9 CHAPTER 9: FIRST TIMER

Although I clarified that I am not a spy, it's clear that Liam was not convince. So after our breakfast, he gave me my bag and ordered me to prepare myself since he will accompany me to the lodge. I guess he'll show me the hotel. Good.

I took my clothes that Rika and Sheena washed and dried yesterday. That was the time I notice that I am wearing a dress. Long dress. I took a bath and wear my white V-neck t-shirt and my black skinny jeans. Looks like my sketchers are still in good condition. I only have two extra clothing in my bag, the others were lost in the sea.

I opened my bag and check all my stuffs. Cellphone, laptop, camera, chargers, notepad, passport, my one and only treasure that mom left--- the gold phoenix hairpin, then two sets of clothing. I'm good to go. For your information, my gadgets are water proofs and my things are put into a water proof bag. I searched for my wallet and check all the cards that I have. All my cards are present, thank God. I also check my European dollars. After counting it, I placed it back on my wallet and left it along with my gadgets.

I don't know how long I will be staying here but a week would be good already. I'm sure I will be able to write some good stories here. I smiled.

Last week, I resolved my itinerary for my next destination. It would be my Europe escapade. I've been to Europe before so I wanted to search for a new adventure. Then I heard some rumors about a lone island. I got curious so I joined the other hopeful travelers but we have never expected a shipwreck along the way. We were in the middle of the ocean and I consider it as God's miracle that I am still alive.

I am going to finish my tasks and leave this place as soon as possible. I've made up my mind.

"Miss Diana. They are all waiting for you downstairs." I heard Sheena spoke.

"I'm coming!" I yelled. Then I took my cam and placed it's handle around my neck. Maybe I could take a picture outside to somehow remember the way. I'm too bad when it comes to directions. And yes, I easily gets lost especially if it is my first time in a country. Google map couldn't even help me with that.

They were looking at me as I walk down the stairs.

"Big sis, what is that?" Rika pointed the camera.

"Oh this. It's a camera. I used this thing to take a photo of anything." I saw her eyes shone.

"Can we try? Can we try sis? Can you take a photo of us then?" She was jumping in joy.

"Of course, I love to." I smiled back and signaled them to line up. I took more than two pictures when Liam came in.

"Time to go." he said ruining our moment. Then I glanced at him.

"Liam, you want to join us first?" I tried to talk to him nicely.

"We don't have much time to play with you. do that next time." then he went out with a sour face. I bid farewell with the others and tried to catch up with Liam. To my surprise, I saw three horses outside. Asher was riding the other one then I saw Liam rode the other black horse. What am I supposed to do? I don't know how to ride a horse! Can I have a cab instead? I was talking to myself.

I saw Liam gestured me: what are you waiting for? Come on! but I stared at him guiltily.

"Don't you have a car? I- I don't know how to ride a horse!" I admitted. I saw Liam looked at me indifferently then he sighed before coming down from his big horse.

"Climb up."

"But I told you I don't know how to ride a horse!" I am about to cry.

"On my horse." He pointed a majestic black horse. I walked near it then I tried to climb but failed. His too big for me. I pouted. Then Liam climbed first then pulled me up so I could sit behind him. dang! This horse is too big. I'm afraid I might fall. I quivered.

"Hold on." I heard him say then I instantly embraced him tight while closing my eyes. I felt his packed abs within his shirt. I gulped then the horse started to move.

"Don't be stiffed. Just relax your body and sit evenly." He instructs me.

"I'm afraid. I don't want to fall!" I cried.

"Is this your first time to ride a horse?" he asked surprisingly. I nodded. I felt him sighed.

"Just relax. Trust me you won't fall," I tried to loosen my grip on his shirt and relaxed my body. I also opened one eye then the other. yet my heart is still racing within me. I might collapse if this continues.

"W-where are you taking me?" I suddenly asked.

"You'll know once we reach the place." He briefly answered.

"Okay. just don't sell me to anyone. They will surely butcher me for being so lazy." I joked but it's not effective. The fudge! Nice try Diana. I rebuked myself.

***

Unknown to Diana, Liam had been observing her carefully. It may look like he is not listening but he was actually observing her every action and every words. He gets it when Diana tried to joke around but her jokes are simply off. it's not effective and you'll just want to laugh at her efforts. Though he smiled within.

However, Liam and Asher didn't notice that a hoodie man has been following them secretly. As soon as they have reach their destination, the man immediately dash with the wind. Time to report to his master once again.