Allison joined Caroline and they took more photos of each other together in the sand.
Then they retire into the picnic hut to rest and to wait for dinner.
While waiting for their food to arrive, Caroline and Allison talked about topics relating to women's stuff.
Then all of a sudden Caroline asked Allison something...
"If you already have a boyfriend and your ex-boyfriend suddenly wanted to see you again because he was suffering from a terminal illness, what will you do, Allison?" asked Caroline.
Allison raised her brows. "Hmm, tough question. But if that ex-boyfriend of mine is a good person while were still in a relationship together then I will surely visit him, since it's his dying wish."
"You won't feel guilty towards your current boyfriend?" Caroline continues asking.
Allison smiled a little, feeling amused that Caroline was asking her opinion. She will do her best to persuade her to visit her brother Lucas.
"No. I won't feel guilty because I'm no longer romantically involved with my ex-boyfriend so there is nothing to feel guilty about. I will visit my 'ex' because he was dying and it's an act of kindness and empathy, that's all there is to it," Allison answered.
Caroline digested Allison's point of view, she was silent for a minute or two pondering another question to ask.
"Why—? Does it happened to you, Caroline?" Allison inquired.
Caroline nodded her head. "Yeah. I've been in a dilemma since I've learned that my 'ex' is dying. He wanted to see me and I was confused about what to do. I have been experiencing scary nightmares during sleep, my 'ex' keeps tormenting me in my sleep so I decided to see him, but until now I still can't commit to fixing the date to see and visit him."
Caroline finds it easy to confide in Allison because the woman doesn't know anything about her ex-boyfriend. She couldn't share her dilemma with her mother because she would surely oppose the idea of her seeing Greg again.
She can't also talk to her sister Catherine because they are still not in good terms.
Her cousin Grace was currently vacationing in Zamboanga, she doesn't want to disturb her. Besides, it's her problem and she's big enough to solve her problem.
She can't also tell Mike the truth because her boyfriend might get jealous.
She has no one to talk to, it's a blessing that she met Allison, she can talk to her easily and she listens to her without judging her.
Allison stared at the younger woman's conflicting emotions running on her pretty face. "Don't tell your boyfriend about visiting your ex, he might not like it. Just keep it a secret from him," she said and gave Caroline a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Caroline sighed and took a deep breath.
"So, when are you planning to visit your ex?" Allison inquired. "If you need my help and assistance, don't hesitate to call me. I will help you in any way I can," she offered.
"Thank you, Allison, you are such a kind soul," said Caroline.
"Don't mention it. If you like to visit this beach again just tell me, I will accompany you here anytime. You can even bring your family here for an outing. You are welcome to use my vacation house, my friend. Just tell me in advance," Allison offered.
Caroline's eyes sparkled in delight. "Really? You will let me use the beach? Even if I'll come here with my boyfriend?" she asked to be assured.
Allison smiled broadly. "Yes! I have no problem with that. I also want to meet and get acquainted with your boyfriend. He must be a fine young man," she commented.
Caroline smiled thinking of Mike. "Yes, he is such a romantic and loving guy. I'm so lucky to meet someone like him in my life," she gushes.
Allison stared at Caroline. 'This woman is truly in love with her boyfriend,' she thought to herself. She can see the love and affection glowing in the younger woman's eyes while they were talking about her boyfriend.
Caroline looked at Allison. "How about you? What is your life story?" she asked curiously.
Allison shrugged her shoulders. "My life is pretty boring and not worth discussing. I'm single but I have three adoptive daughters. I have several relationsh.i.p.s with the opposite s.e.x but nothing serious. I have no plans to marry, I plan to stay single all my life. I just want to live a carefree and happy life. I don't like to be tied with a man and imprisoned in the four corners of married life. Just not my cup of tea," she explained.
"Really—?" Caroline said. She finds Allison's philosophy in life odd.
"Yes. That's just me, anyway, here comes the food," Allison said.
The women helped the caretaker put down the food tray in the wooden table and arranged the food, then Allison handed the tray back to the caretaker because there's still some food to be taken from the house.
Caroline volunteered to assist the caretaker and bring the food tray in the picnic hut.
A few minutes later, Caroline and Allison were now eating their dinner by the beach.
They watched the beautiful sunset while eating their delicious dinner which consists of pork barbecue, grilled fish, fried tomatoes, chicken adobo, and rice with chilled soda.
Allison has been observing Caroline's face for a while. Now is the time to tell her about the party.
"Caroline, I'm going to attend a Masquerade Party tonight in a private residence. It is a fundraiser party and specifically organized to generate funds for different charities such as the orphanage, home for the aged, feeding for beggars in the street, and so on. Would you like to come with me? Let's just stay there for two hours then leave and go back to the city," Allison said.
For some reason, Caroline can't say no to Allison due to her kindness and generosity. "Okay, I will accompany you to the party but I have no costume to wear on the party and I have no mask for my face," she informed her.
Allison smiled feeling happy that Caroline is willing to join her at the party. "That's not a problem dear. I have prepared five gowns for the party. I also have shoes, and I have five masks to choose from. Problem solved!" she said enthusiastically.
"Ah, okay," Caroline murmured.
They resumed eating.
By 7:00 in the evening the women were done eating dinner and left the picnic hut.
The caretaker cleaned the mess in the picnic hut while the women went back to the house.
In the house.
"Let's go to my bedroom so that you can choose your costume," Allison said to her companion the moment they entered the house.
"Okay." Caroline followed Allison inside her bedroom and they perused the evening gowns inside the cabinet, fifteen minutes later Caroline was able to choose a red evening gown which is below the knee in length with a matching red mask and shoes.
"Nice choices you had, girl! You can try it inside your room," Allison said.
Caroline scooped the garments in her arms and went to the guestroom.
She went inside the bathroom first to brush her teeth before changing into the garment.
Ten minutes later, she was able to squeeze herself inside the body-hugging gown.
When she looked at her image in the mirror, she was speechless! She looks amazing in the gown that she was wearing, then she put the mask on her face.
Just perfect!
Her costume for the Masquerade Party looks sensational!
She went to Allison's bedroom and saw the woman wearing a black gown matched with a black face mask.
"Wow, you looked incredibly s.e.xy tonight!" Allison commented and quickly took her phone and activated the camera function. "Smile, let me take your picture!" she said.
Caroline smiled for the camera.
Done taking Caroline's picture, Allison handed her phone to Caroline. "Take my photo as well, girl," she ordered.
Caroline took photos of Allison of different angles and handed her back her phone.
"Can you please wait for me in the living room, girl? I still need to apply some makeup on my face," Allison said, wearing a cheery smile on her face.
"Okay," Caroline responded and left the room.
Allison quickly typed a message to Alex.
'Your girl, the lady in red, she looks stunning, right?'
Allison sent the message to her brother, attaching Caroline's photo in her red costume.