C3 3

The end to another fun and adventure filled day left Steffie tired and wanting the comfort of a soft bed.

The visit to the boat house and the maze explored was enlightening. The stone design within the yard and how they all resembled the head of lions lived up to the name of the place. The folk story was unique as ever and quite captivating. Taking in the landscape of the place, the cone shaped roof gazebo, and even the stone maze; one had to admit that it was very alluring. Quite an experience of fun for someone who had a love for nature and adventure.

Taken to a popular street to do window shopping was something the girls, Julianna, and Ellisa, welcomed and enjoyed while Steffie followed glancing at whatever was on display with no interest. When she could take no more, she stomped her feet and cried out. "Please-e-e-e. No more walking. No-o-o-o more, please-e-e-e-e!"

Lissa and Julianna glanced at each other then smiled. While strolling along, they came across another local shop where they settle for a bite. Although it was quite local with the cuisine but they had a range of western foods as well.

Reminiscing on the activities of the day, Steffie's face curled into a soft grin. Rolling to her side, making herself comfortable beneath the cold sheets she drifted off to sleep. Images of a handsome but aloof man slipped in and she wondered what it would be like if he showed a gentle side. When he'd taken her hand, assisting in getting her steady, sparks flowed like being shocked from a live wire. Glancing up at him, he'd shown no reaction. Was she the only one who felt it?

Impossible!

Yet, it seemed like this. The saying opposites attract was suddenly dancing in her thoughts as she felt a magnetic pull towards him. Sheepishly, she inhaled his masculine musk and shivered with longing. Longing she thought was long dead. Only one person could invoke such reaction and its been years since. She was madly in love then and had given herself over without regret. A night of lust and sweet passion. A night forever burned into her mind. But he was not him, and she felt herself burned for his touch.

The alarm of her watch suddenly went off, jolting her from the dream. It was a new day. Rolling over to her back, she sighs with discontent, got up and got ready.

The ride down to the foyer was non-eventful, just as well the ride to their next destination. Although the journey was just as long as before, Steffie didn't mind because she was lost in thought trying to analyze the dream she had. He reminded her of the past. But why?

Arriving at their destination, the guide pointed out places or structures along the way that were of some significance. The buildings were quite tall and imposing but they failed to wow Steff as she continued with her thoughts.

The waterfront of this new town showcased the colonial era buildings of the past. It was a great delight to see these in person and immediately Steffie pushed away her brooding mood.

Her soft fair skin, made a lot lighter from the cold atmosphere, glowed with excitement. Glancing around, she took in the stunning view of the ocean like lake. Across the lake was a stunning view of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It was quite a sight in the fog. So tall and imposing. Walking along, the guide took them to the 1st road where the high-end shopping mall were.

Taking a breath to calm her irked nerves, she rolled her eyes. "You guys are not serious. Are you all for real?"

"What do you mean?" Jules asked innocently.

"Shopping. again?" lifting both hands in exasperation. "Again!?" she repeated, making her point.

Ellissa and Julianna eyed each other then turned back to Steffie, "What's wrong with that?"

"Urrg" Shaking her head as if talking to a wall. She grumbled to herself and walked past. "Steffie girl, what are you in for?" a fit of giggling girls exploded behind her. Damnit, she didn't sign up for this. Were they trying to make it miserable for her? All this pointless walking and shopping?

With fierce displeasure, she marched on then suddenly stopped. Letting the girls lead the way. She could only comply with them for now. She followed as Ellissa and Julianna perused a variety of stores in search for who knows what.

With dignity in tatters, Steffie looked at the bright side of things. They did explore quite a bit of fun places and exhibits, so the least she could do was fold for an hour or two while they shopped. With that sentiment, she made peace with and relaxed into the shopping spree.

The day passed by swiftly and quietly. Steffie explored a few souvenir stalls and even purchased a few. They ended the day with a night tour on the river. The beautiful lights of tall buildings lit up the darkened sky. Colors of red, blue, green, gold blinked in sync, lighting up the area and reflecting on the calm lake.

The smooth sailing along the vast lake, sightseeing the city at night, was so-o-o romantic. She glowed, flirting with time at hand for it was a memory she would cherish. As the ride came to an end she disembarked with a solemn smile and fragile hope.

Hope that one day she could return to this very city with the one she could share such beautiful romantic content with.

A handsome but intimidating face floated within the peripheral of her mind. Squeezing her eyes closed and shaking her head as if to chase the thought away she wondered, Why do I think of him?

Turning back to the view at hand, she tried not to let her mind wander. The atmosphere was titillating, and the lights were magnificent.

Turning in, she was just settling into her room when she had the overwhelming feeling of discomfort. Taking in her surroundings, she found it to be quite displeasing. Steffie could feel the bile rise within her throat. Ready to suffocate her, but she tried her best to curb the revulsion. She observed the entire room until she found it tolerable. It's just for one night, she told herself.

At the crack of dawn, Steffie glanced at the room once more and the disgust she'd restrained couldn't be kept in check no more. She showered, gathered her things and uttered calming thoughts to herself.

Joining Lissa and Jules for breakfast in the large ballroom, she sighed.

"How did you sleep?" Lissa probed coughing, hiding a smile, awaiting what was coming.

"Do you even have to ask?" she rolled her eyes.

"Yes. I'd love your reaction to your night."

Julianna snickered.

"Slept okay but felt quite uncomfortable." Steff tried to restrain a shiver. "What about you guys?"

"Well-l-l, it was quite an experience. Slept o-okay-y, almost as if with one eye open." Lisa mumbled, scanning the room.

Steff giggled, "were you worried that the gems in the room would devour you in your sleep?"

Giving Steff a look that spoke volumes, she then shivered and closed her eyes, trying to ward off the terrible little termites. Jules and Steffie giggled out loud.

"Not really, but it felt like my skin was crawling with phobia." Steffie and Jules cracked up further. "That ain't funny." Lissa hissed.

"No, it isn't. But this place gave me the creeps. Everything here is just...labeled germs."

"How's the feeling?" Steff smiled, looking at Jules.

"Its not as overwhelming as you guys feeling but just the same I'd say this isn't somewhere I'd return to again."

"Hmm, it seems we all had the same kind of experience. Was it like ants crawling under your skin?" Jules asked.

"Yes, it wasn't pleasant at all." Lissa quivered.

"Thank God its only one night." Steff shuddered, I wouldn't be able to cope with another.

"Amen to that." Jules agreed. "What time are we leaving this miserable dump anyways?"

"Wow...overkill, much." Steffie laughed out.

"As if you weren't thinking about the same thing." Jules pointed out, rolling her eyes.

"Well-l-l, you did say it kinder than I would, but, oh what the hell." All the girls laughed. The hall echoed with their laughter and the other diners turned in their direction, probably wondering what's the joke.

"Let's look forward..."