"Two minutes, choose wisely." Ryn snapped
At his workers yet again, huffing at the idea that he might have hired a bunch of dim-witted people. He's always ran this company with an iron fist, my new set of recruits didn't understand the concept of working hard, from where I'm standing I could run circles around them and still have time to spare. Shaking my head as Russell wrote down everything useful, which to me was nothing, none of them passed the test. Bitterness flowed through me as I walked long strides to my office, Russell following hot on my trail,
"Leave now" I yelled, everything seemed to be getting on my nerves more and more, I couldn't relax or enjoy my spare time. Always had to work, always needed to get things done and running in a certain fashion or order. For
example, I needed to get ready to go to Birds Island to meet with MR. Ke for the expansion project and I couldn't miss this deadline, the company will suffer immensely, stuffing my bag and making sure everything was in order. Russell screwed up once before I won't let that happen this time, I did everything on
my own.
My office stood over the factory working and watching them scramble to finish their goal for the day was something I enjoyed watching every day, my father started this place when I was three years old. I had a thing for tigers and dragons, he designed the archive and produced multiple creations for the likes of everyone like me as a child, until recently I loved this place and never wanted to leave. My father died early last year of a stroke and I never met my mother, family members told me she dropped me off on his doorstep with a note saying, 'She was sorry she never told him and didn't want me either.' Needless to say, I didn't want to find her either, it was a bit messed up that she did that and didn't bother to make some sort of visit. It only fuels the fire to never marry or engage in any long-term relations. Girls come to a dime a minute just lay them then leave before they wake up in the morning. My life now revolves around my factory and keeping it going until the day I die just like my father. Checking my last-minute appointments before leaving for the next two weeks, to work in silence at the Birds Star Island this expansion project needed the green light.
"Boss, you're still here, this just came in, Mr. Ke is set up for tomorrow morning at the Hotel of Stars and your room is ready for you," Russell said as he handed me the papers I needed for the project pitch. The Hotel of Stars was the perfect place to have the meeting. It was quiet and relaxing, and meeting them first thing in the morning just in case there was a problem I could fix before the end of the day.
"Good Russ, has Lance arrived yet, I want to be at the airport for lunch."
"Yes sir, he's already arrived, your luggage has already been sent to the turmoil for checking.
"Good, Good," I said nodding as I walked through the skyline of the factory, no one knew that I was leaving for two weeks, and feared they would slack off. I've given Russell strict orders not to let anyone in my office until I return.
"Boss," Lance says standing with the door of the car open, I acknowledge him and sit in the back seat knowing the car ride will be a good thirty minutes I can catch up on my pitch idea and prepare for lunch and dinner. I hate overspending for no reason, dad always taught me that even if I'm on business trips I don't need to gratify myself with uselessness. It was the one thing that we agreed on even when I was in high school and college, I never spent over my monthly limit which I live by to this day. A good reason for getting a room with a kitchen and living room is that I have my own space just for me.
"Sir, may I ask, what is this trip for?" Lance asked looking at me through the rearview mirror, he was about my age thirty and a great driver I hired him three years ago, he kept punctual with any of my trips, and he could use a
haircut and a good shave, but it's not something I care about, his appearance is cleaned up.
"Headed to Bird Star, for an expansion project, did you do as I asked?" I glared over my phone, didn't want to talk.
"Yes Sir" he smiles knowing I'll have his ass if he messed anything up. Just as I finished my writing, we arrived at the airport lunchroom, there wasn't crowned, it was fine with me. Lance left knowing I was good it wasn't far to walk to the boarding area and I enjoyed walking alone keeping my thoughts and ideas rolling. And just like that, I find myself walking and eating through the airport, it's not unusual, everyone here is getting their food and flight.
'Flight 1616 ready for takeoff' the overhead announcer says, checking my flight ticket and making sure it was my flight, as I turned to walk to the terminal a man nearly knocked me to the floor running past me like his life depended on it as if he was in more of a hurry than the rest of us. Shaking off the rude asshole walking, I notice a woman scrambling to pick her things up guessing the ass hit her too.
"Here," I said handing her a set of papers on the floor close by,
"Thank you so much, oh god that man," she smiled, I just turned and walked into the boarding ramp, and she followed. Was she getting on the same flight? My first-class seat was perfect and quiet just the way I liked it.
"Are you fucking kidding me? Dude this is my seat." The man who bumped me and the woman shouted at another passenger, who didn't acknowledge any wrongdoing, and judging by the way he was standing he had one too many drinks this early in the day.
"Sir, please sit in this seat, it's one seat in front of him," the hostess said with a smile, obviously trying to defuse the situation, but it didn't seem that way with the drunkard.
