Unexpected Desires

CHAPTER 21: Island Adventures

Chapter 21: Island Adventures

Mayari Calleope's Point of View

The first rays of dawn whispered through the curtains, a gentle call to the new day. My eyes fluttered open, but a cocoon of warmth and sleepiness still enveloped me. The sensation of someone softly tapping my cheek reached my senses.

"Baby, wake up," came the tender voice, coaxing me from the depths of slumber.

I let out a soft moan, my hand instinctively reaching out to pull the blankets tighter around me. "Five more minutes. I'm still sleepy," I mumbled, my words half-buried in the fluffy pillows.

A soft chuckle danced through the air, and I knew that Riley was grinning, even though my eyes were still closed. He was always the early riser, the adventurer, the one who thrived on every moment of life.

"Baby, wake up. We have a lot of activities to do," Riley declared, his voice laced with laughter and excitement. Bigla akong napamulat ng ma-realize ko kung nasaan ako.

With a gasp of realization, I shot up in bed, eyes wide with exhilaration. "Oh my God!"

My gaze snapped to Riley, who was sitting beside me, his grin matching my own enthusiasm. How could I have forgotten that we were on Isla Del Fierte, a place where every moment was precious, a paradise to explore? Wala dapat kaming sayangin na oras habang andito kami sa mala-paraisong lugar na 'to.

"Let's go!" I practically leaped out of bed, ready to seize the day's adventures. Riley followed suit but not before playingfully pulling me back onto the bed, mischief dancing in his eyes.

"Mayari, calm down," he chuckled, wrapping his strong arms around me. "We have all the time in the world to explore Isla Del Fierte."

I pouted like a child, unable to contain my excitement. Sorry naman. Sobrang excited lang talaga ako. Like ang tagal ko ng gustong puntahan ang Isla Del Fierte. Nakikita ko lang siya sa mga tv at magazines noon then eversince that day pinangarap ko na siyang puntahan. Hindi ko lang magawa dahil malayo sa amin pero ngayon it's like a dream come true. Andito na ako ngayon sa Isla Del Fierte, ang tinatawag nilang Paraiso dito sa lupa.

"I'm just so excited, you know," I confessed, my voice bubbling with the joy of a child on Christmas morning. Riley chuckled, his fingers tenderly caressing my cheeks as if I were the most precious thing in the world.

"I know, I know, baby," he whispered, leaning in to brush his lips against mine. "That's why I woke you up early. I knew you've been itching to explore since yesterday. We were just too exhausted from the journey yesterday to venture out."

I smiled, my heart warmed by his understanding. Riley was right. Sa sobrang pagod namin kahapon sa byahe ay nakatulog kami at paggising namin ay gabi na. Wala na kaming oras pa maglibot kaya napag-usapan namin na ngayong araw na lang kami magsisimulang libutin ang buong isla.

"So, come on. Let's have breakfast first, and then we'll head out," Riley suggested, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. I nodded eagerly and followed him out of our room.

Pagpasok namin sa kitchen ay bahagya pa akong nagulat dahil nakahanda na ang almusal. The kitchen held a delightful surprise: breakfast was already prepared, and the table was adorned with a mouthwatering spread.

"You made this?" I asked in disbelief, my gaze fixed on the delicious assortment of food.

Riley nodded with pride, his humility evident as he added, "With a little help from Iana."

My eyes turned to him, touched by his thoughtfulness. He was more than just a charming adventurer; he was someone who knew how to create magic in the everyday.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice laced with sincerity. Riley seemed taken aback by my gratitude, a blush tinting his cheeks.

"For what?" He asked, his genuine curiosity mirrored in his eyes. I smiled warmly, my heart swelling with affection.

"For the breakfast," I replied, reaching for a plate. Suppressing a giggle, I watched as Riley sat there, clearly surprised by my gesture of thanks.

"Kumain ka na diyan. Marami pa tayong gagawin." I teased, my tone playfully mimicking his words from yesterday. Riley seemed to catch on, and soon, we were both enjoying our morning meal.

"Yes, ma'am!" Anito at nagsimula na agad itong kumain. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile at the way he dove into his meal.

Pagkatapos namin kumain ay naligo na kaming parehas. I went in first, taking my time to cleanse myself thoroughly. By the time I emerged, I was met by Riley, still towel-draped, his hair slightly tousled. I chose a simple summer dress that flowed gracefully around me, complemented by dainty white lace sandals. A quick braid tamed my long hair, and a layer of sunscreen shielded me from the island sun.

