Chapter 72

My deep thought was interrupted when suddenly the phone rang. Ron calls.
"Hi, ses!"
"Hello," I sleepily reply.
"Bad news ... I have an important walk tomorrow. So I can't be with you," I can imagine him pouting right now.
"Really? It's okay," I must accept the fact that not everything can be with a friend. They had other things to put first too. They had their own priorities and goals.
"I'm really sorry. I also didn't expect my schedule to change."
"No worries Ron. Put your job first. I can handle myself."
Several times it apologized and explained. I kept telling him that it was okay and that he shouldn't worry. It's not a big deal for me.
I immediately fell asleep after our conversation.
"Are you leaving?" mama's opening question when I caught up with her in the kitchen.
"Yes."
At four in the morning I woke up earlier. Immediately get out of bed and get ready.
"Be careful, huh? You still have a long trip."
A part of her is against my plan. It's because we're not familiar with where I'm going. And even more surprisingly, the place is not even included in the list of islands here in the Philippines. It's like a hidden paradise. And that made me so curious.
"All right," I just took a few pieces of this prepared cake.
I have breakfast. In the morning I don't like to eat a lot, so I just put it in my stomach now. I brought some snacks too. I will not go hungry on the flight.
I heard a few reminders from mama. He hasn't left yet, but he sends her home immediately. This is what worries me so much for my walk right now. She had a very bad feeling about it. Even if I wanted to follow his instinct, I couldn't. My want is more domineering than my fright. I want to go there, and that's final!
I immediately saw a taxi coming out of the gate of the house. I immediately turned it off and adjusted the terminal address.
This is it! I can already see the man they say looks like Zi. If it happens there is.
Coincidentally, the bus I was taking was leaving for the province. I got on board right away. The front seat is exactly vacant. I settled close to the window and leaned backward.
There is really no delay.
If I don't look out the window, I will close my eyes and go to sleep. That"s just what I do over and over again on long trips. Gradually more and more passengers boarded every time we stopped at the terminals. There is a part of me that thinks that maybe some of them are also going to the place I want to go.
I put the airpods back on my ears and another song was played. I again closed my eyes to sleep. There are a few more places to go before I finally reach my destination.
'Zi ... Love please wake up, don't leave me. Don't leave us. '
'I-I love y-you ... Take ... c-care of- of yourself for me. And- For our b-baby ... "
'Please hang in there. Don't leave us ... '
I quickly opened my eyes. Chasing the breath that rubbed his chest and none of his own cried.
Why do I even need to dream that?
The pain is still ... Too much pain!
I sobbed, and subconsciously averted my gaze to the person beside me. I didn't even notice that there was a shovel next to it.
He is sleeping soundly. I don't know, but a strange emotion suddenly prevailed in my system as I stared at it. My tears automatically receded. I can hardly feel the pain that has been raging lately.
He was wearing a black mask and bonnet. Hair also partially covers the eyes. I see Zion here again. How many times has it been like this? I can't count. Almost every day I see him in the person of any man. And everyday, I can feel his presence around me.
I raised my hands to hopefully try to remove the mask he was wearing. I want to see what's hidden behind it. I want to make sure I just look wrong.
I moved my face close to him and looked at him intently. Even its little mole on the side of the eye is similar to Zi's.
I got swamped tracing his features, when he suddenly opened his eyes. He caught me on the act. I stared at the two of us. His caught my hand and held on it so tight.
"What are you doing?"
His voice ... Oh my God!
"You! It's you!"
"Will it last longer, brother?"
"I'm sorry ma'am, it looks like we'll reach this afternoon. The mechanic we called is still on the flight."
"I have an important walk because ..."
"Just get in the van. Even the others are in a hurry there."
"Van? Where? When will other passenger transportation pass?"
Suddenly the surroundings became noisy due to the complaint of a few passengers. Some of them are in a rush. I can somewhat understand their frustration. What I don"t understand is why do they even have to blame the driver and conductor? They didn't like it either. It is already working on a way to fix what is wrong.
The bus engine died suddenly earlier. It worked immediately after a while. But the second dead does not work again. When I thought the flight would go well, then the problem entered.
A huge rice plantation is all I can see from here. There are houses that are far away. I am thirsty.
From the scene, my gaze shifted to the complaining passengers who were now also silent. Even though maybe their noses are still smoky from kakadada, nothing will happen.
There is only one option to their problem. That is to park private cars and ride. Many are passing by. A simple plea for an hour or more ride wouldn't hurt.
I'm about to do that. But not now ...
My eyes shifted back to his direction. He was standing in the back of the bus and typing on the phone. I hovered over it with a look. He is wearing white v-neck shirt, ripped jeans, and a pair of sneakers. It does not take off the wearing mask. Only his bonnet. Revealing his slightly long and messy hair. He had a broad shoulders and very strong built. The nerves on his arms and hands were protruding. Making him more attractive in my eyes.
His eye color was different from Zi's. It's pale brown. Zion is dark brown. He is probably six feet tall and with his clothes on I am sure he is hiding a well crafted body underneath.
From his phone he looked up at me. I quickly turned in the other direction and pout.
