I know something was up the moment Nathaniel walked up to us. He tried to hide it but it's clear that whatever was bothering him has something to do with the phone call he just received. I tried to stay focus on this tour because I know he would eventually tell me about what has bothered him when he's comfortable enough to do so. Although it was hard to ignore his behavior, especially that he seemed to keep looking over his shoulder as if expecting someone following us, Clarita's vast knowledge about the Philippine history during the Spanish era took my mind off him.

We were still in Baluarte de San Diego when Clarita told me about how the whole Intramuros was fortified in 1571 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. She told me all about the interesting places in Intramuros that are famous among visitors and foreigners alike. This place became the capital of the New Spanish island dominion during the 17th and 18th centuries. Although it was almost turned to rubble during the World War II, reconstruction had been gradually in progress. The then city contained the Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and many other monuments at the time of the Spanish occupation.

Considering the amount of time left, and Nate's constant looking at his watch, we decided to pass on Visiting other notable spots in the city. We just stayed there and talked more about the history of the Philippines until we finally talked about Jose Rizal.

According to Clarita, the day will not be enough to discuss even his life. I laughed at this. So, instead of discussing his biography, Clarita and I decided to talk about our thoughts on his two books. His El FIlibusterismo is actually known as Ang Paghahari ng Kasakiman or in English means "The Reign of Greed," I was shocked at this but at least I got the meaning of its prequel right.

Clarita revealed that there are some chapters that were never published due to Rizal's insufficient funds so he was forced to remove some chapters. One chapter that was removed was Salome's and Elias' courtship. "Although I know what that chapter was all about, I still wish to see and read that chapter," she said in between her explanation on what that chapter must have contained.

During this time Clarita and I noticed that Nate is already agitated. It's as if he can't wait to be over with this place. I gave her an apologetic look before cutting our conversation short.

"It's fine," she said. "Don't worry about it too much. But I was really glad to find someone who is as crazy as me about Rizal's works."

I chuckled at this. I think she and I are kindred spirits considering our enthusiasm about the two novels.

"It was really good meeting you. I wish to see you again."

I sighed. Me too. But that will probably be impossible.

Before I could say my farewell, her eyes lit up as she stared at me.

"Maybe there is!"

Confused, I tried to smile, tilting my head as a gesture for her to explain.

"My school will hold a week celebration for our foundation day. It's going to be open to the public. I have never seen one, but I heard it's going to be awesome. At night, the main event will be a play prepared by students of different grades. You should come."

I was hesitant to agree because I don't know if I would still be free from my responsibilities during that time.

"I haven't seen the play but I know it's going to be really fun. It will be on the first week of February, and of course will be held at Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City."

She was really happy and excited about it that I didn't have the heart to decline such invitation.

"That's great! I'll see you there!"

When we finally said our farewell, Nate was immediately on my side and felt his own relief as he held my hand.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'm just probably not feeling well after being ignored like that," he joked. We might not know each other long enough, but I think I already have an inkling when Nate is trying to hide his real feelings. But I also know not to pry on what's going on in his mind.

So instead, I just played along. "Fine. Let's get ourselves back to the hotel. We could just trace back go back and trace our steps so we're sure we won't get lost."

I started walking and stopped the moment I felt Nate tug on my hand. "How about we forget about the car and hotel? Let's just hail a cab to our next destination."

"Next destination?"

*****

I can't believe we managed to get a cab that has a really friendly driver. Although this one is not really interested about Noli Me Tangere, he was still able to give us information about the country, and this time it was more recent.

He was really enthusiastic on telling us the places that we should visit in the Philippines. Even more so when we told him that we are in this really great adventure in which we plan to explore the beauty of this country.

He laughed at this but gave us some insights on what to visit. Although I would probably never be able to visit those places, but it's bad to dream of something, right?

"I will give you some specific places, and the others will be the province. I haven't really been to all the beautiful places in my country but of course like every other Filipino, I have heard some of its beauty."

He then named some of the places he's been to: Coron, Palawan; Kalanggaman, Leyte; Boracay (I have heard of that place); Batanes. Upon describing Batanes, my eyes immediately perked up. He said that some people compare Batanes to New Zealand. And for the two hours of being on the road, Kuya Chris (the name of the driver) and I shared stories about our travels, with mine being more recent than his. All the while Nate was silent and seemed to be content on just holding my hand as he worked on his phone, trying to make reservations in a hotel.

By the time we reached the hotel, it was already nighttime. We were really thankful for Kuya Chris because when he noticed that we didn't bring any luggage, he brought us to some sort of store. There, we bought ourselves some clothes, and some sweater because the place seemed to have a chilly climate. When we arrived, I was surprised when Nate asked for Kuya Chris his contact number.

And well, it seemed that Nate is full of surprises today. He booked a hotel room for us. One room for the two of us.

"Your decision to here straight from our tiring tour was spontaneous," I commented. "It was so out of character, considering we did not bring any spare clothes to change into."

He chuckled but didn't say anything.

I frowned then raised an eyebrow. "And you reserved one room for us. You know, one room for the two of us," no comment from him again. "I think you're trying to bed me as payment for fulfilling my dream."

His head snapped at my direction.

Bingo!

That really caught his attention because he immediately sauntered over to me.

Lifting my chin, he asked, "and why would you think that?"

This, I know, is going to be our playful banter. I opened my mouth to reply but my stomach beat me to it. I felt my cheeks flush as my stomach grumbled loudly, and immediately killing the moment.

He broke into a fit of laughter, either it was because I wasn't able to make a comeback or because I didn't realize that I was hungry.

He laced his fingers in mine which seemed to become of a habit and took me to the restaurant nearby.

The menu has some American food, but I still chose to eat something that was called Caldereta. I'm pretty sure that is a Filipino food. And just like what most Filipinos would do, I paired it up with garlic rice.

I was about to launch another story when Nate glared at me. Shocked, I raised my hands in mock surrender.

"What?"

"Don't think about telling me another disgusting story before, and especially after we eat."

My jaw dropped, and I recalled that time in Greece before bursting into a fit of laughter.

We ate quietly after our orders arrived. I was glancing up at Nate, but immediately looking back at my own food after seeing his glare still on his face.

The meal was amazing. The dish we had was a little bit on the salty side but with a hint of spice. In addition, the garlic rice I ordered seemed to also help add to the flavor. And I think that it was a perfect combination and was glad that Nate thought so too. We only started a conversation when we got back to our room.

After freshening up, we went under the covers and just stared at each other's eyes. Nate and I would have stared at each other all night if I didn't turn away first. His eyes went off the moment my back faced him.

"Goodnight, Princess."