Eight

"I love you, Liana." Bulong n'ya. "I promise to be back,"

"Then you should! P-When you come back here, d-there should be a full body check if you have a scar!" I cried and I heard his soft chuckle on the other line.

"Alright," His deep voice said. "I love you. Can I hear you say it too?"

"No! You come back here and hear it yourself. Just, you'll come back here and take me back. I won't let us do it again when you get scratched! I have to do a full body checking--"

"Love you, Liana. Just tell me you wanted to see me naked." Tumawa s'ya.

"I hate you!" I exclaimed. "But I do, actually." I sneezed.

"Just, come back here! If there's even a scar on your fat ass, I won't answer you!"

He laughed on the other line, I bit my lip and gently hugged my sister who was already smiling at me.

"Okay, baby. I love you." He whispered. "I promise I will be back. I'll protect you."

I wasn’t on my own while fixing the hair, Ate Kary informed me about Lacy panty’s arrival and I immediately fixed myself to meet her.

Wearing on my lose shirt, cream shorts and slippers, I slipped out of the hallway.

I'm still drowsy because I slept late crying last night.

How foolish huh, Liana Baker. How stupid to assume again and again.

I was dumbfounded as I walked but almost jumped from the stand when I realized who else I had met.

I saw his eyes flickered when he saw me, I quickly averted my eyes and deviated from the path but almost jumped when he called me.

"Liana ..." He called.

I froze but then shifted my gaze at him and smiled.

"Yes?" I asked.

His forehead creased, I saw him staring into my eyes, seemingly looking for the wrong ss me.

"What is it, Mr. Adler?" I asked him.

He gulped, blinked and straightened up.

“About yesterday,” He said. I straightened up and it was as if no one had just glanced at him.

"What about it?" I asked.

"I was totally drunk that night and I thought ... I was only dreaming. I'm sorry if," His jaw clenched and looked at me, apologizing. "I denied we kissed. I went to Arrow yesterday and asked him about it--"

"It's gone," I laughed softly and looked at him. "You're right, we're both drunk. Maybe just really dreaming or carried away for a drink."

"No ..." He closed his eyes tightly and tried holding me but I took a step back. "Let me explain, Liana."

"That's not a big deal, Mr. Adler." I murmured. I may looked good now but my heart is breaking right now.

"Please, Liana ..." His licked his lip and saw the desperation on his eyes. "Let me explain, I'm sorry, please."

"I get it, okay? Don't explain anymore. We're totally cool." I said.

"I don't believe you," He retorted. "Let me explain my side, please? You weren't alright and I am not too, the words I said--"

"We flirted like two consenting adults and because we're drunk." I said calmly. "And you said it yourself, if you're not drunk, the last thing you'd do is to flirt with me."

His mouth parted, I saw how pain and regret crossed his eyes.

"Liana, I just ..." He murmured.

"This talk is non-sense," I shook my head.

"I'll explain," He said firmly. "I promise ... I denied it because I forgot it, I only have a glimpse and I thought it was just a dream."

"There's no use of explaining, Mr. Adler." I said calmly. "I'm enlightened, okay?"

"I-I'm sorry ..." He sighed desperately and ruined his hair. "I'm an asshole, I know. Please, I'm sorry, Liana."

"I hope it's that easy to fix when you say sorry." I smiled bitterly at him. "The guy who shot you and then just put on a band aid is fine."

His mouth parted, full of what emotion the eyes had.

He looks frustated and angry and I don't know.

"I-I'll make it up to you," He breathe. "I'm sorry ... I just ..."

"No worries," I shrugged. "That's it, Mr. Adler."

"Phoenix," He said, frustated again. "Call me that again."

"I'm a job to you and the contract has ended. Atleast, call you that so we're all professional." I smile. "Excuse me but I have a guest to attend."

He called me but I left straight away, I still walked straight but when I reached the stairs my knee weakened so I was very close to the handle.

I closed my eyes tightly and gasped.

Why are you still hurting, huh? What a fool you are! You're always crying for that man!

I went out of the pool area and when I saw Lacy panty sitting on the sun lounger my tears were already dripping and I approached her.

She smiled when she saw me, she thought I was in a good mood but when she saw me crying she lost her smile and quickly stood up.

"Lia--" I hugged her and she gasped.

"A-The pain, Elena." I gasped. "The s-sick!"

"Shit! What happened?" Her voice shook and hugged me back tightly. "What happened, Liana?"

I sniffed and cried softly on her shoulder. He just quietly hugged me and caressed my back.

"It's gonna be alright, I'm just here." Bulong n'ya.

He helped me sit on the lounger and let me wipe away my tears.

I sobbed.

"I-Is it about Phoenix?" She said. "I'm sorry, Liana, last time he called where you were at the bar when you ran away. I only told him because he said ... he'll watch over you."

