CHAPTER 21
Sam doesn't want to forgo about Malik and I have no intention in changing her decided mind. "So, where did you go with him? Did you get to kiss him?" She sits straight in my bed, ready to hear the nonexistent scoop.
Jeez!
"Why would I kiss him?" I chuckle, for it's pretty insane. Well, at least for my case with Malik as I'm already preoccupied and becharmed by the cowboy.
"You didn't?" Her tone is accusing.
"No! Stop being silly, Samantha Ford!" I scold as it’s a bit annoying.
"Gosh, you need to stop being a nun. I can get you a form to join the convent if you want." She laughs, arching my eyebrows in wonder. Does being single makes one a nun? I mentally pout. "I mean, when will you get laid already? Until you get married?"
"I don't know; maybe never?" I say recklessly, feeling somewhat hurt from the harsh truth, even though it's not a foreign speech coming from her.
I've heard it too many times.
"Ugh, you're being boring now!" Sam grunts. "I'm always the one who talks about men, and you say nothing. Do you have a problem, maybe? Are you a les—“
"Sam, stop!" I end up yelling, and she winces back, a single eyebrow raised. I take a deep breath, fixing my composure. "I don't want to talk about sex or men. And I'm pretty certain of my sexuality, so just . . . let's not talk of that, okay?"
Rattled, Sam raises her hands in surrender. "As you wish, ma'am."
"I'm sorry for yelling . . . you're just too stubborn." I try pacifying the tension.
"No, I'm not. But I'll soon find you a boyfriend, and your sexual frustration will be over," she says with a confident grin.
"Just great," I mutter under my breath, thinking of the 'sexual frustration' she's stubbornly referring to.
Perhaps I am frustrated. How come I'm constantly marveling him in possession of my body? Quite lewd of a thought but I fail miserably to restrain myself.
"And what are these?" Sam finally sees what I brought from Big Sky. She succeeds to mercilessly pull me out of my fantasy.
"Nothing big, just some items I bought."
"Let's see." She rummages through the bags and throws everything on the bed. Her face lights up into an infantry smile afterwards. "Yes! Now we're talking."
She gets busy with her favorite chips and a few stuff . . . like the local bracelets and sandals I brought. I like handmade things and it's impossible to resist buying any when I come across.
Leaving Sam to her endeavor, I quickly send Malik a thankful text, but he doesn't reply. Maybe he's busy. In truth, he's made my day; I do love gifts, no matter how small and insignificant they may seem to others.
"That's for Mrs. Eleanor; do you think she'll like it?" I ask Sam when she inspects the silver bracelet I found from this famous local artisan.
"Thank you, mom?" Sam reads the artistic letters engraved on it. "Kira, don't you think you're getting too attached? Will you be okay when we leave?"
Well . . . I don't know.
"I don't think I'll be totally okay, but I'll be very sorry if I don't use this little chance heaven's given us. I only did what I would've done if my mother was alive. Don't you feel it too?" I smile fondly at the thought.
"Of course, who wouldn't wish for a mother like her? I'm sure Eleanor will love this," Sam replies and I'm glad we're on the same page.
"Hopefully," I quip, my lips tight.
"By the way, Eleanor brought me this sexy Giuseppe handbag! Can you believe how much it costs?" Sam jumps in glee, and I'm lost.
"What is that? Some new pizza shop in Italy?" I stare at her blankly, because I don't know what Giuseppe means.
"Oh, don't tell me you don't know who Giuseppe is?" she nags, laughing.
"No?" I gape.
"He's a very famous designer in Rome and—“
"Sam . . . please don't insult my intelligence for God's sake! Why would I know a designer from Rome? What for?" I rise from the bed to grab my charger.
"Yeah, I totally forgot. What a cavewoman you are." She shakes her head, sighing as though I'm the most indocile being.
"Yeah, a cavewoman indeed." I blow out some air, feeling exhausted, yawning. I plug in the charger and lay my phone on the nightstand.
Completely tired of my fashion oblivion, Sam checks on whatever that fits her among the stuff I bought.
"I love these." She gets up, showing off the flat gladiators in chocolate brown. "They are mine, right?" She glances expectantly at me.
"Oh, what a ripper! If I say they're not, will you let them go?"
"Never?"
"So why bother asking?"
"Good question," she returns, and we end up laughing.
