“Who would have known that one of my heart’s wishes will come true today,”Mabel happily hugged Ami while they were waiting to board their flight. “Boohoo,” Ami laughingly responded but Mabel noticed her cousin’s lifeless eyes. She just kept it to herself and tried to cheer her up. Don’t worry, Ali, one of my employers’ sons will be there to help you forget...uhm… just forget.”,Mabel teased her. Ami’s eyes clouded over but she bravely pushed the emotion back and said gaily,
“Hah, who needs forgetting? I will not waste my energy crying over someone… or something.”
“Aptly said Ma’am”, a handsome American said over his shoulder. Mabel and Ami looked at each other and laughed.
“ What is so funny, my lovely darlings,” answered the gentleman.
“Ahm, firstly Mr. Whoever, we are not your darlings, and secondly, don’t you know it is rude to butt in between conversations?”, said Ami.
“Oh I apologize ma’am but you two look lovely enough to be my darlings,” he replied. Mabel gave him one of her haughty looks and harrumphed.
“By the way, my name’s not Whoever, I am Devlin, and may I have the honor of your names?,” he asked. Ami looked him up and down and said,
“ Oh my name is Embers and my cousin’s name is Fire, “ and then she laughed at his raised brows. Mabel shushed her and said, “Please excuse us Sir, but our number is being called. Have a lovely flight,” The gentleman looked at her and grinned and said, “See you inside” before he too stood and went ahead of them as the call for business class passengers was called.
“Show-off!”muttered Mabel.
Her cousin does seem to know who the gentleman is but Ami just kept mum because deep inside, a storm is brewing and she is trying to be brave and avoid bursting into tears. “So much for hoping for a bright tomorrow,” she thought to herself.
Mabel was obviously agitated and it was evident as soon as they boarded their plane, especially when she saw the gentleman waiting for them to go to their seats. Mabel gawked at him and asked the stewardess,
“Isn’t he supposed to be in business class?” What is he doing here watching us passengers?” To which the stewardess replied in a sweet tone,
“Oh, Mr. Devlin was kind enough to offer his services in welcoming passengers. Isn’t he a darling?” The gentleman winked at her which made Mabel annoyed so she hurried Ami towards their seat. She didn’t notice the stewardess and the gentleman doing high fives before he went to his seat thinking about Mabel. “I will be patient with you”, he thought to himself.
Since their flight is a direct one from Manila to Abu Dhabi and it is night time, the cousins were too tired from their five hour bus journey from Baguio to Manila so they slept the entire duration of their flight, not even rousing when a stubborn gentleman from Business class managed to sneak into their cabin and tried to take a photo but was reprimanded by a male flight steward. He went back quietly to his seat smiling. Patience indeed, wait til they land.
At the airport, Ali, one of Mabel's employers’ sons, was waiting for them. It took a long while for Ami because she only had an e-visa which needed to be validated. After everything has been smoothed out, Mabel introduced Ami to her employers’ son all the while aware of the gentleman standing by another car parked next to Ali’s Rolls Royce. For her part Ami felt awkward under the intensity of Ali’s stare.The driver of the sports car seems to be having a nice chat with the gentleman they met earlier. All these Ami tried not to pay attention to as she was busy admiring Ali’s car. Ali caught her attention and waved to the other Emirati chatting with the gentleman who alighted from his Ferrari and walked towards them. Ali introduced him as Mansour, his brother. Ami’s jaw dropped and was able to shut her mouth in time before the other guy offered his hand in greeting.
“Don’t worry Habibti, my hand doesn’t bite,” he said smilingly at Ami.
“I thought it is not allowed to shake hands Sir.”
“Ahhh, that. Unless it is offered by the gentleman first, then it is acceptable. Although I hope given the duration of your stay with us, we can hug you like a sister”. Ami looked to Mabel for enlightenment and was rewarded with a nod.
“Shall we go then?”, asked Ali. It is quite a drive from here because we do not live in the city proper. Mabel habibti, did you forget to tell your cousins about us?”
He shook his head teasing Mabel.
“Hey Mansour, point your passenger’s attention to your car. He is not riding with me and my ladies,” he teased.
