Vino stepped out of the plane with Elise by his side, he reached out to take his carrier bag and pulled Elise closer to him, he called something to his pilot who nodded at him before he turned and walked down to the room where he had glimpsed Skylar standing with Paula laughing at something she said...
Initially, he wasn't interested in things like this__ He would have liked to have remained in the office, getting busy with work and depending on it to take his mind off Skylar's dating Gian. Speaking of Gian, he saw him perched on one side of the hotel, facing a canvas as he drew a boy who was standing in front of him, an excited smile on his face as he was happy to be his model.
"Look who we've got here. I never believed you would come" Paula called excitedly as she walked closer to smile up at Vino as soon as she saw him approaching them. Her smile disappeared as soon as she saw the lady with him
Vino turned away from Gian to smile at Paula as he went around to pull her in for a hug "Paula," He greeted her with a broad smile on his face "I couldn't resist your promise of relaxation. `` He called to her while closing his eyes to breathe in the scent of the fresh flowers around him. It was surprisingly soothing to him as he never believed he could be this calm.
"And I see, you've brought your shadow with you" Paula replied as she threw fleeting glances to Elise before averting her gaze.
Vino chuckled softly as he collected his keys from the receptionist who was smiling up at him "I know what you mean, but you know I can't do without her. She's the mother of my daughter" Vino replied, trying to hide the smile on his lips as he winked at Paula.
"So, you say. I can't believe she's someone's mother" Paula replied as she rolled her eyes at Elise who was behind Vino ignoring her. Vino paused as his eyes found Skylar, he sucked in breath as he took in her ever perfect skin, her lush lips. He squinted his eyes as he saw that she looked different from the last time he had seen her. She had gained flesh in every part of her body and he liked it___ no, Gian would like it since she chose him over his love for her. Vino shrugged as he turned to brush past Skylar without acknowledging her presence.
"I heard that," Elise called behind her back, glaring at Paula who was happy to return her gaze.
"You were supposed to hear that" Paula replied as she stuck her tongue out at Elise retreating back before turning to Skylar who stood beside her quietly as she observed everything around her.
"Can you believe that girl?" Paula called to Skylar shaking her head lightly as she pointed to Elise who was going up the stairs, her hands wrap around Vino, her head rested on his shoulder as her lips curled up in a coy smile at Skylar who pretended she didn't know the meaning behind her smile
"It isn't her fault, you started it" Skylar replied, shrugging as she made to step out of the reception. She stood gazing out toward the sea which was overflowing with pure blue water, as she tried to bring her breathing back to normal.
Seeing Vino just now had excited and scared her as she had longed for him to call a word of greeting to her, rather he had to bring Elise here. What does this mean? Is he trying to stuff it in her face that he wasn't interested in her anymore? And to think that she had thought they could use this vacation to sort out their differences. How can they do that now with Elise here?
"Penny for your thoughts. Seriously, what are you thinking about so deeply?"
Skylar turned to see Paula staring at her with a frown on her face. She didn't notice her coming to stand beside her. She smiled and shook her head.
"Nothing. I'm just wondering what we are going to be doing here in two weeks. And if I would ever survive it" Skylar replied, sighing heavily as she turned to look back at the stairs where Vino had disappeared to. She couldn't help wondering what room he was in?
"You mean Vino? Don't worry about him, I'm sure he will come around" Paula told her, already dragging her hands to the sea where little children were playing excitedly.
"I need you to take your mind off whatever is bothering you. Forget for a moment that you are pregnant with Vino's baby and let's enjoy this vacation. Can you do that?" Paula turned with a serious explanation to meet Skylar's scared face as she bit her lips to keep her from crying.
"I don't know if I could ever pretend that his child is growing in me. I can't do anything without being scared of harming the baby. How do you expect me to forget that?" Skylar screamed in anger before turning to storm out of the reception, walking down to the shore to try to clear her mind. It's funny how a man who was responsible for her clear state of mind now makes her agitated at every point in time.
"What's wrong with her? And what did I hear about her having a baby?"
Paula turned immediately to the voice that had asked that question. She feared anyone finding out about their little secret. She couldn't even imagine what Vino would do when he did find out. She relaxed as soon as she saw Ernesto standing beside her with a forlorn look on his face.
"Mi Amor" Paula called to her husband before heaving a sigh of relief. For a second there she thought someone else had overheard their conversation. She turned to look fleeting at Skylar who was kicking pebbles down the shore before turning to Ernesto
"Yes, she's pregnant for Vino" Paula admitted to her husband who gasped in shock at her.
Ernesto's eyes widened in shock as he turned to stare at Paula, flabbergasted "For real? How come I never heard of this from Vino? And why is she behaving like it isn't a good thing?" Ernesto asked her, he was so confused right now. Lots of things were wrong with Vino and he never noticed. He had been so busy with work that he had neglected Vino... Maybe they could bond with this vacation. He will make sure to apologize to Vino and make up to him.
