Chapter 142 - The Cruise

During Allyza's voyage to Japan, the whole family enjoyed what it meant to be on a cruise with their loved ones. They dined together, went on  recreation together and spent their siesta hours in various spas and cafes. Allyza had all what a cruiser needed to enjoy every moment. From suite and deluxe accomodations, recreational and gymn facillities to international cuisines offered on buffets by different restaurants. One could choose what suited one's mood, from regular to fine dining down to romantic escapades for lovers. There were live bands for the teens and young adults and there were romantic serenading also for lovers who wanted intimate moments with each other. Such was the expertise of Andrew and his band.

One night while hanging out with Ajie for the serenade, Andrew approached them on their couch during his break. His smile was broad and contagious as if everything was well with them in the past.

"Andrew," Ajie called out and gestured him to  come over the moment he saw him coming.

"Adrian, Allyza...It's really good to see you again." The sharp gaze he gave at Allie made Ajie wrap her closer to him.

Allie smiled back and watched him settle on himself on the couch across them. "How are you, Andrew?"

He replied with a soft chuckle and shook himself, "Enjoying the life of a musician."

"It's good to know that you got a contract with Gretels..." Allie wanted to point out that it was such a coincidence to have him on their cruise line.

"I suggested it to my manager and what came next was the news that we got it. It just feel so wonderful to be here when you know who are the great men behind this breakthrough."

Ajie nodded and smiled before turning to look at Allie. She glanced up and their eyes locked for a second.  In the next moment, Ajie pulled her head close to him and kissed her temple. Ajie sensed that she had apprehensions.

"You both remind me of Cherry. Until now, her memories haunt me." There was bitterness in his smile and Allie began to worry that Andrew might still be holding grudges against Ajie.

"Haven't you moved on? It's been six years," Allie tried to test the depth of the water.

"It was difficult, you know, until my employer got me a psychologic counseling. There were even couple of  times where I was tempted to end my life until Joanna came into my life."

Andrew then turned his head towards the backstage and soon, the pretty female vocalist came out and walked towards them. Allie and Ajje stood up and held out their hands to which she accepted with a smile. 

"Adrian, Lyz, this is Joanna, my girlfriend and psychologist."

Ajie and Allie were dumbfounded for a moment, unable to piece up the fragments of the news quickly.

"Yes, I help him live again. There is so much to life than brooding over a painful past." Joanna's voice snatched them back to reality.

"And you also sing?" Alllie's eyes widened in excitement, happy for the unexpected twist of Andrews life.

"Not for a big audience at first but I forced myself to." Needless to explain that her decision was to support Andrew in going back to the limelight.

Ajie gathered his brows together as he looked at them. There was a sense  of tenderness as they looked at each other, enough for him to believe that they were really both in love.

"Lyz, who would ever think that there is still somebody who is willing to love and accept me for all those sins I made?'

Allie was startled for a while. She never thought that Andrew would disclose that shameful part of him to Joanna, but then she remembered that she was a psychologist when she first met him. Such was the irony of life. All is given the chance to change and live a better life no matter how unacceptable one may seem to be.

"Take care of her, Andrew. She's such a gem." Allie suddenly became teary-eyed but she was still able to manage a sweet smile for both of them.

Andrew's break ended and soon the two went back to the stage. Watching them together as they performed, a sense of warmth and relief crept up into her heart. She was happy for both of  them but worried for Cherry.

Ajie sensed that she was getting emotional and the romantic music would only heighten the feeling, he got up and held her hand, leading her out towards their suite. He opened the curtain of the window and the tranquil, moonlit skies met their eyes. The waves glittered with golden and silver hues and the vast stretch of the water seemed endless.

Allie sat down by the bed as she watched the beautiful, silent world outside and she got lost in her thoughts. Even if Hayri set her free but she couldn't think of a gentlier way to end up their relationship without hurting him. Letting go and setting your loved ones free is not a pain-free decision. It may be the wisest step one can do to escape an already  unwanted relationship, but one could still die on the process. She didn't want that for Hayri. He didn't deserve it.

She snapped back to her senses when she felt that Ajie hugged her from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder and his warm breath was buzzing in her ears.

"Adrian, I think I am wrong in inviting Cherry over. I'm afraid of their reactions. What if..." Allie's next words were swallowed when Arian suddenly held up her head and closed his mouth on hers.

Just when she thought he'd stop after making her silent, his kiss deepened as his tongue probed deeper and deeper, taunting hers to dance with his. After a while of hesitation, she got tempted to kiss him back until all her reservations fell off. The heated desire of the moment made her unaware that she had already allowed him to strip off the last, tiny piece of lingerie she had on. She realized she missed this too familiar touch as his hands and mouth made its way to its usual routes, making her yield up to him completely.