Roller Coaster

RC --- Chapter THIRTY-ONE

I’m perfect in my imperfections, happy in my pain, strong in my weaknesses and beautiful in my own way ‘cause I’m me. --- Anonymous

December 24, Tuesday

8:30 AM

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda

The white ceiling was the first to invade my vision as I painfully tried to open my eyes. Napabalikwas ako sa higaan as the memories of last night dwelled in. I heaved a sigh of relief when I realized the familiar surroundings. I was in my hotel room.

Soon after, I ran towards the bathroom as the effects of alcohol intoxication threatened to escape my gastric control. Bowing just above the toilet bowl, I released it all.

Ilang minuto din akong nasa ganoong ayos nang maramdaman kong hindi na ako nag-iisa. Napatingin ako sa bukana ng pintuan. “William!! What are you doing here?!” Shocked and surprised, I was about to reach for him but he readily gestured me to stop.

“I’d love to have that hug sweetheart but not when you’re face’s full of vomit and… err… that…” He pointed at my face.

I frowned. Tinalikuran ko siya at dumiretso sa sink at naghilamos nang may maramdaman akong pumisil sa aking balakang.

“Hmm… definitely wider than what I could remember.” He uttered while tingling the same spot.

“Pervert!” I tried to suppress the laughter from escaping. May kiliti ako dun.

“Not giving up huh?” His touch became firmer and more persistent.

I gave up as I giggled. “Stop it!” Saway ko sa mga kamay nito, turning around to face him.

He promptly planted a kiss on my forehead. “That’s much better Sweetheart!” Napatigil ako. “I’ll be outside.” Dagdag nito and strode out.

I sighed. My father must have sent him. William was my main bodyguard during those days of being guarded, and along the way he became more than that. He became a close friend.

I took a full bath cleansing my body fully. Before stepping out of the room, I took a tablet of pain reliever to counter the further effects of hang over I was pretty sure was going to kick in anytime soon.

Lumabas ako ng kuwarto, dumiretso sa sala at nagulat sa nakita. Si bar man nakaupo sa sofa, ngumiti pagkakita sa akin. “William!” I shouted. No reply. “William!!” Nilakasan ko pa.

“Kitchen sweetheart.” Narinig kong sigaw niya. Dumiretso ako sa kusina.

“Who and what in the world is he doing here?” Hindi man lang niya ako hinarap. Patuloy ito sa pagluluto ng kung ano man. “William!!”

“And you’re still so loud sweetheart.” Sa wakas humarap ito hawak-hawak ang isang plato ng itlog, bacon at toasted bread. Lumapit siya sa akin at iginiya sa lamesa.

“I don’t feel like eating Will.” I covered my mouth as if preventing another round of vomiting.

“Uh-uh sweetheart. You need to eat something. You haven’t had anything since last night.”

I frowned. “So you’ve been keeping an eye. Since when?” Inilayo ko ang plato.

“I only arrived yesterday but Carlo was here since day one.” Napakunot ang noo ko. “He’ll be keeping you company for awhile.” On cue, bar man entered the area and sat beside me.