No Time For Love (8)

The day had been full of fun and laughter. Somehow, all the stress and pressures I felt those past previous weeks were gone. This event was one of few things I enjoy being in school - having fun with my friends.

When I reached the boarding house at six o'clock, I was feeling very exhausted. Swimming is indeed very different from hiking. It involves every muscle. I hike almost every weekend but I don't usually get tired as I was then. I cooled myself on the bench under the acacia tree infront of auntie Ely's store. I rested my arms on the back support of the bench while slanting my back to rest my head. Auntie Ely came out from with some food in her mouth while saying something unclear. She must have just finished her dinner early since she needed to take her maintenance on time. She swallowed then spoke again.

"Have you met the man who was looking for you?" She asked.

"Man looking for me? Who?" I asked back.

"The one who came last time.The tall handsome man who left a letter before. He said he came to inspect the roadwork progress but has some important things to discuss with you." Auntie Ely said as she sat at her stool by the door.

"Nope, I did not see him. Did he not leave any note?" I asked.

"Nothing, he just left when I was asking Niel about you. He left in a hurry when he heard Niel saying you went swimming." She said.

I went dumb silent. Was it him who was driving a land rover, with mask and sunglasses and cap? No wonder his features looked familiar! But why did he not atleast show his face to me? What other purpose could he have in coming all the way here? I didn't believe he was working with the National Highways Department. It's wierd!

"What else did he ask auntie?" I continued to pry.

"Well, he was asking about whom to approach if ever he wants to buy a piece of that mountain. I told him your father lives at the back of that mountain and that he needs to hike atleast two hours to get there." Auntie Ely is actually a distant cousin of my father so she knows our family history. She was 56 year old lady.

"What a crap! Why would he want to buy from that mountain? He must be testing you auntie!" I said.

"I thought maybe he is wooing you so I joked with Niel about him having a brother-in-law but then he hurried away before I could ask him." Auntie said.

"Ha ha! You should have asked him in the first place auntie. Maybe he's an impostor!" I said. "I'm really tired and sleepy," I said as I yawned, stretched my legs, got up then headed to the kitchen, brushed my teeth then climb upstairs. Laying flat on my bed, my mind wondered why Mark would act so mysteriously. Why didn't he even wait for me? Why did he not talk to me when he saw me along the road? Why all those suspicious acts and self masquerades?

I closed my eyes recalling how he stopped infront of us, when he waved then drove slowly. I realized I miss him so bad.... but too bad, he didn't care to wait for me at all. Why???? My heart became heavy and my eyes turned misty. Why did I even meet that man? Its causing me more misery than comfort. Will I have a bright future I'll hold on to him? I don't know....

....

(Meanwhile, at Arevalo's Manor....)

I got home at ten o'clock evening. The housekeeper was about to switch off the light in the living room when she saw me arrive.

"Sir Mark, good evening! Shall I prepare dinner for you?" She asked.

"Yes please, just a quick meal will do. Just leave it on the table then you can rest." I told her.

"Okay sir." She said as she turned back to the kitchen.

I ate after taking shower then went back to my room. 'What a thrilling day!' I smiled as I recalled everything that had transpired that day. I was not only able to exploit some important information regarding my 'project' but I also got to see my future brother-in-law! And the woman was so cunning! I wonder what she told to that Neil when I left.

"Ahhh! whatever! " I muttered and then felt suddenly sad recalling my love walking in shorts in the street with that man following her.

"Man! Why didn't I turn back!" I snapped at myself. I felt an urge in my chest. I could only clench my fist and grit my teeth. My mind wandered to the possibility that there maybe more men ogling at my love. Is she really that careless with other men? Why does she not consider my feelings about this?

I gripped my hair and looked up to the ceiling helplessly. What should I do with this only girl I have in mind? She doesn't want to be possessed by her man but she is careless with other men! Although I decided to trust her, I can't help but worry while imagining her with those captivating eyes and smiles looking at other men!!! And her laughter?... I saw her laugh for the first time! She was so happy and sooo beautiful! Her long slender legs kicking as she bent laughing while her long hair was being swayed by the gentle wind.

With that series of image in my thought, I brought out her photo from my wallet, stared at it again and again while caressing it with my thumb. 'Fem, I love you so much! Please tell me you are not playing... I love you so much!' I whispered wishing she could hear me. 'When will I hold you in my arms again, Fem, tell me?' I felt helpless as I ran my finger on her lips. I missed her badly...

That night I didn't know how I fell asleep but when I woke up, it was already five in the morning of Friday. I found my love's picture on my chest and the bedside lamp still on. 'Was I that tired?' I muttered then got up to use the bathroom before preparing to visit B University to submit the last requirement completing my Psychology course.