Her Misfortune

VII. Unexpectedly

“Why do you keep on taking pictures of unknown people and not me?” I suddenly said that I, myself is shock of what I just said.

She stopped her trail and look at me with a smile before she laughs and said “Is it not too early to take pictures of you when we have all the night together ahead of us? We could take some together you know.” That made me gasp.

“It is not only me who have plans for tonight I guess.” I said with an evil smirk that received a pair of eyes brows going up and down with a mischievous smile imitating me from a while ago. We both laugh as we continue to walk down the street while pointing to some stores, some spots that is somewhat significant for some tourists to visit.

After a few blocks of walking, we have arrived at one corner where a small but famous Cuban restaurant is standing in its own glory, a real feeling and ambiance it gives like you are really in Cuba. We stopped in front of it where a lot of people are gathering around, spending good time together like they know each other with their different nationalities.

She turns and look at me with surprise expression. “God, I would love seeing that all the time.” I whisper to myself as I her a nod for whatever she is asking.

She is so excited that she grabs my hand and pulls me as she runs towards it in full speed. I could not help but to let out chuckles and her with her giggles that sounds so cute.

We were greeted by one middle aged lady and was guided towards a table for two, near the stage where a band is playing a song that I do not really know the meaning but only the beat that is good enough to make you move while sitting and waiting for your food, in which in our case is called ropa vieja, a cuban style of shredded beef that is accompanied with rice.

I was afraid to order something so unfamiliar for both of our taste buds so I had to go with something easy to understand and might as well easy to accept for both first timer in Cuban restaurant.

We both move to the music while laughing towards each other’s make faces while watching some people dancing to the music in the middle that mostly composed of old couples.

“This is great Riel! Thank you!” she said that I stare at her happy face as she watches them dancing.

Soon the food arrives, we look at the food we both ordered, gulping by the imagination of new taste it will to us before we look at each other for a moment and nods. We both take one spoonful of it into our mouths at the same time, that we chew it in sync.

A smile curve into her face and I knew in instant that she liked it and as proof she took another spoonful of it and so did I. It is not bad, a little foreign taste but it is delicious in its own way. We have finished half plate until she gave as she felt full already. I did the same and called someone to clear the plate before we order a bottle of tequila.

I do not know until how many shots I could take to reach my limit, but one thing I know is that I should not until I could bring her back to her hotel room and tuck her in. That is right, to tuck her in as I do not have any funny thoughts that I want to put in action.

“So, what is your plan after graduation?” I said asking her, I might have this thought at the back of my head that I am hoping we will see each other again.

“Is that not obvious? I will travel the whole world.” She said as her eyes are beaming in excitement. I am happy seeing her like this.

“Then I should look forward for souvenirs.” I said jokingly.

“Of course! But how about you?” she said. I am indecisive of should I finally tell her or not.

“I will continue working with our family business since I am the only one my parent could count on.” I said with a guilty smile as I look away from her and look at the couple who are still dancing, somehow my smile has become real thinking that some couple who grew old together till white hairs, still exist.

“You will be a good business man Riel; you do not have to worry. You are smart and you have everything it takes specially your determination.” She said cupping my cheek. It shock me to feel the warmth from her palm that flows through my veins making me feel warm all over my body.

“Thank you, Jay but do you plan on only travelling the whole world? No plans for a family or whatsoever? I mean, you are smart and hardworking, you could do so much in the future, you might as well consider to make your own business.” I said as I held her hand, remove it from my cheek and give it a squeeze.

“I have thought about business, a touring business would be good, I know. But family? I am not ready yet, at least not any time soon. I still want to make it up to my mom who brought me up for fifteen years alone.” She said turning her smile into a sad one.

“You can do it as well. I know you can since you are a strong woman. Also, who might know, you might meet someone who could turn you to a queen and your mother to a mother queen.” I said half-jokingly, because I could make that happen.

My family is rich, we have different chains of business almost all over the world, and it is already under my hand. And having different kinds of business means that we have different kind of enemies. And that is the danger of being one of us, or being with us. I am glad that I met her here just when I am about to start a business in this land. I grew up here but I told my parents that I will be the one to make our business here. And it took me sometime to finally make a decision after a long time of studying.

Milan is a prosperous city; it has all kinds of business. It is not that different from western country because despite being an improve city, it remains just like how it was before it became civilise.

“Prince charming who is about to crown as a king only happens in fairy tale. And who will want to marry someone as low as me? Might be better to say to make me a mistress.” She said jokingly. I did not like it. The whole idea.

Jay is a wonderful girl. That is the only thing I know from whatever she told me about herself. The moment she told me that she has never been with any guy aside from friends because she does not have time to fool around, made me realize how serious and strict she is to herself. Doing nothing aside from studying while working to reach one goal and that is to finish her studies and find the line of work she wants. She has dreams that is not impossible for her.

