From the buzzing streets of the busy district of Makati, Anna decided to take him and Marcus in the main city of Manila. She sat behind the wheel of the car that the hotel had graciously lent them; Nick is beside her while the bodyguard is sitting at the back. They cruised down the boulevard in the city of Manila. Nick was overwhelmed by the colorful lights that brightened up the seaside road that reminded him of Miami.

“I wished it was daytime so that I could have seen more beautiful sights at the light of the day.” Nick said.

“Well, let’s see what we can do.” Anna drove the car to the right towards a parking space. “We need to walk.” She stopped the engine and released herself from the seatbelts.

“Where are we going?”

“We’re going to the park.”

Nick chuckled but excited. He and Marcus followed her as they begin to walk. He takes her hand so that they can walk together. Marcus is keeping a watchful eye behind them. “This city seemed so full of life. What is this called again?”

“Manila. From Makati, we’re now here in Manila.” They crossed the street towards the nearby park. “That’s the monument park for our national hero, Jose Rizal. It’s called Luneta Park.” Nick let go of her hand as he takes out his camera. Anna couldn’t help but laugh.

“What?” Nick grinned.

“You’re acting like a tourist. I just never thought that Nick Carter would be this excited about a tour in the park.” They reached the monument where a statue of the national hero is situated. There are two guards standing beside it. Nick began taking pictures. He even asked Marcus to take pictures of him with Anna.

“They’re like the guards in Buckingham Palace in London. You can never make them move, can’t they? Why are they there?”

“Yes, they will never move unless there’s a threat against the monument of our national hero. They’re the Philippine Marines. They are assigned there to guard the monument as well as in respect to our national hero who had major contributions for the independence of the Philippines. That’s how much we give importance to our heroes and to all other people who have done so much for our country.” Anna explained to him. “Come on. There’s a night theater in this park. I’ll take you there to watch it.”

As they walk, they passed by a man selling ice cream. Anna stopped and turned to them. “Do you want ice cream?”

“Okay. Let’s try it.” Nick was about to get his wallet but Anna stopped him and insisted to pay for it.

“We call this ‘sorbetes’.” She said as she gave each cone to them.

“Shorbeytes?”

“Sorbetes,” Anna corrected, “or in English, we call this ‘dirty ice cream’.”

“Oh,” the two men looked at the ice cream in hand.

“It’s okay. It's just a name,” Anna tasted hers. “It’s good. Try it.”

Nick followed. “It’s sweet.”

Marcus chuckled. “Of course, it’s ice cream.”

They continued to walk. Anna pointed a food store in sight. “You see that? The people who ran the place were deaf and mute. It’s a program to help them make a living and to support other people who were like them.”

“How are they going to understand each other?” Marcus asked her.

“They have hands, signage and the cash register. It worked so far through the years.”

Nick looked around the large park. It is a national park and there were lots of historical statues around in which Anna said were their other heroes. Just like the Central Park in New York, Luneta is still bound by people who just wanted to spend a time around. There were families strolling around. He saw a number of couples too. Others were just alone. He glanced at the woman walking beside him. Anna looked up and smiled and turned away. Her smile warmed him and he felt lucky to have this time with her, even for the last time.

Two hours after a play, Anna took the two for a leisure stroll at the bay walk area, a popular tourist spot in Manila that is located at the seaside of the major boulevard. There are lots of outdoor dining establishments and music bars situated there where people spent their idle time for the evening. It was expected that Nick, with his celebrity status, would get noticed. And he was really noticed. At first, it was the murmurs and doubtful looks that he’s just a look-alike. But when a fan approached and asked for a picture of him, more followed. Anna and Marcus got worried. They politely excused themselves from the rising crowd and went back to the car. Marcus initiatively took the keys from Anna so that he will drive. The two went in the backseat.

“I’m sorry. I think I’ve made the wrong move of taking you there.” Anna said as soon as they get inside.

The men laughed. “It’s alright. There are worse than this, trust me.” Nick said.

“Where are we going?” Marcus asked her.

“Let’s just go back to the hotel.” Anna told them.

Nick stared at her. “Are you sure? The night’s still young. We can still go to someplace else.” He’s worried too that he might be a boring date to her.

“I’m sure. I’ve read at the hotel’s lobby that it’s karaoke night at the bar. We can still enjoy the night without worrying too much about you.”

“I don’t have any problem. I’m fine. Is that what you really want?”

“Yes. And I know we will be having a great time.” Anna gave him an assuring smile. “Let’s go, Marcus. I’ll show you the way back.”



~~~



I’ve tried to go on like I never knew you.
I’m awake but my world is half-asleep



Nick chuckled as he listened to Anna singing his part of the Backstreet Boys song. He never thought that he will enjoy this part of the night with her. When she told them about going to the karaoke night at the hotel’s bar, he’s worried that he might not give her a good time. She may not want to go out with him again. But the moment they entered the bar about an hour ago, ordered some chips and soda, and Anna began to join the karaoke, he knew that he will never forget this night.

The people were cheering for Anna although she’s not exactly blessed with a good voice.



I prayed that my heart would be unbroken…



There were some groans among the crowd when she hit that tune. Nick chuckled again and glanced at Marcus who’s shaking his head. “At least, she tried.” He tells his bodyguard.

“She could use a help,” Marcus said with a joke. Nick stood up and asked for another microphone from the sound master. The crowd cheered when he joined Anna on stage.



Voices tell me I should carry on
But I am swimming in this ocean all alone



Anna tried not to laugh when she realized that Nick helped her on stage. She knew she’s not a good singer but she always enjoyed singing, just like any typical Filipino. Nick puts his arms on her shoulders as they sang in duet. They were given the applause when Nick sang solo at the chorus. His arms are still on her. They were already at the last part of the song. He turned to her.



But without you all I’m going to be is incomplete
Incomplete



As the piano ended the last notes of the song, Nick placed a kiss on her forehead. Anna knew she blushed. The people cheered and asked him to kiss her once more, this time will be on the lips. Before she can pull away, Nick gave her a quick smack on the lips. They went down the stage as the karaoke master looked for another volunteer to sing.

Anna pulled Nick’s sleeve when they are already sitting. “Don’t kiss me again.” She gave him a glare but she’s smiling.

“What? There’s nothing wrong with that.” Nick chuckled. Marcus excused himself and left the two.

“I know. It’s just that I’m not used to it.” Anna drinks her soda. “Are you having fun?”

“Let’s do it again.” Nick nodded to her. In an instant, Anna raised her hand to volunteer again. Nick couldn’t help but laugh.