CHAPTER 05

After the excruciating long-ass flight, Hunter and I arrived at Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport at 2:10 pm on the dot. By that time, my head is already pulsing from jet lag. I've been traveling with Hunter from time to time, pero ang jet lag lang ang downside ng lahat.

Though I'm kinda happy that Nassau has the sun up and shining. It's beautiful enough that I'm tempted to sunbathe. I'm wishing that I'm under the sun right about now, my skin is covered with sparkly white sand, and later be soaked in the salty blue sea...

"Can we swim later?" biglang tanong ko.

Hunter glanced at me, "We can swim all day tomorrow, we should rest later..." sagot nito.

I chose not to answer. Wala na rin naman akong maisasagot. Since it's Hunter, it's already given that I'm less smart when we're together.

Paglabas namin ng arrival gate ay agad kong natanaw ang isang lalaking naka-uniform na may hawak na placard na may pangalan Hunter. I'm looking at the man as I lean closer to Hunter, "Are you looking for a serviceman?" I asked him. Tumango lang siya at luminga-linga tapos ay bumaba ang tingin sa kanyang phone. I tapped his shoulder and gestured over at the man with the placard, "He's right over there, Hunt." bakas na sa boses ko ang pagod.

After going through a 20-hour flight plus the 8-hour layover in Dubai and a 4-hour layover in New York, a 32-hour flight in total...

My bum kind of aches from all the sitting and my feet hurts from walking all over the airport. Sooner or later, I can feel my calves cramping.

"That must be the transport service from Atlantis," he said, absentmindedly putting his phone in his pocket.

"Atlantis!" I laughed, "The expensive Atlantis!"

"Yes, yes, Julianne! Keep up!"

"Which tower of Atlantis, Hunt?" I asked, with kindled interest.

"The Reef..."

Tumangu-tango ako at isinukbit ang kamay ko sa braso niya. I was grinning from ear to ear despite the exhaustion. Quite cheery from the tired lil' ol' me.

The man smiled at the sight of us coming towards him. Kahit ako ay mangingiti kapag si Hunter na ang lalapit sa akin.

"Are you the one fetching us?" he asked the smiling man, "I'm Hunter Huntington." pinakita niya pa ang kanyang litrato sa pasaporte.

"Yes, Sir." tumangu-tango ang lalaki. "Let me help you with your cart, Sir," we said excuse to the group of people waiting for their new arrivals.

Sumunod kami sa unipormadong lalaki patungo sa kotse. Hunter helped him load the luggage at the back of the black SUV. Pinapanood ko lang sila hanggang matapos sila. Tapos ay inalalayan ako ni Hunter makapasok sa kotse.

"Does my room is just across yours?" tanong ko nang makapasok na si Hunter.

"Are you not in the same room Mr. and Mrs. Huntington?" the driver asked, he's looking at us from the rearview mirror.

Nilingon ko si Hunter and he did the same, I was the first to crack. I laugh so damn hard that I barely heard his laughter.

"We're not married, we're just friends." sabi ko, natatawa pa rin.

"Oh! I thought you're married, I'm sorry," he looked conflicted by the end he just smiled, "It's just that you look good together..."

It was not the first time that we heard such a thing. But mostly, they're saying that we are a couple. Not a married couple.

"This man here," turo ko kay Hunter, "He's way out of my league..." I grinned at Hunter who's watching me now with his normally stoic face.

Madalas kaming pagsabihan ng mga tao na hindi sila naniniwalang magkaibigan lang kami. Hindi daw kasi dapat maging magkaibigan ang isang babae at lalaki.

Kahit ako ay alam iyon. Alam ko na dapat hindi kami magkaibigan. Alam ko.

Pero gusto ko andoon ako sa pagkakataon na ikasal siya. Gusto ko makita siyang masaya. At saka ko lang hahanapin ang para talaga sa akin.

I gave him a smile despite the exhaustion I was feeling. I'll be here for you. Kahit mukhang pabigat lang ako. I'll be Hunter's pain in the ass. Always.

25 minutes later we're in the lobby of the hotel; Atlantis, The Reef. The hotel is majestic and breathtaking. Hindi naman ito ang unang beses na pumunta kami sa isang mamahaling hotel.

