Chapter 31

We drove about an hour to get to the beach we were going to, but we hadn't arrived yet. Ivan's chattiness ensured that the journey was not dull. When I'm with Jas, he looks and acts like myself. When I'm with Jas, I always talk and he listens, but when I'm with Ivan, I'm the one who listens. He's really talkative, yet it's not exhausting to listen to him.
When I asked why we were here, he said we were going to buy something to take to the beach and parked his car in the SM's parking lot. We went in together and purchased food and beverages. Because it's late, there aren't many people out shopping.
"You can have whatever you want, El. I'll pay," without looking at me. He was too preoccupied with getting the junk food he craved.
"You took so many, and now I'm going to add more? We can't eat that anymore," I explained.
He loads up the cart with enough food for ten people, and the majority of it is salty and sour so we can go to the hospital right after if we will eat that all.
He ignored me and walked over to the drinks are and grabbed two packs of chilled Yakult. With a smile on his face, he questioned if his choice were still insufficient.
"Are you still interested in buying something?" He said, "Take it."
"It's all right," I replied, "You took too much," and he nodded.
"It's better to have more than less," he replied, smiling, as he walked over to the counter.
I followed him and checked how many bills he had paid, gagging when I saw the bill for 800 pesos. I would not have asked him to the beach with me if I had known he was going to spend so much money. If only I could make a decision, 100 pesos would be enough for both of us to eat. We just moved back from KFC, so we're still full, but what he bought now is excessive.
We exited the SM and returned to where he had parked his car. He loaded the items into the back and helped me into the driver's seat by opening the passenger door.
"Is it still a long way, Ivan?" I asked. The beach where Jas and I went is only a short distance away and is rarely visited, so I'm sure that's not where Ivan and I are heading now. I have no idea where we are since I am unfamiliar with the area.
Before he began driving, he replied, "It"s pretty close. You will just have to endure around 20 minutes of travel. By the way, El, I'd want to ask you a question. I've been wanting to ask you this question for a long time, but I always seem to forget."
I ask him, looking at him. "Can you tell me what your question is?"
"One of my friends is familiar with you. Baki is familiar with you; are you familiar with her as well?" he asked.
I swallowed and averted my glance from his. "We are acquaintances but not relatives or friends," I replied, nodding. "Why did you claim she knew me?" I asked. "Was there anything she said about me?"
He shook his head and answered. "Do you remember when I spent the night in your apartment? She mentioned you to me. I don't remember exactly what she said but she wants me to know that you know each other."
I just nodded and said nothing further; I just listened to what he was saying and almost choked when he stated he assumed Baki and I were dating, perhaps because it's difficult to think Baki is a straight lady.
He was correct in predicting that we would arrive at the beach in 20 minutes, and he immediately walked out to open the door for me and get the items he had purchased earlier. When he got that, he started walking and I just followed his back.
I beamed as we walked through the gate and breathed the fresh air I was yearning for. Because the moon has risen, the wide ocean and little waves can be seen clearly. I want to dash to the beach and get into the sea as soon as possible. I was unsure where Ivan and I would sit, and he was still on the move. There are also cottages, and relatively few people are out walking.
"Where are we going? It's fine here; don't you want it here?" I asked as I trailed behind him.
"Secret, don't worry, we're almost there," he remarked as he came to a complete halt in front of a gate. He placed the plastic bag on the sand and then took the key from his pocket. We entered when he unlocked the closed gate.
While we were heading to the front door, I took a glance at the home. I'm sure this is one of his family's holiday homes, and I can't stop admiring the architecture. It has 2 floors and a third on the rooftop; it is not very huge and is just desirable.
When we got to the front entrance of the home, he placed the plastic bag down again. He quickly entered the code to open the door, and when it was opened, we were delighted with a bright and spacious living room. The designs and furnishings are quite clean and minimalist, and it appears like they are cleaned on a regular basis.
"Is this your vacation home, Ivan?" I asked, my face lit up with wonder.
We proceeded to the living room table, where he placed the items he was carrying. He took a seat on the sofa, and I took a seat in front of him. The table was between us, and he spoke while I looked about.
"I can't really remember the last time I came here," he said.
I ask him, looking at him. "What precisely do you mean?"
They don't come here, then why is this place so clean and organized? I don't notice any dust or cobwebs that I would expect to see in a house that hasn't been visited or cleaned in months or years. In fact, when I first came, my apartment was filthy, so I cleaned and tidied it so that I could see my surroundings well.
"We don't have time to go on vacation as Mom and Dad are usually so busy," he added, smiling, but I felt a twinge of melancholy in his eyes.
"You ain't coming here any longer? Why is it so spotless?" I inquired.
"This house is being looked after by someone. He cleans and we pay him," he said as he rose from his seat. He got up and took what he had brought earlier, so I did as well.
"Where are we going?" I asked.
He smiled and added, "Let's go to the rooftop, it's better there."
We walked to the house's roof top after I nodded. He is right, and things are better here. We could take in the fresh air and gaze out at the sea. The atmosphere is less gloomy because of the moon.
Swimming, strolling, and bonfires on the beach were among the activities enjoyed by the tourists. The solitude was so nice, and I knew Jas would like it as well.
As I realized what I was thinking about, I shook my head. Why did he pop into my head? And why didn't I know I was thinking about him right away? Despite the fact that Ivan was here, I was able to picture him. But this is only the beginning; I'm confident that I'll be able to learn not to think about him in every situation.
I bite my bottom lip and focus on the present situation. I moved my eyes and saw a table with three chairs at the end. Ivan came and immediately placed his plastic bag on the table. I did not take a seat on the chair and proceeded to the veranda rails. It's extremely nice to feel the wind, which is cool and a little strong. I closed my eyes and gazed up at the sky, hoping that all would work out in the end; I hope I have no regrets about my choices. There is no assurance, but I hope that everyone who matters to me is enthusiastic.
I was taken aback when I sensed Ivan's presence. I turned around and there he was, holding on to the railings and looking out over the ocean. He had a serene expression on his face, and I smiled at him as he shifted his eyes to me.
I averted my gaze from him and said, "Thank you for bringing me here."
I take a big breath and stare straight at the sea. I have no idea if I am the only person who has been here except for Ivan's family. I wanted to ask him but I chose not to ask so we were enveloped in silence. I didn"t know what Ivan was thinking and he fell silent but after a few minutes, he asked.

