Written In Our Stars (Book 1) (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

CHAPTER 2

WHERE'S MY ID?

Kanina ko pa hinahalungkat ang bag ko pero wala talaga.

"Umm miss, hindi ba pwedeng ibang ID ang gamitin ko?"

"I'm sorry, Ma'am, yun kasi ang ginamit niyo to book from our website eh."

"Ah ganun ba. Hanapin ko lang muna ha."

Umupo naman ako sa sofa dito sa lobby ng hotel para halungkatin ang bags ko.

Dala ko eh. Alam ko talaga dala ko yun.

Bigla naman tumunog ang cellphone ko. Unknown number?

Sino ba to? Sinagot ko ang tawag.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Rana?"

"Yes? Sino to."

Hinahanap ko pa rin yung ID ko.

"It's Sandro."

Napatigil naman ako.

"Umm...how..?"

"How did you get my number?"

"Uh.. You left your ID dito sa sasakyan."

My ID?

"ID? My employee ID?

"Yes."

Napaisip naman ako. Paano ko naiwan dun?

I remembered nailagay ko pala sa bulsa ng shoulder bag ko, baka yun nga, nahulog?

"I'm so sorry about that."

"Um, is it possible if pwede ko makuha yan? I really need that para makakuha ng hotel room dito."

"Outside."

"Huh?"

I looked outside and nandoon ang convoy nila.

"Okay. I'm coming."

Tumakbo naman ako palabas.

Binuksan naman agad ng PSG niya yung pinto.

"Hi. I'm so sorry about this. I'm usually not this clumsy naman."

"Don't worry about it. Mirana."

Napatingin naman ako sa kaniya.

"It's your real name. Mirana Therese Perez."

He was tapping my ID on his palm.

"Uh yeah."

Napangiti naman ako.

"One question tho."

"What is it?"

"Why did you use your own name and contact number as an emergency contact?"

"Uh, well...that's a long story."

Inabot niya sa'kin ang ID ko.

"By the way, thank you about this ha."

I was about to leave when he spoke.

"We have a resort." He said.

Napalingon naman ako sa kaniya.

"Huh?"

"I mean, we have this resort malapit lang din dito. I can give you accommodation for free."

Alok niya.

I was caught off guard.

Is he serious?

"If you're only comfortable about it."

Sabi niya habang nakangiti.

Ang genuine ng smile niya.

Yung tipong di ka mag-iisip ng gagawa siya ng masama.

"Serious offer ba yan?" Paninigurado ko.

"Of course. I mean, it's a generous offer but can I ask why?"

He chuckled.

"Knowing that you're not from around here and mag-isa ka lang. I'd like to make sure you'll enjoy our hometown while keeping you safe."

My jaw dropped. Hindi ko alam ba't ako kinilig.

Siguro naman ilang babae na rin ang na-offeran niya ng ganito.

Since congressman din naman siya dito. I know he just want to make me feel at home.

"So?"

"Actually, I'm gonna need to save while I'm here. Lited lang yung resources ko eh."

"Is that a yes?

"Yes. Sure. "

"I'd be honored."

Ngumiti naman siya.

"Kunin ko lang gamit ko sa loob."

"No need."

Sinenyasan niya ang PSG niya at agad naman lumabas ng kotse yung nasa driver seat.

Ilang minuto lang, dala na nito ang mga gamit ko.

"Thank you, Congressman.

"You're welcome."

Isang oras rin ang naging biyahe namin ng makarating kami sa isang resort.

Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel.

Ng makarating kami sa gate, tuloy-tuloy na kaming pinapasok.

Nasa lobby na kami and naghihintay na lang ako while Sandro was talking sa isang manager.

"Let's go?"

"This way, Ma'am." A hotel employee guided us sa isang room.

"Here's your key, Ma'am."

"Thank you."

Umalis naman kaagad ang employee at naiwan kaming dalawa sa kwarto.

"Okay ka na ba dito?"

I roam my eyes around.

"Umm I mean, this is amazing pero this is the presidential suite."

It has freaking bathub, a balcony, a jacuzzi, may living room, a fridge full of foods and may mini bar and it has a king sized bed.

"Don't worry about it."

"Ako lang naman mag-isa. I don't think I'm gonna need all this. And may foods and alcoholic drinks pa. Baka ma-tempt ako at maubos ko yan."

"Mirana, it's alright. You can consume it all and I told you this is free."

"No, Sandro. I mean--"

"Think of it as a payment."

Napakunot naman ang noo ko.

"Payment? For what?"

"For choosing to stay here...in Ilocos."

Ah. Akala ko kung ano na.

"Sige...if you insist."

"It settle then. Aalis na ako. You can contact me naman anytime if you need someone to talk. You have my digits."

Palabas na siya ng room at hinatid ko sa may pintuan.

"Thank you so much, Sandro. For all of this. For making me feel at home."

"You're welcome, Mirana." Ngumiti siya at nagpaalam na.

I watched him walking away.

Ang kisig niya talaga.

Amoy Johnson's Baby Powder.

He looked at me before he turn to another direction.

He smiled. And that's when I knew.

I'm safe.