Here's another chapter of I am Your Life. I hope you enjoy my melodramatic chapter, whahaha!
And the phone rang.
Takuya pushed the button and held his cell phone to his ear, but he didn't speak first.
"Koji," Takuya breathed. He didn't seem surprise or relieved, the way he felt.
"No," he said, glancing at the back. He listened for a long moment.
"She's ignoring me." He described Zoe. "Whatever made her like this...I'll have to deal with it." He paused. "Yes," he said into the phone, and then he spoke to Koichi.
"Hello?" Koichi breathed
"Koichi," Takuya said.
"Oh, Takuya! We're on a mini tour bus."
"We are?" he sighed in frustration, "We're a few inches apart and you're calling me on the phone?" Takuya realized only now.
The phone went dead; the cloud of depression began to creep over him again.
"Where are we exactly going?" Takuya asked. Zoe was so unbelievable good to hear his voice. She felt the hovering of despair lighten and drift back as he spoke.
"Where. Are. We. Going."
Zoe sighed. "First, we're going to River Kwai Jungle, then to Floating Market, then to Crocodile Farm, and last but not the least, Rose Garden." Takuya heard Zoe's quick words blurring together into a humming noise.
"It's really good to hear you talk."
"I had enough of ignoring you."
"You mean you forgive me?"
"No."
"Then why aren't you ignoring me?"
"Because you're unanswered questions are getting on my nerves and seeing you begging for thirty minutes makes my day."
"That'll be fine."
"Yes—so shut up. Follow me if you want but if that gets on my nerves, you'll be sorry."
"What do I have to do for you to forgive me?"
Before Zoe could answer the tour guide stood, her face eager. The girl looked happy more than anything. She flipped a strand of short black hair behind one ear and smiled with needless warmness.
"Hello. My name is Brandy, and I'll be your tour guide today," she greeted. "River Kwai Jungle Rafts Kanchanaburi Ratchaprarop rd Makkasan, Rajthevee Bangkok Thailand. The River Kwai Jungle Rafts is situated on the River Kwai Noi, Kanchanaburi Only 190 kilometers from Bangkok by road and another 40 minutes by boat only accessible by boat. The River Kwai Jungle Rafts have a little piece of paradise to offer you in the heart of the jungle, and visit to this floater."
The shadows of the palm trees slanted across the freeway—defined, sharper than Zoe remembered, paler than they should be. Nothing could hide in these shadows. The bright, open freeway seemed benign enough.
"Are you open for new experiences together that will make you never forget?" Brandy had asked, and everybody flinched, though her voice was quiet exciting and alarming. It was the second sound, beside the purr bus.
Everybody cheered automatically.
Though, Zoe didn't have a vague expression of leaving the bus—the sun was just rising behind the horizon. She brought out her camera to take a few pictures of the Jungle.
"Welcome to River Kwai Jungle Rafts Kanchanaburi. The floating rafts in the Riverwai Resort, stream of the history of Thailand. And maintaining the integrity of natural best. You will experience the true nature on the floating rafts and also the international standard accommodation. We are confident that you will not feel insecure. Here do not need electricity. But you will feel comfortable if you were among rivers and forests. "River Kwai Jungle Rafts is an ideal destination for everyone who seeks not only a magical place to getaway to but also a legend to be experienced. Your visit will be rewarded with a life-long memorable experience that once you have ever been overnight on the historic River Kwai," Brandy explained before they move on. "This time, we'll take a boat through the streams," she said as they slowly walked to the dock. The ten people, filed on the good for twelve people motorboat. As the boat roared into life, they started to drift away from the land. "The magnificent close-to-nature floating lodge founded in 1976 on the historic River Kwai, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. You will enjoy not only the stunning nature surroundings of tropical forest, but also a unique blend of the culture and tradition of Mon people, and the history of World War II. It has been over 31 years that they serve all discerning travelers with friendliness and hearty service making our Jungle Rafts distinct from the others," she continued explaining. "The magical settings, the simple yet awesome services have already gained the reputation of becoming the outstanding housing raft in Kanchanaburi in Thailand. Resembling a floating home, Jungle Rafts can be defined as simply marvelous. Resembling nothing less than paradise, the room facilities at Jungle Rafts gives you a taste of living in style even in the midst of Nature. The legendary River Kwai in Kanchanaburi is undoubtedly the perfect place to be the location of Jungle Rafts where you can thoroughly enjoy the magic of nature." "Well this is unusual," Koji's coarse voice boomed. "So medieval," an unpleasantly shrill, Koichi's voice gushed back. A few people snap pictures of the floating cabins.