She starts questioning me about my little getaway with Mr. Loaded, and I still don't understand why she is so convinced that Malik has a thing for me. The poor guy has never shown me any sign of the sort, and yet I can't stop hearing Sam's nonsense since day one.
Anyways, I deeply hope she's imagining things because I'm not up for another drama. This one soap opera of a love triangle is already a headache, and certainly enough for a lifetime.
"Well, we just talked, walked around, and it was fun." I shut the windows so I can occupy my bed peacefully.
"So, you don't like him even a tad?" Sam asks, a hint of doubt crowding her face.
"I do," I reply casually. "I do like him, Sam . . . but as a friend." My gaze is earnest as I say this.
"Ugh, that famous speech." Sam sighs, foiled, and I just smile.
"And you? How was your day?" I ask while folding my dress.
"Well," she begins with laughter. I crease my eyebrow skyward, curious. "Liam and I made a horrible lunch today." She’s blushing.
"Lunch?" My heart booms at the mention of his name alone, dragging me deeply into the pit of even more curiosity.
"Yes. Betty wasn't here; it was just Liam and me in the afternoon. We decided to test out cooking abilities after debating whether to go out or not. I suck in the kitchen, as you already know, and Liam is horrible," she explains fondly, the memory seemingly awesome. "It was half burnt, half undercooked."
"Huh?" I gulp, feeling surprised and another feeling that I don't want to admit.
They were together the whole day, a brutal mental reminder.
"It was so much fun!" Sam looks happy, and it's what I truly like seeing in her. "In the end Liam made amazing sandwiches, and it's what he knows how to make best. We chilled with a movie afterwards, so my afternoon was great," she says with a satisfied smile.
"That's good." I smile back, tightly, a part of me in a slight displeasure.
"Oh, we also went for a walk around the stables, and I nearly got kicked by a horse if I didn't fall heavily on my butt. I'm really not into this country stuff, I swear. But I had to play along since I'm interested with the owner." Now she sighs heavily, laying herself back against the pillow.
"I'm glad you had fun together," I say truthfully, even though my heart hurt for one reason.
It can't be me.
"Yeah, I did. He can be funny sometimes," she adds, and I just swallow whatever I'm feeling.
It's better this way.
We continue chatting the night out, catching up with a few cheesy gossips about some people we know in common until late. Between talking and laughing, we somehow end up sleeping in my bed.
The only thing that wakes me up in the midnight is the same usual thing. I seriously hate it. Will it be over when I finally remember everything? I want to sleep peacefully like I used to when I was a child. Why is it so hard?
***
The following morning during breakfast, Malik drops a bomb that leaves everyone astounded. He announces blatantly that we're flying to Miami this evening, and he has already made the travel arrangement.
I can't believe the knowing look on his face when he throws a provoking glance at me. He was really serious about Miami when he told me yesterday; I'm so dumbstruck.
"That's great, Malik. As always, only you know how to have fun," Eleanor says.
I can't believe she seconds the idea, which makes me shift my eyes towards Sam. As expected, my best friend is wiggling in her chair gleefully. But it's understandable, I guess. I'd love to see Miami.
"And you think you can just plan your trip without consulting us first?" Liam snaps.
God, he is so barbaric. What tree has he fallen from?
Eleanor rolls her eyes, which makes me laugh for real, and Malik only shrugs. I love the way he never gets offended by Liam's disturbing remarks. Such a lovely friendship they share.
"Who wants to go swimming in Miami?" Malik makes a dramatic inquiry.
"I do." Sam raises her hand immediately.
And I . . . well, I follow suit.
Malik smiles triumphantly. "See, brother? Winner takes all," he rubs it in, and Liam frowns.
"You should loosen up a bit, honey. What's the point of taking a leave if you're only going to confine yourself in this country house?" Eleanor says in a motherly way, but someone doesn't flinch a muscle.
"Don't worry, Aunt," Malik says. "I'll just cancel his ticket."
I don't know why, but I always find them like two little boys who love bickering to one another.
And it's kind of cute.
Watching Mr. Intense sulking is as if I'm seeing the younger version of himself that I wish I knew. I smile to myself.
"Fine. But this better be the last time you do this," Liam says coolly, and everyone look relieved.
What a hassle! He could've just accepted without a fuss.
After breakfast I present my little gift to Mrs. Eleanor, in private, and she seems quite taken aback when she see it. "Is this for me?" She sounds exhilarated.
"Yes?" I nod approvingly.
