Isabel was standing at the edge of the pier, staring at her reflection in the water. She was wearing a large orange hat on her head and a soft orange sundress. She didn't need to disguise herself; the people in Spain have seen enough of her and the members of the Manuel family, they are considered normal people. Even when one of them was with someone unfamiliar, nobody would talk, since everyone in Spain hold them in respect, and will keep the secrets that they coincidently heard. That was why she could walk freely all by herself. She then remembered what her father had told her to do before she left the mansion. "Make sure you make Hugh at home!" he said cheerfully. How did he knew about her meeting with Hugh was a mystery to her.
She then heard footsteps behind her. She didn't budge nor was she worried. She could guess that the person who asked to meet up with her has arrived. When she turned around, she was shocked. Big time. Hugh's hair was a bit messy and candid, that it made him look boyishly cute, especially when the wind blow his hair, making it even messy. Hugh was wearing a white cotton button-down shirt, the three buttons at the top was unbuttoned, Isabel could see his tanned strong chest, making her blush. She tried to shake off her attraction for him, but failed to do so. What's up with you? You've seen John half-naked before, and you didn't blush like a maiden before! she thought furiously to herself.
"Sorry, it seems that you waited long. I was being held by a phone call" he apologised of his late arrival. She shook her head, smiling up at him, indicating that she didn't mind. "Even so, you sure dolled up. My outfit doesn't seem to suit your pretty appearance" he said, looking down at his outfit. Isabel giggled at this. "It's all right. Even when I do look 'dolled up', this outfit is pretty much comfortable to move in, and it suits the warm weather" she assured him. She then looked up at him. "Though, I was quite surprised by your casual wear. I thought that considering you are big shot businessman, you would always be wearing fancy outfits or something" she retorted, starting to walk.
Hugh followed her, chuckling. "Even when I really am a big shot businessman, there are times when I do wear casual outfits like this. Anyway, I wasn't originally a rich guy in the first place" he said. Isabel nodded at this. Everyone in the business world knew about the Bradfords; Hugh's father, Charles Bradford, was just a normal merchant, and after dabbing into the business world, his mere knowledge and determination made the Bradfords well-known. It wasn't until his son, Hugh Bradford helped his father to spread the Bradford's wings, making them more well-known and rich. Before, many people said Hugh was just a child who is riding his father's coattails, but due to his success, that made them shut up. But there were still a few who complained of the same thing, though they were just being jealous over the Bradford's sudden success.
Isabel shook the thought in her head. "Well, where shall we go?" she asked him. Hugh took her hand in his, and smiled at her. "Why not we eat at a normal restaurant? Show me where is the one that has the most delicious food. I'm ravenous, if I could say so myself" he said. Isabel was glad that it was not too bright for Hugh to notice her blushing face. Everything about Hugh just made her off guard. She just don't know what was the reason. She brought him to a restaurant where they served the famous dishes of Spain, no matter what region it came from. They talked about the smallest thing in their conversation; the people of Spain, the weather and most of all, their family. Isabel entertained Hugh about the excerpts of her life with her family.
She had two older brothers, Antonello and Maximiano, who were two years apart of age, Antonello being only a year Hugh's junior. Antonello, as the eldest, was always trying to 'keep the family together' with his antics, arranging for the family to eat together every night, spending Sundays together and such. Maximiano, being the second child and the rebellious one, will try to 'defy' his brother's efforts by going out with women, hanging out with his friends and ignoring his brother's desire for a frequent 'brotherly hug'. Isabel told Hugh that Maximiano was just being not upfront of his true feelings; he was in fact happy that his brother was trying to be all 'brotherly' with him. Isabel then mentioned about her older sister, Reina, who was two years older than Isabel. Reina, being the third child, was the peacemaker between her two brothers, and was always spoiling Isabel, much to the anger of Maria, Isabel's maid who has been under her care to instill responsibility and good manners in Isabel.
Hugh was only an only child, so he had less to talk about with Isabel. In fact, he enjoyed listening to Isabel's complains about how soft her mother, Lucia, were towards her sons, and her father, Vincent, who actually enjoyed how 'energetic' his children were. "Then again, if your family weren't that 'energetic', you wouldn't be that cheerful" Hugh quipped during her rants. Isabel only pouted at this, and continued eating. When they finished eating, it means that her 'rants' were already over. When Hugh was settling the bill, he was gazing deeply at Isabel. "You know, when I get married, I would like to have more than two children, then the house would be lively" he said, waiting for her reaction. Isabel almost spurt out the tea she was sipping, and looked at him with pure bewilderment. Hugh was smiling sweetly at her, as if saying; 'I'm serious, you know?' to her.
She quickly left the restaurant, embarrassed by his confession earlier. He caught up to her without any effort at all; he had long legs to prove it. He chuckled at this. "Hey, I was just joking" he said, trying to reassure her. He gently grabbed her arm, but Isabel shook it off. She stopped walking, looking ahead of her. "I know I'm not as experienced as you in relationships, but please refrain from those type of remarks. I don't know how to react towards them" she said, her tone lowering as she continued. She felt her arm being pulled, and before she realised it, she was already in Hugh's arms. "I was serious, though" he said into her ear, making Isabel push him away again, like the time in the ball.
"But we just met" she said, trying to not have eye contact with Hugh. He then took her hand, and kissed her fingers, starting from her index finger to the pinky finger. "Then, why not we know each other before we consider that dream of mine? I know it may seem impossible to ask from you, but I really want you in my life. May I ask that selfish desire of mine to you?" he begged, hugging her tighter. Isabel should be angry at this, but she wasn't, in fact, she felt warm and fuzzy. Why was it like this? Was it because he doesn't seem to be like her brother, Maximiano, who only used women as tools of entertainment, or like John, who she consider as a brother? Even so, she hugged him back, and she could feel Hugh sighing in relief.
He looked at her, and pulled her into a kiss. A gentle and long kiss. A kiss that made her knees unbuckle, and want to fall on the ground just like that. But he hold onto her tightly, and all Isabel remembered was his warm lips and the sound of the wind blowing around them. She knew, that she won't be making a mistake in being with him, no matter what happens.
TO BE CONTINUED