I shook my head and looked at her, helping her wipe away my tears.

"I-I think I love him," I sighed and cried softly.

answer you if you have a scar!" I exclaimed.

"Oh my God ..." Her mouth parted. "W-What should we do?"

"I-I don't want to love him anymore." I shook my head. "I-I don't want to ... I-I wasn't informed that it hurts like this."

He didn't say anything right away, he just looked at me slowly, watching my face.

She sighed.

"It's my fault," he said. "If only you hadn't shinip to Lieutenant."

"W-It's not your fault," I sniffed. "It's to blame." I pointed my heart.

"Lia ..." He whispered into the air.

"I-I'm gonna be alright, Elena. I can do it, can I?" I smiled a bit and stared at her.

"I'll help you!" Said. "What do you want? Another date? Our list is next--"

"No ..." I shook my head and lowered my head. "I don't want to force it, maybe love isn't just for me."

"Lia," She sighed. "I-I'm sorry if I always push you with the boys, hmm? I just want you to be finally happy. I want you to overcome your fears and pain, so I thought maybe when you find the person for it will be okay with you ... "

"Thank you, Elena. For always thinking about me." I said softly and squeezed his hand. "I think I'll be fine in time, by myself. I realized I don't need a man to make me feel fine for now, what I need is myself. I need to forgive myself in time."

"In order to do that, you have to face those who were involved in your past." Said.

I nodded slowly, playing with my fingers.

"I-I can do that, someday. Right now, I'm scared to see someone who knows everything that happened, I was just ..."

"You can do it!" She cheered. "When you're ready, you can open up to me, you know that, right? Take a vacation, Liana. Enjoy for now and clear your mind."

I nodded, hugging her.

Like what my doctor said, I still can't open up to her ... or to my parents about my situation. They thought I was all good after I had sessions for my therapy but I really am not fine at all.

I haven't told them about my lost memories, the memories the trauma blocked from me. A week or two prior to the incident, I no longer knew what had happened. I was away from myself for a few months, repeatedly remembering what happened to Ate and me that now I can't fathom what happened before that.

I didn't even know how we got to the military site that time, to volunteer and help the soldiers.

I did have dreams and glimpses but I'm not sure if that's true or just what my brain is doing.

Lacy panty has already left but I'm frustrated while waiting for confirmation of my sinend request for the vacation I want.

I said goodbye to Mommy and Daddy and they agreed, all I needed was confirmation at Arrowa Amara to go to Lost Island! Hope to be approved!

I was sipping juice and sitting there because I had just finished swimming and was waiting for the confirmation that I sent thirty minutes ago.

"Duration ..." I complained boredly and sighed.

I froze when I saw Phoenix went out of our mansion and walked towards me. It's a good thing I'm shaded and I can't see my eyes.

He stood infront of me, blocking the sunlight touching my skin so I nodded and glanced.

"What?" I raised my brow.

"Aren't you hot?" He asked.

"No," I said. "What are you doing? Get out of there, you're blocking the sunlight!"

He didn't say a word, I was even surprised when he arranged the umbrella cover there and blocked me so I sighed.

His muscle clenched a bit with his moves. I gasped in astonishment at what he was doing.

"What's your trick, huh?" I asked.

He didn't say a word, the jerk even fixed my seat so I sighed.

"What?" I exclaimed.

"Nothing, just go and relax." He said and I removed the shades and glanced at him. "Are you okay or do you have amats?"

His eyes shifted to mine, I saw that he was stunned when he saw my eyes and when I realized that I was still lame with tears, I sneezed and returned the shades to my eyes.

"Fuck," He cursed and tried reaching for my glasses but I walked away from him and pout.

"Go away, Mr. Adler. You're ruining my mood."

"I won't disturb you," He sighed. "I'm sorry again, Liana."

"Whatever," I murmured and looked away to check my phone.

He sat quietly on the sun lounger next to me, I glanced at him for a moment like a fool sitting there but facing me, staring.

"What's your problem?" I said and looked at him.

"I'll just watch over you, I won't disturb you." She said softly.

"By staring at me like that? Go away, I don't want you here." I'm away.

"I won't ... talk to you. I'm just here." He said.

I no longer answered, I glanced at my phone and refreshed my email.

"What's that?" I almost jumped in panic when Adler was next to me and peeked at my phone so I pushed his forehead and sat up.

"Can I?" I hissed. "Touch me, pity me."

"Are you on vacation?" He said softly but I didn't answer.

"None of your business, go away." I murmured and pushed him. He sat down on the lounger next to me again and just glanced.

I refreshed my emails again after a few minutes and glance at Phoenix. I saw him typing something on his phone, looking serious.

