Chapter 3

               ⚜  Belize  ⚜

    With two more days left for the trip, I stayed indoors mostly. How I wished I could take my best friend along. Joyce was happy that she wouldn't have to deal with me for two whole weeks and she offered to take me to the airport. Joyce was Mrs Randall's first name.

  Almira had given me some of her shorts and bikinis as a gift. She helped pack everything I needed, from my passport, tickets to hotel reservations. We even called to confirm the hotel. Almira's mother promised to bake some delicious chocolate cookies to carry. She also gave me a new cellphone with better Internet and network than the one I had. She seemed worried more than my stepmom. I gave Almira the trophy because she believed in me. She made me promise to call every day.

  I now had everything intact. Thanks to the principal, my bank account was now active. On top of that, they had given me a visa express card with which I could withdraw cash anywhere in the world.

"Let's go out for ice cream. You know how bored I will be with you go", Almira said sadly.

"Oh Ally, don't say that. I'll be back before you know it"

"I'll miss you. Hope you get laid"

I chuckled. "Seriously? Again with that? I don't want to give myself to some stupid guy who will probably dump me sooner or later. No way Ally!"

We had this discussion couple of times before and I hated it.

"Sorry didn't mean to upset you best. I wish you meet the perfect guy and get laid. You can't be a virgin forever?"

Yes, am a 21-year-old virgin. So what?!

I affirmed. "I'll tell you what? If that time comes, I will think about it only cause you said so. Please let's change the topic and keep it pg for my baby ears"

   I didn't want to hook up with some random guy. I always pictured my first time with my future husband not some random dummies from the university.

After spending the rest of the day with family and friends, I finally had a chance to rest.

°            °               °         °              °          °

  Finally, the day arrived and Joyce together with the whole family and Almira's too escorted me to the airport. My siblings cried making me emotional too especially when we arrived at the airport. Ally tried her best to hide her tears but I noticed them. We took some photos and after so many goodbye's I walked to the terminal and printed my boarding pass. After identifying my flight, I sat in the lobby waiting for a check-in process to begin.

Half an hour later, I checked in. I missed my loved ones already. A lady interrupted my thoughts.

"Welcome Miss. Your passport and boarding pass please?" She spoke and I handed them to her.

"You may proceed on board. Your flight leaves in twenty. Welcome and safe trip miss." She said.

  Thank God I was on time. As I boarded the plane, images of my siblings crying still replayed. I felt sad especially when the plane departed. Through the window, I could see how high we were. I felt homesick already but something in my mind said "Don't worry it's just two weeks of lone-time."

The plane landed in Belize City, the capital of Belize.

   Just as I was told, I found a lady holding a banner with my name on it. I walked towards her and after introductions, she led me to a taxi which was parked nearby.

"Miss Chloe, meet Joaquin our hotel driver," She said.

"Hello, Mr Joaquin. Nice to meet you", I said then turned to the lady and asked, " I didn't quite get your name. Do you mind telling me once more? "

"Yadira Ovacik ma'am. You can call me Lady that's what everyone does." She said.

And just like that, I made two new friends.

"Ma'am, it's going to be a long drive. I must confess some potholes on the road might make you more fatigued. Fasten your seat belt and enjoy plus Yadhy will assist you with anything you want."  Joaquin said.

Soon we left for Ambergris Caye where supposedly my vacation was to begin. We passed through a very scenic Hummingbird highway.

  At last, we arrived at the Inns resort 13kms from Belize city. I was very tired that immediately after checking in, I went straight to my room. Luckily Yadhy helped bring my luggage from the car.

"Miss Chloe, I will take my leave now. Is there anything perhaps you need?"

"No Yadhy thanks though. I would love to rest for while"

"Fine. In case you need anything just put me on speed dial or call the reception and you will be assisted." She said.

Hours later I woke up feeling hungry. I had a quick bath and walked downstairs to the reception.

"Good evening, I  am looking for Miss Lady? " I asked.

"Sorry her shift ended hours ago until tomorrow. Is there something you need?"  asked the receptionist.

I tuck the loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Ahh-ahh, Yes. Is there a restaurant here?"

"Yes.  Follow me please"

She led me to the restaurant. It was busy with people enjoying their meals.

"Am Sonia by the way. Are you perhaps a guest in room 50?"  She asked smiling widely.

"Yes, Chloe. Am Chloe"

"Miss Chloe, Yadhy told me to assist you. I knocked on your door a few times but you didn't respond and assumed you were sleeping. Please feel free to call me in case you need any assistance. Hope you enjoy your stay here with us", she left.

  There were a lot of meals on the menu which I didn't know. I ordered a burger and soda and promised myself to ask Yadhy about the food. While at the restaurant, I realized some people spoke Spanish, others English. The restaurant was packed with both local and non-local people.  After the scrumptious meal, I headed to my room.

  As I was climbing up the last staircase to the floor where my room was, I bumped into a man in a black hoodie. He had a nice cologne scent that filled the air.

I gave an apologetic smile. " I am sorry"

He didn't turn to look at me instead faced the opposite direction as he replied. "It's okay" His voice was deep but sexy and I found myself watching him go.

Back in my room, I had several missed calls from home. I couldn't call back as it was very late but I left a message to let them know I was okay.  Later, after brushing my hair I carried a lit candle over to the bed, setting it on the nightstand. I pulled my covers back and climbed in then blew out the candle and stared up the ceiling. In no time my eyes were heavy, and for the first time in many nights, I slept soundly.