Is That....

                         THE NEXT DAY

                               

 ARIETTA'S POV

"Good morning everybody!!!!!!!"

Whoever just screamed should be ready to be roasted and fed to the birds. Who wakes up this early in the morning, only to scream like a maniac?

"Dante, seriously? Why are you even here?" I heard Mouris's voice groan and I snapped my eyes open only to see Dante's face inches from mine.

"Morning Sunshine." He said with a wink and my lips stretched to a smile. Stop smiling like that asshole, you're making my heart go..badum!Badummm!!

"You know I'm supposed to kill for shouting like a maniac right?" I said as a matter of fact and he chuckled before pulling me up from the bed to my feet.

"Oooh, I see a love ship coming up." Kori said and Isaac whistled.

"Let me guess what your ship name would be. Hmmm..Dante and Arietta, should we say...Arite?" Clarry said and I shook my head

"How about Riante?" Mouris chipped in.

"Naaah I'm thinking more of Dantta." Isaac joined and I glared at him.

"You guys should stop your shit and go prepare for the day's work." Kim said rudely as she parked her hair.

"Oooh, I guess someone is jealous." Kori said and Kim glared at her. Kori laughed mockingly as she took her towel and hanged it on her shoulder.

I left the others in the room and went outside. The bright sun of the morning hit my face and I hummed. I walked from the door and strolled round the house. I think I couldn't see this whole place well last night because it was really dark. This place is amazing. There's a pool just at the front and one here at the back. Mr Lantonio, wherever you are, you're blessed in Jesus name.

After my short walk I went back inside.

"Hey, there are strawberries..what some?" Bessy asked and I rushed to her.

"Heck yeah."

She passed me a bowl of strawberries and my eyes lit up in eagerness. I can't wait to devour these beauties.

"There are three bathrooms in this place. One big enough to contain two people so I guess you guys should go bathe now." Bassy said and we all nodded. We girls went back to our room and I stretched as I sat on Kori's bed.

"Kori. You and I should go first?" Mouris asked and Kori nodded in approval. They both went into the bathroom and I sat on my bed with my legs in a criss-cross. I took out my phone and scrolled through anything that crossed my hand...

..."Sunshine

Huh? Dante is texting me?

"What the. Shouldn't you be bathing or something?

"I can't bathe with Isaac

"Why? Scared you'll get hard-on 

"Ain't a gay dumdum. Anyways, why are you even replying my messages? You ain't bathing?

"Mouris and Kori are using the bathroom..

"Oh...if you need help I'm at your service

"Help with what

"Bathing 

"Motherfucker

"What? Afraid I'll make you wet?

"Get the fuck off 

"What? getting wet already?

"Get the fuck off Dante. Go wash your stink off.

I switched off my phone and blushed secretly. I can't believe how much that guy's words have such effect on me..

"Hey Ari, you're the one remaining." Kori said and I quickly rushed to the bathroom. There wasn't time for me to play in the bathtub so I just used the shower. I got out of the bathroom and I dressed up in a black tank top and blue jean jumpsuit with black ankle boots. I tied my hair into two pigtails and applied small makeup.

Today isn't for that much work. Today is for exploration. Knowing the in and outs of Islantonio is the aim of today. With the help of the GPS and a partner, everything won't be boring. I really don't know who exactly I'm gonna be paired with.

"Okay, everyone, there are 8 rolled papers here with our names in it." Bessy began. "I'll shuffle the paper rolled and take two each. The two I take will be each other's partner got it?"

"Yeah."

She shuffled the papers and took two out. She unwrapped them and she grinned..

"Kori and Isaac"

The two people high-fived and I shook my head..she took another two and read out the names.

"Mouris and Clarry."

"Why!!!" I cried dramatically and Mouris laughed.

"Dante and Bessy..oh wait that's me."

"Can I switch?" Dante asked and Bessy glared at him..

"Oh..it's the last two papers and you too are the only ones remaining." Bessy said pointing to Kim and I. I didn't understand at first but when my head processed everything...

"What?!" We both screamed.

"No...no no no and no. There is no way I'm gonna be paired with her." I said and Kim scoffed

"Like I wanna be paired with a lame ass like you?Think again dear."

"Good. Bessy, please, you have to pair me with another person." I begged with my puppy eyes and she hissed.

"It's either you two pair up or you go on your own."

"Better, I'll go on my own." I said and Kim nodded

"Good. We'll all spread out and we'll meet at this place.".Bessy said showing us her phone.

"Del Luna? A restaurant?" I asked and she hummed.. 

