Chapter 3- El Nido
Zarya's POV
"sabagay, may point naman kayo. Mukhang s'ya lang nga mag isa dito, ang lungkot ba naman ng ambiance. Ang tahi tahimik pa." I heard Kiro as I was walking downstairs.
"Tahimik pa rin ba 'to, sa ingay n'yong 'yan?" Only if you saw Kiro's face, you'd probably laugh. Parang nakakita ng multo e
"Ay anak ng tokwa!!" He shouted.
"I live here alone, yes. But that doesn't mean I'm lonely or what. I am used to it, ako lang din naman mag isa sa italy before.". I quickly added, to ease the tension.
"may narinig ka po ba?" Kiro asked, he looks so worried. I don't even care what he thinks, so I just stared at him.
"Okay na po, tawagin n'yo na lang ako kapag ready na kayong umalis.". Kuya Jun broke the silence by entering the house.
"Kuya Jun, can you take my things to the car?" I politely asked.
"No probs, antayin n'yo na lang ako sa sasakyan. Susunod ako." He immediately went upstairs to get my things.
"Doc, saan dito sa mga sasakyan mo ang gagamitin natin?" Kiro asked pointing in my cars na naka park lang naman. While there's a camper van near the gate.
"Isn't it obvious?" I pointed my fingers towards the gate.
"ang daldal mo kiro, tara na nga." Ralph pushed him away.
"Bahay mo pa rin ba 'to, Doc?" Kiro asked as he entered the camper van.
"Kiro, ang oa mo." Mica cutting him off.
"Ready na ba kayo?" Kuya Jun broke the tension of these two lil kids.
"Opo, ready na. Bumaba ka na mica, hindi ka kasama dito." Kiro started it again.
Mica threw a bag of chips to Kiro, and it hit him in the head. "Deserve."
"Araay!" Kiro was about to take revenge when Ralph flicked his head.
For a short period of time, there was a silence inside of the car.
Yeah, he talks a lot, but I still like having him around. He makes sure things aren't boring or quiet. When he's here, there's always something going on. He fills up those awkward silences. Honestly, even when I want him to shut up, I'd miss him if he wasn't here.
When kiro fell asleep, everyone was able to take a nap as well. Confirmed, he causes chaos.
"Gising na mga Doctors, airport na po tayo." Kuya Jun was knocking our windows.
"Kiro, Ralph. Patulong naman si kuya Jun sa pagbaba ng mga gamit.". I asked them a favor as soon as they woke up.
"Yes ma'am!". It was kiro again, while Ralph just nodded.
Kiro and Ralph helped kuya Jun with out baggages, while the girls are doing their make up inside of the car.
"Let's go inside na Doc, everything is ready. Excited na ako!" Kiro screams in excitement.
"Wait, we are still waiting for someone."
"Ha? may iba pa bang sasama?" Xylla asked, I saw the look of confusion in their faces.
I didn't answer their question, I just stared at my phone. Waiting for that text message from someone who is coming with us today.
"Sisssy!!! OMG I'm sorry I'm late" she gave me a kiss.
"Doc. Pakilala mo naman samin 'yan." Kiro tapped my shoulder.
"Everyone, this is ate Yana. She is coming with us." Ate yana gave them a sweet smile.
"These are Xylla, Mica, Aisle, Kiro, and Ralph. My friends." I introduced them one by one.
"Hi, I'm akiro. Ahm... Doctor Kiro for short. But you can call me Aki if you want." Kiro winked at my sister, and initiated a shake hand.
I twisted his hand, and rolled my eyes at him. "okay na, kilala ka na."
"Awww, arayy Doc!." I then let go of his hands.
Yes, I invited ate Yana to come with us. I think she spends most of her time roaming around, she found peace in chaotic places. Such as bar, party, hang outs, malls, etc. I want her to find different ways to seek peace.
"Mag ingat kayo, and mag enjoy kayo doon." Kuya Jun gave me and my sister a hug as we are about to get inside.