How many times has he been caught? I think this is the third time now.
I silently let out a curse and covered my face with my hair. I just want to hide my face from him. Now it is really struck by extreme shame.
He said he wasn"t the man who rescued me last night. He emphatically denied the matter. But I couldn't get myself to believe it. They both have a hoarse voice and an authoritative stance.
I waited a few minutes before refocusing my gaze in its direction. But I see none. He is no longer on the stand. Have you left yet? That I didn"t even notice.
I peeked inside the bus. In case it enters to rest. But apart from the bartender and mother sitting in the back, I saw nothing else.
Where is he?
"Who are you looking for?"
I jumped a bit in surprise. I turned the body towards it. And that's just the grimace.
"Are you looking for something?" its again.
"Huh?"
Shame on me for neglecting to notice his presence from behind. It was possible he circled behind me.
"I'm not looking for anything," I muttered.
"Really?" he craned his neck, "I've noticed your look before. Still won't believe me? How important are you to the man who rescued you last night?" he raised an eyebrow.
"I can't thank him because things happened so fast."
"That's it?"
"I want to see his face too. I remember someone in his person," I looked away.
"The same with me?"
I just nodded.
"That person seems important to you," he folded.
"He bears the biggest part of my life," I boldly matched his gaze.
"I see," he nodded. Then there was what looked behind me.
I curiously focused my eye on what he saw. It's a white car.
I stared at it intently. Before disappearing from sight he realized it looked very similar to the vehicle seen last night. Where did the man ride-
"Nice seeing you again here."
I was caught off-guard. I have not been able to respond to panic. All it could do was look far behind it. He hopped inside the car. Leaving me dumbfounded.
That's him!
I remained silent over many more moments. I couldn't seem to process what happened.
Lying already, still leaving. Tsk!
It was good and we didn't wait until the afternoon for the mechanic. It came earlier than expected. At exactly twelve o'clock at noon we left. Most are hungry. I was forced to give the food I was carrying to children who could no longer endure the abdominal cramps.
Another two hours trip and finally, we also reached the destination. I will take a tricycle to the port. And from here, they will look for a boat that can be transported to the island.
It was a very long and tiring trip for me. But if it equals the most hoped-for happiness, I will endure.
"On a hidden island," that's exactly the name of the place.
"Are you going there?" the joy in the banker's eyes was replaced by concern.
"Yes ..."
"Are you really sure?" its again.
I nodded and smiled sparingly.
Why? What's wrong? Do I have anything to worry about?
It sighed violently.
"I'm sorry ma'am. But I'm not going there right now," she bowed sadly.
"Ho? Why?"
"Where is he?" asked the newly arrived banker.
"On a hidden island," I answered quickly.
"Oh ... We're dead there," he raised his hands. Then immediately turn away.
Don't they want passengers?
"Five thousand. I'll give you five thousand as long as you just take me to the island ..."
"I hope so too," said the bartender behind me.
There are six of us scratching here. His odd reaction just made me more curious. I want to know what"s on that island.
After a while, manong finally agreed. We happily boarded the boat. On board it, I smiled sparingly. With the hope of finding what you have been looking for.
"Happy landing on our island," said a young woman.
She is more of tensed, than happy to see me here. Everywhere it looks as if someone is looking for it. Then turn to the next.
"Thanks a lot?" I'm not sure.
She's weird! What is there in this place? Even earlier in the harbor before sailing, the banker repeatedly asked if I was sure to come.
Lorie's address is clear in my memory. Where his acquaintance allegedly saw a man who looked like Zion. I'm just hoping he might be found here. Maybe he is still alive. And the person the rescue team found back then wasn"t really him. It sounds too impossible, thinking that the dead body had the same clothes my Zi is wearing before he got shot. And the two of us are also wearing the promise ring.
"I bought you a keychain!"
"This is a good souvenir."
"Don't linger here."
"Avoid going in the dark!"
Just a few of the shouts I hear of passing salesmen and saleswomen. Why instead of encouraging the tourists, they seem to be convincing us to leave now as early as possible?
Is coming here a bad idea? For what reason?
"Don't you want anyone to visit here?" I couldn't help but question the old woman I met.
"We want to ... But hopefully someday. You're being looked down upon now."
My brows furrowed.
"Why?"
"Just ... Just find out," he left immediately. Obviously avoiding my question.
I could do nothing but watch the receding behind it. Should I regret coming here again? The locals weird remarks doesn't feel right. Surely, something is off with this island.
I entered the mini market. It's not just the fresh produce that grabs the attention, but also the sticky looks of the people.
I"m starting to get scared of them. I'm just looking for something. But why do you seem to be in trouble now?
The noise of a group of men grabbed our attention. They are approaching my place. Everyone was wearing that scary look.
"Its a nice fish," said the man in front. They stopped right in front of them. There are six of them, all tall and with a unique aura. Thier guys in the back showered their body with tattoos and piercings.
I winced. Isn't that physically painful?
"We're lucky today," commented another next to the previous man.
I stepped back. I don't claim the negative energy these men are carrying.
