Khadija POV
I just finished my cheat leave, which was supposed to be a vacation. Despite that, I enjoyed it and experienced something new, like watching how Arabs celebrate their national day in Tagaytay and wear their traditional clothes. It was mind-blowing.
Currently, I'm on the plane, and I don't know what to expect. Will we see each other again? Or will we ignore each other? He never added me on any social media account, and we only talk through WhatsApp. He didn't even ask for my name on social media. Should I be the one to initiate contact?
I thought after all those scenes, he might want to upgrade our relationship, but I'm not sure. Now, thinking about it stresses me out.
I was so lost in thought that I didn't realize that the plane had landed and it was time to prepare to disembark.
As we waited for his luggage at Mactan International Airport, he asked, "Will we meet again, my lady?"
I replied, "Of course, if you're ever in Cebu, why not?"
To which he responded, "I'll be leaving the Philippines soon, my lady!"
I looked at him, feeling lonely. Why does every man I'm comfortable with leave? Why does no one stay? Maybe I'm just attached to him because of what he did to me.
He picked up his own suitcase as well as mine, which included an additional bag of Ali Kemal's shirts that he had forgotten to bring. I only had a large backpack and a small tote bag.
After carrying the luggage with just one hand, Ahmed slowly took my hand and said, "Come now, my lady, you need to rest." He smiled sadly as I felt emotional inside.
I tend to get attached easily!
After leaving the airport, he quickly hailed a Grab car and drove us to Cebu City. He wanted to check into Nustar Hotel, but I insisted on staying closer to the city.
(One Unread message)
From my cousin Anne informed me that her family is in Cebu, and they wanted me to spend some time with them. They are staying at Triple Towers.
Anne's mother is my mother's sister. Although I wasn't sure why they were here, I am definitely going to meet them.
"I want to be dropped off at Triple Towers, before Fuente circle," I said. The driver checked the GPS and realized we were in Fuente.
"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing my troubled expression. He placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm just disappointed about something," I replied, looking out the window.
"Please tell me what's wrong, my lady. I am concerned," he said.
"I don't know you well enough, and it bothers me," I said, still looking out the window.
He didn't say anything for a moment. "I'm sorry, my lady. I understand, but I can't do anything about it right now," he said as we arrived at our destination.
As he got out of the car and moved to open my door, I quickly opened it myself, surprising him. His eyes widened in fear.
"I'm sorry, my lady. It's not that I'm playing with you, but it's just too personal for me to share. And honestly, it's not that important anyway," Ahmed said as he retrieved my bag from the back of the car. The driver seemed to sense the tension and gave me some space, which was appreciated.
"It's fine, Ahmed. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," I replied, taking my bag from his hand.
As I left Ahmed standing outside the car, I couldn't help but feel angry. He was clearly hiding something from me and I didn't know why he kept taking me to these places. What was his motive?
Upon reaching the lobby of Triple Towers Hotel, I immediately texted Ann. While waiting, I couldn't help but ponder if my reaction earlier was too much. As if on cue, Ann arrived, arms wide open and ready for a sweet embrace.
"Hello Khadie, it's great to see you," Ann greeted me with a friendly smile. "I've been looking forward to catching up with you. How have you been lately? Is there anything new or exciting happening in your life that you'd like to share?" She proclaimed and thrust her arms forward for a hug.
""Hello Ann, it's great to see you!" I declared with enthusiasm, embracing her tightly and conveying my heartfelt appreciation for her assistance with my belongings.
"Did you eat dinner? My gosh, you brought clothes for just two nights!" Ann exclaimed, surprised by my luggage.
"I thought of going for a swim here, you know, to have more clothes and not bother borrowing from you, Ann!" I quickly replied, trying to come up with a rational explanation.
I was relieved that I had thought of a valid reason just in time. When we got to their hotel room, I saw my aunt and cousins waiting for us. "Hey guys!" I greeted them, giving each of my cousins a firm hug before approaching my aunt. "Wow, you guys are definitely living it up on this vacation!
"Absolutely, Khad," my aunt replied with a grin. "We needed a break from the stress , and your cousin Georgina is here with her foreign boyfriend, who's footing the bill!" I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride knowing that my family was enjoying a well-deserved break. I feel happy for them, but I wish I could bring my mom and dad on this vacation too. It's really inspirational for me.
"Everyone, let's eat! Dinner's ready!" I saw Georgina setting up the food and plates on the dining table. "Hey, Khad!" She noticed me and came over for a hug.
My irritation from earlier disappeared because of my aunt's family. They treated me like a sister and daughter, and it made me feel at home.
We both took our seats, and the dishes were delicious. There were pork tocino, fried chicken, and a vegetable salad. I ate a lot and looked like I was starving.
"Since Khady is here, how about a little night out!" Ann suggested, which I never expected. I was exhausted from our flight with Ahmed, and she wanted to go out? Oh gosh.
"Well, that's great, isn't it, Khad?" Georgina agreed with her sister and I just smiled and scratched the back of my head, showing my approval.
It's great and all, but I have work tomorrow. It's just not practical to go out tonight.
