SEVEN DAYS - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Moving On

A week has passed and she has not seen Ronald yet nor has he called her up. After work she decided to visit the place where Ronald hangs out. She saw him there with his drinking buddies and Ronald was surprised to see her. “Hi, where are you going?” he asked her. Elaine was quite frustrated with his greeting, she expected him to be more excited but she let it go. “I came here to see you. You want to have dinner? My treat” she offered him. Ronald did not refuse the offer; it has been that way ever since with the two of them.

While they were having dinner Ronald noticed Elaine’s new blouse. “Hey Tina has a blouse just like that you know” he said. Elaine looked at him and wanted to say that the blouse was Tina’s birthday gift to her. “Really? How did you know she had something like this?” Ronald twitched and said “Well when I went to visit your office to check on you she was wearing something like that” he replied. Elaine became suspicious since at the office they were not allowed to wear casual clothes. They were provided uniforms; she managed to change into casual attire before she met with Ronald. “I see. So you went to the office to check if I was there?” she asked him. Ronald nodded as his mouth was full of food.

The parted after dinner since Ronald had an exam the following day. Back at her apartment Elaine was getting the feeling that Ronald and Tina were seeing each other but she shrugged away the thought since Tina was her best friend. She just slept it out and tried to forget about it.

Another week has passed, it was a Saturday and Ronald came to Elaine’s apartment. They spent the whole day watching movies on DVD. “Ron, can you go to the grocery and buy some things. I want to cook something for you tonight” Elaine told him. Ronald was excited since it was about food, “Sure, write it down so I won’t forget, but I don’t have money” he said. “It’s okay I will pay for it” she said and started to write things down on a piece of paper.

Ronald rushed out and headed for the grocery. Elaine knew it would take more than an hour before he could return so she decided to start another video. As she was about to sit on the sofa she saw Ronald’s mobile phone. She sat down and browsed the contents of his mobile phone and once she opened the message inbox she was surprised to see messages from Tina. She read all the messages and anger was written all over her face.

She was so mad that she wanted to crush the mobile phone but she decided to check out if the two were really having a relationship behind her back. She started to write a text message, she pretended to be Ronald.

“Tina, can I come over to your place tonight?” her message said and she sent it at once.

After a minute of waiting a reply arrived and she read it immediately.

“What? You just left this morning. Do you miss me that badly already?” Tina said in her reply. Elaine was furious, she wanted to call Tina already but she kept her cool and played along.

“Yeah. I miss you badly” Elaine said in her next message.

“Come over then. I thought you were going to Elaine’s place today?” read the message of Tina.

“Okay I’m coming over. Wait for me” was all Elaine could say and she quickly hurled Ronald’s mobile phone on the wall. She was losing control of her mind, she tossed all the things she could see in front of her. She smashed the flower vase on her television. She went to her room and ripped the blouse Tina gave her and all her pictures with Ronald and Tina she burned in thrash can.

An hour later she was knocking on Tina’s apartment door. Tina opened the door and was surprised to see Elaine. “Elaine what a surprise! Hey are you going for a vacation again? What’s with the big travelling bag?” Tina asked.

Elaine managed to fake a smile and said “I just wanted to say two things to you. First I will be leaving again…a longer vacation this time. Don’t worry I will call the office myself and tell them about it.” Tina’s face saddened but managed to ask Elaine “Well what’s the second thing you have to tell me?”

Elaine slapped Tina on the face with all her might. Tina was so surprised and moved back. Elaine took some things out of her bag and handed it to Tina. “Here is the phone of Ronald; you can give it back to him when you see him. Here is the birthday present you gave me, sorry I shredded it but I heard you just had one like this” Elaine told her while keeping calm. Tina took the phone and the shredded blouse and started to cry. “Elaine please forgive me I didn’t mean to hurt…” Tina began to say but another slap on her other cheek from Elaine sent her kneeling on the ground.

“I don’t want to see you or talk to you again. You can tell that bastard to do the same.” Elaine said and left Tina’s apartment. She booked a room at a hotel since she still had to go to work the next day. Even though she just experienced something heart breaking she didn’t feel that sad anymore. She was fed up with Ronald and it was about time they had ended their relationship. She thought about Nathan and she remembered the piece of paper with his phone number. She tried calling his phone but it was not on. She decided to resign from work and move to Baguio city and hoped that she would be together with him again.