As Riley stepped out of the bathroom, his gaze locked onto me. "Oh. Wow," he breathed, his voice halting as his eyes met mine. Confused, I regarded him. "Why?" I inquired, and he merely shook his head, moving closer with deliberate steps.

"You look so beautiful in that dress," he uttered, his words sending a rosy blush to my cheeks. Riley had always been one to compliment me, but each time, it never failed to make me shy.

"B-bolero. Magbihis ka na nga." Saad ko na lamang sa kaniya upang maitago ang hiya na nararamdaman ko. Tatawa-tawang sumunod naman si Riley.

"I'm not. Just stating a fact, baby," he responded, complete with a playful wink.

Umiwas na lamang ako ng tingin upang itago ang tunay kong nararamdaman. Baka mahalata pa niyang nagb-blush ako sa compliment niya. I will not give him the satisfaction.

Pagkatapos magbihis ni Riley ay bumaba na kami sa lobby kung saan nakita namin si Iana na nasa front desk ulit.

"Hi kuya! Hi ate!" She greeted us with vivacity, and I couldn't help but return her warm smile. She truly was strikingly beautiful. Pwede ba siyang maging souvenir ko sa pag-uwi ko sa Maynila? Huhu.

"Hey, babygirl." Bati ni Riley dito. Agad na sinimangutan naman siya ni Iana.

"Babygirl my ass. Hindi na ako baby noh," she quipped, her expression reminiscent of a pouting child, making both of us laugh.

"But you're still a baby to me. Anyway, we're heading out. Someone's excited to stroll around the island," Riley teased, subtly referring to me with a nudge. I countered by denying his words, playfully nudging him back to keep our interactions discreet.

"No, I'm not," I refuted with a grin, our laughter filling the air. Riley and Iana joined in, and with that, we bid Iana farewell.

Leaving the hotel, we were greeted by the invigorating sea breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves caressing the shore. My smile widened as I allowed the fresh, salty air to envelop me.

"What do you want to do first?" Riley inquired as we explored our surroundings. I cast my eyes over the multitude of activities available on the island, a sense of excitement coursing through me. The options were endless, with island hopping, jet skiing, banana boating, and numerous other water activities laid out before us.

"Let's do jet skiing first," I decided, my eagerness getting the better of me. I didn't wait for Riley's response and impulsively pulled him along with me.

"Woah! Woah!" Riley's delighted exclamations accompanied our brisk pace towards the attendants.

"Good morning, sir Riley. Good morning, ma'am Mayari," the assistant greeted us courteously. I met him with a smile, while Riley acknowledged him with a nod of his head.

"We'd like a jet ski for two, Shawn," Riley requested, his eyes fixed on the jet ski of his choosing. Shawn responded with a friendly smile before tending to our needs.

"Here you go, man," Shawn handed us life vests, and my heart raced at the sight of the sleek jet ski waiting for us.

"Thanks, Shawn," Riley said, his gratitude evident in his warm smile. Shawn shrugged humbly as he assisted us in putting on the life vests.

"Have fun, you two," Shawn wished us well before we embarked on our adventure.

Riley held my hand as we approached the jet ski, his voice full of affection as he asked, "Are you ready, baby?" His arm wrapped around me securely, adding a hint of intimacy to the moment.

"Kapit mabuti, baka mahulog ka," he playfully quipped, his words carrying a double meaning that caused a ripple of laughter between us. I shook my head in amusement.

"Whatever, Middleton," I retorted, feigning nonchalance. Riley's laughter filled the air as he initiated the jet ski, our anticipation mounting.

Kinakabahan ako sa umpisa pero ng maglaon ay naging kampante na rin ako at unti-unti na akong nage-enjoy sa ride namin.

Tuwang-tuwa ako habang pinahaharurot ni Riley ang jetski sa malawak na karagatan.

"Woohhh!" Our joint exclamations filled the air as we reveled in the exhilarating experience. Our gazes met, and we shared an affectionate chuckle, united by the sheer madness of our adventure. It didn't matter if we seemed a little crazy. We were having the time of our lives.

"So, where are we heading next?" Riley asked as we wandered along the beach. I took a moment to survey our surroundings, noticing a group of tourists eagerly preparing for a banana boat ride.

"Let's try the banana boat," I suggested, a smile spreading across my face. Riley and I exchanged knowing glances, our shared excitement palpable.

