CHAPTER 21 DEAL!

The wedding followed a week after. Mrs. Gonzales and Rain stayed for the ceremony. Rain was having a hard time trying to woo Ami. He respects her enough to give her space to come to grips with her feelings. Of course, after Ali and Zaynah wed, they went to live in Khalifa City A. This was Ali’s decision more than Zaynah’s but he must have persuaded her. Although both he and Ami vowed to be friends, he still could not trust himself to be in close contact with her. It also has something to do with his new wife. He wanted to be very faithful to Zaynah because the woman deserves it. Not wanting to keep secrets from her, both he and Ami told her everything. For any other person, it might be unacceptable but Zaynah was very open-minded having given up her own love as well. Like Ali, she fell in love with an expat and had a more difficult time persuading the guy to let her go. Interestingly enough, both the guy and Ami seem to have a similar mindset, they both said maybe in another lifetime.
Ami wanted to escape, away from the UAE but she has enough of running away from a problem, she would face this head on. What better way than playing the tour guide to Mrs. Gonzales and Rain. Her injury has healed and the spring has returned in her step. Of course, the Sheikha also wanted to be part of the tour so all four of them excluding Mansour who was acting as the tour guide driver were on their way to Yas Island for a visit to Ferrari World, Yas Water World and Warner Brothers. It was a peaceful ride until Rain exchanged seat with his mom and sidled next to Ami.
“I say Budz,” he started “ seeing that you must be needing your best friend right now that Ali is no longer available to be your companion, what do you say if I stay behind and find work here. That way, we can spend more time together. I missed you, you know. I missed our casual chats by the swing and by the treehouse.”
Ami looked at him and glared, “Seriously?! You won’t last a day here billionaire lover boy.”
Rain visibly flinched and got insulted. “Is that how low you see me now, Ami? Just because of a few malicious posts on social media, you believe them more than you believe me? You wound me.”
Ami raised an eyebrow at him. “So, Ridger’s posts were malicious and so were Magnolia’s? I find that hard to believe, Rain. In almost a year, I think you changed. I am surprised that after a few months of almost ignoring me, you finally decided to be my friend again? Ali was there…” she started before she stopped and bit her lip.
Rain regretted what he suggested. How can he make this right? He looked around them, thankfully no one paid them attention as everybody seemed absorbed in whatever thoughts they had. Of course, the two matriarchs were busy with their own chatterings. Mansour has earphones on so he couldn’t hear any of them. Mabel has to stay behind as she wants to be with Farinah. She recognized the girl’s need for company so she volunteered to stay. Besides, she knew that Rain and Ami had a lot of catching up to do. She also prayed that with Rain around, Ami will be shaken off her melancholy of late ever since Ali and Zaynah moved out. Rain tried again.
“Look, Ami. I am so damned sorry about what you understood as me ignoring you. In truth, we were very busy with some emergencies back home. We were also called off from that cruise and Mom and I did not have that Europe tour we planned. You will soon know of these emergencies but at the moment, I just want to catch up with you and make up for lost time. Can we please be friends again, I promise I won’t push if you don’t want me to.”
Ami was feeling guilty for being mean to Rain. It wasn’t his fault; it is just that she does not seem able to get over Ali’s marriage to another woman. “Ohh!” she sounded very pathetic. Deciding she'd had enough, she answered. “I apologize Rain. Probably the eventuality of us changing or maturing has made me a bit cynical. You are right, we should catch up starting right now. As for your suggestion of working here, you have to take that up with your mom. Remember, she will be alone back home. I know my uncle is there but based on my last video chat with him, he seemed to be distracted and a bit strange. I also seemed to notice Ridger’s inactivity on his social media. He was almost always active even in the wee hours of the morning. “
Rain did not want to think about Ridger at the moment so he countered with, “How about we forget about responsibilities for now and just have fun. Show me this world-famous roller coaster and let us see who could last. I would also like to take the measures of the guys posing as superheroes at Warner Brothers. I heard ladies swooning over them.”
“Swooning? Huh! Funny, I have yet to meet these guys too because I have not been there myself yet. “
“No way, you, a superhero fan, never setting foot at Warner Brothers?”
“Hell yeah! What did you expect of me doing here, having fun all the time? May I remind you rich boy, most of us ordinary humans work for a living. Have you forgotten my plan, my goal?”
