When I found you... Synopsis and introduction of the characters(Jaevon Fanfic)

SYNOPSIS

A group of friends together in an adventure of love and friendship, they will fight for what they have and protecting the ones they treasured in their lives. With their fates intertwined, there lay the ordeal of unwavering trust and love. Together, they’ll know the true meaning of unconditional love and friendship as they face life’s hurdles.

CHARACTERS

Fretzie Tolentino
She is a classy lady that knows her stuffs. Having grown up in the fashion world, she knows how to carry herself with the elegance and charm fit for a model. With parents working in the fashion industry, she made a name with wit and effort. Her loyalty and trust for friendship and love will take the ultimate test of her life.

Brett Collin
He is a happy go-lucky-man who knows when to play and when to take things seriously. He grew up in a prestigious family of singers and performers known to the world. With the responsibilities of taking care of their music company now on his shoulders, he is now keen to show that he got what it takes to carry on the legacy of the family. Together with his friends he’ll discover the true meaning of love and friendship.

Yen Garcia
A responsible and hard-working girl, she put others before herself. She loves her friends and is always there to comfort and care for them. But, beneath this demeanor lies her true feelings. She wants to feel loved and be the one to be pampered for once. Despite all this, she doesn’t abhor ill feelings towards the important people in her life. In her journey, her friends will be her strength, and the man of her dreams will fill the missing pieces of her life.

Ivan Andersen
A gentleman through and through, he has the sweetest smile that could melt every girls heart. Taking care of one of the most prominent companies of jewelries and precious stones, he is duty-bound to uphold the legacy of his family, facing the challenges of life’s adversary with pride and courage. Everyone would think he has everything… that his life is complete. But, he’s just waiting for the right woman to complete the missing piece he longed to be filled. And this woman he will cherish and protect with all he have… no matter what it takes.

Ryan Bang
His humorous side is what endears him to people. Sweet and adorable, he treats people as his equal. With the upcoming responsibility of taking care of several golf course and clubs all around the world, had him in doubts of his capacity and abilities. But his friends will be his strength and his courage to face the adversities of his life.

James Force
A man who was deceived by the woman he loved the most that made him miserable and cynical. He’s a powerful business tycoon who lived most of his life working and burying his life in an empty world he created on his own. He aimed nothing more in life than to feel the happiness he longed since childhood. Growing up being neglected by his parents due to work, he was trained to follow the footsteps of his father. Successful as what his parents dreamed of him, only made him hollow inside. He will now fight a test of tender loyalty and trust for the girl that will capture his heart.

Devon Gutierrez
A lovely lady with a painful past, hoping to win the love of the man she believes she loves.
She’s a girl full of hopes and dreams. Working on a well-known company, she became in demand for the wonderful designs she made. An interior designer who puts everything she has in everything that she does. Having parents died in a car accident, she abhors death. A free-spirited girl who will be swept into a web of jealousy, passion, love and friendship, a test she will have to face.

CHAPTER 1

It was dusk when a pretty girl in a mini sundress, wedged shoes and wide-brimmed hat came running towards the entrance of Microtel Inn & Suites Boracay Hotel. Upon entering, she directly went to the reception area and asked for the room of Fretzie Tolentino. When she had the information, she directly headed for her friend’s room.
“I’m already here. I’ll be there within 5 minutes” Devon Gutierrez texted.
She headed straight for the stairs. She was busy texting that she didn’t notice the guy coming down from upstairs and she bumped full force into a well-muscled man. She would have fallen if it weren’t for the arms that encircled her waist that tried to steady her. She came face to face with a handsome man, a concerned look etched on his face.
“I’m so sorry, miss. Are you alright?” Ivan Andersen worriedly asked.
Trying to compose herself, she stared at the handsome face and muttered incoherently and went pink-cheeked.
“What did you say? You’re not hurt, are you?” Ivan asked again.
“I’m fine. I’m sorry… I was not looking to where I was going.” Devon muttered and bent down her head.
“No, it’s my fault. I was not looking to where I was going too.” Ivan said smiling.
She noticed that he was still holding her by the waist and started to move away. Ivan, realizing his intimate hold on her, immediately withdrew his hand. He turned slightly pink and unconsciously scratched his head.
They both muttered their apologies again and went their separate ways. Devon ran up the stairs and due to her haste, the pouch that was tied to her bag fell.
Ivan saw it and was about to call her but the girl was already gone.


