Chapter 5: Whirlwind Of Emotions 1

Damian had taken two weeks off from work, and with only two days left, he decided to make it romantic for both of them. On the first day, Carina woke up beside the kissing tree, feeling the cool weather on her skin. The woods were silent, and there was a sense of peace in the deep pervading calm. Damian asked Carina if she believed in fairytales, and she replied that she didn't. Suddenly, a hummingbird flew and rested on her shoulder, and Damian's voice echoed. Sounds came to life in the woods, and Carina was stunned as little green worms came crawling towards her. After the dance, the worms sat still, and Carina picked one up and placed it on her leg. A procession of ants appeared, and Carina watched as they lugged a dead spider to a tree trunk for breakfast. A gray squirrel came scurrying along and sat beside her, and butterflies fluttered upon the scene. Damian asked Carina again if she believed in fairytales, and she responded with a smile. They walked to the riverside, and Damian served her bacon and a small catfish he caught in the water. Carina was astonished by how delicious the fish and bacon were.

Everything appeared fairy-like to her, with each new scene more charming than the last. They enjoyed beautiful moments together, going to see a play in the theater and spending romantic time together. At night, they lay on the sand, watching the stars. Carina said, "I love the Maldives. I am intrigued by everything about it. The weather has a soothing effect. On clear nights, I feel transported out of the world, up to the celestial globe, spangled with refulgent stars. On clear days, I can find myself walking as in a dream through shining fields."

"It is indeed perfect," Damian smiled. "Tell me more about love, apart from what you wrote in your book," he said.

"What don't you know about love?" Carina asked.

"The way it is described matters. I fell in love with the description in your book. I yearn to hear more," Damian said, turning to face her. With the moonlight, he could still see her face. Her framing eyebrows arched like rainbows, her straight nose, her full lips that made him think of a dove in flight, and her sensitive chin. He was scarcely breathing at her beauty.

Carina said, "Love is light, the prince of colors. It is blinding. It blinds even when you are concentrating on other things. Love is -"

"I love you," Damian broke in.

She blushed. His hands cupped her face. "You don't have to say anything. I know you love me too," he said.

Carina drew back her head, raised her face to his, and their eyes locked. Tears glistened on her cheeks. The scent of lilacs poured heavily into the atmosphere. The moon glowed with colors and bathed her finely carved irony features, accentuating their perfection.

Damian asked, "Why does that look stay in your eyes?"

"What look?"

"That gleam."

Carina said softly, "My heart, my very life. That gleam is my love for you. Can you not tell? You round out everything I have ever wanted in this world, Damian," she called out his name romantically before saying, "I love you."

Damian loved so many things about her. He loved her maturity marked by the color and richness of her character. He loved her subtle depth of sympathy and understanding. Beauty is the outshining of the light inside her, so he loved everything that shines outwardly in her.

Carina said, "You are life to me. You are melody and the breath of flowers. You are honey and spice. You are my present and my future. You are my very soul. Apart from you, I have no soul."

Damian wanted to tell her that he would be leaving soon to travel to Los Angeles, but he remembered that he had a busier schedule. He wouldn't have time for her again.

Carina thought, 'We love each other, but we are not in a real relationship. I know nothing about him, and he knows nothing about me likewise. The universe connects us, but it isn't enough. I want to know him, but I will enjoy the moment with him and give it time till I ask him personal questions.'

He pulled her up from the ground. "Where are you taking me to this time?" Carina asked.

"Let's stroll."

They stopped at the bridge as Damian said, "The Maldives' weather is nice tonight."

"I love it," Carina said.

"The stars are complimented by your beauty."

Carina blushed. Damian slipped his hands onto her hips and pulled her close to him for a kiss. Carina didn't want the moment to end. His lips met hers as they both enjoyed a long, gentle, passionate kiss. Their emotions flowed unrestrictedly, their intensity growing stronger as they explored their mouths.

After their kiss, he took her to a club. When they stepped onto the dance floor, the DJ turned up the music for a new song. Damian seductively flowed with the music as they danced until their legs were worn out.

Damian held Carina's hand as she asked, "Where to now?"

"I want you to meet Beauty," Damian replied as they left the club.

Carina pulled her hand away, stopping near the yacht. "Who is Beauty? If you don't tell me now, I will leave."

Damian smiled. "Are you jealous?" he asked.

Carina was confused. "What are you saying? I thought we-"

Damian placed his hand around her waist. "Look at Beauty," he pointed.

Carina laughed at herself for thinking Beauty might be Damian's girlfriend, wife, or daughter. "The yacht's name is Beauty?" she asked.

"No, I made the name up."

Carina smiled and took his hand, boarding the yacht.

"Is this your first time on a yacht?" Damian asked as they stepped inside.

"Yes, I've always dreamt of being here, but I never knew a man would make my dream come alive. Where have you been all my life?" Carina said, following him to the small lounge.

Damian showed her the bedroom and dining room. "Be my guest. What can I offer you?"

"I don't know."

"Do you care for champagne?"

"Which champagne?"

"A Taste of Diamonds."

Carina was shocked. "You must be kidding. That's the most expensive champagne in the world. It costs $2.7 million if I'm not wrong."

Damian pulled out a bottle of A Taste of Diamonds from under the bench, leaving Carina speechless.

"What do you do for a living?" Carina asked.

"We'll get to know each other very well soon enough."

"When that day comes, just know I will be throwing you lots of questions."

"Okay, let's eat dinner."

***

Damian rode the yacht, dropping the anchor 300 feet from the shoreline. He watched Carina as she enjoyed the ride, admiring her beauty.

"You're so beautiful," Damian said.

Carina blushed at the compliment. This was her dream come true, to live a romantic lifestyle with a man like Damian who could make her dreams come alive.