"Fine only because you're pretty babe!" he laughed, it made me want to hurl. She just smiled and walked away, probably to tell the other hostess not to serve him alcohol
which would be a great call for this flight. Good thing it was only a three-hour flight. Opening my phone to play a game or read but opting out and catching a quick nap damn airport food didn't sit right either, first thing when I land is throwing up. The flight was over shortly after I woke up, with the same sky and the same ocean. Nothing was different from the last I was here, rolling my eyes at the increasing hatred I held for this place after all these years, I sat waiting patiently as the plane landed I always waited until the last person was off the plane before I got out of my seat. Walking down the plane's stairs, watching as families and newlyweds giggled and pointed to the boat as they boarded ready for the last leg of their journey to Birds Island. Stopped short seeing a young lady standing at the top of the hill, looking around thinking maybe she had a husband close by. Her hair and skirt were blowing in the wind just a bit, the sun bouncing off her black hair making it shimmer,
"Excuse me," I said in a soft tone, she was blocking the pathway to the boat, not even sure we were headed in the same direction. Keeping my head down most of the boat ride just so no one would feel eager to chat with me. Before no time at all, I was at the hotel face to face with the manager who was telling me that a new worker had overbooked my room for a family and noticed not long after we docked that my wallet was stolen.
"You must have something else?" I said, hoping that sleeping under the stars wasn't in my cards tonight.
"Sir, I'm really sorry, the trainee made a mistake and double booked the room, the family has already checked in," the manager said, trying any way she could to get me to leave, but I had nowhere to stay.
"Then book my payment for another room?" I snapped,
"We have no vacates Sir,"
"DAMN, IT!" slamming my fist down on the desk,
"Excuse me, Sir, I have two beds in my room you can bunk there until morning," turning to the voice finding the same girl from the plane and boat, she was here too.
"I guess I don't have much of a choice." I jerked, hiding the fact that she was giving off some odd vibes, why was she here, and was she alone? Maybe it was just something
to think about later before I could speak my stomach some nasty loud growling sounds smiling at it.
"Do you need food too?" she said quietly, guess she could hear my stomach too, and without my money, I couldn't buy myself anything.
"What is your name?" I said in a softer tone little less angry about sharing a room,
"Aroura, you?" stopping mid-step with her eyes locked on mine those glass-blue eyes, soul-stealing, it only made me even more curious as to who is she and why any man leave her alone, pale skin to complement those eyes with round face and her black wavy hair down her back, where a nice light pink shirt and blue flowy skirt, to say the least, she looked perfect.
"Ryn Chen" I held out my hand to greet her, watching as she hesitated to shake my hand.
"I will repay you for dinner tonight, shall we" resting my hand on her upper back as I
escort her to the dining hall.
"So why are you here?" I asked looking up from the menu.
"Vacation and you?"
"Work, how long are you staying?"
"Two weeks and you?"
"Same," our conversation bounced smoothly throughout dinner, and even as we walked to the room, it was obvious she was nervous and scared. I knew exactly why too, she's down anything remotely close to evening kissing a man. I would bet money on it and there was only one way to find out.
Following close behind her when the door opened, a devilish grin spread across my face seeing that the room only had one bed and this was going to be too easy, at least I could have some fun before bed. Pinning her to the wall as she turned,
"What?" she couldn't complete her sentence,
"Why would you invite a stranger into your room if you're not willing," I snapped, she had to realize not everyone is nice and sweet.
"I? I?" she stuttered and before I got the chance to release her, she did the most unimaginable thing ever,
"Fuck!" I yelled with a hint of amusement as she locked herself in the bathroom, rubbing my pride while laughing and trying hard not to cry there was my chance to reproduce.
"Aroura, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, truly I'll sleep on the floor" saying after knocking on the door.
"If I come out, you will put all jokes away, that weren't funny, you are right, you're a stranger," her voice from through the door,
"I promise," giving her the same tone of voice I used earlier with the manager.
"I'm sorry, but if you want to hold onto your virtue don't invite strange men into false pretenses," saying as I tied the side of the blankets together, not looking at her, I figured she was a virgin from the moment she invited her, she didn't look me in the eye to get me any manly ideas.
"Night," I said, lying down, I had enough excitement for one day.
Aurora:
I woke up to a beeping machine, my head was so heavy, and the room was spinning out of control, I remember holding the most beautiful baby ever, she was just born I was in charge of cleaning her and returning her to her parents. My eyes focus on Mom, cocking my head to the side trying to figure out why she seemed so down.
"OH, Doctor, she's awake," Mom whimpered as our eyes meant, she had been crying but why?
"Aurora, welcome back to the land," Dr. Chad said holding a clipboard and smiling, it was a fake smile, he had been my friend for over ten years and had always told me the truth, never hiding anything, but right now, at this moment he's hiding something big, something indescribable and I don't know what it is either. My brain was running through all the possible scenarios that could cause dizzy spells, blackouts, nausea, and fatigue, but nothing fit the bill,
Pregnant 'Nope'
High Blood sugar 'Nope'
Heart disease 'Nope'
"We did some workup, you've been out for a full day and it worried me so with your mother's permission I ran a CT, MRI, and blood, The findings were?" he looked at the floor classic sign of my best friend trying not to tell me. With glossing eyes, he looked back at me, he was about to cry?
"What is it? What's wrong?" I rushed to sit up only to be
knocked back by the dizziness.
"Aurora, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but there's something wrong with your heart, we can do surgery, but that would only give you a couple of extra weeks, but as of now eight months is the longest I can give you" he hung his head low watching as my eyes welled up, mom was in hysterics, this couldn't be happening. I didn't smoke or do drugs of any sort, and socially drank once or twice a month.