The following day Elaine was busy filing her clearances and resignation. At the end of the day she got on a bus and headed to Baguio City. As soon as she arrived there she was expecting to see Nathan at the station doing his routine package claiming but he was not there.

Elaine saw Martha and the old lady was surprised to see her. “Hello Martha, sorry last time I didn’t say goodbye. Have you seen Nathan around lately?” Martha stood up and offered her a sit. “Madam I have not seen sir Nathan the whole week” she revealed.

Elaine was kind of sad to hear that. “Maybe I should go and visit his place then but I don’t know the exact address” she told the old lady. “Madam the day you left he was here until the evening waiting for you to return. He came the following day waiting for you, wishing you might come back. From morning till evening he was sitting with me telling stories about his life. I enjoyed his company for he helped me out the whole week” Martha told her. Elaine was moved and said “He came and stayed here for a week waiting for me?” she asked.

Martha nodded and bowed her head “Last time he was here he said something about moving on. I did not quite hear what he was saying because there was a customer. The next thing I know he was gone, that was last week” she revealed. Elaine felt lifeless and confused and her mind trying to understand what he meant by moving on.

“I tried to call him up but his phone is turned off. I know his place but I don’t know the address. How am I going to find him now?” Elaine said bowed her head. “Although he did not say why he was here I knew he was waiting for you to return. Did he give up and move on as he said? I don’t know the answer to that. All I can say is that I could feel he really loves you” And Elaine started to cry once again.

“Madam, maybe he gave himself one week, that one week he waited. I know it’s foolish of him waiting but at least he tried to wait. In the end he probably gave up and moved on already thinking that you were back in your hubby’s arms” Martha added.

“But I’m not…and now he is gone. Why did he move on without me?” Elaine said while sobbing. Martha could not say anything more to comfort her so she just patted her back.

In a residential area within the city Nathan was watching a lady and her young child playing in the park. The woman notices him from afar and was surprised so she carried her child and walked towards the Nathan. “Nathan! What are you doing here?” she asked him. Nathan just looked at the child in her arms and he reached out and touched the little boy’s hand. “Hello Arlene, long time no see. He has your eyes you know” he said.

“I have not seen you for a long time, how are you?” Arlene asked him. Nathan looked at her and let go of the child’s hand, “Do you really want to know?” he said and Arlene was speechless. “You just left me without saying a word” he added.

“Walk with me lets talk” Arlene said and they walked towards a bench and she sat down. Nathan sat down beside her and the child reached out to Nathan. “He wants you to hold him” she said. Nathan took hold of the baby and the little child laughed. Nathan smiled and asked “What’s his name?”

“I named him after you, his name is Nathan” Arlene answered and Nathan started tickling baby Nathan. “Every Saturday you come here in this park, you and him and baby Nathan” he told her. Arlene was surprised that he knew that. “How did you know?” she asked. “I come here too every Saturday but I just stay far away, just enough to see you” he said.

“I know you hate me for what I did to you” she said softly. Nathan looked at her “The funny thing is I never did, instead I hated myself since I thought maybe it was because of me that you left” he told her. Arlene bowed her head and tears started to fall down her face. “It wasn’t you, it was me. Please don’t hate me Nathan.”

“If it wasn’t me then what?” he asked her and Arlene looked at Nathan then she looked at the baby. Nathan looked at the baby and he understood what she was trying to say. He was so angry at that moment but as he looked at the child in his arms he was quickly tamed. “So it’s about this baby” he said and he looked at the baby. “I am going to tell you this now since you cannot understand what I’m saying, I have to get this off my chest. You made my life miserable. I love your mother so much and don’t forget that. We both have the same name so I do hope you won’t feel the kind of pain that I went through when you grow up” he said and he took a deep breath and hugged the baby. “I could have been you father you know” he softly whispered in the child’s ear.

Arlene cried hearing those words from Nathan and all she could do was bow her head in shame. “Nathan I am so sorry, it just happened, I was scared to tell you but ...” she said but Nathan interrupted her. “I don’t want to hear the details, I have gone through enough. I am happy to know it was not me. Just promise me to raise little Nathan well. He then passes the baby to her and stands up.

“You know what ever since you left I have been in pain and misery, 10 months to be exact. I met this girl, and being with her for just seven days took away the pain I was feeling. Too bad she had someone in her heart that time so I didn’t want to mess up their relationship. Even if she did not have someone I could not l totally fall in love with her since our relationship still didn’t have closure. Now I can move on.” He said and smiled at her.