I flew into the air and removed my shades, I crossed my legs and sipped on my juice until my phone rang for a notification.

I jumped in shock, I quickly reached for my phone and my heartbeat quickened due to the shock of what I saw and clicked the email.

Good day,

Thank you for taking interest in visiting The Lost Island. I am sending you this email as a confirmation that you are granted with your request.

As a sign of gratitude for taking interest, I am giving you (2) two free tickets to the island where you can bring a friend, love ones or a family member to enjoy the island with you.

Welcome to the island where the love that was once lost was found again.

Enjoy!

Regards,

Prince Arrow M. Adler

CEO, Arrowa Amara Chain and Hotels Inc.

"Oh my God!" I exclaimed at the top of my lungs. "I am grated! For free!"

I was seriously happy! I smiled big and suddenly caught a glimpse of Phoenix who was just looking at me, with a hidden smile.

When we looked at each other I glared at him and arranged to sit down to formalize.

"Who should I bring?" I murmured softly, restless.

Someone sneezed next to me, when I glanced over I saw Phoenix raise his hand a little so I turned around and glanced at my phone.

"Anyway, I can do it alone." I whispered into the air, making a noise and when I glanced at my side its lips parted.

I smiled a little, I noticed that he typed again on the phone and later my phone rang.

Good day,

You are hereby granted, and will be accompanied by your personal tour guide, Phoenix Wrenan Adler to make your stay better.

Enjoy!

Regards,

Prince Arrow M. Adler

CEO, Arrowa Amara Chain and Hotels Inc.

"What the fuck?" I murmured, I stood up and glanced at Phoenix who was smiling there.

Why did I forget these two are brothers ?!

"What's your drama, huh, Adler?"

"What?" He glanced at me innocently and snorted.

"What what?" I gasped and stomped my feet. "I hate you! I'm leaving alone!"

I don’t care about you, Adler!

I spent my day arranging clothes to take in the suitArrowe for the island. I charged my go pro, cameras and phone for aesthetic photos of the island!

Take care of that, Phoenix Wrenan! Lelang mo, panot!

The next day, I was overly excited, I woke up at dawn. I had already announced to family and friends my departure to the island and they were eexcited for me.

I carried my suitArrowe down to the gate and still had a big smile when I saw the driver.

"Morning, Brother! How's the car? Let's go?" I said excitedly but the driver just scratched his head and glanced at me.

"Ah eh, Ma'am. I'm sorry but the car broke down." My mouth parted.

"What? How is that possible? The other car? My car?"

"No gas, Ma'am." He said and I blinked.

"H-Huh? How's that? E, the family car?" Shocked I said.

"They brought a Senator to Hill Valley," he said and I rubbed my forehead and glanced at my watch.

I am freaking late if I last!

"W-What should we do? I mean ... I'll be really late! Is there anyone who can take a quick ride to Arrowa?" I asked.

"Oh, ma'am." The guard there glanced at us. "There are tricycles that can go straight to Arrowa, you can make specials." He said

I bet that's it! I will make a special tricyle so that I can feel special!

"Okay okay!" I nodded. "Can you call me one? I really have to go."

"All right," The guard and the driver hurried out and Ate Kary approached me and Zest-o caught up with me.

"Oh, Ma'am Liana, I'll bury you." He said and I laughed and took it from him.

"Thanks, Ate!" I said. I opened the Zest-o and drank from it before looking around. "Did you see Adler?"

"Oh, Sir Phoenix?" Said. "Oh, no, let's leave early."

I nodded and grinned.

I can leave alone!

"Ma'am, there's a tricycle already." The guard peeked at me so I grinned and excitedly nodded.

"Bye, Ate!" I said excitedly to Ate Kary before pulling my suitArrowe out of the house.

I saw a familiar tricycle infront, I snorted when I saw the guard put my suitArrowe in there and I glanced at the phone because Mommy was texting.

"Ma'am, you're on board." The guard said.

I nodded, let them in and just looked up just after texting.

I'm sipping juice.

"Let's go," I froze.

I spilled the drink. I almost backed away from the stand when I saw Phoenix standing there next to the tricycle!

He was wearing a white shirt, denim pants and boots! He still had a towel on his shoulder and I almost fainted from what I saw.

"W-What the hell ..." I murmured. "W-What are you ?!"

"Driver?" He asked, confused and touched my forearm.

"H-Huh?" I looked at her outfit.

"Come on, we'll be late." He said and gently pulled me.

"W-What ..." My lips parted again and I sighed, in disbelief. "N-No way."

"Y-You don't like it?" He said and blinked there.

"H-Huh?" Tires I said. I walked away from him and picked up my suitArrowe. "I-I'm just going to walk!"

He blinked like a kid, confused. He grabbed her by the nape of the neck and was weakly depreciated.