Brandy took a deep sigh. "Getting to this magical place is half the fun. An exhilarating forty-minute boat trip from Pakseng pier or fifteen-minute from Resotel pier through spectacular gorges, beckoning beaches and clusters of brilliantly colored birds, delight the senses as one ventures deeper into the wild of the jungle.
"As for their concept of original floating hotel, instead of using electricity, we conserve the natural ambience with our Jungle Rafts concept by using lamp for lighting your room," she continued.
And they passed a floating Restaurant. "Dine under the clear blue sky and see the river flowing in its own pace. Enjoy this unique dining experience at Jungle Rafts. Wooden table and chairs make for the perfect decor and you can begin your day with a hot American Breakfast. As the day goes, enjoy a sumptuous lunch and a lovely dinner consisting of Thai specialties.
"Serving sumptuous American breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring Western delicacies and Thai specialties, round the clock, the restaurant overlooking the river is fine for open air dining. The sitting arrangements comprise of wooden furniture's which even unfinished lends it a natural look."
Zoe raised her hand for asking a question. "Would there be Facilities and Services?"
"Of course," Brandy responded in a silky voice, her eyes flickering between Zoe's face and Takuya. "They surely serve their guests with unforgettable experience during their stay with truly, touchy, and unique natural environment along with friendly services."
"They guarantee our guests that they would feel, touch, and enjoy gorgeously enrich-green natural surrounding than they would ever be. Like what we're having now, a boat trip. You could also have a Thai Traditional Massage.
"For recreation, guests do not need to leave the premises as there are plenty of activities available. Guests can try out canoeing and pay a visit to the nearby cave and beautiful waterfalls or explore the jungle on an elephant back. Being situated on the shores of the legendary river, guests can enjoy a swim in the river. Enjoy the tribal Mon Folk dances in the evening or go for a pampering massage session.
"Apart from enjoying the nature walks, trekking, mountain biking, canoeing down the river and discovering the beauty of the waterfalls, flora and fauna and paying a visit to the Mon Villages, guests can have a great time at the Jungle Rafts enjoying the live orchestra of authentic traditional Mon Dance, a very rare performance that hardly find elsewhere today.
"But of course, we are only here seven-thirty until nine-thirty," a few people cried an aw's. "Don't worry, guys, we will have an Elephant Riding."
While they're riding on an elephant, Takuya and the rest of his friends weren't quite listening to the tour guider's explanation.
"This is your chance to make a move," Koji hissed.
"I know," Takuya replied.
"Then what are you waiting for?" Koichi questioned.
"Christmas?" Shinya added.
"Look, I know what I'm doing," Takuya snapped. "She'll talk to me somehow, maybe not now."
"Maybe. Just maybe." Koji repeated.
"If you don't do something quick nothing's gonna happen now that we've got Zoe cornered," Koichi reminded him.
"As you can see boys," Zoe interrupted without looked at them. "I can hear you. So keep it down a little."
Takuya bit his lip and continued their conversation silently. "I know guys. Believe me, I know what I'm doing. It's like you don't know me."
"Come and get her, then," Shinya challenged.
"Soon, as soon as I possibly can. I will have to give her some time." His voice as hard.
"Could you believe that, I can still hear you, quieter please?" Zoe laughed to herself.
"Yes, Ma'am," the boys answered in unison.
"She has a strong sense of hearing," Koji commented.
