Our conversation was abruptly interrupted as someone entered the house. Liene, who had been outside, glanced at us with parted lips before her gaze shifted to Kian. She appeared amazed and astonished, almost stumbling when I called her.
"Liene."
"Huh?" She cleared her throat and quickened her pace to join us indoors. Avoiding eye contact, she halted to Kian, who was now standing barefoot. I observed them silently.
"What?" Kian furrowed his eyebrows, looking somewhat disheveled without his glasses. His sleep-deprived eyes fixed on Liene.
"You can stay at our place," Liene cautiously suggested. "Shammie doesn't have an extra room for you, and it's not appropriate for you two to be alone together."
Kian let out an annoyed sigh. "Why do you care? She's just a friend."
"Nevertheless..." Liene bit her lip. "Others might misunderstand—"
"Thanks, but I don't need your help."
I gasped at Kian's response. It was rude and direct, and even I would have been offended by his remark.
"Please, both of you, stop." I let out a weary sigh as I adjusted my slightly crooked dress. "Kian, you can stay at their house. They are kind-hearted people."
"No, I will protect you."
I massaged my temples and then turned to Liene. I shook my head, and she instantly grasped what I meant. She pursed her lips as she surveyed the modest surroundings of the house.
"Should I get some blankets?"
"Yes, please." I smiled gratefully. "Thank you for looking out for my friend's well-being, and I apologize for his behavior."
After giving Kian a side-eye glance, she left. I trailed Liene with my eyes, peering through the small window of the house as she made her way back to hers. Guilt washed over me, realizing that I hadn't properly introduced her to Kian.
"She's your friend?" he asked, seeking clarification.
I nodded, still positioned by the window, anxiously awaiting Liene's arrival. The distant sounds of lively music and cheerful voices filled the air. The lanterns lining the street illuminated the surroundings, masking the stars that would usually adorn the night sky.
"You should apologize to her," I murmured, my gaze fixed on the street below.
"I was just being cautious," Kian defended himself.
"She's a friend, Kian. You don't know that?" I questioned, my voice tinged with disappointment. "She's been there for me during the short time I've been here, ever since Daniel left."
"Still... you trust people so easily, Sharmienne," Kian remarked, moving closer to stand beside me near the window. I glanced at him, noticing how the night breeze ruffled his disheveled hair. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the sensation of the cool air against his skin. "I wonder why you stayed in this place."
"This place has become my favorite," I admitted sincerely. His eyes widened in confusion as he focused his gaze on me.
"It would be difficult for me to convince you to return, huh?" He leaned against the wooden railing of the window, then glanced away. "This is just a temporary escape, Sha. Eventually, you'll have to confront the reality you've been avoiding. It's something you should face."
"I know," I muttered, feeling a rush of emotions. He playfully ruffled my hair just like he always did. His reassuring smile silently conveyed that everything would be alright. "Thank you, Kian."
He shook his head gently. "You're like a sister to me. I'll always be there to protect you when you stumble and face obstacles that will come your way." He smirked, and I nodded in agreement. His attention shifted to Liene, who held sleeping mats in her arms. "I should help her, don't you think?" he chuckled.
"You definitely should," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips.
"And apologize too," he added, winking mischievously before making his way towards Liene, who was smiling at me as if she had witnessed something interesting.
With a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of Liene's lips, she playfully nudged Kian, silently urging him to take a step forward. Kian's expression was stoic and cold. He turned to fully face Liene, extending his hand towards her. I strained to hear their conversation, captivated by the tension in the air.
"I'm sorry for my earlier behavior," Kian's voice broke through the silence. "You were just looking out for Sharmienne's well-being, and I was too late to appreciate that."
Liene's eyes softened, a gentle warmth replacing her initial surprise. She reached out and shook his hand warmly, her voice filled with understanding. "Apology accepted."
A flicker of gratitude was visible in Kian's eyes, and a wave of relief washed over me as I witnessed their exchange of conversation.
