My Sister Is Not The Bride

~Chapter 5~ Unwanted Visitor.

"Yes, yes I promise to stand with you, to make this work, Daniel." I was filled with series of emotions. I couldn't contain my excitement. He picked me up and twirled me around until I was dizzy. "Oh my Goodness Daniel." I hit him playfully and we both laughed. Just then, we both went silent, just staring into each other's eyes. My heart began to beat so fast. I could equally feel his beating really hard. He then held my cheeks in his hands and look down at my lips. I held the end of his top tightly. "You were my first kiss, but that was due to intoxication. Why not do it better, but this time, while you're conscious?" He said with a smirk on his lips, arching his eyebrows. My palms got sweaty. Oh right! He was my first kiss. I just didn't think it was real, as I was under the influence. I was quiet, but I nodded my head in approval. Oh yeah! I wanted this kiss too! I moistened my lips, and then raised my head up, shutting my eyes close. He then pressed forward and I could feel his lips on mine. Did this just happen? Was this all a figment of my imagination? I just didn't see the possibility of everything that's happened within the last couple of hours, being real. I mean did I just kiss 'The Daniel Antonio' ?! My face turned rosey red. His tongue began to move in a gentle progression, its pace perfectly synchronized with my desires, just as I had envisioned. The pace increased and he proceeds to hold my waist tightly, almost hurting me with his nails piercing into my skin. I let out a little cry and he drew back quickly. He looked concerned. "Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry... " I held his face, signalling that I was okay. "I got a little carried away... I'm sorry.

But there's something I've got to tell you Luna."

He looked worried now. "What's that, Daniel?" I became tensed. I didn't want anything to come in between our love. "I'll be leaving the Philippines in two weeks, as my visa is set to expire... " In two weeks? That wasn't enough time for us to be together. School would be on break soon and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with him. "Two weeks? That's too near." I turned my face away. I began to have conflicting thoughts. "I know Luna, but I have to go. I have to prepare for my final year project which is due in less than a year. But that doesn't mark the end of our chapter. I'd still be in touch with you - I'll never go a day without calling you to hear your voice. I'd definitely come back for you, for us. Trust me Luna." He cupped my cheeks with his hands. I trusted him. But I just didn't want to go that long without seeing him, or feeling him or hearing his voice. "Okay, I trust you Daniel. I'll wait, I'll wait for you to come back to me." His faces beamed with joy. "I'll definitely come back for us." We hugged and stared at the sunset for a while, and then he escorted me to my hostel and then left when he was sure I was inside.

***

The first week of my Daniel's two-week stay was the best I'd ever had. Daniel drove to my hostel every day to pick me up for class. He'd bring breakfast, take me out for lunch, and even dinner. I was amazed by how intentional he was towards me. What had I done to deserve such a thoughtful man? He got me gifts – dresses, jewelry, and everything I wanted – without me asking. He just knew what I liked. It was literal 'baby girl treatment'!

My friends Mona and Danielle were thrilled for me. 'Girl, you've landed a gentleman who's almost perfect! Proud of you!' Mona exclaimed over the phone. 'Daniel Antonio is every girl's dream man. When do I get my own Daniel Antonio?' Danielle asked dramatically. 'I know, right,' I replied, giggling like a teenage girl in love.

Most of all, they were happy I'd found my true love and hoped I'd get a happy ending. I hoped so too.

Daniel had less than week before he leaves and this time, I wanted to make it the best for him. I woke up early on a Saturday morning, got up to get ready to spend the day with Daniel. I planned to surprise him with a Philippines home-made dish, his favorite too - Tinola. He mentioned that that was the last dish his Mum made before she passed away, and he didn't get a chance to have a taste the last time. I wanted today to feel extra special for him and that was the idea that came to mind. I was a very good chef myself. I used to make all the dishes at home when I was younger - some say I take after my Dad. He was a better cook than my mum, although she'd argue about the authenticity of that. How I missed home. Luckily Lana slept over at Paulo's place and so the coast was clearly.

I checked my phone and saw a text from Daniel. It went... "Good morning Ying, did you sleep good last night? What do you have up your sleeves today, you delayed my last messages by 5 minutes? You definitely have something up your sleeves." Daniel seemed to know me so well, and it was as if nothing slipped past him. But today, I was convinced that I had managed to surprise him, and that he wouldn't see what I had in store for him coming. I dropped a brief reply for him, "Come over to my place by 5pm." and that was it. The intention was to keep him on his toes, thinking about what I had going on.

Just then, I heard a knock at the door. I wasn't expecting anyone right now. Did Daniel disobey me and decided to come earlier? The fear I had in my heart should my plan flop. I rushed to open the door in rage, to query him for flaunting my order. I opened the door and said "Daniel, I thought I told you – "

"Surprise!" Who I saw at the door was even more scarier.