Siya naman kasi ang gagastos ng bawat paglabas namin ng bansa. He could afford it anyway. If his employees earn 437.50 per hour; 17,500 per week; and 35,000 biweekly, while Hunter earns ten times bigger or so much more.

At least, he spends his money after earning a great deal. Ayoko magpangalan pero his brother spends more than he earns. Spoiled kasi. While Hunter was trained at a young age to work for everything.

Binuksan ko ang palad ko nang makita si Hunter na palapit sa akin, "Ang susi ng kuwarto ko?"

"We'll share." sagot niya, nakunot ang noo ko.

"Bakit tayo magshi-share?"

"Dulce booked for the 2 bedroom penthouse." walang ganang sabi niya bago nauna sa elevator.

"Tutuktukan ko 'yang sekretarya mo!" komento ko bago sumunod sa kanya.

"The transport is included when Dulce booked the room, including the welcoming earlier." sabi ni Hunter.

A bellboy and a concierge was with us and they're leading the way. Sila ang maghahatid sa amin sa kuwarto.

"Really? The Piña Colada is with the welcoming earlier?"

Tumango si Hunter, "Yes."

"Did you enjoy your drink?" I asked papasok kami ng elevator.

"Yeah, I think with that I'll take a nap," sabi niya at kinusot ang mata, "The Bahama Mama's swig of Bacardi black and the rum took my jet lag to skyrocket."

"Okay, I'll take a nap too..." my voice almost cracks to exhaustion.

We reached the hotel room and the lady concierge opened the door for us. Hunter thanked them and gave them a tip. I quickly went my way to the guest room and without a doubt plopped on the comfy, beautifully made bed.

"My gosh! This feels like heaven!" I sighed as I feel the sweet ache of my limbs slowly disappearing.

"Do you wanted this room or do you want to be in the master bedroom?" Hunter asked, him standing right outside the door.

"Nah. This room is fine." I shouted back.

I didn't hear any more response from Hunter so I was immediately pulled to sleep. I didn't know what time it is, but I was awakened from the constant knocking on the door. I grunted with a frown because I wanted to stay in bed.

Sadyang nakakapagod naman talaga ang bumiyahe. Gusto ko mang manatili rito sa kama at matulog pero kumakalam ang sikmura ko sa gutom. The last meal I have was on our flight from New York.

Nilingon ko ang nakasarang pinto nang isang katok ang nagpaupo sa akin.

"Aren't you feeling hungry?" Hunter asked from the other side of the door.

"Yeah," I shouted, "I'll just take a quick shower!"

I didn't wait for any reply from Hunter, I just rushed into the bathroom for a quick shower. After I dried myself, that's when I notice that my luggage isn't in my room. I grabbed the robe and tied it tightly before making my way out.

I spotted Hunter sitting on the couch, like a king, and staring at me from where I'm standing.

"I'll just take my luggage inside and I'll be back in a second," I told him.

Ramdam ko ang patuloy niyang paninitig kaya't nilingonan ko siya.

Nakasalung-baba na siya ngayon at namumungay ang mga matang nakatingin sa akin, "Do you need help?"

I huffed, "Yes, please..."

Binuhat niya ang luggage ko na animo'y walang bigat iyon. Inilapag niya iyon sa kama.

"Don't mind me, take your time..." he said before closing the door behind him.

That's odd. Ayaw niyang pinaghihintay siya. Nagkibit balikat na lang ako at nagsimulang magbihis.

I rummage my luggage for a maxi dress or just a casual dress I could wear for dinner. Maya-maya rin kasi ay magpapalit ako sa usual na camisole at dolphin shorts na aking pantulog.

Sa huli ay napili ko ang isang puting spaghetti-strapped dress na hanggang tuhod ang haba nang palda. Isa iyon sa summer collection na gawa ko two years ago.

"Let's go!" I announced as I went out of my room.

Tumayo si Hunter mula sa pagkaka-dekuwatro sa couch at lumapit na sa akin. He guided me out of the room, his hands resting on the lower part of my back.

"I know when you're hungry, you prefer buffet..." Hunter teased when we arrived at Poseidon's Table. It catered to Mediterranean types of cuisine. It has three stations and a center island display.

The receptionist gave us seats near the Mediterranean station. My eyes already spotted Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rigatoni, Pasta Fagioli, and Lasagna.

