Love and its Timing

Chapter 9

I took my lunch and decided to walk by the shore. I decided to carry my flip flops as I let my feet feel the warmth of the sand and allow the crashing waves to crash at my feet. I love this feeling of being one with nature. All that I can see are the palm trees’ shadows that give some shelter from the heat of the sun and the peaceful sea that separates me from my reality. I know that at the other end of the horizon, I will eventually have to face life’s reality, my work and me being single. I heard the humming birds and as I watched them fly across the blue skies, I smiled and told myself that I am as free as a bird.

I hopped on the path and smiled to the villa like a child. I entered the villa and on my way to the kitchen to get water, I can see that the ref is open. I can’t remember if I left it open before I went out for lunch and I don’t think that I even went near it.  My heart suddenly pounded at the thought that someone might have entered at the place where I will be sleeping tonight, and mind you I’ll be “ALONE”. I slowly walked my way to the kitchen, trying not to make a noise when a calming thought came in mind. It is possible that hotel personnel filled the fridge with some foods for me being the guest and left it open.

I then walked normally on the way to the fridge when it suddenly closed and I saw a guy holding a can of soda with nothing but a towel around his torso.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!” I screamed as I covered my eyes with both my hands.

“Who are you? Why are you here? Who gave you the access here?” I asked nervously as I keep my hands on my eyes. As I slowly stepped back just to be far from the stranger.

Even with my eyes closed I can feel the person coming closer each time I step away from him.

 So I rushed to turn away from him and run which sprained my left ankle and caused me to fall. I kept my eyes closed and just wait for me to hit the floor but instead, I fell into soft strong arms. I slowly open my eyes to see what really happened. As soon as my eyes was open, I saw a man with a familiar face, those gray eyes.   It’s Carlo!!! What is he doing here? I immediately tried to pull myself up but he carried me and seated me on the sofa.

I know I have to panic because there is a guy wearing only a towel to cover his private part carrying me at my house(well technically not, but since I’m a guest here, maybe I can tell that it is mine). I should start shouting to ask help, but I didn’t, in fact I can’t. The feeling is way too comfortable to ask for rescue, and the way he looks doesn’t show any bad intention. Instead of being hysterical by the situation, I started to wonder if I look okay or if my face is funny (flirty I know). I feel something special with his touch, a familiar feeling but I am fully aware that it’s not a feeling that I ever felt with Jake.

After I was seated, I took a deep breath and looked at him standing in front of me.

“Before you ask any questions, would it be okay for me to change?” He said before I can even say anything. I nodded as I watched him go to the other room.

He is walking down the stairs wearing a plain white V-neck shirt and board shorts. His hair this time is gelled neatly and it’s just now that I was able to decipher that his hair is Mohawk. When I notice that he caught me looking at him, I suddenly bowed my head and looked at my sprained ankle.

I was waiting for him to sit beside me so we can start talking about what he was doing here, he instead pulled one of the beanbags and he sat in front of me and pulled my right foot; he rested it on his lap and started massaging the twisted ankle.

I can see how caring this guy is, the way he assisted me when I fell, when he carried me to be comfortable, and now the way he massaging my hurt ankle. He is decent enough to wear something before talking to me.

“I’m sorry; it is very rude for me to walk around the house with just towel knowing that I’ll be staying with a girl.”  He looked at me with his eyes full of sincerity.

“What? You and I, staying at the same house?” I asked hysterically.  I saw him bow his head as he continued to massage my foot.

“I’m sorry; I’m just over reacting. I just don’t understand why? Did you know this when we met at the bar? Why didn’t you tell me?” I continuously asked questions.

“No, I didn’t know yet when I was at the bar. I left my things at the concierge because I want to go for a swim and there’s no available room yet but the concierge said that they are expecting some guests to check out after lunch; however the guests have decided to extend their stay.” He said truthfully.

“I still don’t get why of all rooms or cottages they chose this?” I asked curiously. “It’s not that I don’t want you here,” I was shocked with the words that came out of my mouth; I don’t want him to think that I want him here, though there is something in me that really does. “Nor I do because the villa has another room. I just seriously don’t get it.” I continued trying to hopefully retract what I initially said.

“Fate’s will maybe.” He shrugged. “Would you mind me staying at the other room? If not, I can ask for a tent and maybe just stay near the shore.” He said.

“It’s okay, just please don’t walk around with just a towel on.” I said as I offered a small smile.

“I again apologize for that and I swear it won’t happen again. Don’t worry soon as a room is vacant, I’ll leave this villa and you can have your privacy back” he said with a smile.

“Sure. And thank you for you catching me and massaging my foot. It feels a lot better now.” I said looking at my foot.

“It’s my responsibility since this is my fault. And it’s also my fault us not being able to go to the party.” He shrugged.

"Oh please go right ahead don't worry about me, I can take care of myself." I smiled as I pulled my foot off his lap.

"There are still other nights for a party. Let me atleast take care of you until you can walk normally." He looked at me. "I think we really met before." He kept looking at my eyes.

"Really?" I raised one of my brows at him. Wondering if he is serious.

"Let me take that back, we met before and i onow you very much Aaliyah Caress Montenegro." He said smiling as he sat beside me.

"How? When? And please stop pretending if it isn true I hate lies." I said as i fixed my sitting position to where i can look at his eyes directly. I don't see any signs of him lying nor him pretending. I want to convince myself that he is just making up stories to please me.

"How do you think i knew your full name." He asked.

"The receptionist?" I answered with a question that me myself cannot believe because I didn't give my full name.

"Com'on Iyah, you know that's not possible. You never give out your full name" He laughed.

He called me Iyah. The name that only my family use to call me. He must be really close to me before. I looked at him trying to ask him what our connection was when I saw his gray eyes fill with sorrow and pain as he stood up and looked at the sea.

"I can't believe that you actually forgot me." He said as he shook his head, and his face showing an obvious disappointment.

My mind is now filled with more questions like who is this guy, where, when and how did we meet. What was he in my life? Why can’t I remember him? Why I not remembering him caused him too much disappointment? With all the questions I have in my mind, I start to understand why I was so comfortable with him. I also started to search for answers.

“Well, don’t worry about it, if you can’t remember me, I’ll make you.” He gave me a wide smile. As his eyes showed excitement.

My heart jumped at his very sincere smile. I know that it would be easier if he’ll tell me everything but he reminding me thru action is way better. At least I can remember not only the thought but also the feeling.