Devon came to the room panting. Fretzie was worried when she saw her friend all flushed and gasping for air.
“Oh, Devon you’re here. What happened to you? Are you alright?” asked Fretzie.
“Yes, I’m fine… just had a little accident downstairs, nothing to worry about.” Devon reassured smiling. Fretzie smiled and hugged her friend.
“I missed you. I’m glad that you’re able to come.” Fretzie said. Devon hugged her back.
“I missed you too. Good thing my boss permitted me to have a vacation leave.”
“Well, he better. With all the overtime working hours, you need some rest.”
“I know. I know. Let’s forget about my job. We’re here to have fun!” Devon exclaimed happily.
Yen Garcia came out from the bed room and seeing Devon she squealed and ran towards her friend and hugged her tightly.
“Oh my gawd Devon, you’re here! I’m so glad. I missed you girl!” Yen burst out.
Laughing, Devon hugged her long time friend.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world!” Devon said.
The three friends then went to the bedroom to help Devon unpack and get on with the juicy details of their lives for it’s been a long time since they had this get together.
As Devon was unpacking, she noticed something was missing.
“No! My stuffed toy… it’s gone!”
“What? You mean the teddy Enrique gave you? Don’t tell me you’re still keeping that?!” Yen bellowed. Fretzie gave her friend a warning look and Yen ignored it. Devon didn’t see it… she was busy looking for the teddy that all her things were just thrown everywhere.
“Are you sure you brought it with you?” Fretzie asked.
Yes! Of course, I did. I put it inside a pouch. It’s not here!” Devon burst out.
“Why did you have to bring it? You two broke up ages ago! Well, it might as well be gone for you to be able to forget him.” Yen said.
Devon gave her friend a nasty look, telling her not to push it.
Fretzie then intervened.
“Alright you two… quit it. We’re here to have fun, remember? Let’s look for it tomorrow, Devon. I’m sure you dropped it somewhere in the vicinity.
“Let’s go out tonight. I heard there’s a concert held tonight. Chill guys.” Fretzie said.
So the 3 girls dressed up for the occasion. They look like angels with their long hair down and mini sundresses. Giggling about something, the 3 of them went down and headed for the concert ground.

CHAPTER 2
Ivan was ordering a drink in a nearby bar and was scanning the crowd for his friends.
“Hey Ivan… Over here, man!” called a man with kinda spiky hair and slim-build.
Ivan turned and saw three guys waving at him. He immediately recognized the one who called him… it was James Force together with Brett Collin and Ryan Bang. Ivan came over to them.
“What took you so long?” Bret asked.
“Uhm… just had a little accident back there.” Ivan said.
“What happened?” James asked.
Ivan told them about the little commotion happened back in the hotel.
“So, I need to find her and give this little bag back to her” Ivan stated.
Ryan grabbed the bag and opened it.
“Oh, look! It’s a teddy bear.” Ryan exclaimed.
He took the teddy out of the bag and clamped it to his sling.
“Ryan, give it back.” James said.
“Yeah Ryan, give it back. It’s not ours.” Ivan seconded.
“Oh come on! I’m just gonna play with it for a while. I’ll return it, I swear.” Ryan said grinning and went to the dancing crowd and pushed his way to the front.
James phone suddenly rang and Ivan saw that his friend’s face hardened and became irritated.
“Damn it! Even until here they just won’t leave me alone!” James snapped and answered his phone.
“What’s wrong with him?” Ivan asked Brett.
“It’s his team members... can’t seem to do anything without him. He filed a vacation leave for a week, everyone knows that. But, they still pester him.” Brett explained.
James hung up and went to where his two friends were standing.
“I’ll just go somewhere and answer these calls.” James told the two.
“Alright,” The two answered.

On the other side…

Hand in hand the 3 girls arrived at the concert area. It was too crowded that they went to a nearby bar instead and ordered some drinks.
“Cheer up, Devon!” Yen shouted amidst the noisy crowd.
“Yeah, you should have fun. We’ll find the teddy tomorrow.” Fretzie said.
Devon smiled and tried to have fun. They danced and sang the songs being played.
After an hour or so, Devon got tired and excused herself to go somewhere quiet.
Fretzie and Yen let her go and just made the most of the occasion.

