The Beach House

The trip from Tarlac City to Subic lasted for almost two hours. It wasn't that hard though, for Jenneth found a way to secretly avoid Ryan who's beside her quietly looking out of the window. She just busied herself with Darlene, who was so enthusiastic about everything that they saw along the way. To think that it was just all green fields and mountains along the expressway.

But the trip was all worth it when they saw the beautiful rest house owned by Dr. Victor de Villa. The two-story house looks modern yet cozy and tropical.

"Aunty Sam, no one lives here?" Darlene asked.

"Nope. So we have this place to ourselves for four days," Samantha answered.

"This house is so beautiful," Jenneth commented.

"Wait till you see the beach," said Samantha.

"There's a beach here?" Darlene asked, her excitement piqued anew.

The four adults laughed at the child's enthusiasm.

"Let's go," Samantha said.

She took them to the beach area. Before that, they passed by the vast backyard of the property where the infinity pool is located.

"Your godfather's property is very nice, Sam," Ryan commented.

Samantha just nodded.

"Can I go swimming at the beach now?" Darlene asked her father.

"Later, Lene," Kenneth said. "Let's eat lunch first."

"That's right," Samantha seconded. "It's about lunch time. Let's go back inside to cook."

"You will cook for us, Aunty Sam?" Darlene asked.

"Of course! Big Sister Helen packed a lot of good food for us."

Samantha, Kenneth and Darlene went back inside the rest house. The three looked like a family as they all walked together along the yard.

Jenneth remained by the beach area. Looking at Samantha and Kenneth, she can't help but think. Yes, maybe it could be. Maybe there really is a chance that that is what's destined to happen. That Kenneth and Samantha are meant to be with each other and grow old together. They seem to be a picture of a perfect couple, of a perfect family. Especially with Darlene.

"Beautiful…"

Jenneth looked at Ryan who was also left at the beach. He's standing not too close to her, staring at the three, admiring the perfect image they create. She smiled. Yeah, it really is beautiful.

Ryan kind of sensed that someone is staring at him. He looked at Jenneth, and when he saw her looking at him, he immediately looked away.

"Lunch," Ryan said as he indicated the way to the rest house. He went ahead and followed the three inside.

Jenneth's smile widened. So, Ryan is intimidated by her. He should be. He still continued his plan, involving her without her approval. She's aware that Ryan used her and their past to make Kenneth and Samantha set them up to that place. Probably, he told them that he wants to fix things between them. And knowing Samantha who is a fan of their love story without even witnessing what happened before, and Kenneth who is very obvious as he teases them especially Ryan, it could have been an easy task making them help in his 'plan'.

Jenneth looked at the beach. It's a good thing this place is really beautiful. If it wasn't, she would totally get mad at Ryan. Oh well, maybe she really needs some time to relax. She'll just enjoy this vacation, and hopefully, she would enjoy the four days they will stay in that place.

***

Jenneth donned her retro style one-piece swimsuit. It is black with a huge white orchids print, with sweetheart neckline and halter straps. Sexy but modest. That's the look of all the swimsuits that she brought for that outing. She's not comfortable wearing a two-piece bikini, or those very sexy two-piece swimsuits. Especially because Ryan is there.

Yes. Again, Ryan is the utmost consideration. She doesn't want to look like she's really taking all the effort to look good for him. Not only Ryan. She also doesn't want Kenneth and Samantha to think as such.

Samantha smiled when she saw her. They were now inside the room they share. Jenneth just avoided her smiling gaze.

"Ready to take a splash, I see," Samantha said.

"Aren't we here to enjoy the beach?" Jenneth just said.

"Of course."

Samantha is also ready for the beach. She's wearing a short sleeved black rash guard and black cycling shorts. She still looks sexy, but not as swimsuit-ish like Jenneth. She suddenly regrets why she bought only swimsuits and not rash guard. Or at least, she could have bought a combination of the two swimming outfits.

"Let's go!" Samantha said.

Jenneth donned her black cover up, then followed Samantha outside the room. They went to the pool area at the backyard. Even though the sun is high and mighty in the sky, it's still a bit chilly brought about by the cold January air. The weather is just perfect to enjoy the water at the infinity pool.

But the two decided to sit for a while at the lounge chairs beside the pool.

"Last time I've been here, I think it was during third year high school, or maybe fourth? I think it was the summer vacation before fourth year high school," Samantha said. "It's just as I remembered."

"Do you go here every summer with Dr. de Villa?" Jenneth asked.

"Before, yes... I just don't now. Well, Uncle and his family always spend his birthday here, which is in April. So they always go here before Holy Week, and stay until after his birthday. They always invite us, and if we don't have a scheduled family outing, we go and celebrate with them."

"And you don't happen to stumble upon some honeymooners?"

Samantha laughed.

"Imagine us coming here, then there's this newly wedded couple, thinking this place is theirs for the time being. Their honeymoon nest... love nest... whatever they call it," Jenneth added.

Samantha continued laughing, and after a while Jenneth also laughed with her.

"The honeymoon is a failure," Samantha said. "It failed!"

"They would definitely need a second honeymoon. But it will be here again, so that they can save money. It's just a repeat performance but this time, they will make sure no one is here to invade their honeymoon."

Samantha laughed again.

"I should ask Dr. De Villa to reserve this place for my honeymoon," Jenneth said. "I don't want some random strangers suddenly barging into me and my husband, literally invading our honeymoon!"

"Honeymoon?"

Jenneth looked around and saw Kenneth. He's now walking towards them, with his daughter Darlene and, well, Ryan. Jenneth's smile slowly faded as she saw that serious look on Ryan's face who's just staring back at her.