"Big brother, let's take Jolo with us next time so he can sing for us", she said happily to Joseph.
Although Joseph is negative with the idea, he can't say no to her younger sister.
He smiled at her and rubbed her head.
"Yeah, sure. That will be perfect", he said and quickly glanced at Christine. But Christine was so focused looking at the waves so she did not see the disgust in Joseph's face.
Its is evident that he did not like the idea but he cannot show it to Claire.
"Why don't you go swimming a little before we go home?" Joseph asked Claire.
"Too soon?" Claire asked, her eyes pleading to stay longer at the beach.
"Yes, but don't worry, we will go here often", Joseph promised and Claire nodded happily. She happily runs towards the shore and played with the sand.
Christine hurriedly followed Claire. She did not want to be left alone with Joseph. Joseph saw through her and already expected it so he came prepared. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him. Because of the sudden impact, Christine bumped into his hard chest.
"Ouch!!", she said and rubbed her nose.
Joseph held her and put his arms around her, keeping her still and not able to escape.
"Are you trying to escape?'', Joseph teased her.
Christine tried to wiggle free but the more she does it, the tighter Joseph held her. She put her palms against his chest, she stopped to wiggle herself free in the end and looked up to meet Joseph's deep black eyes. His eyes seemed to look through her soul. She wanted to avoid his eyes but she seemed to be drawn into his eyes. There is so much emotion that she can see in his eyes, there is tenderness which she has not seen before. and she is drawn to it.
Her eyes widened when she saw his face slowly going down, she froze and slowly closed her eyes. She can feel his breath fanning her face and it is less than an inch away from her lips. His lips lightly brushed hers, Christine involuntarily parted her lips, waiting. However, what she waited did not arrive. She slowly opened her eyes.
"Hmmp", what she wanted to say became muffled as his lips covered hers that took her by surprise and her eyes almost popped out of their sockets. her mind wanted to push him away but her body has its own mind now and she accepted the kiss which made Joseph groan. The kiss deepened and Joseph's right hand held the back of her head to keep it steady while his other hand encircled her waist. Christine tiptoed because Joseph is taller than her, luckily Joseph's hand supported her so she won't fall.
"Yay!" Claire exclaimed happily and she clapped her hands.
Cristine suddenly opened her eyes and froze the moment she heard Claire. She pushed Joseph away, luckily he loosened his grip and let her go but he seemed to be unaffected by the fact that Claire caught them in a compromising situation and instead, he has a smile on his face.
"Ahm", Christine tried to find something to say but she can't find the words.
Claire ran back to the shore, subtly telling them to continue what they are doing, Christine's face is so red and she wanted to disappear at that very moment. She looked at him sharply.
"Next time, don't close your eyes so you will see who is kissing you", he said before he walked toward the shore.
"What?", she asked confusedly. What does he mean? She wanted to go after him to ask but she was so embarrassed. Why did she let him do that to her? Why does she melt whenever he comes close to her like that? She got frustrated with herself and stomped her feet. She decided to go back to the water so she will calm down. She stayed in the water away from Joseph and Claire who were playing by the shore. Thirty minutes past and Christine got tired and decided to get out of the water.
Claire ran towards her and took her hand. She pulled her towards where Joseph is. She tried to avoid Joseph's gaze, she is sure that he is mocking her right now.
"Can we go home now?", she said but did not look at Joseph.
Joseph looked at Claire to seek approval. Claire then looked at Christine. Christine nodded and smiled at her.
"Okay, big sister is tired now. But we will go here often okay?", she asked Joseph.
"Yes", he replied.
"Promise?" she said.
Joseph raised his right hand and made a promise. Claire giggled and kissed him which earned her a hug.
"We will take big brother Jolo next time, okay?"
"As you wish", Joseph said and stood up.
He took Claire's hand and extended his other hand to Christine. Christine did not intend to take it but Claire took her hand and placed it on Joseph's. She just went long and held his hands. The three of them walked towards the car. Joseph is in between Claire and Christine. Claire felt so happy, she felt like she has a complete family. Christine felt surprisingly happy for the first time. She doesn't know what will happen next but for some reason, she wished that they will stay this way forever. Too good to be true, she thought to her self. But feeling Joseph squeezing her hand from time to time, it brings security and calmness in her heart.
"Grab your things Claire and load them at the back of the car"Joseph.
Joseph grabbed one of his shirts and put it on. He noticed that Christine was still wearing her wet swimwear. He grabbed another shirt and handed it to her.
"Thanks", Christine.
Joseph smiled and started to load their things in the car. Christine wrapped Claire with a towel since she was wet. After all the things were loaded, they settled inside the car and Joseph drove the car.