"You'll get the location with the help of the GPS and if you can't, ask for directions and if you get lost, we never met."

We all laughed and strapped our backpacks. Bessy said we would have taken beach motorcycles but it wasn't planned. Now we have to walk. We all parted ways and I cocked my hips with my eyes closed. I opened it and I hanged my camera on my neck.

"Islantonio...get ready to be explored." I said to no one in particular as I took off.

I walked almost round the island. I tried thier snacks, took many pictures, there's even an aquarium there. So many beautiful fishes. I had a face paint of a butterfly, different sceneries. Now I understand why people call this place paradise on Earth. It's really amazing, the girls and boys here too are madly gorgeous. Especially the guys. Right now I'm just strolling down the beach. Taking pictures of people enjoying themselves and looking beautiful under the afternoon sun shining on Islantonio. I glanced at my wristwatch and I gasped..2.30?

I quickly dipped my phone in my pocket and started running to the restaurant. I can't believe I was caught up in all the admiration. I glanced at my phone every second to be sure I was going the right way. Out of carelessness, I bumped into something or should I say someone. I scratched my elbow in the process.

"Hey can't you watch where you're going?" I felt a masculine voice said and my head sparked in anger. I raised my head to lash whoever it was but I saw a woman's smiling face.

"Are you okay dear?"

"Um...

I trialed off not knowing what to say. Didn't I just hear a masculine voice? I looked behind the woman and I saw a very masculine man, more like a bouncer. I gulped at how intimidating he looked.

"Don't mind Marlo, he can be harsh sometimes. Let me help you up." She said, offering her hand. I took it and she pulled me up. She passed me a towel and I dusted my body with it.

"Thank you ma'am." I said politely and she smiled...

"You're welcome. Sorry again about the outburst of my body guard. Hey apologise to her." She said to the guard and he stepped forward. I don't know if anyone aside me felt the earth moving as he stepped.

"I'm sorry young lady. I was just doing my job." He said with a smile and I almost laughed at how wired he looks while smiling.

"No problem."

"You're a documenter right? Well judging from your outfit." She said and I laughed.

"Oh no...I'm not, I'm just saving memories."

"Oh..seems you're lucky toda. ,I'm having a party tommorow at 6pm. There are 3 invites remaining so..here." She said, stretching something that looks like an invitation card? I collected it slowly and she smiled.

"You can bring two of your friends or anyone you wanna bring.."

"Um..thank..thank you ma'am."

"No problem dear. I'll be going now"

She left and I watched as she entered a Jeep parked upfront. She looks super rich and classy. Mheeen!Everyone looks super classy and expensive around here. My phone dinged and I quickly opened it..a message from Bessy.

"Where the fuck are you? If you don't get here in 10mins it's $50 dollars out of your salary!"

Oh no, 50bucks is a lot of money. I quickly put the cards in my bag and I rushed to the restaurant.

"Sorry I'm late." I screamed as soon as I got there. I looked around and hummed. This place is just like..it's nothing like the restaurants in the city. This one is just a big area that is shaded by bamboo sticks and palm fronds. It's so cool, I feel like i'm in Bahamas right now. I went to the table where the others were and I gave Bessy my best smile.

"That is not going to work on me."

"Yeah yeah... I know" I said with a wink as I sat beside Dante.

"Firstly, I have good news." Bessy said and we motioned her to continue.

"We are going to a party!!!!"

"Whoooo!!" We all cheered in excitement

"When?" Kim asked.

"Tomorrow at 6pm"

Oops...I also have a party at 6pm tomorrow

"Um guys ..you might wanna see this." I said, pushing the three invites to the table.

"Invites? To where?"Bessy asked picking up the cards.

"Well, I bumped into a lady this afternoon and she was super nice to give me the remaining of the invites to her party which is tomorrow at 6pm...and...

"Oh my gosh! It's the same thing." Kori said as she chewed on her lollipop.

"What's the same thing?"

"The parties. It says here in the invite that Caroline Lantonio is throwing the party for her daughter's 21st birthday." She replied and I got confused. Who the hell is Caroline Lantonio?

"I don't get you." I said in confusion.

"You dumdum. The party we are going tomorrow is Caroline's party. We were given special invite by the sponsor and the invites you have here says Caroline Lantonio so technically..."

"I bumped into the Caroline lady." I completed Dante's statement and he nodded.

"Who exactly is she?" I asked and they all looked at themselves with the looks of  "Is she kidding me right now?"

"Wait. You're seriously asking that question?" Isaac asked and I nodded.

