Chapter 29: Chapter 29

It was the second day of our vacation. The repeated knocks on my door jolted me awake.

I was still yawning and rubbing my blurry eyes when I opened it.

"What is it?" I grumbled, my eyes still half closed.

"You look terrible and your breath stinks."

My jaw dropped to the floor when I recognized who the owner of that voice was- it was Garren!

That's when I realized that I hadn't fixed my appearance yet. I didn't even bother to brush my hair!

Without any preamble, I slammed the door shut, which was a bad decision.

"Fucking hell!"

I heard his grunt and curse. I was alarmed. He obviously got hit by the door when I slammed it. I'm doomed!

I leaned against the door, pondering if I should open it again and apologize to him, or should I rinse my mouth and fix myself before facing him.

Before I could even decide, I heard the sound of his footsteps. And in less than a minute, I didn't hear anything outside but heavy silence.

I walked back to my bed, clutching my chest. I felt like I had run a mile.

"I hope he won't kill me. I didn't mean to hurt him anyway!" I had an internal discourse with myself.

I lay down and stared at the ceiling of my room. What does he need from me anyway and why was he knocking early this morning?

Having that thought, I searched for my phone. When I found it, I looked at the time- and my eyes almost fell from their sockets.

It's already quarter past eight already! Damn it!

I slept late last night because Lauren called. Worse, I forgot to set an alarm.

That's when I remember that Garren told us while we were having dinner to wake up early this morning 'cause we were going somewhere else.

I slapped my cheeks. I've already committed three offenses.

"He's really going to kill me."

Wasting no time, I almost jumped from the bed and rushed to the bathroom to wash my face.

I walked downstairs while still combing my hair.

"Good morning, Greyson!"

From the cartoon he was watching, he turned to me and beamed. He greeted me back.

"Eat your breakfast now, Cleo! I can't wait see  Elysian Arch."

His eyes are glimmering with excitement. So that's where we are going, huh?

"We were supposed to go there an hour ago, but you were still asleep."

I drew a breath. "I'm sorry. I slept late last night and forgot to set an alarm," I explained.

He giggled. "That's fine. We still have a lot of time anyway."

I opened the food cover. It was the usual bacon, hotdog, and bacon breakfast. But what made me drool was the garlic fried rice.

Greyson followed me into the kitchen and sat on the chair across from me. I invited him to join me, but he refused.

"We already ate. Dad really bought that for you."

My brows snapped together. He did what?! He's been acting hella weird. Or perhaps it's just me who gets weirded out.

But you can't blame me, though. He's the most apathetic person that I have ever met, with an exception to his son, of course. So these seemingly simple things really baffle me.

"Where is he anyway?" I asked and sat down on the chair after making coffee.

"He went out for a while. He looked like one of Santa's reindeer when I saw him." He giggled.

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

"His nose was so red. I asked him why. He said that he hit the wall."

I was knocked for six. Why did he lie?! To cover me up?!

"Speaking of... Dad! Show Cleo your red nose!"

I was fear stricken when I saw him enter the villa through my peripheral vision. He sat beside Greyson, and we're now face to-face.

I gathered all my resolve and lifted my gaze and smiled at him. I became agitated when I saw his silent glares at me. It's like he's telling me through those eyes that he would never let me off the hook for what I did to him.

My gaze went to his nose. I internally grimaced when I noticed that it still had a subtle taint of red. I must have slammed the door really hard in his face.

I cleared my throat and greeted him. "G-Good morning, sir. I'll finish my meal quickly so we can go now."

He rolled his eyes. "I didn't say that you should hurry yourself eating."

His sarcasm brought a flush on my cheeks.

I can't have a peaceful breakfast with Garren sitting in front of me, but I can't just drum him out. It's actually him who holds the power to expel me if he wants.

I was anticipating that he would confront me about what happened- but to my bewilderment, he didn't.

But I'm pretty sure that he won't let this day pass without accosting me about it and making me pay for what I did- although I didn't even mean that.

After I had my quick breakfast, I went back to my room to change my clothes into a jumpsuit dress. I was contemplating whether I should wear the sun hat too, because I wasn't really sure if it would suit me, but I chose to wear it anyway.

Garren and Greyson were already outside the villa, and I was the only one they were waiting for.

"You look gorgeous with that dress, Cleo!"

The latter's compliment made my heart flutter.

"Thank you."

I turned to Garren. He's looking down at me. Our gaze suddenly met, and I noticed how his eyes widened a fraction, as if he was caught red-handed.

He looked away and got the key from his pocket. He walked past me and locked the door.

"Let's go. The boatman is already waiting for us."

I was planning to walk behind them, but Greyson grabbed my hands.

When we reached the shore, there was indeed a boat waiting for us. Garren was the one who stepped inside first, and he carried his son.

