Time and Again

[52] Blast from the Past

She woke up the next day with butterflies dancing ballet in her stomach. She was so excited to be reunited again to the love of her life.

She put the 3 vintage dresses that she had chosen inside her backpack. She also put the things she needed for the trip inside her backpack like 2 liters of water, trekking sandals, hat, snacks and soft drinks, swimming attire, sunblock, extra clothes, extra money in case of emergency, and most importantly, the magical ancient clock. She took a bath and wore the first dress that she had chosen. It was 5 minutes before 12:00 noon when she finished fixing herself and prepared all the things she needed. She turned the hands of the ancient clock at exactly 12:00 and she instantly turned back into her youthful glow.

Ken and Isabel met at Cebu South Bus Terminal. Ken was struck by a sense of déjà vu when he saw Isabel wearing a vintage dress. It was as if the time froze for a second or two and suddenly made everything so familiar. He felt like he was transported back to the past. He was staring at her as if she just fell from heaven.

“Hi, my love.” Isabel greeted Ken.

“Is that you, my love?”

“Yes, it’s me. The one and only me. The one you love all these years.”

“I know that we just started our love story but it seemed like it had already begun long time ago.”

“We felt that our love story had already begun long time ago because we are destined for each other. God had already written our love story even though we are not yet born.”

“Exactly, my love.”

Isabel wanted to tell Ken everything about their past. She just needed a perfect timing so that she would not ruin their perfect moment.

“Let’s go.”

Ken held Isabel’s hand.

They went aboard a bus bound to Ginatilan. Their bus was bound for Samboan by way of the Bato-Barili route.

“I should have worn a retro outfit to give justice to your beautiful vintage dress.”

“People will stare at us. They might think that we are seeking for attention.”

“They will stare jealously at us because we are perfect for each other. I’m pretty sure several couples will wear vintage outfits the next day.”

“You have a very wild imagination.”

“You inspired me to think creatively.”

Isabel slept on Ken’s shoulder. It would have been a 4-5 hour trip but since the bus driver was eager to drive fast, they arrived ahead of schedule. They arrived at the drop off point of Ginatilan Town Proper at 3:00 pm. So, it was just a 3-hour ride.

Ken was hesitant to wake Isabel up because he didn’t want to disturb her peaceful slumber. He waited for a few minutes until all passengers had already went out from the bus.

“Love.” 

“Yes?”

“We’re in Ginatilan now.”

“I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

“It’s okay, my love.”

They headed straight to Ginatilan market to buy food and do some last minute shopping. They were very hungry. They ordered braised pork, fried milkfish, and garlic rice. 

“Are you ready to plunge on this adventure?” Ken asked Isabel and held her hand.

“I’m ready, my love.”

There were a number of motorcycle taxi around the area. Ken hailed one motorcycle taxi. Isabel negotiated with the motorcycle taxi driver and they settled at 60 pesos each.

Riding a motorcycle taxi in going to Inambakan Falls was one hell of a ride. It was like a 20-minute ride on a roller coaster. The motorcycle driver drove fast. It was deadly fun for Ken and Isabel. They were so relieved when they reached the drop off point. 

Ken paid 120 pesos to the motorcycle driver. The motorcycle driver accepted the money and thanked them.

“Whew! I can’t forget that horrifying experience. My blood was having adrenaline rush!” Ken said.

“It was one hell of a ride. I was like riding a roller coaster for 20 minutes. Damn! The motorcycle driver drove so fast. Anyway, it was deadly fun.” Isabel said.

“Are you having fun yet, love?”

“Absolutely, my love.”

“That was just the beginning.”

“I know.”

Before they went to Inambakan Falls, Ken paid 20 pesos entrance fee for both of them. A young man maybe in his late twenties approached them and volunteered to be there tour guide in going to Inambakan Falls. He introduced himself as Rodel.

They walked about 10 minutes to reach the falls. Isabel noticed a lot of changes in the place she first fall in love with like halfway of the trail was already cemented. 

“This is the famous tree house of the ill-starred lovers Isabel and Emile.”

Ken paused in front of the tree house and stared it in awe. Isabel looked at him with teary eyes. She fervently prayed that Ken would remember everything about their past. 

“Can I get inside?” Ken asked Rodel.

“Sure, you can.”

Ken went inside the tree house. Isabel followed behind him.

“Are you okay, love?”

“I don’t know but there’s something that draws me close into this place.”

“What if you’ve been to this place before?”

“I guess. But I just can’t remember when or how?”