Ayinah's POV
The next morning she woke up with a happy smile.
She planned to go to the trail she saw from the balcony last night. After she finished her morning routine, such as washing her face, brushing her teeth, and taking a half bath. She gets changed into a white tee and denim shorts. She also put on her sneakers and came out of her room.
She spotted the caretaker watering the potted plants on the balcony where she was seated last night.
"Good morning, Nanay Sol!" She greeted the woman.
The woman told her to call her Nanay Sol also. She said Nanay is the word they use for a mother; some use mother, Mama, or Mommy, but Nanay Sol preferred Nanay.
"Good morning, where are you going?" Nanay Sol replied, asking.
"I want to explore that trail," she said, pointing to the trail.
"Oh, you have to be careful, though it's safe; make sure to step on the solid ground; never step on loosened rocks. It will roll you down. Do you have water?" asked the woman.
"I won't be long; I just want to see where it leads," she replied.
"That will lead you to the beach," Nanay Sol said.
"Really? Wow! I can't wait to see it. See you later, Nanay Sol," she said happily.
She walks out onto the balcony and out of the villa. Heading to the trail path. This is a nice place, she thought. She likes it. Beautiful, lush green shrubs. She forgets to bring her cell phone so she can take some photos. Never mind; she will come back tomorrow. She has a lot of time to take photos while she is there anyway.
She finally reached the foot of the trail, and she stands in awe of the beauty of the place. No one is there yet. Maybe she's early, or the place is private. But if it's private, Nanay Sol must have told her.
She walks more, down to the shore. The water is so inviting. Next time she will wear a swimsuit. She sits down on the sand and takes off her sneakers. She leaves it there and walks towards the water.
"So beautiful. Tomorrow I'll wear my swimsuit," she said to herself.
"Oh no, I didn't bring one." She said, remembering that she didn't bring even one.
"Hi!" greeted by an unfamiliar male voice.
She turns around to see who it is. There's a man standing with his huge camera hanging around his neck. Who is he?
"Hello!" she replied.
"You must be a new tourist here," he said.
"Yes, no, actually I'm staying at the villa on top of this trail until I give birth," she said honestly.
"Oh, you're pregnant?" The man asked in surprise.
"Why so surprised about being pregnant?" she asked, laughing.
"Well, you're alone; how could the husband let his wife explore alone? And you don't look like you're pregnant at all." The man replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's because the father of this isn't here. He is back for work. And it's only one month, so it doesn't show yet." She replied smiling.
"I see. By the way, I'm Andreas. I'm a professional photographer. I stayed at the cottage near the villa you live in," he said, extending his hand for a handshake.
She accepted his hand.
"I'm Ayinah." She introduced herself. What else she needs to add. She's not working. Well, she's a baby maker. She just laughs inside thinking about it.
"Nice to meet you here, Ayinah," he said.
"How much for one shot if I ask for a photo?" she asked.
She wants to have a souvenir of her first pregnancy. She may not go to have the child after she gave birth, but she wants to keep memories of it. That's what she wants for now, and she's hoping it will not change.
"What if we make it like a project? We will take every stage of your pregnancy. So you will see how it grows each month," Andreas suggested.
"That's a great idea. When can I pose?" She asked excitedly.
"How about now?" he said.
"Okay, tell me what to do," she replied.
They have their first photo session at that beach.
"I'll take a look at the best pose, and I'll print it for you," he said.
"Okay, so what are you doing every day here?" She asked curiously.
"Taking photos," he said, grinning.
He is a good-looking man. Maybe he is Italian because of his features and accent.
"Do you live here? I mean, you're a resident here?" She asked.
"No, I stayed with my uncle, who married a Filipino woman. They have a resort, and I stayed in one of their cottages," he replied.
"I see, so you will be going back to your country soon?" She asked.
How will he go to take her monthly photo if he's going back?
"I almost live here. Every three months I go back to Italy and spend only weeks there and come back here. I just go home to put my works in the gallery, and it's already their job to do the rest," he said.
"I see. I want to explore this place before I grow big like a whale," she told him.
"I can explore with you; I can be your tour guide," he offered.
"Oh, thank you. I appreciate it," she said.
She will be happy to have someone who can show her around. She can't ask Nanay Sol for that because though she looks strong, she doesn't want to give her more work. She still takes care of herself.
"My pleasure. If you're feeling good, we can go to the souvenir shops here this afternoon," he said.
"That's nice. Do you know if there's any church here?" She asked.
She can forget everything but not going to church. In their difficult time, she hasn't had time fellowshipping with her church family. They don't even know what's happening in her life right now. But she believes God is with her. She did what's for the good of her mother. She knows that God will always be there. And that's why He granted us knowledge and wisdom to do what's good. She is just using hers.
Many might condemn her, but she knew God would understand her. Help comes in many different ways, and the help that she received had conditions. And that's why she is here for the conditions she agreed to.
"I'll fetch you on Saturday night. The English service is on Saturday night," Andreas told her.
"Thank you! I badly needed to be with the children of God," she replied.
"Me too, so it settled. I'll bring you to the souvenir shop this afternoon, and on Saturday, we will attend the Christian fellowship here. That's the church I attended too while I'm here," Andreas told her.
After walking at the beach, Andreas accompanies her to go up to the villa. Then he goes down to the road because he said he will collect some photos to be brought for printing.