The events of the last night flashed in my mind.

I spent the past days doing nothing but stare at the screen of my laptop. Carter's upstairs, sleeping night and day, only going out just to have something to eat.

This is not what I had planned when we flew here.

I want to give her a tour of the country. I want to spend the afternoon with her, walking hand in hand. I want us to stay outside the whole night, gazing at the stars. And most of all, I want to fulfill a dream she once told me about.

I remember it well.

Months ago, I asked her where she wanted to go. She responded by saying she wanted to go to New Zealand. I found it odd. Most women would want to go to Paris, but after finding out who she really was, I figured out why. Apparently, she had been to Paris multiple times, considering that France is a neighboring country of Switzerland.

She had said, "I want to lose myself in the grass and dance with someone as the stars above watch us."

The dreamy look on her face was impossible to forget. And that made me determined on fulfilling that dream and I even planned on making it better.

I found out that there are places in New Zealand where the Milky Way was visible at night. And I went out of my way to research the best spot in viewing the Milky Way.

And so far, the only thing she saw since she arrived here was the mountains we passed by on the way to where we are staying.

I groaned.

This is not what should happen.

Frustrated, I closed my laptop and decided that I needed a drink. I took the bottle of Chardonnay from the wine chiller and headed for the kitchen.

On my way out, I chose not to open the lights as I saw the moonlight illuminating the house.

The patio would be a perfect place for a drink. It would soothe my nerves and can help me alter some plans I had.

I saw the batch of glasses in the dispenser and for a brief moment I thought of getting two glasses, but in the end, I decided against it.

It's the middle of the night, idiot

With a bottle of white wine in my hand and a glass in the other, I pushed the door open and walked outside.

I was met by the majestic moon on its full phase.

Fuck me

This should be a romantic scene if it wasn't for Carter sleeping the whole damn day.

The night was quiet. And the moon was high and full.

After a couple of minutes, I poured myself a glass of wine.

Cheers to a waste of days

Instead of savoring the taste in my tongue, I gulped down every drop.

I heaved a sigh as I felt the tinge of the wine's taste on my tongue and in my throat.

The wind picked up its pace and blew on my face. The cold breeze soothed my disappointed mind.

We can always extend our stay

That's right, it's always just up to me whether to stay in this country for quite some time. As long as I haven't fulfilled her dream, we won't go anywhere.

After having that resolution in my head, I went to sit on one of the lounge chairs. But because the moon as my only source of light, I tripped onto something hard. Instead on having a seat on the lounge chairs, I ended up having myself fallen flat on the floor. The shattering glass in my hand broke the silence of the night as it hit the floor.

Damn

I pulled myself up and started picking up the pieces of glass on the tiled floor.

When I got the pieces in my hand, I walked back towards the doors to the kitchen.

Without warning, I saw something metal fly from somewhere. I tried to duck but my reflexes weren't quick enough to prevent me from getting my forehead hit.

Damn it!

This night just keeps getting better and better.

It turns out; it was Carter who hit, believing that I was some sort of a thief trying to rob this place.

Seriously?

At least I get to see her face that night. Even if I will have a bump on my forehead the next morning, at least I had the chance to see her not looking so worn out.

Her face looked fresh. Her eyes twinkling like the stars in the night.

It was probably because she hit you

I got a chance to have a moment with her. To hear her voice as she laughed her heart out. To see those green eyes shine with the stars above. And to once again see those emotions in her soul as they reflected through her eyes.

Fuck me to hell and back. I'm turning into Shakespeare.

Maybe a sleep would do me good.

*****

I woke up to the sound of clanging metals followed by a loud shattering of glass.

What's going on?

The light of the morning sun was invading my room and I looked at the clock. It's 7:30.

Not bothering to put on a shirt, I rose from my bed to check out what's happening.

The smell of waffle and hot chocolate filled my nose as I approached the dining area. When I entered, I found the table filled with perfectly made waffles, eggs, and half-burnt hotdogs.

