Susan prepared a seafood lunch. Looking at the spread, Savannah did not say anything, though she was very hungry. Adam's face darkens as he notices the display of shrimp, crabs, grilled fish, shellfish, crawfish, rice, lemons, and fish sauce. He pulled Susan to the side and told her that Savannah was allergic to seafood. Susan almost passed out. She doesnt know what to do. She doesnt have any back up chicken or beef to cook. Ari noticed Adam was so upset talking to Susan. He looked at the lunch spread and was disappointed. Savannah noticed Ari's smirk. She whispers to him, it's okay, they don't know that I can't eat seafood. I will just have a fried egg and peanut butter sandwich. I will ask Ben to bring my energy drink. Don't be upset Ari, please.
Then she went and looked for Ben in the living room, chatting with Ari's nieces and nephews. Excuse me guys, I have to grab Ben. He will return in 10-15 minutes.
Ben, we have a situation here. I need an energy drink. I am
I dozed off for about three hours. I felt rested and refreshed. There's cake on the side table and a glass of milk. I heard loud noises, laughter and voices from the living room. I guess they are having a great time drinking alcohol. I would like to sleep in until morning, but I think it's rude to not to show myself outside. I heard Ari's voice laughing out loud. I can't decide if I will continue my sleep or join them. I just sat there in bed thinking about what I should do now. Then, someone opened the door... it was Ari, checking on me. Hi Hon! You're awake. Did you get the rest that you needed? Ari asked. I think I do now hon. Are you checking on me? Savannah asked Yes, I do! Ari responded. Then, he laid down on the bed, pulled me into a tight embrace and kissed me passionately. I could taste the alcohol in his mouth and smell his breath. He continued kissing me and put his body on top of me and started touching me. I can hear his moan and soft whisper... I miss y
Are you able to escape? Manang Gloria asked. I am here, so I was not successful enough. Sav chuckles. Everyone laughs out loud! Don't get me wrong guys! I love this man who is seated beside me [pointing to Ari]. In our brief marriage, I encountered numerous challenges. I was in a car accident and was diagnosed with selective amnesia as a result. I was kidnapped and stabbed in my right thigh, and a woman tried to drown me, but hey! We're still here and getting stronger every day! Everyone was silent and just looking at Sav. Oh! I am sorry! I thought you knew about this! Sav exclaimed. I am the only one who knew about what happened to you. Sav, Adam quips, even Susan doesn't know. Ari is side hugging, Sav, kissing her temple, and brushing her hair!... sorry hon! You've been hurt because of me. It's okay, I survived, still in one piece. You saved me. It's a part of marrying you. I accepted that already and kissed Ari on his
The night did not end with a drinking spree. Susan ordered pizza, burgers, chicken quesadillas, vegetable lumpia, canton noddles, and sweet cakes. The de la Lucca family exchanged pleasantries until midnight. Then a gong was heard in the house, signaling it was time to go home. Susan announces that breakfast will be served at the family's home by 6 a.m. Anyone can join. Uncle Ari will leave at 7am to go to the Central Office to retrieve his walking papers. After the midnight snacks, Savannah said goodnight to everyone. Ari stayed until the last relative was out the door. He entered their bedroom, where his wife was already dozing off. He went to the bathroom to wash and change into his pajamas. He laid down beside his wife and started touching her. Savannah woke up. Ari was already on top of her, kissing her and his hands were squeezing her body. They both moaned with pleasure. They made love that night. Savannah woke up with the sun shining on her face. She could he
Ari asks Susan and Adam to go with them to the Specialty Boutique to choose an evening dress for Sav after lunch. They will also go to the mall to get her some shoes and accessories. He requested that a stylist come to the house to do her hair and makeup. While they are inside the boutique, choosing the dress, Sav excuses herself to go to the washroom. Ari received a text message, went outside, and a woman appeared in front of him, she then hugged him.Sav saw them while walking back to the fitting room. The woman appears to be in pain and is crying. Ari and the mysterious woman left the boutique. It's been two hours since Ari left, and Sav has finished the dress and accessories. Susan is texting Ari, but he is not responding. Savannah was so hurt. Let's go home. I am sure he can find his way home. Sav said. Adam, Susan, and Ben felt Savannah's frustration. They went home without Ari. Susan hangs the clothes and asks Sav if she has any other needs. I am okay. Susan, tha
Hon, can I go with you to Lake Winnipesaukee? Ari asks.No, you can't. I want to be alone with my friends. Savannah responded.Ari kept quiet. Nobody tried to talk. So quiet one could hear a pin drop. The phone then rang again.Ben answered...Hi Ben, this is Roland. May I talk to Ari? Let me check if he is available Roland! Ben responded! Sir Ari, Roland, would like to talk to you.Roland, my friend? Why is he calling Ari? Sav inquired.I'm not sure! Ben responded and gave the phone to Ari.Hi Roland! How are you? I am good. Ari, I am calling because I would like to share the cabin with you and Sav. It's four rooms per cabin, and I know you have security details, so I'd like to see if it's possible. Roland inquired.Let me give you to Sav, Roland. Ari said.Roland, why are you asking Ari about the cabin when he is not accompanying me? I will travel alone. I am thinking of flying to Minneapolis, then Chit will pick me up and we