"Yes, kuya. Don't worry about us, take good care of the mansion instead. mkay?" I hugged him back, and gave him a huge smile.
Like I was just saying, Kuya Jun isn't just our driver; he's been driving us around since we were kids, practically part of the family. Honestly, he's like a second father to me.
He always looked out for us, made sure we were safe, and even gave us advice when we needed it – sometimes even when we didn't think we needed it! Hearing him talk just now gave me this crazy sense of deja vu, like I was transported back in time.
It reminded me of when I went to Italy a few years ago and experienced that feeling for the first time, everything felt so familiar.
It's wild to think that even though eight years have passed, he's still the same Kuya Jun I've always known.
The one who genuinely cares about us, worries about us, and always puts our needs before his own.
He's more than just an employee, he's a family.
We boarded the plane, and to my surprise, the flight was remarkably uneventful. Just a typical, smooth journey. I was almost expecting some kind of chaos, knowing my luck, but thankfully, nothing of the sort materialized.
I suspect everyone was simply exhausted.
After all, most of my companions were doctors who had been working late into the night at the hospital.
They were probably taking this short flight as a rare opportunity to catch up on some much-needed rest. So, I made sure to keep things quiet and let them be.
It was just an hour and a half flight, anyway – not much time for anything dramatic to happen, thankfully. My sister, bless her, was out like a light almost as soon as we took off, her head already lolling onto my shoulder. I didn't mind; I knew she was tired too.
I used the time to catch up on some reading, glancing over to see the doctors already asleep. One even had a neck pillow, prepared for the short nap. I smiled, knowing they deserved a good rest.
Everyone seems to be so comfortable with their neck pillows, except for Ralph. He is wide awake, scrolling through his phone.
They are now on their way to their destination, Zarya rented a car with a driver.
They're about 30 minutes away from the beach, everyone was about to wake up when Ralph accidentally dropped his tumbler.
"Tol, ano ba 'yan. Natutulog 'yong tao e." Reklamo ni Kiro kay Ralph, namamaga pa ang mga mata n'ya.
"I didn't mean to, tulog kana lang ulit." Depensa naman ni Ralph.
"hindi na, nagising na ako. Malayo pa ba?" Tinanong ni Kiro 'yong driver.
Agad naman itong sumagot, "Malapit na po."
Sunod naman na nagising si Mica, dahilan para magising din si Aisle dahil nakatulog ito sa dibdib n'ya.
"Ang iingay n'yo." Reklamo ni Mica.
Hindi ito pinansin ni Ralph at Kiro, they know they have nothing to do with Mica. They won't win the argument, nag tinginan na lang silang dalawa.
"'Aisle, don't wake them up yet" Ralph scolded Aisle as she was about to wake the rest of the girls up.
"I was just reaching for my stuff, ang oa mo talaga Ralph."
"well, you'll wake them up. Do it later."
"Aisle, you're such a—" Suway ni Ralph ng kinuha parin ni Aisle ang gamit n'ya.
Aisle raised her bag, teasing Ralph. "See? hindi naman nagising, bawasan mo pag ka oa mo Ralph. Kalalaking tao parang babae.". She then rolled her eyes.
Ralph gave up, he did not even gave her a response. Hinayaan na lang n'ya, but the look of annoyance marked on his face.
"See?? I told you!" Ralph scolded Aisle again.
"ang ingay n'yo, ano ba?" Xylla scolded ralph.
Doc. Zarya just stared at them in disbelief.
"We're hereee!!!" Kiro spread his arm and screamed as soon as he step out of the car.
Everyone laughed in shame, people are now staring at him. Good thing we're still inside of the car.
I immediately had an evil plan, I locked the car and ordered the driver to drift away.
We all laughed as he realized and run towards our direction.
We just moved a bit, hindi na lumayo pa ng sobra. inasar lang talaga namin s'ya.
"Unang katarantaduhan ah, ang sasama ng ugali." He is catching his breath as we opened the door for him.
"Sakay na tanga"
He immediately went inside, "baka iwan n'yo pa ako ulit e.". still catching his breath.
