22 Split, Croatia 2

July 9, 20xx

Split, Croatia

Unable to hold it, she giggled like a child.

He was wearing blue shirt with colorful funky leaf prints and shorts with same style. What's only missing was the lei on his neck and he's ready to attend Hawaiian themed party.

What made it hilarious was, he tucked in the shirt making him appear to be clad in rompers.

Who wears this type of clothing--- intended for women--- these days? It was a fashion faux pas two years ago.

Normally, she wouldn't care of other people but something from within told her, not to let him embarrass himself.

"No, no, no. You have to change it." she shook her head and pushed him back to the bedroom.

Inside, she studied what's in his suitcase.She winced at the sight. Except for a pair of suit and pajamas, everything seemed to be outfits for summer getaway in Hawaii, different sets of flashy clothes.

"This won't do." she murmured in a barely audible voice. Then a ding appeared in her head.

"Let's go shopping!" she said seconds later, grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room.

She nevernoticed the wide grin on his face as she held his hand all the way to the nearest mall.

Even himself was bewildered upon checking his luggage.Li Jie wondered in what state of mind was Jack in, to pack these exuberant yet unappealing apparels.

'Well, it turned out to be a good thing.' he thought and made a mental note to give his assistant bonus.

**

Thirty minutes later, he was wearing a blue Chambray long sleeve shirt, paired with white shorts and white canvas sneakers.

Seeing him in this, she now regretted dressing him up because he was making women turn their heads and gawked at him while the two of them strolled down the touristy street. What's more, he was grinning thatshallow dents appeared on his cheeks, adding to his charm.

"Hey handsome, I'm available!"a blonde shouted, followed by giggles.

"Someone's calling for you." Yan Shi voiced unable to conceal that irritability building inside her. She was getting irritated with the incessant hooting from people they pass by, along the square paved with granite cobblestones. Like any other street in Europe, it's occupied by clusters of chairs and tables for people to sit on and enjoy coffee making it narrower.

Noticing her sudden grumpiness, he placed one arm on her shoulder and shouted back "Sorry, I'm taken."which earned himthumbs up from three old women standing a few steps behind them.

**

"What are you doing?" she wiggled out from his embrace but he simply held her.

"Walking with you."he quipped.

But the truth, it was to protect her from the trolling eyes of men eyeing her as though undressing to see what's beneath her cover which she was oblivious to.

As a man, he knew what it was.It was desire.

This didn't slip past his eyes because it mirrored the same look he gives her when she's not looking.

He felt annoyed. Being possessive isn't his character, but when it comes to her, he wants to take possession of this woman and never let her go. To tell every single man that she is his wife. The problem was, he can't at the moment. Given the fact their relationship hasn't been established yet.Strong woman like her, bolts the moment they felt being shackled.

As for Yan Shi, she relented and fell into contemplation.

'What's wrong with me?' She has no idea why she felt annoyance earlier.

'Was I jealous?' she probed herself but refuted it immediately.

Another part of her head screamed'Admit it Yan Shi. You were.'

But in the end, she put it off her mind since it's too early to tell.

Recognizing, they were treading on a different path, she questioned, "Where are we going?"

"I just need to take something." he whispered.

She nodded, before her sight caught an approaching man. It was the attendant who picked them up from the airport last night. The impression the man left on her was, he's extra chirpy but not in annoying way.Remembering his helpful tips, she gave out a smile to him that Li Jie took notice and the wide upward arc on his lips vanished instantly.

When the man got closer, he grasped the small bag he handed and pulled Yan Shi away much to the two people's surprise.

To her, it seemed rude not to thank the man.

"Hey" she protested from his clasp on her shoulder and Li Jie had no choice but to bulge because she elbowed his side, loosening his grip on her.

"It hurts." she complained and stretched her arms back and forth.

"Sorry." he apologized immediately.

Yan Shi ignored him and made a move to step forward but he caught her hands.

"Wait--" then he gave her the camera case.

Her hazel eyes stared at the logo printed on the bag and a conjecture form her mind.

'Why is he giving me this?'

With a puzzled look, she looked at him.

" What's this?"

"Hmm-- pre--your camera is broken." he responded in a weak voice, retracting his original plan of telling her it's a present.

She never retracted her gaze on him and was ready to say something about giving present. Yet, she swallowed back the words she was about to say upon noticing his right hand scratching the back of his head and his face was painted with shyness.

In a flash, helplessness confronted her.He's an enigma to her.

Sometimes, he drives her up the wall with his remarks and actions or the next minute, she feels distressed seeing his apologetic expression. Other times, she makes her happy with his sweet demeanor and concern.Like this time.

She has no idea, her emotions are being stirred by him.

*****

"Diocletian's Palace was built for Roman Emperor Diocletian in the beginning of the 4th Century.He voluntarily gave up the throne of the Roman Empire and settled in this Illyrian province.Today,---------" the guide's words wafted to Yan Shi's ears as the two of them come out of the entrance.

By now, Yan Shi already cognizant on what the woman was to recite to this group of people because they have just completed a similar tour.

'At present, thisIllyrian province is part of Croatia. ' she murmured.

Despite her reluctance, she accepted the camera on the premise that she'll pay half of the cost. They argued on it but he eventually conceded by her threat. To reduce 3 days as penalty for giving her a present. Being in a tight spot, Li Jie had no choice but to surrender.

Then, the two of them spent the afternoon getting lost to the massive structure that occupies 30,000 square meters.Diocletian's Palace is an ancient fortress that lies in the heart of the city. It has become the old town of Split which is being occupied by numerous shopsrestaurants, cafes, apartments and more.The narrow streets of the imposing structure were packed with visitors coming to get a glimpse of the ruins. Not surprising as tourism has grown after it became a set for some of the scenes in Game of the Thrones (1).

The fortress ---- built from local limestone and white marble--- is full of antiques that reflected much of the Roman culture. The only oddity was the 3,500 years old Sphinxes brought from Egypt as a gift to the Emperor.

Yan Shi documented every single thing she found interesting. The excitement to write something about this trip was surging in her. While, Li Jie busied himself with watching her back as the viewbehind was great.At the same time, he was protecting her from slipping or being shoved by otherpeople in their tour group as the space to pass through was cramped.

She wanted to stay till the evening to see the imposing marble and granite columns beingilluminated by colorful garlands. Or to watch actors in Roman togas perform solemn voices that it is said to echo under the arches of the palace, making this ancient place alive and beautiful at night.

However, there was throbbing pain radiating from her feet to shins. Bending down, her fingers massaged them slightly to ease her.

"Is it painful?" a voice questioned in concern.

She nodded.

Out of the blue, he got down and offered his back in front of her.

"Get on. I'll carry you."

Yan Shi was at a loss for words.

Something told her to refuse but considering her tiredness, she got on his back.

***

A man carrying a woman on his back, moving in an unhurried pace--fell to the eyes of the people which sparked different emotions.

To an old woman buying souvenirs, she was momentarily in daze reminiscing happy memories she shared with her husband. It reminded her of his gentleness.

To another woman pouting for being ignored, she saw this as romantic gesture. At the same time, there is jealousy.

To a lone woman sitting in one of the cafes, she suddenly yearned to fall in love.

*********************

Tidbit of Info:

(1) Game of the Thrones - is anAmerican fantasy drama television series.

In Game of the Thrones, Diocletian Palace served as the slave city of Meereen. It was the setting where Daenery's got locked up and trained her dragons.

Many places in Croatia were featured in the series.

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LJ: (very happy) Thank you!

TC: (smiling widely) You're welcome!

LJ: