Unexpected Love – Chapter 15

Chapter 15

“Happy, my darling Pippa?” Ethan asked as he and Pippa stood by the railings at the upper deck of a ferry that has been cruising around Manila Bay the past several hours, sipping their drinks and enjoying the beautiful night view before them. His arm was draped over her shoulders and Pippa was hugging him by the waist as she leaned against him.

Pippa and Ethan decided to cap their wonderful evening with a celebration of sorts, a Manila Bay cruise offering a sumptuous dinner and cocktails afterwards. They want to be their first evening as a couple a very memorable one. After reluctantly breaking off the sweet kiss they shared in front of the giant Ferris wheel in Star City, they decided to give the Surf Dance a miss. Instead they walked the length of Harbour Square and along the seawall there and beyond it, while holding hands – enjoying the feeling of being a couple, of loving each other – and drinking mocha frappes from the Starbucks there. They sat on the sea wall, when they found a good vantage point, feet dangling over the water side, with Pippa’s head on Ethan’s shoulder, enjoying the splendor of the Manila Bay sunset. While they were doing it, a ferry boat passed by and that gave them an idea on how they would like to end their wonderful and momentous day.

“Of course, who wouldn’t be happy, with us together like this. This is super happiness, Ethan. I never thought I would feel this way, that finally, I will be so happy like this.” Pippa replied as she sipped her margarita. “I love you, you know, very much, Mr. Ethan Bowman.”

Ethan grinned, then said lovingly, “I love very much too, Ms. Pippa Montenegro.” Ethan lowered his lips to Pippa’s and gave her a searing kiss. Pippa opened her mouth to receive Ethan’s kiss and just like his previous kisses, it felt like a volt of electricity hit her senses when their lips fused. He tasted of the rhum and Coke he have been drinking and so much more. “This has been the most wonderful day of my life! I’m so happy that you are now my girlfriend.”

They soaked in the view, mostly of the beautiful twinkling lights coming from the buildings along the bay, with the gentle sound of the water lapping against the slow moving boat adding to the beautiful evening atmosphere. Everything felt so peaceful. They stayed like that until the boat docked again at the ferry terminal near the Mall of Asia. Ethan and Pippa went back to where they parked the car, hand in hand, as if they didn’t want to be separated from each other’s body even for a several minutes. They headed home for the night.

While navigating the Saturday evening heavy traffic, Pippa marvelled on how life can really change, even in a span of several hours. She feels like she is on top of the world. Ethan felt that he can face anything with Pippa, loving him, even the content of Claudia’s diary. But he doesn’t want to think about the diary at that moment, his and Pippa’s very special night.

“What time do we need to be at the airport tomorrow?” Pippa asked Ethan as she opened the door of her unit more than an hour later. Thank God, no more Martin bothering her! “Ten o’clock ba ang dating ni Ally?”

“Yes, she said around that time. She will be landing at Terminal 2.” Ethan replied. “What time do we need to go there, travel time and all?”

“Hmmm, I was thinking, we should live Q.C. around 8AM kahit na Sunday bukas kasi ang alam ko may road construction malapit sa papuntang airport.” Pippa said, putting her bag down and heading to the kitchen, with Ethan in tow, to drink water. “Would you like something to drink, honey?”

“Just water too, Pippa darling.” Then he smiled. “So, I’m ‘honey’ to you. Hmmm, I like the endearment!”

Pippa blushed. This is the first time she used an endearment for a boyfriend. She never thought of it with her first boyfriend, and with Martin, she was not comfortable calling him with one. Maybe, it should have been a sign she had seen that their relationship was not for keeps. “Errr, yes. I think I prefer calling you, ‘honey’. But I like the way you call me darling in that accent of yours.” Pippa finished grinning, looking at Ethan lovingly.

Ethan walked towards Pippa. “Thank you wonderful Pip. You make me feel so alive. I love you, my darling.”

“I love you too, honey.” See, it is so easy to do say it with Ethan and it thrills her to say it to him.

Ethan caressed Pippa’s face lovingly, then cupped it and lowered his lips to hers. They shared another smouldering kiss that left them red on the face and catching their breaths. “Let’s go sleep.”