“I have not forgotten your dream, Ami, although I can find a simple solution to your problem.”
“Oh really, do tell.”
“Marry me and I will build you your shopping mall complete with your penthouse.”
Ami was shocked beyond speech and then she suddenly turned red. She glowered at him and shut her mouth. She tapped on Mansour’s shoulder who quickly turned his head towards her. She indicated the front seat next to his and he nodded quickly and then turned his attention back on the road. He found a lay by so he stopped. At everyone’s questioning stare save Ami’s, Mansour pointed at her. Ami excused herself, got down and went to sit beside Mansour. Rain was astonished at this sudden turn of events and could not do anything even after Ami asked Mansour to put up the glass partition so Rain could not bother her with his nonsense. Though puzzled, Mansour acquiesced, avoiding receiving Ami’s displeasure. Even the matriarchs ignored this and went back to their chattering.
“Mansour, do you mind playing tour guide to Rain and his mom? I just do not feel up to the task.”
“I thought you were excited to show your friend the manmade sights here in Abu Dhabi? Why the sudden change of mood?”
“Just a simple No would do, you know. If you do not want to, fine. I will do it.”
Recognizing Ami’s temper building up, Mansour took his hands off the wheel for a split second saying, “No, Habibti, I will be more than happy to annoy your friend, if that is what you want. Just do not be angry with me, okay? My brother will kill me if he learned that I fail to make your happiness count. He may be a dunderhead, but that one is always thinking of your welfare.”
“Okay, okay, enough already,” cried Ami rolling her eyes although deep down she was elated to know that Ali always thought of her comfort. Far too soon though, they arrived at Yas Water World but they did not stay long as no one wanted to get wet so they left immediately. They went to Ferrari World but did not stay long either as Rain did not want to ride the rollercoaster with Mansour. Ami avoided him at every turn always inserting herself between Mrs. Gonzales and the Sheikha who did not seem to mind. When they got to Warner Bros, however, Ami forgot about Rain and literally squealed when she approached the Superman model for a photo. She also posed with Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Batman. She stayed true to her word though, she did not swoon but she squealed a lot like a pig. Rain did not dare approach her as she was so happy, she was laughing again. That is all that matters. He was not thinking straight when he brought that marriage suggestion. Never again, he vowed, not until she is ready to open her heart to him. Ami’s cheerful mood was probably catching because even the matriarchs posed with the Superheroes with silly grins on their faces. Only Mansour was bored except when Wonder Woman approached him instead of him approaching her. Since the model was very curvy and pretty, Mansour couldn’t keep the smug grin on his face. Ami gave him another roll of her eyes which he reciprocated in kind. They both ended up laughing.
Rain was quietly watching the two, he can’t help the jealousy tearing his heart. It was he she used to be laughing with, having fun with. Funny how you realize what a gem is until you lose it. Hearing about Ami getting shot unlocked his doubting heart. Now that she found her love and lost it, it felt like he lost her too. Gone was the easy-going best friend he had. It is now replaced with a philophobic. Ali’s marriage could have hurt her deeply, what about me, he thought. Well, you were an idiot his conscience told him. What’s done is done. He just needs to gain her trust back. If it means giving her space, so be it but he won’t go down without a fight. He already persuaded his mom to let him come back and he also discussed his plan with the Sheikh and Sheikha who gave him a post in one of their businesses. Although they signed an MOU, he will be introduced as the Manager of one of the apartelles in town. Ami does not know it yet because that is what Rain wanted. He will have to escort his mom back to the Philippines and then come back in time to be introduced to the whole staff. Since it is a Wednesday, they will both be leaving on Saturday morning. As there is now a direct flight from Abu Dhabi to the new Clark International Airport via Etihad, it is easier for them both.
“So Mansour,” he said casually, “ do you have any fun places to go to? Like a sports facility perhaps?
“Well there is the Abu Dhabi golf club if you play golf.”
“Nah, too glamorous for me and more for rich people.”
“Are you kidding, you are one of the rich people, moron.” Ami interjected.
“Ouch, why does she hate me so?” Rain dramatically clasps his chest to Mansour’s laughter. Ami snickered but couldn’t help joining in. She laughed so hard there were tears in her eyes.
“Ohh, it feels good to laugh again.” she said.
“Maybe we should tickle her some more Mansour? What do you think?”
