17.

Third person POV.

As the two had breakfast and on their way to the duty free shopping on jewelry, clothing and souvenirs, Rose kept looking around hoping she would catch a glimpse of him amongst the people that were passing by them.

"What do you think of this one?" Alice appeared in front of her, distracting her from her thoughts.

Rose was seated on a bench at the back of the clothing store where the dressing rooms were located. She looked at Alice who was now wearing a t-shirt with 'I've discovered a new me' written on the it, paired with a black flowy skirt, a black tote bag slung on her shoulder.

"The skirt looks nice, but the shirt is a bit cringe," Rose commented on the outfit.

"I totally like it because of the writing. I'm going to get this," Alice decided, tracing the pattern on her new shirt. "What about you?" she looked at Rose. "You should get something for yourself. How about a new hat?" she suggested.

"Nah, I think I will prefer some jewelry. Probably a bracelet," Rose stood up, looking around.

"You have a thing for bracelets, don't you?" Alice stated. "I don't see you wearing your mom's bracelet anymore. Do you still have it? You stopped wearing it after I had lost mine."

"Yes, I still have it, but I didn't want it to be worn out so I kept it safe. I want it to stay as new as when my mother got it from my dad."

"It would be the only thing you have from your dad then, right? You never really talk about him," Alice stated.

"Yeah. I think I will take a look around," Rose said walking away.

"Okay. See you at lunch!" Alice shouted after her before going deeper into the mall, stopping at the section for souvenirs.

One thing caught her eye. It was a Keychain and looking at it, it reminded her of someone and Alice knew she had to get it.

After paying for it, Alice got out of the mall and decided to have some fresh sea air. She had come close to the deck when she spotted a familiar head and her heart skipped a beat.

How could you think about someone and see them not long after? Alice thought.

The person rested his head atop his arms which rested on the railings while he gazed mindlessly into the ocean.

Alice snuck up behind Chris, wanting to surprise him. She had raise her arms and was about to close his eyes from behind when Chris suddenly turned and face her.

Alice froze in that moment having been caught and stood there, unsure what to do.

Chris surprised her when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug, resting his head on her shoulder and drawing in a deep breath.

"Uhm, Chris?" Alice said awkwardly, her arms hanging in the air.

"Sorry," Chris let go of her and stepped back covering his face with his hands before dropping his hands by his side. "I wasn't supposed to do that."

"It's okay," Alice's arms dropped by her side. "Are you alright though? Did something bad happen?" she asked Chris when he looked forlorn.

"I don't know. It just feels like my whole word is about to fall apart."

"Is it that bad? Can I ask what happened?"

"You know my cousin?"

"The one you came with?"

"Yes that cousin. Five years ago he renounced our family including all the privileges that came with it then chose to live a secluded life with his girlfriend. But she cheated and now he's back and wants to take away everything I've worked hard to build."

"That sounds really unfair. Isn't there a way out? So that both of you could be happy?"

"Not really. He could be rather ambitious. And one establishment can't have two leaders."

"True. You can't always agree on the same thing. I work with my boss and I always just agree with what she wants."

"That sounds like it sucks."

"It isn't that bad," Alice chuckled. "She is nice to me and I enjoy working for her."

"Don't say that. I think you need to be a little more assertive sometimes."

"What about you? What are you going to do about that cousin of yours?"

"I am going to do everything I can to maintain my position, while aiming for a higher one."

"Sounds like a good start."

"This boss of yours. What is so special about her? I have never seen anyone go on vacation with her boss and enjoy it. And shouldn't your boss be spending that quality time with her family, like partner or kids?"

"Kids? My boss is just my age," Alice laughed.

"Wait, you aren't, like 50, are you?" Chris joked.

"No of course not. I'm nearing thirty."

"Then your boss, is a boss at such a young age? How is that even possible?"

"Well she is quite capable and talented enough to run one of the largest establishments in the country."

"I've only met a few people who are friends with their bosses. Don't you feel jealous of her sometimes?"

"No," Alice said firmly. "Well sometimes I feel like I could be more like her because of how strong she is. But it's more like looking up to someone."

"I understand. I used to look upto my cousin when I was younger. He was like a big brother to me. He had everything yet he threw it all away. And now we are more like enemies fighting for the same place."

"Don't worry too much about it. I'm sure you will find some kind of closure. Just like how I did with my boss," Alice assured him.

"You talk about her a lot. Now I want to know your story," Chris looked at her, his eyes warm. Not only interested in her story, but also her as a person.

"It might sound weird to you though. Because once upon a time, I used to hate her. She saved me in ways I can never repay her, but I hated not being able to do anything in return for her."

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