"I need to leave, unhook me now" I snapped, anger and sadness in me, as those words sunk in, my world was spinning out of control and the only thing I could think of was why me?
"You should stay for a day or two, let me run some more tests," Chad said, but the look on his face said everything this was the end and there was nothing more he could do. What grand plan could god have for me if I died now? I never married, had kids, never done all those amazing and dramatic things I read about in books and now I only had eight months to live, this was too much for me. Walking out of the hospital with Mom helping me to the car,
"I don't want to die here, I want to be somewhere else," I
said, listening to her sniffle, she didn't want me to leave, but I knew it would be best for her. I told her 'I'm not having the surgery I'm going to live the rest of my life in peace on the beach, I'll make all the needed arrangements for you,' she didn't need that burden. The pain she will endure after I die will be unimaginable and I didn't want her trying to mourn and have the financial hassle. Most of the time driving home I thought of somewhere I could go to blend in and stand out at the same time, packing to just hit the road, for now,
if I stayed here it would only hurt more to see my mom watch me weather away.
Once we returned home, I went straight to my room, didn't want to waste any more
time.
Laying everything out on my bed,
Clothes, Tablet, Passport, and Wallet.
Packing my suitcase and over-shoulder bag ready to leave this city behind,
"Aroura, where are you going?" Mom asked as she walked into my room, obliviously seeing the suitcase and laid-out items.
"Mom, I need to go away for some time,"
"Please no, we can get another opinion, you're fine I'm sure of it." She pleads, but deep in her heart, she knew as well as me, that Chad would never lie about something like this.
"Mom just let me go" I sigh, hugging her one last time, it
made be the last time we are face to face.
"You can't leave, please! I don't want to wait around for that phone call," I shook my head at her knowing she didn't need to wait around, she needed to pretend I was on vacation and that was it,
"Just think of it this way I'm going on vacation and when I
come back, I'll be at peace." I smiled kissing her on the forehead.
"Call every morning, we can talk over coffee" She smiled with reluctance to let me go, smiling as I left.
On my way to the airport, I took a minute to think and reminisce about my life as I was now. Just an everyday average girl, a bit of a hopeless romantic waiting for the perfect man to marry and live old with, it was always my dream. Throughout elementary and high school, I had perfect attendance and even in college never missed a
day or got sick. I always had my head stuck in a book, working hard to get where I am.
Hated when my roommates would have parties making it impossible to study, looking back now I wish I had fun and partied hard too. Pulling up at the airport I made my final decision to go to Bird Stars Island. A beautiful carefree island with maybe less than two hundred thousand people on it, the only way there was to take a plane to Cove
Launch and then a boat to the island. It would be the perfect place to live out the rest of my life, and I would even forget my sickness once I'm there.
Ordering a ticket and grabbing lunch before takeoff, sighing deeply I felt fine, the dizziness had subsided, and nothing felt off at any point. Chad gave me papers and a list of can-do's and can't dos now is the perfect time to read it.
*Eat a healthy diet,
*Maintain medication
*Rest enough, no overstress
*No alcohol
*No drugs
*No spontaneous actives
Rolling my eyes at the last one, like that will never happen now.
'Attention passengers, Flight 1616 is ready for takeoff' packing up my stuff and heading to the terminal, this is the last time I will be here alive, sighing as I silently say goodbye to Mom and Chad. I wasn't fast enough, and as
As soon as I stood a man bumped into me knocking everything in my hands onto the
floor.
"Shit" I seared as I rushed to pick everything up the last thing I needed to lose something important,
"Here Miss," another man said as he handed me a stack of papers, caught off guard by his corked smile,
"Thank you" I laughed rushing onto the boarding ramp, a damn man almost made me miss my flight. I was nearly running to get to my seat before the flight attendants came to check my seats.
"I'm sorry, miss," I smiled as I nearly knocked a lady over trying to get to my seat, this was nerve-wracking all I wanted was a smooth comfortable flight.
"Attention Passengers thank you for flying Bird Eyes Flights,
will you please fasten your seat belt and remain seated until cleared take off."
One of the attendees said with a smile, standing at the front of the plane. Looking around and seeing so many different people just sitting and waiting, a baby babbled from behind me, and the child's mother shushed him. It made me smile about the love and affection she held for her child. Not long after the announcement, we took off, sighing deeply as I officially started the end of my life vacation.
"Attention passengers, please fasten your seat belt for landing, thank you," Started waking up by the announcement I didn't realize I had fallen asleep; the flight was over, and next was the twenty-minute boat ride to my destination. Surprisingly I was a little more excited than I thought I would be, more like I've become content
with the grim ripper walking behind me now. Looking out the window seeing the sky and ocean, watching the waves roll all the blues and green colors so vibrant and intoxicating. Getting a bit antsy ready to get out of this chair, feeling my back getting stiff and sore, and thinking about the best thing to do when I get to
Birds Island is to take another nap.
One thing for sure was I was hungry. Just like a flash we landed, refreshed, excitement and a wave of freedom flowed through me, to forget everything and everyone even if it's just for a minute. Taking in the beautiful scenery, the blue sky, birds flying, and clouds almost
forgetting the people around me rushing to get to the boat for the following leg of my trip. Wide-eyed walking and relaxed free to the world, walking downhill with luggage in one hand and map in the other. The boat came into view a smile stretched across my face, my hair flowing in the breeze, the wind was barely blowing my skirt blowing slightly.