Mansour was looking at Ami and he was smiling. It is so good to see her smiling and laughing again. Maybe this Rain guy isn’t bad at all, he thought. He seems good for her although she does not see it yet. Her connection with his brother was something he knew but he also wanted Ami to find her happiness. After what she did to save his sister, he feels very protective of her. It is just too bad that he only sees her as a sister. To a right person, she would be the perfect wife and a perfect mother. He knows that Ali’s reasoning was bollocks but he also loves his younger brother and respects him as well. He only has two brothers and both of them are married. Farinah and he are the only single ones. If he finds a woman for himself, no matter what her nationality, religious beliefs and culture, as long as they love each other, he will go to the ends of the earth for her. His musings were interrupted by Rain’s choking sounds though. He looked to where Rain and Ami were standing and couldn’t believe his eyes, Ami was whacking Rain on the back.
“You knucklehead, what the heck do you think you’re doing drinking that stuff?! ‘ It could have been poison. Rain, you have always been so silly!”
“Whoa, enough Ami, I feel my ribs cracking already.” Rain complained but he was grinning. That sure did get your attention though.” he said cheekily.
“You silly, silly man!” What if that were poison? I would lose my best friend too?”
Seeing Ami getting upset, Rain settled. Without any thought, he clutched her to his chest and rubbed her back, “There, there Budz, I was only teasing. Dear God, please do not lock me out anymore Ami. I missed you, I missed my best friend.” Ami did not fight as she snuggled closer and surprisingly, she calmed down. Her heart is still racing after Rain drank the decorative water. Rain finally let go of the breath he was holding, he thought Ami would struggle out of his touch. It feels so good to have her again, touch her again. Without meaning to, he nuzzled her head and held her harder. Mansour did not comment as he saw how things are finally getting smoothed out between his friends. He was curious however, so he blurted out what’s bothering him so far. They were seated in a cafeteria at Yas Mall which is not crowded at the moment as it is still early.
“Do you mind if I ask about your engagement that caused Ami to run here?” He looked uncertainly at Ami who nodded her head.
“Oh not at all if my best friend doesn’t mind.” Rain answered.
“Go ahead, I am also curious and interested to know what happened after.” Ami seconded.
“Well, you knew it did not. Fiona the Flirt got really mad when I did not want the engagement.”
“Wait, what? Fiona the Flirt?” Mansour raised his brows.
“It’s a long story but the truth is I didn't really like her. She was so flirty and seems empty up here” Rain pointed at his head.
“Rainaldo!” Ami admonished. “You know she is not, she has been at the top of her class.
“Sorry, that is not what I meant, she appeared to be an empty coconut shell but she is not. I do not know, she is also too spoiled for my peace of mind. To cut the story short, we announced the alliance and then she broke it in a week’s time making me the villain which I was.
“This is getting interesting, what if I visit your place and you can introduce me. Maybe we would suit.” Mansour said with a twinkle in his eye.
“Mansour, are you serious? Asked Ami. “Don’t you want to find a lovely UAE national and marry her too just like” she swallowed, “Ali.”
“Nah, my brothers are enough repopulating the UAE.
“Umm you know what? Maybe I should go home too so I can check on Uncle Ronnie and then come back after.”
Ohh no, Rain thought, this will ruin my plans but maybe we can compromise.
“Hey guys, what if you two would join us on our flight back to the Philippines and then we all come back here?”
“Deal!” cried Ami and Mansour and then Ami gasped. She just agreed to Rain coming back, but why not. It is good to have another familiar friend around. Just like that, she felt comfortable around Rain again. The trio emerged from the cafeteria grinning like silly when the matriarchs spotted them. The two ladies went for a bit of shopping while the kids, that’s what they call the three, had coffee.
“All set to go for our next adventure?” Sheikha Maryam queried.
“Yeah!” cried the three.
All five spent the whole day visiting the sights in Abu Dhabi including the Grand Mosque, Mangrove Walk and then they visited the new Reem Mall at Reem island in downtown Abu Dhabi. It was a huge Mall but having spent the whole day going from one place to another, the Sheikha and Mrs. Gonzales were feeling tired. There wasn’t enough time so Dubai was out of the question. Mrs. Gonzales and Rain were dropped in their hotel and as soon as Mrs. Gonzales and Rain hit their bed, they fell asleep.