The Visitor

Rexana found herself crouching behind the rocks of the bay side. She had to hide her pouty lips and her teary eyes. She didn't want anyone to see it, since she knew that no one would understand it anyway. Since she could even hardly understand herself.

All she knew now was she was mad and hurt because she was expecting to talk to Daerin, yet she hadn't gotten even a bit closer to him. She took time to bathe in icy fresh water and that was a sacrifice for her and she even tried her best to wear shoes even though she couldn't deny that she was way more comfortable while barefooted.

However, she did everything just to please Daerin and show him that she was more than what he could see and she could change for him. Nevertheless, it seemed that all her efforts were nothing but useless. Whether she would take a bath or keep herself as is, Daerin would still not notice her.

At that moment she realized that she was wishing to touch the moon, which is quite impossible. She was just a simple, unattractive island girl, with burnt skin and messy hair and it would be impossible for a sophisticated city guy to fall for her.

Rexana knew that she had to accept the reality. However, painful it could get, she wasn't meant for him as he was for her. She had been wishing on a star that 'she knew wouldn't be falling anytime soon.

She went home with her sulky face and as expected her parents noticed it.

"Rexana, is there any problem?" Her dad asked as soon as she got inside the house.

"Nothing bad, I'm just tired." She slumps herself onto the nearest bamboo seat.

Her father stopped everything that he was doing to look intently at Rexana, his fingers were brushing under his cheeks, trying to make out something of Rexana's reaction. Nonetheless, before he could even speak about his observation.

"It seems like you sold out all your pearls, your basket is empty. Yet, you are still looking sad. Rexana, does this have to do with you taking a bath, and tidying yourself?" Rita said and her blunt words made Rexana more flustered and speechless.

Both of their stares were fixated on her and Rexana wouldn't have a choice but to answer them.

"I-I…" Before Rexana finished her word, the reverberating sound of a motorcycle engine, caught all their attention. The sound seemed too loud enough that they could guess it stopped in front of their hut.

All of them were looking toward each other, trying to ask silently if any of them had an idea. Rexana though had felt something like an intuition that whatever or whoever arrived was meant to see her. She didn't know why, she seemed certain but her hunches were loud enough for her to get up on her feet and ran towards the door.

She covered her gaping mouth with both hands as she was startled unbelieving at what she has just seen. It was Daerin, who got down from the big and elegant-looking motorbike. Rexana had seen bikes before, but she was amazed by the elegance of Daerin's bike.

It was kind of bulky, with its sleek black color-matched with little lid lights on it, tracing around the wheel and enough to be flexed by the darkness of the night. Everything just looks astonishing to her. As stunning as the rider itself.

Rexana had to slightly slap her face. "Am I dreaming?" she mumbled. "Is this real? Am I just hallucinating?"

"Who is he? Do you know him?"

Rexana just realized that everything she saw was all real and she wasn't just dreaming when she heard Rita say what she said. She wasn't hallucinating, it was Daerin and by the look of it, he was on his way towards their house.

"Ya-Yes, he is the guy who gave us food he resorts owner's son." Her eyes were fixated on Daerin, waiting for him to finally look back at her so she could prove to herself that he was there for her and not somewhere or for someone else.

"I can't believe it, he's here to visit me?" she mumbled as she was him walking his way towards her.

Rexana couldn't wait for him to approach her, she was too excited and had to run to meet him.

"You're here!" she exclaimed with her bright and excited smile.

"Yes I am here to say sorry," Daerin muttered, as their distance get closer and when it was enough for her to hear him.

Rexana pouted and kiddingly rolled her eyes, pretending that she was upset at him. She was, moments ago, however, everything changed after Daerin appeared in her place.

"You ignored me and went to follow that lady. Who is she?" She asked and looked away when she mumbled. "Actually, she's pretty."

"Oh, that was Gracie, she's a family friend and…" Darien stopped, he didn't he had to tell more about Graceilla to Rexana.

"You did hear me right and you ignored me, to go with her." She still pouted, like spoiled child complaining.

"Yeah, and I'm here to say sorry. I don't want you to hate me and besides, I also want to know you more, know your family."

Roxana's eyes widen, she couldn't find a good reason for Daerin's effort to be there unless he likes her. She can feel herself blushing hard, just thinking about it.

"Do you want me to introduce you to my parents?" She asked coyly.

"Of course, please do. I want to be their friend too."

Rexana want to jump into happiness, but she had to compose herself. She didn't actually know why she was very happy but having Daerin closer to her family gave her more of a sense of comfort. She has also been reminded of one of their island's traditions if a guy visits a girl's home, that could also mean he was courting her or asking her to be his wife.

Rexana wondered if that was also the case with Daerin. She wondered if Daerin want her to the extent of making her his wife, or if he was just a naturally friendly and helpful person. But whatever the reason was, she still almost coudn't contain, the happiness inside her heart.

She looked back at her parents and they both had that furrowed brows. Of course, they are as surprised as she was. They weren't used to having a visitor in their home, especially someone like Daerin.