"Excuse me!" turning to the voice finding the same man that helped me before boarding the plane. That smile again, obviously was blocking him from moving.
"Oh? I'm sorry sir," hurrying to move aside, watching his tall stature walk away from me.
He was nice enough to acknowledge me and not knock me over, his reddish-brown hair flying around in the wind, he bounced down the hill, a nice suit too odd I didn't notice a suitcase only a carry-on bag and briefcase.
"Ready for takeoff," the horn blew as everyone sat in their seats, three rows in front of
me I noticed that man with the reddish-brown hair, was he going to the same place as me?
My phone died just as I got off the plane so calling mom was out until later today. Looking around this luxury boat feeling pretty wealthy right now, with plush cushion seats gold trim fancy paintings lining the halls even the crew was wearing suits and nice uniforms just like the airline people. Everyone here looked so happy and relaxed, with smiles, laughter, and joy. The window seat is always the best, between the sun and water splashing into my face seemed to be heaven, such a short ride it sucked when the boat docked.
"Ma'am, Excuse me, Ma'am." I rushed to the lady that left her bag on the chair,
"Ma'am," I touched her shoulder,
"Yes! Oh my, thank you" she laughed, holding her baby close to her cheek, I wanted nothing more but to see me with a baby.
"You're welcome" smiling as I cooed the baby, maybe a little more than eight months old. Frozen to my spot even though I was on the docks, nothing could budget me at that minute, the most maleficent sky in the distance, the sunset was always my favorite time of day hands down, the vibrant colors that were plastered all over the sky, just perfect staring at the blue fade into red then orange then blue again to meet the ocean clouds barely visible.
"Miss," the captain tapped my shoulder, of course, I had been standing here for far too long and needed to leave the docks. A good ten-minute walk to the hotel, but for me, it took a good fifteen too busy ohh and ahhing the scenery Birds Island was called paradise, but never did I think it was. Green trees everywhere for shade from the sun, which is now fully set, and two roads one leading to the beach and one leading up the
mountain.
The hotel on the outside looked old school, if I didn't know any better I would've thought it was a run-down old shack, with two swinging seats on the porch, a white pecked fence around the stairs, and a deck of dark green doors open while to guest and a brick foundation. Red carpet to welcome with, a tray of treats on the table in the lounge area, and white couches with red trim. It wasn't very crowded just two people at the desk, noticing the man from the plane and boat, he was staying there as well. The receptionist seemed to be a little upset,
"DAMN IT!" he slammed his hand down making every including me jump, walked up to the desk,
"Checking in,"
Listening in on his conversation,
"How could you give my already booked room to someone else, some jerk stole my wallet I can't book another room until morning,"
"Sir, I'm sorry, the trainee made a mistake and double-booked the room, the family has already check-in," the manager was trying hard to defuse the situation, but
lady, the man going to blow his lid.
"Then book my payment for another room?"
"We have no vacates Sir,"
Turning to the receptionist who was helping me,
"Have a nice stay, Miss," she spoke as she handed me my room key.
Now or never my brain was going into overdrive,
"Excuse me, Sir, I have an extra bed in my room you can bunk there until morning," I said, with my head slightly down didn't want to give him the wrong impression.
"Can I sleep on the couch?" he said to the manager, only to be told no.
"I guess I don't have much of a choice." He snapped,
"Do you need food too?" I said quietly, knowing he lost his wallet and doubted he could get anything to eat until morning.
"What is your name?" he said in a softer tone little less angry about sharing a room, shaking my head as I looked up at him, his eyes widened slightly, caramel brown eyes, matching his tan skin and diamond shape face, small nose completely the masterpiece. He could pass as a model,
"Aroura Lee, you?" seriously trying not to trip over my words,
"Ryn Chen" he held his hand, shanking it I did,
"I will repay you for dinner tonight, shall we" he guested to the dining hall of the hotel, tables set up like fancy restaurants, servers wore white chef suits. I couldn't stop myself from thinking this was a date, even though I knew it wasn't I wanted to believe it.
"So why are you here?" he asked looking up from the menu.
"Vacation and you?"
"Work, how long are you staying?"
"Two weeks and you?"
"Same,"
As we ordered, we shot questions back and forth, he seemed to be genuinely nice and caring, food arrived seeing his plate made my mouth water, he had steamed
shrimp alfredo, and I ordered clam soup with a burger something I'd never had before, most of the dinner we spent laughing at each other's jokes, he told me about his plan to build an expansion space for his Dragon park. It took my mind off the fact that after tonight I'll probably never see him again and that eight months from now, I'll be in a coffin, that was one thing I would not tell him.
Walking through the halls headed to my room smiling endlessly, he's a sweet talker who was good for one thing and that wasn't on the agenda for me.
"This is it," I said holding the key card,
"I really appreciate this," he smiled, walking into the room, a standard big room with a small lounge area off to the side and bathroom on the other side, walking into the room fully stopping when my eyes set on the mixed visible, one-bed!
"Umm, "
"Don't worry, I'll be gentle if you need me," his voice was different, turning to smack into his chest as he pinned me against the wall.
