"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness."

- Friedrich Nietzsche

Nanterre, France

Exchange of Messages

*

Sarah: Meeting is about to end.

Tanch: You know what babe, the rain is pouring so much today. The heavens must have known how I miss you badly this day.

Sarah: I miss you tons. Wish you're here with me.

Tanch: Awww. Don't feel bad. We will spend a lot of time when you get home. XO

*

"So I'll see you again soon. "

I heard the soft voice of a very good friend of mine.

I just looked up at him. Hindi ko namalayan na naka lapit na pala siya sa akin. Sobrang busy ko kasi sa phone ko kaya hindi ko na siya napansin.

Well...Ganun talaga, pagmahal mo, priority mo.

Simula ng umalis ako, walang ni isang araw na hindi kami nag eexchange ng messages ni Tanch. Ang clingy namin sa isa't isa. I always start my day with a good morning video call sa kanya while siya naman on the other hand is ending her night with a video call from me.

"Sarah, please send my love to Tito and Tita. I am looking forward to our reunion soon." Enthusiastic niyang sabi that dragged me out of my thoughts kay Tanch.

I looked up at him and nodded. "Yes, sir." Pagbibiro ko sa kanya.

Although he holds the highest position of this holding, he shows the same amount of respect to all the people around him, and I adore this feat of him so much. Hindi gaya ng kapatid niyang sobrang yabang at sarcastic ang bunga nga.

"Cut the formality, Sarah. How many times did I tell you to call me by my name."

I finally smiled at him. "I was just teasing you, Loukas. Yeah, I will tell mom and dad."

"Good. Are you off to the coast after this? I just heard that you managed to convince Alessandro to come back home to meet you there. Imagine my Nonna's surprised that his favored grandson calls back home telling her that he's flying back to Italy."

I laughed off his prying comments. "Nah! It's not what you're thinking. We're only really good friends."

He burst into laughter. "Ghad! Sarah, you're thinking too much. Of course, you two are inseparable (coughs) I mean impossible."

I shot dagger eyes towards him. Nangaasar na naman to.

"I know he's up to something, that's why he's been away for so long, maybe busy wooing his woman." he slowly added.

"Yeah, I know he was busy with his womanizing ways. I talked to him over the phone the other day."

"Can you do me a favor? Please extract some names from him for me and please don't tell him that I told you this one." Pakiusap niya sa akin before he turned his back and vanished from the board room. And just like that, the meeting has come to its end.

When I was left alone, I just laughed in silence. When you happen to have crazy friends, your life would never be really boring. How I miss our life back from our university days...

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.

.

Naples, Italy

"Buongiorno Italia!" I whisper to myself. It's been years since the last time that I've been here.

Wala paring pinagbago sobrang ganda at sobrang yaman pa rin ang kultura ng bansang to.

I was walking to the arrivals, when I spotted a familiar figure. The devil is leaning against the steel railings in his casual summer trousers, while his eyes were covered with his favorite pair of aviators. Lakas maka gwapo ni kuya!

I burst out laughing when I finally paid attention to his face!

While him on the other hand wearing his already prepared smile. He ran towards me and pulled me in a tight embrace.

"So long Cara! So long! I missed you! bigtime" he whispered.

Oh how I missed him also. Kahit parang aso't pusa kami kung magbangayan.

I was about to be carried away from the emotions but then I remember his laughable shaggy look.

Once again, I burst into laughing that made several people turn their heads towards us.

I looked at him again and laughed my heart out loud. "You look horrible!"

He frowned at me. "Really, Cara? That's the first thing that I would hear from you after four years?"

I just shook my head continuously. "Don't get me wrong, I haven't seen you before with this. What happened?"

"It's a long story!" he said while he briefly glanced at my luggage.

"I have a lot of time." I smiled at him.

He just brushed off what I said while he raised his brows. "Good thing you didn't bring your entire closet.

I raised my brows in return. While I make sure that he receives the intense sharp daggers that I am sending him.

Wala na talaga atang chance na hindi kami magasaran nito. I can spend a whole day para asarin lang siya.

