Chapter VIII

There was a sweet smile playing on her lips as she returned to her room. She could still feel the warmth of his skin against her soft skin. She could still smell his aftershave. It was intoxicating. It was able to awaken her senses.

Ohh, Umi. What is happening to you? Haven't you met a man before. But he is not just any man. He is the man…for me. The last two words made her heart flutter a bit more. But wait, earth calling Umi. Aren't you counting the chicks too early. They eggs have yet to hatch. The contradiction made her fall back from space to earth. She gave out a sigh. Hmmp.. It will lead to that. Umi was once again in Lalala land. She hugged the biggest pillow in her bed and did some sort of tantric minus the quasi-orgasmic moment ala Diane Lane's Frances in Under the Tuscan Sun.

Ringgggggg!

Umi picked up her phone. She almost had a mini heart attack when she heard who was on the other line.

"How's my water knight" It was Eagle.

Almost instantly, her heart did millions of back flips and somersaults. She should be really investing on a good health card for all the palpitations she is having.

"E- Eagle" She was stammering.

"It's me. Miss me?"

Umi could imagine the boyish smile playing on Eagle's lips. " I just saw you awhile back, why would I miss you? Its not like you and I are an item." Her lips were pouting. The typical snooty rich girl expression.

"Hmmm,,,that was awhile ago…."He suddenly stopped. "You and I look great together. I want to be with you Umi." The last two words were almost a whisper.

"Umm..ok" Her heart was beating faster. She could only mutter monosyllabic words or some sort.

"Do you want to be with me?"

"Umm,,,," She was speechless. Umi wanted to kick herself. Say something. Come on. Push the button for the Bitchy Umi Mode. Go!

"Ummm….stands for what exactly." He almost giggled. He could just imagine her face turning ruby red.

"A-are you…" She was fidgeting.

"Go on,,,, I don't bite…. At least not yet" There was a chuckle.

Umi finally had the courage. "Are you telling me that you like me?"

"No." The tone of his voice was strong and piercing . There was a deafening silence.

Umi's world collapsed. Suddenly it was like 2012. The only difference is that she is the sole casualty. The negative remark pierced her heart. It was definitely worse than being beaten down by an old hag like Alcyone. She felt like crying. She was about to hang up her phone when someone hugged her from behind.

"I am telling you that I love you." He softly whispered and nuzzled in her neck.

"H-How did you?" She faced Eagle and was surprised to see him in flesh. She didn't notice him at all.

"I have my ways to woo the woman I love." He gave out a boyish smile. "Judging from your reaction, I think I know the answer."

Woman he loves. He loves me. Ode to Joy was playing on her ears.

"Creepy." Umi softly remarked and smiled.

"Am I creepy?" He teased.

"Hmm,, you just popped here like a mushroom."

"Military training. Stealth moves…It makes you see all the action" He softly whispered his last sentence as if insinuating something

Umi blushed a deeper red when she remembered her Frances-like scene awhile back. "So you were like here the whole time."

"Hmm, are you trying to decipher if I was able to witness your little moment. It was cute."

"Ohh…" She grabbed her pillow and covered her face.

"No need to be embarrassed. I kinda like it" He pulled the pillow away and pulled her closer to him. Their lips were almost touching.

"Eagle, I love you." She whispered as she looked deep into his amber eyes.

"I love you more my Water Knight." He kissed her gently and held her closer.

FIN