Ari wraps his arms around Savannah, who is trembling and crying. Nobody will hurt you under my watch. You're very precious to me. Don't cry, your makeup will be ruined. Ari joked. I want you to feel secure in our relationship. You've been my one and only since I saw you walking on the beach. I promised myself to take you by hook or by crook, so you'll agree to marry me... Ari said. I had some flings before you came into my life. I don't deny it. I was lonely thinking if there would be a chance to see you after the first time I saw you when you were only 15 years old. I have been dreaming and praying for a chance to be together with the love of my life, and that is you. Your Uncle Rex told me that it was an obsession and he hoped I would fail. He doesn't approve of my plan because he knows me and you are his niece. It was a challenge. I told him I loved Sav and watched me. I will be calling you Uncle Rex soon. He got pissed off and hung up on me. Ari chuckles. Maybe it's really an ob
When the party ended, it was nearly midnight. Everyone was in a delightful mood, having a great time. It was half an hour's drive to reach the house. They decided to have midnight snacks at one of the famous restaurants in the area. They ordered pad thai, chai latte, cafe mocha and empanadas.At the next table, two gorgeous women are whispering and trying to get Ari's attention. Adam noticed the activity at the next table. He went to say hello and said something to the woman, then he got back to their table. Susan whispers to Adam... What did you say to those whores? I said, Gen de la Lucca is married already and the lovely woman sitting beside him is his wife. Adam laughs.Then, out of nowhere, another woman with lavender hair touched Ari's head and kissed him on the lips. Ari was taken aback. Hi Love, I haven't seen you in nearly two years. Did you miss me? Hello, Carla! How are you? I really miss you! I want to see you. Carla, I am a married man now. Meet my wife, S
Uncle Ari, Sam, and Arnel called you. Adam asked, Why? Ari responded. Your high school group has a get together tonight and they are inviting you to attend. Susan said. Hon, can you come with me? Ari asks Sav No, I can't. You can attend. Sav responded. Ari kept quiet the whole time they were having breakfast. Savannah finishes her breakfast and requests that she be excused. She went straight to the patio with her fresh coffee macchiato on hand. What's going on again? We went to bed happy last night and now it seems that she woke up in the other side of the bed. Ari exclaimed.
One Saturday early morning, around 5 am, 8 vans with 10 sitters each were already parked at the gate. It seems that they are waiting for the gate to open. It's too early. Why are they here? As Arnel was monitoring the security screen, he was alarmed. He instructed Ben, Edwin, and other guards to check the park vans while Arnel allerted Adam and Sam. Sam decided to buzz Ari. They were all surprised when Ben, Edwin, and the other guards went back with smiles from ear to ear. Adam radio Ben... who are those people? Nothing to worry about! It was a surprise visit from Ms Sav's family, including the doctors and other medical staff. We have 75 people waiting for the gate to open. The children were quite upset because they wanted to see their grandmother and they were hungry too. It was too late for the surprise because Ari was in the monitoring room already. Ari instructed Jessica to prepare breakfast right away. Then, he went to greet Sav's family and others, and instructed Sam t
Sir Alfred, you're back from your vacation! Naomi greeted him. I have to end our European tour to come back and see you guys and, of course, the farm. Where's everybody? Sir Ari is at camp and Mam Savannah is at work. Who's incharge? Our operations manager, Sam. Let me call him and I will introduce you to everyone Sir Alfred. Naomi texted Sam to please come to the gate. In 15 minutes, Sam was walking fast. He thought someone was harassing Naomi. Ben and Arnel followed. Then, they saw Alfred... Hi Sir Alfred... you're back! Ben said. Hi Ben...I had to rush over when Ari sent me an email about the opening day. I was still in London at that time. I felt so bad that I missed it. Well... I can show you around. Guys, this is Sir Alfred. He is the one responsible for the acquisition of this farm. Meet Sam, our operations manager, Arnel, our engineer, and Adam. He is Sir Ari's nephew, our creative and social media director. Guys, thank you for everything you've done
Everyone is excited about the opening day. The staff completed the signs early in the morning. At 6am, Ari, Sam, Arnel, and Ben inspected the whole farm. Security is Ben and Edwin's priority. Savannah went to check Jessica who was so busy the whole night baking and braising in the kitchen with the help of her staff, Mariel and Lani. She check the shop headed by Jeanne and her staff, they are still busy arranging the souvenirs, stuffing the displays and other items in their department. Chito was busy the day before, checking the shop, the kitchen, bed and breakfast facility, dining room, and the power lines.At 8 am, the entrance gate opened as people were waiting in line already. Lani and Mariel are checking their tickets. By 10 am, a lot of visitors were roaming around, taking pictures, enjoying the Ja