Devon walked farther away from the deafening sound and continued walking until she arrived at a small cove. She sat down upon a rock and stared out in the open sea… looking up at the full moon above. It started to get chilly and she unconsciously wrapped her arms around herself.
“It must be past twelve.” Devon thought.

Then out of nowhere, she heard a man shouting that sounded very angry.
She turned and saw a silhouette of a tall man walking towards her and who seemed to be so engrossed on talking to the phone.
“I told you to just follow those instructions I gave you! They’re simple enough to be understood or don’t you know how to read, Mr. Gomez?” she heard the man shouted with a very threatening sound on his voice.
Devon stared at the man and as he came closer she saw a tall, lean and handsome man with a great scowl on his face. She got a little scared by his face which was contorted with anger but still handsome that she decided to stand up and leave the place quietly. It was a wrong move, because it only caught the attention of the man.
James saw something move and thought it was a wild animal that he started to defend himself. But instead he saw a petite, barefooted woman that looked like a nymph with her long hair flowing down her shoulders and back and a blue tube dress that barely covered her legs.
He was transfixed of the ethereal beauty in front of him that he’d forgotten he was angry and that he was talking to someone on the phone.
Devon was cursing herself of the foolish way she acted. When she looked up at the young man, her heart skipped a beat. She was immobilized by the piercing stare of the man. He was handsome she noted and well-built too. Her mind told her to flee the place but her body seemed paralyzed. She knew that the man could hurt her but in her unconscious mind, a trust seemed to bloom telling her that she’s safe… the safest place she could ever be.
James came out from his reverie and was now aware of the man he’s talking with on the phone.
“Yes, yes… I’m still here.” James answered. He then turned and took a last glance of the lovely young lady who was now wearing her slippers hastily.
Devon saw the man walking to the opposite direction. She chided herself of the way she thought and acted. So what if the man was handsome? She told herself.
As she was walking, she realized that she was lost. She stopped and started tracing her way back. But, no matter how she tried she can’t seem to remember which way she took. She then walked west and heard a couple of drunken men laughing. She ignored them and tried not to get their attention.
But unfortunately, one of the men saw her and called her out. Devon stiffened for she knew she’s in trouble now. She turned around and saw a bulky man coming towards her. To her fright she ran as fast as she could to the direction of the man she knew who could only help her. She ran fast and turned to see if the drunken man was still following her that she didn’t see a man standing. She bumped unto him and was about to fall when one of the man’s strong arms encircled her waist and the other on her shoulders and tried to steady her.

