Chapter 7: His Dream Girl

In order to prevent huge commotion, Bobby decided to take Tiffie back to the mainland. Even though, they did not manage to enjoy the rest of the night in Mararison. Going back to the mainland was not an easy thing, almost of the passenger boats were already docked in the mainland’s wharf before 6 in the evening. They left no choice but to take Weine’s yacht. It was already high-tide. The huge waves almost prevented them to dock in the mainland’s wharf. It also made Tiffie began to feel tipsy because of it. Her legs wiggled that caused her to lost her balance. She glanced at the calmed waves of the sea. Then, she felt something cooking inside her stomach. Quickly, Bobby gave her a plastic bag.

   Tiffie released something imploded mixed with bitter and sour taste. It had an after taste remained inside her tongue. She could feel something spiny inside her throat. The foul odor coming from inside the plastic bag irritated her nose. She had no choice but to deal with it because she kept on imploding until her mouth went dry. Bobby carried her away the yacht and thanked Weine. Then, he massaged her upper back in a soothing manner to make her a little bit comfortable. Tiffie glanced at him and placed the palm of her hand to his cheek. Her mind went dizzy again. The plastic bag slipped to her hands. Luckily, Bobby caught it and threw it in the nearby trash can. Tiffie closed her eyes as she was carried to the passenger seat of the Ford Raptor.

Tiffie woke up from the beautiful melody of the singing birds. She stretched her arms and opened the window sill. She thought that she was back at Las Casas. Her eyes could see the huge plantation of corn and other vegetables. Her mind concluded that she’s still in Antique. Then, she could smell the man’s shampoo coming from the bathroom. She quickly hid herself inside the blanket when she heard the door creaked open.

Bobby reached his deodorant stick near his computer table. “I know that you’re already awaken, Tiffie.”

“How did I get here, Bobby? Did you do another miracle from me?” She shrieked when Bobby pulled off the blanket. Her hands covered her face in order to prevent her to see him half-naked.

“What’s the matter, Tiffie?” His lips went near to her ear. “Remember that you had already se---” He did not finish his sentence when Tiffie landed her palm at his cheek. “Ouch!” He held her hand and glared at her. “You better take a shower because you smell something bad already.” He threw the towel at her face.

Tiffie put the towel at her shoulder. Then, she sniffed her wrists and armpits. “Fine, I shall take a quick shower.” She glanced at the shirt that she’s wearing. “How did I end up wearing this? It’s not even mine.” She complained.

“Because it’s mine.” Bobby snorted. “You better hurry up because breakfast is already served.”

---~~~--

Instead in the dining table, the old Flurry couple invited them to eat their breakfast at the back of their house. There was a small pavilion located in the center of the fish pond. The old Flurry couple prepared a communal mound of rice surrounded with dried seafood like squid and small fish, meat, blanched vegetables, and sliced boil egg on a huge banana leaf. Elaine and Lowell were already standing next to the old couple. They were exchanging deep conversation. The old couple waved their hands and called them to go inside the pavilion.

“Dare to race with me, Tiff?” Bobby raised his eyebrow. “If you’ll win, then I’ll take you in the most important place for me.”

“What if, I will lose? What will be my consequence?” Tiffie asked.

“You will find it out later.” He smirked as he ran towards the wooden bridge.

Tiffie followed him. She doubled-up her energy to cut him off. But the wooden bridge started to dance because of their weight. Her legs got wobbly when she’s almost in the finish line. Then, her body almost fell in the pond. Good thing, Bobby caught the collar of her dress. Her head hit his upper chest and cried. Bobby wrapped his arms around her waist. He wiped off the puffy tears coming from Tiffie.

“Bobby, don’t do that again!” Bobby’s father shouted. “Tiffie might be caught into an accident because of that attitude of yours.” Bobby nodded as the way of his agreement.

“I am really sorry about my son’s attitude.” His mother said. Then, she took of the saucer which was covering the Japanese ceramic bowl. “Why don’t you try our shrimp paste?”