“I will bet a three-story building with one hundred square meter floor that you will find one.” I spoke. I did not know why but I just did with determination in my eyes and a joking smile.

She just look at me as she pour my glass and fills it up before laughing and said. “The night is long, so is our life. I will thank you if that time comes.” And lift up our glasses handing mine and positioned herself for a love shot.

I smile happily and did as I am told. We took our shots in one gulp. She took my glass and she put them down on the table before grabbing my hand and drag me towards the dance floor.

“We do not know how, so would you mind?” she said to the old couple we have been looking at before she passes me to the old woman and her to the old man.

We started dancing, copying the old people who gladly nod at her. But as soon as we start I could tell that we both not suited for whatever kind of dance it is, it makes us look just like monkeys that made us both laugh while we do it still.

“Take care of her or she will slipped from your hand.” The old lady said when the music ends and so is the dance. She gave me a peck on my cheek while I am in daze looking at Jay while repeatedly hears what the old lady just said.

“Hey are you ok?” she said as she walks towards me and sees me in daze. I gave her a smile and nod to which we went back to our seats and continued drinking until the whole bottle has gone empty.

But she is not really near drunk. It amazes me. I thought she is strict and pure that she does not go drinking.

“Have you been drinking all your life?” I said in joking tone towards her is still pretty sober after emptying a whole bottle to me. I knew it is pretty ambiguous to happen. But it did and I witnessed it with my own eyes.

She smile a smile that I have not seen in these days we are together. She lifted her both arms, rested both her elbows on the table before resting her chin on her palm as her hands cupped her cheeks.

Now that with her smile, her posture. She looks cute, specially with her cheeks are already in shade of pink. I continue watching her as I like what I am seeing.

I have been with countless of girls from high school till now, I mean before I met her. Although I have never picked them up and voluntarily came to me, maybe it was because of my face? My body built? Or the money I spent whenever I go to a bar with friends. I was a typical rich teenage you see everywhere.

But this time it is different. It is different because for the first time I made myself move to know not to get a girl. And maybe it is somehow my luck and misfortune because the I have chosen will leave me soon enough to let me fall from cloud nine to hundred feet below the ground.

We continue to watch each other until she opened her mouth and said. “You did not bring a car did you?” I did not know what she meant by that but still I answered her.

“I could call someone to pick us up if you are worried about that.” I said as I lift up my phone and shake it in front of her.

She nods happily and what she did next surprised me. She ordered two glasses of mojito. I could feel my eyes widen.

“Relax. After this we will go back.” She said doing the eye brows thick. I am tipsy, but still I could manage but I am not so sure about her.

“This will be the last one ok? We have finished.. you have empty a bottle of tequila.” I said. Admitting that I did not drink that much. I took one while she already took two. And that is how the empty bottle existed.

She nodded, and feeling like this should end, I took mine as she took hers and we both take it in one gulp. We both stood up to go back, or so I thought when she suddenly almost fell.

Thankfully I am so near that it took me only half second to catch her in my arms. I look at her worriedly while she looks at me giggling before saying “sorry.” I sigh as I pull her up, not letting her go from my arms while I call for someone to pay for our bill who came running fast.

“Keep the change.” I said as I give the man a light tap on his shoulder before walking out of the restaurant with Jay still in my hold.

I quickly texted someone to pick us up and there the person I thought will never get drunk is already sleeping in my arms while her head is on my shoulder and eyes are close.

After just a minute of waiting, my car and my driver came. He came to us to help me but I stopped him saying “I can handle this. Just concentrate on driving" and giving him the hotel where Jay is currently staying. I knew because I already drove her back and the room number will not be a problem since I have her in my arms specially right now as I scooped her and put her inside the car carefully before I run around and sits beside her.

I made her head rest on my shoulder as my arm is wrapped around her as my driver started the engine and the drive starts. After a few minutes, Jay's head fell, I did not make it in time and so it fell straight to my lap.

She laid her head on my lap while has this smile curve in her face. I almost palmed my face thinking that this girl is awake and pretending to be sleeping comfortably. I raised my hand and put it on her forehead where it started its way down to her hair, removing some strand that is covering her face halfway. That did not end there as I started caressing her hair and her cheek.

“Look at the road or you might be found in the middle of it.” I said as I could feel eyes on us. Knowing that there are only me, her and the driver it did not take that long to know who it is.

The whole drive that lasted for half hour went through with her sleeping and me caressing her hair while studying her face more that I have ever done in these days that we are together.

Arriving in front of the hotel to where I commanded my driver to know what room is she staying, I stepped out after laying her head flatly on the seat that gain a groan from her. I smiled as I run around just in time that my driver came back with her room key that I took from him and put it in my pocket before scooping her once again.

Arriving at her floor, I could feel my arms already giving up. I took a sigh of relief founding her room right after exiting the elevator as it is just beside it.

