Chapter 9
She was staring broodily at her wine glass. This was it, no turning back. Suddenly a wave of loneliness hit her. Now she had nobody, no-one to turn to and an urge to run home to her mother’s safe embrace took hold of her and brought tears to her eyes until she remembered, her mother, had took part in the betrayal and the lies. She let none of it fall, a fixed smile spread on her face. She was not going to cry, no, not ever again. To cry was a weakness and that she couldn’t show to the lads.
“Why the glum face?” asked Nicky, he had noticed her grim face and had a concerned look in his eyes. “Are you missing someone?”
“Um....no. It’s nothing. Don’t worry about it. I’m ok. How about you? You ok with leaving Georgina again?” answered Alena changing the topic.
“Oh I have to be, I know I’m going to miss her like crazy but I’ve had to do it so many times now that I’m sorta used to it now.”
“Oh ok then.”
“Hey Alena, you always this quiet?” asked a shyly smiling Kian.
“Um when the situation doesn’t need my conversation.”
“Oh.. um.. so what kind of hobbies do you have?”
“Well I like to read, write poetry and play badminton.”
“Badminton? What’s that?”
“Oh it’s a sport. It’s sorta like tennis except instead of a ball we use a shuttle. It’s a little ball with feathers sticking out of it and the rackets are lighter and not as big as tennis rackets. there are other rules buy it takes awhile to describe it. It’s easier to play then tennis.”
“Oh..I’ve never played it before. Do you think you’d be able to show me someday?” Kian held his breath. Please say yes, say yes!, he shouted within him.
Alena hesitated. She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea but she supposed it wouldn’t hurt to teach him how to play badminton.
“Sure”
“Great” Kian breathed again and happiness filled him like a balloon. His heart was dancing in triumphant circles inside of him. He had started the first step. Hopefully he would have the courage to ask her out, formally, later. But first he must give each other the chance to know one another better.
“So are you looking forward to the tour?” asked Kian trying to prolong the conversation.
“Sure, it sounds cool.” answered Alena halfheartedly.
“Yeah, so have you been to any of the places before?”
“Yes. I’ve been to Hong Kong twice before.”
“Yeah? Cool. So what’s Hong Kong like...?”
Conversation continued between the two of them until the end of the meal. Kian was delighted that Alena seemed to finally notice that he was there. She was actually quite interesting to talk to once they got into it. She knew lots of things. It was amazing, that for once, he had found a girl with more brains then beauty.
Alena, on the other hand, was amazed, amazed that a mere stranger had made her forget about her past, even thought it was only for awhile but it was enough. She looked at Kian. He really was extremely handsome with his blond hair flopping over his blue eyes that were sparkling with interest. Stop it, she ordered herself, no matter how good-looking he is, he’s still a man and all men are the same. They take your heart and then tear it into pieces.
They had all decided to walk back to the hotel as it was a very calm night.
“Hey guys. Wanna hit the clubs? I know a good one not far from here.” asked Bryan.
“Not for me, I’m going over to Georgina’s, see ya laterz.” said Nicky.
“Hey Alena, you wanna come?” Bryan turned to Alena.
“Uh no thanks. I’m not into clubs all that much but you guys can go. I’ll just walk back to the hotel by myself.” replied Alena.
“I’ll walk you back. It’s not safe for you to walk alone at night.” offered Kian seizing the chance to be alone with Alena.
“Oh no, that’s really not necessary thanks. I’m sure I can get back safely by myself.” said Alena.
“Ooh..would you rather I escort you home?” winked a ginning Bryan. “Make it a memorable night..” said Bryan slyly. Kian glowered at Bryan. Conceited jerk, he thought.
“No. It is really OK. I can get back by myself. There’s no need for an escort, really.”
“Sure.. Ok then...” shrugged Bryan. “See ya.” as Alena walked away. Kian thought quickly for a minute. How could he think of an excuse to be alone with Alena? He got it.
“Hey guys, I don’t feel real well, got a slight headache. I think I might head back to the hotel.” said Kian.
“You ok? Sure you can get back by yourself?” asked a concerned Mark. Kian nodded. “Ok then, be careful.”
“See ya” Kian saw Shane looking at him. Shane winked and mouthed ‘Nice going’. Kian grinned and hurried away to catch up with Alena.
“Hey Alena! Wait up!” called out Kian as he ran up to her.
“I told you I don’t need an escort. Go back to the other guys Kian. I’m going to be fine.” said Alena turning to look at him.
“Uh..Oh I knew that.. I was just heading back to the hotel myself. Didn’t fell much like clubbing tonight. Quite tired.” said Kian guiltily.
“Oh..? Ok then...” Alena knew he wasn’t telling the truth. He was avoiding her eyes. What was he up to?, she thought. They walked along in silence. Kian wondered what he had done. She had gone all cold towards him again. Say something, he told himself.
“Uh...The stars are real beautiful tonight isn’t it?” Alena stared at him, one eyebrow raised in puzzlement. The sky was overcast and there were no stars, even the moon was barely visible because of the clouds. Kian mentally kicked himself.
“Uh..I meant that it’s... uh..”
“Oh It’s ok.. I guess it’s a beautiful night, but the stars aren’t exactly describe as beautiful seeing as we can’t see any..” Alena couldn’t help it but the look on Kian’s face was just too comical and she giggled. Carrying on she said “It’s a surprisingly calm night. It looks like it’s going to rain though, better hurry.” No sooner had the words come out of her mouth that thunder boomed and the heavens opened up and poured buckets of water down on them.
“Hurry up!” called Alena as she ran, her hands over head. Kian ran after her taking off his jacket and covered them both with it as he caught up with her. With his jacket over both of them they sprinted back to the hotel. by the time they reached the hotel though they were both soaking wet. Shivering they both took the lift to the 11th floor. Kian sneezed several times.
“Oh we gotta get out of these clothes or we’ll catch a cold. You already seem to have it. Quick come on, my room’s closer than yours.” said Alena. They went into her room. “Put this on” she threw him a bathrobe. “while I’ll go run you a bath. Kian obeyed shivering and sneezing. She ran into the bathroom and ran the bath grabbing a towel for herself. “Ok. You can get in now. I’ll be outside.” Kian nodded.
“Th..tha..thank-you” stammered Kian, his teeth chattering, went into the bathroom closing the door. Alena sighed. She toweled herself dry and changed into her pjs. What a night she thought to herself. She was blow drying her hair when Kian came out. He seemed worn to the bone. In another second he had collapsed. Oh my God! What am I supposed to do? Alena asked herself frantically. She didn’t have any of the lads phone numbers. Get him into bed she told herself, so she did. His head was burning. Why did he have to get sick so easily? she thought frustratingly. He had a fever. Where’s the doctor? Damn! Why hadn’t she thought of exchanging phone numbers with the other guys? Kian tossed and turned shivering.
“Cold, I’m so cold..” he moaned. Alena spread more blankets on top of him. Perspiration was running down his forehead. She got a face towel and wrung it with cold water. She wiped his head with it. “Cold...” he moaned again. What was she to do? His head was still burning. Don’t panic, don’t panic she ordered herself. Ice pack. That’s what she needed. She ran to the fridge. There seemed, thankfully, that the hotel provided ice packs in the freezer. She got I and put it on top of his head. Finding some aspirins she gave him two tablets and gave him tons of water for him to swallow it down with. He seemed totally out of it. The aspirin seemed to work after awhile and he quieted down and his forehead was no longer as hot. She moved a chair up to the bed and sat there making sure he was ok. Some time later she fell asleep with her head resting on her arms on the bed.