One Lost Summer (Brave Series #2)

Chapter 11: Grale

Ashton Grale Buenavista

Looking down on his black coffee, Grale's spending his morning thinking about several things. He woke up extra early today and decided to take a jog alone. Afterwards, he dipped into the morning sea and let the waves hit his body. When he felt satisfied, umahon na rin siya at bumalik na sa kanyang suite. He took a quick shower and changed into a simple black cotton shirt and white cotton shorts. He wore his Nike cap as he left his room.

He has been thinking a lot lately so he's trying to ease his mind. Isang buwan na mula nang mag check in siya rito sa resort. At tatlong buwan na rin mula nang maghiwalay sila ni Thea. 

His chest clenched just by remembering Thea's face and how she just left him hanging. Yes, he was getting by. He barely thinks about it. But when his mind's free of thoughts, Thea's image just gladly floods his head like she owns it.

Tatlong taon. 

Tatlong taong naging parte ng buhay niya ang dalaga at ganon din si Grale sa buhay nito. He had her first before that fucking loveteam with Lance started. 

This was the fucking reason why at first he refused the loveteam. Not because he didn't trust Thea, but because he didn't trust fate. Ultimo siya nga hindi pumayag na magkaroon ng permanenteng ka-loveteam dahil iniiwasan niya ang ganitong problema nila ni Thea.

"You just have to trust me," she said.

Fuck that trust. Dahil ngayon hindi niya na alam kung saan sila dinala ng tiwalang yan.

With a deep sigh, he lifted the cup once again and brought it to his mouth. Subalit naibaba rin nang makitang humahangos papalapit sa kanya si Joan.

"Good morning, sir. Pwedeng mang hingi ng favor?"

His forehead furrowed. "What is it?"

The manager exhaled one heavy breath before answering. "Kailangan ko po kasing ihatid sa kwarto ni ma'am Maja ito pero may emergency kasi sa VIPs ngayon at kailangan ako 'ron and hindi naman pumasok si Carlo today dahil day off niya and—"

"She's sick?" He asked instead because his eyes lowered to the pack of tablets on her head.

"Yes, sir."

Walang pag dadalawang isip ay tumayo siya kaagad sa kanyang kinauupuan at hiningi kay Joan ang gamot. It was like an instict.

"Alam niyo ho ba kung saan yung suite niya?" 

"Yes. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you, sir. Tawag lang kayo kung may kailangan kayo."

The manager instantly vanished from his sight after that. Nilisan niya na rin kaagad ang dining at tinungo ang elevator. 

Alam niya na kung nasaan ang suite ng dalaga dahil nung isang araw ay sabay nilang pinanood ang unang episode ng isang movie. Simple lang ang kwarto nito at hindi rin ito isa sa mga VIP rooms dahil ika nito ay hindi naman niya kailangan ng malaking kwarto. 

The elevator stopped on the seventh floor. Lumabas na siya at tinahak ang pasilyo ng left wing. 

708—that's her suite number.

Grale didn't bother to knock anymore since kasama ang key card sa inabot sa kanya ni Joan kanina. He pushed the door and went inside after he heard the click.

"Majarlika?" 

No response. 

Maybe she was in her room. 

Tinahak ni Grale ang kwarto ng dalaga at mahinang kumatok. 

"Maj? Are you there, angel?"

Still, no response.