"STARGAZING"

That evening was truly delightful. Though we were just three, we managed to fill the entire kitchen with laughter that echoed throughout the house. I helped Nana Lourdes clean up after our meal.

Honestly, even though it was my first time meeting her and spending time together, I felt a genuine connection with Nana Lourdes. I had a strong sense that we would get along well.

She shared a lot with me about Marius, but not about the women who had been a part of his life. I was more curious about that aspect and wanted to hear it from Nana Lourdes.

"Doesn't Nana Lourdes stay here overnight?" I asked when Marius and I found ourselves sitting side by side on a long bench on the veranda of his room. The night sky was already dark, adorned with numerous stars and a round, luminous moon. Stargazing was delightful, especially with Marius.

"No, she doesn't. She has her own house, not far from here," Marius answered, gently cradling my head and leaning it on his shoulder.

"Does she have someone with her there?" I asked again.

"Yes, she does. Oh, by the way, I’ll introduce you to her sometime. She's my childhood friend, Lena."

Upon hearing the name, I felt a sudden pinch in my heart. I couldn't explain why. I tried to ignore it, but my mouth betrayed me with another question to Marius.

"Lena?" I asked, raising my eyebrows and looking at him.

Marius welcomed my gaze with a smile. "Yeah, she's my childhood friend. Actually, she's been my best friend since elementary school. I met Lana in high school because I studied in Manila by then."

I nodded silently to Marius's words. Afterward, I forced a simple and strained smile on my lips. I didn't say anything more because, truth be told, Lena's name lingered in my mind. The night was filled only with the sounds of crickets and the gentle rustling of leaves as the wind caressed the trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Silence enveloped the night, and it was Marius who broke it first.

"Tell me, where would you like to go tomorrow? You know, I have one more week before I return to work," he said, holding my hand and gently squeezing it.

Marius's actions automatically drew my attention back to him. Then, I asked, "Where is your project now?"

He chuckled softly and kissed my forehead tenderly.

"The branch of Scott’s Café in Baguio. That's our firm's current project," he answered.

I was taken aback by what I heard. Then, it was as if a fleeting image of a building under construction passed through my mind, only to vanish as quickly as it appeared.

Yes, it vanished abruptly, but not the sudden headache that seemed to leave a faint aftershock. It immediately prompted me to react, instinctively reaching for my senses with a wince.

"Sam, are you okay?" Marius asked me.

I didn't respond immediately because I was more concerned about the pain in my head. But it didn't last long.

"Yeah," I replied, reassuringly smiling at him. "The doctor said this is normal, right? Maybe my memory is slowly coming back," I added, trying to sound upbeat.

"Do you want to go to bed?" he asked me.

At that point, I didn't hesitate anymore. I nodded and stood up. Marius escorted me to my room. Although deep down, I knew I wanted to sleep next to him, this time I didn't insist like I did earlier. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I reverted back to my shy self.

"Good night, Sam," he said, remaining standing outside my bedroom door.

"Good night," I replied shortly.

"If you need anything, do not hesitate to tell me, okay?" he added, reminding me.

I nodded and gave him a restrained smile. After that, I closed the door but didn't lock it.

I headed to the bathroom, feeling a bit uneasy, so I decided to take a quick shower. Well, as I mentioned earlier, it was supposed to be quick. But I don't know what came over me. I filled the tub with water and soaked in it for quite a while.

I didn't bother locking the bathroom door either. I was in that state when suddenly, the door swung open, revealing the only other person in the house—Marius.

"Marius!" I exclaimed, surprised.

My hands quickly moved to cover the upper part of my body. I knew he saw it. But perhaps due to the initial shock, that was my immediate reaction.

Marius didn't speak. Instead, he just kept staring at me while undressing.

I was quickly affected by what he was doing. I knew I wouldn't be able to resist what he wanted to happen. So in the end, as he approached me and joined me in the tub, it seemed like I already knew what to do.

Marius kissed me. I should have been prepared for all of this. But despite my readiness, I still wasn't immune to the potential effects of his boldness.

Breathing wasn't easy for me. Not just because I was immersed in water. Marius also turned on the shower. Although the water coming from it was cold, his warm palm repeatedly caressing my skin served as my protection against shivering. Add to that his daring and skilled tongue, alternating between caressing my neck and claiming my lips as his own.

"Marius," I moaned.

I felt his fingers on my left breast. That method was familiar to me. I didn't know how, but perhaps, like earlier, the image of the building under construction flashed in my mind. Maybe it was also part of it. Maybe it was like this when Marius wooed the edge of my chest during such scenes.

Even in moments like these, I could say that my boyfriend's mischief was still evident. He played with the edge of my left breast while not letting go of my lips. So when I moaned due to the frightening joy I was feeling, it got trapped between our soft lips.

I also tried to respond to Marius's passion. Despite knowing it wouldn't be easy for me,. Because it was clear that Marius wouldn't let me win, if ever.