Three

“Are these enough?” I asked Ana while we FaceTime; I’m preparing my suitcase for three days. It’s been two weeks since Ana told me about this event.

“Hmm, at least bring two pairs of swimsuits! Let’s enjoy at least half a day,” I want to turn down her offer, but I realized that our schedule has a half day vacant; then we’ll proceed to the reception, “Come on, Eli.”

I sighed, “Fine.” I heard her gasp, and I couldn’t help but laugh; she asked me every day, yet she acted like she was not expecting me to agree.

“Omg! Okay! I’m excited!”

I rolled my eyes, and we both laughed at that. I spent the rest of the day preparing my stuff; we will be there for three days; I packed two pairs of casual dresses, two pairs of nighties, four pairs of underwear, a towel, my hygiene kit, two pairs of red and yellow swimsuits, and more stuff.

I can’t deny the fact that I am indeed excited.

---

“Jane, take care of Dan and Mom. I’ll be out for three or four.” I keep on reminding Jane while fixing Mom’s blanket.

The nurses just came around to check her vitals and get some information about her improvements, which were none. She’s not improving, but I’m not slipping away from my belief that Mom will be all right; I’ll asure that.

“I know; you can start not thinking about us too much, Eli. Enjoy while you are still there. I can manage here. Go enjoy yourself; you needed that one.” Jane said.

I sighed, “I’m just concerned. What if something bad happens while I’m not around?”

She chuckled and tapped my shoulder, “None of what you were thinking will happen. Go, you wouldn’t want to be late.”

After I bid goodbye to Mom, Jane, and Dan, I met with the doctor and told him that when I came back, I’ll pay partial so that they could start with the operation. Then I met with Ana, who was waiting outside the hospital.

She looks like a model with her Zara mom’s pants paired with a bandana-style tube, three inches sandals, Chanel drawstring Tote with a Chain bag. How could I befriend this lady? Every part of her is shouting sophistication.

“Eli! Omg!” she chirps and hugs me, “I’m so excited; it’s been six years since we had a vacation together!”

“Ana, this is a job matter, not just a vacation, okay?” She just laughed and motioned me to come inside the car.

She started to drive, and we talk random things, like the old times; I just realized now that I was carrying too many bags on my shoulder and forgot to take care of myself. Somehow, I’m thankful I can enjoy myself without thinking for a while.

---

I never thought that Elysian Island was fourteen hours rides from Reviya. Ana drove for three hours, we arrived at the pier, and five men in black assisted us carried our bags, walked us to our cabin, and gave us food before we settled ourselves.

Ana and I had a different cabin, so I was alone, which I loved. I got a chance to fill my eyes with so much scenery. I love sceneries. I always do since I was a kid, and Dad even bought me a DSLR camera to support my addiction. I mentally laughed and shook my head upon remembering those small moments with my dad.

We arrived at the Island at almost dawn; I felt so energetic, although I didn’t get enough sleep. I’m too excited. Since I was in junior high, I dreamed of stepping on this Island. But since you can’t just enter here without an invitation from someone member of this exclusive Island, I couldn’t do that.

Six famous magnates owned this Island. Unfortunately, I could only meet Hanalei Raeni, famous for creating cars. Yes, he made cars, has his team, his own manufacturing company, has a lot of branches in different towns around the world, and can sell one hundred thousand cars in just a year.

I can’t imagine how rich he may have been, I don’t know, and maybe he lost counts, not that I’m interested in his wealth, it’s just, I can’t help but envy him. He made himself to the top, and now, he’s enjoying every penny he earned from his hard work.

I didn’t notice that I had fallen asleep; I had just woken up when Ana called me, asking where I was, and invited me to join her for lunch; that’s when I realized how long I had dozed up. I washed my face and tied up my hair. I wore my cardigan and my flats.

I met with Ana with the help of staff since I didn’t have any slightest idea where the hell is the restaurant she was talking about.

“What the fuck, Ana? Do you expect me to go where you tell me to go?” I gritted my teeth; I was so annoyed right now, “You don’t expect me just to fly here, right?”

I thought she would realize by now that I’m annoyed, but who the fuck am I joking here? Of course, she won’t.

“Omg!” she started laughing while eating her food, “Come, join me,” she said; I even heard her still chuckling.

“Witch,” I mumbled, but I knew she heard that, and she answered me with a wink.

We spent our afternoon eating and catching up with each other since we barely have this time when we have our vacation slash work.

“Hey, you have your swimsuits, right?” She asked, so I nodded. “Go get it, change first, then let’s swim.” I just did what she told me.

We both came back to our rooms. I got a cozy space for myself. All the staff and teams are gathered in one hotel. I was assigned to the ninth floor, while Ana was on the third. I changed into my swimwear, wore my see-through cover-up, and let my long wavy hair fall. I left my phone and wallet behind. I grabbed my summer hat and flip-flops before leaving the room.

“Shut the fuck up, dude!” I heard a man talking not so far away from where I was standing.

“Come on, Gray! It’s Lemuel’s wedding! Don’t spoil it!” another man spoke.

Their voice was coming from the hallway, so I assumed that their passing by. I started to walk; I began to walk; Ana must be looking for me now.

“That wedding will still happen with or without my presence, Gin.” A deep baritone voice of a man answered.

There, I saw two guys walking; the other man was wearing board shorts and striped tees, with a pair of outdoor sandals, which complemented his fair complexions and black curly hair; he looked more like an American, especially with his ash gray eyes.

But what caught my attention was the man he was with; he was tall and had raven black hair and intense ocean eyes; I don’t know, but instead of feeling tense, I felt relaxed while looking at his eyes. He looks very manly with his fair complexion, luscious lips, and lustrous and thick lashes.

“Oh, hey there, pretty lady.” My forehead automatically frowned when the other man got in my way. “Are you alone? Do you want someone to accompany you?” he said; I didn’t expect that this curly-haired man was a pervert.

I stepped back, “No, I’m with my friend.” I answered briefly and tried to walk, but he didn’t accept that answer and held me on my waits; out of my natural reflexes, my hand immediately landed straight to his face, which he did not expect. He looked at me with disbelief while his nose was bleeding, “I told you, I’m with a friend. Don’t touch me; I forgot to say.”

I looked at the man looking at me; amusement was visible on his face; he seemed very pleased and entertained by what he was seeing now. I mumbled my annoyance and walked through them.

Goddamn pervert and his crazy friend.