The baby started to cry and was trying to reach out to Nathan. “Where are you going now?” she asked Nathan and she patted the baby but still baby Nathan kept crying. “I don’t know yet but I feel free to do whatever I want to know” he replied. The baby’s cry was getting louder and louder and Nathan held him again in his arms and the crying stopped.

“Arlene are you sure I’m not the father of this baby? Just kidding!“ Nathan joked as he started to make the baby laugh. Everytime Nathan would return the baby to his mother it would start to cry so he had no choice but to wait until the baby fell asleep.

Once the baby was asleep Nathan gently handed him over to Arlene. “I have to go now” he whispered in her ear. Arlene looked at Nathan and asked “Where are you going now?” Nathan looked at her and smiled “I am going to find her and tell her how I truly feel, if I am too late then its alright, I will just move on again” he softly whispered. Arlene pouted and looked at her baby. Nathan stooped down and kissed the baby on his forehead and he kissed Arlene her cheek. “Its okay I forgive you. You will always have a special place in my heart, but this time you will be sharing it with baby Nathan” he said and walked away.

SEVEN DAYS - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: One Sign

The next day they travelled back to Nathan’s house. The sudden change in weather made Elaine sick once again so she stayed in bed the whole day. Nathan went out to take care of some business so Elaine was left alone.

Still waiting for him to come back she felt lonely and bored. She remembered her mobile phone which she has not used for a long time. Elaine turned her mobile phone on and waited for messages to arrive. Not a single message was received so she scrolled over her phone book and Ronald’s name popped on screen. She wanted to call him and check how he was but she hesitated and dialed Tina’s number instead.

“Hello” she said.

“Elaine! My goodness how are you?! I have been trying to call several times but your phone is off!” Tina said on the other line.

“I’m fine; actually I just have a slight cold right now. Have you heard from him?” Elaine asks.

“Yes he actually came here several times looking for you. So you are coming back tomorrow right?” Tina said.

“Yes I am” Elaine said in a sad voice. “Well you must since the next day is your birthday and I already have a present for you but I’m not telling you what it is” Tina added.

“So how’s work? Are they looking for me?” Elaine inquired.

“Everything is fine here, you sound sad. You miss him don’t you?” Tina suddenly said. Elaine did not respond to her question but just sighed. “I have to go; I will call you tomorrow when I get on the bus. Don’t tell him I called you up please” Elaine pleaded. Tina laughed and said “okay don’t worry it’s our secret. He will be surprised when you come back you know. Okay tomorrow then. Bye” and she hung up.

Elaine’s mind was struggling, she misses Ronald but likewise she has grown feelings for Nathan already. Tomorrow will be her last day with Nathan but deep inside she wanted to stay a little bit more. She prayed and asked for one sign and one reason for her to decide to stay but that evening there was none.

Morning came and Elaine was so sad, Nathan tried to cheer her up still she felt lifeless. They sat in the living room after breakfast and she just stared blankly at the fireplace. “What do you think, should I take the evening bus so I can arrive there in the morning? Or the early morning bus and I shall arrive there in the afternoon?” Elaine asked Nathan. He sat beside her and turned on the television. “It’s up to you, you can take the evening bus and sleep or take the early morning bus and enjoy the scenery” he said.

Elaine did not like his answer; she was expecting him to tell her to stay. “You should call him up and tell him to pick you up at the bus station” he suddenly said. Elaine looked at Nathan and she was angry for bringing that subject up again. “Yeah maybe I should call him so he can pick me up” she replied sarcastically. Nathan smiled at her and teased her “See, you do miss him don’t you. I know you have forgiven him already”

Elaine was really angry and tried to make him jealous. “I gave it some thought and I have forgiven him. I do miss him a lot already” She observed his face but he had no reaction to what she said. “Okay then let me leave you again today so you can call him up. You might need some privacy. There is food in kitchen in case you are hungry. Let me leave you my number so you can call me in case when you decide to go. I will be back in the evening” Nathan said and he walked towards the door leaving a note in the table with his number.

