The long school holidays has started, and the boys seem to be more energetic than usual as I made breakfast.But, it's not all fun and play for them. Because later they'll be helping out at Kris' café part time to save on their allowances. And will be nicely rewarded with a holiday trip together with Dave, Lester and Jacky. Of course, Kris and Greg will be watching over them.
While I on the other hand will need to go with Alex outstation to attend a conference event and meeting. And since it'll be only the two of us, I feel that it's time for him to know the truth. I did some last minute check on my luggage and made sure I brought the box along as well. I put on a simple t-shirt and jeans and waited for Alex to pick me up. About a few minutes later, there was a knock on my door and I went to open it. Alex was looking as good as he always does. With a navy blue shirt that was buttoned up with one left open, showing a bit of his chest muscles. The sleeves were short, revealing his strong lean arms that used to carry me up like how I used to remember. Then it tapered down his V-shaped waist that I remembered so clearly and ended with a pair of blue jeans that fitted his legs nicely and a pair of brown loafers.
"Ready to go?" He asked while giving me that gigawatt smile that I used to love so much.
"Sure...uhm...my bags are all here." I said and pointed to the bags beside the door.
"Great...make sure everything is switched off. I'll meet you at the lobby." He said as he took my bags and started to move towards the elevator. I did a quick check, locked the door and followed. Once I got out from the elevator, Alex was standing outside the main entrance.
"Wait here...I'll go and get my car." He said to me and made his way to the parking lot. A few minutes later, a sedan drove up and he got out to help me put my luggage inside.
"Let's go grab some food at Kris'. I'm starving right now." He said with a smile.
"Okay, I'll get a drink then. I've already had my breakfast. " I said as we got in the car and made our way to the café. The kids were waving their hands as they saw us entering the café. I gestured them to come over.
"This is Adam and Leon, the twins. The little one here is Timothy." I introduced the boys to Alex.
"Nice to meet you guys." Alex said with a smile.
"Nice to meet you too." The twins greeted as they shook hands. Little Timmy was hiding behind me.
"Awww...Timmy, Uncle Alex here is a very nice guy." I said to him as I kneel down.
"He's actually a superhero in disguise." I whispered in his ear. Alex gave me a curious look when he heard that statement.
"Really?" Timmy asked. There was a twinkle in his eyes.
"Yup...and I'll make sure to keep William safe and sound until we return." Alex said with a wink.
"Promise?" Timmy asked.
"I promise." Alex nodded his head. Timmy then went and gave him a big hug and Alex picked him up in his arms. If only the circumstances were different, my heart wouldn't feel the ache it's feeling right now. Alex proceeded to order a sandwich while I ordered iced chocolate. Dave and Lester proceeded with our orders as we took our seat and Kris joined us.
"I hope the boys were not troubling you." I smiled at Kris.
"Not at all, they were practically good little angels." He replies a bit louder on purpose for the kids to hear.
"And make sure you be good for the trip later, okay?" I reminded them again.
"Yeah, yeah, William. You have fun on your work trip too." Leon said to me.
"They don't call you Dad or Father or any of that sort?" Alex asked curiously.
"Nope...we're used to that routine. The important thing is that we will always have each other's back." I replied to him. He was deep in thought for a moment while munching on his sandwich.
"Well, I'm not gonna delay you guys any further...have a safe trip, have fun and hope everything goes well." Kris said as he got up and made his way to the counter.
"So, shall we make a move?" Alex asked after we have finished our meal and rested for a bit. I nodded and we got up to start on our journey. It was a five hour journey as we make occasional stops to rest and also to take in the beautiful scenery. Eventually, we have reached our hotel and proceeded through the lobby for check-in with our luggages in tow.
"Good morning, sir. How may I help you?" The receptionist smiled as she greeted us.
"Yes, I believe we have made reservations for Alex Moreno and William Kim?" Alex enquired as he stood next to me. Which made me felt a bit self conscious. The receptionist took a few minutes to check in the hotel system before confirming and handed us our keys.
"Kindly take the elevator to the highest floor to access the presidential suite. We hope that both of you will enjoy your stay Mr Kim and Mr Moreno." The receptionist said as we collected our bags and made for the elevator.
When we reached the top floor and entered our room, I was breathtaken. It was huge, nicely decorated and comes with a kitchen, living room and even a private pool outside and jacuzzi and bathtub in the shower room. In the middle if the bedroom was a single queen sized bed, which made me stopped in my tracks. Because it means that I'll be sleeping in the same bed together with Alex. And I felt my face heating up at that thought.
"Don't worry, I don't bite." Alex teased as he whispered in my ear and laughed at my reaction.
"Nor do I toss and kick around in bed a lot." He added as he put his luggage down.
"I knew that..." I muttered softly to myself. Thinking back about how it was when we were together. And fearing what might happen after tonight. We had a quick shower and changed into comfortable wear. When I came out from the bedroom, Alex was looking through the stocks in the refrigerator.
"Just relax while I make our dinner." He gave a warm smile as I blushed a bit. I went back to lie on the bed with the box that I brought along in my hand, going through the contents inside while he cooked our dinner. A delicious smell soon drifted into the room as he announced that dinner is ready.
"I hope you like the food." Alex said as I sat at the dinner table. I must admit, they do look quite tempting...just like the cook who made them.
"I'm sure they're delicious." I complimented and took a bite. Judging from his facial expression, he seems to like my response to his cooking.
"That's good...you know, those were his favourite food too." Alex said with a sad smile. And I was reminded of the food he used to cook back when we were still together. We continued to eat mostly in silence, with occassional chit chat in between.
As he cleaned the dishes and utensils, I looked at the box again and made my final decision as I stepped out of the room.
"Did something happened? You looked like someone whom you know just died." Alex said as he dried off his hands.
"Close...but that's not it..." I said as I took a sit on the couch while he sat on the other side.
"I think you should have a look first..." I said while passing the box to him. He had an awkward smile as he took it from my hand and opened to look at the contents. His face immediately changed while I waited for the worst outcome.
"What is the meaning of this?" He asked in confusion as he looked through the pile of envelopes in the box and pulled out a locket from the bottom. Our initials were carved on the outside and within it, was a picture of us on our first date as a couple.
"So, it really was you all along." Alex said in his icy cold voice. I flinched at his realisation.
"Yes, it was me all along. The one you loved, and the one you left broken hearted." I turned away to hide my tears.
"10 years, William. All those time I've waited for you, and I gave up when you wouldn't reciprocate. And now you are back!?" He raised his voice.
"Last I remembered, it was you who couldn't get committed. I thought we could be together forever but you pushed me away and shut me out. I left because I don't want to live everyday in the shadows of that memory." I cried and hit him on his chest.
"And Kris knew?" He held my hands to stop me.
"Yes, I told him to keep it a secret. So that I wouldn't have to let the past haunt me again. Just as how you have moved on with your life. Going to events and functions, always a woman by your side holding your arms." I said to him out of spite. He winced at that comment.
"Then you have never known me well enough. I suggest you read those unopened letters and reconsider your opinion...and have a great dinner." He said to me and left the room.
I slowly gathered up the contents and placed them back in the box. I sat at the dinner table, looking at food he has cooked, and took a bite. I ate in silence, and in tears as his cooking is just the same way that I liked it. I didn't have much appetite so I kept the leftovers, cleaned up and went back to my room and slept.