"Thank you . . . mom?" she reads aloud, and it's a bit embarrassing. "It's beautiful, and I love it."
"I know it's nothing much," I try to justify but she cuts me short.
"It's wonderful, Kira. I like it very much.” She's sincerely grateful, I can feel it, and it makes me so happy.
"I'm glad you like it." I grin.
"You know," Eleanor starts, her voice softer and tender as she holds my hands. "I like you a lot, Kira, and . . . I know my son does, too!"
His son? My subconscious pops in unannounced, panting heavily after the race she’s just pulled from wherever she’s been hiding.
"I—“ I'm caught off guard by Eleanor’s remark.
She chuckles. "You don’t need to be wary, Kira. Mothers’ hearts never lie. You like him, too, don't you?" she asks with a warm, witting smile.
I swallow nervously, for I don't think I have the right to answer this question. Not under these circumstances that I met her son. Lucky for me Mr. Intense appears, and I feel eternally saved.
"I need a moment, Mother," Liam intrudes. "Ms. Jones, do you mind?" He looks serious, and I oblige his request.
"Not at all. Excuse me." I use the chance to slip away.
My head is on the clouds as I climb the stairs back to my room. I want some alone time to process everything; I'm feeling terrible right now. However, to make matters worse, I bump into Sam heading to my room as well.
Things can't go any worse, can they?
Sam seems so thrilled and I imagine it's from the Miami trip. Maybe if I were in a different dimension, I would also share the same enthusiasm, but apparently I'm not. My wish is to disappear and go back in time; to refuse Sam's invitation.
"Have you packed?" she queries.
"Not yet," I breathe.
"Everything okay?" Sam asks worriedly, which destroys me even further.
"Yes, I'm good. I'll just start packing now."
We parade inside, and I do as I said. I'm originally so well organized; hence I don't do much to put all my things in place.
Maybe it's about time everything go back to where they belong, I decide.
"Kiki, we're not leaving for good, you know? You heard Malik that we're only staying in Miami for a few days."
"What do you mean? Do you plan to come back here?" I ask, because if that's her plan then good for her.
As for me, this is a one-way ticket.
"I know it's crazy that we return back to Montana, but who cares? Money talks, right?" Sam laughs.
I do care, very much.
"I know, right?" I try showing that I'm following.
I finish by putting my camera inside my shoulder bag . . . followed by the gift Malik gave me deep into the suitcase. I'm just counting hours so that I can finally leave this place. What will happen in Florida? I can't help but wonder.
Alone at last, and idle, I end up strolling around the ranch before our departure time. I can't believe it's been a week already, and I'm really leaving this wonderful place and its enchanting nature.
Well, I guess there's an end to every beginning, and it's time I face mine.
Sighing, I keep walking aimlessly, only to end up at the usual place.
Charlie is eating gracefully. I smile stupidly at the memory of being busted in the river by Mr. Intense himself, and the horseback ride afterwards.
It's been one eventful week, I tell myself, and I'll never ever forget.
I move towards Charlie and run a hand on his back with several sighs escaping my lungs. He flexes a bit, but stills afterwards as though enjoying the touch of my hand. Throwing glances around the ranch, I try to copy every part of it into my memory box with a smile.
"Are you okay, Ms. Kira?" Julian snaps me from the clouds, and I quickly sniff away the discomfort.
"Yap, kiddo. I was just leaving, by the way," I tell him, and he glares at me as though he doesn't buy my words at all. "Would you like to have this?" I take off my watch that I bought recently.
I noticed him wearing this haggard one that looks at least ten years older than himself.
Julian stares at me wryly. "Why are you giving that to me?" he asks, and I almost roll my eyes.
Of course he is as proud as his boss. But two can play this game.
"Forget it, if you don't want." I start fastening back the straps, and he quickly grabs it.
"I'll take it, thank you," he says dryly.
I smile triumphantly. "Okay, stay well." I pat his head, but he dodges fast, which makes us both laugh. "Good bye, big guy," I whisper to Charlie, and with that I leave them behind.
"Kira," Julian calls after me, just before I get away.
"Yes?" I turn around, smiling.
"He likes you," he says, and I frown a bit. "No, I think he loves you."
"What—“
"Forget it! Just go!" he now lashes at me.
"Huh?"
"I knew you were dumb." He pouts, and dives inside the fence.
Laughing, I leave with my head bigger. Yes, I know he likes me.