"On our way here, I spotted chicken on the Caribbean station," nakasimangot ako kay Hunter, "And we're in front of," I eyed the modern table with platters of salmon, lamb, and salads.

Hunter smirked, "Maybe, you should start eating green?" mapanuyang sabi niya.

I made face, "No thanks, kahit pa maglakad ako ng malayo para sa fried chicken..." I paused, tinatanaw ko ang medyo malayong istasyon ng pagkaing Caribbean, "I can handle it, for chicken!"

Tumayo ako at iniwan si Hunter sa mesa namin, I went to the Caribbean station and started snatching up grilled jerked chicken breast and butter garlic rice for my Asian ass.

Pagkabalik ko ng aming mesa, I found Hunter already eating spaghetti and meatballs.

"Try the pasta, their sauce tastes fresh..."

"Okay, maybe later..." sagot ko at umupo na.

I got full by the time I was at my eighth plate. I have tried Mediterranean, Caribbean, Hearth Oven, and even mouth-watering pastries! All that for 70 dollars!

Hunter paid in cash, he even insisted to walk on the beach just to burn a bit of what we just ate. Pumayag ako upang mapababa ang mga nakain ko. I admit the food impressed me since I liked a few cuisines. The Mediterranean food wasn't that bad.

The sand and water glittered at the moon's beam. The wet white sand filled in the crooks of my feet as the waves wash it away.

"Let's do watersports tomorrow." Hunter said.

"Okay." I agreed.

I smiled as my feet gets buried at the wet sand as we walk the shoreline of Paradise Beach. Ang ganda ng kabuuan ng dagat sa repleksyon ng kalangitan na puno ng bituin.

Nilingon ko si Hunter na nakatingin sa payapang dagat. I wonder what's he thinking about.

"We should head back, if we want to do watersports tomorrow..." I gave Hunter a smile.

Tumango siya. Bumalik na kami ng hotel, at our room.

"Sleep well, Julianne..."

"You too, Hunt!" I smiled at him before closing my bedroom door.

Three days on the magnificent island of Nassau, we had visited breathtaking views, dipped in the clear blue sea, sunbathed on white fine sand beaches, and ate Bahamian authentic cuisines.

On our fourth day, we decided to stay in the hotel and look around. Binisita namin ang lagoon, Atlantis has about 14 lagoons that showcased 20,000 tropical fish and aquatic animals.

Parang batang manghang-mangha ako nang masulyapan ang isang manta ray na napadaan sa paningin ko. It swiftly glided the water like a plane under the water.

Pagkatapos ng ilang minuto lang na pagtingin-tingin sa mga isda at iba pang hayop na naroon ay nag-aya si Hunter na mag-swimming sa pool. Sumunod naman ako. It would be a waste of money not to take a dip on the hotel's beaches or their pools.

Sayang ang binayaran niyang sixty dollars per day plus the twelve percent VAT!

Pinapili niya ako kung alin sa labing-isang pools ng hotel kami lalangoy. But then I chose the Royal Baths. I decided on the name itself, it's so classic and monarch stuff.

After we ate our lunch, we took a break for half an hour before changing to our swimwear. I wore a black plunging one-piece and knotted a sarong on my waist.

Lumabas ako ng kuwarto ko at nadatnan ko si Hunter na naka-gray muscle tee at swimming trunks. A white towel draped on his right shoulder. He looks so handsome while texting someone on his phone.

"Let's go?" I asked.

Nilingon niya ako, "Yeah, let's go."

Walking the hallway, "Who are you texting, Hunt?" I asked him, nonchalantly.

"My aunt."

"Your aunt?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

He turned to look at me, "Why?"

I continued looking up ahead, "Nevermind..."

I may have strayed a bit off the line, but I'm just curious. Baka hindi naman iyon ang tita niya. Maybe that's Mayana or Jessie. Kinailangan ko rin na isipin na hindi naman kami para mag-inarte ako.

Silence ruled as we enter the elevator. I didn't bother to look his way, kahit ramdam na ramdam ko ang paninitig niya sa akin.

Ako pa ang unang lumabas nang magbukas ang pinto ng elevator. Nagpatiuna sa paglalakad papuntang pool.