Although I agreed to join them, I feel like I can't refuse. While we were still having dinner, my mother called and I positioned the camera so she could see who I was with.
"Surprise, Mom! I'm with them," I said.
"Hi, my dear sister!" My mother exclaimed in shock as she didn't expect me to be with them.
"Hello, our youngest! We invited Khady to join us since she's already in Cebu," explained my aunt as she finished the last piece of chicken adobo and approached my camera to talk to my mom. They look really cute together!
"Thank you, we appreciate it. Take care of Khad while we're away. How long have you been here?" my mom asked, with a firm tone in her voice. My aunt was still sitting next to me, sipping her iced tea.
"We just got here. We immediately called Khad as soon as we arrived," my aunt replied, gesturing towards the whole family eating at the dining table.
"Hi Aunt Cris!" Georgina greeted with enthusiasm, still munching on her food.
My aunt then quickly excused herself from the table and brought my phone to talk with my mom. They caught up with each other while we continued eating.
While my cousins and uncle were still chatting at the dining table, I couldn't help but notice that my entire family in town were heavy eaters, including myself. However, I only indulged in large meals on special occasions because I tended to gain weight easily.
As we were happily conversing, my aunt approached me and showed me the screen of my phone, indicating that someone was calling while my mother was already on another call. She raised her eyebrows in question, asking who was calling. My heart sank a little when I saw that it was Ahmed calling.
I gently gestured to her and whispered, "It's my workmate," even though she didn't ask. But that's just her, always curious about everything with just one raised eyebrow.
As soon as I saw Ahmed's name on the phone, I felt a mix of emotions. I was glad to hear from him, but also nervous about how he might react to my recent actions.
"Can I take this call, Aunt?" I asked politely, excusing myself from the dining table to answer the phone when she nodded in responce. Thankfully, my mom ended her own call when she saw me pick up.
I quickly made my way to the kitchen to have some privacy. There, I answered his call, trying to be constructive and open to his feedback.
"Which floor are you on, My Lady?" Ahmed's question caught me off guard, but I gathered my thoughts and responded assertively.
"I'm with my aunts, Ahmed. What's going on?" I demanded, my voice firm and confident.
"I just need a room near yours, My Lady. Can you tell me which floor you're on?" Ahmed's serious tone didn't intimidate me.
"We're on the 15th floor, room 607. But I need an explanation, Ahmed. Why do you need a room near mine?" I challenged him, making it clear that I wouldn't tolerate any vagueness.
"We can talk about it, My Lady. Please let's have a conversation," Ahmed replied, but I wasn't ready to let him off the hook just yet.
"Fine. But you need to give me a good reason for wanting to be near me. Otherwise, I won't be talking to you," I asserted, making it clear that I wouldn't back down without a valid explanation.
"Understood, My Lady. I'll explain everything. Goodbye for now," Ahmed said, and the call ended.
I came back to the table with a big smile on my face. I couldn't stop thinking about what he said. It's making my heart melt.
Ann noticed me and asked, "Who was it and why are you smiling alone, Khadija?"
"It was something about work, Ann," I replied, handing my glass to my aunt for some iced tea. Thank god Ann didn't have any more questions.
After finishing our meal, my aunt took care of the dishes while Ann and I went upstairs to get ready for our night out with Georgina. I decided to wear a fitted biker shorts and a black top, tying my hair back.
I had the pleasure of having Georgina curl my hair today, which I really enjoyed because it matches my outfit and hat perfectly. I think it looks great! Ann's style, on the other hand, was a bit different with her choice of pants and spaghetti top, which suits her well since I have a more athletic build. Georgina, on the other hand, looks stunning in her maxi dress. They both have shorter hair, so they put extra effort into styling my hair to ensure I looked my best.
"The Triple Towers is situated in Fuente, right next to Mango Avenue, which is an excellent spot for dining and drinks. I'm thrilled that Ann's husband and Georgina's boyfriend will be joining us, but I'm the only single one in the group, which is not a problem for me.
During our search, we stumbled upon Uptown KTW, where Georgina booked the premium room. The room comes with two tequilas, a bowl of finger foods and chips, and a bottle of iced tea. Once we got settled, they began singing and Carl, Ann's husband, started passing out the shots. The room was fantastic.
As we have had half of the shots, we are starting to feel a little tipsy. I mustered up the courage to sing without getting shy. After all, I am already drunk.
I belted out Ariana Grande's "Problem" with passion. As I sang, Carl handed me my shot, finally acknowledging it was my turn. I couldn't help but notice Georgina dancing with her boyfriend while Ann took the prime seat in front of Carl. Meanwhile, there I was, sitting and singing my heart out.
After a couple of hours of partying, Ann suggested that we head back to the hotel since we had already enjoyed enough time in the KTV room we had rented. Georgina and Ann's boyfriends accompanied them while I walked alone at the back.
As we were passing by the Uptown Bar, I noticed someone who seemed familiar. I tried to get a better look, but I couldn't clearly see his face. However, I felt like he was approaching me. It made me curious.