THE PRINCIPAL'S PROPOSAL

CHAPTER 5

We are on the plane going to the Philippines. I am seated beside Odin who's asleep while I am wide awake staring at the clouds on the window. After a couple of minutes, I decided to shut the window. Suddenly, his head slide and land on my shoulder. I look at him. I noticed that he really is handsome. But I don’t feel intimidated like how I felt to his brother. He looks exactly the same as him but I feel like I will never feel the same way as I felt to Timothy. Wait, why do I keep on comparing them?

I didn’t thought I was staring too much if not because of the pseudo cough from the seat beside us. It's Timothy. Again, I felt embarrassed because he saw how I looked at his brother.

I pretended that I did not see him so I shut my eyes and slept.

We landed at El Nido Palawan, Philippines. The island is breathtaking. It has white sand and blue sea. It feels like you’re in paradise. As I look at the sea, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Palawan, baby.” Odin said. I look at him and smiled.

“It’s beautiful.” I replied.

“I couldn’t agree more.” He said looking at me. I smiled at him.

“Sorry to interrupt the romantic scene here but we’re about to book our rooms.” Timothy said from our back. I immediately gave distance to Odin and me.

“Let's go.” Odin said. We went to the hotel.

Dad wanted me to stay with Tricia but I insisted that I want to be alone. The last thing I want is to have an unending debate with her.

My room is not huge. It’s cozy and has this beach vibe. The bedroom has a wide sliding door. I went out and I noticed a cement trail. I followed it and I was surprised because it lead me to a breathtaking view of the sea. There is a rattan sun bench under an umbrella tree. This is the perfect view. I can just stay here all throughout the trip.

I just stand here with my arms crossed on my chest. I closed my eyes and let myself listen to the waves.

“Life must’ve hit you hard.” My relaxation stopped the moment I heard his voice. I turned around and saw him sitting at the sun bench.

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“I just followed the trail and it lead me to a beautiful scenery.” He said looking at me intently.

So, just when I thought I’d be alone and relaxed, he’d come. The one and only person who can make my heart pound.

“I'd better go.” I said. He immediately stand up on my way so I can’t go.

“Cant we be friends too? Why do you treat me like this?” he said looking at my eyes.

“I don’t know.” I said looking down.

He touch my chin and guide it to look at him.

“We both know the reason why. You just can’t admit it the same way I can’t admit it to myself.” His voice is like a melody to my ears.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I said as I remove his hand on my chin. I will guard myself from everyone. I know that I feel something for him but I know that it’s no good for me. So, I’ll keep it for myself for as long as I can.

“I like you, Addison. From now own, I will court you.” He said and left without waiting for my answer.

I don’t know how to feel about his confession. Part of me is happy because we feel the same way but the remaining part is scared. I’m scared to open up my heart. Witnessing a failed relationship firsthand made me lose all the love veins in me.

I hoped for the time to slow down so I can avoid going to dinner because surely, he's there. But I know that I cannot stop it from happening.

Wearing a black satin maxi dress that has a side slit with my hair in a bun, I went to meet them at the restaurant downstairs. The only make up in my face is the red lipstick. Im not a pro in applying make up but I know the rules and I know how to accentuate my features.

I walked to the take where they are all seated. I began to feel embarrassed because they were just waiting for me. All eyes were on me as I walk towards them.

Odin stand up and held the chair for me.

“Thank you.” I said as I sit on it. I saw how Timothy's eyes raked on my body and his look stayed on my eyes with a cunning smile.

“You made everyone wait, Addison.” Hilda started.

“I’m sorry about that. I was not feeling well.” I said as an excuse. I am startled when the back of Odin's landed on my neck. He's checking my temperature. I chuckled awkwardly.

“You're hot.” Odin said.

“Yeah, she is.” Timothy said which made me more shock. I think it has a different meaning.

“I feel better now.” I said.

I let out a sigh when they started to bring the food to our table. I focused on eating so I can avoid having an eye contact to the on in front of me. Timothy is sitting beside Tricia. She's wearing a red dress with a plunging neckline.

“Can I just say, you look like your mom, Addison.” Tita Maribel sincerely said.

“Thank you so much Tita. Although I’m not sure about that. She’s too beautiful to be compared to me.” It is true. Mom is truly a beauty. She looks like a Greek goddess.

“You’re more beautiful than her.” Dad said that made my heart jump a little. I saw the sincere look in his eyes.

“Thanks, dad.” I sweetly smile at him.

“Tricia, where did you get that dress? I told you to wear the Gucci dress, didn’t I?” Hilda said out of no where. She just want everyone to notice her daughter. Tricia smiled shyly.

“It’s from Versace, mom.” She answered.

No one dared to talk after that. Odin invited me to walk at the sea side which I gladly accepted.