THE ARRIVAL TO MOMBASA

The flight attendant announces that we are landing, and we all stop chatting and hold on to our seats. For someone like me who just bonded on a flight for the first time, as far as I know, I hold on really tight. I am even shaking in my seat. I remember almost screaming when the plane took off at the airport. I adjust my seat belt, swallowing the fear, and hold on tight to my seat, closing my eyes and only opening them when the plane touches the ground. I breathe out a heavy sigh and relax. I hope I will have more chances to fly so that I can get used to this. Standing outside the plane with my bag at the airport in Mombasa, I must say I love this feeling of being in a new place. Everything looks new; even the evening air I am breathing right now feels new. I feel fresh. I feel free. I feel reborn. It's like I am not the same Gia I was before I bonded with the plain. I love this feeling. I love this Gia Wilson that is standing at the airport right now.

"So, we can get one cap? I think we will fit in." That is Nick, one of my companions. I am in the company of three gentlemen because the second lady apparently was not able to come today, but we are expecting her in two days. Nick is cool and composed, not talkative like the other two, Tim and Jimmy. His taste in music is urban reggae. I have watched some of his songs on YouTube, and I can tell you he has talent. I can't wait to see him perform live. Tim and Jimmy are rap stars, and I guess that explains their characters. They talk too much, and they have too much dirty language for my liking. I do not know about them, but I am sure I will bond well with Nick. I might as well ask for a collabo because I am greatly moved by his songs, and that beat of reggae is real magic.

Nick hails a cap after we agree to use one, and in no time, the cap stops in front of us. We carry our bags and hop in, giving the driver the address of the hotel we are checking into.

"So, how has music been since your return? I guess it's been about three months now." Nick asks. I am glad he sat next to me.

"Yes, it's been almost three months now, and so far, so good. To be honest, I never expected such a great impact within such a short time." I say.

"You will do a lot more. I really love your spirit, honestly. You are something else when you hold the mic." He says.

"Thank you. And you are no less, either. You are great."

"You think so?" He asks jovially.

"No. I know so." I assure him.

"So, would it be okay if I asked for a collabo? Even just one." He speaks. The thrill in his tone, though.

"Are you a mind reader or something?" I quiz.

"Why?"

"I was thinking of the same thing. I want to get lost in that magical beat of reggae." I say.

"Wow! I'm honored. I take that as a yes."

"Most definitely. We can work on it while we are here. We have a lot of free time anyway." I say.

"Yes." He says it with a lot of excitement, clapping his hands once.

"Me too, Gia. I want one." Jimmy spoke.

"You? Oh please, no. I can't rap."

"It's easy. I will teach you."

"Thank you, but no. I might chew up my tongue in the process." They all burst out laughing. I love how my stay in this new place has already started.

"We are here." The cab driver says so, and Tim offers to pay for us. He has been quiet throughout the drive, unlike when he was on the plane.

We walk into the luxurious El Dama hotel. The serene environment speaks nothing but pure bliss and peace, and the quietness speaks tranquility. This is exactly what I need right now. A tranquil environment to clear my mind. Something tells me that something beautiful will happen, or maybe I am just being enthusiastic about this whole thing. Whatever the case, I am here to relax, have some good quality time, mingle, and think about my life after this.

We go through the check-in routine, and after we are done, we proceed to our rooms after agreeing to meet at seven thirty at the restaurant for dinner. Swiping the card on my door, I push it open and walk in to the beautiful white-painted room. There is a small leather seat for two people, a small table, a small wardrobe, and a very comfortable bed. The sheets and duvet are girl-themed. I can only imagine how peaceful my night will be under the hot pink duvet. There is a door that leads to the bathroom, and I cannot resist the urge to be under the hot shower, feeling the soothing sensation of the warm water caressing my skin. I drop my suitcase on the bed and get to the shower.

Before I start unpacking, I first take out my phone from my purse, only to find two missed calls from my nightmare. I call him back because I don't want him to think something is wrong. He might fly his goons here to come get me. Sha! I can't risk my vacation getting cut short before it even starts.

"Ejay." I call his name the moment he receives the call.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asks, as if he is concerned. But then, I will be his property in a few days, so maybe he is.

"Yes. I just checked in and was about to take a shower. What's up?"

"I miss you already." That makes me want to puke. He what?

"It's not even a day yet."

"I know. But still, I miss you."

"Mmh, well, too bad. You'll have to miss me for a few more days."

"Seven days are not few. But okay. What are you doing? Are you alone?" So do I need to report to him everything I will be doing here? I am not asking what he is doing, am I?

"I just want to unpack, and yes, I am alone. Who am I supposed to have with me in my room?" I ask.

"Okay. Take care then."

"Bye." I hung up. I hope he is not planning on ruining my stay here with his unwanted calls.

I push Ejay to the back of my mind and start unpacking. I am tempted to call Mayleen to at least let her know I arrived, but I refrain myself. What if Ejay hacked my phone? If he finds out Mayleen and I are now friends, he might do something to her. I should probably get a second phone that I will use to call her. I can't risk anything just yet. As I continue unpacking, I realize that almost all the clothes I have were bought by Ejay, especially the dresses. Out of the five dresses that I carried, it's the only one that Ejay didn't buy. I want to feel completely new. I want to avoid anything that will remind me of him while I am here. I want a total change. I look at my wrist watch, and it reads quarter past six. It's not too late. I put on jeans and a T-shirt, and I grab my purse and walk out to the reception.

"Excuse me, miss. Can I get a cap real quick at this time?" I ask.

"Where to, ma'am?"

"Aah, the mall. To the nearest mall around here." I say.

"I can call you one right away. It will take about ten minutes to arrive."

"I will gladly appreciate that, please."

"Okay. Just have a seat." I walk and sit in the waiting area until she calls me to let me know that my cap has arrived. I thank her and walk to the cap, and we hit the road to the mall. I want to look my best during this vacation. I will wear my best smile because I don't want people to read my worries. I want to be happy. I will display the best version of Gia Wilson.