Chapter 4: Safe Haven

While riding on his car I just silently watched the city over the window. I adjusted on my seat when we entered a seemingly secluded place.

After passing through the row of farms, I can finally see the beach welcoming me. I lifted my back completely from the backrest and put my hands to the tinted window.

There is also a sea in San Marcelino but this one is unique. The sand is almost milky white and fine. There are also rock formations in the distance. We're the locals and the tourist taking a picture of the beautiful view as their a background.

"How's that?" He broke the silence between us.

"Awesome," I answered.

“Don't worry the people here are kind and hospitable."

I leaned back again to my chair and glanced at him while driving. I can’t help but ask myself why did he help me? It's not a joke to involve himself in my situation and to take risk to help someone like me.

"What is it? Do I have dirt on my face?" He glanced at me with a soft smile on his lips.

I was immediately confused and turned my attention back to the outside of the window. I bit my lip hard because of his stingy laugh.

"Just kidding..." he utter.

"Thank you, for your helped. I promise when everything is fine. I'll get back to you and will pay you," I said seriously.

He released a smile again that made my heart sink.

"Maybe dinner is enough."

My lips quivered and averted my gaze again. Dinner treat? Seems like fun!

*****

"Ellie!" An old woman was running to greet me when we got out of the car.

"Manang Gloria!" He hugged the old lady as he spoke.

"You still haven't changed. You're even more handsome now, grandson!"

He just scratched his nape because of the lady's compliment on him.

"Oh, we have a visitor!"

I straightened up when he place his hand at my shoulder to approach Manang Gloria.

"Yes, she's Venice."

I held out my hand to give her a shake but I was so shocked when she hugged me rightly.

"Oh, this girlfriend of yours is so beautiful!"

My cheeks turned red and my lips trembled a bit. I quickly let go of her and bowed my head down.

Ellwood just laughed as a response while I shot him a questioning look.

"Good thing you've come here. I cook a bunch of lunch today," she said as she entered the house.

I don’t take my eyes off Ellwood who followed the old lady. He turned to me and nodded slightly for me to follow him inside.

"You'll take back what you said earlier, am I right?" I restrained his arm as he entered the door.

He bowed to me. His eyes looked more deceitful in just a few steps. I could not pass the heat generated under my eyes.

"Do you think Manang Gloria will believe you're my girlfriend?" He hissed.

I was devastated by what he said. He's right, who would believe his girlfriend is 17 yrs old like me?

"I'm hungry." That's all I could say.

I no longer hesitated. I eat the food in my plate. The crab and the shrimp is fantastically delicious because of It's freshly cooked.

I pursed my lips, only then I noticed that they were watching me the whole time.

"I'm sorry," I said in a low voice.

“Come on, don't be shy," the old lady told me.

I glanced at Ellwood when I heard his phone ring. He stood up to answer the call for a while and left outside.

"I'm sorry about earlier. It's been a long time since Ellwood had a friend to introduced to me."

I smiled at her slightly. Is it true? Or maybe he’s not told her that he already has a girlfriend. I saw him in the picture with the girl. I'm sure that's he's her girlfriend.

"Because Ellie is a play boy. I don't think a woman has stumbled upon her." She laughed out loud in front of me as if someone was tickling her.

I smiled a little, doesn't he really have a girlfriend? I shook quickly.

"How old are you, hija?"

"I'm seventeen." I replied.

Her eyes widened in shock. Are you sure you are a minor? Where do you two meet then?

I sat up straight and couldn't answer her question. Ellwood enter again the dining room and sit back on his seat.

“Manang let her eat her food in peace," Ellwood told to the old lady.

"Aright, enjoy your food.” Manang Gloria tapped his arm before standing up to get something from the kitchen.

"I'm sorry about her question," he said to me. But there was a smile on his lips that I couldn't explain.

"That's alight." I answered sparingly.

"Finish your meal. We're going somewhere else."

I never asked again after we eat and said goodbye to Manang Glosira we set sail just a few meters away from Manang Gloria's town.

I look up at the old gate in front of me. Ellwood went down the car to open the gate using his key.

As we went inside we couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of the garden and some trees around. The messy surroundings due to the dry leaves and broken trees did not detract from its beauty.

"This is the old mansion of Echeverrii, no one has lived here for a long time."

"What are we doing here?" Full of surprise I asked him.

"You can stay her for now until everything is fixed," he muttered softly.

"You mean, you're going to let me live here?" I glanced at him now that the car's engine was being turned off.

"Don't worry, Manang Gloria and some others will be here next to clean up."

I shook my head.. Doesn’t it seem like he has helped me so much?

"Thanks, but you don't have to do this anymore."

"You said you were in danger. I wouldn't be quiet if I knew someone was looking for my help."

I sighed at that. "Look, I don't want you to be involved of this mess. Especially since I know you're a veryrespected person."

"I'm already involved, you also said you're not at fault and you are innocent. So, what's the problem?"

I swallowed and forced myself to accept what he was offered me. He was right, but as long as I didn't prove my innocence, his life was in danger as well.

When I got down the car I couldn't help but look around. I can still taste the sea breeze from here. I’m sure the sea is few steps away from the Villa.

I followed him inwards The texture of the house is pretty. It is old fashion in a unique fashion way. The equipment is a bit old but the designs and tables are obviously of good quality.

I looked up as he went up to the second floor. I had a clear view of his back. She certainly has a gorgeous body and back. I won't wonder why his girlfriend is so beautiful. Because I'm sure anyone will get his attention.

I just blinked when he looked at me. He nodded me to go up too the second floor so I quickly stepped on my feet to follow him.

"This will be your room." Slowly my head peeked into the room.

"My room is right in front of your door. I'm not here often, but Manang Gloria make sure she can take care of the Villa."

"I'll give you a moment to look inside."

As he said I had already walked in. I have nothing to say about the beauty of the room. Everything seems to be taken care of in cleanliness and fully equipped. I liked the balcony where I could see the sea from here. I didn’t stay there long because I went out too.

The door to my opposite room was open so I was sure Ellwood was inside. Though hesitant, I took the courage to step forward and push the door.

I almost lose color when I reach for him undressing his shirt. My eyes immediately trailed to their six pack abs. The line and the muscles are in perfect place. It didn't end there because I looked down at their waist where there was also a cut down inside his pants.

And the few hairs ... "Oh shit! Sorry!"

I couldn't wait for our eyes to meet because I immediately pulled the door shut and quickly rushed to my room.

"What the fuck, Venizensa?!"