I leaned into him and smashed my lips on his.
A gasp escapes from his lips, watching me do all of that. He really couldn’t believe it.
The kiss lasted for only a few seconds and I pulled away from him quickly.
I smirked at him, then winked. “What about now?”
I already gave my first kiss away anyway. It’s not like I’m losing anything. And I don’t care anymore.
Phoenix blinked, pulled from a trance. He sighed dreamily, touching his lips “That was…quick.” He commented. “Can you do it again?”
I jabbed him in the stomach at his comment. He yelped in pain. “Damn woman, why are you hitting me? Haha, it was just a joke.”
I just rolled my eyes at him. Right in time, my phone rang and saw my mom calling. I turned to Phoenix for a second to excuse myself and stepped out of the mansion to answer my mom’s call.
The good thing I also noticed about this province’s innovation is that there is a signal here and there is electricity unlike before where I struggled to find a signal to send a text to my mom. The perks of technology I guess.
"Yes, mom?" I said when I answered the call.
"I'm sorry my dear Sereia, but it looks like I couldn’t go there tomorrow.” I could hear my mother’s voice from the phone. “I'm still taking care of your grandmother."
It's been a year since grandma was like that. I sighed. I'm strong, I don't need mom's help. I should face this by myself. "Okay, mom. Take care, I hope grandma gets better."
“Yes, I will. By the way, your dad called. He was furious about your reaction, Sereia." She informed me. Oh, dad did? Well, no surprise there.
I sighed at that. Really, dad is scared of speaking up with his mother’s parents.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll take care of talking to him." I said.
Mom paused at that. I could imagine she’s shaking her head in dismay right now. “Okay, just convince your dad later. Anyway, have you talked to the owner yet?" She asked.
"Yes. The owner is said to be grandpa's friend. Grandma Nanding. Do you know her?" I responded.
"Lola Nanding?” Mom inquired, and yelled at me excitedly, “Are you really referring to Lola Nanding? Oh my gosh, we used to be close! How is she? I missed her so much!”
Ooh, so mom really knows her, which means grandfather as well. So she was telling the truth earlier…
Now I feel like I'm missing out on something. It feels like I had just uncovered one thing from the other things in our family.
"But ma, the title is in the name of Lola Nanding's grandson.” I informed her, before saying this with dedication, “But don't worry, I'll make a way. He said I just have to oblige to his terms and we’ll see."
Well, I shouldn’t mention what he made me do earlier, right? About the kiss? Mom doesn’t have to know that.
"I know you can handle that, remember not to push yourself too much. Take care of yourself huh?" She replied, and I nodded.
"Yes, mom."
“When are you coming home by the way?”
“Later, when I finish discussing to them,” I answered.
"Good. Then I need to hang up now, bye my child. I promise I’ll get there soon when I can.”
And with that, our call ended, I stepped inside the mansion and returned to the kitchen where I was just conversing with Phoenix earlier, but he was nowhere now.
I looked around and saw Lola Nanding already sitting in the living room. I quickly approached her and said, "Lola Nanding? Have you seen Phoenix? We were just talking earlier when I had a phone call and he was gone now."
“Did he disagree?” She asked back,
I winced at that, “He disagreed, but he mentioned some things I have to do before I can persuade him.”
She sighed at that, "My grandson's head is really stubborn, I'm sorry about that, my dear. And I wish you luck, I hope you’ll manage to persuade him. What do you plan on doing now?"
I wiped my hand which was covered in sweat and thought about it for now.
Lola Nanding is right. What do I plan now? I did Phoenix’s request to kiss him earlier, now what? Should I wait for his decision?
“To be honest, I don’t even know anymore, Lola Nanding. I guess I’ll just go with the flow now and see what happens. Thank you for the concern, Lola Nanding.."
She then stood up and patted me on the back, before motioning for me to come to the dining table, “You know what? Let’s set that aside for now. I cooked lunch for you. Let’s eat.”
I’m the type who can't say now when I’m offered something, so I nodded and decided to eat with Lola Nanding.
She cooked adobo for me and some fish soup that’s really nourishing.
While eating, we said, Lola Nanding really had that ability to make everyone welcome. I just met her but I feel like I’ve known her for a long time. I can see my own grandma in her as they look a bit similar.
"You know, I really took care of you when you were young.” She started. “You used to be cute and so talkative. I’m happy that you grew up beautiful and sexy."
I could feel my cheeks red from that, "Thank you, Lola Nanding. You’re beautiful too." I suddenly see my own grandma in her.
After eating lunch, I wanted to go home and rest now but Lola Nanding still invited me to play some cards with her. She said it has been a while since she had someone over.
