Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Summer Escape
Alexandra, Sabina and Ava were lying on three white lounging chairs in their bikinis under the shade of a wide white umbrella each poled by their head side where small white tables were also placed for their convenience. Each table was bearing a glass of juice on a wooden coaster and a slice of watermelon each. Ava was wearing a white bikini, Alex in red and Sabina in yellow. Shade glasses covered their faces except Sabina who's tucked on her head.
To Alexandra's far right side another stranger was lounging with an overhead umbrella, too. His head was covered with a book and appeared to be sleeping. The other two seats next to him were empty.
The sound of the lapping waves could be heard from the distance. The sun was shining brightly on the ground. The sky was blue and white clouds were spread above. Some seagulls were flying high under the blue sky.
She turned her head to Ava who was lying comfortably with her left leg stretched and right one flexed.
"Who's he?"
Alex mouthed to her sister.
"I don't know," she said lazily.
Ava joined them when she called Alex while Alex was preparing her things to leave. Ava got a last minute flight booking saying she also needed a vacation.
Ava took a glass of mango juice with a small red umbrella on top of it and made a long sip.
"He's not supposed to occupy our space," replied Alex with a sense of irritation. "There's a long line of lounges to occupy from here."
She said motioning her right arm. White lounges in three were placed in a row that stretched from her right side to the farther coast of the beach. Some of it was occupied by other guests.
"He was already here when we arrived," Ava said dryly. "You just noticed it now, Alex? Your sense of awareness needs sharpening."
"We're supposed to be the only one here enjoying the sun."
"You haven't rented the entire resort, Alexandra."
"Give her a break, Ava," Sabina joined in from the far left. She took the glass of mango juice and drank half of it. "She's nursing a broken heart."
"I feel you, Alexandra, okay?" her sister piped back. "What do you love about that guy anyway?"
"He was nice, quiet and gentle. He really loves Sarah. And I got used to hearing his warm gentle voice."
"Which is the reason why you're heartbroken, right?" Ava interjected. "You'll get over him soon."
"Do you think he's gotten over Sarah? I feel sorry for Daniel when I caught his twin brother Devin and the love of his life kissing each other. How must it have felt to be left in the dark?"
Alex said her mind wondering what could have happened to Daniel St. Claire after leaving him. Did that guy cried his heart out because of Sarah? He must be suffering from one major heartbreak compared to her. He's loved her for so long and was even intent on marrying her.
"His heart must be in smithereens by now. Poor man," said Ava with a trace of sympathy. "But he must get over her, you know. Especially when it's his elder twin brother he couldn't win against with."
Alex retorted a reply. "Like how you got over your boyfriend fast? Have you never been in love yet, Ava?"
"Love is for the mercenary, Alexandra," said Ava without humor. "And Brett was a swine for a boyfriend. I'm glad I'm over that pig. I don't believe myself that I actually lost precious time on that man. He was irresponsible and immature."
Ava turned her side to where Sabina was quietly reading a novel with a smile on her face.
"How's your lovelife, Sabina?"
Sabina jerked her head up from reading her novel towards Ava and flashed her a smile.
"Doing great, Ava. Alex is a wonderful boyfriend."
"You're lucky to have two Alexes in life, aren't you?"
"Couldn't wish for more. I'm an Alex keeper."
"Well, at least we have one who's leaving happy in paradise, Alexandra."
"I envy her. Gotta find a boyfriend soon."
"Atta girl."
Ava said more cheerfully and patted Alex on the arms.
"I do love him though," Alex muttered under her breath.
She turned to her right side and to her chagrin the book faced covered stranger that was lying on the white chair was none other than Daniel St. Claire. He was looking at her. She glared back at him, sliding her sunglasses on her head.
"So you do love me after all?" he teased lightly.
"Eavesdropping is a crime, St. Claire," she said crossing her arms. "and you should be penalized for it."
She added coldly.
"So sue me."
Alex frowned at his response and bitingly asked, "What are you doing here intruding our vacation?"
"Taking a break myself."
"You should have taken it somewhere else," she said coolly putting back the shade on her eyes to avoid the glare of the sun and him.
Daniel rose from his lounge seat and walked over to Alex lounge and sat on the edge.
"You're invading my space."
"Do you want us to leave, Alex?" voiced Ava from the side.
Daniel turned his head to look at Ava. Sabina peered from her novel with a hidden smile.
"Nah, you don't need to. It's not like I'm going to do a love confession to this woman."
He gently touched her hand.
"I miss you, Alex," he started. "I didn't realize it until you were gone. You were right. I couldn't win against Devin. He's always has Sarah's heart. I was just too blind to see it. I saw it when I went to her shop. For a very long time, I've loved her. And I've always seen her. But, I didn't see how she saw him. I just knocked it off my consciousness because I'm closer to her than him. When I entered the shop that day and saw how she talked to him with seriousness and gentleness in her voice that I've never actually witnessed and the way she touched his face the way she never did with me, I finally realized it. I went to talk over with them. She actually felt sad and guilty not telling me that they were already hiding their relationship from me which writhed me with anger but I have to listen to her anyway."
"Thanks for making her feel jealous because of me, Alex. I thought that woman was incapable of feeling it for me. But I couldn't win against Devin's heart. He has always won her heart."
He said with a long sigh and a far look.
Feeling pity at his crestfallen look, Alexandra drummed her right fingers against the seat to divert his attention. He looked at her. She flexed her arms on her chest.
"Come here," Alex said, straightening her back from the lounge and extending her arms towards him.
Daniel drew closer to him and accepted her hug. Then, to her surprise he brushed his lips to hers with the gentlest kiss she ever received in her life. He tried to do it one more time but she blocked it with her right hand.
"Shut it, St. Claire. I am not doing it in front of my sister."
Alex said crisply.
"I do miss you. I like you, Alex. And I can love you now that I'm getting over Sarah," he said with sincerity.
"You two make a cute couple, Alex." She heard Sabina speaking from her side with a wide knowing smile on her face.
"You two should find a room."
Ava said without looking at them. She took the glass from the table and took a long sip of the mango juice.
"He's not my boyfriend, Ava."
Alex said matter-of-factly.
"You're rejecting him after that confession, sister?" asked Ava with a horrified tone. "You better do a good job yourself, Daniel St. Claire."
"Then, I'm applying for it Alexandra Jane Diaz."
He said solemnly.
Ava removed her shades and slid it on her head. She gave Daniel a brief scrutiny.
"You're accepted as my brother-in-law."
"I'll think about it, St. Claire."
Alex said airily.
Ava looked behind them and saw Sarah and Devin holding hands walking towards them. She waved her hand to them and in few while, Sarah and Devin soon appeared to their side.
"Alex, Ava, Sabina," said Devin with a smile brighter than the summer sun. "I'd like to invite you to our wedding in Sistine Chapel."
"Alex, be my maid-of-honor," said Sarah cheerfully looking at her. Then she looked over at Ava and Sabina. "Please be my bridesmaids, girls."
"I'm doing it." Ava agreed immediately.
"Sure, do, Sarah." Sabina said smiling with a reply.
"Definitely, will, Sarah." Alex replied smiling at Sarah.
"We need champagne to celebrate the occasion."
Ava said in a bright tone.
A waiter approaching was carrying a bottle of it and he stopped by to give it to them.
"Cheers to your happy marriage and more liquor."
Ava said in a loud voice. The group joined in laughter.
"Cheers!"
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