Elaine didn’t bother to take a look at it; she ran upstairs and locked herself in the room. Her last day with him was a total mess, something she did not expect. Minutes later she felt lonely and started to get bored. She explored the house trying to find clues on Nathan’s past but there was nothing to be found. All she found were his clothes and computer which had a password, so she could not use it. She saw the note he left her and wanted to call him but she decided not to in order to show her anger.

She skipped lunch and watched television the whole day. She didn’t know why but tears started falling down her cheeks. She did not want it to end this way, she was expecting something more but she messed it up. She was expecting a sign from him but he never gave one. Her tears never stopped so she decided to sleep.

Elaine woke up smelling something good; she got up and saw Nathan cooking in the kitchen. She went to sit down in front of the dining table and just stared at him. “Hello Elaine, slept well?” he asked her but she looked away and did not respond. “I know you are hungry, you skipped lunch. I told you there was food but you didn’t reheat it” he added.

“I wasn’t hungry” she said. Nathan served dinner but Elaine didn’t bother looking at it. She just sat down and stared at the wall and pouted. “Please wait a little bit more, you can start eating if you are hungry. But please wait for one more dish I prepared” he said. “I don’t want to eat” she said.

Nathan went in the back of the house and Elaine looked at the food in front of her. Suddenly the lights went off and the room was engulfed in total darkness. Elaine screamed in fright and called out for his name.

“Nathan! Where are you!?” she shouted. She held on tight to her chair for she could not see anything.

“Elaine someone is beside you, I can see it clearly” she heard the voice of Nathan say. She let out a loud shriek and she fell to floor. “Nathan! Please I am scared!” she pleaded.

Suddenly she saw a little flame from a lighter and saw Nathan’s face. Nathan lit a candle and placed in on the table. The room brightened a bit and Elaine got back on her chair. Nathan lit another candle and told her to wait. As he came back Elaine saw him holding something with little candles on it.

“Happy Birthday Elaine!” he said.

As he came closer to the table she saw the cake in his hands. Elaine was surprised and was quite moved and tears again filled her eyes.

“I know tomorrow is your birthday but since you are leaving later let’s celebrate it together now” he said as he laid the cake in front of her. She was speechless and she could not hold back the tears from falling down her cheeks. “Come on make one wish and blow the candles” he said. Her mouth was trembling as she bowed her head and wiped the tears in her eyes.

She took a deep breath and looked at him for a while. “I wish tonight you be honest with me” and she quickly blew the candles. Nathan scratched his head and went to sit across her. “So are you now going to turn back on the lights yet?” Elaine asked him. Nathan looked at her and said “Tonight I cannot lie to you” and Elaine looked at him curiously. “What do you mean?” she asked him.

“You wished that I be honest with you tonight so I cannot tell lies” he explained. Elaine smiled and nodded. “Still I don’t see the connection of your answer with the lights you know” she said. Nathan took a deep breath and looked at her.

“It’s supposed to be a candle light dinner for me and you” he whispered softly. Elaine was touched in his motives but she started to giggle. “You cannot tell lies, okay then. Would you like to seat close to me?” she asked him and tried to hide her laughter. Nathan kept his head bowed and stood up; he brought his plate and sat closer to her. She burst in laughter and Nathan started to laugh with her.

Elaine enjoyed the food and her privilege so she got to know more about Nathan as they ate dinner. After dinner Nathan lit the fireplace and they sat on the couch watching it.

“This morning I prayed and asked for a sign. A sign to tell me if I should go or I should stay. Still I am undecided” Elaine told Nathan. “Should I take the late bus or the early morning bus?” she asked him again. Nathan moved closer to Elaine and he suddenly placed his arm across her shoulders. Elaine looked at him and he stared back into her eyes. “Tomorrow can wait” she whispered to him and he smiled at her. She leaned at his chest and he held her tightly.

Elaine opened her eyes and looked at her watch; it was already five in the morning. Nathan’s arms were still around; they had fallen asleep on the sofa. She wanted to stay that way a little bit longer but she had to go. She woke up Nathan who accompanied her to the room and pack. As soon as everything was set she changed clothes and stepped out the door. Nathan just sat on the bed looking at her bag.

“Today is your birthday so I still cannot tell lies” he suddenly said. Elaine stood by the room door and looked at him as he bowed his head. She went in front of him and played with his hair. He stood up and pulled her close to his body and wrapped his arms around her waist and he looked at her. “I cannot tell lies” he uttered and Elaine looked at him.