"What?" I couldn't even look at him, this wasn't the same man that helped me twice today.
"Why would you invite a stranger into your room, if you're not willing,"
"I? I?" Fighting back tears, only one thing came to mind, connecting my knee to his pelvis.
Running to the bathroom locking the door,
"Fuck!" he laughed,
Not sure why the hell he was laughing I didn't see anything funny though.
"Aroura, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you, truly I'll sleep on the floor" he laughed knocking on the door, but now I didn't trust him,
"If I come out, you will put all jokes away, that wasn't funny, you are right, you're a stranger," I said through the door,
"I promise," he said in the tone of the voice he used earlier with the manager. Fighting against my better judgment I unlock the door finding he has already made a bed on the floor and his sitting down.
"I'm sorry, but if you want to hold onto your virtue don't invite strange men into your room with false pretenses," he said not moving from his spot.
"Night then," I said, lying down on the bed.
Ryn:
I woke up before the alarm and sun, just to clean up and order room service. As I ate toast, I wrote Aroura a note apologizing for offending her in any way. Every few minutes I would look up to see her sleeping soundly and peacefully, she had trouble falling asleep last night because of what I did it was no surprise any woman would be terrified, and I was too stupid to think twice.
Walking down the halls thinking of where a good place would be to think, of course, the beach. It was a good two hours before I met with Mr.Ke, I didn't have any of my blueprints or pitch rundowns, I was currently the most unprepared person for this meeting, but the only that kept coming to mind was Aroura's beautiful face. The invasion in my mind was becoming a hassle, I just wanted to run into the room and kiss her to know what her lips felt like. Sitting on the beach trying to think, but nothing, and I mean nothing every time I started with an idea, she would jump into my head again. Checking my watch wasn't any better, starving and pissed wasn't a good combination.
"Hi," that voice, I spun around faster than a bullet finding her, Aroura stood there with a smile, a breeze from the waves flipped her hair everywhere.
"Hi,"
"I got your note, thank you and I thought maybe you were hungry so here," she held out a
box.
"Sit, join me," I said before she had a chance to leave.
"Did you find your things?" she asked, biting into her sandwich
"No, but I'm going to the police station to pick up my wallet later,"
"That's great, clothes you can replace, but wallets are a lot more personal," her smile caught my eye, I've never taken the moment to look at a female the way I'm looking at her, her beauty radiating off the sunshine and ocean breeze.
"Yea, would you like to go with me, do some sightseeing?"
"Are you asking me out on a date?" that smile and laughter, if she wanted it to be a date then ok, I'm up for anything that includes her.
After breakfast we parted ways me off to my meeting and her off to enjoy a swim on the beach, agreeing to meet at noon to go sightseeing. Normally I'm cold and calculated also on point with everything in work and life, my personal life never intertwines with work. Walking back into the lobby and headed to the restaurant adjusting my jacket and tie, looking for anything out of the
ordinary,
"Ryn, wait" spinning to that voice spotting Aroura running to me.
"You left this," she handed me the folder of blueprints I thought I left in my suitcase.
"Guessing it was important," I could feel my eyes widen and jaw-dropping, nothing stopped me from engulfing her in a very tight hug,
"Thank you so much,"
"You're welcome, go! See you later." She laughed and then ran off again.
Staring down at the folder I had no idea what was going on with me, she didn't have to return it, she didn't need to be nice to me. I added a smile to my walk, as I sat reading through the pitch making sure I memorized it perfectly. Mr.Ke's a difficult man to handle, he's lived here for over thirty years owning and maintaining this island since his wife passed away ten years ago, it was the last time he agreed to have any type of fun park idea. My idea was to
create a theme park of Mystic creatures, full of games and sports, and also have our mechanical creatures wandering around aimlessly.
"Mr. Chen, what a pleasure to meet you in person," Mr.Ke said standing on the other side of the table.
"Mr.Ke likewise, this is such a beautiful place." I chimed, gesturing for him to sit
across from me. He's sat straight, aged face with wrinkles and dark circles under his eyes, wearing a suit standard black with a white shirt and gold cufflinks.
"So, after much deliberation, I've given it so much thought," he sighed drinking some water and reading through the plans, he had a crooked smile telling me that maybe, just maybe I had the green light in the bag.
"Sir," growing impatient, but didn't want to show it.
"I wanted to meet the CEO in person before I agreed or not, and seeing that you not only took the time to come here but stayed willingly after you're luggage and wallet were misplaced that tells me, YES! You have the green light because fate made you stay beyond limits." He smiled handing back the prints, we ate and chatted more after that, but nothing could describe the excitement boiling inside me. Among the excitement, Aroura kept jumping into my mind, guessing Mr.Ke caught onto it.
"A girl got you ye?" he laughed shaking his head,
"I just meant her yesterday, she welcomed me to share her room until I got my wallet, and this morning we sat on the beach just talking, I've never had that before."
Shaking my head unsure why I just spilling my heart on the table to him, maybe I can trust people I don't just based on the fact that this island is magical.
"Go celebrate with her,"
"Oh, no I don't want to bother her like that, she's on vacation,"
"Alone? Thinking by the look on your face, go have fun," he laughed.