"What are your plans once we finish high school? Like, where do you want to study and what subject do you wish to take" He inquired.
"I don't know where I'll study yet, but I aim to pursue BS Marine Transportation," I replied without looking at him.
I could never picture boarding a ship and working in the middle of the ocean. Since I was a youngster, my only ambition has been to become a mariner and then a sea captain. I'm not sure why I still don't envision myself in such a field, despite the fact that I've always longed to be like my father.
"Do you want to be a mariner? That's great, but I can't see you working in that profession. Do you genuinely want it, or are you just trying to please others?"
I wasn't able to respond right away when he asked those questions. I was stumped for words because I was also thinking about what he had said. I've never asked myself if I wanted my dream for myself since I've always felt I wanted to show to my father that I could follow in his paths.
"I have no other desire than for my father to be proud of me, thus if becoming a mariner is what I need to do for him to be pleased of me, I will go for it." I took a deep breath and added, "I have no other dream but for my father to be proud of me. I want to be a sea captain like him to prove that I am as capable as he is."
He didn't respond to my response, so I looked at him and asked. "How about you? What's your plan?"
He didn't look at me, but he smiled as he looked in front of the sea. "I don't know where I'll go to school, but I'm planning on getting a BS in accounting and then going to law school after that." He looked at me and said, "I want to be a CPA Lawyer."
"Your plan is great, and I'm convinced you'll be able to carry it out," I said, my gaze moving on the plastic bag carrying the items he had purchased earlier. "We spend so much time standing up," I said, "let's eat as well."
He laughed a little and nodded. "I'll leave you here then I go downstairs and fetch something. Don't jump on the porch because I'm quick," he said.
"You're insane," I answered with a laugh. "Why should I take the risk of jumping there?"
He laughed and added, "I'm just kidding." Before leaving the rooftop, he remarked, "I'll be back."
I ate some snacks and grabbed my phone out of my pocket while he was gone. When I got it, I went to the veranda and opened the camera app. I take a photo, and when I see the result, I laugh out loud. I had the bravery to snap a photo, but the quality of my phone's camera was terrible, so it seemed like I was taking a picture in a dark room, with nothing to see. I took a photo of the moon because I wanted to remember this place, and I was astonished when Ivan talked to me right next to me.
He handed me the telescope and said, "Use this." I took it from his hands and put it to use.
This isn't the first time I've had the opportunity to use a telescope, but I'm thrilled to view the moon and stars up close. When I noticed a shooting star, I instantly pointed my index finger towards it. I'm tempted to jump since I'm seeing a slew of shooting stars. I am also noisy now due to telling Ivan to look at what I was pointing.

"Make a wish, El. Hurry up and you might not be able to reach," he stated and I immediately turned a blind eye.
I make a wish and after saying my wish in my mind, the shooting star was end. I put down the telescope and looked at him. I set the telescope down and looked at him. "Are you okay?" I asked, gulping as I noticed he was gazing at me.
With a shake of his head and a bite of his bottom lip, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. He diverted his gaze from me, then turned his back to me and walked up to the chair.
"El, we have to get out of here. My mother texted me that Dad had returned home and was seeking for me," he expressed disappointment.
I smiled as I approached his seat. "I'm OK; don't worry about me."
He nodded and took another gulp. "My parents want to meet you, El," he stated after taking a long breath.