“s**t! Why did I not make him come? How would I open the door now with my arms occupied.” I whispering cursed myself with this stupidity. I tried doing it alone but still having a hard time and feel ashamed as suddenly the elevator dings and brought a pair of old couple. “again" I thought to myself.

“Hai bisogno di aiuto?” said the old lady, asking me if I want some help with a smile on her face.

I shameful answered her “Si" as I felt like we would be staying all night out here if I say no.

I handed them the room key and the husband kindly opened it for us. “Grazie mille.” I said thanking them as they hand me back the key.

We entered after carefully closing the door and run towards the bedroom where I lay her flatly and covered her with the blanket after removing her shoes. After tucking her in, I spent a couple of moments to continue watching her sleep.

“Just for another minute and I will go.” I whisper as I feel like I could stay like this for the whole night if only I do not have to go back home where my parents are waiting for me.

Fifteen minutes have passed when I look at my wristwatch once again after the half hour after entering. I sigh and stood up. I look at her one last time as I slowly lean down to her face and give her forehead a kiss and looks at her lips that are just moisturised just now when she licks them tastefully. I gulp before I went closer to her lips and give it a light peck.

As I plan but it did not happen like that as I suddenly felt arms wrapped around my neck and I am the one being kissed. Everything happened in an instant that made me go in daze while looking at the one who is kissing me that is supposedly sleeping but having her eyes wide open looking at me right now.

I look into her eyes and I could feel her lips curving to a smile while her lips are on mine nibbling them. She closed her eyes finally and so do I as I cupped her cheeks pulling her closer and me doing her lips alternately, biting her lips with mine savouring every nook of it. I did not let the chance slip from as I tug her lips with my tongue asking for permission to enter. She granted it, she granted it without second thought and I gladly made my way in, roaming inside her, tracing every inch of her mouth and once again taking everything she can offer to me, feeling so lucky to receive them at this very precious moment of my life.

After a few moments of it, I feel something new in myself, something is changing, something has ignited it and made it change. The feeling of doing something more than this. I pull away from her and look at her eyes that are in wonder. I smiled at her not breaking my gaze on her. I lean closer once again close to her, rubs her hair off from her forehead and landed a light kiss on it.

“You need to rest, you still have a flight to catch tomorrow, although I say that, it is already two o’clock.” I said jokingly.

“I am fine, so you do not have to worry, I know this, and I am prepared.” She said still as well her gaze on me as she cupped both my cheeks.

I look at her for a moment before I said “Are you really sure? This is your first time, right?” I said worriedly. It will be the best time of my whole existence, but I do not want her to reject this after this as I still could not say what will be our future, even our later is still a question.

She nodded a few times before she pulls me closer to her and once again claimed my lips which she kissed so passionately. I could not contain myself anymore and so I return the favour, doing the same thing to hers like there is nothing else more that matters more than this moment.

Back to Jay

I woke up, I woke that I am on bed, facing a man without a face, a face that is still unclear after all the times I have dream of this. I have dream of this moment more than I could remember.

I dream about the night where my escapade met its on end in the most unfortunate way, resulting of me giving birth to the twins.

Me lying on bed, with my head on his arms as we face each other, covered with the bedsheet, so close to each other that our combined warmth made it hot enough to stay naked under the thin cloth of the bedsheet.

My eyes were close, I am sleeping or so I thought until I could hear his phone ringing that he answered quickly removing my head on his arm and putting it carefully on a pillow that has the smell of his hair. I could tell it is the one he was using just now.

“Mom?” he said with his normal sweet voice.

“I am coming right away!” he said but this time his voice as turned into a tone of worries and panic. I could hear his movements as he moves hastily. I could tell as even if it is a little sound, I could still hear him putting on his shirt by the rubbing it makes with his soft skin, his pants as he buttons and zips it. His shoes as he taps it on the floor and his gaze that fell on me as he takes multiple sighs before I could feel a weigh beside me and feel his lips on my forehead. I did not open my eyes, I know that whatever reason he has, why he has to go and leave me is something very important and I do not want to hold him back even just for a minute just to explain things he does not want to explain, at least not now.

“I hope you would call me later if I could not get back until your departure.” He whispered be fore leaning away from me. I smiled, I smiled before I sensed that he has turned his back on me and walk out of the door.

When the door finally closes, I opened my eyes, and stretched my arm towards the place where he was lying beside me. I could still feel his warmth against the sheets, it made me smile as I keep my arm on it and drifting to a proper sleep.

I woke up almost afternoon, I had no problem with my flight because it is scheduled after afternoon. I grab my phone after putting my shirt and underwear hoping that at this time, I have received a call or maybe just a message from him but there is none.

“He might just be busy with whatever is going one.” I said to myself as I decided to be the one to give him a message as I wrote”

Good morning handsome. I just woke up and, on my way, to get breakfast which I hope you did. Call me when you see this. I will wait for your call.