I didn't need any more encouragement, nearly ran to the room my heart felt like it was going to explode. Thinking of what I could say, 'Let's celebrate,' I had a bottle of champagne, but I didn't want her to think I wanted to do anything. Reaching for the door handle, everything froze at the sound of her sobs from the other side lost track of my brain when my body took over, opening the door and finding her on the floor drenched in tears, her face red and swollen. I didn't say anything as our eyes meant I engulfed her in my arms just holding her tight, Looking her over while she sobbed thinking maybe someone hurt her or she lost something important it wasn't until my eyes landed on hospital papers. A good twenty minutes passed before sleep took over, and she cried herself to sleep. Gently lifting her to put her in the bed, and running to the bathroom to get a washrag, she didn't need to wake up with snot everywhere.
Sitting on the chair debating whether to read the papers or not, maybe she would tell me when she was more comfortable, or maybe she was scared that I'd pity whatever was wrong. The only thing I knew was if something was wrong I could handle it, and I wanted nothing but to be around her even if she only saw me as a friend. Reading the papers against my better judgment, I'll just pretend that I don't know anything. Feeling tears welling up as the words come into focus Cancer stage 3, eight to ten months left to live. Like getting hit by a truck, you think you've found that one person that you just can't live without, and she's dying. Instead of celebrating I now wanted to crawl into bed next to her and just hold her, that's exactly what I did too, if she woke up screaming and hit me, I'd take it, but I'm never leaving her side and it's not pity I don't know what it is yet.
"I promise to make you happy until your last day." I kissed her forehead holding her tight as tears left my eyes.
Aurora:
I woke to Ryn sleeping next to me, holding me. His long eyelashes fudder causing me to smile. I touched his cheek, the cool temperature of his skin and tan color. I don't know why I'm pulling him. I just need to see him, I must be near him to feel happy. I don't want to burden him with my problems. I slid out of the bed picking up the papers scattered on the floor, but to my surprise, they were neatly placed on the table.
"Thank you," I whispered, not even sure why.
I returned to the room with dinner and towels. Ryn was sitting on the couch reading papers, his work papers. Somehow he doesn't seem dangerous to me, and I'm comfortable with his company.
"What did you get?" He smiled. I know he read the papers, but he's not asking about them it's comfortable like this.
"Got chicken and rice, I didn't know if you like that or not." I sat the bag of towels on the end of the bed and my food tray on the opposite side of the table.
"I like chicken and rice, let's eat." He said cleaning up his papers and returning them to his folder.
"Aurora?" Ryn broke the silence a few moments later. I looked up from my food, his face turned serious.
"I want to care for you, I don't how or why I have this pull, but please just let me be by your side," I figured he read my papers and part of me was happy that he did. I couldn't hold back any longer.
"Why? I'm sick, I've done nothing to earn this. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs? anything. My wish for a family and a happy ever after has been flushed down the toilet. Please Ryn, don't give me false hope. I'm dying and I can't change that." I vented finally I let it out amongst my yelling and sobbing Ryn rushed over and held me tightly. The smell of his perfume soothed me, it was just something about him.
"Just remember I'm here, no matter what? I'm here."
"You?You ? you won't be after we leave Bird's Island." reality slowly awakened me, this is just a temporary stay and he has a life to get back to, and me? I'm going to be dead soon.
"Even after we leave, I'll stay by your side, I promise," Ryn said kissing my forehead I didn't look at him but I knew I felt his lips on my forehead. Does hope feel like this? Can I hope to spend my last days with this man and be happy?
"Tomorrow we can walk on the beach and do some sightseeing, we didn't get to do that today." he placed his forehead against mine looking into my eyes and smiling.
"Okay,"
"Kay, let's finish eating."
When the morning came Ryn woke me up smiling with beach bracelets and wearing his swimming trunks.
"Up Up swimming time and breakfast on the beach." he looked like a completely different person from the man I meant. I like this Ryn, maybe the other one is for work. Pulling up the strings of the necktie on my bathing suit. A pretty one-piece yellow with red poke dots, a red scarf around the waist to accent the color.
"Ready?.Wow," Ryn said whistling.
"Thanks, I think," I shyly smiled grabbing my bag.
"Off to see the waves." cheesy yet cute.
After four hours of laying in the sun and swimming, I felt exhausted but for good reason, a waiter came asking if we needed anything from time to time. I spotted a family on vacation their child running and playing, pulling my knees into my chest and smiling sadly. I'd love to have a child, to love a man, to be a wife.
"You okay?" Ryn said sitting next to me with a glass of tea.
"I'm fine just enjoy the sounds and sites before I can't anymore,"
"Okay, let's make a deal." nodding for him to continue,
"Don't remind yourself of the end, just live for the now. Okay?"
"Ok," I whispered, and he had a point I needed to live now and deal with later. His arms wrapped around me like a blanket.
"Honeymoon lunches, get your free honeymoon lunches, honeymoon lunches." my ears heard it but I didn't look.
"Want a honeymoon lunch?" he played.
"We're not married?"
"Why not?" my smile faded as he pulled me closer to the lunchroom.
"No, No Ryn No?"
"You'll never get to marry or have a happy ever after, at least here you can." his words burned my heart, and yet they were true.