"Fuck Arrow!" He murmured and violently swallowed me and stared in disbelief at him and the tricycle next to him.

"W-What has Arrow got to do with this?"

"He said this is effective to get a woman back!" He gasped, his jaw clenched. "Fuck it! Embarrassing!"

I suddenly laughed, he sniffed and the red on his face almost exploded. He cursed again and closed his eyes tightly.

"What the hell!" I laughed harder.

"And now you're turned off," He grinned and his jaw tightened, his cheeks and ears flushed.

                                                           

I can't stop laughing.

Phoenix frowned and frowned as he stared at me and waited for me to calm down with my laughter. I was touching my stomach, my eyes almost shined with my tears.

"You really obeyed, what?" Arrow smiled, still laughing in front of me.

"Fuck you, Kuya." Phoenix said emphatically, the used towel still on his shoulder.

I gasped more, Phoenix frowned more and I saw Freya laughing next to me but trying to be serious.

She was carrying Sirius, the very cute child was looking at me innocently and I covered my mouth to stop laughing.

"O-Oh my god ... I'm sorry!" I laughed.

"Look what you did!" Phoenix smirked at Arrow's laughter.

"Wait, let's sit down." Lars laughed at me and gently reached for my arm. We slowly sat on the sofa inside the lobby.

My cheeks heat up with laughter and I just try to calm down. I saw Phoenix kick his brother.

"You're kidding me, damn, you said that was effective?" The two quarreled in front of me and I calmed down to calm my laughter.

I bit my lip to stop myself. I saw Lars call and soon I had water so I smiled.

"Thank you ..." I murmured.

"It was effective on Eya!" Arrow also defended and glanced at the girlfriend next to me. "Right, Eya? Effective?"

Lars chuckled, shaking her head.

"Not really," She grinned and parted Arrow's lips.

"See? You're kidding me!" Phoenix's complaint.

"I don't!" Arrow grinned and marched closer to his mother and father. "Really, Eya? Ineffective?"

"I don't know about you, Arrow." Nailing Lars.

Arrow sniffed and glanced at the brother who was already frowning and looked irritated before approaching there.

"Maybe the driver isn't effective? Why don't you try the one selling fish?" It was another suggestion and I scratched my forehead and Lars snorted next to me.

I just stopped laughing at them when Riu approached me. I was blown away and amazed when he approached me and smiled.

"Hi, Auntie Lia." Ngiti n'ya.

"Hi, little boy!" Fill it. When I glanced at Lars he hugged me and smiled so I gently held Riu and pulled him closer to me.

"Riu please!" He introduced himself again so I giggled. I slowly carried him and let him sit on my lap while he's smiling while playing with my hair.

"Auntie, you're so beautiful." He said softly.

My cheeks flushed, Lars laughed next to me and I saw Arrow stand there smiling as well.

"R-Really? Well ... thank you." I said softly and stroked his forehead.

His green eyes shined while smiling at me.

"Auntie, crush us." My eyes widen.

Arrow laughed even more, when I glanced at Phoenix I caught his long snout there as he watched us.

He took a step forward, ready to approach but his brother frowned.

"Try to hit my son," Arrow grinned there.

"I won't," Phoenix said. "I'd rather you hit."

I softly hugged the bubbly little boy, Phoenix approached our place and I was surprised when he stretched slightly to offer his hand to Riu.

"Come here, boy. Let Uncle carry you."

"No." Riu snout and hugged me more. "I want Aunt Lia!"

"Come on here, Riu." Phoenix said like a gentle sheep talking to the child. "Uncle will give you chocolates--"

"I want Auntie Lia!" Riu said and hugged more.

"I know, I won't take her." Phoenix said and glanced at me. "Right now ... but come here, I'll give you chocolates."

My brow raised, I sniffed and watched Phoenix lure the child to the chocolate.

"But I want Auntie!" Sikmat nito.

"I want Auntie too," Phoenix said and I stopped.

There seemed to be thunder ringing in my ear and I saw how to stop Lars there.

Arrow smirked, when I glanced at Phoenix again he seemed to be boasting about his gaze on me.

My heart raced.

"I'll give you chocolates, can I have Auntie Lia now?"

"No!" Riu shouted. "Auntie Lia is mine! I'll crush her, Uncle! It's forbidden to grab a crush!"

"Then we both like her ... How's that?"

"W-What are you saying there, Adler ?!" I murmured sharply but Phoenix just nodded and turned to the boy.

"How about we make a deal?" Phoenix offered.

Riu looks somehow interested, he glanced at Phoenix who smiled.

"Auntie is old enough for you--"

"W-What ... Hey! I'm young!" I exclaimed but Phoenix ignored me and turned to Riu.