CHAPTER 3

Devon was reeling from panic when she realized that she was in the arms of an unknown man. And the first thing that came to her mind was that he’s one of the drunken men that she started screaming and hitting him.
“Let go of me you *******!” Devon shouted.
She was hitting him and scratching him where her hands could reach his skin. To her bewildered mind she realized two things: The man doesn’t smell drunk and he’s shouting at her like she’s the one at fault. She stopped her wild defenses and stared up at the man who is now all red from her beatings. Her heart slammed hard to her ribs. It was the same man she saw by the cove… the handsome man who turned her legs to jelly just by his stare.
“Are you mad?!” Why the hell are you hitting me?” James demanded.
He stared down at the young lady in his arms, saw that she was very afraid and realized that it was also the woman she saw a while ago. His protective side came to him without warning and held the girl tighter in his arms.
“Please, help me. A man was following me. And I think he’s very drunk.” Devon pleaded.
James transferred her to his side and held her tightly by one arm and looked out at the direction she came from. And when he saw no one, he turned to her and tried to calm her.
“It’s alright. I think he’s not following you anymore.
“You must have run so fast” James joked.
He was smiling down at her and too close that she was finding it hard to breathe. She still looked anxious that James decided to bring her out of there. He didn’t know that it was his nearness that made the girl look so abashed.
“Come. Let’s get out of here.” James said.
He took her hand and started walking to the right direction. Devon was sure that holding the hand of a stranger is not proper but, something held her back and telling her that she’s safe if she’s with him so she just followed his lead. James took her to a bar and ordered an alcoholic drink and made Devon drink it.
“Here, drink this. It will calm you.” James said as he pushed the drink to her hands.
Devon took the drink although at the back of her mind, it’s telling her that she should not accept unknown drinks from a stranger but, she ignored the voice and took the drink and finished it in one gulp. James handed her another glass and let her drink it again. She obliged and took the glass again in one gulp.
“Are you alright?” James asked.
Instead of answering, Devon pushed the glass to his empty hand and signaled that she wanted another drink. So, James indulged her.
“Don’t drink too much. It’s a strong drink, three glasses is enough for you.” James said and took the glass from her hands and handed it to the barman.
Devon seated herself next to the stool James was sitting. She heaved a great sigh and tears started to form in her lovely eyes.
“This vacation is a mess.” Devon muttered.
She wiped a tear that fall from her cheek. When James saw it, he panicked and was about to ask her what’s wrong when someone called his name. It was Ivan together with Brett and Ryan.
“Hey! James. You’re just here all along. We were looking all over for you. There’s a game of pool out there. Come, let’s join.” Ivan exclaimed.
The three of them were now standing in front of Devon and James. Devon looked up and saw Ivan and recognized him from earlier. Ivan saw her too and remembered her.
“It’s you!” Ivan exclaimed.
“Do you know each other?” James asked.
“Yes, she’s the girl I bumped to, earlier.” Ivan answered.
Ryan came forward to have a good look of the girl they’re talking with. Devon saw him immediately for he was easy to distinguished with his height. And then she saw the teddy… dangling from Ryan’s sling, all dirty and covered in unknown substance.
With the influence of the drink, Devon was now burning with anger upon seeing her battered teddy. She stood up abruptly that James was surprised. When he saw her face, he was all the more surprised. She was angry, not just angry but furious, James noted. He traced the direction of her stare and it all nailed to his friend Ryan and the teddy on his sling.
“How dare you play with my teddy?” Devon said quietly.
All of them were looking at her now, Ryan was a little uneasy by the look she gave him that he started to back away.
“Give me back my teddy, you moron! How dare you touch it with your filthy hands! Devon shouted at Ryan. They all stared at her and were all transfixed by the intensity of her anger.
She ran towards Ryan and snatched the teddy that was dangling helplessly. She examined it and what she found made her even more furious.
She looked up at Ryan that made the tall man gulped and backed a step. She clutched the teddy on her side and raised her other hand in a fist form. And before everyone knew what she was going to do, she swung her right arm and landed her fist in Ryan’s face. She stomped away; leaving the three men staring at her retreating back… all in awe, while Ryan was nursing his sore face.

