Chapter 22

*CORA* In my swimsuit and with my hair tied casually behind my ears,I got off the boat gently and reached out my hand to hold Zoe. We had caught four fishes in total,half a pot of crayfish and 5 big crabs. Dylan smiled and said.”This should be enough for the barbecue tonight.” I nodded,trying my best to be excited about it. I used to love seafood very much,but recently,I felt pungent when smelling the taste of seafood.Besides, my menstrual period was abnormal.Maybe it was because I was too depressed that I have entered menopause ahead of time. I wanted to laughed at that though. I was only in my twenties. Oh God. My thoughts were all over the place. But still,my period was late by two weeks. I shouldn’t be worried, right? It wasn’t like… No. I didn’t want to think about ************* Nightfell and we were at the side of the resort.Alvin was in charge of the barbecue and he told us stories about how he was always in charge of barbecues each time his family had a party.He boasted about how good he was at it. While eating,Zoe praised him. “Alvin, you are so great at everything.You not only manage your family business well but you’re so good at this,this is so far the best barbecue I’ve ever had.” I felt she was exaggerating a bit. I glanced at Alvin who was smiling at Zoe. “Thank you,it is my honor to serve you,ma’am.”He said,jokingly then he turned to face me.”Do you like the barbecue,Cora?” I nodded even though I’ve barely had a taste. The pavilion was lit up with lanterns and colorful lights.Smoke swirled around the pavilion,making it look like a dream. Dylan didn’t say much so I wasn’t sure if he had a good or bad impression of Alvin. I didn’t have an appetite so I only ate a crayfish and some lettuce. I sat on one side,facing the lake,my hands supporting my head.My hair was messy in the wind and I loved how refreshing it felt. Alvin handed me half of a roasted fish,which looked crispy and golden. With a smile,I let out.”I’m anorexic recently.Give it to Dylan or Zoe.” “They’ve had enough, you should have some.” “I really can’t.”I said to him. “You should really work on this appetite of yours.Maybe go see a doctor.You know it’s not okay to barely eat.”He said to him. I knew he was right so I nodded.”I will work on it.” “You might have lost weight but you’re still as beautiful as ever so let’s have a toast to that.”With that,he handed me a glass of wine. My cheeks heated a bit to being called beautiful. I wasn’t used to being complimented by men or should I rephrase that to,’I didn’t really get compliments from the one man whom I’ve always wanted to compliment me’ I took the glass from him and we clunk our glasses. He sat beside me and stared at me,I looked away not knowing what to say. This felt so awkward. Fortunately, Dylan came towards us and announced. “Cora, it’s late.Let’s go back to our rooms and have some rest.” Zoe also came over with a big fish in her hand.She seemed to be enjoying it so much. “No,let’s not go back yet.I haven’t eaten enough.”She let out. Suddenly.I felt I was overcome with a feeling of nausea by the greasy lobster.I rushed out of the pavilion and ran to the nearest restroom. As soon I bent down over the WC,I threw up. What was going on with me? Was this related to depression too? Not daring to think further,I stopped guessing,I mustn’t have eaten well for a long time.Maybe I had suddenly developed an allergy for seafood and that was why I threw up. ************* With her eyes wide open,Zoe watched Cora run out and said in an aggrieved tone. “Do I really look so terrible when I eat?I feel like she had the impulse to throw up because of me.” Dylan teased,playfully.”Maybe.” Zoe punched him on his belly.”Jerk.” Alvin glanced at Zoe.He knew Cora and Zoe were right close so he wanted to leave a good impression on Zoe. He felt that if Zoe could see him as a good person,then she could tell Cora good words about him. “It isn’t your fault, Zoe.I must have roasted the fish too greasy so it must have cause a stomach upset for Cora.I’ll see her now.You can wait here.” ************* *CORA* When I came out of the bathroom,I saw Alvin waiting for me at the door. Either an embarrassed smile,I explained. “I…I had a stomach upset.I’m sorry,I must have ruined the evening for you.” “Of course not,since you aren’t in good health,I shouldn’t have cooked such greasy food for you.I’m sorry.”He said tenderly. He was so gentle with me and I wished someone else was this gentle. “I…I should go back to my room now.You should go rest up too.”