Unexpected Connection

CHAPTER 16

I love traveling, it's my favorite past time. This is going to be amazing. 

After the whole going on a trip was said, which was a week ago if I may add, we have all been getting ready for it. We already rented the places we would be staying at every country we would be at and the jet for the trip is all set. We are leaving tonight for New Zealand, I am so excited.

Asher already came in to take my luggage which is a lot to the car. Mum and Dad are driving us to the private tarmac. 

    "Lily get your butt down here" Eli shouts from downstairs. I quickly grab my fanny pack and head downstairs.

    "I'm here, don't get your boxers in a twist Eli" I tell him poking my tongue out at him.

    "Hey bunny" Ian says walking inside. I run past Eli to Ian jumping on him. 

    "Hey handsome" I say kissing him.

    "Hi Lily, Ian invited me" a guy says beside Ian, he is cute too.

    "Hi" I wave awkwardly, "Do I know him?" I ask Ian. The guy looks confused and then sad. I must have known him before the whole amnesia thing.

    "Yes, he's a friend of mine. Axel" Ian introduces.

    "You already introduced me to your friends?" I ask Ian and he nods.

    "To his family too" Axel adds and Ian glares at him.

    "I didn't know that, do they like me?" I ask Ian and he smiles pecking me.

    "They love you" he says and I smile.

    "I would want to meet them again" I tell Ian and he agrees. 

    "It's nice re-meeting you again Axel" I tell him and he hugs me.

    "You have to remember me" Axel says rather dramatically. I smile and pat his back.

    "That's enough" Ian says releasing me from Axel's hug.

    "Let's go guys" Asher calls from outside and we all pile ourselves into the big SUV.

The ride to the tarmac involves Axel asking me a million questions, asking if I remember anything. He keeps asking if I remember him now every five minutes. He's tiring, I think I would like him. We finally get to our destination and after a couple of hours involving loading the jet, getting cleared and saying goodbyes, we finally lift off. Did I tell you my parents are also travelling? They are but not with us, they are going to Switzerland.

The flight to New Zealand was quiet and peaceful. Like that is possible with four guys, by the way, two of them are not talking to each other. I'm sure you've guessed which two, yes, Ian and Eli. They refuse to talk to each other, just lots of glaring and scowling. Ian is sitting beside while Eli is in front of both of us, they exchange looks again. Okay, I'm done.

    "What is up with you two?" I ask them.

    "Nothing" they say at the same time.

    "Is this about what happened before the accident, you can tell me. I think it's time I know" I tell them. I hate how they look at each other, they are important to me and I don't want to lose them. 

    "If you really want to know" Eli says.

    "I want to know" I tell him.

    "What happened was that-" Eli starts.

    "No!" Ian shouts stopping Eli. "Let her remember on her own" he adds. I look at Ian and it is more than worry I see on his face, it's fear, he is scared of me knowing something and I wonder what. What doesn't he want me to know.

    "I think she's ready" Eli antagonizes. 

    "She'd remember on her own" Ian says, he looks at me practically pleading with his eyes. I think I want to know but Ian is scared of me knowing so I'd wait, he might be right, I could remember it on my own later.

    "Ian's right, I could remember on my own" I say and Ian relaxes.

    "What if you don't?" Eli asks.

    "Then I guess I wouldn't know" I answer him. That's a lie, if my memory doesn't come back, I'd tell Eli to tell me.

    "Yes!!" Asher shouts, his fist in the air.

    "No" Axel says, "I don't know how but you cheated" he adds.

    "Again?" Asher asks.

    "You are on" Axels says. I shake my head at them and look at Eli.

    "Fine" Eli says getting up to join Asher and Axel. Two people who don't seem involved or concerned about what is happening, they are busy playing video game.

    "I wish you guys would just be friends" I tell Ian resting my head on him.

    "I know love" he says kissing my head. I am tired so I shut my eyes. A while later, I hear Ian call my name but he is whispering, like he doesn't want to wake me up. I think he thinks I am asleep. I am curious as to what he wants to say or do so I don't respond.