"I?I" I hugged him the beachgoers clapped and cheered, It settled that tomorrow Ryn and I will get married here on Birds Island.
Walking back to the room we were stopped at the front desk.
"Sir Ryn Chen we located your belongings and the room is vacated now you can sign in today." even though I stood on the side I could hear the conversation it took everything in me to stay planted there.
"Thank you," he said, I should've known I turned to walk away and headed back to my room. Wellow in self-pity.
I felt a hand shoulder "What are you leaving without me?"
"I thought?"
"I made a promise and I don't intend to break it," he picked up a bag and pulled his suitcase as we walked to our room. Our room, smiling at just the thought.
"I need to call my secretary and I'm sure you need to call your parents," he said whistling as we shuffled through the halls passing housekeepers he waved goofily as they smiled.
I went out on the balcony to make my phone while looking off at the beautiful sunset,
"Mom,"
"Baby, come home, I don't want you to be away from me,"
"I'm happy here, umm? I'm calling to tell you something,"
"Oh, what did you get hurt, are you in the hospital?"
"No, I'm getting married tomorrow."
"WHAT?" before I knew it the voice on the other line went from scared and worried to angry disapproval. I just stood there listening looking inside to see Ryn holding the phone from his head looking unpleased, guessing he's having the same reaction as me. Smiling and waving at him then pointing to my phone and mouthing mom doesn't approve, he pointed to his saying the same thing.
After fifteen minutes of listening to Mom scream and fight me, I gave up and hung up the phone.
"That woman will scream an ear off," I said rubbing my ear as I sat on the edge of the bed.
"I got the same thing from my secretary and father," he sat next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling my head onto his chest.
"Will it be ok?"
"I'm sure it will be, we have this need to be in each other's presents so what's bad about it."
"You shower first I'll pull the bed out," I nodded watching him walk off the couch pulling it into the bed.
The hotel staff put the couch in here the second we shared the room, for his comfort after hearing I only had one bed.
He was already asleep when I exited the bathroom I sat on the floor tracing my finger across the creases of his forehead 'I'm going to marry a man I've only known for a week.' I thought but nothing would seem any more perfect in my state.
I pretended to be asleep when she exited the bathroom, but I didn't expect her to be so tender with her touch. After she fell asleep I jumped into action, I'm going to do everything I can to make the rest of her life loving and happy.
"Russell I need a list of things to prepare for a wedding now,"
"Sir?" his unsteady voice said the same thing my mother's voice said. 'What the hell?'
"Just do it, and don't ask questions right now, later," I snapped, hanging up the phone awaiting the list.
I didn't sleep all night. I worked around with the staff fixing up the bar and beach for the shotgun wedding and honeymoon show we'll enjoy.
"Rose petals and archway set up, music set up," Stephen said as she checked off the boxes.
"I? got? i.t." a busboy huffs like a fish out of water. I tilted my head to the side confused about what the hell was he talking about.
"Oh, I had him go to the jewelry shop and get wedding bands," Stephen said blushing.
"Thanks," I said looking at the rings. This is it, I'm getting married in six hours, oddly, I don't feel scared or nervous.
Staring at these standard gold bands smiling thinking of her beautiful smile, her glass blue eyes, her black hair wrapped up in a bun, and a birdcage veil.
"Mr. Ke asked if he could be a guest?" Stephen said, holding the phone and covering it with her hand.
"Yes, of course,"
After we finished everything I returned to our room, finding Aurora awake and in the shower. I set the tray of food on the table along with the box. Sitting in the seat filling plates with food,
"I woke up and you weren't here," she said while towel-drying her hair.
"Yea went to get food." looking down at the healthy men's breakfast.
"You know I can't eat all this,"
"Give it a try," I said knowing that I placed the ring on the bacon under the lid.
"RYN?" she squealed
"You've never had the chance to love and I know we don't love each other yet, but let's give it a shot. Marry Me?" I kneed onto the floor as I spoke, her eyes dropping tears nearly instantly.
"Yes," This was it, I kissed her, those soft full lips just screaming for love. I deepened the kiss, licking her lips. She refused. Naturally, we don't know much about each other.
"Um."
"It's ok. We don't know each other." I cleared my throat and returned to my food.
"Thank you so much, Ryn." she giggles twisting the ring around her finger.
"I'll take my shower now," I needed to rush to the bathroom, if the tent in my pants got any higher I'd have some explaining to do.
"I can't believe you bought this ring, it must have cost a lot of money, I don't want your money," she spoke softly through the door, I smiled rubbing my hard shaft at the thought of things when could do. I won't pressure her though, even if we live together I'd give her a separate room until she is ready.
"Money is not an issue," I answered, wrapping myself in a towel after putting my boxers on.
"But I don't want money?"
"I understand that I'll be with you, even with money," I said standing behind her, rubbing my hands up and down her shoulders, softly kissing her hair as she stood staring out the bay windows - a sunrise as breathtaking as her beauty, the reflection of the sun on the water.
"Ryn, I'm scared to love you, I'll hurt you when I'm not here anymore." her words barely it out of her mouth, and I cross my arms around sighing.
"I'll love you enough for the both of us."
"Do you think fate brought us together like this?"
