CHAPTER SEVEN

ALLY was full and satisfied when they left the restaurant. She ate to her heart’s content. For a moment, it was the only thing that mattered to her. And even if Gael did not mention it, she saw how he enjoyed his food. He did not try eating with his hands, though.

“I never felt this full in my entire life. That was the best meal I had as long as I can remember,” Gael remarked as they were about to cross the street. They left their cars back in the coffee shop.

Ally smiled and nudged him lightly.

“Do I get a treat next time?” she joked.

“Of course. That’s why we need to fix this mess as soon as possible.”

Ally glanced at her left and right to check if it was safe to cross now. She was taken by surprise as Gael suddenly grabbed her hand. She held her breath as she glanced at his face. Gael was looking straight ahead and pulled her.

Ally could not think properly. Gael was holding her hand as if he was scared to let her go.

Breathe, Ally, breathe.

And she somehow did, but her heart was still beating erratically.

What the heck.

She may hate to admit it, but she felt giddy. She thought Gael would finally let go of her hand once they had crossed the street, but he did not. He was still holding her as they walked on the sidewalk. Ally felt like melting.

“H-hey,” she said breathless.

“What?” Gael gave her a quick glance.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she asked with a nervous laugh.

“Huh?”

“You’re supposed to let go of my hand already.”

Gael gazed at their hands. He looked shocked. He did not let go of her hand, but he loosened his grip. Ally pulled away and brought her hands together.

“Sorry about that,” he said apologetically.

“Small things,” she said jokingly.

“Hmm?”

“I said it’s nothing.”

Gael chuckled.

Ally’s eyes widened. Gael laughed. He knew how to laugh all along! She thought she would have to wait for the blue moon to make it happen.

She fought hard to contain her happiness. She did not want him to see it. It might scare Gael away.

*** *** *** ***

“CAN’T YOU just wait for Gino’s call before seeing his parents?” Andeng asked.

She helped Ally packed her stuff after explaining her plans with Gael.

“I don’t think I could wait any longer than that, Mom. I don’t think Ghia’s parents would just let it slip. What if they found them before Gael and I could? Gino will be in a worse situation if that happens. Ghia’s parents are capable of anything.”

“You’ve put yourself in danger, too, Ally. Please take care of yourself when you get there. I’ll ask Gener and Hasmine to look after you. But you know, all of this would not happen if Gino only chose you. It would be a happily-ever-after right away.”

Ally grimaced. What could she ever hide from her mother?

“I have already accepted the fact that I am just a side character in Gino’s love story, Mom. But, who knows? In the next book, I’d be the protagonist, finally. Right now, I just want to make sure that Gino and Ghia will be fine. Then I’ll be happy.”

“That’s my daughter,” Andeng cheered. “Has someone already replaced Gino in your heart, Ally? Tell me.”

“Come on, Mom,” Ally retorted despite the giddiness as she remembered Gael holding her hand this afternoon flashed her mind. “I’ll fix Gino’s situation first. When I return, I promise, I’ll focus on my love life so I could finally give you a grandchild.”

Andeng giggled.

“I’m so glad you finally came to your senses.”

*** *** ***

GAEL took care of everything, just as he promised. He bought plane tickets for them, and he made sure he would take care of their needs once they arrived at the province. He fetched her at dawn. It was the earliest flight he booked.

Ally’s parents woke up early to join her as she waited for him. Her bags were packed, but their reminders never seemed to end.

“Call us once you get there, okay? Gener knew a lot of police officers to help you search,” her mother said.

“Yes, Mom, I won’t forget. I had memorized all your reminders and had them recorded on my phone.”

“You crazy child.”

Ally laughed as she hugged her parents and said their good-byes.

“Gael, don’t make it hard for our daughter, okay? She loved Gino more than a friend.”

“Dad!” Ally’s eyes widened.

“It’s better that he knows you’re not simply looking for her sister’s boyfriend. Besides, I think he’s a trustworthy guy. Go on, children. Take care of yourselves.”

“We’ll go ahead now, Ma’am, Sir,” Gael said politely.

*** *** *** ***

“SORRY about a while ago. My parents are just nosy sometimes,” Ally said once they got inside the car. His driver will take them to the airport. And once they reached the province, they’re on their own now.

“I understand.”

“Have you talked to your parents about this?”

“They lift up everything to me. They did not want anyone else to know what was going on. It will be a shame if others find out. They just want to make sure I could bring my sister back in one piece.”

Ally nodded. She absent-mindedly put her hands in the pockets of her jacket. It was cold inside the car, and she was still sleepy.

“Are you still sleepy?” Gael asked.

She shook her head with a small smile.

“You can sleep again if you like.”

“No, thanks. I don’t feel comfortable sleeping inside the car.” It was followed by a yawn.

“Just try to close your eyes.”

Ally froze as she felt Gael’s arm on her shoulder and pulled her gently to his chest. She felt ticklish and calm at the warmth that enveloped her.

She caught her chest. Suddenly, she was scared that Gael would discover her erratic heartbeat. Though, his own heartbeat was unusually fast, too.

If that meant their hearts understood each other, it would be like a dream coming true.

I guess I read romance novels too much.

She did not want to ruin the moment, so she might as well take advantage.

Ally closed her eyes and leaned comfortably on his chest. But it only made her want to fight drowsiness. She tried to stay awake so she could enjoy the moment.

Gael stroked her hair. Ally moaned softly. Sleepiness was taking over her. Then, she felt him kiss her hair. She had no idea why he did that. She was too sleepy to ask. But it felt heaven. She felt secured.

She snuggled closer to him, and he did not complain.