    "I am so sorry, Lily" he says kissing my head. What did he do? I know it is definitely about why he and Eli don't like each other. "I am sorry for pretending that I didn't know you when I moved in next door. It's true that I first came because of Eli, I wanted to get back at him for taking Rachel from me. I was so in love with her but then I actually met you in person and that's I knew what love actually is. Looking at you through does binoculars, seeing you in person, I realized I had fallen in love with you just from the things Eli told me you. I am so sorry for deceiving you and for not telling you that I knew Eli. I am sorry for Eli and I pretending like we didn't know each other. I truly love you, Lily and always will". 

I feel the tears fall from my eyes so I quickly adjust turning from him. I quickly wipe my tears before opening my eyes.

    "Did I wake you up?" Ian asks.

    "No, were you talking to me?" I ask. 

    "No, I wasn't" he says with a smile. I return the smile. 

    "Need to use the toilet" I tell him and get up. He holds me back.

    "I love Lily" he says and I smile.

    "It's just the toilet Ian" I say shaking my head.

I walk past Eli, Asher and Axel and go to the bathroom. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. The tears are free falling now.

    "Lily, we would soon land" Asher says knocking on the door.

    "Coming out" I answer. I quickly wipe my tears then adjust my face. I walk out the bathroom and sit beside Ian then put on my seat belt. 

It's a safe landing and an hour later, we are on our way to the villa. The villa sent us a chauffeur, It's a safe drive and the driver is amazing. He keeps telling us facts about New Zealand like how they are the first to see the sun rise, first country to give women vote, they have the clearest waters, and they are a volcano country. Cool facts. We finally get to our rented villa and we are settled in a few minutes later. Okay, maybe not really settled in, we are just gathered in the living room tuckered out from the travel. We decide to tour the place the next day but for now, we are hungry. Thankfully, there is food in the living room.

    "I hope they set up the game we told them about" Axel says.

    "I hope so too" Asher says.

    "Did you guys ask them to set up the game you were playing on the jet?" I ask them.

    "Yes, it's an awesome game" Asher tells me.

    "We called every resort we would be staying at to set the game up" Axel says. What am I to do with them? From what I have been told, it is Ian's game.

    "What are we doing tomorrow?" Eli asks.

    "Sleep, Pilates, swim, eat, sleep" I answer. Full day tomorrow.

    "I think Asher and I are going to play games all day" Axel says. "I need to know how Asher keeps winning and then win him" he adds.

    "Not gonna happen. I am still going to win" Asher says laughing.

    "What about you guys?" I ask Ian and Eli.

    "Don't know yet'' Ian says. Eli shrugs.

    "Maybe you both should hang out with each other, you know, resolve whatever bad blood is between you" I suggest.

    "Nope" Ian says wile Eli nods his head.

    "At least they agree on that" Asher says. Good thing I am not the only one who notices their whatever.

    "Lily and I are sleeping together" Ian blurts out and I start coughing. 

    "What?" Asher asks holding his fork in a weapon manner.

    "We are sleeping in the same room" he explains. "There are only three rooms here" he adds.

    "Oh" Asher says, "If it's fine with her, I'm good".

    "She can stay with me" Axel says winking at me.

    "Does she have to stay with you?" Eli asks through his teeth.

    "Where else would she stay, with you?" Ian asks. They are glaring at each other again.

    "I have an idea" I start and they both look at me, "Why don't I stay alone while you two share a room" I say.

    "Best idea of the night" Asher says and Axel starts clapping.

    "I am not staying with him" Eli shouts.

    "Me too" Ian says.

    "Well figure it out cause none of you are staying with me" I say and leave the table. I carry my luggage up the stairs and pick a room. I love the room I pick, it has a balcony and you have a view of the pool. Love it. I open my bag and strategically remove the things I would need for the few days we would be here. I put the bath things in the bathroom and clothes in the closet. I have a soak in the beautiful bath tub and change to my night wear. I lay in bed and text my dad.

We've landed and are settled in villa - L

That's good, honey. We are in Switzerland too - D

Great, greet mum for me. Love you - L

I would, take care of your brother. We love you both very much - D

I smile, put my phone down and try to sleep. I find myself tossing and turning in bed. I check the time again,

1: 40

Two minutes since I last checked. I get off bed, wear my robe and leave my room. I quietly walk past the other rooms and leave the house deciding to walk round. Maybe if I get tired, I would knock out. I walk to the back of the villa, to the pool and I see someone lying on the pool chairs, moving closer, I see it's Ian.