"Keep talking Koji!" Zoe shouted from her back.
"You know, your ex-girlfriend could be sometimes pretty annoying when she does that!" Koji obeyed Zoe's order.
They got to the Floating Market after three any half hours. Luck was with Zoe, or maybe it was just good odds. Floating Market was all Zoe need: the biggest, the most confusing.
"Okay, we'll meet exactly at eleven o'clock , okay?" Brandy announced then her tourists were gone.
Zoe led the way, for once more knowledgeable about her surroundings than the boys were. She took the stairs down to the floating market. Zoe spent a long time looking at the souvenirs. Zoe could hear the boys discussing.
She waited for the opportunity, impatient, unable to stop her toe from tapping. She sat in the long rows of chairs, Takuya and his friends pretending to people-watch but really watching her. Every inch Zoe shifted was followed by q quick glance out of the corner of their eyes. It was hopeless. Should she run? Would they dare to stop her physically in this public place? Or would they simply follow her?
The minutes passed. It was amazing how very cell in her body seemed to know Takuya was coming. That made it very hard. She found herself trying to think excuses to stay, to talk to Takuya first then make her escape. But she knew it was impossible if she was going to have any chance to get away.
Several times Takuya offered a subject to talk about. Later, she told him, not yet.
She stared at the sky, watching the people selling fruits, vegetables, etc. from a small boat, the excellent quality of soil beside the canal is very fertile and suitable for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables. The area is famous for Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, mangoes, bananas, and coconut. Thai style canoes laden with colorful, succulent fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats, gently ply their way through the canal.
"Thailand, is a famous tourist attraction, isn't it?" Takuya said quickly.
"Yeah, sure, of course," Zoe replied.
"Do you mind if we ride on the boat?" Koichi asked.
"Yeah, we're feeling a little…bored." Shinya finished the sentence. Zoe's eyes were wild enough to convey what Shinya said.
Zoe eyes were confused, but—Takuya saw her relief—but she agreed.
They walked silently to the colorful wooden boat, Zoe's camera still on her hand, as if she never wanted to let go of it. She pretended a lack of interest in the first few offering tasty local procedure., her head scanning for what she really wanted.
"So if Thailand's so great, why are you living in Shibuya?" Takuya asked as they passed a few markets.
"Good question," Zoe pointed. "I should've stayed with my grandparents, I shouldn't have joined my parents so I wouldn't met a stinking scum like you," she explained. "Point taken?"
"Oooh…" the boys except for Takuya boomed.
"Then why did you declined your grandparent's offer?" Takuya questioned.
"One, because I'm almost graduating. Two, it's none of your business. And three, don't I ever get a privacy?" she groaned. "Don't worry, when I graduated, I'll make sure you'll never see me again!"
"Ouch!" Koji, Koichi and Shinya muttered.
Takuya and Zoe stared eyed them irritatingly.
"Okay, we'll shut up," Shinya promised.
The gang got to Crocodile Farm, the gang ran to the caged Tiger.
"Whoa." Shinya exclaimed.
"This is the first time you saw a tiger?" Zoe asked.
"Nope…is just been a while," Shinya said. Zoe nodded, taking a few snaps of the tiger with her camera.
As soon as she's done taking pictures of the tiger, she was walking to the Food Court. The boys followed her, as usually.
After they had their lunch, Zoe takes a look at her pictures in her camera.
"Zoe," Koji called. "Would you—"
"I forgive all of you except for Takuya," Zoe interrupted without looking at them.
"Just my friends, and my little brother? Oh c'mon Zoe , now you're being unfair." Takuya eyes drifted, then focused on Zoe.
"Good…now shut up," Takuya didn't answer. Zoe stood. "Don't you wanna see a Crocodile measuring six meters (19 feet, 8 inches) and weighing 1114.27 kilograms (2465 pounds)?" Zoe challenged.
"Don't lose your temper, big brother?" Shinya reminded him as they followed Zoe.
Takuya looked at his hands, surprised.