Mabel colored and Ami chuckled, suspecting something is afoot here. Before she could react,Mabel slipped inside the car behind the driver’s seat and gamely whacked Ali’s back with a newspaper. Ali’s laugh reverberated in the carpark earning him a scowl from the American who grudgingly sat beside Mansour before they sped away. Ami was dying to ask Mabel why the brothers are so fluent in English. She was expecting and dreading a language problem but it seems her expectations were false. It doubled as soon as they were in the driveway of a huge villa that looked like a palace because it was gargantuan and surrounded with date palms. When they arrived, a flurry of servants came to meet them headed by what looks like the lady of the villa or the palace, maybe? Ami was so overwhelmed, this is opulence to the highest level. Aside from the cars driven by Ali and Mansour, there looked to be ten more cars in the driveway. She saw a Masserati sports car next to Mansour’s Ferrari.
“Wow!’ she exclaimed.
“Do not worry Ami, you will soon know who owns what in this palatial residence,”Mabel assured her. “Come meet our employers, Sheikha Mariam and Sheikh Abdullah, this is my cousin Ami. “
The Sheikha embraced Mabel first and then Ami.
“Welcome, welcome”, the Shaikha happily engulfed Ami in a sweet hug.
“Yallah habibti, go show your cousin her room and come join us for brunch.” the Sheikha shooed them off to their rooms. Ami still couldn’t believe that she is in the UAE despite the most extreme heat she believed she ever experienced. After depositing their luggage in a room that looked like a home furnishing catalogue came to life, overlooking more date palms, the cousins made their way towards the dining room located on the ground floor. Everything looks so home furnishing catalogue-ish.The table is huge and looks like a buffet for a celebration. Mabel saw Ami’s confused look and said, “Today is actually madame’s birthday that is why I wanted to arrive today.
“Oh, should we help then?” asked Ami.
“We are her employees so we should help.” Mabel laughed and said,
“Look around you, all these people here are mostly their employees here or in their business. They are very good employers and they treat their employees with respect. We are all family here.During celebrations like this, even though we want to help, they won’t allow us, instead they contract outside caterers.”
“Wow, I thought Gonzales' manor was grand, this is probably the grandest one I have seen so far.
“You have not even seen the real palaces of the UAE’s rulers so better reserve your adjectives for grandiose just yet. I hope we can visit the wonderful places here in the UAE as soon as we are given some time off. I warn you dear cousin, working for a Sheikha is not a walk in the park.”
“Ohhh, are we not used to that already?Me especially, since I can remember, my parents had been working like crazy sometimes forgetting I even existed. At least for you, your maternal side of the family is well-off unlike our paternal side.”
Just then the Sheikha spotted them and waved them over. She introduced Ami to Farinah, her teenage daughter.
“Ami, you will normally be working with me and with her too should the need arise but most of the time, you will be with me. I hope that is okay with you.” she informed Ami.
“No worries madame, that is why I asked my cousin to bring me here. I have a goal in mind and I will do my best in everything.” Ami assured her.
“Enough of this work talk, we have quite enough time for that later on. Come my habibtis, let us eat”
Ami did not know what to pick, she is not familiar with the dishes.
“Try them,” offered Mabel.
"Most of the food you see or taste in the UAE is like what we experience in the Philippines like this chicken biryani and that mutton. These are foods brought on by South Asians when they came to work here in the UAE. Those are kebabs which are Arabic in origin so it is not strange to find them here.”
Mabel pointed to all the food on the table. Ami tried a little of each and then she went back for a second helping of the mutton biryani.
“It is so tender and it does not even stink.”
“Maybe they used lamb.”
Meanwhile, more than 4 thousand miles away, Rain and his mom were planning how to dissolve an engagement. Another moment in Fiona and Barry’s circle has given the mother-son duo lots of headaches. At first, Rain thought Fiona was quite a catch but he soon found out after a few outings that their interests do not match. He was so frustrated because first, he cannot get ahold of Ami nor Mabel. Second, Fiona’s nonstop declaration of her exceptional capabilities is grating on his nerves. On the day of his engagement’s announcement in the local paper, it was also the day that the UAE’s Al Zaheri Group of companies partnered with an American company. Of course pictures were taken and Ami was with Sheikha during the photo ops. Rain was not interested in the engagement announcement but his attention was riveted to the photo of the business partnership. Are his eyes deceiving him? “
Mom, mom! Come quickly”, cried Rain. Mrs. Gonzales quickly descended the steps towards the
living room where Rain was holding the newspaper.
“Is it the engagement?”