CHAPTER 4

Devon was still furious when her friends, who were all worried, found her.
“You miss are in big trouble… where have you been all this time?!” Fretzie demanded.
“We were worried sick about you!” Yen said angrily.
Fretzie saw the teddy she was holding.
“You found your teddy. Is that why you were gone for hours because you were looking for that?” Fretzie bellowed pointing a finger at the filthy teddy.
“No! I’ll explain everything later. Let’s just get out of here.” Devon said exasperated.
The two friends didn’t say another word and just followed their friend to the hotel.
They let Devon calm down first. They let her take a refreshing shower and waited until she was dressed comfortably in pajamas before interrogating her. They too took a shower and change into their pajamas.
When they’re all done they sat on the bed. Fretzie started asking Devon what happened and a sobered Devon told them everything. From the time the accident happened until she found the teddy. By the time she finished, her two friends were now laughing.
“My gawd Devon... you still haven’t changed! You’re still the she-man we know!” Yen said who is now teary-eyed in mirth.
Fretzie who still looked worried, laughed at the absurdity of what Devon did to the poor man.
“Stop it, you guys. I feel ashamed of what I did already; don’t make me feel guiltier of what I did by laughing at it.” Devon said.
“But admit it. It’s really funny!” Yen said who dissolved in fits of laughter.
Devon can’t help it but laugh at the infectious laugh of her friend.
“Okay now. Let’s all go to sleep. It’s already late. Come on now… off you go.” Fretzie said while pushing her two friends’ butt on their own bed.
All lights are turned off and they said their goodnights. But Devon was still wide awake. She kept on tossing and turning in her bed. The happenings of the day kept coming to her mind. The handsome face of the man always comes to her mind unbidden… forcing its way to her baffled mind. James. That was his name Devon thought. Realizing where her trains of thoughts were going she got angry with herself for thinking of the man.
She sat up from her bed and pushed the covers aside. Holding her bolster, she got up and went outside to the veranda. Gazing up at the moon, she thought of the man she could never forget. Enrique. She closed her eyes to blot out the tears that are starting to well up in the corner of her eyes. She started towards the sliding door and return to the welcoming warmth of the room and her bed when the lights of the other room next to theirs lit up and a familiar form came out of the sliding door. The tall figure came out holding a case that is shaped like a little guitar. Devon hid herself in the darker area of the veranda and watched as the man unlocked the case and took out a little guitar… it’s a violin, Devon recognized.
James started playing the violin. A sad, beautiful sound filled the air. It was a sound full of longing and sadness. Devon was captivated. She watched him enthralled of the way he skillfully and amazingly played the instrument with such ease. She came closer to see a better view of him still holding her bolster. As she came closer, her bolster hit the potted plant nearby and it went crashing to the ground. The music stopped and the spell broke. Devon was silently cursing herself for being so careless.
James put down the instrument on the nearby table and walked over to the end of the veranda and rested his hands on the railings near to where Devon was standing. Devon came out from the darker part of the veranda and faced the man who played a very beautiful piece.
James saw a girl in her pajamas clutching a bolster with a pucca hair kind of style looking guilty and afraid.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop on you. I… I was just… uhm… getting some fresh air and then you came out and played th-that music and it was wonderful that I stayed and listened.” Devon finished.
She was finding it hard to form a coherent thought when those eyes of his were making her heart beat so fast. Still, James didn’t say anything but look at her. After a lengthy silence, Devon spoke.
“You played well. You captured the sadness and yearning of someone who lost something or someone precious to them.” Devon said solemnly, looking up at him with a smile. Realizing what she had just said, she went scarlet and came back to apologizing again.
“I’m sorry that was rude of me.” Devon muttered.
James just stared at her again as if assessing her with those excruciating gaze of his that Devon can’t help but squirmed under his hot gaze.
“I –” Devon started.
“You look really cute tonight. If I hadn’t seen your face clearly I wouldn’t have relate you to the exotic beauty who asked me for help earlier.” James said with a lop-sided grin.
Devon gaped at him. She was speechless.
Did I hear it right?! What does he expect me to say? Devon thought frantically.
“Are you alright now?” James asked, watching her with curiosity and concern.
“Y-yes… I’m fine now. Thank you for saving me out there.” Devon said consciously.
James smiled and Devon was finding it hard to breathe.
“Glad to hear that. And I think what you did to my friend was awesome.” James said chuckling.
Devon stared up at him in horror and can’t believe that she forgot that James and that tall guy are friends.
“I-is he alright? I’m really sorry… I don’t know what came to my mind that time. I… he’s not badly hurt, is he?” Devon asked worriedly, forgetting the bolster she’s holding which fell to the ground.
“Relax. He’s fine. Good thing you did that to him. It will make him realize not to touch things that are not his.” James said smiling and looking intently at her. Devon avoided his gaze and studied the tip of her slippers.
“It must be a precious teddy for you to react that way.” He said after a while.
“Yes, it is.” Devon answered.
The bedside lamp in Devon’s room lit up and a sleepy voice came out calling her name.
“I better go. Good night.” Devon said to James.
“Yes, of course. Goodnight.” James said.
Devon picked up her fallen bolster and spared a last glance to James. Her heart gave a lurched. James was still looking at her but now smiling which made him even more handsome