“Mom, she might be allergic to shrimp.” Bobby put his hand at her shoulder. “You don’t need to eat that if you don’t want it, Tiff.”

Tiffie nodded and watched others eating with their bare hands. Bobby took a small basin from the opposite side of the table. He dipped his hands and splashed some water which landed at Tiffie’s face. It made Tiffie a little bit annoyed. She dipped her hands too and splashed some water at his face.

“Children.” Elaine whined as she rolled out her both eyes. She’s about to open her mouth when Lowell stuffed a mixed of rice and tiny bits of dried meat inside her mouth.

Their parents looked at each other. Then, they smiled as they both stuffed the mixed of rice and tiny bits of dried fish with their mouths. Bobby made a better idea. He dipped the okra inside the spicy soy sauce before he stuffed it to Tiffie. Because Tiffie could not tolerate the spiciness, she started to cough. Plus, she hated the sliminess of okra. The rice bits threw from her mouth as she tapped her chest. Bobby gave her a glass of cold water. She snatched the glass from him and drank it all.

“By the way, is Tiffie your girlfriend?” Their father asked out of curiosity.

Bobby pretended to cough when he heard it.

“Actually, they’re already dat---” Bobby covered Elaine’s mouth to prevent her spilled the beans.

“That’s great!” Their mother clasped her both hands. “When will be your marriage date? Don’t tell me you don’t talk about that, Bobby? Remember, you will be 2 years before reaching the number thirty.”

“Um…” Bobby shrugged. “We’ll just let you know about that soon.”

“I wish that you will make it earlier before your father and I reach our death-beds.” She opened the lid of the rectangular Tupperware. It revealed a circular-shaped sweets made with sugar and nuts called “bandi”. “Why don’t try this, iha?” She offered two pieces of bandi to Tiffie. Since Tiffie wanted to impress her, she took those and started to bite the first piece.

“There you are!” Weine shouted while he put off his cowboy hat. “Did I miss lunch?”

“Of course not, young man!” Bobby’s father hugged him tight. “It’s good to see you, Weinefredo.”

“Just call your nephew as “Weine”, Robert. He might feel an uncomfortable atmosphere.” Their mother scolded him. “Why don’t you eat with us, Weine?” Weine gave them a nod as sign of agreement.

“This is Lowell and Tiffie.” Bobby’s father introduced them to Weine. “They are the visitors in my residence.”

“Ah, Tiffie. We met yesterday, right?” He gently took Tiffie’s hand and kiss the upper part of her palm. “You taste sweet.”

“What?” She raised her eyebrow as she quickly removed her hand from him.

Then, they continued eating their lunch and talked about their business. Their mother asked the two siblings if they planned to expand the Café Amore to the capital of Antique since many businesses were already booming. Bobby told them that they will look forward to it. Elaine asked their father to take them to the bigger part of the farm. Their father was glad to take them there before they’ll go back to Las Casas de Amore.

It was already 4 in the afternoon when they arrived in the farm through Ford Raptor. Tiffie could see the rice fields at the side of the mountain ranges. She took her phone as she videoed the scenery outside. Then, she rolled down the window as she breathed the fresh air. In the right side near the farm house, they could see tall coconut trees and a big tamarind tree. At the back of the farm house, they could hear the clucking of chickens and bleating of goats.

“Boys, why don’t you get some coconuts so that Tiffie could drink some fresh coconut juice.” The old lady glanced at Tiffie. “Is it your first time to drink some coconut juice?” Tiffie nodded. “And, I need some coconut shreds for the salad.” Their mother suggested. The three boys (Bobby, Lowell, and Weine did not hesitate to obey her.

Bobby removed his shirt. The two followed him that revealed their washboard abs. They looked at the three tall coconut trees near them. The older Flurry held a long wooden stick and pointed at the coconuts above them.

“The fastest one who could bring the most of those coconuts shall win the prize.” Bobby’s father said. The three young men glanced at each other. Then, Bobby’s father took out his whistle from his necklace. He blew his whistle as the signal for the three young men to start climbing.

