Enchanted

[Aika x OC] Shadow Part 2

"Ooh, someone's going to Naga?" Leroy peeked at Alexander's iPad. He was looking through Aika's official schedule for the week.

"Ms Aika was invited to a children's home in Naga, one of Angat Buhay's partners." Alexander closed the screen, realising that he hadn't packed for the 3 day 2 night trip.

"Are you taking the bus?" Callum joined the chat. It was no secret that the Robredos preferred the affordable overnight buses to pricey air tickets.

"Yes..." Alexander sighed.

"Do you have your motion sickness medication? It's a good 8-9 hours ride." Leroy knew how bad Alexander's motion sickness could get.

"I think I have some left from our training..." Alexander cringed as he thought about how the 4 hour bus ride to the fields made him all queasy inside.

"Uh, confession time? I took the last 4 pills in the cabinet. I was going to buy more this weekend, but..." Callum raised his hands in embarrassment.

"First Lieutenant Callum Marcus Rivera, where am I going to get motion sickness medicine at 9pm at night?" Alexander wanted to put Callum into a headlock.

"Would the bus terminal not sell them? You can get some before you leave later?" Callum escaped from the couch just in case.

"God bless you, Alex. Don't puke in front of Ma'am and ruin your cold boy image." Leroy teased Alexander before going back into his room.

"God, please bless me." Alexander sighed. The last thing he wanted was to make a mess of himself before Aika.

"Is it just the two of us, Ms Aika?" Alexander was confused when he was the only one in the car with Aika.

"There was supposed to be one Angat Buhay staff with us, but she's down with a flu, so it's just going to be me...and you." Aika shrugged. She wasn't going as the first daughter, so there was no reason to have a presidential office staff follow her.

"Allow me, Ms Aika." Alexander offered to help Aika place her duffel bag above the seat.

"Thanks, Capt. Window or aisle?" Aika waited for Alexander's answer.

"The window seat would be safer for you, Ms Aika." Alexander did a quick scan of their seats before stepping aside for Aika.

"You're not going to stay awake the entire time, are you?" Aika noticed how Alexander was silently scanning the bus. She knew his occupational habit was popping out, especially in enclosed areas.

"It's to ensure your safety, Ms Aika. You don't know when or how danger may strike." Alexander nodded.

"You're not going to change your mind, are you?" Aika knew what Alexander was like.

"It's my duty, Ms Aika." Alexander gave his usual reason.

"It's also my duty to not overwork you and ensure that you have enough rest. I can't answer to kuya Jackson if you fall sick..." Aika tried to reason, to no avail.

"You don't have to stay awake with me, Ms Aika. You have a long day tomorrow, you need the rest." Alexander looked at his watch. It was 12 am and he knew that Aika was usually asleep by now.

"Here..." Aika fished something out of her backpack and placed it on Alexander's palm.

"Candy?" Alexander was confused.

"To make staying awake a little more bearable." Aika grinned.

"Thank you, Ms Aika." Alexander gently kept the handful of sugar in his pocket.

"Seriously though, don't push yourself and sleep if you need to. If you're worried, wake me up, and we can exchange." Aika offered.

"I have your candies, Ms Aika." Alexander reached out to turn off the overhead lamp above Aika.