He bowed his head and repeated those words over and over as she saw his lips trembling. She was about to say something to cheer him up but he suddenly leaned his forehead against hers. Their noses touched each other and their lips were just centimeters away from feeling each other. He took a deep breath and he softly said “Take care of yourself” and Elaine wrapped her arms around his head. “Do you want me to stay?” she asked him.

“I cannot tell you lies, I cannot say no. I do not want to be selfish to say yes. I know how much it would hurt him and I do not want to be that reason” Nathan answered.

“In the past seven days with you I really enjoyed. I think…I know I have…” Elaine was about to say but Nathan interrupted.

“You and him have one year between you, we only have seven days so you cannot just compare the two situations. Don’t put your one year with him to waste. Our seven days together can just be a cherished memory…I did enjoy every moment of it…thank you” he said and he closed his eyes and a single tear managed to flow down his cheek.

“Nathan why are you saying those things? You are hurting my feelings” she said and she started to cry. More tears started flowing down Nathan’s face and he hugged her tightly. “I have to say those things to prepare myself for the harsh reality that you will be leaving. I know I am going to be hurt when you leave, and whenever I remember you the more it will hurt me. So I have to say these things now so that I know where I truly stand…” he stopped as he gasped for air.

Elaine placed her hands on his face and he lifted up his head to face her. “Seven days might not compare to one year but in the past seven days you have been more than he ever was. Nathan I…” she said but was again interrupted.

“Please don’t say it” he begged her. Elaine wiped his tears and drew his face closer to hers. She was about to kiss him on the lips but he begged off. He turned around and took her bag and walked out of the room.

They both arrive at the bus station and acted as if they did not know each other. She boarded the bus and he walked towards Martha’s stall. “Martha may I seat beside you?” he said to the old woman. Martha stood up and placed her hand on his shoulder “Yes sir, please sit down, it’s a little bit dusty but here take my sit” she offered. “No here is fine” he answered and sat on the dusty pavement.

The bus started to move and Elaine stood up and looked at Nathan. He saw him being comforted by Martha, she sat back down and she again started to cry. Nathan’s tears dropped on the pavement as the bus started to move away. “Yours tears tell me that you have fallen in love with her” Martha said as she offered her hanky to Nathan. He begged off and wiped his own tears with his hands; he took a deep breath and looked at her. “How come it’s this painful even though it has been only a week?” he asked her. “Once you have fallen it does not matter how long or how short the time was. It only means that in one week you did truly fall in love with her. Cheer up now sir I know you two will meet again someday” she said and smiled at him.

Elaine checked her phone for messages. There was only one missed call and it came from Tina. She decided to call Tina and told her she was on the way. She told Tina not to tell Ronald that she was coming home.

Elaine arrived at her apartment after lunch. The place was the same as she left it; Ronald did not even bother to fix it up. She took a light snack and went to her bedroom took a nap. As she woke up the nap took longer that she had planned, it was already eight in the evening. She checked her mobile phone and still there were no messages so she went down to prepare dinner. After dinner she sat in front of the television and kept checking her mobile phone.

It was 11:59 already and she did a countdown to end her birthday. As soon as her watch read 12:00 she turned off her mobile phone. Ronald once again forgot her birthday, this was the sign she was waiting for. A sign that could have made her stay with Nathan, but it came too late.

SEVEN DAYS - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Falling

The following morning Nathan was knocking at Elaine’s room. She got up and looked at the time and it was only 6 in the morning. She put on the robe and opened the door. Nathan quickly went inside and said “Pack your things, you are leaving!” and Elaine was shocked to hear him say that. He went for her bag and placed it on the bed. “Come on get dressed in the bathroom I will wait for you, you have to leave now” he said. Elaine was so confused and she did not know what to do. She took some clothes and headed to the bathroom and changed. As she stepped out Nathan carried her bag and went downstairs, she followed him and he went directly for the door.

“Nathan wait! What is happening?” she asked. “No time to explain, you have to leave now!” he shouts at her and he goes out the door. Elaine follows him and closes the door; Nathan quickly opens the trunk of his car and places her bag. “What are you standing there for? Quickly get in now” he said. Elaine was so scared seeing him that way; she could not do anything but follow orders.

The car starts to move and Elaine is looking at Nathan terrified. “Why Nathan? Why all of a sudden?” she asks him. “I can’t explain I’m sorry you have to go” he said and Elaine sits back and pouts. She does not understand what was happening. Everything went well after dinner last night she thought to herself, she does not know why this is happening so early in the morning.