As the gang explore the crocodile farm they saw a wide variety of animals other than crocodiles, including elephants, lions, tigers, monkeys, horses, and hippos. There were frequent crocodile shows, famous for the performers putting their heads inside a crocodile's mouth. Elephant shows display the dexterity of elephants as they walk tightropes, ride skateboards, and dance. They also explore the dinosaur museum.
At Rose Garden, Zoe stayed outside the arena while Koji, Koichi and Shinya running inside the arena.
"Aren't you coming with us?" Takuya's voice sounded calm, but there was an undercurrent of something Zoe couldn't identify.
"It looks like the resort also offers a number of cultural shows including handicraft skills, Thai boxing, and sword fighting—Aren't you coming with them?"
Takuya and Zoe stared at each other.
"Are you sure you're not coming?" Takuya asked, still calm.
"No, not at all—I suppose you're not coming—your friends are giving us a time alone." She replied as she walked away. "Would you have any more reason to follow me?" Zoe asked, breaking Zoe's reverie.
Takuya ran beside her. "No, I was alone for ten years. I was a terrible person," Takuya admitted.
"So there's no way you're gonna leave me alone?" Zoe asked intently.
"No, I don't even think you don't care. I'm sure you don't care."
"Of course I care, you think I liked to be followed?" Zoe asked in a casual voice.
"How come your forgive them?" Takuya said, his voice trailing off. He didn't miss the look Zoe gave her.
"Why don't you ask yourself I didn't forgive you," her voice was still casual.
"Yes," Takuya whispered. "Just asking."
They all went to the garden in silence, staring to the flowers. The site comprises 75 acres of perfectly manicured grounds with a lake as a central feature.
"Zoe, are you ever gonna talk to me?"
"What kind of a question is that? We're already talking," she reassured him. She focused her camera to the Rose and there were a snap. "What makes you think I'd forgive you?"
"Just hoping that you will."
"I thought so."
"You are—but you're not going home, are you?" His voice trembled.
"I—I thought about that while ago," she said. "I won't let you ruin my six days."
"We're not here to ruin your vacation—I'm wanted to talk to you."
"Talk?" she asked.
He thought about it. "I don't think there's any way it could hurt—"
"Takuya," she interrupted. "We've already talked. Listen, do you think I'm stupid that I wouldn't find out that you're following me?" Zoe shoved him.
"No, of course not," he quickly answered. "Well, I wished you didn't," he told himself.
"Then why can't you let me go?" she made a face.
"Maybe I'm not ready."
"I broke up with you even though I'm not ready."
"I'm not as brave as you."
"I'm not coward as you."
"Why do you have to be so mean?" he asked her quietly.
"Why are you acting like a jerk?"
"I asked you first."
"It's none of your business."
"Then mind your own business."
Zoe groaned and ignored him. Zoe settled into the bridge. She thought about calling Nathan, but she wasn't sure if she should be home by now or not. She concentrated on her vacation, watching the birds singing, or about to fly—watching a butterfly circling her—anything that made her forget him.
Neither Takuya nor Zoe seemed to feel the need to do anything at all.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you," Takuya finally said.
Zoe sniffed and faced him. "Yes. I am mean, rude and stubborn, but that's what I am, you've got a problem with that?"
Takuya watched Zoe's burning emerald eyes.
"Are you happy now?" she whispered, poking Takuya.
Two pairs of eternal eyes stared at each other.
"That's what I like about you."
Zoe was already off the bridge, camera in hand. They were already walking back to the bus. Zoe sat on the bench in front of the bus, uncharacteristically, Takuya slid closer to Zoe. He lightly touched his hand to her shoulder, and the physical contact seemed to make his calming influence stronger. The angriness stayed dull, unfocused. As usual, Zoe slapped Takuya's hand on her shoulders.
"Takuya," she said. Takuya looked at her numbly. "One more touch, I swear you're going to regret it."
"Zoe, don't you have any feelings for me anymore. You can't hide it forever."
"What I feel for you is madness," the words were like a vest, holding her head above the flood.
