"Tako. Ask Sammy to change the plans for the vacation." I immediately told Tako once he picked up my call.
"Are you not going anymore?" he asked.
"No. Ellie, Loi, Micheal and the twins will be joining. Add more rooms. Have all the kids in one room. Or is the villa still available? If it is, let them know to make the necessary preparations since there will be four adults and three kids."
"All right. Still for five days, right?"
"Yes. Five days. And create an itinerary that is suitable for the kids. Both Ellie and Kira want to have an underwater experience wherein we can all walk and have an under the sea experience."
"What about the romantic evening for you and Kira?"
"Keep that as well. But move it to the third day and the succeeding evenings thereafter."
"All right. Anything else? The proposal is still on?"
"Probably not the proposal but hopefully this vacation will allow Kira to stop being awkward whenever I'm around."
"Awkward? Did you blurt out unnecessary stuff again, Damascus?"
"Let's just say I experienced another verbal diarrhea in front of her." I chuckled.
"You know better than to corner her, Damascus. We've been friends for some time now and everybody knows how Kira doesn't like being cornered. I could only imagine what you said this time around. Anyway, I will proceed with the changes. You are still leaving the day after tomorrow, correct?" Frustration and amusement can clearly be heard from Tako's voice.
"Correct. Thank you for not asking further, Tako."
"Just do the right thing this time around. Kira might go for that Ethan guy if you don't act fast. And need I remind you, Andrea is back. So do it right." Tako exhaled.
"Yes, dad." I smirked.
"Good bye, Damascus." Tako said curtly before ending the call.
Sigh. Tako is truly a great friend. He better 'fess up about this lady he had dinner with. Both him and Michael, though different in style and personality, seem to have it easy when it comes to women! I couldn't help but be proud of them and at the same time feel aggrieved with what is happening with Kira.
Ethan. Hmph. He's no match for the 'Great Damascus Lee'! Besides, Kira just needs to accept the fact that she is as in love with me as much as I am in love with her. Oh, Kira. I really love you. I do not understand why we have to go through all these unnecessary situations between us? Clearly, you and I are meant for one another. Why can you not accept that? I know you see it and feel it too. But what is making you waver? And why do I get self-conscious when it comes to you? I then made another phone call.
"Mike. Free your schedule and the twins' as well."
"What?!"
"You and the twins will be joining us, with Ellie and Loi on the vacation."
"Since when did I become your subordinate for you to order me around, huh?"
"What? You don't want to come?"
"A proper invite would be nice instead of making it sound like an order."
"Well, will you be joining us?"
"Pfbbt. You're hopeless, Damascus. Yes. We're in. Ellie already called me earlier to let me know. And the twins are now endlessly bugging me, counting the days."
"See you then."
After making all the necessary calls, I decided to sweat it out and headed for the gym. On my way out, I saw Kira step out the front door. 'Hmmm. No goodbyes?' Suddenly, I felt like going for a swim instead as I needed to cool down as well. I'm getting touchy and extra sensitive these days when it comes to her. I then went on to change into my swim trunks and did a few laps.
*Kira's POV*
I went inside the car where Tom was already waiting for me.
"Orphanage, right Ms. Kira?"
"Yes. Thanks again for taking time to accompany me, Tom. I could go by myself but we both know how your boss is." I giggled.
"I'm just doing my job, Miss."
With that, he sped off to the orphanage. When I alighted the car, I told Tom to just wait for me but he insisted that he should be near me at all times and that I cannot be out of his sight. Knowing the kind of training all Aki's people had undergone, I'd rather not waste time by arguing so I just nodded.
"Kira!" Sister Elena welcomed me with a warm embrace.
"Sister Elena. I apologize for not being able to visit soon."
"No need to apologize, child. Damascus already informed us about your situation and we are really grateful that he is taking good care of you. Also, you do not need to worry about Luisa. Although she is still unconscious, with Damascus' help, she is getting the best treatment! How have you been? Are you really okay and healthy now?" Sister Elena beamed.
"Yes, I am. I already got a clean bill of health from Dr. Simpson, Aki's family doctor. In fact, as per his advice, Aki is taking me on a short trip the day after tomorrow. Dr. Simpson said I need some fresh air and some sun. Where is Sister Therese?" I happily and reassuringly said.
"She's at the hospital but she will be back here anytime soon with Ethan."
"Ethan is with her?" I was surprised.
"Yes. He comes once a week now. I guess that boy has not given up on pursuing you."
"Oh, sister! You know that I do not have time for that. I have too much on my plate right now. And I don't see Ethan in that way. It's time for the afternoon activity for the kids, right? How may I help this time?" I tried to avoid the conversation.
"Well, they've been missing your cooking and art lessons. So you can do either of those." Sister Elena stated.
"Let me check the pantry first and see what you have available."
Before I reached the kitchen, one of the kids approached me and asked if I can teach them how to make cupcakes since they want to make some for Sister Therese and send some to Luisa. I felt sad because I know it is too much for their little minds to fully comprehend that Luisa is still unconscious and would not be able to enjoy the cupcakes. I told him that I will check if there are ingredients for cupcakes and will let them know soon. I also told him to make sure that everyone is well-behaved and ready for whatever activity is in store for them this afternoon.
Upon reaching the kitchen, I went to the storage area to check if there were ingredients for cupcakes. Since there were none, I decided to give them an art lesson instead but decided to ask Tom to pick up some cupcakes from the cafe for the kids to enjoy. I also took note that I will need to stock up on baking ingredients and other ingredients when I get back from my trip.
"Tom, kindly go to the cafe and order three dozen assorted cupcakes. Tell Pam that these will be for the kids. Ask her to include fresh orange juice as well. And do not worry, I am not going anywhere. I will be just here."
He looked reluctant to leave me alone but since he also understood how it usually was for me prior to this change in my life, he ruefully agreed. When he left, I went to the activity area where all the kids were already eagerly waiting for me.