“Wake me up when we get to the station” she told him and she closed her eyes and tried to sleep it out since she said to herself maybe this was just a bad dream.

Elaine felt warm and she heard the car door close so she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the car digital clock, it read 7:15 am and so she quickly looked forward. She could not believe what she was seeing, the sand and the water, it was a beach. She quickly went out of the car excited and she saw Nathan at the back of the car taking out two bags. She ran towards him and jumped into his arms.

“I can’t believe it you took me to the beach!!!” she said. “Am I dreaming? This is really the beach but I thought you were sending me home?” she asked him. Nathan smiled and closed the trunk door. “Well I wanted to surprise you so I had to pretend that I was letting you leave. It had to be that way so you could bring your clothes along you know” he said.

Elaine was so excited, “I want to go to the beach now, can we?” she asked. “Come with me then let’s get a cottage” he told her. “Cottage? We are staying here?” she asks. Nathan nodded and Elaine once again hugged him as they walked towards the office are of the resort.

They reach the front desk and Nathan quickly inquires. “Excuse me do you have a cottage with two separate rooms?” he asks. The receptionist checks her computer and shook her head. “I’m sorry sir the only cottage available is a single bedroom, queen size bed” and Nathan takes a deep breath.

“It’s okay I don’t mind, we will take it” Elaine tells the receptionist. Nathan looks at her and asks the receptionist “Does that cottage have a living room with a couch?”

“It does have a living room but the couch sir is made from bamboo” the receptionist states. “That will be fine with me, we will take it” he says and the receptionist presents him a form. “How many days will you be staying sir?” she asks.

Nathan looks at Elaine once again and she shrugged her shoulders. “Two days?” she asks Elaine and she nods her head. “Two day then” he tells the receptionist. After all forms were filled up Nathan was handed the key and they proceeded to their cottage.

As they enter their cottage, it was warm inside. Nathan quickly tested the sofa made of bamboo and laid down. Elaine noticed him and she went near him. “We can share the bed you know, I really don’t mind” she said. Nathan looked at her and smiled, “I will be fine here, it’s therapeutic” he replied.

Elaine went to the room and shut the door, Nathan toyed with the air conditioner settings and after a moment Elaine came out.

“How do I look?” she says. Nathan looks at her and saw her in a skimpy red bikini. He faced the air conditioner and said “It’s getting so hot in here; this thing is even on full mode.” Elaine giggled and playfully went near him. “Why don’t you get changed so we can go to the beach now” she told him.

Nathan quickly dragged his bag and went into the bathroom and change. Moments later they head on towards the beach, Elaine quickly runs towards the water and calls out Nathan who sat along the sand.

“Nathan come quick the water is warm!” she yells but Nathan just waives his hand and watches her. She runs towards him and pulls his hand. “Come on what are you waiting for? Youre not going to let me swim alone are you?” she asks him. Nathan stands up and walks along “Well if you went to your vacation spot alone then you would be swimming alone too wouldn’t you?” he asked. Elaine looks at him and pouts. “I guess you’re right. But now is different, I’m with you so come on lets go” she playfully says and drags him to the water.

They play in the water for an hour then go under the shade of a coconut tree. Elaine sits back on the trunk of the tree and wipes her hair with a towel. “You know what if ever I went alone to a beach I think I would not even enjoy it” she said. Nathan laughed and said “Well that’s what happens if you do rash things out of anger.”

“He is a total jerk that’s why” she suddenly opens up. Nathan sits beside her and shakes off the water in his hair. “Well that’s part of a relationship you know, help him grow out of it. Tell him what you feel so he can improve” he suggested. Elaine looks at him and says “What if he keeps on doing it?” she asked.

“Well it takes time for someone to change, but eventually they will so have patience and understand him if you love him” he adds. “What if he does not change?” Elaine asked further. Nathan took a deep breath and looked at her “Then I will be waiting” he said.

Elaine was surprised and her heart began to beat faster. She looked at him and asked “you will be waiting?” Nathan laughed and said “Yes, I will be waiting for your call to tell me what happened. So be sure to call me when you break up with him” and he kept on laughing.

