Chapter 268 - Home In Molave 14

Jane's forehead creased as the toy in Kyle's wrist caught her attention. She was watching him when he went to sleep, and she was sure he didn't have that band.  She bent down and picked up his wrist, but the movement woke up Kyle. 

"Good morning, Kyle," Jane greeted him while brushing his hair with her finger.

"Good morning, mom!" Kyle brushed his eyes and let out a smile.

"Kyle, I did not remember you tying that to your wrist." Jane pointed the toy with her lips.

Kyle's eyes flew wide open as he realized he was arousing Jane's curiosity. "Ah, I woke up when you were asleep, and I took this from my bag."

"How long were you awake?" Jane couldn't believe how deep she slept that she did not wake up to Kyle's movement.

"About an hour."

"Why did you not wake me up?"

"You were sleeping tight. Anyway, I was just playing with my phone and this one."

Jane nodded and let is pass. Maybe, she just didn't see it somewhere in the pockets of his bag. Getting off from the bed, she proceeded to the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror. She was already expecting a greasy face because of the new moisturizing cream she was using. Yet, to her surprise, her face was grease-free as if she had just stripped it off with a cleansing agent. She touched her face, and she could smell a distinct smell in her fingers. Whatever it was, she could not tell. Or was it an after-effect smell of the cream?

She hurriedly took a bath, and when she came out, Hayri was there already. "Are you opening a can of paint?"

"Why should I?" Jane smirked, irritated by his conclusion.

"There's a distinct smell in your room. I didn't smell it last night."

"Somebody must be opening a can of paint thinner outside."

Hayri frowned though he nodded, not pushing the subject anymore. He urged them to go down because everyone was already waiting for them to join the breakfast.

Markus also came when they were halfway through their meal. He waved a hand when he saw Jane and Hayri on the table. After ordering their food, Markus approached them on their table.

"Classmate, is the horseriding area worth the recommendation?"

"It is. You'll have the best riding experience on spectacular spots," Hayri replied after chewing half of the food in his mouth.

"What else can you recommend?"

"So far, we have tried the spring, their zipline, and sight-seeing on their fruit farm."

"I see. Thanks for sharing a piece of information."

Markus was about to turn away when he overheard Kyle's voice asking their permission to go out and play.

"Do you already have a child?" Markus commented, his eyes never leaving the child.

"Yes, but it is not open to the public. You know that we are protecting our image," Hayri fluently lied as if what he was saying were indeed true.

"Of course, I understand. These two?" 

"No, only the boy."

Kyle gave Markus a glance and was supposed to greet him, but Chloe dragged him away. Markus followed the boy with his eyes before he turned back to them.

"Congratulations on having wonderful genes, Louise, Dr. Jane! Your son really looks good."

Jane's heart seemed like tumbling out of her ribcage, but somehow, she was able to manage a smile and continue her pretense. Hayri, on the other hand, played his part like it was true. What they were afraid of was the possibility that Markus would talk to Kyle himself.

____

Their destination for that day was to go to the coconut and mango plantation. While they gathered outside to wait for the shuttle, Markus and his men were already on their horses. He waved a hand again at them before they sped away in gallops.

The coconut plantation was indeed impressive according to how they were told. Each tree stood perfect in height and in good landscaping, providing a cool shade from the blazing sunshine. Only a thin amount of sun rays were able to peek through the long strands of green leaves.

The group found their comfortable places on the ground as they laid their mats. Both Andrew and Ajie picked up their bolo and placed them at the holster on their sides. They then climbed up into different trees and plucked up cl.u.s.ters of young coconuts. Issa and Leo were quicked to open it all up with the help of some of the farm caretakers.

"How would you know if a coconut is ripe or young?" Cherry asked as she spooned a slice of coconut meat from its husk.

"If you shake the fruit, and it's full of liquid, then it is a young coconut. But if it sloshes much, then it is ripe," answered Ajie, who opened up the tip of a coconut with his bolo. After cutting a small round opening, he held the whole fruit with his hands and handed it to Allie.

"Here, dear, drink a lot. It's good for lactation," said Ajie, as he opened up many more husks for all of them.

Allie looked at him with full admiration in her eyes. "You're so good, Jie."

Ajie laughed and replied, "Of course, I grew up climbing the trees."

Mrs. Lopez also laughed and butted in, "Son. if you grew up with us, then you'll never know how to do this."

"Yes, mom. And perhaps, I'll never learn to ride a horse like Jane."

Jane looked up from spooning a slice of coconut meat."Why I suddenly become the subject?"

"Nothing. We are just talking about how good you are in spooning meat that until now, you're still not able to get a slice!'

"Shut up!" Jane protested and tried harder, but still, she could never roll out the meat from its husk.

Everyone laughed in watching how clumsy she was and on how she never gave up. She glanced up and wondered why they were laughing. Looking at their empty husks, she complained.

"What trick are you using?"

A burst of laughter was her reply that she gritted her teeth in feigned anger. She tried once more until Hayri could no longer take it. He took out her coconut and replaced it with his own.

"Here, it's easier. Try it."

Jane looked up at him to see if he was sincere. Seeing that he did not laugh, she scooped the meat and marveled at how easily it rolled into her spoon.

"Wow, yours is nice."

"My dear, can't you see? It's soft because it's young."

"I see. Can I have more?"

Hayri placed his share into her front. He stopped eating and just enjoyed watching her by her side.

"Jane, is it sweet?" Cherry asked with a suppressed laughter.

"Yes!"

"Which one is sweeter? The one at your side or the one in your front?"

Everyone erupted into another round of laughter, and she realized they were making fun of her again. She looked at her front and saw the opened husks. She then ran her eyes at her side, and Hayri's amused grin met her gaze.

"Can you tell which is sweeter now?"

Jane now realized what Cherry meant, and the small stone she grasped on the ground, came flying into Cherry's direction.

Note: Good night, everyone. I will edit this cha[ter tomorrow.