It was a gruelling 22 hour- flight to Manila and then another hour to Legazpi City. It is so exhausting
for a first time traveler to the Philippines; however, Kerr regarded it as a meaningful experience as he
retraces Elle's return to this country by herself. " You'll never be alone again in your journey Elle. I'll
make sure that I'll be always beside you or if you needed to travel on your own, that I won't be that
far away behind you,'' he said to himself.
After about an hour, his plane touched down in Legazpi City International Airport. With his physical
attributes, the Bicolanos don't need to ask Kerr if he needed help. The frequent times he checked his
map, gave him away.
One eager helper approached him and said," Hi Sir! My name is Jaylord. Are you going to Misibis
Bay?"
" How did you know I want to go there?"
" Eh sir! Most of the foreigners that land here in Legazpi are going there, sir!"
His response made Kerr chuckle. " You seemed to be a smart and nice fellow...?"
" Jaylord sir!"
" But you were right. I am looking for an art gallery in Misibis Bay. How far is it from here?"
" If we will travel by land, about one hour sir. But we will pass by Mayon Volcano sir. It used to be the
world's perfect cone a long time ago. Now, its Mount Fuji in Japan," Jaylord said proudly.
Kerr is impressed with this young man's knowledge of where he is going," Alright Jaylord. Take me to
this address please."
Jaylord put Kerr's luggage in the trunk of the cab and hit the road. Not long after leaving the airport,
Kerr saw a spectacular view of an active volcano that his young driver told him about.
" You are telling the truth Jaylord! This volcano is amazing!"
" Thank you sir," Jaylord said, beaming with pride.
After a few minutes, Kerr dozed off, entrusting himself to this young man he met at the airport.
He woke up when he noticed that the cab has stopped. He saw Jaylord talking to a couple in a
motorcycle.
" Sain man tabi ining address na ini?" ( Do you know where is this address please? )
" Ay Noy! Idto kadi sa magayong painter!" ( Young man, this is where the beautiful painter is)
Duwang kanto na sana. Su bilding na saday, kulor lila." ( Two more blocks, the small lilac building.)
" Dios mabalos Manay, Manoy!" ( Thank you very much elder sister, brother )
"Why did we stop Jaylord?" Kerr was outside the cab, waving back to the couple who waved to him.
" This is the area sir. I asked them if they know this address sir. They said 2 more blocks, the violet
building where the beautiful painter is. Is that where you are going sir?"
The beautiful painter...Elle! He's finally here!
" Yes!" He was so ecstatic that he hugged Jaylord.
" Hahahha! Okay sir! I'll take you to the beautiful painter of Misibis Bay!"
It didn't take them long before a lilac building came into view.
" Okay sir. This is the art gallery of the beautiful painter. Before you go sir... I want to give you my cell
phone number. Please call me sir if you need a driver to take you anywhere. I'm available sir."
" Of course Jaylord. Thank you very much for taking me here. Jaylord, I don't have Philippine peso.
Can I pay you in Canadian dollars?"
" No problem sir."
Kerr gave him Cad$300 which the young driver refused at first because he thought it was too much.
Kerr insisted that he take it.
Kerr waved goodbye as Jaylord's cab left him in front of the lilac building and he started walking
towards the gallery. He can't mistake this of another painter's gallery as Elle's distinct signature, the
letter L with a heart is her logo. This is the same way that she signed all her paintings, and candy
wrappers that she gave him in the past. He saw a tall old greyed- haired man looking at him, not with
a puzzled look that a stranger gives to another stranger but with an amused smile on his lips.
Her Dad was the first one to welcome him and was not surprised at all when he told him that he
came for Elle.
Writer's Message:
Well... how did you like Jaylord, the ever dependable Pinoy that most foreigners meet in their travels?
Where do you think the first meeting of KerrElle will be?
Just a few remaining chapters readers! The countdown begins!
Stay with Love You Forever!
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Love You Forever #Wattys2016
RomanceFor those who believe that love forgives, endures, and doesn't give up when all the odds seemed to be against it. And for people who got hurt but still give love a second try...