"Kuya? will you take us to the hotel". I asked the driver.
"Yes Ma'am.". He replied.
"Bakit?? akala ko mag b-beach tayo agad?" Kiro interrupted.
"It's getting late, iwan na natin mga gamit doon. So that kuya can take a rest na rin." I explained.
It is already 5pm, so I decided to leave our things to the hotel first, and back to the beach. I will be driving us around na lang.
My sister Yana was quiet the whole trip, I bet she's bored. So I broke her boredom. "After this, we are heading straight to the bar, to have some fun."
as expected, her eyes lit up. Energizer n'ya talaga ang mga crowded places, we are totally different.
We're here, the beach hotel we booked wasn't that far from the beach. as soon as we went in, the whole place is in chaos. Ang busy ng mga tao, they are preparing something. I think there's an event later.
I went to get our key cards, I booked the biggest room they have. 5 rooms, my sister and I will be sharing na lang.
We're at the 10th floor, I specifically asked for 5 rooms to be on the same floor. It is convenient for us in case of emergency or anything.
"Go get yourselves ready guys, is 2hours enough?" I asked them.
Kiro winked at me. "Yes ma'am!"
"Okay, I'll fetch you guys later." We parted ways, and went to our designated rooms.
"Oh gosh, I am soooo tired." Ate yana Immediately removed his clothes, and went straight to the bathroom.
"Ate, I know you're comfortable around me. But be mindful, I haven't even locked the door yet.". I scolded her.
"My bad, sissyy!" she responded as she closed the bathroom door, and took a halfbath.
While waiting for her to finish, I fixed our things, charged our phones, and powerbanks just in case. I took the chance to take a nap, ate Yana will surely take forever to do her routine in the bathroom.
"Sissy, it's your turn." Ate woke me up, NAKED.
I immediately got up. "Ate ano ba? the curtains are open!" I scolded her.
"who would stare at my beautiful body? The sharks in the ocean? the birds in the sky?" I then realized that our window was facing the beautiful view of the ocean.
She smirked, I was annoyed. I just got up, and went inside of the bathroom to take a shower. "Make sure as soon as I step out of this bathroom, you are done doing your make up and everything!"
Unlike her, I only last about 20-30 minutes in the bathroom. While an our or two is not even enough for her. Doing her make up also takes up too much time, and it annoys me.
I have finished my make up and all, while my sister has been re-doing her hairstyle for the 10th time. She already asked me if the hairstyle suits her or not, I'd say yes. Then ruining it again, because 'it doesn't feel right' mood.
"You know what sis? I'll be back, and if you're still not ready. You'll stay here, we're leaving you.". I went outside to check others.
"Doc. we're just heading to the other rooms." I saw Ralph, and Xylla in the hallway.
"Good thing, I was about to check on you guys." I replied, and walk towards them.
We knocked on Mica's room, and surprised as she opens the door. Aisle was in there too.
"Hi Doc. I was just waiting for Mica. Ang tagal kumilos e." Aisle smiled, while Mica is doing her make up.
"Just wait for a minute, patapos na ako." Mica applied some lippie, and got her purse.
We all went out of the room, and was about to go back to check my sister. When all of the sudden...
"Teka, si Kiro?" Ralph asked.
we stared at each other, as if one of us knows the answer.
"Hoy Kiro!!!" Ralph is knocking in Kiro's door.
"Ano ba, teka lang!!" Kiro answered, with an irritated tone.
"Sobra ka pa sa babae pre!" Reklamo ni Ralph after Kiro opened the door, half naked.
My eyebrow arched in surprise, my face is in disbelief. He opened the door, but it was clear he wasn't ready to go anywhere. "Hindi ka parin tapos mag ayos?!"
He realized he was topless, clad only in a towel around his waist. He quickly covered his upper body with his hands and shut the door.
"HAHAHAHAHA tangina pree!" Ralph who's very serious, laughed so hard.
While Xylla, Mica, and Aisle covering their eyes, as if naman.....