“No, mom, look at the front page. Isn’t that Ami?” he said while shoving the paper to his mom’s face.
“Goodness me, it is Ami indeed!That explains why we can’t contact them. They left the country. This is good news, my boy.”
She clapped with glee.
“How can it be good news when she is miles away from here?” Growled Rain.
His mom didn’t answer him, instead she said,
“Let us go finish this ridiculous engagement farce and then we need to pack.”
Scratching his head in confusion, Rain acquiesced and soon they were driving out of their home.
While Rain and his mom were busy with their activities four thousand miles away, Ami was enjoying her job because she is able to meet other people. She also was able to use her PR skills and contracts were signed because of the way she handled herself in her work. Most importantly, she is able to take her mind off Rain. Constant flirting with the other employees also cheered her up. Her fellow employees despite being men did not flirt with her because she was pretty but because they wanted to test her limits, whether they could crack her cool facade. Mabel asked her one day, “How are you doing Cuz?”” Ohh, I am good” Ami replied. With you, Mario, and the others cheering me up, I couldn’t wish for more. Add Ali and Mansour too, it is a good decision coming here. By the way, Ali is offering to bring us to Ferrari World tomorrow, should we go?” “Oh yeah, I am game,” said Mabel. They were seated on Ami’s terrace sharing the space with more plants. “This country is really opulent. Luxury cars everywhere, too bad I can’t drive.” Ami blurted out. “I think I should go to my room now, said Mabel.” I do not want to miss that excursion with Ali. How come he is always offering you to go somewhere. “ complained Mabel. He never did that with me.” “Oh I think I know,” replied Ami smiling. It has something to do with an American gentleman. “ “Oh do stop!” said an annoyed Mabel.” That man just tests my patience.” Ami laughed while ushering Mabel out of her room. Okay, what did Madame say, Yallah, go!”
As soon as her cousin was out of her room, Ami laid down on her super comfy bed, even her small bed back home isn’t as comfy as this one. She was given more pillows than what she really needed but she is not complaining as she adores pillows and stuffed cars too, too bad she does not own one, but maybe when they go to Ferrari World, maybe she can find one. She promised herself a big red stuffed Ferrari car. She closed her eyes and indulged her dreams. But in her dream, she was riding in a ferrari car beside Ali and they were laughing and having a good time. She awoke with a start and for the first time in a few weeks, she smiled.
Back home, things were not going as planned, first the weather decided to take a turn for the worst, it was foggy in the morning but towards the afternoon, it started to rain, summer capital indeed.
Across the miles, Mrs. Gonzales and son are busy preparing for the worst as they once again welcomed the Santiagos into their home. Fiona as always is as beautiful as ever in her pink suit while her father looked boring as usual. He rarely smiles unless they are talking about money, people don’t only describe him as boring but money-greedy as well. Well, today he is all smiles as he clapped Rain on the back saying “Well, my boy, let us proceed with this engagement then, shall we?” Rain winced as if he had been punched in the gut. He looked to his mom for help. “Come Barry, let us leave the children for a while. Let us give them time to talk,” she said motioning for Barry to go with her. “My son and I are looking into a business venture and I value your opinion.” Rain rolled his eyes upon hearing this, nonetheless, he smiled. Mrs. Gonzales and Barry were about to go to the adjoining verandah when Ronnie walked
The next day, Rain woke with a hang-over. It didn’t help that his cousins were standing by the open door sneering at him.”At last, loverboy awakes, “ teased Robert in a loud voice but not loud enough to be heard by their mom who was busy preparing a fresh coffee for him. “What do you want?” asked Rain, squinting at the two brothers. “Not even a thank you!.” said Jerry obviously enjoying Rain’s predicament. “Don’t you remember anything yesterday, “ he laughingly asked. “Drat you!” muttered Rain. You know perfectly well that unlike you or your sister, I can’t remember anything once I’m under the influence of alcohol. Suddenly his aunt appeared and shoved the brothers aside. “Happy birthday Ambot!” she cheerfully greeted him. Rain sat up suddenly and felt dizzy. “Ay sinalbag!,”