"Damn! Doesn't the surname sound familiar to you?" Kim said and I hummed thoughtfully..the surname is Lantonio as in...

"Holy shit!" I cursed.

"Exactly."

"I..bumped into a Lantonio? No wonder she looked super expensive. Oh my gosh, I hope I didn't scratch her. Jesus Christ help my soul" I said in panic and Bessy threw a rolled towel on my head.

"If you were in trouble she wouldn't have given you the invites and also, Caroline isn't a bad person. She's the sweetest person ever. Everyone on this island loves her so much." Mouris said.

"And how do you know that?" I asked.

"Well, I do little researches in my down time."

"Oh..but wait, is she the owner of this whole place?" I asked sipping my cocktail.

"Yeah" Kim answered.

"But...isn't Yolando Lantonio the owner?"

"He was but before he died, he willed his whole property to Caroline and her husband but her husband died of a drastic sickness and so all is in her ownership." Dante explained.

"Oh...she's the only child?"

"Nope. But she's the first born." Isaac said and I mouthed a "oh". The woman is lucky. Being the first born and having all this place to herself? Meern...she should come and adopt me please.

                             

 RED'S POV

I got down the escalator and and put on my shades. Home sweet home.

"My baby." I heard that melodious voice and I smiled. There she was, running to me with her tiny cute legs. I smiled as she reached closer and I wrapped her hands round her as she captured me in a hug. Damn! Mum is super short. Her head is on my waist..or I'm super tall?

"My baby." She cooed and I smiled.

"Hey mama"

"Arrrghh. It's been long since I heard that. Please start calling me that from now on..don't call me mum."

"Fine mum. Sorry...mama"

She smiled and I took her hand as we exited the airport. I sighted her car and we made for it. I put my travelling bag in the backseat and I sat in the driver's seat. Mum entered into the passengers seat and I drove off.

"Did you have a nice time?"

"Mum, I went there for business. There's nothing like nice time."

"At least you enjoyed your stay at Mumbai right?"

"Yeah yeah..mum, why did you come alone huh?"

"Come on...I wanted to come pick you up."

"I know but it's dangerous. A lot of bad guys are after my life and they'll see you as a target to get to me and I don't wanna lose my mum" I said poutingly and she awwned.

"I'm sorry, I just thought because I won't take long so there's no need for a bodyguard."

"I understand but you never know..."

"Okay, I'll take a bodyguard from now on"

"You mean 5 body guards"

"Yeah 5"

"Good"

She laughed and swatted my arm and I feign hurt. I checked my time on my phone and I sighed, 5pm?And I'm still going to Islantonio. I think I'll go straight to the port. I put a call through to one of my men and he picked up immediately.

"Send me a ship. Thorough check, I don't want any mess"

"Yes sir "

I dropped my phone and mum held a curious expression on.

"What?"

"Where are you going again?"

"Islantonio."

"Oh yeah. I forgot you were going there but shouldn't you rest a little bit"

"Mum, you worry too much. It's a cruise ship, it's like a home. I'll have enough rest on the way"

"Oh. So I'm going with you right?"

"Muuuum." I whined in-between laughs.

"What?

"Ugh..fine"

"Yaayyy!!" She squealed like a baby and I smiled. I've never seen mum this happy before. She was always broody and moody. Whenever I ask her what the problem is she'll say there's nothing I can do about it not knowing I'm the cause of everything.

After that outburst from Arietta, the only thing I picked from all her rants was...

"You know, I think you shouldn't even have been born. Because having no child is better than giving birth to one who doesn't even acknowledge you and the love and affection you're showing him!!!" 

That particular sentence hit me hard like a truck. That was when I realised how much I've hurt my mother. I really love her but I let my cold side tear us apart. She was right, I may be cold to everyone but not to my mother or even my family. So that very day I went to mum's house. I actually didn't see her around, I only saw dad. I saw how dad also looked, he's a man so he won't show his emotions but I knew he was missing me.

                         

FLASHBACK

I parked my car and rushed inside with only one thing in my mind. "Apologise to mum". I walked in the living room and I didn't see her but I saw dad on the couch watching a program.

"Hey Dad"

He looked up and I could see happiness in his face.

"S..son?" He called with disbelief. I didn't know when I walked to him and hugged him tight. That was when I realized that I really missed him. He used to be my best friend. We watch football together, play games together but everything just changed when that drastic thing happened.

I pulled out of the hug and I sat beside him.