Bobby glanced at Tiffie. He also caught Weine staring at his girl so he pushed him to the left side. “I bet that you can’t beat me.”

“We’ll see about that, Bobby.” He stretched his arms. “How about your visitor from Manila? Is he really serious in joining with us? I bet he can’t climb a ladder.” They saw Lowell bringing a wooden ladder. “Hope that he won’t fall.”

“Don’t mind him, Weine. He might let you lose the game.” He removed his rubber shoes. Then, he tied his both bare feet with a small rope. “Adios!” He waved at Tiffie and gave her a flying kiss before jumping at the coconut tree.

“I won’t be a loser!” Weine did not remove his shoes but he followed Bobby’s method.

 Elaine and Tiffie could not stop staring at their six-pack abs while sitting on the picnic blanket. Then, Elaine asked Tiffie when did they visit yesterday. Tiffie talked about the moments in Mararison Island and in cold spring.

“Did you stay at Weine’s resort?” Elaine asked out of curiosity.

“Yes, we are.” She scrolled the pictures and let Elaine saw the pictures. Elaine snatched the camera from her.

After a few minutes, they could hear Lowell screaming at the middle part of the coconut tree. Elaine wanted to attend to her partner but her father stopped her. She had no choice but to stay at the picnic blanket with Tiffie.

“So, you’ve met Summer.” She zoomed the picture of Summer who’s staring at Bobby. “Are you aware that she’s her first lov---”

Elaine did not have a chance to finish her sentence when the boys gone back the farther side. Each of them was carrying at least 2 big coconuts in each hand. Then, Bobby cut the upper shell of one of the coconuts. He put a straw inside it before gave it to Tiffie.

“By the way, we need to catch the ship earlier tomorrow. Eriana needs us to go back to Las Casas.” Elaine stood up and went near to her man. “Oh dear, you smell a little bit fishy.” She took her handkerchief from her pocket. “You better take a bath later.” Lowell gave her a half-smile.

“Tiffie, do you like the taste?” Bobby sat beside her.

“Yes, it tastes sweeter than the usual coconut drink that I had in Manila.” She took another sip.

“Because the one that you’re holding, it’s fresher than in Manila.” He touched some strands of her hair. “You look like a goddess today.” Tiffie focused her eyes to the coconut shell as she kept on avoiding his eyes. Her heart pounded fast when she could sense that his lips were getting nearer.

“All of you need to take a bath in a big cauldron.” Bobby’s mother clapped her hands. “I had already prepared the cauldrons for each of you.”

Because the road was a little bit of muddier, Bobby carried Tiffie. Tiffie clung her arms around her neck as she kept on filming the natural view. It’s kind of slippery so Tiffie needed to hold into him tightly. After few minutes, Tiffie got awed when she saw the beautiful rock formation in the river. Then, Bobby put her inside the big cauldron without any warning. Good thing, her phone did not fell inside the warm water. Bobby put her phone at the side before he joined her. Lowell and Elaine used the other cauldron adjacent to them. Bobby’s father appeared with a pile of dried leaves and dried wooden twigs. He put it below of each cauldron then he ignited it with fire. Then, his wife placed some calachuchi flowers mixed with white small flowers called sampaguita in each cauldron.

“Are we going to be cooked, Bobby?” Tiffie whispered at him while her arm draping at his.

“My mother was used to be a witch before she met my father.” Someone hit his shoulder with a huge wooden spoon. “Elaine!” He glared at his little sister. Then, they heard her laughing when Tiffie jumped to their cauldron.

 “Don’t ever believe on him, Tiff.” Elaine suggested. “Let him sleep on the couch instead.”

Tiffie agreed to her suggestion. She let Bobby slept on the couch after they got home from the farm. Life at the farm will be a perfect place to relax according to her. She enjoyed the scenery especially the food. She also loved the new experiences that she’ll going to bring in Manila. Then, she ran to the attic to pack her things. She started to scream when Bobby flashed his face with the flashlight. He chuckled out after that.

