CHAPTER 16 - DAY
1131 Words
HANNAH
My breathing quickened as I finished my litany. I don't want to preach, but what he said deliberately broke the thread of my patience.
I quickly turned my back on it and walked back to shore. Giaco gave me a towel and I immediately wrapped it around my shoulders. People were looking at us probably because of the strong fight between me and Harley.
I entered the hotel and took off the dress I was wearing because the water reached the front of it. I went into the bathroom and the shower to remove all the dust from our trip earlier.
I want to swim in clear water. There are also adventures there that I want to experience, so I quickly changed my swimsuit.
I am beautiful enough for my own reasons and not because Apollo is here. He is probably also invited to the party tonight, but I have no interest in going there.
I tied the long malong around my waist and only wore a bra. When I opened the door, I saw that Giaco was waiting for me while he was talking on his cell phone. When he noticed that I was about to walk to the elevator, he followed me.
I immediately spread the beach mat on the isolated part of the beach. I'm not afraid because Giaco is with me.
I removed the malong and immediately went into the sea. At first it was cold until I got used to it. I floated on my back and watched the blue sky when the noise of the jet-ski caught my attention.
The men raced while the women rode. I want to try that but I want to, I will drive. I swam back to shore and approached Giaco.
"Where can I rent those jet-skis? I want to try it."
"Miss, it's too dangerous."
"That's why it's fun." I patted it on the arm and smiled. I walked into the crowded area to ask where to rent it. Giaco did nothing but follow me.
I was disappointed to find that there were no jet-skis available because of the race going on. I couldn't do anything but watch as the mood burned.
While standing, I looked around. Maybe it's because I'm looking for the familiar figure of Apollo. But, I was disappointed again when Harley and I met our eyes.
I groaned when he came near me, but he ignored my rolling eyes. "I heard you wanted to ride a jet-ski."
My face lit up. "You have one?"
"Yeah. But you have to ride it with me."
"I will pay no matter how much, as long as I don't go with you."
"Take it or leave it, 'miss'." He emphasized the last word.
"Can I be the driver?" I asked.
"No problem." He brought his face closer to mine. "...but can I hug you from the back?"
I looked at Giaco and signaled to whisper something to him. He bent down for me to reach him. "What is it, miss?"
"Is there an empty drum there? Can we put him there?"
"I've heard that. Are you a psychopath?" I turned my attention back to Harley. "Where do you want me to hold?"
"We'll just tie you at the back of the jet-ski and let you hold on to it." I said comfortingly as I imagined what it would look like there.
“Funny.”
We talked for more than five minutes and agreed. There is nothing I can do. He is funny too, so I’ll let this go for once.
He looked at Giaco and nodded at him. "I'll keep her safe."
Giaco touched the wireless ear-pod on his ear. "Keep the man above ready."
Is he saying that Papa employed a professional sniper for me?! What the hell? That's too overprotective. I’m okay! He didn’t do this when I was in Manila and there are different kinds of criminals there.
I followed Harley until we got to where his jet-ski was. He reached for the life vest on the handle of the seat and gently put it on me.
"Raise your arms so I can adjust the tightness." He said and I followed immediately. After he fixed my life vest, he put it on his own.
"Ready?" He asked me when he finished. I nodded.
I was shocked when he grabbed both of my waists and lifted me to get on the jet-ski before he got on.
"You know how to drive?"
"Yes. I know the basics." I said, bragging.
"Good. Let's have some fun, shall we?" He took his lips to my ear. My hair almost stood up from the heat of his breath.
"Hold on tight, baby." I teased after starting the jet-ski's engine. The cold wind laughed at my face and I felt his arms wrap around my waist.
It was fun, indeed. After getting used to it, I joined the race. I didn't win but it was fun that I forgot where I am and who I'm with.
The sun was setting when we returned to Harley's shore. He's a gentleman, he didn't do anything rude to me while he hugged me earlier.
I took off the life vest and gave it to him. "Thank you for today."
"I already paid for teasing you last time, right?" He’s pertaining to my annoyance this morning.
"Miss, it's getting dark. Your father is calling." Giaco entered our conversation.
"Oh, okay. Uhm, bye, Harley." I said as I turned my attention to him.
"I'll see you at the party later?"
I shook my head. "No. I can't stand noisy places."
"We can lay a beach mat here and have a drink," he suggested.
I shook my head again. "I'm sorry. I'll see you in the morning instead."
He nodded and sighed. "Alright. See you then."
As we were returning to the hotel, I noticed that Apollo was walking to meet us. There was no expression on his face as he looked at me.
I noticed the woman clinging to his arm— it was Anabel. He didn't notice me because he was looking at his cellphone.
What did Apollo see in Anabel? Do they have similarities with Tallia? That's why he chose her over me? Is there something I lack that Anabel fills in him?
Apollo's eyes moved from my feet up to my head. I got a little conscious about my body. I don't know if he is comparing me to Tallia or if he is singling out my flaws. I don't know.
We just passed each other like we didn't know each other. I’m looking at the ground while walking. His life is no different even without me. A proof that I'm not important to him.
There is no beginning, but our relationship ended.
- Writer