“Yes, let’s.” Pippa answered, her lips still tingling from Ethan’s kiss. She took hold of Ethan’s hand and they walked towards the direction of her bedroom.

“Errr, Pip, darling, can I stay with you again?” Ethan asked, suddenly unsure, which is ironic since they have shared a room when they were not yet officially in a relationship!

“Of course, honey!” Pippa said smiling. “Kaya nga dito tayo papunta sa room ko. Why don’t you just bring your bag over to my room. Ally can have the other room, para rin may privacy siya.”

“Really, it is okay with you?” Ethan needed to be sure as he very well know by now that Pippa, before him, has never shared a bed or a room with a guy before.

“Yes. I’m that comfortable with you, Ethan. I trust you too. I know that when something happens between the two of us, it is because we both want to, as you said.” Pippa said frankly. Maybe Ethan’s frankness is rubbing off her. But she feels better saying it. Ethan had already proven to her that he is not the type to take advantage and besides, she loves him to pieces. She also likes waking up with him beside her.

“I must have done something good somewhere in my chaotic, complicated past as now, I have you.” Ethan replied, feeling so humbled and very happy in the trust that Pippa bestowed in him. He promised himself that when, not if, something happens between Pippa and him, the initiative will have  to come from her. He will not break her trust. He hopes he will have the strength to do so. He wants Pippa very much, but he can wait. “Thank you, Pippa.”

Pippa gave Ethan a sweet, trusting smile. “You first in the bathroom. You are faster. I take a bit of a time in the bathroom.”

Ethan took a quick shower and several minutes after, he was out with droplets of water still clinging to his face, a towel wrapped around his waist. Pippa gulped, liking what she saw. “It’s your turn now, darling.” He said with a big smile, seemingly unaware of the effect of his barely-clad body on Pippa’s senses.

Pippa hurried to the bathroom. Ethan rummaged into his bag and looked for something to wear. He found his favorite well-worn t-shirt and pair of gray boxer shorts. He leaned against the headboard to wait for Pippa to come out of the bathroom. He had a goofy smile on his face, remembering their Ferris wheel ride. Pippa came out of the bathroom wearing her usual sleepwear, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt several minutes after. When Ethan saw her, he thought to himself, that he need all his willpower to survive the night. She looks so fresh looking and very lovely even without a shade of make-up on. Unbeknown to Pippa, her simple clothes flatters her figure and made her look lovelier in Ethan’s eyes.

“Sorry, ang tagal ko ba?” Pippa asked Ethan, getting a bit self-conscious, especially the way he was looking at her with admiration in his eyes. “Sana nauna ka nang natulog. I know you are tired na rin.”

“No, you were not matagal naman. It’s okay. I wanted to wait for you.” Ethan said smiling. “Come, let’s go to sleep.” He turned down the comforter and made space for Pippa.

Pippa took the right side of the bed. Ethan slid down and put his arms around Pippa. “Good night, Pip. Sweet dreams, darling.” He hope he will be able to sleep soon as Pippa’s wonderful smell and softness suddenly has the biggest effect on his senses.

“Good night, honey.” Pippa said softly, then gave Ethan a soft kiss on the lips, then settled into the crook of his left arm. He smells so nice. She can stay like that forever.

Several minutes after, Pippa was asleep. While Ethan on the other hand, can’t. He was waiting for his body to settle down. Otherwise, he would be needing a cold shower. Good thing that Pippa didn’t notice his body’s reaction to her. He tried to relax, and half an hour later, he too fell asleep, Pippa comfortably cradled like a babe in his arms. He kissed Pippa affectionately before sleep claimed him. She moved a bit and burrowed deeper into his chest and that made him feel content.

“Rise and shine, beautiful Pip.” Ethan said cheerfully the following morning while looking at a still sleeping Pippa, carrying a tray. He woke up at seven o’clock on his own. He decided to make a treat for Pippa by making her breakfast. He found some a pack of muesli in Pippa’s food cupboard. He also found yogurt in the fridge. He made coffee and juice and decided to wake up Pippa with his simple offering, a way of pampering and thanking her for taking care of him.

Pippa slowly opened her eyes. The first sight she saw was Ethan carrying a tray and she can see two steaming cups of coffee in it and other stuffs. “Good morning, honey. You are up very early.” She smiled at him sweetly, looking so beautiful lying on the bed with her legs and upper body exposed and even with her hair tousled. Then she looked at the clock as she rose and leaned against the headboard. “Oh, not so early after all! I overslept.”

