Graceful Stubborn Heart

New Day

I woke up to the sun's rays directly hitting on my face. I checked my watch and it's already half past 11. Oh, s**t! I've overslept. It must be the stress from yesterday and the alcohol from last night. I feel relieved though. I looked around and the room was quiet. I'm alone. I stood up and checked outside. Everybody was out, preparing lunch by the beach. 

I washed up and went out. "Good morning!", I greeted. 

"What a sleep you had! You must have absorbed all of what Grace was feeling because she woke up feeling relieved while here you are looking so tired.", Carmen sarcastically snapped at me.

I ignored her but I apologized to Grace. "I'm sorry. I-", I was not able to finish my sentence as she looked at me and smiled her most genuine smile. "It's not your fault", was all she said before she continued with the food preparation, while I was left speechless. I felt silent for quite a time and my eyes were just fixed on her, not really noticing what she was doing.

Mike elbowed my back to snap me back. I just nodded at him to acknowledge what he wanted to tell me. I was just quiet during lunch. Mike grabbed his guitar and played some songs while the everyone else, except Grace, Mike, and me,  was swimming and playing in the water. 

"Why don't you join them?", I asked Grace while pointing at our friends having fun.

"I want to but I can't until the rashes totally go away. This usually takes at least a week.", she said while playing putting some fruits in her mouth. I had no words so I just sighed and said sorry again and again, to which she just brush off with a smile.

Out of the blue, Mike stopped playing  the guitar, excused himself and headed to a group of girls heading to the water. "Oh, Mike. He never gets tired.", Grace chuckled. 

"Is he always like that?", I asked. 

"Yea, it's his nature. How about you? Why aren't you out there scouting, like Mike does?", he asked me smiling. Her question felt a stab through my chest. Yes, she's right. It has been my nature to be like that but coming from her was like a strong slap to my face.

"I don't know. I'm tired of that life, I guess.", I honestly answered back and this time I made sure that I was looking at her in the eye. Trying to make a move? Maybe, but I just wanted to see her reaction through her eyes because the eyes don't lie. Everybody knows that. But she looked away, pretending to be busy with her cellphone.

I didn't know that it was almost sunset and it's still just the two of us in the shed where we had lunch. We were just talking about random stuff. I also don't know if everyone was purposely letting us be. I didn't notice them leaving and I there's no one in the water anymore. I didn't dare ask Grace about it, afraid that I may break the momentum and may cause her to feel awkward being alone with me. 

"So what's your plan? How is life be for you?", I couldn't help but ask.

She looked up and looked at me with a questioning look. 

"I mean, I'm just curious about your decision to be a single mother. Why not find someone who's willing to spend his life with you and your children together?", I clarified.

"Oh, that!", she laughed. I don't know why she found it funny.

"It's just a plan. If there is a man for me then I cannot avoid what's mean to be, right?  But if there is none, then I'd wish to have a child at least. I love children and I feel that I have too much love to give.", she stated honestly, which made my heart beat fast.

"But let's not think about those things for now. We only have a life to live. Let's enjoy the moment.", she said smiling.

Oh, Grace! Oh, Grace! My heart is screaming silently. Can I be the man, please? - these word were all just in my head. I do not have the courage to say them out loud. 

Suddenly, she was one by one cleaning up the shed. "Let's clean up and go inside. I'm starting to feel cold again. I need to be under the covers so that I'd feel better in time for dinner. Blame it on the allergy.", she suggested. 

After dinner, we stayed out for a little bit but didn't stay long as we were to head back to the city early the next day. Surprisingly, no one ever mentioned about leaving Grace and I in the shed that afternoon. I also didn't bother say anything about it.

Mike on the other hand, was making out with a sexy lady but it's just Mike.

Bea's P.O.V.

Carmen and I noticed the two talking to each other in the shed, while Mike was playing some songs in his guitar. So we called Mike out and secretly gestured for him to leave them alone. Fortunately, he understood our made up sign language and turned his attention to a group of girls heading to the water.

We've been playing and swimming for long and the water is getting chilly as the sun is about to set, but we don't want to disturb the two so we went back to our room without getting pass them. 

"Let's leave the cleaning up to the two.", I suggested.

"we better. Let's not disturb as I think they're still on the getting to know phase.", Carmen giggle.

"Cause we're getting to know each other... a little too well... getting to know each other...", we both sang while giggling. We love it that Grace is trying to open up to other men. I am not sure though if this is a good sign because of Jake's reputation on women. But who am I to judge. Let's just wait and see...

Carmen P.O.V.

Is this a miracle I seeing? Jake has survived the whole afternoon talking to a woman without even making a move. He is just there talking, listening, exchanging ideas. It is so unlikely of him. He is usually worse than Mike. He usually scores easily when it comes to women but this time, he didn't even bother to look at them. He gave all his undivided attention on Grace. Is he sick?