Mon Amour (My Love)

CHAPTER 2

KING

Lying on my stomach, I tried to reach for the alarm clock that's on the bedside table to stop it from going off. Thank God it's just the sound of the alarm, not of explosion.

It was just a dream. I was inside my room, not on the ocean. I was not in front of a burning ship. I sighed. It's been fifteen years but these dreams still haunt me as though it's still fresh. Like it was just yesterday.

I slept naked that's why I was already cold. I looked around though I could barely open my eyes because I was still too sleepy. It's been five days since I've been home after staying in France for six years to study. My body still couldn't get used to the change of environment.

My phone rang, which startled me.

"Allo?"

"King!" excited na sinabi ng girl from the other end. "Nagising ba kita?"

It's Jane. My bestfriend from high school.

"No, not at all." I said, trying not to sound as excited. "What's up, Jane?"

"What's up? I should be the one asking you that! Kumusta na, King? How's France? Ikaw ha, you're so madaya. If not for Tito Allie, I wouldn't know na nakauwi ka na pala."

"I'm sorry. I practically slept through the days as I am still on the process of adjusting. Anyway, we have so much to discuss to catch up. You want to see me?"

"Of course! Are you free today?"

"Hmmm hold on." I got up and took the planner from the drawer. I scanned my schedule. "I have a short meeting at my uncle's company at noon. After that, free na ako."

"Alright, then." She said happily. "I really missed you! Let's meet early, OK lang ba? Let's have coffee then I'll drive you to the building since may bibisitahin din ako doon. Then after your meeting, we go to the resort. Namimiss ko na kasing magrelax kasama ka. How does that sound?"

"Cool. See you then." I said.

"Don't bring your car anymore. I'll pick you up at 9."

I got up and put on a white shirt and a pair of blue shorts and then I went down to the dining room to have breakfast.

My parents were there, talking quietly while having coffee. Not to sound biased or anything, but they still hold the record of being the most good looking men for me. And they still look really gorgeous together.

"Bonjour, Papa Allie." I kissed the soft-haired man on the cheek and I moved over to the man beside him. I also kissed him. "Bonjour, Papa Rodel."

Papa Allie smiled but Papa Rodel didn't even turn his eyes away from the newspaper he's holding. 

"Bonjour, anak. Did you finally sleep well last night?" Papa Allie asked.

"I think I did. It was better than the previous nights. Only I..." I stopped. I didn't want to continue.

"What?"

"Nevermind. Did you have breakfast already?"

"Yes. We're done. Akala kasi namin hindi ka pa bababa. What do you want to eat? Let's ask Joanna to prepare it for you." He looked at the maid.

"Oh, no need." I felt sad. Tapos na pala sila. Gusto ko sana silang makasabay, after all those years that I was away and I ate alone. "I will take a shower then Jane will be here to pick me up. Sa café na lang po ako kakain."

Papa Rodel put the newspaper down and looked at me.  "You have a meeting today. Did you forget?"

I shook my head. "No, Papa Rodel. I will go to the meeting then after that, Jane and I will go to the resort."