"Looks rich. Suddenly we are!" they suddenly laughed.
Are they planning to kidnap me?
'Obviously Neilani, so you run!'
I can't wait for their next step. I run away as fast as I could. Just to save oneself from disaster. They are probably the reason why locals send tourists home today. They knew a group of bad men would gonna harrass a tourist. As long as they want to defend us, the rivals are probably strong and undefeated. So all they can do is warn us.
Case I didn't listen. I exercised more curiosity than my own safety.
Oh my God! This is indeed a huge trouble. How can I get through this?
I headed for the middle of the bushy alley and hid behind a large drum.
"Let's split up," I heard anas say from someone right in front of the hiding place.
I bent down and clung even more to the body of the drum. I am sweating and trembling crazily. My heart does not rejoice at the beating. It's as if he just wants to get out and run away from the situation he's in now.
Who would have thought something like this will happen anyway? No one has ever told me about the ferocity that this island hides.
"You two are on the right. The other two are on the left, and we will go straight," commanded the presumably standing leader of their group.
Next I heard their distant footsteps. I gasped for breath, then slowly peeked at the spot they had left.
"I'm almost there," I murmured. Then slowly got on my feet.
I nervously left the hiding place and peered into the distant backs of the opponents.
"You're not allowed here miss," said the baritone voice behind me.
I chirped a bit in surprise. And with my brows slightly furrowed, I turned to face the person. His eyes that fans a cold flame is what I immediately saw. Did it stand still and raise an eyebrow.
I covered my mouth. Unbelievably staring at it from head to toe. I can't get my eyes off him. I was afraid that when he blinked, he would suddenly disappear from sight.
"You have two choices," he coldly said, "You'll run away when you still can. Or stay here, with zero percent chance of survival," he had something snatched from his back, "Choose ..." he pointed a gun at me.
Huh ?! How can he-
"Five ... four ... three ..."
"Wait! Are you serious ?!"
"Two ..." he continued.
I am completely lost for words. I don"t want to believe what I hear from him right now. I can't understand a single thing! Why is it like this?
"One!"
A loud bang is what I heard next.
My heart skipped. I winced and had such difficulty breathing. And before I can realize, I am down on my knees, holding my chest so tight ...
Cold air from the open window woke up my sleeping spirit. I slowly got up and rolled my eyes around. The bed I am climbing on is made of bamboo. A small door stood right in front of it surrounded only by a pink curtain. There is not much equipment in the whole room. Besides the dilapidated cabinet and old pair of slippers at its feet.
Where am I?
I stood up, then focused my gaze out the window. Sand and green leaves of trees first became the center of my gaze.
How do I get here?
I swallowed my senses and recalled what had happened earlier.
'You have two choices ... You'll run away when you still can. Or stay here, with zero percent chance of survival. '
Those are the words I remember coming out of Zi"s mouth. He then pointed a gun at me. I still feel intense nervousness as I think about the events.
How did he manage to do that? He was as if a different person, with the same face. He doesn't seem to know me.
"You're awake."
I quickly turned to the door. An old man was first seen. It is carrying a net. And fresh fish on the other hand.
"Who are you?" I asked rudely.
"I'm Aryel's father."
"Yes?" wrinkled my forehead.
"You brought you here."
I don't remember anything after passing away earlier. I couldn't stand the nervousness of Zion's mere firing or whoever it was at my foot. Suddenly my chest tightened, making it difficult to breathe. And then, I lost consciousness.
I would consider all that a dream if I woke up still in the place I left earlier. But no ... Instead, I woke up in an unfamiliar room.
"I'm sorry for what my son did, huh? He told me what happened before. That's just his way to save you."
"How could it be a good idea to bully? And his name is not Aryel. Zion ... ZION," I answered, emphasizing my love's name.
"Aryel brought you here hija," he shook his head.
But I clearly saw Zion's face. How did that become someone else? Or maybe, I'm mimicking again. But it feels so real! The way he stares, his husky voice, and his built.
"He said, one shot was just a deception to their comrades. That means, the hostage has escaped so just go back to the place."
"But why is there a threat before firing?"
It shrugged.
"That's what I can't answer."
He backed away, until he disappeared from my sight. I run out to follow it. I still had many questions.
"Are you calling Zion Aryel?"
I caught it in the kitchen. Their house was only enough for two or three people. From the living room, straight to the kitchen. Cutlery is limited, the sink is small, and even the table in the middle of the kitchen.
"Since birth, my son's name has been Aryel. I haven't heard him use a different identity. Maybe you're just mistaken."
He grabbed the plate and placed the fish. While the net is put in the box.
"I don't know ..." I snorted.
"There's a picture of my son on the dresser. Just look," he pointed to the drawer in the living room. Adjacent is the multi -chair made of bamboo.
I headed for it quickly. I first saw a man in messy hair, thick brows, thin lips, well defined jaw and muscles. He is wearing a simple tank top and ripped jeans. He blinked, while his eyes were directed to the ocean. It must be a stolen shot of him.
He is handsome. But he is not my Zion. I see no similarity in the physical appearance of the two of them.
To be continued...