Chapter 17

Ashley.

I checked myself in the mirror for the last time before wrapping my neck around with the black scarf I bought two days ago from the boutique. A knock sounded from the door. "Come in" I yelled out.

Neil walked in dressed in his suit as usual. I wonder if he ever wears normal clothes. I wanted to speak up about his dressing when something catches my eyes. My working materials.

The most important thing. I put them in my duffle bag and settle it beside my medium size suitcase. We're only staying for three days so I don't need many clothes. Just the best.

"What else to take?" I said to no one in particular. When I made sure everything is in place, I grabbed my car keys and my phone off the nightstand. I spare the picture frame a glance then carried my duffle bag while Neil took the suitcase and we descend down.

Kristine is already waiting while my parents are seated in one corner of the couch. "All set" I cheered.

"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Mom asked. She already knew about my relationship with Alex and when I informed her about attending the wedding, she became worried. They're all asking me If I'm okay. It's not like I'm going there to destroy his wedding.

I mean I'm going to the wedding to prove to him what he said about hanging on to the past is not true. I shall see to it.

Neil and my Dad were discussing about God knows what. After the farewell and everything were finally all set to leave.

"Her safety is in your hands Neil" I heard my father said.

"You have my word Mr. Richard. I'll protect your daughter with my life" I felt something tug in my heart at his words. At least its good to know he'll protect me with his life. Besides, that's what he's here for.

"Take care of yourselves and come back safely" Mom pulled me in for a hug. For an unknown reason, I felt my heart race at the gesture. It's not like it is the first time we hugged before. However, I felt like it was the last time I will get to hug her.  I brush off the unnecessary thought off my head and offered out a smile instead. I gave my Dad a light hug too and then we embark on our way out of the house.

"Oh my God, what's all this? Are we going to a war?"My mouth hung open at the two black cars including ours three, aligned in front of each other.

"That's all for your safety" Neil answered pushing in our suit case into the booth. I glanced at the men one by one. All dressed in black suit like that of Neil.

For the first time in a while, I got emotional at my Dad's attention. He's doing all this for my safety. Who am I to decline? Even though, I'm disappointed he's not talking about the incident situation with me so as Neil. But I will get my answers when I'm back from the trip.

"Shall we?" Kristine said dragging me to the car.

**

The drive to the Ithaca is a slow one so I took my time to work on my laptop. All through our journey Kristine was talking nonstop. Neil was calmly listening to her. Laughing at some point at her joke and smiling at some point.

Come to think of it, Kristine and Neil almost have the same personality.

Loud and troublesome.

That what makes them get along with each other well. "Can I tell you a story?" Kristine began again after keeping quite from my scolding.

"Sure" Neil answered.

"There was this time we were in school, a boring class was going on, we decided to ditch the whole period that day by teaming up with each other. Me, Ashley and Alex. We branched-"

"Can you stop already. This is not a story. This is teasing" I interjected shutting down my laptop and settled it back to it's bag.

A chuckle made it way to Kristine's lips. "You just don't want Neil to find out how terrible your voice was at the karaoke"

"Really?" he said.

"Very terrible. The owner had to warn us that her voice was too loud"

The next thing that follows is Neil's laughter. I rolled my eyes. "Happy now?"

"Come on Ashley I'm just trying to make the journey lively. You can't expect us to keep mute like one kind strangers. At least we should gist"  I passed her a glare and she raised her hands in surrender.

"What a boring friend I have" I heard her mutter.

"I heard you" I seethe.

"Okay. I know"

A moment of silence prevailed and Neil decided to break it. "How long have you been friends?"

"One year"

"Since kindergarten"  I unexpectedly received a smack on my back. "Liar. We've been friends from day one"

"Whatever"

"I must say I'm piqued at your friendship. You guys put your differences aside and not only that. You both care for each other alot"

"Says who?" I immediately chirped.

"Says Neil, your bodyguard A.K.A the handsome bachelor. Come to think of it, I don't know much about you Neil"  I leaned my head back on the seat as I closed my eyes on the accord. Listening to them will only give me headache. At first I could hear their voices but later on their voices died down and I fell into deep slumber.

**

"Sleepy heads wake up" a familiar voice whispered to my head. I slowly unwind my eyes to Kristine's face above my face. I gently nudge her away from me.

"And here we are in Ithaca" she cheered clapping her hands together. I stare at the surrounding before my eyes. I've heard a lot about the city and their beauty. Yet, the real image in front of me was beyond my expectations.

I think we'll get along with Ithaca.

I peek a glance at the other men through the rear mirror. Their car was just behind us. This little holiday is going to be a tough one with their presence. Averting my eyes away from them, I focus my attention on the surrounding in front of my eyes. I let out a chuckle, pulled my hands outside, letting the cold breeze cascade through the car.