"Why did you come home?" He asked putting away the remote in his hands

"Because I miss my family and I just wanna apologise for everything. I know I've neglected you and mum, it was very bad of me. I'll really make it up to you guys, I just.....

"I don't care. "He cut me off with a hug. "You're here because you miss you're family and that's all that matters..." He said in a broken voice and I closed my eyes.

"Where's mum?" I asked as I pulled out of the hug

"In her room.. sleeping"

"Oh okay..I'll be back"

I said and he patted me. When last have I came here?I think 2yrs ago. I walked to mum's room and truly, she was asleep. I knelt down beside the bed and I smiled at the peaceful face. I brushed off the hair on her face and she swerved. I took her hands in mine and that was when she opened her eyes.

"Mitchell what are you doing here?" She asked and I raised my brow.

"Wait.. Mitch, you're...you're here? At my house?" She asked in disbelief and I nodded.

"Hey mum"

"Oh my Goooood!!!" She screamed as she jumped on me. I laughed and carried her up like she weighed nothing. We both sat beside each other and I sighed before taking her hands

"Mum...I've been a bad boy, I neglected you and dad. I shouldn't have done that. I'm really sorry. I'm sorry for making you cry and sad, I won't do that again. I made you feel sonless. I know all these I'm saying won't changed the fact that I...

"Shhhh"

She cooed pulling me to herself. I hugged her back and sighed. This is one of the reasons I drifted away from her. I'm really weak anytime I'm with her and it's not ideal for the type of person I am. There's a lot of bad things that can happen if my enemies see how weak I am around her. That's why falling in love or getting a girlfriend is out of my agenda for now.

"It's fine...I'm not mad at you..I'm just happy you're here."

                 

 END OF FLASHBACK

And that was how I made up with my family. I took a one week family vacation with my family. Even Levin was so happy to see me. I've missed that little boy. We had a very nice time and mum has never been happier. I'm happy she's happy.

We got to the port and I took mum's hand as we made for the waiting ship. We climbed the stairs in and I went straight to a bedroom as soon as we entered. I'm so tired.

I brought out my phone and I scrolled to my contacts. I saw Arietta's number and I chuckled. Crazy creature. I clicked on it and deleted it. I don't know why I still have her number in my phone.

"Hey... Mitch..baby"

"Mum...give me 3 more hours" I whined and she chuckled.

"Come on..the boat is waiting"

I groaned and took my coat from the bed. We climbed down the stairs of the ship and without wasting time, we got into the boat.

"Islantonio." I cooed as I stepped down from the boat. I took mum's hand and she smiled brightly.

"This place is beautiful." She said and I nodded.

"Yeah..it's pretty late..let's get in the car"

We both went into the waiting car and the driver drove us to my suite..

"You're going to your husband's suite as soon as he arrives tomorrow " I said as we entered.

"What? He's coming?"

"Yeah."

"Great! I miss my man." She said dreamingly and I gagged. She swatted my head with her purse and I winced.

"I'm going in now to sleep...you should do the same"

"Yeah..good night son"

"Nighty night Mama" I said with a wink and she laughed. I went to one of the numerous rooms and I slumped on the bed. Gosh I'm even going to Melinda's party tomorrow. I've missed her tho, she proved to be the best best friend ever. I'm sure she's super excited to see me too.

I closed my eyes and let sleep take over.

                           

THE NEXT DAY

                         

ARIETTA'S POV

"Good morning guys " I greeted as I sat up from my bed.

"Morning Ari"

"Morning Kori."

"Slept well?" Mouris asked and I nodded as I stretched my body.

"What about you?"

"I had a nice sleep"

"Heeey, Clarry get your butt off." I screamed at sleeping Clarry and she groaned sleepingly.

"Kim. Yo, rise and shine." Kori said, tapping sleeping Miss pompous.

"Get the heck outta here."

"Get up!" I screamed and she flinched thereby rolling down her bed. We all laughed at her and she hissed.

"I'm bathing first this morning." I said.

"Let me go with you." Clarry said and I nodded. I used the bathtub while she showered under the shower. Done with bathing, we exited the bathroom and dressed up. I wore a black hoodie and bumshort with black sneakers. I let my hair fall freely and I winked at my reflection. I went out of the room to the kitchen for a morning snack. I met Dante there and he winked as soon as he saw me. How can someone be this hot? Damn!

"Dreamt about me?" He asked and I rolled my eyes.

"You wish! What are you trying to make?"

"Custard. Wanna drink?"

"Heck yeah."

I reached for the fridge and tried to take an apple but my hand couldn't reach it. It was in the upper part. Why am I this short?

