Hello There!

This has been my longest fanfic story and the most fun to write :)

Thank you again for taking time to read, leave a review/comment, or like/follow.

Much Obliged,

Abby

Dalton's Promise

Chapter 5

He tries to remember. Closing his eyes, he wills himself to remember. His mind is not cooperating with him. He sighed deeply. Breathe in, breathe out. It frustrates him. He later joined Nina in the kitchen.

"Glad it somehow fits you. I cooked chicken stew and rice. If you want, we can have an early lunch and if you're up to it, we can go to the market later for a little while. Maybe a change of scenery, seeing different things will trigger your memory. What shall I call you for now?"

"I don't know. Maybe John? And yes, I'd like to go with you to the market please. I want to thank you for opening up your home to me. I'm extremely grateful. That being said, don't you think you should be careful on who you allow here? You don't even know me. "

Nina gave him a smile, "You have that kind of face. I don't feel threatened or unsafe. Usually my instincts are right. And now that I've spoken to you, I think you're good man. C'mon, eat up so you'll regain your strength."

He helped himself to a bowl of chicken stew and rice. When he looked at Nina again, he's startled because he saw someone different. Another woman…her back was to him… She has long dark hair… there was a bonfire… I hear her laughing… Then it was gone.

"Are you ok John?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm ok just brief memory flash. Before we go to the market, can you show me where you found me? There might be something there that's familiar."

"Yeah sure no problem, it is not far from here."

They went near the shore and over by the rocks. Nothing stands out. He looked to the wide open sea. He could have come from anywhere.

"How did you get me to your house?"

"I wrapped you in a thick blanket and then Joseph and I dragged you using the net we use to gather the seashells. Good thing there is no uphill climb."

He was amazed by the strength of the petite woman in front of her and even the kid Joseph. "Wow, how you managed that is beyond me. You're a modern day Wonder Woman Nina. I can't thank you enough for saving me."

"You're welcome John. Glad that I was able to help. Now we just need your memory back."

Later, they went to the market with Joseph in tow. John observed the people. Filipinos tends to be friendly and have ready smiles for everyone. There are other foreigners in the market place as well. A lot of them. Some are Spanish, Germans and even Japanese. This place is really a tourist magnet. There are tourist buses lined on the street. The different tour guides are on mikes and making their headcounts. Some are on their way to the beach, some are getting trinkets and souvenirs, while others are taking pictures and videos for their social media.

He observes the American ones especially the guys. Does he know any them or at least familiar looking? Are they looking at him? Is he being observed as well? After a while, he came to the conclusion that no one seems to be looking at him differently. They're all going about their own business. Maybe he's getting paranoid. He searched for Nina.

He found her at the clothes booth and she seems to be having a bit louder than normal conversation with another woman. Both are smiling as so he's guessing it's not an argument. He approached her.

"There you are. What's going on?" Nina and the woman conversed in their own dialect looked at him and both giggled.

Nina gave him a gentle poke on the ribs and said "Smile" through her teeth.

He looks at her confused. "Huh?"

She slightly turns her back to the woman and faces him and says "Give her a smile please."

With that, John looked at the other woman and he gave a rather awkward smile. He could have sworn the other woman swooned. The other woman then said to Nina "Ok, deal."

"Perfect!" Nina exclaimed, clapped her hands and gave the woman money. She handed Nina a big brown paper bag then she said her goodbyes and thank you and led him away from the woman.

"What the hell just happened?"

"I just bought some shirts and jeans for you, one that fits you."

He was about to argue about spending more money on him when he saw his reflection on a car window near them. Yeah Hulk. He thanked her and told her he thought their having an argument.

"No. I was haggling for the price. She's an old friend but she drives a hard bargain."

He's still not getting it. "And I needed to smile at her because…?"

"I guess what do you Americans say? …Icing on the cake? She finds you… hot! When you smiled at her, she agreed to give me the discount I was asking. "

For the first time since he woke up without his memory, he let out a belly rumbling laugh. It was a good feeling. "Why didn't you say so? If the smile could get a discount, maybe I could have changed my shirt there and maybe gotten everything for free."

She squint her eyes at him as if considering what he said momentarily "Hmmm, nope. She probably would die and then you'll get in more trouble." They both laughed out loud.

"You should smile more John. I now see what she means. Smiling looks good on you." He blushed a bit. "And for future reference, I know now that you're willing to go topless."

"Hahaha. Actually no, I'm kidding."

"Darn it. There goes my discounts."

"The lady got jokes. Ha-ha. Let's just go and find Joseph."

"Okay, He's usually by the toy booths." They saw Joseph and started walking towards him.

"Hey, who is that?" He's pointing to the guy Joseph is hugging.

"Oh that's Father Ben. He is our local preacher." Nina says casually.

"Preacher?" Preacher, preacher… Another memory flashes…

I'm in a car…we are laughing…I can't see a face… fist bumping someone…hands….