Kian and Liene proceeded to carry the sleeping mats inside. I watched Liene's cheeks reddened ever so slightly as she glanced at Kian's back, a hint of something shining in her eyes. It reminded me of the way I used to react around Denver, a bittersweet pang of nostalgia coursing through my heart.
A painful memory immediately intruded upon my thoughts, overshadowing the fleeting joy. The moments I had shared with my husband flashed vividly in my mind. It felt like an ache deep within my chest, the longing for more time with him. Yet, I knew that my current circumstances were a consequence of my own choices, and I couldn't place blame on anyone but myself.
As I yearned for Denver's presence, a mix of sorrow and fondness enveloped me. I closed my eyes, taking a moment to cherish the memories we had created together. It was a reminder of the love we had shared, even if it had been cut short.
"Shammie?" Liene's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I turned to face her, curious about what she had to say.
"Yes?"
"Do you want to join the celebration? Mom wanted to see you..." She glanced at Kian. "and your friend."
A smile tugged at my lips. "Oh, sure. I'd love to."
Kian, who had been putting the sleeping mat on two mono bloc chairs, made his way towards us.
"Can I join too?" he asked.
Liene's voice was filled with glee. "Sure!"
I chuckled, feeling the weight of my troubles lift from my shoulders. In that moment, all I wanted was to enjoy the night and the company of my friends.
Stepping out onto the street, we were immediately embraced by the lively atmosphere of the celebration. The colorful lanterns cast a warm glow, and the air buzzed with the rhythm of the music. It was as if the whole street had transformed into a magical realm.
Liene took my hand, her excitement was contagious. While Kian walked beside us, maintaining a distance. The people around recognized and greeted us with warm smiles as their eyes curiously glancing at Kian. Sensing his unease, I introduce him to those who approached us, and they welcomed him with open arms.
“You look like you're from the South, hijo," an elderly woman commented as she enveloped Kian in a short warm embrace. Kian simply smiled as a hint of unease in his eyes. "I can introduce you to my daughter. She's still single."
Liene protested with a mix of embarrassment. The elders beside us giggled, finding the situation entertaining. Kian cleared his throat, seeking my assistance through his side-eyed glance.
“I appreciate the offer, ma'am," Kian politely responded, scratching his eyebrows. "But I already have someone dear to me." He flashed a genuine smile, leaving everyone, including me, astonished.
A mix of curiosity and surprise stirred within me. It seemed like there was more to Kian's statement than met the eye. It was a puzzle I was eager to unravel, a conversation that needed to take place between us.
As we continued to make our way through the crowd, Liene's infectious laughter rang out, easing any lingering tension. Kian's initial discomfort gradually melted away, replaced by a sense of belonging. The people embraced him, eager to share their joy with a newcomer.
"Their reaction was epic!" Liene laughed heartily, her infectious joy filling the air. Kian and I exchanged glances, sharing in her amusement. Kian's smirk remained plastered on his lips, but I could sense a deeper meaning behind it.
There was an unspoken understanding between us, a knowing that there were things left unsaid. As the celebration carried on, I made a silent promise to myself that I would confront Kian soon, hoping to uncover the truth behind his mysterious smile and the words he had said. He's not really open when it comes to his personal life. For now, I chose to enjoy myself in the festivities, cherishing the laughter and joy that surrounded us.
The vibrant atmosphere wrapped around us, temporarily lifting the weight of the world off our shoulders, surrendering to the infectious rhythm of the music and to the enticing aromas of the street food vendors.
"Try this," I offered to Kian, holding out a plate of exotic delicacies that were popular at the celebration.
His face contorted with a mixture of curiosity and disgust, but he bravely opened his mouth and took a bite. I couldn't help but chuckle at his exaggerated reaction as he quickly gulped and closed his eyes, seeking relief from the unexpected flavors.
"What is this?" he blurted out, his voice laced with both surprise and amusement. My laughter grew louder. While Liene was unable to contain her amusement any longer, handed him a glass of water. She winked at me, sharing in the playful moment.