There was a cracking sound in the kitchen. And as I walk towards it, I saw Carter crouching down and trying to clean up the mess.

The sound I heard earlier was probably that broken plate.

I watched as she tries to pick up every piece of the broken ceramic plate. She could use a broom to clean up that mess instead of using her fingers to pick up every piece. She may cut herself if she continued.

"Good Morning."

She yelped and dropped all the pieces of shards from her hand.

"Aww..." She whined and glared up at me. When our eyes connected, her expression softened. "Oh. Good Morning," she greeted back, standing up. "Did I wake you?"

She blushed, and it was probably because of the fact that I wasn't wearing any shirt. I didn't miss the split second her eyes lingered on my chest.

"Kind of."

She snapped her eyes back at mine. "Sorry," she said and stared at the floor.

"I apologize too for startling you."

"It's fine. It's my fault that I dropped this plate anyway," she said. "Why don't you go on and have breakfast while I clean up here in the kitchen."

"How about you use a broom to clean up that—" I stopped midsentence. The broken plate was not the only one that needs to be cleaned up. The whole kitchen was a mess.

Why hadn't I noticed it the moment I entered?

The silver stove was turned brown. The sink was filled with pots and more plates. Did we have some guests last night?

"What the hell did you do?"

"Huh?" She looked up and followed my gaze. "Oh! I'm kind of messy in the kitchen. Don't worry I'll clean it up while you have your breakfast," she said while waving her right hand and scratching her head, a little embarrassed.

"Kind of?" came my mock question and raised a dirty pot from the kitchen. "If I remember correctly, my pots are all metal, almost silver in color."

"I..." She looked down. And I saw a glint of self-disappointment in her eyes.

I was expecting to hear some nasty comeback after my comment, but I received nothing.

I let out a breath. She's probably not very good in household chores, considering her status.

"Why don't we have breakfast first? Then we'll clean this kitchen up after."

She looked up and smiled.

*****

I was seated at the head chair of the rectangular table with a bead of sweat on my forehead.

"I made you this breakfast to make up for last night," she said while looking down.

What's up with her? She can't seem to look me in the eyes anymore.

"Thank you. But you don't have to."

"I made this breakfast for you, so I hope you will like it."

There it was. The statement I have been dreading since I sat here.

Her eyes shifted to me and looked at me expectedly. I stared at the perfectly made waffle in front of me. It looks good, but as they say, looks can be deceiving. I remembered the messy kitchen and held my breath as I took a bite of the waffle.

Slowly, very slowly, I realized that it wasn't bad. In fact, it was delicious.

"How was it?"

"Good," Was all I said as I took another mouthful bite.

"I'm glad," she said and let out a sigh of relief and picked up her own fork.

After gulping down one bite after another, I realized we were eating in silence.

I cleared my throat. "So, did you finally catch up with your sleep?"

She smiled and looked up at me. "Yes, thank you." Her eyes show excitement. "I'm sorry if you got bored with me."

"Don't worry about it. It was my fault because I kept dragging you wherever I go."

Her face turned red and she snapped her face back to her food.

"Are you up for an adventure?" I asked.

"Hmmm?"

"Do you think you could go out now?"

"Oh yes, of course. I really don't want to miss the chance of being in this country and not doing what I always dreamed of."

"And what would that be?" I asked as I played with my fork, pretending to be ignorant of her dream.

"I want to lose myself in the grass and dance with the man I want to be with."

I smirked. "Are you saying that I'm the man in your dream?"

Her face turned crimson red. I thought she was going to look away, but I was wrong. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and smile. Our eyes met.

And fuck me, if I wasn't mistaken, the word YES is written behind those green eyes.

I coughed. "Shall we clean the mess you made in the kitchen?"

I heard her chuckle. Then she smiled at me widely. "Yeah, sure."

We started washing the dishes first, and then we moved on the stove. After that, I decided to be the one who will clean up the shattered ceramic plate she dropped earlier.

In less than thirty minutes, we managed to make the kitchen look like it was before this morning.

"See. Four hands are better than two," I said proudly, looking at the kitchen.

