12 I promise

Calm.

Just like the sea. That's what I've been feeling when I started snorkeling. The sea bed underneath is undeniably beautiful. School of different kinds of fishes, gardens of colorful corals.

It took me twenty minutes before I decided to go back to the shore, where the tour guide and the resort's crew are waiting. I untie my bun and let my hair fall.

I was told to eat my lunch first before we head to the next island... Virgin Island. It was too hot for my liking when we reached the island but still, I had fun. No trees can be seen. It is an island made up of purely white fine sand. I did not stay for long since I can't take the heat anymore.

We were almost on the shorelines of the resort when I saw a familiar face staring darkly at me. My heart starts to pound frantically at the sight of him.

What is he doing here? How did he know about where I am?

When the boat stops, I slowly went down. He offered his hand but I ignored it. I ignored his help even though I somewhat needed it. I walk past him as if I don't know him. I won't play your stupid games anymore Bastien.

Thank God! He did not follow me here in my room. What is he doing here by the way? I should probably just call the restaurant to just send my food here later.

I was about to go inside the bathtub when I felt a searing tick inside my brain. I hold onto the wall trying my best to stay calm. It hurts! My legs are shaking and went wobbly. I sat on the floor and wrapped myself. It is one of those times where I can barely hold myself from the pain. I wrapped my head with both of my hands as I slowly lose consciousness.

Everything went black.

I thought I was going to die without even saying goodbye to my parents. I don't know how long I passed out all I know is that I woke up to this loud noise coming from the banging of my door. I would be lying if I told you that I wasn't scared. It was my first time to pass out like that from the pain. And the worst part is that I was alone.

I fix myself first before I open my door. There I saw who it was. The man who I thought would never come back. Basti is here looking so worried and frustrated. He's intensely looking at me like he knows something was wrong. He checks every corner of my body that I kind of felt awkward.

I was about to say something when he engulfed me with his tight embrace. I can feel his heart beating so fast. And I can feel myself feeling at peace with his embrace. It feels like all my fears and anxiety awhile ago vanished as soon as I felt his embrace. This is wrong but feels right at the same time.

It took him some time before he lets me go. He was holding my shoulders and was looking straight into my eyes. He swallowed hard before he starts asking.

"Are you okay?"

Am I okay? My mind is on haywire right now. Knowing that I almost couldn't make it a while ago scares me the most. What if I hit my head on the floor or what if ...

My eyes were probably giving him my answer when my mouth has decided to shut up.

Without further ado, he hugs me tight again. Locking and keeping me safe in his arms. When I felt his warm hug, my tears start falling. I didn't mind ruining his shirt with my tears. I didn't mind that I might regret this later. I didn't mind feeling vulnerable in front of him.

All I know is that I needed this. I need his embrace.

When he felt that I was a little bit calm, he lets me sit on my bed. He then goes to my closet and grabs a white shirt and puts it on me. I did not protest. I let him be. I was tired. I was feeling weak.

He then calls the reception, telling them to just deliver our dinner inside my room. I was silent and just looking at him while he did that. I wonder if he knows something. If he knew, how? Or maybe it was just a coincidence.

What would have happened if I did not hear his loud banging on my door? Would I still wake up?

I probably should head back home or I should call Dr. Duazo about this. Maybe he'll figure it out.

"Where's your hairdryer, Belle?

"Huh?"

He stared at me before his eyes went to my vanity table. He grabs my hairdryer and went back to me. He turned it on and starts drying my hair.

"Come on you should eat your dinner."

I stared at him. Why is he here? Why is he taking care of me now?

"Okay..."

I slowly eat my food. He hasn't said or asked me anything yet. He was just taking care of me the whole time since he barged into my room. I should probably ask him, why he's here right?

"Bastien, uh-can I ask you a question?"

I watch him giving me all his attention. He nods his head and waits for me to continue.

"Why are you here?"

He swallowed hard and then stared at me. I nervously waited for his answer.

"I'm here because you're here, Belle."

I did not say anything after he said that. I did not know what to say. All I know is that my heart was beating so fast, that my hands were all sweaty. I also felt relieved that he was just being nosy to where I was. I thought he knew...That's good though. It's good on my part. I don't want his pity.

After our dinner, he stayed for a little while. He was making sure I was fine.

"Should I turn off all the lights or should I just leave it on?"

"Off please."

"Okay."

I thought that was it. But boy I was wrong. He went beside me. He's making sure that my comforter is covering my whole body. He brushes my hair that was covering my face and put it behind my ears. He stared at me and then he kissed my forehead.

"Good night Belle!"

I was still staring at the door when he left. Strange but I found myself at peace.

I slept well that night regardless of what had happened that day. The next morning, I woke up early, feeling so good, that I decided to go for a jog beside the sea.

I grab my earphones and went outside my room. It was still so early in the morning, that the shore was not that crowded yet.

I stop on my track as I watch the sunrise. It had been years since I witnessed a sunrise. Never been a fan of it. I was more of a sunset lover type of person.

The easterly cold wind blew and makes me shiver. I should probably go back now. I'm all sweaty and I'm feeling a little bit cold. I waited for the sun to fully rise before I head back to my room.

When I reached my room, there I saw Basti standing outside my room. He was about to knock on my door. When...

"Yes?"

He looks at his watch before he looks at me. Maybe he's wondering why was I so early today. He knows that I was not a morning person.

"Uh-hi! Good morning!"

I went to him. He makes way for me. I inserted my key and went inside. He went inside too.

"I see that you went for a jog. Did you eat your breakfast already?"

"Not yet. Would you like to drink some water?"

He shakes his head. I put my glass on the sink before going back to the mini living room. I saw him follow me.

"Can I instead invite you to eat breakfast with me?"

"Hmmm...okay."

I had been thinking. Why waste my time hating and feeling the acid of bitterness within me against him, when I could just let myself loose a little bit? I had nothing else to lose.

I feel safe when I'm with him. Why do I have to deprive myself when I know that I'm happy with him.

I took a shower and dress for our breakfast together. He was waiting for me at the restaurant. The food was already there when I arrived. We ate our breakfast in silence.

That whole day. I spent my day with him. We also ate lunch together. I decided not to go out today because of what happened yesterday. He accompanied me wherever I went. Just like what he always did years ago.

We are now both watching the sunset. I am sitting on a sun lounger while he is standing next to me. I took a picture of the majestic view in front of us. I can't help but sigh. I survive today.

I was about to tell him that we should go back inside when he suddenly embrace me with his warm and tight hug.

"I'll always gonna be here for you. I'm never walking away from you, Belle. This time, I promise you that."