Elaine pinched him on the side and playfully hit him on the arm. “You always do that, you always play tricks on me” she said in anger. She did not stop pounding his arm as he kept laughing and laughing at her. Elaine stopped and pouted then turned away from him. “You always keep cracking jokes like that, I don’t like them at all” she angrily said.

Nathan leaned against her back and played with the sand. “I will be waiting for that call of yours, for I know that time you will be very sad. So that time when you call I will be waiting to cheer you up” he whispered.

Elaine’s heart pounded once again and she felt so happy. She leaned her head against his back and enjoyed the moment being with him. “I will call you right away” she likewise whispered.

They ate lunch along a seaside restaurant and went for a walk after. The roamed along the seashore telling stories with one another and they seemed tireless. As the sky grew darker they walked back towards the resort both tired and exhausted. A quick dinner at the same seaside restaurant gave back some lost energy in which Elaine decided to go for a night swim. The beach was dark so they had to settle for the pool near their cottage.

Both of them were the only people in the pool, the just floated along the water wasting time. Elaine had many things on her mind, she was thinking about Ronald and at the same time the man with him that time. “Hey Nathan, I only have three more days in my vacation, tomorrow will be spent here, so where do you plan to take on the last two days?” she asked. Nathan opened his eyes and looked at her. “I really don’t know, there are still many places that you have not been to” he answered.

“I know your planning another surprise right? So tell me now” she says. Nathan just smiles and remains silent. Elaine sees him smiling and scheming something so she was curious and drags him down under the water. As he emerges she was laughing. “I know you are planning something again, tell me now” she insisted. “I don’t have anything planned I promise you” he replied and she dragged him down again. Nathan grabbed on to her body and he submerged her too, as their heads come up they both gasp for air.

Their bodies were close to each other, his arms were around her, and their faces were so close to each other and she began to blush. “Tell me now” she softly says. Nathan lets go and moves away from her, he steps out of the pool and she follows him. Nathan grabs his towel and hands him hers, they walk towards their cottage they both enter.

Elaine enters the room as Nathan sits on the wooden sofa, “We can share the bed, I really don’t mind” she says. Nathan towels off and smiles at her. “Don’t worry I’m alright here thank you” he replied. Elaine was about to close the door but managed to ask him “Tell me what your plans are” she says and Nathan lies down and closes his eyes.

“Tomorrow can wait” he softly says and she closes her door.

Elaine woke up and immediately gets up and checks on Nathan. As she opened her door he was not in the living room, she looked at her watch and it was only five in the morning. Nathan was nowhere to be found inside the cottage so Elaine quickly got dressed and headed out to find him. She went to the reception area and asked if ever there was a message left for her but there was none. She did not know where else to find him so she just decided to go for a walk along the beach.

As she was walking she saw Nathan lying down on the sand so she quickly ran towards him. She was about to get mad but she quickly saw the fresh fruits scattered on top of a picnic blanket beside him. “Oh you found me, I guess you read my note” he said to her. “What note?” she asked him. Nathan looked at her and said “the note I left on the table near the wooden sofa” he answered. “I didn’t see it, where did you get these fruits?” she asked.

“Sit down, come on. These are fresh fruits, I thought you might like them so went to buy them” he said. She sat down near him and picked up a ripe mango. “Why did you bring it here and not in the cottage?” she asked him. “Any minute now you will see why” he told her and she began peeling the mango. A few minutes later the surrounding became brighter, the sun was peeping beneath the clouds. “There it is” Nathan tells her and Elaine was speechless with the marvelous spectacle happening before her eyes. Towards the east the sun was about to reveal itself and make their brighter.

“It’s beautiful, it’s my first time to see the sun rise” she said with glee. A few minutes more and the sun was totally out and the water began to sparkle. The sound of the gentle waves and the cool breeze made the experience more memorable. As she looked at Nathan he handed her the plate of peeled and sliced assorted fruits. “You made this? I thought you were watching the sun too?” she asked. “I have seen the sun rise too many times already. Here come on eat it” he said. Elaine started to eat the fruits and enjoyed their sweetness.

“It’s really my first time seeing the sun rise, I did not know it was this beautiful” she said. “Don’t tell me it’s your first time at the beach as well” Nathan joked. Elaine laughed and responded. “No I mean, when he and I usually go to the beach we don’t do this stuff, it’s just all about the water” she revealed. “Well every time I go to a new place I see to it that there is always a lasting memory that stays on my mind forever” he told her.