With laughter and joy, the three of us continued to dance and revel in the celebration. We felt a profound sense of unity with the community that had embraced us, sharing in their culture and traditions. The barriers that once separated us were momentarily forgotten as we let ourselves be carried away by the vibrant energy of the night.
In that moment, surrounded by laughter, music, and the mingling scents of street food, our worries and troubles faded into the background. We were free, if only for a little while, to simply exist in the present and embrace the shared happiness that enveloped us.
If only this serene moment could lasts...
As the night unfolded, we found ourselves nestled under the twinkling stars, seeking solace in a quiet patch of grass away from the bustling crowd. Liene leaned her head on my shoulder, and I leaned mine on Kian's, our connection forming a comforting triangle of support.
Liene began sharing random stories, as her storytelling captivating us both. Her words wove through the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity. As she mentioned my sister's name, a sigh escaped my lips, and I felt a pang of longing.
Kian noticed my subtle reaction and pursed his lips, understanding the unspoken pain that lay beneath the surface of my heart. We couldn't reveal more to Liene than we already had discuss a partial plan to leave.
"Will Carmienne visit you two here?" Liene asked curiously, her voice tinged with hope.
"Unfortunately, we're only temporary here," Kian replied, offering a partial truth. "So, maybe not."
A hint of sadness shadowed Liene's expression as she processed our words. "So, you'll be leaving too?"
"Yes," I murmured, my voice filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. "Liene, I am truly grateful for your warm welcome, your hospitality, and everything you've done for us. Thank you."
"Don't say that," Liene replied, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "It feels as if you're bidding farewell."
I regretted having shared our impending departure with her. The thought of leaving this place and the wonderful people who had welcomed us became difficult to bear.
"Say Hi to Carmienne for me," she added, her words filled with genuine sadness.
Kian and I didn't delve into the details of our future plans, but deep down, we knew that we had to follow through. We had to prepare ourselves to leave this beautiful paradise and the kind-hearted individuals.
As we walked back to Liene's house, a comfortable silence settled between us, carrying the weight of the shared experiences we had just witnessed. Liene bid us farewell before entering her house, and Kian and I continued on, walking side by side.
I glanced at him, realizing that his presence had brought a newfound strength within me. I knew that when the time came to face the challenges I had been avoiding, I wouldn't be alone.
"Did you enjoy the celebration?" he asked, breaking the silence with a gentle tone.
"Yes," I replied softly, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "It was an incredible experience, filled with joy and warmth. I've never felt so alive."
"I'm glad to hear that," he responded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.
I pursed my lips, contemplating the words that needed to be spoken. We hadn't discussed our departure from this barrio yet. The departure that would bring us back on track to fulfill our mission. The weight of the unresolved matter settled upon my shoulders, and I knew I had to address it.
"Our plan was to help you and your sister find justice for the tragedy happened back then," Kian reminded me, his voice filled with determination. "This deviation from our original plan was necessary, but we can't lose sight of our ultimate goal. Sharmienne, I need you to make a decision so that we can resume our mission."
I nodded, understanding the urgency in his words. The time for action was drawing near, and I needed to gather my strength to face the challenges that awaited us. The Hawk, who is loomed in the shadows and their true intentions, remained unknown.
"We will resolve this, Sha," Kian assured me, his voice carrying a blend of determination and concern. "We'll confront The Hawk and uncover their plans. But you must prepare yourself for the worst. Stay vigilant, and don't underestimate their power."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settle upon my shoulders. The road ahead would undoubtedly be arduous, but I knew that justice was our ultimate goal, and I couldn't afford to let personal desires distract me from that mission. My family's well-being depended on it, and that became my ultimate goal.
"Yes," I responded, determination lacing my voice. "We need to prepare meticulously and anticipate the worst-case scenarios. Our plan must be foolproof, and we must be ready to face whatever The Hawk planned for us."