When it's my turn, I didn't reckon that he would extend his hand, offering help.

"I can manage, sir." I politely refused.

He frowned. Don't tell me he's fussing over the fact that I refused his help?

I was waiting for him to speak, but he didn't say anything. I shrugged my shoulder and just ignored him.

The boat has four seats including the boatman's. I settled myself on the right side, beside Greyson's seat, while his father sat at the back.

The sailor asked if we're all set. I and Greyson answered yes in chorus. Not so long after that, the boat starts moving.

"The Elysian Arch is one of Santorini's most beautiful rock formations," Garren said when Greyson asked him about the place.

"Now I'm getting thrilled to see that place in person," he remarked.

As we get further from the shore, I get a much wider view of the island. The aqua-blue ocean mesmerized me. I can see the sea bed because of how clear the water is.

My breath is taken away by how the rays of the sun collides with the calm waves of the ocean.

I guess this island being private and isolated helps in conserving its beauty.

"These corals are so beautiful!" I'm in awe while staring at the colonies of coral polyps under the sea.

I fished out my phone and took a picture of the beautiful scenery around us.

We reached the Elysian Arch in less than half an hour- and as soon as I got off the boat and set foot on the beautiful white sand blanketing the shore, I couldn't help but close my eyes to relish the tranquility.

A chorus of sun-warmed grains sings the melody of the beaches right into my soul. I couldn't wish for anything more as the seabed swaps the salty brine for oceanic air, sending me to paradise.

The cliff formations, however, were the one that utterly took my breath away. They are like an archway floating on the ocean that leads to a different dimension.

Greyson pulled me to amble around the place. He took a couple of pictures of the scenery.

I was admiring the sun in silence when Garren suddenly appeared and stood beside me. The peace that I was relishing a while ago vanished into thin air.

I waited for him to speak, but he just stands there, hands in his pockets, and his eyes are transfixed on the seascape in front of us.

"Do you need something, sir?" I could not bear the awkwardness anymore.

He finally turned to me. "Nothing."

"Then why are you here?"

His forehead creased. "What? Am I not allowed here, Cleo? Do you perhaps own this spot?"

I internally rolled my eyes. Of all the space here, he chose to stand beside me for absolutely no reason?

This man is not in his right mind.

•••••

We stayed at Elysian Arch for almost an hour. Before we went back, Garren also toured us to the Gloom Cave. I was beyond astonished by how magical that place was. We also went kayaking, which I really enjoyed. This day was pretty tiring, but at least I got to have a whale of a time.

When night falls, before I go back to my room, I prepare Greyson's bed.

"I'm done brushing my teeth!"

He emerged from the bathroom. I helped him take off his clothes and made him wear an onesie.

"You look so adorable!" I pinched his nose.

"Aish! Stop that, Cleo!"

We were playing when the door suddenly opened—and Garren walked inside.

"Can I interrupt the fun and talk to you for a while, Greyson?"

He looked at me, confused. I shrugged my shoulders because I myself don't have any idea why his father came here.

"Sure, dad. What is it?"

He sat on the opposite side of the bed. "Are you having fun so far?"

His son nodded fervently. "Of course, dad! The Elysian Arch and the Gloom Cave look magical. I also enjoyed our kayaking. I can't wait to show my friends our pictures!"

Garren ruffled his hair. "I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the vacation. But that's actually not the main reason why I came here."

The atmosphere turned heavy and serious. I feel like my presence isn't needed, so I stood up. But before I could leave, Garren spoke.

"You can stay, Cleo."

Although befuddled, I did what he said and sat back on the bed.

"What is it that you want to tell me, dad?"

He let out a deep breath and held his son's hand. "I haven't been a good father to you, Greyson. I wasn't there when you felt alone. I wasn't there to console you during those times when you felt sad. I wasn't there to wipe your tears while you're crying, nor was I there to celebrate your achievements."

The lines between Greyson's brows faded. His expression softened too.

"I was absorbed with work that I abandoned you unconsciously. I failed to fulfill my duties as your father and made you feel like your efforts were not enough."

Tears glisten in Greyson's eyes as he listens to his dad. I couldn't help but feel a pinch in my chest.

"I haven't said these words that you deserve to hear, son."

He gently cupped his son's cheeks.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry for failing and for making you feel like you're not enough. I'm sorry if I wasn't there when you needed me the most."

Greyson couldn't hold it anymore and let his tears relentlessly cascade down his cheeks.

"I know my apologies are not enough to mend the pain I caused you, but I promise to do everything to make it up to you. I promise to be a better father to you, son."

Garren pulled him into a tight hug. "Dad loves you, Greyson."

"I-I love you too, dad," he replied in between his sobs. "And I forgive you."

I smiled cordially. Everything is falling into place for him, and I couldn't be happier.