So the rest of the afternoon went by that I didn't even realize it was nighttime. I look at my wristwatch, 6:30.
I gaped, planning to go home before nighttime. Now what? How can I go home now? It's late! It’s dangerous at night here.
"Grandma Nanding?" I called out. I saw her in the kitchen, cooking. I cleared my throat before politely saying, "It's late. I need to go home…”
"Oh no, I’m sorry! Did I keep you here for too long? I'm sorry. Sereia.” She said apologetically, looking guilty.
“Since it’s already night, why not sleep here? I can prepare one of the rooms for you to sleep in. You can go home tomorrow morning.”
She offered. “Plus, It's also raining outside. It would be hard for you to go home in this weather.”
Checking the windows to see if it really was raining, my eyes went round. It's really raining!
I sighed in defeat. "Okay. I'll stay here for the night."
Lola Nanding smiled at that, and hurriedly went upstairs to prepare the room.
I can't help but smile. She's really that happy for me to stay here? Awee, I guess she was really lonely here….
Having some of our dinner, Phoenix was still out of sight this time. Not that I care. He can go wherever he wants to, it’s not my business.
"Here’s your room! Lola Nanding pointed to the nearest room when we ascended the stairs.
From what I can remember when it was still ours, this mansion had four bedrooms. This was our guest room and I only slept here once. I used to hang out here once in a while.
Thanking Lola Nanding, I entered the room and sighed. I looked around to see everything was still the same and intact, thank goodness.
However, I forgot something.
I didn’t bring any clothes with me! I only had my makeup bag and some necessities since I didn’t expect that I’ll sleep here.
Plus, I couldn’t sleep without showering. So what should I wear now?
Just in time, as if the heavens heard my inner agony, there was a knock on the door. It was Lola Nanding, handing me a towel, t-shirt, and shorts.
"I lent some of the clothes of Phoenix’s friend. She’s a girl so don’t worry." She said, and I thanked her before she closed the door now.
Since the bathroom was downstairs, I descended the stairs and showered.
While rubbing some soap on my body, I couldn’t help but overthink everything.
Is it right that I stayed here tonight? It's good that it's Saturday and I still have time to go home tomorrow to work on Monday ...
But on the other note ... I guess this is right. Staying here for tonight would give me more time to persuade Phoenix.
When I was finished showering, I went back to my room and laid on the bed. I was tired but my eyes were still open, not able to sleep.
Getting up, I went to the hallways and stood in front of my past room when I was just a child here. It was just situated in front of the guest room where I’m staying for the night so it’s easy to get in here.
The door was a bit opened. I bit my lip in nervousness. Who is sleeping here? I hope it's just Lola Nanding because if not ... I'm dead. Slowly, I opened it and found no one there. I sighed in relief.
Tiptoeing and entering the door, I left the door open. I walked towards the bedside table, and to the bed. Seeing that the designs are still the same as before... I felt relieved that nothing has changed.
But the quiet silence was soon broken with a loud voice, surprising me.
"What are you doing in my room?!"
I jumped at the sound. I turned around and saw Phoenix standing by the door, his eyebrows creased that looks like he’s surprised to see me here."This was my room last time when this house was still ours,” I informed him. “I just want to take a look, see if it has changed. Then I’ll leave now.” Walking to the door to get out, I gasped as Phoenix quickly closed it and locked it.I gulped, feeling a bit nervous now. Damn, was it this man planning on doing now?Phoenix sent me a smile as he approached me."Well, you can look around more. I don’t mind.” He said, then curled his eyebrows questioningly. “Do you still want me to sell this land to you?""Yeah." Why am I nervous? Sereia Philomena Hudson Isolde should not be nervous!"You won't give up?" He asked again, now crossing his arms in front of him as if testing me."No." I firmly said, standing my ground.It&
Saying that he chuckled and went back to his room. I just shake my head, pressing my lips together.Lola Nanding turned to me, checking my expression. “I’m sorry, please get used to my grandson. He’s a bit flirty.”"It's okay, grandma. I’m used to dealing with boys like him."Lola Nanding laughed at that."Good morning, grandma." Phoenix returned now fully clothed and he sat down next to me."Good morning grandson." Lola Nanding greeted back to him.Phoenix then turned to me, "Goodmorning, Ms. Sereia.""Morning," I answer sparingly."All right let's eat." Lola Nanding announced. Our breakfast consisted of hotdogs and eggs and we ate in silence, with Lola Nanding asking a few questions about my mother."By the way, how many days are you going to stay here, Sereia?" Lola Nanding asked.I quickly swallowed the food in my mouth, drank water, and g