And walk towards the bathroom where I took my time taking a proper bath as I feel like I will not be able to take one after this. I soaked myself on the tub for a good few moments before I stepped out and got dressed. I check my phone but still there is nothing to be found. I decided to wait more while I arrange my luggage before finally calling for room service of lunch.

After taking lunch I only have more or less two hours before I need to go to the airport and check in. I am still waiting for his call, message or better is his appearance, but I feel like losing hope after I finished brushing my teeth, doing a little of make up until I got down to the lobby where I need to file for check out, there is still none. Nothing from him that I finally decided to just call him.

I wanted to cry as I heard the operator, saying that his number is unattended or out of coverage area. A lot of thoughts came through my mind.

“Is he ditching me? But I know he will not do that. He is such a sweet, kind and caring person, even an honest one. So, no, he will never do that. Maybe something bad has happened but I did not know anything about him, even his street only his number that is now off.” I said to myself as I waited in the lobby next the entrance after filing the check out. I waited until the last minute but still nothing from him.

I stood up as I texted him once again saying:

“Riel, you are busy, are you not? But it is fine, I just wanted to let you know that I have checked out from the hotel and on my way to the airport.”

And giving him my flight number and gate number so that if he could come, he knows where to search for me. I hail a cab and directed towards the airport. As the drive goes on, I keep my phone in my hand, holding it so I will never miss if it vibrates.

Arriving at the airport, walking through inside it towards the check in counter, to the waiting area of my gate, until my boarding pass has been torn and I boarded the airplane, and until the pilot said that we should prepare for take-off, turning off the phone. I look outside of the window before closing it, luckily, I am alone in my seat and near the window that I do not have a problem if someone sees me tearing up.

I am crying as I finally realized that I am really hopeless, but I do not regret what happened the night before as I really do fell in love with him in those short moment we have been together. I am crying because I am hurt, I do not know anything about him, I knew he was still hiding something about himself that I, myself chose not to ask him, but I did not expected that it will turn out this way, like he just abandoned me, like I was just some random girl who he chose to make love last night.

Last night was no s*x, it is love making, he made love to me by touching every inch of my soul, trailing it with as light as feathers kisses while being careful with his movements that are full of caring. And so, this was not expected.

I took one deep breath, opened my phone and wrote him a message:

Riel,

The plane is about to take off, and you know that we need to turn off our phones and so I will do that.

I just wanted to tell you that these past three days that I have spent with you meant a lot to me. It was so special to me and specially what happened last night. Although it makes me sad that I could not see you before I go, but please bear in mind.

I did what I did because I wanted to, because I have fallen in love with you. And because of that I will never regret it for the rest of my life. And if life give us a chance to meet again, I hope it will be soon enough, so my feelings are still with you.

Thank you and I love you. Take care.

“Ma’am, phone needs to be turned off.” A voice of a lady came. And when I look up, it is the flight attendant.

“Sorry, I will now.” I said softly with my hoarse voice from keeping my sobs low.

“I am sorry ma’am; do you need tissue?” she said, voice full of sympathy.

I pity myself for crying like this for my own fault but still I manage to say, “Yes please.” Before she walked away giving me the chance to send it before finally turning off my phone after few deep breaths.

The flight attendant came back with a box of tissue and a bottle of water which she handed to me. I took it saying thank you and gulping half of it.

My dream ended when I see myself in my dream sleeping her tears with her red puffy eyes and nose.

Back to the man

“If only I told you everything, will you understand? Will not hide from me for all these years? Or would you have told me something I could hold on to be my strength to past those hell days? That after receiving your message the second day, I wanted to throw myself from my father’s floor in the hospital so I could just die?” I said in soft voice.

I hear her groans and notice that she is tearing. It pains me, it is tearing my heart to see her like this. Thinking that maybe, even in her dreams, I am the one ruining it, turning it into a nightmare.

“I love you Riel.” She said. She said that shocked me but also stabbed me like a million times.

I could not contain myself anymore as I sits on the floor beside her while I cry.

“After all these years, you still do? After all I have done to you? After letting you suffer alone? After giving you a hard time? You still do love me? Am I not late?” I whisper to myself as I slump my face on my palms.

I look back at her and hold her hand before saying “Jay, please tell me I am not too late, please tell me that I still have a chance, please tell me that I still could make it up to you and to our sons, to make my mistakes right, to turn your misfortune to a fortune.” I whisper to her as my hold to her hand tighten, kissing the back of her hand countless of times while still tears of regret rolls down my face uncontrollably, like a kid crying, like there is no end to the chain of my tears that have been flowing out for the whole five years of loneliness and longingly.

“I will do better this time. I will do my best for you and the twin’s sake.” I said as I landed a kiss on her forehead this time.