Elaine looked at him and asked “Like this moment?” Nathan shook his head. “What kind of memory then?” she inquired. Nathan lied down on the sand and looked up at the sky and smiled. “I don’t know yet, but definitely there will be one.”

Elaine finished off the fruits in her plate and thought of what he said. “For me I will never forget this sun rise. I will never forget how you surprised me, bringing me here. The nature walk we had, how I wished the flower you gave didn’t have to rot though.” Elaine said.

“But you can’t tell him any of those memories. The memories you mentioned you just have to keep to yourself or it would cause problems” Nathan suddenly said. Elaine momentarily pondered on what he said and indeed she cannot tell anyone about her vacation. “So you have two more days to make a memory which you can tell him, and for that reason you have to find one good memorable moment, one without me” he said as he smiled at her.

“So you mean you are going to leave for two days?” she softly says. Nathan laughs and looks at her “Leave you? How can I do that? Of course I would never leave you” he exclaims. “So how am I going to make that one memorable moment alone then if I am with you?” she asks him. Nathan’s face turned serious and he looked towards the water. “I’ve also asked myself that question many times and I still don’t know the answer. When you find out tell me so I can make one for myself” he softly says and Elaine could feel the seriousness in his voice. This is the first time he ever opened up his hidden feelings, she knew deep inside he was hurting.

They spent the whole morning and afternoon on the beach where Elaine really enjoyed herself. As the day was about to end Nathan was waiting along the shore holding her towel. Elaine ran towards him and took the towel. Nathan suddenly placed his hands on her shoulders and she felt her heart beat fast once again. He slowly turned her around and she saw the final seconds of the sparkling water and the sun was starting to hide itself. A few more seconds and it was totally gone and turned and looked at him. “Thank you it was another first for me” she told him. Nathan was not looking at her; his eyes were still affixed on where the sun hid itself. “The sun set shows you that everything has an ending” he softly says and looks at her. “Come on lets go have dinner”

After dinner they spend time in the cottage room telling stories to each other. They forgot all about the time but Nathan noticed Elaine was already tired and sleepy. “I can see you are sleepy so let’s stop here and continue some other time” he said and stood up. Elaine held his hand and he turned to face her. “Sleep beside me tonight” she tells him. Nathan smiled and shook his head, “I’m fine, you just sleep okay?” he told her.

“Please just tonight” she pleads and he takes a deep breath. Nathan sits down on the edge of the bed as Elaine moved herself towards the other end. He lied down beside her and faced the ceiling. Elaine turned and faced him. Nathan closed his eyes and Elaine did the same and the room became silent.

“Nathan” Elaine whispers. “Yeah what is it?” he replied without opening his eyes. “Why are you so nice to me?” she asked in a soft voice. Nathan did not move but took a deep breath. “Why should I not be nice to you?” he answered.

“I asked you first” she said to him. Nathan smiled and took another deep breath. “Well first I took you in so you are considered my guest and I have to take care of you” he answered.

“So I am just a guest to you?” she asked him. Nathan did not bother replying since he did not know what to say. “Stop being nice to me” she further said. “Why?” he asked her.

“Stop being nice to me or else I might…” she stopped and Nathan turned at looked her. “Did you ever ask yourself why I am being nice to you?” he asked her. “I did” she answered. “So what answer did you arrive at?” he asked. Elaine blushed and smiled and did not answer.

Nathan closed his eyes and Elaine moved closer to him. “What if the answer on my mind is wrong?” she softly asked. He opened his eyes and stared at her, their face so close to each other. “What if you are correct? What if I truly am…” he stopped and smiled at her. Elaine’s heart was beating rapidly once again and she was really slowly falling in love with him. She stared at him and moved her face closer and their lips were about to touch. Nathan opened his eyes and they stared at each other, he quickly shifted position and faced the ceiling once again.

Elaine felt so embarrassed; she quickly turned around and faced the opposite direction. Her face was warming up and she felt so low at the moment. She felt Nathan move and he placed his arm on her stomach. “Is it okay if I put my arm here?” he asked her. Elaine’s was beating rapidly once again; she could not speak for she was so happy. “I guess not” he said and removed his arm but Elaine quickly held it and placed it back. She moved backwards so she could lean against his body, she didn’t let go of his hand. “Goodnight Elaine” were the final words she heard before she closed her eyes.