"Okay, baby," Riley agreed, his laughter echoing as I enthusiastically pulled him toward the attendants offering the banana boat ride.

"Hi, sir Riley!" The attendants greeted us cheerfully. Riley smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. I couldn't help but lean closer to him and whisper teasingly.

"Kilalang-kilala ka sa buong Isla," I commented with a playful chuckle. Riley shrugged, meeting my gaze.

"Can't help it. I'm the owner's son," he explained, his tone modest. I laughed. Being the son of the island's owner certainly came with its share of recognition. Everyone knew him.

We were swiftly assisted onto the banana boat, and as soon as it started moving, exhilaration coursed through me, and I couldn't contain my joyful shouts. Riding a banana boat for the first time was both thrilling and terrifying, but as the ride continued, the thrill overshadowed the fear.

"This is so fun!" Riley shouted, his voice filled with excitement. I glanced at him, my heart skipping a beat when I saw his wide, genuine smile. Ang saya-saya niya tignan at dahil doon ay hindi ko mapigilan ang mapatitig sa kaniya kasabay ng malakas na pagdagundong ng aking puso.

Palihim kong ipinilig ang aking puso kasabay ng pagkapa ko sa aking dibdib. Bakit ganito ang nararamdaman ko? Why seeing him so happy makes me feel happy too?

Hindi kaya???

No. No. No. Hindi pwede. Hindi maaari. Masyadong kumplikado pa ang lahat. May problema pa akong tinakasan ko lang na kailangan kong balikan at ayusin at ayokong madawit si Riley sa problema ko if ever. Kaya no... Not this time at least.

Pagtapos namin sa banana boat ay kumain muna kami ni Riley at talaga namang masarap din ang pagkain na ino-offer dito sa isla. Being on an island, seafood was the star of the menu, and it didn't disappoint. The seafood was fresh, flavorful, and a true delight for the senses.

Pagkatapos namin kumain ni Riley ay bumalik kami sa penthouse niya upang magpahinga at eto ako ngayon, kagigising ko lang at nadatnan kong wala na si Riley.

Kunot-noong bumangon ako. Nasaan kaya ang lalaking iyon? Hindi man lang niya ako ginising. Tumingin ako sa bedside table para tignan kung anong oras na at halos manlaki ang mga mata ko sa gulat ng malaman kong alas-sais na pala ng gabi.

Ganoon kahaba ang naging tulog ko? Napailing na lang ako at tatayo na sana ako upang lumabas at hanapin si Riley ng may makita akong note sa ibabaw ng bedside table.

Takang kinuha ko iyon at binasa.

"Meet me at the beach when you wake up.

- Riley"

I furrow my brow, wondering what Riley's up to now. I sigh and shake my head, heading to the shower. Once I'm ready, wearing a simple floral dress with my long hair cascading freely, I leave the room and descend to the lobby.

Nagulat pa ako ng salubungin ako ni Iana. "Hi, ate Mayari!" I'm greeted with a warm smile from her, who's no longer in her receptionist uniform but is dressed in a charming summer dress. She looks like a living doll, and I can't help but chuckle to myself.

I greet her, and she playfully loops her arm through mine.

"Hinahanap mo ba si Kuya Riley? Come on, I'll take you to him," she says excitedly, leading the way.

"Where are we going, Iana?" I ask, intrigued. Her smile broadens as she turns to me.

"Basta ate. Just trust me," she says with a wink, and I decide not to press further, letting her guide me.

After a few minutes of walking, Iana suddenly stops. She releases my arm, and I look at her, perplexed.

"I can only take you this far, ate. But yeah, have fun and enjoy the rest of your evening," she says cryptically, along with a wink. I raise an eyebrow. What does she mean by that?

Magtatanong pa sana ako ngunit mabilis na nawala agad si Iana sa tabi ko. When I look back, I see her running toward Shawn, who's waiting with a smile.

Hmm, there seems to be something going on between those two. Well, it's not my story to tell, so I'll just leave it at that.

Nagpatuloy na ako sa paglalakad at halos magulat ako ng makita ko ang isang picnic mat na nakalatag sa dalampasigan. There's also a picnic basket and a bucket of champagne nearby.

Scented candles are scattered around, and a small bonfire is set up not far from the picnic blanket.

I furrow my brow. Did Riley set all of this up?

My question is answered when I look to my side and see Riley smiling at me, holding a guitar.

"This is all for you, baby. I hope you like it," he says, making my heart race.

What could Riley possibly have in store for me now?