"Okay. Let's go." he said as he surrenders.

I followed him through the parking. My jaw fell when I saw him stopped before a stunning lady bug.

"Wow! Got a new ride huh?".

He shook his head in dismay. "It's not mine though, it belongs to the oldies."

I laughed again."Ahuh. Nonna got you this?"

He gave me a disapproving look. He seems annoyed because I am laughing at him again. "I don't know. I'm not really sure. Enough of that, get in and your bag please." he said with authority.

I handed him my luggage and was about to get in. But I stopped myself and faced him again.

"What?" he said while he briefly glanced at me. He was busy with settling my bag.

"Let me drive." I announced boldly.

He slowly closed the compartment and stood toe to toe with me. "No you can't. Besides we're not going to the coast; it's the weekend, for sure it would be really crowded and I don't want that. Plus, you don't know the way yet. You can borrow this beast anytime but not now."

"Whatever." I told him before I turned my back on him and immediately went inside the car.

I will surely drive this Bugatti Divo baby by the end of this day. I promised to myself.

Hamad International Airport

"Where are you?" I asked in annoyance to the other line. "If you don't show up in 5 mins, I will book a ticket back home." I threatened before I ended the call.

Nakakainis talaga, siya na nga itong humingi ng favor tapos siya pa itong magpapahintay. Hindi na talaga nahiya tong babaeng to sa akin. Pinalipad na nga ako, tapos pag hihintayin pa.

"Cuzz! I'm here!" Tawag pansin ng isang makinis na tinig sa akin.

I raised my brows. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry! I just talked to the manager, to ask for some favor. Come on, let's wait on the VIP lounge." she said without a hint of remorse.

Kaloka talaga tong babaeng to.

"Wait, saan ba punta natin?" Agad kong tanong sa kanya.

"I don't know just yet, pinapatrace ko pa kung saan lumipad ang taong yun. Ang taong kinausap ko na ang bahalang mag arrange nun for us. All we have to do is to wait." she announced that as if we're only discussing the weather.

I drop my bag in astonishment. "Are you nuts? Who the hell is this person, bakit mo siya susundan?"

She waves her hands and rebuffs what I have said.

"Oh! You'll find out soon. Don't worry, Cuzzy. I won't drag your *ss into this mess. I just need a companion, and I'm sure you'll be really having fun." she assures me.

"Just make it sure." I shortly said before I ignored her.

Mischievousness is visible in her eyes. Hindi parin talaga nagbabago ang pinsan kong to. I can only remember our secret escapades before.

"Cuzzy, isasama lang naman kita because I need a cover up. I don't want the watchful eyes of my dad. The moment we arrive at that place, you're free to go and enjoy."

A bright smile escaped from my lips. "Okay. I have better plans." I answered as I fished out my mobile phone and typed something.

Private Luxury Villa, Nerano, Italy

I missed this place. I thought to myself.

I haven't been here exactly on this Villa but I've gone several times here in the Nerano del Cantone area. Apart from offering a picturesque view of Marina del Cantone and hidden Spiaggia Recommone, you can quietly enjoy the beautiful Tyrrhenian sea without all the clamor from other boats and yachts.

I took a small sip from my welcome drink. Just amazing! I don't know how they do it here, but Italians really did it better when it comes to Aperol Spritz, it's my personal fave especially in the Italian summer.

I love everything about this place, I was so busy enjoying myself that I didn't notice Alessandro had joined me.

"Wonderful, isn't it? He asked, dragging me out of my reverie.

I nodded at him. "Yeah! Thank you for bringing me here."

He smiled playfully. "My pleasure, Cara." he said briefly, while he took the vacant sunbed beside me.

"... After all, we really need a good place to talk about the reason why your eyes gleam in broad daylight."

"You're spouting nonsense, Alesso." I denied.

He tried to hide the mischievousness in his lips. How can he know something, it seems that he was actually expecting this already.

"Oh sure! You can deny it to the world but not to me; I know you to bits." he suggested.

I raised my brows. "Really, Alesso?"

He acted as if he was thinking.

"Does it mean to say that the handsome Arabian Stallion have finally caught the elusive butterfly?" He asked pryingly.

Naked shock is on my face. "What???What Arabian Stallion? You've lost your bloody mind." I rubbed my temple because of a sudden headache.

He just ignored my outburst and went on with his inquiry. "I just thought that you've finally found some interest in him, since you're keeping all the love that he has been sending you for weeks now."

"You know what Alesso, if you happen to be bored with your life, you can join the matron of women in town, and be the source of the latest gossip and spread it to the tabloids."

He just laughed off my suggestion.

"Well, it was not a rumor or a gossip. After all, the Arabian Stallion was the one who told me about it.

"Can you just get to the point and tell me who this Arabian Stallion is? I demand irritably.

He laughed a little bit seeing my bad temper. "Easy, dear. It was Jameel Ibrahim who told me, our classmate back in Manchester. He mentioned that he was trying to win you, for several months now. Don't tell me you didn't know that it was him who has been sending you flowers and immortal love letters?"

I shook my head in return and was caught off guard with his revelation.

"That's rich! I thought you knew? That's why when you called that you're flying here, I went home immediately because I don't want to miss this moment that finally, my Cara is in love again." A smile spreads his face that reaches to his eyes.

My irritation vanished instantly after I realized that I got him with his prying antics. Serves you right. I laughed through my head.

Napauwi ka tuloy sa sobrang chismoso mo, and now he needs to face her cunning grandmother dahil sa pag uwi niya.

"Why are you smiling like an idiot?"

"Okay, I get it that it was not because of the Arabian, but I know you're in love. Drop the name, Cara. I'm rather interested in the person who was able to melt the great icy wall of Garcia." he questioned like a man in the court.

"Do you really think I am in love?" I quickly asked.

He shook his head. "No, I don't think, I am really sure you are. I can be my whole left arm to it." He chuckled to his very own joke.

"Okay." I told him before I focused my gaze to the amazing Capri Island on my east.

"...Yes, I am in love. And I am in love with a woman." there I said it.

He just remained silent, probably debating if he heard me right.

"I want to meet her." he said in his sweetest voice.

"Really? You're not surprised?" I asked to confirm. I was expecting him to give me a lecture but he didn't. Maybe, I underestimated him.

"Why would I? Because you happen to fall in love with a woman? He asked in disbelief.

Teka teka...

I nodded.

"Remember, sometime ago we were out in a pub in Isle of Man?" he started. "Remember that peculiar event?" he grinned a little, probably remembering what happened before.

I shook my head as I recalled the memories of that fateful night.

"Remind me again of that." I warned him.

"Well, that's the reason why." He informed me and sang out of nowhere.

🎶Those were the days my friend

We thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day

We'd live the life we choose

We'd fight and never lose

Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

La la la la la la

La la la la la la

La la la la La la la la la la🎶

I just laughed at him. Well yeah, we sure we had a lot of fun back then in our university days. Those were the days...

"So that explains?" I stated rather than asked.

"Of course, Cara. No judgment, that's the last thing that I would do. Know that I prayed for this day, that time when you have come to realize why it still matters to live." He stood up and hugged me.

I know I can count on him no matter what. Ever since he never questioned my decision and was always there to understand. And I thanked God for the friend he was and he still is.

I wiped my tears and pulled away. "Drama!" I teased him. "How about you?" I asked, pretending to know nothing. It's time to turn the table, upside down.

"A story goes that a wild beast has been unleashed in the desert. "Release the Kraken!" like that, to track down a woman. But it appears that the beast is a madman like you."

"Huuuh!" He releases a deep sighed. I can sense some sadness in his eyes.

"What's the matter, Alesso?"

"I did everything I could do. I have prayed hard, even believe in the signs of time and the universe; but to no avail. She doesn't bother and rejects me all the time like I am a speck of dust in her Kingdom." he paused.

"I thought I just find her interesting because she's the novelty from all the women I've associated with before. At first I was just in denial, but the good Lord knows, it was love."

he admitted.

I can't help but to laugh in his dilemma, finally the playboy got a taste of his own medicine.

"I have good news and bad news for you."

