The Journey Home

* Barbie *

The multiple flights before finally arriving at the Philippine airport Manila almost drained my energy however, when we arrived to take our local flight I felt a sudden excitement that runs through my bones. I notice the eyes of the people that look at us from walking down the arrival halls and even when we were at the boarding gates. My brother seemed not to mind the slight flirtations of the women around him and the boys and girls who look at me like I fall from the different part of the world has brought amusement in my part.

"Don't mind them Barb, the people here are harmless they are just admiring your beauty because it's not very often that the local flight has a foreigner on board."

I nodded while putting on my seatbelt. They look harmless to me, unlike the thugs and other men in some parts of Texas.

"It's not only me that they admire I guess. I am very well aware of the attention the girls are giving you even the flight attendants are talking about you back there."

Rafael chuckled as I look outside the window getting ready for the pilot's announcement.

"Well, what can I say my dear sister. You are blessed to have the most good looking brother in this world."

The humour in his voice made me laugh as we sit back and hear the announcement of our plane ready to take off. The flight according to our ticket is one hour and fifty minutes from Manila to Bangcasi Airport of Butuan. It is not that long anymore, I am already feeling the excitement of getting home. Home, my brother's home but would I expect it to be mine too?

"I wonder if you are the most good looking when your still single and haven't introduce me to anyone yet. I mean how old are you now brother? You're like thirty five or thirty six and still you haven't told me about any girlfriend yet."

My brother just smiled and look at me with amusement in his eyes. He is glad that I am giving him the same amount of humour in our conversation. It has been two years since we decided to come home in the Philippines after I graduated high school. We could have arrive sooner but my brother has to settle some of my papers and the selling of my father's business to another owner. I've been waiting for this journey that it is one of the reasons which help me overcome the death of my father.

His family is also thrilled to expect my arrival, I even talk to Mama Irma on the phone and I can't count how many times I had a video call with them. Rafael's mother is a very charming woman, no wonder my father was once smitten by her. She's married to a wealthy businessman in the Philippines currently, and her two children after Rafael accepted him as their older brother. The only person I haven't talked to in his family is Tom, I only heard that he is two years younger than Rafael and already managing some of the family businesses. They said he is already a successful businessman.

"Women are just there Barb, when we settled perhaps I could marry the woman I liked."

"Oh! So there is someone you liked already!?"

I exclaimed, surprised by his sudden revelation. For sure that she is from the Philippines, knowing how my brother lives like a hermit back in Texas. He wouldn't date anyone from there nor did he goes out with any, aside from me.

He cleared his throat and looks away pretending to pick up the magazine at the seat in front of us. He looked at the cover with a hint of familiarity on his face and his eyes sparkles, that it made me frown and follow his gaze. The woman in the magazine looks very lovely in a tailored skirt and blazer, wearing three-inch high heels and her long hair is as dark as a raven. Her cream colour skin stands out the most.

The smile on her face genuinely greets everyone with a pleasant day. She has very expressive dark eyes and a sensual mouth in pink lipstick. The magazine features young local business owners in Butuan.

"Who's that? She looked lovely!"

I watch my brother with a teasing tune in my voice, he shrugged his shoulders and put the magazine on his backpack. He pretended like it was nothing but I know there is something special between him and the woman on the cover.

"Some girl I used to know."

He leaned his back on the seat ending our conversation, I smiled and look outside the window. We travel early so we will land after sunrise. I could already see the sun coming out behind the clouds when the pilot notify us of arriving in Butuan. We waited until the plane completely stopped.

"Oh! Finally, we are here!"

I could not hide the excitement in my voice, the airport is a bit smaller than any other airport that we'd been through but I guess it doesn't really matter.

"Yes, and they are already at the parking waiting for us."

Rafael smiled and took our hand-carry baggage which is placed above us. The people started getting out and we follow the line, I stayed behind my brother. The staff of the plane bid a short goodbye and thanked us for taking their airline.

I followed my brother until we get into the baggage claim where we waited for fifteen minutes until we got our luggage. Rafael push the trolley towards the exit and then into the parking where a dark grey Mitsubishi Pajero signalled towards us then the passenger's door opened and a woman comes out.

"Rafael!"

She called out to my brother and hurriedly come forward. My brother left the trolley and meet her with a tight embrace I could already tell that it is Mama Irma, I smiled watching them before my eyes move to the vehicle and noticed the driver come out.

A tall man probably in his mid twenties come down, then I notice his dark eyes that instantly meet my gaze and something unexpected sparks from deep inside of me. He has bronze skin, slightly thick brows, long and arrogant nose, and his lips are light brown which is pressed together firmly. He's wearing a signature polo shirt emphasizing a hard-muscled chest, he probably goes to the gym every day, and his legs are encased in dark blue jeans. His gaze burns through me as it run up and down, I feel like I am being stripped of my clothes as he looks deeper towards me that he could almost touch my very soul.

I gulp down a lump in my throat and I barely hear Mama Irma's voice.

"Oh my goodness! This must be you Barbie. Oh my, you are so beautiful up close like these."

I broke eye contact from him and turned toward her.

"Mama Irma! It's good to finally meet you."

I accepted her arms and hug her tight, she is shorter than me so I have to bend down a little. I heard the man who is now beside us, clear his throat and Rafael came towards him.

"Tommy? How's my busy brother, I thought you wouldn't come."

"I'm alright Raffy, I volunteered to be Mama's driver just to pick you both up. How's the long flight?"

I noticed how his voice is so deep and masculine and I wonder how my name would sound on his lips. Rafael taps his shoulders and then looks at me and Mama Irma.

"Hey Barb, you haven't seen Tommy nor talked to him yet, right? Tom, this is Barbie my sister in Texas, Barb come and meet Tommy your other brother from now on."

Rafael is proud to introduce him, I could tell that the two of them are closed. I broke out from Mama Irma's embrace and look at him who is now looking back at me with a glint in his eyes and his lips move upward in a mysterious smile.

"Welcome to the Philippines Barbie."

I gulp down a lump in my throat again and walk towards him, he's a few inches taller than me so I have to tilt my head a little then without a second thought throw my arms around his neck for a tight embrace. His warm body is hard and very warm I felt like I am going to get burned if I don't let go soon however I got the feeling of wanting to press myself harder against him. His wearing a musky masculine scent that thrills my nose and I think I already love smelling him.

"Hello, Tom, nice meeting you. Now I have another brother."

I chuckled but almost choked hard when his big arms wrapped around my waist to hug me tighter in return. My heart bets faster, as if I have the man of my dreams. Then his lips move beside my ear to whisper something.

"A brother huh? Well, I doubt about that."

It shocked me. His husky voice made my eyes turn wide and made me feel confused as I let go of him and he pulls away as if nothing happened. Mama Irma lovingly took my right hand.

"Come to the vehicle Barbie, let us talk and let these boys take care of your luggage."