Tulip's Destiny

XXXIX - Kiss

My fingers could trace his bones with my eyes closed, but I couldn't tell you how they learned to do that. And so finally, the quest for home finally comes to an end for I have found you.

Raine woke up early and felt surprisingly refreshed. After taking a shower, she got dressed and put her up in a bun.

"Good morning, Raine!" Mikhail greeted as she walked out of the bathroom. "Morning, Mikey!" Raine chirped, sitting beside him on the sofa. "How about we take a walk outside? It's a beautiful morning." He suggested as he got up to straighten his blouse. "Sure." Raine nodded.

Mikhail smiled and gestured for her to go ahead. Everyone was busy and you could hear the morning buzz of the locals and tourists as they got out of the hotel lobby. It smelled fresh and the ocean mist floated around.

"I missed you." Raine started, breaking the silence between them. "I missed you too. I've been torn on wanting to wait for you and wanting to forget you. I'm sorry... how I acted before when we met back in Holland. I just... I was just heartbroken when I heard you're" He sighed, pausing before deciding to continue.

"I'm?" She asked, looking up at him. "You're engaged." Mikhail swallowed. "Yeah... that was embarrassing!" She laughed, nodding in agreement. "I'm glad you didn't give up on me." Raine added with a tight lipped smile.

"How could I?" He stammered and blushed. "I waited for you. I waited for the day you'd remember."

"I know." Raine said.

"Raine?"

"Yeah?" She turned to him.

"Actually... nevermind."

"Really?!" Raine sneered at him. Mikhail looked at him hesitant. "You know you can't tell me you have something to say and—" She hissed only to be cut off by him.

"Then say nevermind?" He chuckled.

"Exactly!"

"Are you nervous?" Mikhail let out, holding her hand into his.

"I am, actually. I don't know if I'm ready to face that jerk anytime actually." Raine expressed, closing her eyes to ease her anxiety.

"I'll be there. I won't let him get anywhere near you." He assured, pulling her for a comforting hug. 

"Thank you." Her voice muffled against his chest, as a lone tear fell down. "I think we should go." She slurred, pulling away from the hug.

Due to traffic jams, the journey took  a while, but soon they finally arrived at her home. Mikhail reached for the door handle, but at that moment the door swung open, striking his forehead. "Raine!" Manuel shrieked, pushing Mikhail aside. "Manuel!" Mikhail roared, massaging his forehead from the hit. "Oh! Yeah, sorry?" Manuel raised his shoulders with a childish smile. "Oh you two!" Raine giggled, making Mikhail calm down.

"Raine!" Lara cried running up to her into a bone crushing hug.

She was then greeted by her family. Raine was soon huddled by her loved ones, including Lara and Khalil. Everyone gathered at the table for lunch. They discussed her stay in Baler and a few important matters regarding the case.

"How are you?" Mom asked.

"Good?" She sighed, forcing a sweet smile.

"Are you sure?" Dad asked firmly, before looking behind her. "Mikhail, Manuel... Khalil, thank you." He said sincerely. They all just smiled and nodded in reply.