He looked a glance at me, encouraging me to go on.

"The good news is, true love has a new victim, the bad news is, finally, it's you." I told him before I laughed my heart out loud.

He gave me dark looks. "Let me tell you this, Cara. You can't just love alone, you have to suffer too. Since we are both inflicted, I'm thrilled to see you once again in eternal suffering." He retorted.

I was about to retort back on him when my mobile phone sounded in the background.

A smile escaped my lips at the sight of the name of the caller. I answered immediately out of happiness and excitement.

La Taverna del Leone, Positano

"Cuz, if sa ganitong lugar mo ako laging dadalhin, sasama ako sayo in a heartbeat." Masaya kong tugon sa pinsan ko.

"I told ya, you'll love it here. I was expecting that we will fly to Italy, because he's an Italian man. I'm just not sure where really in Italy but now we know that he is a Southern man." pagkukwento niya. Hay! Jusko! Lalaki lang pala susundan namin dito. Akala ko ba ayaw niya dun pero look who is here, following his man anyway. Hay naku!

Total I am out of this mess na naman. I would gladly visit a different place away from my cousin. I will enjoy my time here and I've got a plan already.

*Calling Sarah.

Sarah: Hi Baby!

Me: Hello Baby! I'm out on a Holiday, I want to invite you sana. Are you still in Paris? Can you fly to Italy?

Sarah: Fly to Italy? Why?

Me: Let's have a vacation together, what do you think of Amalfi?

Sarah: Amalfi is great but...

Me: But what?

Sarah: Nothing. Where are you right now?

Me: Somewhere in Positano. I'll message you where I will be staying.

Sarah: Okay I'll come over.

Me: Really? How can it be? Where are you?

Sarah: I'm just nearby. See you.

And just like that we will be having our vacay together for the first time here in Italy.

I am overjoyed and excited at the same time.

"I'm just nearby. See you." I said as I ended the phone call.

"You're hopeless!" he announced.

"Ssshhh!" I motioned him to shut up.

"Lend me your car and one of your yachts."

"And why should I do that?"

"If you don't want Nonna to know what you were doing in the Middle East..."

He cut me shortly after. He clearly doesn't want his grandmother to know.

"Okay. Okay. Go now!" He ordered.

"Besides you owe me one, after the prank that you just pulled?" I reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm calling my crew now." he was about to turn his back when I stopped him midway.

"Let me borrow your superyacht. I'm going to the opposite island."

"Care to repeat Cara? My superyacht? Really? Why? Don't tell me... You're taking her to Jheleena? Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. Now, get going Alesso!"

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.

.

After driving for about 20 mins, I arrived in Positano. My heart warms at the sight of the most beautiful woman.

"Hi Gorgeous!" Pag agaw ko sa atensyon niya.

"Ghad Sarah! I missed you." She hugged me in a very tight embrace as if we haven't seen each other for a long time.

After she pulled away. Agad ko siyang niyaya palabas.

"Come on, Baby! Let's go as we have time to catch." Hinawakan ko ang mga kamay niya sabay kaming lumakad palabas ng restaurant.

"Bakit? Saan ba tayo? Naku! Sarah ha! Ako ang nagyaya, sana this time ako naman ang hayaan mo." Pagtatampo niyang sabi sa akin nung malaman niyang I already have plans for our vacation.

"You'll find out soon."

"Ayan ka na naman sa pa surprise mo. Akala ko ba Amalfi Coast tayo?"

I just smiled at her and shook my head.

"Sorry, babe. Amalfi is great but it's really crowded on the weekend." I informed her.

"So where are we heading?" pag usisa niya.

"Home."

"Home? Bakit may bahay ka ba dito?" Di makapaniwala niyang tanong.

"Anywhere in this world is home..." I said as I grabbed her hand. "...Because you're my home." I finished as we walked through the road of eternal love.

*Saan kaya dadalhin ni Sarah si Tanch?

Makahula may load? Pwede!

Sorry if ang haba ng chapter for the intro of a very special character sa storyang eto. I promised you will thank him a lot at the end of this story.

Much Love.