A Second Chance

Part 21 - Boracay Escapade (Pool)

Charmaine was so groggy she wasn't able to get up when Paolo woke her early in the morning. They had a separate room but Paolo had an extra key to her room for emergency puposes, he said.

Now her phone is insistently ringing for like forever. She had no choice but to get up or else Paolo will barge in her room and drag her off her bed. It's already 1pm.

She groaned and sat up while her hand reached for her phone.

'Paolo...c'mon it's still early..let me sleep for a while' she complained

'I've let you slept this late till 1 in the afternoon. Isn't that enough? and besides you haven't eaten since Doha, you said' Paolo reminded her.

Her stomach grumbled noisily. Maybe Paolo is right, she needs to eat at least.

'ok fine. Give me 15minutes to prepare' she said and went to the bathroom.

She phoned Paolo after she finished dressing. 'where to Paolo?' she opened her door but didn't get out. 'Please don't let it be that far' she stepped outside. The door next to her room closed and heard the door locked. A 'Do Not Disturb' sign was on the doorknob. 'Paolo, I think I got a newlyweds as a neighbor. They just locked the door'

'c'mon Charm, it's none of your business' Paolo laughed

'at this hour? Have you done it Pao?' she asked her brother referring to doing the deed in the middle of the day.

Paolo growled 'it's none of your business sorellina. You can do it anytime of the day. Don't be naive, Charm. Move your butt here, I'm already famished'

Charm laughed aloud 'Seriously? ok I'm on my way but I'll just eat and run back here. I'm really not myself yet...' she squinted against the sun.

'ok fine sorellina'

***

Paolo is already seated at their table waiting for her.

Seafoods! Her mouth watered.

'wow! all of them looks delish' she took a seat and started putting food on her plate.

Both of them didn't speak while eating. When she was almost done, she finally ask his brother 'so why are we here Paolo?

'Nothing...I'm just excited for you'

'excited for what?'

'excited that you travelled on your own. And now you're here, why not treat you on your first day'

'really? you are that excited? Charm said a little skeptic

'of course sorellina. I missed you'

'I missed you too, Paolo'

They talked about the foundation's upcoming project. He said his friend still has to finalize the welcome party organized for them. One contractor still has to confirm his schedule but the party would definitely be this end of the week. They talked about how Nonna is excited to go back to the Philippines to help a great deal of people. They would not just focus on one place, Leyte, but on a far more remote place, Batanes. Hence, they would spend months in the Philippines.

'Hey, can you keep a secret?' Paolo asked

'yes'

'Don't let Nonne know I've told you' he paused

'what is it?'

'I've scouted places here and I've found the best place. Our own place'

Her eyes widen, 'you mean we'll get our own place here? As in we'll be spending more time here?!'