CHAPTER 5

Sunlight was streaming from the windows in between the curtains. Devon stirred from a dreamless sleep. She opened her eyes and cast a look towards the two beds opposite her. Her friends are still asleep that she quietly went out of bed and tiptoed towards the bathroom. She took a bath and dressed. She left a letter to her friends telling them that she’ll just go out and buy something for their breakfast. She look herself up on the mirror, she then proceeded to the door.
What a beautiful morning, Devon thought smiling as she went on her way in search of a bakery.
Just around the corner a small bakery stood. She went inside and looked at the delicious bread and cookies displayed in dozens of baskets lined up which were covered in glass. Devon was finding it hard which one to choose. She was debating between sprinkled chocolate with sweet honey French bread and bread pudding with vanilla cream sauce when a voice behind her spoke.
“I think this one’s better.” The man said.
Devon turned around and saw Ivan pointing to some delicious-looking bread. The little card beside it said banana nut bread with blueberries.
“This is better. Trust me.” Ivan said smiling. Devon returned the smile and went to stand near Ivan.
“Oh, Really? How did you know? Have you tasted it?” Devon asked with a teasing smile.
“Yep, I have. In fact, I’m gonna buy you a dozen slices as a way of saying thank you for doing that to my friend.” Ivan said grinning.
Devon was a little surprised and baffled by what he said that she just stared at Ivan.
Friend? Who is he talking about? Devon thought. And then it dawned on her… the tall guy with eyes that looks like it has been slit. Seeing her look of horror and embarrassment, he hastily reassured her that it’s alright.
“Don’t worry, he’s alright. Nobody ever did that to him. And I guess it was a shock for him, because he’s afraid to even go out now.” Ivan said chuckling.
Devon groaned and covered her face with her hands.
“I’m really sorry. It was a really big mistake. I shouldn’t have done that…” Devon said miserably.
“Really, it’s alright. Calm down.” Ivan said patting her gently by the shoulders.
“You don’t have to buy me a dozen of them. It was my fault….” Devon pointed out.
Ivan just smiled and ordered a dozen from the saleslady.
“Here, take it.” Ivan said and handed the bag to Devon who gave a sigh of resignation.
“I might as well take it. Thanks.” Devon said with a smile. Ivan smiled back. They went out from the bakery and walked together to the hotel.
“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Ivan. Ivan Andersen.” Ivan said handing out his hand to her.
She took the outstretched hand and introduced herself too.
“I’m Devon Gutierrez.”
“Devon… nice name.” Ivan said and let go of her hand.
They talked about anything on the way and stop once in a while to look at some shops until they forgot to go back to the hotel. They reach a coffee shop and decided to sit there and continue their debate about the best place to visit. Devon was having her 7th sliced of banana nut bread with blueberries when Ivan contradicted what she said.
“I still think that Jamaica is the best place to go.” Ivan insisted.
Devon who was chewing her bread said otherwise.
“No! I believe Greece is way better than Jamaica.” She demolished.
They talk and debate about certain things that they didn’t see the time have passed by so quickly.
While Ivan was laughing at what she said, Devon remembered the time when Enrique used to laugh with her… that she fell silent and just continued to eat her food.
They walked near the shore and continued their discussion about places they’ve been to. Every now and then Devon can’t seem to help herself think of Enrique that she’s finding it hard to talk to Ivan with ease because of the tears that threatened to flow.
It was almost one in the afternoon when Devon realized that Fretzie and Yen must be worried sick about her. She was just about to say good bye to Ivan when James came over to them looking rather grim.
“Hey James, come and join us.” Ivan invited.
“Where have you been? Brett and Ryan were looking for you because you said you’ll buy food for breakfast which never came. Now, I have to buy them their breakfast. You owe me a few bucks.” James said irritably.
“I’m sorry, dude. I’ll pay you when we get to the hotel. You see, I lost track of the time.” Ivan reasoned out looking at Devon meaningfully.
James turned his attention to the girl opposite him.
She looked more beautiful on broad daylight James thought. Devon avoided his gaze and just sat there silently.
“You were with her all this time?” James asked.
“Yep, I was.” Ivan answered.
James then looked at Devon unsmiling.
“We meet again.” James said.
Devon looked up and was surprised to see the look on his face. It was so different to the face she saw last night… the face that smiled to her.
“Yes… hello.” Devon responded.
Ivan’s phone rang.
“It’s Brett. I wonder why he’s calling.” Ivan said and excused himself. James just stood there without glancing at her. Devon preferred it though because whenever that eyes of his look her way, she finds it very difficult to breathe. Ivan came back with a look of disappointment.
“I gotta go. It’s Ryan…” Ivan sighed.
“What happened to him?” James asked.
“He was cutting some potatoes and sliced his fingers instead. You know how he gets when he sees blood.” Ivan said rolling his eyes. Ivan gathered his things and turned to face Devon.
“I’m sorry. There’s trouble back in the hotel. It was nice talking to you, Devon.” Ivan said and bent down to kiss her on the cheek.
“It’s alright. I bet I’ll be seeing you around anyway.” She said.
“Keep her company.” Ivan said to James. She was about to protest when James agreed.
Her heart seemed to have grown wings coz it seemed to be flying out of her chest.
James sat down to where Ivan had seated. She was seating on the edge of her seat feeling nervous while avoiding his gaze.
“How are you?” James asked.
Devon glanced up and saw him watching her.
“I’m okay.” She answered.
“I’m James, by the way. James Force.” He introduced and stretched out his hand to her.
“I’m Devon… Devon Gutierrez.” She said and took James hand who gripped her hand longer than necessary.
“You look beautiful.” He said.
She was surprised not by the words but the way he said it. She looked up and flushed at the intensity of his stare.
“Thanks.” She said pink-cheeked, avoiding his eyes.
“It’s a fine day, don’t you think?” he said looking around and stretching his arms.
“Yes, it is.” She said and looking anywhere but to James direction.