"Let a tall human help you." He said and I hissed. He reached for the apples and took two of it..

"Here." He said stretching them to me and I smiled before collecting them. His hands brushed mine and I gulped. As if that's not enough torture, he stood in front of me and I had no choice but to stare into his orbs. Just walk away dumdum! But no it was as if my legs were glued to the ground. He also didn't move..ah, this is super awkward.

He leaned closer and I blinked rapidly. His hands encircled my waist and he leaned closer.

"Don't kill me." He said before placing his lips on mine. Holy.....shit!!!!! Why does he smell like strawberry?

For some stupid reason, I reciprocated and my hands encircled his neck. Damn he tastes so good! The kiss became rough and my heart was beating wildly..

*Um..it's your subconscious here to say...WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING!!!*

What does it look like? I'm kissing!

*Is he your boyfriend*

Well, I wish he was

*Holy Jesus Christ...snap out of it!*

My eyes snapped open when my brain came to action. I was about pushing him off when he broke the kiss. Gosh! What did I just do?

"Ooooh lala lala..what is happening here?"

My head snapped to the door and I widened my eyes. Everybody, at the door. Some grinning, some wiggling thier brows and one casting me a glare. Why are they all like that?

My eyes went to Dante's hand and I gasped. I pushed him off me and I cleared my throat.

"Look..it's not what you think."

"Oh really? We all just saw you two swallowing yourselves." Kori said and I turned to face Dante who had no expression on. My eyes went back to the others and they kept grinning. I rushed out of the kitchen and thier mocking laughs filled behind me. I took the back door outside and I let out the air I didn't realize I've been keeping. Oh God why did I kiss him back ?Do I like him? I'm really confused. I sat on the a bench and sighed. I need to get my head straight.

"Ari?" I heard someone call behind me and I turned...oh.

"Hey Bessy."

"What are you doing here?"

"Well..hiding from all of you." I said and she chuckled. She came to sit beside me and passed me a canned Coca-Cola

"What was that in the kitchen?" She asked

"Honestly, I don't know"

"Do you like Dante?"

That's the same question I'm looking for answers to..do I like him.

"I don't know"

"Hmm."

She brought out her phone and passed it to me. I took it and gasped at the picture I saw.

"Who is this sexy dude." I said as I gawked at the picture.

"My friend..."

"Your friend? Damn! I could kiss this dude."

It was when I said that, that I realized what she just did. She collected her phone and smirked

"Don't mistake mere attraction to feelings Ari. You'll it waste your time." She said before standing up.

"You should come eat."

She left and I bit my lips. So I'm only attracted to Dante? Hmm? I'm really confused.

                 

                 LATER IN THE EVENING

"You guys should be fast. The chauffer will soon be here." Bessy screamed and I shook my head. I've been kinda avoiding Dante since morning because...I don't even know why!

I'm wearing a white shirt tied in a croptop, high waist jeans and black knee high heeled boots. Not bad right? Right!

Actually it is bad. No one told us this was a beach party!!!!

"Should we go back? Because we clearly don't fit in." Isaac said and I nodded. We thought this was a regular party not knowing it was a beach party!

"Hey!" I heard a familiar voice say form upfront and I strained my eyes. Oh, it's that woman, Caroline.

"Ma'am"

Surprisingly, she hugged me and well, I hugged her back.

"Who are you guys?" She asked referring to the others.

"Um..we are from Bessett Events..we are the..

"Oh..the planning committee."

"Yes ma'am"

"I forgot you were invited but why are you going back?" She asked.

"Well, we didn't know this was a beach party and we don't have any swim suits or bikinis." Bessy said.

"It's okay. I can get you guys swimming suits. Hey Rana, get these people swimming suits." She said to a lady beside her and the lady nodded....

She led us to a small building and I marveled at the amount of beautiful bikinis and swimming suits..

"Choose anyone." She said and we nodded.

I took an orange one and I smirked. The party is about to get down.

We all wore robes on our bikinis. The boys are already partying waiting for us.

"Took you guys long enough." Isaac said and I chuckled. I out off my robe and the coconut drink in Isaac's hand fell from his hands. Dante's mouth was hanged in the open. They roamed thier eyes round each and everyone of our bodies and they gulped.

"Let's go girls." Bessy said and we walked away... deliberately swaying our butts..

"Hey, Ari let me take a pic of you. Stay by that palm tree." Kori said and I nodded. I placed my hand on the trunk of the tree and I posed. I was about turning my my eyes caught something...Is that....

.