ALLY FELT like it was her fault seeing how sad and disappointed Gino’s parents were.

The couple welcomed them with open arms, but she had just burst their bubbles when she finally told them the reason for their ‘visit.’

“I thought you’re going to rest.”

Ally was only startled for a moment as she found Gael behind her. She was already inside the room Auntie Hasmine gave her.

She was looking outside the window, over the vast rice field not from afar. Auntie Hasmine’s house was semi-concrete. Her room was on the second floor. Gael’s room, on the other hand, was adjacent to hers. They were using Gino and Gustine’s bedrooms.

“I just can’t,” she replied with a heavy sigh.

“You have to.”

“I feel guilty.”

“You are not alone.” He held her shoulders and caught her eyes just like he did on the night of Arnold’s exhibit. Still, Ally felt like it was the first time. “So, clear your mind. Our mission is more important than our guilt. You need strength, Ally. We do not know what’s waiting for us. We better be ready.”

Ally just wanted to get lost in his eyes. His gaze said it all. And when he gently pushed her to make her sit on the bed, she did not object. Gael even fixed the pillow.

“Auntie Hasmine said that we should rest completely while they prepare our food. I think they’re as nice as your parents.” He smiled.

Ally smiled as she nodded in approval. She lay on the bed and took a deep breath. Yes, she needed a lot of rest.

“What about you?” she asked.

“I’m going to rest, too, of course.”

Ally sucked her breath as he suddenly joined her on the bed. She felt naughty all of a sudden.

“Can I ask you a question?” she said.

“And what is it?”

“How old are you?”

She could not help pouting.

“Twenty-nine is supposedly young, but why aren’t you enjoying your life like you are supposed to do?”

“You would not wish to be me.” Gael playfully pinched her nose.

“Do you have a girlfriend right now?”

“I used to have one.”

Her eyebrow raised.

“What happened?”

“We didn’t last.”

“Why?”

“Because of who I am,” he responded matter-of-factly.

“So, you really are single right now.”

Gael nodded.

Something inside Ally wanted to throw confetti in the air. She was crazy, but yes, she was glad about the fact that he was not taken yet.

“That’s alright.” She jokingly patted his broad chest. Yes, free chancing. “You’ll eventually find that someone who was meant for you.”

“I don’t mind, though.”

“Don’t say that. Don’t let your genes go to waste. There are only a few of real men left in this world.”

“Huh?”

Gael looked so naïve and clueless at first, but he eventually laughed. Ally could not help giggling. His reaction was picture-perfect!

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

“WE HAVE called all our relatives, but none of them had heard from Gino. Seriously, Gener, what has gotten into our son?” Auntie Hasmine said in frustration.

“Hasmine, if I were in Gino’s place, I would elope with you if your parents disapprove of our relationship. Do you think those kids do not know what they’re doing? Stop worrying already. Gino will be fine. I trust my son.”

“How could you manage to crack a joke even at this time?” Auntie Hasmine retorted though she did not look like contradicting Uncle Gener at all. “Don’t worry, Ally. Gino still has friends we haven’t contacted yet. Let’s not lose hope. We’ll eventually find them.”

“Yes, Auntie,” Ally replied with a smile and glanced at Gael.

He gave her a half-smile.

“For now, eat up, you two,” Uncle Gener said. “To tell you honestly, it had been a long time since we ate our meal altogether. Since Gino and Gustine were not around, we’ll treat you as our children for now. Don’t be shy, okay?”

Ally grinned and rubbed her palms altogether before bringing the still steamy hot beef stew to her.

“This is one of my favorite recipes from Auntie Hasmine. You should try it.” Ally put some rice and viand on Gael’s plate.

“Thank you.”

Ally was stunned for a moment as Gael caught her hand. She bit her lower lip as he smiled at her once again. Her heart was jumping in joy.

“Y-you’re welcome. And you should get used to it.”

“Ally is very caring even with Gino,” Uncle Gener remarked with a smile. “I thought they’re going to end up with each other. I really love this girl. She’s not only pretty outside, but she’s beautiful in the inside, too.”

Ally laughed awkwardly.

“Too bad, Gino and I could not be more than that.”