CHAPTER 7`

"Are you still having siesta?" Kate texted Jeremy since she could not sleep. Her adrenaline was still up due to much excitement and surprises for the day. She never expected that Jeremy would prepare much of their vacation. The memories of the day, the grandness of the hotel, and Jeremy's face kept on bugging her in a pleasant way. All have exceeded her expectation. What makes her more excited was that the vacation was just starting.

"Nope. I'm just at the lobby." Jeremy replied. He was talking with another personality of the hotel. He was the type of man who does not sleep after lunch. It might have been a habit since usually at this hour, he is either booked for a photo shoot or an album signing in a certain mall event.

After few minutes, Kate went down at the lobby. She was in lovely rompers white sleeveless sexy backless high-waist mini jumpsuit. Everyone was looking at her including Jeremy and his companion. She was like a glamour model ready for her photo shoot at the beach.

"Hey!" Kate said.

"Hello! This is Mr. Chen, the owner of this resort," Jeremy said, "and this is Kate," he added.

"So you are Kate, the reason why Jeremy is here. Let me thank you for finally Jeremy visited this place." Mr. Chen said.

"Huh? I'm sorry?" confusedly looking at Mr. Chen.

Both Mr. Chen and Jeremy laughed. They were just talking about Kate as the reason for accepting Mr. Chen's offer after so many rejections from Jeremy to stay or visit their hotel. Several times Mr. Chen called Jeremy for him to visit the place but due to his busy schedule, he wasn't able to grant his request. "Don't mind him," Jeremy responded. Not wanting Mr. Chen to divulge more of what they have talked about, he grabbed Kate and said, "We have to go and visit your prestigious resort." They started walking out.

"Okay! Nice to meet you Kate and enjoy your stay." Mr. Chen waived.

As they walked out of the lobby towards the pool area, "Is there something I need to know back there?" Kate asked for an explanation.

"Nothing. I just narrated to him that we're here for a vacation that you always do with your friends."

"Why then he said that I was the reason."

"Isn't obvious that I like you."

"Huh? Wait! Did I hear you correctly?" She stopped and looked at him in the eyes. It's her first time hearing it from Jeremy. Though she had heard it several times from different men, she felt edgy when Jeremy said it. She began to ask herself. Why did she become? Was it the way he said it? Was it because of him? It is not that she doesn't like him. What is not to like in him anyway. He is a sensational singer, idolized by many ladies.

"Yes! I said I like you!"

Her glance moved away from him to the pool area and said, "How can you say that? We're friends right?" She started to walk again. Kate was afraid, afraid to be hurt. She didn't want to rush things. She learned her lesson from the past. She likes him but she has to know him better. In time, when it is right, everything would be settled, she thought.

"We're friends. But is it not allowed for a friend to like his friend?"

"Well… But you don't know me that well."

"That's true… and you don't know me that well too. That's why I'm trying to know you better… Anymore question?" He understood the wariness from Kate. He felt her apprehension. He didn't want to rush her as well. He just answered her question but he realized that it made her more uncomfortable.

Kate eyed Jeremy, reading his expression. There is one thing she was sure about and that is she is beginning to like him as well. But she doesn't want to show any sign since she's afraid to get hurt again. She just smiled at him and continued to walk.

When they had reached the pool area, "Wow. The water is so clear. The view is superb," Kate said with enthusiasm and touched the water on the swimming pool. It was as clear as a crystal and as reflective of the blue sky like a mirror. It was truly a magnificent hotel in a great location, having a wonderful view of the horizon of the sea and smiling sun.

"By the way, are they still sleeping?" Jeremy asked and tried to look at their suite building. He was asking about Grace and the others. Since after lunch, it was planned out to fix their belongings and take a rest first before plunging into the different beach activities.

"No. They were so loud that I could not take a nap that's why I texted you. How about Tobby?" Kate said.

"He's snoring like a ship as always. If you would recall our flight from Seoul." Jeremy said. Both of them laughed casually and sat down at the two chairs close by.

"Is he always with you?"

"Who? Tobby? Yeah. We're staying in a condominium residence. He is like a brother to me more than a manager. We had gone a long way just like you and your friends."

"Are you not with your family?"

"Ah… my parents are dead. They died 4 months ago." Jeremy explained. For the past weeks that they had been in constant communication, Jeremy had avoided the topic on family. This was the first time that he narrated to her about his parents. Though he had accepted the reality of the accident, the pain still lingers in his heart.

"I'm sorry." She saw the pain in his eyes. There is no need for clarification on what happened, she felt every bit of anguish in him. His bright looks like the sunny sun turned into a not-so-bright moon in the night.

"It's okay. I have a younger sister. She's around 12 years old."

"Oh…! Why did you not bring her with us?"

"She's staying now with our grandparents in Monaco. Soon, I will be joining them." Since it was only Jeremy and his sister, the Prince, who is their grandfather decided that they should return to the Kingdom. His younger sister obliged without contradiction. It was only Jeremy who asked for an extension of months before going back since he knows that going back there will be another life and he is to face a greater challenge in being the next Prince in line.

"You'll be settling there and leave your career here?" Kate asked.

"I have to. I have no choice."

A sheepish smirk scrambled across Kate's face and said, "Yes you have."

"It's not easy. Many people will be affected by my decision." Jeremy couldn't tell her the full detail about his return to Monaco. He was afraid that she might not understand the situation. He knows the gravity of the decision that he should make. He has a responsibility to fulfill not only for his family but also to a great nation, an eminent Kingdom. At first, he was hesitant to accept such responsibility. He was afraid that he might fail and could not handle the pressure. He never dreamed of being a prince. Although he knows that his family belongs to a royalty, he wanted to shape his own future. But his parents died, such future has been changed. His destiny was already set the moment the accident happened. He knew it and had accepted it.

Kate reached out for his hands and said, "Well. There are times when you need to compromise in order to make a choice. Whether it's the right choice or not, it will depend on what you are going to do afterwards." She wanted him to stay but she has to say the right words to help him.

"That's true."

As they were appreciating the view and as the heat of the sun becomes tolerable, Grace and the others invited Kate and Jeremy to join them with some of the water sports available at the private beach. Grace and Mark took the Jet Ski, while Abby and May had the kayaks. They took turns on the water sports until sunset. From a distance, Kate and Jeremy strolled at the shore, picking up jewelry-like shells. Like little children, they even tried to make a sand castle and other shapes that they could think of. They were not alone at the private beach. There were a number of other tourists who were also staying at the Monaco Suite. Yet, everyone seems to be enjoying his or her first afternoon stay at the private beach of the hotel.

It was only the first afternoon of their three-day vacation at the Monaco Hotel and yet, everything seems to be already perfect in their eyes. The luxurious suite, great view in every angle, fine weather and clear private beach have been singing a flawless song of joy.