As soon as Arnel, Sam, and Adam arrived to help with the farm, Ari was called to report to Camp Robert's Army base in Monterey. He will work for three days a week as a consultant.He appoints Arnel as the officer in charge of the construction, since he is an engineer. He has 2 assistants. Adam was appointed as creative design consultant. Ari gave him a graphic design assistant and 2 buyers. Sam was the operations manager with three assistants. Jessica was in charge of the food preparations and manager of the bed and breakfast canteen. She was given two assistants, a baker and a kitchen worker. Jeanne was in charge of the butterfly farm souvenir shop. Ari assigned a bookkeeper and customer service personnel to Jeanne. Chito, Jeanne's husband, was in charge of the over all maintenance of the whole farm. He was given four maintenance workers. With all these employees on payroll, Savannah was too busy doing the budgeting.Thank God, we are still on the budget as I see it f
Ari and I enjoy working together on a project. He always tells me that he treasured our time together, whether for fun or working on a project that we both loved. The grant money changed the landscape of our plan. Ari and I decided to add more facilities for children, like a small playground between the Japanese garden and the lanai. He ordered freshwater colorful fishes like the peacock cichlid, jack dempsey, electric blue acara, and paradise fishes to be added to the manmade lake that is flowing under the lanai. We are creating a paradise for children and adults. I admired Ari's planning and creativity. He always teases me about filing for an early retirement so I can work on the farm. I miss you honey when you're at work... Please reconsider filing for an early retirement. Ari said. I did not respond. How can I tell him that he is suffocating me? Going to work everyday is getting away from his claws, his over protectiveness and public displays of affection. I need time to adjust
Ari and I fell, we rose, we made mistakes, we learned. We are both human, and neither of us is perfect. When we got married, I was constantly hurt, both mentally and physically, but I survived. We saw being alive as a precious privilege, and despite the challenges we faced, we learned to breathe, enjoy it, and pursue our dreams. Sometimes there is sadness, but there are also a lot of happy times. We always put our foot in front of the other. We focus on our goal. We are both grateful for our struggle because it has made us stronger as one.Someday, everything will be perfect. So, for now, we laugh while we are finalizing the plan for our farm, our project. As I continue to work full time, he will start to work part time while working on our farm. It may take six months or three months to begin construction, but I am confident that we are on the right track.This project will end up being the biggest step in our lives. "You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to
As Ben was parking the van in the garage, Ari's eyes squinted and her face darkened. He saw Savannah's car parked beside the van. Naomi, I instructed you to burn that car. Havent I? Ari said. Yes, Sir, but Sir Alfred will explain everything to you. Naomi responded. Upon entering the townhouse, Alfred greeted the couple, including Ben and Edwin. Welcome back! Alfred said. Thank you, Alfred... nice to see you! Savannah said. Ari greeted Alfred... Naomi said you decided to fix Savannah's car? Yes, Ari... hear me out first before you get upset. Alfred retorted. First of all, the car is in good shape. It has very low mileage, only 165. The engine is great. Imperfection is in the body only. Ben and Edwin could use it for errands. Alfred said. Ari then turned to face Savannah, saying, "Promise me, honey, you will not drive that car and you will not drive anymore. " Whoa... what? I will not be driving anymore? Why? Savannah ask
Captain Enriquez made the following announcement: Hello and welcome to flight 101 to San Francisco, California. This is your captain speaking... If you're going to San Francisco, you're in the right place. If you don't, you're in for a very long evening.The weather looks good, and with the tailwind on our side, we should arrive in San Francisco about thirty minutes ahead of schedule.The weather in San Francisco is clear and sunny. We should get a great view of the city as we descend. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cellphones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Meanwhile, sit back and relax. Enjoy our hospitality as the crew will serve dinner and beverages in thirty minutes. Or you can sit up and be tense. It's your choice... Everyone laughs! We are going to dim the lights and take off. Enjoy your flight! As the big bird is cruising the Pacific ocean, passengers are relaxing, some are reading, some are drinking spirit
Everyone helped pack the luggages for Ari and Savannah. Some nieces and nephews are in the house to bid them goodbye and wish them a happy and safe journey! Edwin and Ben are traveling with them as Ari's security details. Arnel and Sam came to wish them the best! They will help to design, construct and create the butterfly farm in Gilroy. They are both retired, so they have all the time to help them. So are Adam and Jessica. They will be there to help out too. Since Susan is busy on the plantation, she will visit us soon. Ari and Savannah are in awe of the support of their friends and relatives for their project in Gilroy. Sav and I are honored to have family and friends who believe in us. We thank you all from our hearts. It is a sad day because we have to leave, but at the same time, it is a joyous day for all of us. We all found one another again after many, many years of absence. I was busy with my career and I apologized for not connecting with all of you. I was focused on my g