“You’re not funny, Bobby!” She threw the pillow to face.

“Really?” He swept her off. Then, he carefully laid her to the cozy bed. His fingers playfully trailed to the coffee-brown strands of her hair. He sniffed the scent of her neck. It smelled the mixed of floral and vanilla which tantalized him. “Why don’t we make this night more fun?”

“Oh no…” Tiffie tried to push him away. “We need to sleep early because we need to wake up ear---” Bobby kissed her lips to stop her from murmuring. His left hand snapped one of the buttons of her collared shirt. It made Tiffie to push him away.

“Okay, fine.” He took the pillow and tucked it behind his head. “Just remember, Tiffie. You really do mean the world to me even though we are just a half-way through our relationships. There will be challenges between us. But I hope that we’ll be still together and stronger as the days gone by.” You are my dream girl, Tiffie. I hope that our relationship will no longer be a lucid dream.'

“I hope so.” She replied as she kept on staring at the ceiling.

Bobby rolled himself near her. Then, he reached an arm behind her. Tiffie laid her head on his broad chest. She listened to his heartbeat that harmonized with the sounds of the crickets. A few minutes later, he was already dozed off. Tiffie took the blanket that could cover them both. Later on, she was already drifted off to sleep. Bobby and Tiffie were asleep in each other’s arms.

---~~~---

They arrived in Las Casas the next day. It was already seven in the evening. Eriana instructed them to go straight to the Ballroom Hall. There were already guests sitting in the audience. Tiffie could recognize some female celebrities who were inside. The rock music flowed in every wall of the Ball room Hall. The music only turned into lighter sound when Eriana appeared in the stage together with Jake. Tiffie took Bobby’s backpack to cover her face.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Eriana glanced at Jake. “The Las Casas de Amore proudly presents you the musical concerto which sponsored by the Amore music productions. Today is the special night because we have the singer of Utopia.” She tiptoed and sniffed his neck. “He also smells yummy. I asked many questions from the ladies out there. The common denominator is… Are you still single since the break up between you and your rumored fiancée?”

“Yes, I am still single for two months already.” He waved his hand at the audience. Some of the girls shouted with glee. “I learned that I am not the father of my ex-fiancée’s baby.”

“Some of the fans of yours also ask if you have a chance to meet Tiffie in the real life. Are you willing to get her back?”

“Yes, Tiffie was the light of my life. Plus, she’s my inspiration in one of my songs. I know that all of you are familiar with Angelic Kiss which landed to the top one in the music billboards and in U-tube. She’s my muse there. And, I decided to go back here in Philippines after going to hiatus in Australia. I hope that Tiffie will hear another song of mine to know that my intentions are true… If you’re hearing me now, I always love you.”

‘Liar.’ Tiffie whispered from herself.

“Alright.” Eriana took the microphone from him. “We all know that Tiffie might be sitting in one of the audiences. With no further ado, we’ll going to listen to the new song from Utopia… My Dream Girl.”

 The audience clapped their hands when the spotlight focused on Jake. Then, his other bandmates appeared when the red curtains pulled up. Jake strummed the first notes from his electric guitar. His bandmates followed his unique rhythm.

‘When the first day, I saw you. My heart got hooked by your looks. Your lips like angel that charmed my dreams… I hoped that you’ll be my mine… My dream girl.”

“I guess that I shall go.” Tiffie stood from her seat and threw the backpack to Bobby. “I am not feeling well.”

“Then, I shall escort you there.” Bobby suggested.

“You don’t need---”

The spot light when through her side. Jake stopped singing the chorus and focused at her direction. Tiffie did not have a choice but to pull Bobby closed to her. Then, she leaned closer to him as she could feel her heart beating. It’s going faster when they were getting closer. She kissed his lips. Bobby cooperated as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Bobby’s lips were soft and tasted like chocolates. Chocolates were her favorite. The electrical spark flowed through her veins as she could feel that the clock stopped from ticking. They were out of the four walls of the Ballroom Hall. After they parted from the kiss, they ran away from the hall.