After driving for like ten minutes more we arrived at the inn where we would be saying. My mouth was hung open at the scene before me. I was in awed before yet, the building in front of me was above my imagination. It was the most beautiful building I have ever come across if that's a word to use.

"Wow what an extraordinary location. Is this really the place we'll be staying?" Kristine ushered beside me. I was still in awed that I wasn't able to answer her question. By the look on Neil's face, he was also amazed.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, welcome to The William Henry Miller inn" A middle aged man approached us. He was dressed in a white shirt and black pants.

Even the name is out of the word.

"Hello Mr..." my eyes went to the name tag on his shirt.

"Mr. Nelson" I added.

"We're delighted to have you here. We'll offer you the best service. Give me the pleasure to escort you to your required rooms" he gestured.

Our luggage were also taken and we advance on our way inside. All through my eyes were roaming around the place. It piqued my interest. The man led us towards the corner of the inn. 'The Garner Suite' written at the top of the veranda.

"Did you see the name? It's an extraordinary one" Kristine whispered.

"I know right. Everything is just so beautiful. I wonder how the inside will-" my words came to an abrupt halt when the door was being unlocked.

"Wow" Kristine and I muttered at the same time.

"Welcome to the Garner Suite. Feel free to tell me if there's anything you don't like" Mr. Nelson ushered.

"I don't think there's anything we don't like. From the entrance up to the inside, everything is just so extraordinary. I must say this is one of a beautiful inn I've ever seen so far"

"Thank you Miss... I'm sorry I didn't ask for your names"

"It's Ashley"

"Kristine"

"And Neil" Neil shook his hands.

"You all have beautiful names. So, I'll leave you to rest. You'll be served lunch in a bit. I'll now take my leave" We watched as the man walked out and then let our shouts out.

"OMG! Did you see the flat TV screen" Kristine remarked pulling me towards it.

"It's indeed flat. Watching movie will be interesting"

"I know right. Let's check out the bedroom"

"You girls-" Neil started yet his words were not able to make themselves out as we're already halfway to the room.

"Too late" I heard him say.

Kristine and I jumped on the soft king size bed. Our backs were rested on it while our faces were straight ahead staring at the ceiling. "I have a feeling this will be one of the best holidays we would ever have" I muttered.

"Me too. Just look at the coolness of the room. The couch settled beside the window is a scene to see"

"Yeah. Do you know what?" I asked.

"No"

"I feel like sleeping"

"Me too"

A giggle erupt from our mouth at our own talk. "Then let's sleep" And that was what we did. Closed our eyes and let sleep take us with the cool wind from the window.

**

My eyes opened to two legs before me. I cleared out the sleep from my eyes. Kristine was busy sleeping soundly beside me. Out in her own world. Her lips were slightly parted. A smile made it way out of my lips. Climbing out of the bed, I decided to get a tour of the bathroom. Pushing the door open, I was met with the large and spacious bathroom. The bathtub was consciously shining brightly. I checked the remaining areas before getting back to the bedroom. Kristine is still sleeping. I quietly grabbed my phone and trekked out closing the door slowly behind me.

I heard a familiar voice. Just as I imagined, it was Neil pacing around the room with an unfamiliar phone glued to his ear. "We cannot come to a decision like that. We need a backup plan" I couldn't hear what the other person was saying yet, I heard a hiss out of Neil's mouth.

"This is a matter of someone's life. You and I both know this is important to us. If you won't go ahead with my plan then I have no choice than to do things my way" He didn't say anything more and then he hung up.

He turned around and our eyes met. "You're up already?" he asked his voice coming out slow.

"Yeah. Who are you talking to?" I said straight to the point. It's so obvious that I heard everything he said so he can not pretend.

He slipped the phone back to his pocket and took out the other familiar one. "It's not something for you to worry about. Mr. Nelson just left now. He asked me if he should serve the food. You're still sleeping so I told him we'll notify him when we're ready"

"Don't change the topic Neil. I heard you talking about a plan. Does that have to do with me?" I inquired walking up to him.

He avert his eyes away from me before speaking up. "Like I said it's not something for you to worry yourself about. It'll be sorted out"

"So it's indeed about me. What are you hiding from me Neil" I asked in a lowered voice. I don't have much strength in my body to raise my voice.

He turned around the way he will be facing me. He stared directly into my eyes that for a moment, I almost lost myself in them. "I know you have so many questions but I want you to give me time. I will tell you everything"

"When will that be?" I asked again staring right back into his eyes.

"Very soon"

"How-"

The knock from the door suddenly made me halt my statement.