"Not always." Was all she said before starting for the stairs.

"Hey, where're you going?"

She paused. "You were the one who asked me out, right?"

"Yeah."

"I'll just change and then we'll go."

*****

"So where to?" I asked as she slid inside the car.

"You're asking me?" She raised an eyebrow. "You're the one who seemed to have a plan, right? And besides, I have never been here before. I just heard that this country is one of the best places to view the Milky Way."

"It's still morning."

"Exactly which is why we should do something else first."

"Are you up for sightseeing?"

"Sure."

I started to drive off and in a matter of minutes, we were in a highway. And just as I thought, she enjoyed seeing the trees on the side of the road, as well as the mountains.

Carter started opening the windows when an idea popped in my head. Why not do something better?

I reached for her hand and stopped her from pressing the button in opening the window. "I have a better idea."

The roof of the car opened up as I drove on the empty road.

"Sweet!"

Almost immediately, she took off her seatbelt and took her place on top.

"Whoooo! Yes! This is so cool!" I heard her yell.

"Why don't you yell freedom?"

Wrong comment. I knew that with the way her body stiffened. She must have thought that I knew her little secret. And she's right about that. But I'm not about to ruin this vacation for her. So I elaborated.

"You know, like William Wallace in Braveheart?" I said, and I didn't miss the look of relief wash through her eyes.

When she smiled, I felt relieved as well.

Then I heard it.

"FREEDOM!"

I laughed as Carter kept on yelling that word.

"By the way, I forgot. Where exactly are we in New Zealand?"

She's still enjoying her little position in my car. "We'll be stopping on Mt. Sealy."

"We're going hiking then?" she asked, settling back on her seat.

"Yes."

"Good thing I was wearing my rubber shoes then."

When we reached the end of the road, she got out before the car even went to a complete stop. When I secured the car safely, I took out the basket at the backseat.

"You brought lunch?" Her eyes are fixed on the basket.

"I had to, or we'll starve ourselves out there," I said. "Besides I've got plenty of time to do this because you took too long to change."

She grinned. "I hope you didn't mess up the kitchen like I did."

"Unlike you, I'm pretty good in the kitchen."

She huffed. "Whatever come one. Let's go!" She grabbed my arm and together we traveled the course ahead of us.

Everything she sees seemed to fascinate her. I think it's a little unusual for her to be excited about seeing so many mountains and valleys. She grew up probably viewing the summit in her hometown. How come she still finds these mountains interesting when she's seeing mountains in her country every day?

There were minutes full of words between us. There were also minutes of silence. But those minutes of silence was filled with amazement and fascination.

She can't help it and I can't help it either. Her face would light up whenever we passed by some mountains, valleys, and lakes. I couldn't look away whenever that happens. Somehow I find her more beautiful than anything else around me. Her eyes. Her smile. Her whole face lits up at anything and everything.

I wish I could freeze this moment with her.

On second thought, I can.

While she's inhaling the fresh air and taking in the view in front of her, I took out my phone and captured her picture.

It was perfect.

When she opened her eyes, she looked at me full of gratitude.

"I think this is a perfect spot for lunch." She announced and pointed at the basket as she took a seat on the ground, not minding the dirt that could stick up on her pants. "We've been walking for hours."

Hours?

I thought it was only a few minutes.

"Where are we now?"

I pondered on that question and looked around. The mountains, the river and the wooden track.

"We're in Hooker Valley."

"And how would you know that?"

"I just do." I smirked.

We ate the lunch I made.

"This is good. What is it?"

"Macky."

"What is that?"

I gulped. "It's a fried ham and cheese bread rolls. Nana calls it Macky."

"Oh."

We finished our lunch and I started to head back but Carter pulled me back down.

"Where are you going?"

"We need to head back or we won't make it."

"I thought we'll stay here until the Milky Way is visible?"

"There's a btter place to view the Milky Way."

The look of disappointment was immediately replaced by excitement. She took the hand I offered. But before I could even start walking, Carter gripped my hand tighter. She pulled out her phone and took a selfie.

