Eumoirous (ICS #1)

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Ready

It was a long ride to Marcelo. Aiah was driving while I was enjoying the night view as we passed by.

Pa-hilaga ang biyahe namin tungo Marcelo. It was the third leading municipality here in Isla Cañas, with Vasco and Rockwell as first and second. Naroon ang negosyo nina Nana at Dada na farm. Marcelo is well-known because of its abundance with golden beaches. Kung sa Rockwell ay mayroon ng maraming white-sand beach, sa Marcelo naman ay pinung-pino ang mga buhanging nagmimistulang ginto lalo na tuwing sasapit ang sunrise at sunset.

Well, I've never been to Marcelo before. I have yet to see its beauty...

"I've been there when I was young..." kuwento ni Aiah nang naitanong ko.

She smiled as she continued driving. "I really like the sea. Kaso sa Vasco ay puro fields at kapatagan. Kaya nakikita ko lang ang dagat sa rooftop ng bahay namin, doon sa Tagan. Until my... uhh... bestfriend took me on a short trip to Marcelo. Nag-aaral kasi siyang mag-surf noon, I don't know if he's already learned it by now."

Tahimik lang akong nakikinig sa kuwento niya. Going to Marcelo was healing and at the same time, exciting. The drive was also smooth, lalo na't halos wala kaming kasalubong habang papunta ng Marcelo. Dahil na rin ganitong oras naming naisipan tumulak pa-Marcelo.

"Have you been to Pagudpud? Perhaps Siargao? Or maybe Puraran in Catanduanes? The waves in Marcelo aren't as strong and majestic as the ones in those places, but it's enough for beginners who want to try surfing. Ako... nandoon lang ako nanonood dahil hindi pa ako marunong lumangoy nang mga panahong iyon," sabay tawa niya.

"Well, ngayon lang ulit ako makakabalik doon. I wonder if ... katulad ng Vasco, malaki na rin kaya ang iniunlad ng Marcelo? Oh my! Hindi pa pala tayo nakapili kung saan tayo mag-i-stay doon sa Marcelo!"

Then it dawned on me that we both weren't really prepared. After naming umalis sa party, nag-stop over muna kami sa isang fastfoood chain. We ate our late dinner and sobered up before hitting the road.

"Oo nga pala, noh? I'll try searching for resorts or maybe kahit lodging house. Siguro mayroon naman ng bukas ng 24/7 doon?" I asked while fishing out my phone.

Bumaling sa akin si Aiah. "Hopefully. Eleven thirty na ng gabi pero sana ay mayroon pa. Kung wala tayong mahanap, then I'll call Kuya or maybe Leo. Alam ko'y may mga kaibigan din sila rito na mula Marcelo."

Napatango tango ako habang sinisimulan ang pag-search sa cellphone. As I was scrolling, I can't help but think of her brothers that were left to manage her party.

"Aiah, sorry again for dragging you out of your party. I'll also say sorry to Liandel and Leo when we get back..."

Lumingon naman si Aiah sa akin at ngumiti. "Ano ka ba, Rhelle! Like I said, it's totally fine! Besides, anong halaga ng mga kaibigan kung hindi mo naaasahan sa ganitong panahon?"

I smiled softly as I busied myself again in searching for any possible hotel or resort in Marcelo. Nagpapatugtog ako at si Aiah ay mahinang sumasabay sa mga kanta habang nagdadrive.

I deeply appreciated that hindi ako pinipilit pagsalitain ni Aiah. It was comforting to listen to her after a long time. Kung sabagay, kahit kanina sa party ay hindi pa nga kami lubos na nakapag-usap.

Napaangat ako ng tingin mula sa cellphone nang may bigla akong maalala. I was tipsy a while ago, but I wasn't probably drunk? I don't know... I'm not sure.

"Aiah..." tawag ko para magtanong.

"A-Anong oras pala dumating doon si Thaurn? May sinabi kasi siya sa akin pero... nalalabuan ako. Hindi ko kasi maaalala nang maayos ang nangyari sa loob ng party kanina..."