She's My Sleeping Pill

As of the moment, they’re crossing the Mactan Bridge – one of the famous bridges in the Philippines along with San Juanico Bridge that connects Samar and Leyte.

Cayenne could feel the vibrations of the ground through the car and it thrilled her at the same time made her feel worry.

“I feel really nervous now that I see the place with my own eyes.” She commented as they slowly descend on the ramp which connects the place to another city. “It’s really amazing. The bridge is shorter compared to other bridges I’ve visited before but it is still amazing.”

“I’ll bring you to states sometime and we can cross the Golden Gate. I’m pretty sure you will like it.”

“Sure. I’m looking forward to that.” She excitedly responded and kissed his knuckles several times. It’s a mystery how they didn’t get tired of holding their hands. Wherever they go, Stefan’s hand would naturally seek the comfort of his wife’s hand and he wouldn’t let go of her unless he needed to. If it was other couple, they would certainly feel annoyed and think that their partner is too clingy.

However, being clingy has a different opposite to Stefan. It’s not certain if it’s only for now or forever but Stefan loves it when Cayenne acts clingy and coy in front of him. Nah! He’d even allow her to hold his life in the cusp of her palms.

.....

Since it was Christmas break, the highways weren’t that traffic and they were able to reach their destination earlier than expected. Stefan parked the car with the help of some people who lead them the way to the right parking lot and he gave them tips.

They stretched their legs the moment they got out of the car which have been sore from sitting for too long. Cayenne also checked her handbag to make sure that she got all her little things that she needed. As for Stefan, he only have his camera in his left hand and Cayenne’s hand on the other – that’s that.

Cayenne looked around and saw some street vendors and her stomach growled on time. Stifling his laughter, Stefan led the way and got her some snacks. They’re rich but they were once poor and lived an ordinary life. So having street food was something normal to them.

“I want two banana cues and two bottles of water.” Stefan stated but it was Cayenne who paid. Obviously, he’s wallet and cards were given to her.

Other couple has this notion of my money is mine and your money is yours. That’s true for couples who both work. In their case, Cayenne’s money is hers and Stefan’s money is hers. Even if she will refuse it, she will still find his cards and wallet inside her bag. Sometimes, if Stefan has to go out alone, he will bring his wallet and a card which was for emergency purposes. And by emergency, that’s when he sneaks out and buy matching outfits without her knowledge.

The two of them walked side by side while eating. Stefan’s camera was dangling around his neck as he ate his food.

“Too sweet.” He commented while opening the water bottle with his teeth.

“You can let go of me, you know.”

“No way!” He answered immediately before he could drink his water. “I like it like this.”

Cayenne could only roll her eyes out of helplessness. What else can she do?

As they walked towards the center of the plaza where the famous Magellan’s Cross can be seen, something caught Stefan’s attention.

“What is that place?” He mumbled which caught Cayenne’s attention as well. She followed his line of sight and saw the amazing masterpiece which parallels to the beauty of other Ruins that she saw in books.

“Let me check.” She stated and this time, Stefan let go of her hand so she can get her phone from her bag. Before leaving, the staff at Plantation Bay lent them a pocket Wi-Fi when Stefan asked for it so that they’ll have internet to use along the way. Unlike other countries, the Philippines didn’t have Wi-Fi that can be accessed anywhere. Filipinos depend on their cell network and the signal also depends on the place. Not all places have signal that’s especially for places in countryside. Since they’re in the heart of the city, they didn’t have to worry for such matter.

Cayenne took a picture when she searched for the place and the result amazed her even more. “This is called Compa?ía Marítima Building also known as the Marítima Ruins – a neoclassical heritage building built in 1910.”

“Cool. Let me take a picture of you over there.” Stefan declared and just like that, he started taking pictures of his wife. She was his muse for his photography skills and she likes every minute that she spent posing for him.

Stefan guided her where to stand, what to do and all other things just to get the best shots for her. They also took few pictures together with the help of other tourists like them. They might have few pictures together but all of them show how intimate they were.

“Your wife looks really lovely. You’re a good match.” Says the person who took the pictures for them. “She can work as a model, too.”

“Thank you.” Cayenne replied with a soft smile. “But I prefer to model for my husband alone.” She added which earned her a nod from the man.

“That’s sweet. Well, you both enjoy your day.”

“Thanks.” Stefan replied curtly and received his camera back.

He looked at the pictures that the man took and a smile appeared on his lips. Cayenne was truly beautiful beside him.

‘Oh! I got an idea for our wedding!’ He told himself and made mental notation with hope that he won’t forget it as well.

They moved on their way and walked towards the Magellan’s Cross which brought them a new learning about the city’s history and culture.

Just beside the stone kiosk was the Basilica del Santo Ni?o which was the home of the original and oldest religious relic in the Philippines. Every January, the city holds a grand festival which they called Sinulog in honor to the holy child Sto. Ni?o.

By the time they finished touring the huge church, it was almost lunch time. Cayenne beamed happily at her husband who was looking for some place to eat.

“No fancy restaurant today. Let’s go for fast foods.” She suggested to give him an easy time. Another reason was that, she was just really hungry and she wanted to eat soon.

“Alright. I’ll make it up to you once we get home.”

“What’s there to make up for? Food is food to me. Don’t worry about it. We just had street food snacks, remember? There’s no big deal if we have fastfood for lunch.”

Hearing her litany about food, Stefan shakes his head and chuckled. He could never win when she starts to reason with him unless it’s security their talking about.

In the end, they chose to eat lunch in Chowking -a Chinese-style fastfood which was close to the church.

After eating, they continued to explore the place and since Cayenne likes churches that much, they decided to visit the Cathedral next.

As they explored the island and enjoyed their time together, someone was very restless.

Elia was pacing back-and-forth inside the lounge room. She was currently having her break and was also waiting for Artemis to come. She already texted her and was waiting for her but it’s been ten minutes and the woman was still nowhere to be seen.

The door was pushed open which startled Elia but the woman who came inside wasn’t someone she expected. She pursed her lips and looked outside the window, trying to calm herself.

“Nurse Elia, I am here in behalf of my sister. She still have something to do so, here I am. Do you mind if we talk somewhere private?”