    "Couldn't sleep too, huh?" I say lying on the lounge chair beside him.

    "Yeah" he answers still lying down.

    "Me too. Different time zone, I guess" I say.

    "I have a lot on my mind though" Ian says.

    "Work?" I ask.

    "No, us" he says turning to face me.

    "Is something wrong?" I ask looking at him.

    "I am worried you would hate me when your memories come back" he answers.

    "Why do you think that? Why would I hate you?" I ask him. He shrugs and looks away. 

    "Tell me something" I say.

    "What?" he asks facing me.

    "When did you know you that you love me?" I ask. His face lights up as he probably looks back to the moment. There is a smile on his face and my stomach flutters at the sight of his dimples. 

    "Well, I knew the first time I met you" he says.

    "Oh really" I say smiling.

    "Yeah, I knew when I saw you on your balcony with your binoculars. You standing there in your pajamas looking over at my house" he says. "I don't know if you knew this but I was watching you watch my house. I was so intrigued by you. You were the most beautiful woman I have ever met" he adds, his eyes are twinkling.

    "Were?" I ask and he laughs.

    "Are, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on" he corrects and I smile at him.

    "When do you think I fell in love with you?" I ask him.

    "I'd like to believe it is love at first sight with you as well" he tells me and I laugh, "You were watching my house" he adds.

    "I just love that house, obsessed maybe" I tell him.

    "And you love me, the owner of the house, by proxy" he says laughing. I shake my head at him but can't help but smile.

    "So, why do you think I would hate you when I remember everything?" I ask him.

    "Because I messed up" he says. His countenance begins to change so I decide not to question him.

    "I'm sure you had a reason" I say.

    "There is no excuse for what I did, I just didn't want to lose you that's why I didn't say anything" he tells me. "Lily" he calls sitting up. 

    "Yeah" I answer and sit up too. He holds my hands in his.

    "I want to take this opportunity to apologize. I never really got the chance" he says.

    "You already did, at the hospital. I heard you then" I tell him and he seems a little surprised.

    "I would like to say it to you now since you are conscious" he tells me. 

    "Okay".

    "I know this might not make sense right now but here goes" he takes a deep breath, "I am sorry for saying you were not different when Eli kissed you. I am sorry that Heather picked up my call and that you caught us in bed together. I am sorry for lying to and deceiving you, I am sorry for being the reason you are in this situation. I am so sorry. I want you to know that I love you very much, I might have moved to the house next to you with a motive but I actually and sincere am in love with you. I regret not telling you everything before we started our relationship. I am so sorry Lily and I hope I can get your forgiveness".

I didn't realize I am crying till Ian wipes m=the tears away.

    "Thank you for apologizing" I tell him and lay back down. We both stay there just staring into space, both in our own worlds. I wonder what is on Ian's mind. 

***

It's the next day and not gonna lie, I knocked out. It's currently twelve in the afternoon. I drag myself off my bed and walk to the bathroom. After cleaning up, I get ready for Pilates, I have on my leggings, sport b*a and sneakers. I pack my hair up in a bun and walk out my room. I decide to go out in the back yard, I get Pilates done while also getting some vitamin D, win-win. I am doing my last pose for the day when Ian walks up to me.

    "Morning love" he greets.

    "Morning" I answer getting up. He moves in to kiss me but I stop him.

    "I am messy and sweaty" I tell him.

    "I don't mind" he say raising me up while kissing me.

    "What are you doing next?" he asks walking to my room with me. 

    "Swim" I tell him. I quickly shower and change into a bikini. I pick a whit one piece suit, it's laced up at the sides. I twirl for Ian when I step back in my room, "What do you think?" I ask.

    "Sexy, as always" he says and I kiss him. He has on a swim truck so we go to the pool. Ian canon balls into the pool while I walk in. We both swim five laps in the infinity pool, getting our work out in for the day. I do a somersault in the water laughing when I come back up.