“I made you breakfast. I just fixed it though, and didn’t cook. You know how I am in the kitchen. Good thing, I found muesli in your cupboard. I hope this is okay.” Ethan put the tray on Pippa’s lap then sat beside her. He handed Pippa her coffee, then lightly kiss her on the lips. “Good morning.”

“Thank you for this Ethan.” Pippa said, touched by Ethan’s effort. Before she took a sip of her coffee, she kissed him lightly too. Then she started putting portions of food on the two bowls that Ethan brought with him. They ate a leisurely breakfast, chatting and planning what they will do that day with Ally, then also the following day.

“I almost forgot, the trip to Palawan has been moved to Tuesday, Ethan. My associate producer texted yesterday. Which is a good thing, as you were supposed to go to Werner’s office tomorrow di ba?” Pippa said. “Bettina said the celebrity we are interviewing has an emergency and can only accommodate us from Wednesday onwards.”

“Oh yes, I forgot about that!” Ethan said, with all the wonderful things that had happened between him and Pippa, he completely forgot about Werner and the office visit. “Then it worked perfectly well then! Will the delay not affect your airing date?”

“If it is only a day or two, not really, though the editors will have to work double time due to the delay. But it is still manageable.” Pippa explained. “Anyway, the editors can also work first on the Batangas shoot, then saka na lang itong sa Palawan.”

“Lovely then. I’m looking forward to watching your pilot episode.”

Pippa and Ethan got ready for their trip to the airport after they have finished their breakfast. Two hours later, they were sitting at the coffee shop at the left side of Terminal 2, waiting for Ally’s plane to land.

Pippa is both nervous and happy at Ethan’s sister’s coming. Happy for Ethan, as he told her that he and Ally are very close and that he is looking forward to spending some time with his sister whom he had not seen in more than six months. And the same time, Pippa is nervous on how Ethan’s sister would react to the fact that she is his girlfriend now. Ethan told her on the way to the airport that he has never gotten around to telling Ally about her and his feelings for her as the phone conversation they had was a short one. But Ethan said, he knows Ally would like her a lot. He also said he hopes she will like his sister. Pippa assured him that she will. The rest of the travel to the airport was spent with Ethan telling Pippa about his and Ally’s childhood.

“Should we check if her plane has landed. It is now past 10AM.” Pippa suggested to Ethan. “Let’s wait for her near the entrance where I think most of the passengers are coming out.”

With coffee in hand, they walked to the area where other people are waiting. Soon after, a steady stream of people came out of the glass door near the waiting area. Ethan scanned the faces in the crowd, saw his sister and waved vigorously at her.

“Ethan, so lovely to see you again. I missed you dear brother.” Ally said when she reached the area where Pippa and Ethan are. She hugged her brother tight.

“Lovely to see you too, Ally!” Ethan said with a big smile. Then he looked at Pippa and brought her to his side, hugging her by the waist. “Pippa, meet my sister Ally.” Then to his sister, he said, “Ally, this is Pippa, my girlfriend and the daughter of Mum’s friend, Tita Marianne.”

Pippa smiled at Ethan’s sister. “Hello Ally! I hope you had a good flight!” Ethan’s sister is very lovely and she looks like a female version of Ethan. She saw that Ally was startled when Ethan introduced her as his girlfriend, but she recovered fast.

“Hello, Pippa. Lovely to meet you!” Ally said smiling reservedly. She is a bit like that with people she just met. But she warms up fast when she sees that everything is okay. She has a lot of questions for her brother. It looks like he had really moved on with the beautiful girl by his side. He looks like a man very much in love. He was never like that with Claudia. Yes, she was surprised as Ethan didn’t even mention about having a new girlfriend, but that’s about it. Pippa seems nice enough and she is not a stranger to the family. She is after all her Mum’s friend’s daughter. “The flight was uneventful. A bit tiring though. I want real food after all the airline food I ate. I’m looking forward to eating some Filipino food.”