"Yes, I'm catching that. But how are you going to move on if you don't even forgive the one you left?"
Zoe stood and her back facing. "You…you...have no right to tell me that, Takuya!" Despite Takuya, the hysteria bubbled in her voice.
She walked away again and something stopped her from walking away.
"I won't stop until you forgive me."
She faced him. "You can't win, Takuya. You'll give up soon. Don't you see what I'm doing? You're not making it better at all. You'll find someone, and you'll hurt someone…Takuya, you can't—"
"I'm here for us to give ourselves one more chance to talk clearly, Zoe," he assured her.
"And what if you're embarrassing yourself, Takuya? Do you think that's okay with me?"
Takuya looked meaningfully at Zoe. A deep, heavy fog of leathery washed over them, and Zoe's eyes closed without her permission. Their minds struggled against the fog, realizing what was happening. She forced her eyes open, stepping away as Takuya stepping closer to her.
"I don't want this," she snapped.
Then a thick crowd came out of the arena. As the driver got in, Zoe ran quickly inside it.
When they got to the hotel, she walked into her room and shut the door, slammed it really, so she could be free to go to pieces privately. She shoved herself on the sofa. This time they didn't follow her. For three a half hours she stared at the wall, curled in a ball, rocking. Her mind went in circles, trying to come up with some way out of this nightmare. There was no escape, no reprieve. She could see only one possible end looming darkly in her future. The only question was what if Takuya was right.
The only solace, the only hope she had left, was knowing that she might be right even though she's wrong. Maybe, if she could just see Takuya's face again today, she would also be able to see the solution that eluded her now.
She simple lied down and looked at the blank walls with her timeless eyes. Zoe, seemed to have no urge to pace, or peek through the curtains, or run screaming out the door, the way she did.
Takuya looked at the clock, it was five-thirty in the evening.
"Let me guess, it turned out pretty like an argument," Koji told Takuya.
"I give Zoe a nine while you get a four," Koichi breathed.
"She's always pissed," Takuya complained. "How are we supposed to talk if she always starts the fight."
"Then check her out in her room," Shinya advised.
"Let's just hope she doesn't threw her clothes to you this time," Koji joked.
Takuya's stomach twisted uneasily at his words.
Takuya knocked but nobody answered. He twisted the door knob even though it's useless but it wasn't, the door was unlocked. When he got in, Zoe was still on the couch. He kneeled beside her then smiled to himself. Her face was so perfect when she's asleep. The touch of his hot hands woke Zoe briefly as he carried her to the bed, but what she can see was a blur.
"Would you put me down whoever you are," she muttered lazily.
Takuya chuckled silently. She was unconscious again before her head hit the pillow. Takuya removed her boots and covered her with her blankets. And then left a message on the table beside her. Then left the room with the door locked.
Zoe could feel it was too early again when she woke, and she knew she was getting the schedule of her days and nights slowly reserved. She grabbed her MP3 and plugged her earphones through her ears and lay in her bed and listened to the soft rock of her MP3. That were loud enough for her to hear at all was strange. She rolled till her feet touched the floor and then staggered to the living room.
The clock on the TV said it was just after five in the morning. She sat on the sofa. She looked up, too engrossed.
She crept to her side to peek. And realized something.
"How did I—I was here—" she asked herself quietly.
She ran in the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror. "What did Takuya do?" she groaned and saw a piece of paper on the table beside her bed.
She picked it up, her hand was shaking:
I love you. I am so sorry. I am so very, very sorry.
Don't be angry with my friends even though you're already not. Thank you for everything.
I came in your room, hoping to talk with you, turns out you fall asleep on your couch.
And please, please next time don't forget to lock your door. Please, don't think I did something to you, I only carried you in your bed, nothing else.
I love you.
Forgive me.
Takuya.
Zoe grumbled the letter carefully, and threw it away from her. Eventually she will find it. She only hoped she would understand him, and he would understand her, and they listened to each other just once.
I'm sorry if it could be so boring =((