CHAPTER 6

The two of them became silent for a while. The chirpings of the birds, the rustling of the winds and the roar of the waves could only be heard.
“Are you here on vacation?” James asked after a lengthy silence.
Devon was closely studying the butterfly that was flying from one flower to the other that she jumped when James spoke.
“What?... Oh, yes. I’m on vacation with some friends.” Devon answered glancing at James and went back to studying the butterfly. She stopped her study of the insect and turned around to face him.
“What about you? Are you on vacation too?” Devon asked.
“Yes, I need it. After 2 long, suffering years, I deserve a break.” He said, absently rubbing the back of his neck. Devon watched him silently.
He looked rather stressed, Devon thought and remembered the night he saw him… He was angry at someone and seemed to be very distressed at something.
James looked up at her and smiled. Devon who was studying his face turned red at the dazzling smile he directed at her.
“Wanna go somewhere?” James said smiling mischievously.
“Huh? Where to?” She asked.
James stood up beside her and grabbed her hand.
“Come on. I wanna show you something. You’ll love it.” He said, pulling Devon out of her chair and dragged her towards a deserted part of the place.
“Wait, James… where are we going?” She asked worriedly.
“You’ll see.” He said and dragged her to some part of the island, where there are boulders of rock and wild plants.
James was walking a little faster that Devon was finding it hard to keep up. She got a little irritated for James still won’t tell her where they’re going and she have to stumble once in a while and it got worse when he kept telling her to walk a little faster.
“For your information, Mr. Force I’m keeping up with you. You dragged me in this… this place and I don’t even know where we’re going!” Devon shouted at him and stumbled again… good thing James was holding her firmly or she’ll end up sprawled flat face on the sand… but she was finding it hard to be grateful to him.
“We’re almost there.” James told her.
“You’ve said that 5 times already Mr. Force and we still haven’t arrived to that godforsaken place you’re so excited to show me!” She said irritably.
James stopped walking and smiled down to her looking amused.
“You were saying? We’re already here.” He said teasingly.
“And call me James. Don’t be too formal” he added with a grin.
Devon saw a big Victorian villa stood near a cliff. She was gaping at the villa when James held her hand again and walked towards the back of the villa.
“How did you know about this place? Isn’t this a private property? James… Are you sure it’s alright to…? Devon asked worriedly. James stopped walking and turned back to her.
“Will you stop worrying? Trust me. We’re safe. We’re not trespassing because this place belongs to my grandfather.” He said with a lop-sided grin.
Devon looked up at him awestruck and glanced at the villa and back to James as if to connect the two. He just smiled and dragged her all the way to the back of the villa.
There she saw a wide garden with a dead fountain and withered flowers around it, a long winding staircase was located at the far side of the garden that takes you all the way to the sea below.
This place seemed deserted and lack of care, she thought.
She explored the place, James tailing at her heels.
“This place is wonderful. A little renovations and cleaning this will be a total grandeur.” Devon said smiling, glancing at James.
“Yeah, I know. I never got to that part yet. This was given to me just 3 months ago. In my grandpa’s last will, he gave this villa to me along with some lands in Cagayan.” James said.
“Oh… I’m sorry to hear that your grandfather has passed away.” She said with a look of sadness.
James just smiled and walked over to the fountain and sat.
“He was a great man… my grandpa. He was the one who introduced me to music.” James said lost in thought. Devon looked at him and remembered the night she found him playing the violin.
They fell silent… just viewing the scenery sprawled before their eyes.
“This place is really wonderful.” She said in the silence.
“Wanna go inside?” James suggested.
Devon agreed and together they walked toward the back door. She saw furnitures covered in white linen, cobwebs forming on the ceiling, and dusts were now forming on the floor.
“Sorry… it has not been maintained since my grandpa died.”
Devon glanced at him and just smiled and walked to the far end of the room where a grand piano was located.