Contrary to Rain’s belief, Ami did remember him on their birthday. She also saw an i*******m post but she ignored it telling herself maybe it is a one-off fling of Rain’s like in the past. She was busy typing an email required by her employer when Mabel barged into her room with a loud “Happy Birthday!” She was followed by Madam Mariam, Sir Abdullah, Ali and Mansour and their sister. “Since your planned trip to Ferrari World did not push through because of my emergency meeting, I am giving you this day as a gift. “ Madam Mariam uttered. “Ali or Mansour is just too happy to escort you ladies.” Ami looked to Ali who winked at her and she just rolled her eyes to hide her blush. In all the six months that she has been with them, Mansour felt like a brother to her except Ali who seems to know her more and feels something far different from that of a brother.Despite the awkwardness she feels in his presence, A
The day after her birthday proved to be a very tiring day for Ami. First, she had to travel to Dubai with Madam for a business meeting with one of the largest clothes retail shop in the middle east. After the meeting, they went to Al Ain for a business lunch with the Sheikha’s mother. By the time they got back to Abu Dhabi, she was drained but she still has to send emails to the family’s business partners,failing once again to notice the cc’d individuals. Belatedly though, she had a suspicious feeling in her gut that made her look into her sent emails. There, why is it that she didn’t notice it before? C.Gonzales@rlg.com. “I don’t believe it!, she spluttered. All the while I have been communicating with them.” “Nooo,” she said over and over even when she was called to dinner that evening. She was so distracted that she ne
A month has passed since Rain and Ami’s birthday and still no word from her. Perhaps she had forgotten about him. Just like the previous month he immersed himself in overseeing their businesses,It’s about time he pulled his weight and lessen the burden on his mom’s shoulders. He was busy reading an email when his phone rang. Without looking, he just swiped the off button. In a few minutes, his aunt came all flushed from obviously running up the steps to see him. He still can’t understand why she wouldn’t just use the elevator to make her life easier. '`Rainaldo Lyssander!”, she admonished. “Rain got startled and leapt up from his swivel chair and looked at her with guilt on his face. '`Yes Auntie?”, he asked apologetically, giving her his most adorable expression. Obviously it didn’t work because she scowled at him and crossed her arms across her chest. Oh no, this is not going to be a normal conversation, he thought to himself. Without any preamble,
As it happens, Jerry forgot to remind Magnolia to delete her post of her and Rain and since one of Magnolia’s friends is connected to Ami’s social media account, she saw the photos and the captions. She was busy browsing through her FB account when she caught sight of the post on her friend’s timeline. There was a strong pang in her chest that she couldn’t name but made her sad and gloomy. It was her day off but since the Al Fahezi residence is far from the city center, she just stayed in her room. She couldn’t understand why seeing the post made her emotional. She was never this emotional back home. Maybe she is just homesick, she told herself. That’s probably it. Missing all those glorious greens on rolling hills, her neighbors, oh not that specific neighbor, she tried to tell herself, oh well him too. She was about to take a nap when there was a knock on her door. “Shuhada, who is it?! She shouted. Nobody i
Before they boarded the ship, Ami and Mabel couldn’t help but gawk at the massive ship. For her part, Ami had only seen photos of it when she was in college. The Gonzales’ just purchased the ship and Rain was so proud that the first thing he did was show a photo of it to Ami. Of course over the years, the ship had undergone a makeover to modernize it. It had nearly cost the Gonzales’ their fortune. If not for Mrs. Gonzales’ business acumen, they could have gone bankrupt. Now gazing at it up close, it felt surreal for Ami. Her jaw dropped at the massive size but she at once remembered who she was with so as quickly as she could, she nudged Mabel on her side which earned her a glare. “Close your mouth,” ordered Ami. “Otherwise, we’ll embarrass ourselves and our employers..” “I just can’t believe it,” owned Mabel. “We are actually spending weeks in that, that big boat?” she asked,
“Why is he so solicitous of you?” he started. “Are you and him in a relationship? You seem so cozy with him, all the time. Or perhaps he really is your lover.” Ami was appalled at his attitude that she nearly raised her fist again before Rain caught it in his hand. “Firstly, you did not have a very friendly way of saying hi, secondly, you assumed a lot without even asking how I have been all these months. Are you sure you are my bff because I do not see him in you now!” cried Ami. All her anger and disappointment were starting to bubble on the surface that she had to inhale and exhale rapidly to compose herself. “All these months I wondered if you even thought of me at all because you did not even try to reach out. Mabel told me she messaged your aunt informing her of my whereabouts and that you know, but no. You were so busy with all your pretty girls, you forgot you have a bff. You think I do not know w