He knew Vino had always loved kids and wanted to have a house full of them but what he couldn't understand was why Vino would keep his baby with Skylar a secret. As far as he knows, he wasn't in love with Elise but loved Skylar dearly.
"You don't understand. They are no longer together. It's kind of complicated" Paula replied, shrugging as she turned in the direction of the ocean which Skylar had taken.
"And I suppose this has something to do with a certain friend, right?" Ernesto asked softly as he turned to see Gian putting finishing touches to his drawing, his eyes going to the shore to watch Skylar with a frown on his face.
Paula nodded, as she also averted her gaze from Gian. If only she knew he would be the welding block in their relationship, she wouldn't have encouraged Skylar that night. Her heart bled for her friend. Ever since she had become a love counsellor, she had never seen this kind of love story so true, pure and unadulterated but made to be apart through circumstances. It brought tears to her eyes knowing that she couldn't do anything to help Skylar. All her courses at the university and money couldn't bring her friend the happiness she deserved
"It's okay. I'm sure everything will be alright. Come let's go home, the night is fast spent" Ernesto called to his wife as soon as he scented the shift in the atmosphere, knowing Paula it wouldn't be long before she started crying for things she couldn't do for Skylar. He pulled her closer to him and kissed her softly on her forehead. He turned to lead her back into the house while comforting her in his arms. He knew his wife was getting closer to the American female since she proposed they buy a house here in New York City but he didn't know they were this close that they share secrets together.
***
The following morning was the worst day of her life, right to waking up after tossing and turning on the bed without getting any sleep. She had got up intending to start the day early but that wasn't going to happen. If only she knew, she would have rejected Paula's offer of a vacation.
"Babe. Are you okay?" Paula asked Skylar as she reached to hold her hands across the table. Giving it a gentle pat, she withdrew her hands and waited for her response. She had noticed her sad expression all morning and even right now at the breakfast table. She was dying to know what happened at her walk last night especially after she had seen her returning with a wet dress and an unhappy Vino walking rapidly to his room.
Vino turned as soon as he heard Paula's question. His eyes found Skylar's eyes across the table two seats away from him. He wanted to ask her if she was alright but couldn't bring himself to do so especially after he saw Gian wrap his hands around her and smile at her like she was his...
He was so scared last night after he saw her drowning in the water. At first, he thought she was only faking it to grab his attention but____Vino shook his head, trying to rid himself of that thought. Memories of Skylar lying lifeless in his arms as he fought to bring her back cause his heart to contrite in pain as his hands sought water on the table. He downed it once before averting his gaze from them to call something to Elise who was smiling up at him.
"I'm okay," Skylar whispered to Paula. For once she had glimpsed the old Vino in her eyes as he comforted her in his arms last night but it only lasted for a few seconds before he let go of her and rushed away like she was some kind of plague. Is that how much he hates her? Skylar called in her mind as she tried to hold back the tears in her eyes. If only she wasn't pregnant? If only they could go back to before. She would gladly tell him that she loves him so much!
"Are you sure?" Paula asked her as she searched her face for any sign of discomfort. Ever since waking up this morning, she had noticed that Skylar was a bit reserved and kept to herself. Was it something Vino said to her? Just what the hell happened between them last night? Paula groaned to herself as she turned immediately as soon as she felt Ernesto's hands on her shoulder. She saw the worried look on his face as she straightened and nodded to him just as she caught the waitress coming over with their food.
"Take a deep breath, darling. You are making everyone suspect that something is going on with your constant worry" Ernesto warned his wife as soon as he felt neither Vino nor Elise wasn't looking their way anymore.
Paula nodded as she smiled up at him, just so sweet of Ernesto to worry about her" I'm sorry, I was only trying to look out for her. It was my promise to her mom" Paula smiled as she remembered her last words with Mrs. Evans who was reluctant in letting Skylar accompany her but after Paula had reassured her, she caved in.
"I understand but you're already drawing suspicion to her" Paula turned to look at where Ernesto was looking out only to see Elise glaring at Skylar, her facial expression betraying the curiosity beneath their depth.
Paula sighed heavily before turning to her food which the waitress was kind enough to dish out on each of their plates before leaving them to enjoy their meal in peace. Her hands picked up the fork beside the plate and dug into the food but paused as soon as she heard a groan. She looked up hurriedly to see Skylar trying to reign in her nauseousness as she groaned and stood up from the chair hurriedly causing it to stumble behind her as she was feeling the need to throw up.
"Are you alright?" Paula panicked as she rushed behind her, both searching for the next bathroom for her to do her business while Paula couldn't help wishing that it would be okay with her. She couldn't bear losing her only friend