    "I haven't done that in a long time" I tell Ian who is admiring me.

    "Come here" Ian tells me and I swim to him.

    "Yeah?" I ask when I get to him, I am smiling because the smile on his face is contagious. His arm on my waist, he pulls me to him. I am pressed flush against  him.

    "Hello" he says looking at me.

    "Hi" I reply before his lips find mine.

    "Ew" I hear Asher shouts at Ian and I. We look up and see he is with Eli and Axel. Axel has a smile on his face while Eli is scowling.

Asher dives into the water, Axel does a canon ball while Eli just jumps in. Ian's hand is still on my waist but I am standing beside him now.

    "I am happy the love between you guys didn't change even though Lily cannot remember anything" Axel says. Ian and I look at each other smiling.

    "It doesn't matter what happens, we will always be together" he says looking at me, "She's my soulmate" he adds. I smile at him.

    "That's my sister" Asher says fake gagging. I poke my tongue at him and he laughs.

    "I guess Lily's love for you is true" Axel says.

    "I do love her more than anything else" he says. "You are my world" he adds looking at me. I kiss him. 

    "That's enough" Eli shouts. Woah, easy.

    "Woah, easy" Ian says voicing my thought. I smile internally, I guess we are connected.

    "No, just no" Eli says getting out the pool.

    "What is the problem Eli, you are supposed to be my friend" I ask him.

    "We need to talk. Now" he says walking inside the house. I look at Asher and Axel and they just shrug swimming away. 

    "I'd be back" I tell Ian.

    "You don't have to go" he tells me, he seems a bit worried.

    "I need to talk to him too" I tell Ian and move to get out of the pool.

    "Lily" he calls and I look back, "No matter what happens or he says, I want you to know that I love you very much and always will" He tells me before kissing me. The kiss feels like the last and I don't like it. I get out the pool, grab a towel and walk into the house.

    "Really Lily?" Eli says when I walk in.

    "Not yet" I tell him and walk past him to go to my room. I want to wash the chlorine off of me. I quickly shower, for the third time since I woke up, if I may add. I change into a denim short and a black  bikini top. I walk back downstairs and see Eli in the living room. The other guys are still in the pool. I can hear them laughing and splashing water. I join Eli on the couch but I quickly get up.

    "What is your problem with Ian?" I shout.

    "How can you fall in love with him only after a few weeks" Eli says getting up.

    "Technically, I have known him for months now" I shout back.

    "What is so special about Ian? I have known you for years and I have never seen you fall for anyone like this before" he says raising his voice.

    "What do you want me to say, I like him that's all" I say raising my own voice.

    "You never even liked me like this but then you meet Ian and you don't even see me anymore" he says shouting.

    "Why would I like you the same way, we were still in middle school when I said I liked you. Middle school, Eli, middle school. I am older now and I want more than a middle schooler wants" I say pacing the room.

    "And Ian is the answer?" Eli asks staring daggers at me.

    "Yes. I love him Eli. Shouldn't that be enough for my friend? I ask him throwing a pillow at him. He swats it away.

    "Ian doesn't love you Lily. He's only with you to get back at me!" Eli shouts.

    "And you want to take me from him or what?" I ask shouting.

    "I  don't want you to make a mistake. Ian is a mistake" Eli utters.

    "Oh please" I say rolling my eyes at him, my hands on my waist.

    "He doesn't love you, Lily" he says.

    "And how do you know that?" I ask him raising an eyebrow.

    "Because you don't know him like I do. I think it's time you know who Ian really is" Eli says, "The reason you lost your memory is because of him" Eli points towards the pool, "You found out that we knew each other in England and that he lied to you and that's why you fainted which led to a concussion and the stress of it cause the short term amnesia" Eli says. 

    "I know" I tell Eli.

    "What are you talking about?" Eli asks looking confused.

    "I know you guys met in England, I know about Rachel, I also know about Ian moving next door to get closer to me. I know why I fainted" I say looking him in the eyes.

    "Lily" Eli trails. 

    "I remember everything!" I shout.

    "Lily?" I hear Ian call behind me. I turn around to see the shocked faces of Ian, Asher and Axel. I roll my eyes.

Oh dang it!