"I can't believe you're leaving this place without even taking a picture."

If you only knew.

"Come on."

We were back in my car after a few hours of walk. Going back is a lot harder than going in. Carter's energy must be wearing thin as she slumped in her seat once she entered.

"Go ahead. Take a nap. We still have a few hours before we reach our destination."

Carter didn't hesitate. She closed her eyes and in a matter of minutes, she was fast asleep.

I shook my head. She was too energetic when we arrived. She must have been sleepy after taking some lunch.

*****

Evening came as I parked near the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo, I watched as the sun is about to set.

Carter is still peacefully asleep on my side. I had the sudden urge to kiss her as I trailed my finger over her rosy cheek, pushing the lock of hair away from her closed eyelids. She stirred and she slowly opened her eyes.

"We're here." I said when all I wanted to do is kiss the lips that parted as her eyes looked up at mine.

Carter sat up straight and started looking around. The tiredness in her eyes instantly disappeared as she realized that in a few minutes, she will be able to fulfill one of her dreams.

"That's the Church of the Good Shepherd." I pointed out. "We are now in Tekapo."

We got out of the car. The breeze of the dusk hit us immediately. Anytime now, the sky will be lighted up by the stars.

"Shall we?" I invited, holding out my hand.

She smiled and took my invitation. Our hands intertwining as we walk.

"A stroll in the twilight?" She playfully raised an eyebrow. "You've got a romantic bone."

I chuckled, holding her hand tightly against, I kissed her forehead. "Are you cold?" I asked as the breeze started picking up again.

"Not really. I like this." She said, leaning her body close to mine. "This place is kind of full of rocks."

"That's why we're taking a stroll in the twilight, as you so poetically put it."

She grinned. "Tell me. Why are you doing this?"

"I'd do anything for you." I answered as I kissed the tip of her nose.

After that we walked in silence, just enjoying each other's company. Walking with her hand in hand always soothes my nerves. Having close to me makes me feel relaxed and complete.

Somehow, her presence completes me. She doesn't have to do anything. She just has to be here, with me, by my side. And I want nothing else. If only fate would allow my way, I would have her with me forever.

"Why?" I heard her suddenly asked. We stopped near the lake where there are bushes scattered and reed grass. "Why will you do anything for me?"

I was asking myself the same thing. Why am I doing things for her? It's not pity. I know it's not. It's more than that. I'm just not sure.

"I like you." I admitted. "For the first time in my life, I felt something other than lust for women." I looked up, the night is finally consuming the bright rays of the sun. "My mother is the only one whom I want to see smile. But now, I want to see yours, too. Every day, I want to see those green eyes shining brighter than the northern star."

"That's not possible." She said as she looked down.

Raising her chin up again with my fingers, "I thought so too." I touched her forehead with mine. "But I was wrong." Our eyes locking as we stared at each other. "So wrong."

And with that, I claimed her lips. I kissed her gently, waiting for her to respond, coaxing her to respond. And when she did, I angled her head to kiss her deeper, better.

A kiss I never thought I would ever give. I used to always take whatever I could get. I always kiss deep, fast, hard, and bruising. Yet with her I want slow and gentle. Giving her the pace she could only handle.

She pressed her body even closer to mine as she gently pulled my lower lip. When she parted her lips, I took that opportunity to drive my tongue and explore the recesses of her mouth.

Our lips in sync.

Our tongues dancing.

A moan escaped her throat before we parted. We were both breathless. She was staring up at me. Our foreheads still touching. Then she gasped. Her eyes were no longer on mine anymore. Her eyes are wide as they looked at something past me.

When I look up, I saw it. There it is.

I held her hand as she stared at the night sky filled the light of the stars and the visible light of the Milky Way.

It is beautiful. But somehow I don't see how it was even more fascinating than what I am holding in my hand.

The special way she looked at the sky seemed questionable to me because I am staring at the person who looks even more beautiful and special than what she's looking at.

"It's so beautiful." She said.