"I don't care. I’ll take Instagram pictures there so I have to be in a dress." I responded confidently, positioning my shades properly. I looked at the wall clock located at the wall to see that it was quarter to four in the afternoon."Come on, should we go now before the sky turns dark?” I suggested.He sighed, mumbling something and I just rolled my eyes at him. He then motioned for me to follow him and when we were outside, I spotted a carabao."Meet Brownie. My cute pet." Phoenix introduced as he petted the carabao's head. "C'mon, pet her." The carabao then moved."Her?" I asked, a bit cautious. I mean, of course, I had encountered animals like this. I am a veterinarian for goodness sake."Yeah, Brownie's a girl. C'mon, hold her. She's not going to bite you."I gulped, taking a step hesitantly. I’m a veterinarian for goodness sake. Why am I nervous now? Beside me, Phoenix seems to enjoy my nervo
I nodded, “Yes.” Really, mom was famous here. I guess it's a small town. Everyone knows everyone.She gently smiled at me as her eyes lit up as if remembering something, “I think I remember you, dear. You were running around here when you were young. Time really flies by so fast, you grew up so beautiful like your mom.” I laughed nervously at that, not sure what I should reply.“That’s why I was sad when your family moved from here. Can I ask where she is now?”Phoenix interjected, “Aunt Gabriela is back at our mansion for a visit. And Sereia here came to check on things, right Sereia?”I nodded.A farmer near where we were standing whispered in Phoenix's ears. "Boss. Is she your girlfriend?""No.""Yes."We said simultaneously. I glared at Phoenix as I saw that there was a silly smile on his face. He then attempted to put his arm on my sh
I looked at Phoenix’s reaction, seeing him chuckling at the woman. So, the two of them are close...Hmmm...It seemed like Phoenix forgot that I was also here beside him for a minute as they chatted for a bit until the woman darted her eyes on me and blinked.She raised her eyebrows at Phoenix, “And who is this girl?”“She’s my friend. Her name is Sereia.” Phoenix answered and looked at me, “And Sereia, this is my childhood friend Maria.”Maria gulped, looked at me with something in her eyes before offering her hands for me to shake, “Hello, Sereia. I am Maria.” She said with a smile, but I felt her hands tightening her grip on me, “It’s good to meet you.”I smiled back, “Yes, it’s good to meet you too, Maria.”Aling Nora now arrived, holding a t-shirt and some shorts, and handed it to me. I thanked her and asked where I cou
He asked. “You could wake up the whole neighborhood from all that snoring.”I sat upright and stared at him. I wiped my face first to remove any drool on my face and brushed my hair with my fingers. I cleared my throat, feeling it was dry. “I don’t snore. And have you heard of the saying ‘stop making jokes like that to a person who just woke up? You don’t know what will happen if you continue.”He just chuckled at me, still peeling on the mangoes."What time is it?"He looked at his wristwatch. "It’s two in the afternoon"I blinked at that, "I thought you'd arrive at three o'clock?""Yes, I thought too. But I wanted to arrive earlier so I drove faster.” He responded and I nodded."Why didn't you wake me up?"He shrugged, "Well, I don’t want to wake you up. You know you look innocent and peaceful to look at when you sleep. I think I much pr
The rest of our walk to the paddy field of his farm was spent in silence and before we knew it, we arrived now. Just like what happened yesterday, Phoenix grabbed the snacks from me and gave it to the farmers who were now on break.They said they happened to miss something so they have to work extra hard today. After eating, they instantly went back to work."Now stay there. One two three, smile." I heard Phoenix muttering beside me and instantly, a flash from his phone was there. I was shocked when someone flashed in my eye. My mouth fell open and I gnashed on my teeth. I turned to Phoenix to see him grinning while holding his phone.I blinked at him, "What's that Phoenix?""Uhm, isn't it obvious? I'm taking Instagram photos for you." He answered."Why?"He put his hands on his lip, facing me, "Because you said you wanted to take a picture yesterday,”"Oh, but that was only yeste
“Nothing, I just read articles about you. Most of it is rumors.”“Well, I’m used to it.” He answered, chuckling. “I’m mostly the womanizer bad boy type according to the rumors. Reading them just entertains me now.” He assured me, then he paused, turning serious now. “If it's happiness you’re asking me, I love it here. I can be myself here with no care in the world.”I nodded, wanting to change the topic now as the mood in the air turned sullen. "Hmm ... Are we going to the farm again tomorrow?" I asked."Nope. I’m afraid I have to attend a business meeting about the farm’s affairs. If you want to visit there again, then go.”Oh. A meeting? I pouted. "I don't want to. I don't know anyone here.""Don’t know anyone? What do you mean? I can see you adjusting here just fine. How about Maria?”He raised his eyebrows at me and continued