"I believe the love at first sight is real and fate did this for me to love you until the end of time."
"Thank you," she hummed laying her head on my arms, just watching the sunrise. We've known little about each other, but it felt like I've known her my whole life.
We stayed in our room until lunchtime, then ready for my plan. A text on my phone telling me everything was ready.
"Hey, let's go to the cafe' for lunch?" I said closing my book and patting her foot, she hurried to turn off the TV laughing.
"Food time." her goofy look, I'll never get used to her doing silly things like this. Hand and Hand we walked to the cafe'
Making fun skipping down the hall, laughing, and having fun. Terry a staff member that helped me last night smiled at us. I looked back and winked at her, signaling her to get the cafe' ready for her arrival.
Stopping her at the door,
"Remember I'm not pitying you, I do feel like I'm falling in love with you." she gave me a confusing look as I opened the doors.
Confetti and poppers, cheers and horns filled the air, a red velvet center rug and guests seated and clapping. She squealed my hand looking at me teary-eyed,
"Ryn?" I welcomed the hug.
Walking down the aisle, I purposely told her to wear the white sundress with a pearl necklace her hair up in a bun with a flower headband.
I thumb up to Mr. Ke sitting in the front row smiling and clapping, the island priest stood in front of us we turned to face each other.
No doubts or regrets when I said I Do!
"You may kiss the bride," he said, had we not kissed this morning this would be our first kiss. She blushed when I pulled her closer kissing her hard but tender.
Cheers from the room even made me blush?
"I'm married," she whispered,
"Yup, we're married."
"I'm so happy thank you Ryn. I will love you!" she hugged me again and more cheer filled the air, Guests, and staff laughed throwing rice at us as we left the room and headed to the beach. There was one more surprise for her? I wait to see her light up on the beach.
I wrapped my tie around her eyes, and kissed her cheek saying "I'll lead you the rest of the way."
As the doors opened the bright sun and crystal water and sand, the heated wind soaked our faces. Walking her to the bar that was hosting a free honeymoon meal, the host was aware of my plan and got things ready the moment he saw me.
"Ok," I sat her at the seat and sat next to her, waiting for the guest to sit with us.
"Hello," I shook hands with the person as she sat down. Removing the blindfold receiving a squeal and a massive bear hug. I welcomed it.
"MOM!" Aurora cried hugging her mom I sat back allowing them to enjoy their time.
"This is him?"
"My husband," I nearly fell out of my chair hearing her say that line.
"I'm Jocy Lee and you?"
"Ryn Chen nice to meet you," another shake of the hands,
"Does your family know about this? You're a hotshot CEO I'd expect they're not happy about this," her words are true, but I don't care because what is done is done and Aurora is my wife.
"Love doesn't have a price ma'am," I simply said chewing my food and watching Aurora smile.
"Thank you for this, I know you two don't know each other well?" I stopped her from completing that sentence by saying.
"With all due respect ma'am, fate brought us together for a reason and I intend to make her the happiest woman forever,"
"But?" I can see where she is going with this and I'm putting a stop to it, I'm not doing this out of pity.
"Please, her illness has nothing to do with this, It'd be the same result even in health." she just nodded when a feared smile.
"Excuse me!" I drooped my fork at the men standing behind me, I could recognize the voice anywhere,
"Father?" I whispered to myself, he walked to the empty side of the table introducing himself to Aurora and her mother.
"I had to hear from Russell that you had wed," his stern tone made me feel scared, but I was willing to stand my ground.
"That's true, Aurora Lee and I were married this morning," I clasped her hand.
"Russell also said she is deafly sick?" he crossed his hands snapping Aurora started shanking causing me to pull her closer.
"Father you're scaring her, and to answer you yes," I barked ready to just leave, but his face grew softer.
"You know your mother was deafly sick when she gave birth to you, I don't want you to have that kind of pain, I welcome your choice, but I don't welcome the pain both of you will endure as her time runs out." I scrunched up his face hiding a tear as he nodded his head and walked away.
I held in tears for hours. Ryn had made my dream come true and so much more when he set off for the wedding and the butterflies in my belly. I nearly collapsed when I saw my mother sitting there smiling, happy that she didn't disapprove, and then his father showed up; the words he said hurt but were true. I don't want Ryn to feel the pain of losing me? and I will die sooner than expected for someone my age.
Now we've been married for a week and I'm laying on the lounge chair soaking up the sun while he's the water surfing, just watching the waves and clouds pass by. I glance down a few times at the standard plain wedding band. To many, it would just be a ring to tell people you are married to, but for me, it says I'm married to an amazing man who believes in love at first sight.
"Aurora, come on." he waved from the surfboard, shaking my head NO! I don't surf, I enjoy just watching him riding the waves.
"Live a little baby, come on." he smiled waving for me, I dropped my head sacredly walking to the edge of the ocean.
"I don't know how to get on," I said emerging from the water,
"Like this," he pulled me up. I could feel the outline of his body pressed against my back, a piece of fabric separating us from each other's skin. I straddled the board holding forward and kicking my legs against the water. He held me by my waist.
The beautiful scenery made it even more romantic. I slowly leaned back against his chest allowing him to engulf me in his arms. Our hands interlocked the rings and flashed in the sunlight.