We arrived, me leading the way and him following me, at the infamous Royal Baths. Palm trees are scattered all over the place, sun loungers, and gorgeous underwater mosaics.

Soothing music is playing creating a relaxing and romantic ambiance. The iconic The Royal is the backdrop.

Inilapag ko ang towel, phone at tinanggal ang suot kong sarong. Tinitigan ko si Hunter na umupo sa katabing sun lounger.

"It's Auntie Elizabeth," he said, dead serious.

"Yeah alrighty.." sagot ko bago nilapitan ang pool at nilublob ang parehong paa bago tuluyang lumangoy sa medyo malamig na tubig ng pool.

I enjoyed swimming in the cool water of the Royal Baths pool, my anger somehow slowly disappearing. Nang maging okay na ang pakiramdam ko at umahon na ang namuong inis ay umahon na rin ako ng pool.

"You done?" he asked, soaked in the sun and wearing his wayfarers.

"For now, yes..." inabot niya sa akin ang tuwalya niya.

Umupo siya sa edge ng pool, "It's my turn to take a dip, you stay watch..." he smirked before taking a swim.

"Bastard!" I shout right after him when his feet splashed my face with water.

I dried my body with Hunter's towel before wrapping the sarong on my waist again. Ipinalit ko ang towel ko para sa towel na iniabot niya kanina.

Isinuot ko ang wayfarers ko at pumikit. My body soaking the sun's rays' heat before Hunter's phone started ringing. Nilingon ko ang phone niyang naroon sa sun lounger.

Auntie Eli (US) is calling...

"Hunt!" I called him. He took a dip and hasn't come back - well, he just left so he wasn't coming back in a jiffy. Tumayo ako at inabot ko ang phone niya. Hindi ko napigilan na sagutin iyong tawag ng tiyahin niya.

"Hello, po?" I politely said when I answered the phone.

"Who's this? Have I dialed the wrong number?" she, the caller, frantically asked.

"Uhmm, are you looking for Hunter, Ma'am? He's taking a dip."

I heard her sighed, relieved. "Where is he?" medyo kontrolado na ang boses niya ngayon.

"He's swimming po, but I can relay a message po."

"What's your name hija?"

"My name is Julianne, and I'm Hunter's friend."

In my head, I can already imagine her raising a brow, "Really now? Can you tell me your whole name? Hunter must've told me about you but I only know those with full names..."

"Sure po, Julianne Averee Lustre po..."

"No, hun, full with the middle name."

Even with doubt, I told her, tinanong pa kung may dala ba kaming passport, driver's license, or birth certificate! Malamang ay dala namin ang passport! How come we're here in Nassau if we didn't fly right?

"Ugh, we're in Bahamas po," I answered as she asked where we are at active ang American number ni Hunter.

"Bahamas!" she exclaimed, "His granny wanted to see him! Would you visit Nevada?"

"I'll ask him po, Ma'am..."

"Oh, such nonsense! Call me Auntie Ellie! See you in Vegas!" sabi niya na parang sigurado siyang pupunta kami ng Las Vegas, tapos ay natapos na ang tawag.

I'm still skeptical about the call as I almost dropped Hunter's phone nang umahon ang gago sa harap ko. "You!" napairap ako nang dumagundong ang halakhak niya. "HA-HA funny!" I made a face.

"Are we good?" he asked.

"Yeap, we good." sagot ko, maingat na inilagay sa sun lounger ang phone niya kung saan ko iyon kinuha kanina. Wala akong pambayad noon kung sakaling mahulog ko nga ang cellphone niyang iyon sa pool.

"Why are you holding my phone, by the way?" he asked, basang-basa siyang nakatayo sa harap ko.

"Tumawag ang tita mo..." sagot ko.

"Anong sabi?" nakakunot noong tanong niya.

"Visit your grandma daw."

"Do you want to go?"

"If I say yes, would we go?"

Mabilis siyang tumayo at kinuha ang phone niya. "Then let's go! Pack your bags! We're going to Vegas!" he said, smirking.

Iniabot niya sa akin ang kamay niya na tinanggap ko naman. He draped his towel and his muscle tee on his shoulder before wearing his wayfarers. 

Wow! I'm going to meet Hunter's Auntie Eli on Vegas!