, sir!”
“Oh, just call me Uncle Adam.” He responded and they nodded.
Hannah then looked at me and smirked, “And this is Snow. As you already know, Luke’s girlfriend.”
“Nice to meet you again, sir,” I said formally as I felt Luke’s arms wrapping on my shoulders, his face had this proud look.
“Nice to meet you. Oh, skip the formalities!” He exclaimed. Then he stopped as his eyes looked around and searched for something. “Where-Where is he?”
It was a simple question, as his face was controlled and guarded. But his eyes, his eyes said everything. It was glinting in sadness, and there was disappointment lacing in his voice.
A sad face of a disappointed father.
Actually, just earlier at the hotel when we were about to go here, we called Eion. We were commanding, requesting, and even bribing him to really come. But he just said harsh words to us and hung up.
“We told him uncle… but he didn’t listen…” Luke trailed off.
He heaved a sigh. “Oh, as usual for my son. At least I know everything is still intact.”
He paused and wondered out loud. “He really doesn’t care?” It was a question to himself.