88 The Unknown Guest

Japan?!" I shouted as I heard the word. It is now the last month of the year which means it is now winter in Japan. The clothes I brought for me and Athena are for swimming and warm areas. How can we stand the cold? Nancy and mom also looked so surprised when Colin finally revealed our destination. Like me, I'm sure they also never expected that we will go overseas.

"Yes, Japan. Have you visited Tokyo before?" Colin asked.

"No. I never had any experiences going out of the country. The problem is it is winter there now. We don't have any winter clothes." I explained.

"We will buy. That is not a problem. We will drop by duty free stores later to buy everything we need for our trip. We need coats, warmers, boots and gloves. If you need other things like cosmetics to make your skins hydrated, you just pick them up and I'll take care of the payment." He then took Athena and carried her in his arms. "Do you like to go to Disneyland? We can see Micky Mouse there."

"Yes! I want to see Mickey Mouse," Athena replied.

"All is set then. Athena already decided. We will all go to Tokyo."

"Wouldn't that be too expensive? You've already did a lot of things for us. Going somewhere nearer is also fine with us." I feel uncomfortable with the thought of us going to Tokyo. I know how expensive it is to travel. Although I haven't had any first-hand experience of travelling, I have seen a lot of travel programs on TV. They had to prepare a lot of things and studied a lot about the places they visited. I don't know a thing about Japan. How can we transfer from one place to another?

"Relax, honey. Money is not a problem. All I want is for us to have a trip as a family. And besides, I have already paid everything for this trip. All we need to now is buy all the stuff that we need then take the plane going there. That's it."

Have a trip as a family. This is music to my ears. Who wouldn't feel happy travelling with the people you love? I have always wanted to travel but since I thought it is a very expensive activity, I never thought that it would come to reality.

"Let's go." Colin said. All of us followed him with our backpacks. After checking in, we visited a clothing store. He helped each of us get a coat that would look good on us. I couldn't help but admire his style of shopping, he never checked price tags. He focused mainly on the design and the color. He also took some gloves, thick socks, scarf and warmers. I was touched to see that the gloves he got for me, Athena and him have the same design. We then moved to a shoe store for our boots. While shopping, he made sure to look after Athena so I can focus on choosing what I want. He is such a gentleman and he never failed to make me feel that I am taken care of, something that I have never felt from Geoff. I guess Geoff really never loved me.

After shopping, we waited to board the plane in the VIP lounge. Colin booked business class seats for all of us. He constantly asks everyone, especially me, if we need anything or if we are hungry. He helped me carry my shopping bags while carrying Athena. I remember wishing in the past for me to meet a good guy. Colin is much more than what I have asked for. He is the man every woman would hope to be with. If our relationship turns out to be a lie later on, like what happened to me and Geoff, I wouldn't regret anything. Just being with him and experiencing all these things are enough reasons for me to cherish every moment we had together.

The trip to Tokyo was the best experienced I had in my life so far. I could see how happy Athena was for the entire Disneyland tour. We tried different rides and bought a lot of souvenirs. We also visited famous restaurants and their famous shopping area in Shinjuku. Actually, I didn't need anything. most of the things I got were for Athena, but Colin kept getting things like clothes and bags and insist they would look good on me. I wanted to refuse but he never listened to me.

"You have to get used to these things. it might take some time before we can come back to this place, so you have to get everything that you like. Don't worry about money." He told me many times. I can't help but feel very lucky to have someone like him. Meeting a man who would make me feel like a princess is already something to be thankful for but if that man would also love the people that you love, that means this man is very special.

On the third day, we had to prepare to go back home. The backpacks that we had when we came in Tokyo are now replaced with luggage filled with the things we bought from our trip. Mom and Nancy also looked very happy with the experience. And of course, the one who enjoyed it the most is my daughter. Our destination was chosen because of her. Even though we want to stay longer in Japan, we have to consider Colin's work. He has a company to run.

This trip made me realize a lot of things. It proved that I can fully trust my husband and that he is never like Geoff nor Lance. He's the real genie in my life and he's the one who made all my wishes come true. This time, I will be a better wife to him.

The next days passed by so fast and nothing unusual happened. Nancy and I stopped planning our revenge for Ericka and Geoff. We thought of having a break for a few weeks. Nancy thought that they might be waiting for our next move and doing nothing for now would be the best thing to do.

"I told you. I'm a writer. I can predict what would happen if we attack them again. For now, let's just wait." Nancy instructed clearly. She has also been busy lately writing her new story. I hope it is not about me.

Colin became much busier at work because of the new TV programs and movies he's company will be launching soon. He is the type of leader who personally manages things as much as possible. Despite his busy schedule, he makes sure to give me a call or send me a message whenever he is free which I find very sweet.

Athena is growing so fast. She is now more talkative, and she is starting to ask Colin to buy the things that she wants. I talked to her a couple of times not to ask too much from him, but Colin always gives what she wants. I'm afraid she would grow up to be spoiled.

My mom is now getting used to the life we have at present. She enjoys using the machines and appliances in the kitchen. She is also learning how to bake these days by watching videos on the internet. This is the longest period I was able to spend with my mom. She was always busy with work when I was young and when she retired, I was already working in the city. Our relationship became better and better each day. I guess that is because I can now understand her more since I am already a mom like her.

One lazy afternoon, while I was playing with Athena, everything seemed normal until a woman entered our unit without any notice. She entered the house with ease which made all of us panicked. She is wearing a dress and high heel with a natural-looking makeup. She has a luggage with her and based on her looks, she is familiar with the place. She looked quite familiar to me, like I have already met her before, but I can't remember when or where. She also looked surprise to see us.

"I think you made a mistake. This is our apartment. How could you enter here easily?" I asked.

"Who are you? What are you guys doing here? Was this place sold to you guys or something? And why didn't you change the pin code of the door lock if you are the new owners of this place?" She asked.

"We should be the one asking you that question. Who are you? I have never seen you here before?"

"This is my house. This is owned by me and my husband."