“I’m planning to hire someone to renovate this place.” He said, looking around at the place and rested his gaze on Devon and smiled. She smiled back.
“You could renew the paint for a start, look for new furnitures and rugs… you need new lights too. A chandelier would be great in here.” She said looking up at the ceiling.
Devon, who was looking around, finally looked at James and she turned scarlet. James was lounging at the settee watching her with an amused smile playing on his lips. He stood up and walked toward the piano, rested his hip at the side, without moving his gaze upon her.
“Are you planning to turn this place into something like your dream house?” He teasingly asked.
“No, of course not. I was just… just suggesting what would be good to ch-change in this place as you already planned on renovating it.” She stammered embarrassed beyond compare and James gaze is making it worse.
“Your suggestions were right. I need to find a designer soon. I want this place done by the end of the year, as I’m planning to go back to Australia by next year… so much to be done there.” He said, sighing as he turned and walked a few steps to look out at the window overlooking the garden. Her gaze followed the tall, lean form and thought of the work he’s been doing. It must really be stressful, she thought. James turned his back from the window and walked the few steps towards her.
“Come”. He said, grabbing her hand and led her out to the garden.
“Where are we going?” She asked.
“Just follow me.” He answered.
They walk to the winding staircase and went all the way down to the shore. It was low tide, the sea breeze playfully blowing at the couple walking along the shore.
“Take off your slippers” James ordered.
“Why?” She asked blankly.
“We’re going for a swim.” He said with a grin.
“What? James… I’m not wearing fit for swimming.” She reasoned out.
James looked her up from head to foot that made Devon go red.
“It doesn’t matter. What you’re wearing is fine.” He said then grabbed her hand and walked towards the waters. They were several feet away from the shore and James stopped. The waters are now below James’s chest while Devon’s a little above her chest.
“Stand still.” He said still holding her hand under the waters. She obeyed and silently looked at the vast sea in front of them.
“Look.” James said in a whisper. She looked to were James was pointing and what she saw made her feel breathless from the fascinating creatures spread before them. Little fishes of different colors and shapes were now circulating around, swimming near them.
“Wow. James, they’re wonderful.” She said in awe, wonders shining in her eyes.
She went to touch a little blue fish that was nearest to her and laughed in delight when it started to nip at her forefinger which was very ticklish.
“I used to play here when I was young. You can say that they have been my playmates whenever I visit here.” He said while looking at the yellow fish near him.
Devon looked at him and wondered what kind of childhood he has… because he made it sound like he never really had someone to play with. They continued watching the little fishes swimming and started playing in the waters. James started splashing water at Devon who also thought the same thing. They were laughing and playing tag in the waters that there were all wet by the time the sun started to sink telling another lovely day has ended.
“Argh! I’m all wet.” Devon said catching her breath and laughing, keeping her distance from James who is now coming towards her with a roguish smile advancing like a predator who has found a very tasty prey. Devon ran towards the shore, James just right behind her. She was nearly at the welcoming dry sand when James caught up with her and encircled an arm around her waist.
“Gotcha!” James said laughing at the lady in front of him who was trying very hard to escape his hold. They were both laughing and enjoying each other’s company.
“Alright! You win, I quit.” She said after a while of struggling out of the clutches of her captor.
James let go of her and help her stand properly. They looked at each other catching their breaths and smiling.
“I had fun. Thanks.” She said after a while.
“My pleasure.” He answered.
They walked together up to the villa. Talking and laughing at each other’s story.
“I’m hungry.” James said.
“I have some bread left from earlier… OH NO!” Devon exclaimed, horror struck.
“What?” James asked worried.
“I really need to go. My friends must be worried sick about me.” Devon answered and ran the remaining steps to reach the top and out of there.
“Wait! I’ll come with you.” James called and followed her.