Destination: You

Diecisiete

Diecisiete

"I've been traveling country to country, capital to capital because of the kind of job I have. I actually created this project just so I have an excuse to travel Europe and look for them, but it didn't take me that far.

"Now someone is in search of me, and who knows what plans he or she has for me. My airline needs me, and I can only visit one more country before I'll call it. If I can't find them then, I . . ."

I didn't even bother to finish that sentence. I continued throwing pebbles on the lake hoping that they'll skip.

After my emotional breakdown a while ago, Theo comforted me and took me to this beautiful place on the outskirts of the city. It's called the Bois de Boulogne, it has beautiful gardens, lakes, and campgrounds for visitors. We're seated beside the lake and just enjoying the morning.

We even took the time to pack a small picnic for us to enjoy on the grass under one of the trees here.

"Why'd you start with Europe? Don't you think they're in other parts of the world?"

I smiled and hide my face a little.

"Besides that's the target of the project, there's something in me that's telling me that they're here. Although we don't know much about my Mom's family background, tell me honestly, didn't you think I'm European when we first met?"

I looked at him with a faint smile. I am aware of my facial features my skin tone and all that stuff, and I am aware na may ibang lahi ako besides Filipino. It's not just of the genes of my Dad that made me this way of course there's something to do with Mom. I get a lot of comments that I look European, that I don't look that much of a Filipina.

He looked at me intently, as if analyzing every part of my face. I became conscience so I looked away and threw a pebble on the lake.

"That's just my deduction. I needed to start somewhere," I said starting to doubt myself.

"I can see it," he assured me. I'm happy to hear that, it wasn't filled with hidden sarcasm or teasing. It was genuine. "What are your plans now?"

"I still need to move to a new hotel. And maybe stay for a few more days just to do my job."

"If you feel so lonely so much why don't you stay with us for a while. You're welcome to stay."

Natigilan ako. I slowly shifted my gaze towards him and squinted my eyes trying to figure out if he's serious or not.

I bit my lip just to prevent myself to overdo it with a smile. I small laugh escaped my mouth and he laughed at me for it.

"I can't do that."

"Why not? You're worried that you'll be bothering us?"

"No, it's not that. It's – that's very nice of you. Merci beaucoup!" I thanked him with the sweetest voice I can ever make just to show how grateful I am right now.