“Oh, then Ethan and I should bring you to Maginhawa Street! Plenty of Pinoy food to choose from.” Pippa said. “Shall we get going then. Stay here, the two of you, I will just get the car so that you don’t have to drag your luggage to the parking lot.”

“Pip, darling, I can go with you.” Ethan offered, walking towards Pippa. “Ally can you stay here, we will back fast.” He told his sister.

“No , honey, just stay here and keep your sister company and catch up with her. I’ll be fine and I can manage.” Pippa assured Ethan. “Ally, I will be back in a couple of minutes.”

“Thank you, Pippa.” Ally smiled at Pippa more warmly, at the same time, processing with interest the exchanged of terms of endearment between Pippa and her brother.

With a final wave at Ally and Ethan, Pippa walked to the parking lot.

“Hmmmm, there is a lot I don’t know, brother dear.” Ally said as she looked at Pippa’s departing figure which was followed by several male admiring glances. She does look very lovely. Maybe she is a fashion model, she mused. She carries herself well and dresses well. “When we chatted you didn’t mention that you have a new girlfriend! How long have you been together?”

“Because sister dear, at that time, she was not my girlfriend. She only agreed to be my girl yesterday.” Ethan said, smiling happily. “She made me the happiest guy yesterday. She is a very lovely person, inside out and I know you will like her. And no, I’m not doing this just to move on. I could have done that eventually even without her. I just fell in love so unexpectedly to that wonderful girl.”

Hearing her brother, Ally’s initial impression was correct. Her brother is really, really in love for the first time in his life. He sounded different. “Well, I’m happy for you Ethan. You obviously love her a lot. I hope she feels the same way. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”

“Don’t worry on that aspect, Ally. Pippa is different from Claudia. She is so giving and she does not go into a relationship lightly.  Just be happy for me and Pip.”

“Of course, I do. She seems like a lovely girl. Have you told her about Claudia?” Ally asked.

“Yes, I found myself telling her what happened. I was drawn to her from the start. She had help me enormously to heal, Ally. She is one of a kind.” Ethan finished, his voice full of emotion.

“Really, you did. Then you must think the world of her. You even opened up to her. I’m glad and happy that you found someone like her, Ethan.” Ally hugged her brother affectionately. “So, did you meet in Mindoro? Through her mother? I would like to see the resort where you are staying.”

“Okay, I will tell you more later. But maybe, you should ask Pippa too, and the two of us can tell you about our love story this evening. We are staying at her flat in Quezon City. And yes, Tita Marianne is looking forward to meeting you too.”

“Oh, I thought you had booked us in a hotel. Would it not be a bother, the two of us staying there? Maybe she has other things to do.” Ally said, not wanting to be a bother and beside she does not want to be a third wheel, especially that Ethan and Pippa are just starting their relationship. “Besides, you two just got into a relationship, maybe I’ll be a third wheel. I can stay in a hotel.”

“No worries about staying there. It was Pippa who offered. Besides, I like staying and being with her. She is the reason why I am in Manila currently. She left Mindoro several days ago and I missed her a lot.” Ethan said. “But you are very much welcome to stay there too. Saka, we will go to Palawan with her. She will be working for several days, but after that we can all spend time together.”

“Okay, then, if you are sure.” Ally smiled, happy to spend time with her brother and the lady who made him fall in love for real. “Oh, there’s Pippa. Shall we get going.”

Ethan carried Ally’s suitcases and put in the trunk of Pippa’s car. Ally got into the back seat and Ethan in front.

“Pippa, Ethan said I will be staying in your place too. Thank you very much for putting us up. You are such a lovely person.”Ally said. She has a feeling that she and Ethan’s new girl will become fast friends, unlike she and Claudia. “I’m looking forward to the Palawan trip too.”

“You’re welcome Ally. I’m happy to have you and Ethan in my place.” Pippa smiled at Ally, then looked lovingly at Ethan. “Shall we get going?”

“Okay, darling, and thank you for everything.” Ethan said sweetly, putting his hand on top of Pippa’s, before she put the car to drive, and caressing her a bit. He is just so happy. No matter what Claudia’s diary reveals, he knows he can take it, with Pippa by his side.

Ethan and Pippa smiled lovingly at each other. Ally, seeing this, hopes that this is for keeps and whatever is in Claudia’s diary will not mar the beautiful relationship she was witnessing.