But in fairness, he has a good physique. biceps, 6 pack, pumped chest, and huge—
Erase, Erase, Erase.
"Kayo na mag antay d'yan." I left them, and went back to our room.
I was about to open the door when ate twisted the door knob. "Wow, ready to go?"
I teased her.
"c'mon, I can't wait to have some fuuunnn." as if she waited for decades.
"Guys, sunod na lang kayo sa sasakyan. Una na kami." Informed them.
My sister and I headed to the elevator. It lurched to a stop on the 5th floor, and the doors slid open to reveal three girls who hopped inside.
Based on their uniform, I conclude that they work here. "Grabe 'tong hotel na 'to, accept ng rush event gusto, dagdag sweldo ayaw?" A girl on the left complained.
"'wag ka na mag reklamo, may bonus naman daw eh. Big event daw gaganapin ngayong gabi, big time ata." The girl on the right replied.
"Kahit na, edi sana nag book sila ng mas maaga. Hindi 'yon night before the event, ang hassle kaya." The girl in the middle joined the conversation.
"Pero dedma, ang pogi naman nung nag pa rush event eh."
"Pogi nga, may girlfriend naman." the girl on the right shrugged.
As the elevator doors parted, they went silent. They stepped out ahead of us, at sumunod narin kami ni ate Yana.
"I bet your employees talk behind your back as well." Ate Yana broke the silence.
I rolled her eyes at her. " I bet they won't love the consequences if they do."
I was surprised by how elegant the preparation is, ang ganda. Big time ata talaga ang event mamaya.
The place was already noticeably more crowded than when we had first gone to our rooms earlier.
We left our keycard to the front desk, it wasn't necessary but I insisted. Baka mawala pa namin mamaya.
We made our way to the car, and before we knew it, the others had arrived as well. Without wasting any time, we piled in and headed straight for the bar.
"We are gonna get CRAZZYYY tonight!!!" Kiro screamed as we got out of the car.
Ate Yana pulled me toward the entrance, but we were stopped before we could get in. We had to go through the ID check first, where they verified our IDs.
Everyone began pulling out their IDs, and I reached for mine as well. But then I realized the problem. I had forgotten my purse in the car, where my ID was.
I smiled at kuya, "Kuya... I swear I'm 24, turning 25 this month." Trying to convince him.
"sorry miss, kailangan namin ng Id n'yo." He refused to believe me.
"Zar, kunin mo nalang purse mo sa sasakyan." Xylla suggested.
"No need, I'll get it na lang. Stay right here" Ralph insisted.
I stopped him, "No, ako na. Mauna na kayo sa loob."
I saw ate Yana pulled out a cash, and handed it over secretly to the man.
I smiled, and looked at him. "How 'bout now?"
He didn't say a word, he just opened the door for us. Enough for us to comprehend that we can get inside.
"Iba talaga kapag may backer ka no?" Aisle couldn't hide her smile.
"All thanks to you, my dear sister." I blow her a kiss, and gave her a sweet smile.
I knew I'd made the right choice picking this bar; the energy was electric. It was only 8 PM, and already the place was buzzing with people letting loose.
Some were lost in wild, uninhibited dancing, fueled by alcohol and the infectious music. Others were caught up in passionate make-out sessions, while smaller groups kept to themselves, deep in conversation.
The room was filled with laughter, a chorus of strangers connecting in a space where everyone seemed to belong. It was a place where you could lose yourself in the moment, surrounded by people you didn't know, yet feel completely at peace.
We found our way to our reserved table, and almost immediately, our pre-ordered drinks arrived, expertly arranged and ready for us to enjoy.
I poured everyone's glass and took our first shot. "Cheeerrss!!". I started the toast.
"Sissy, I'ma have some fun now. See you around!" Ate Yana got up, and made it's way to the dance floor.
"Sama akooo" Aisle immediately rushed to join Yana on the dance floor.
Only the four of us was left here, I'm sitting between Xylla and Mica, while Kiro and Ralph were sitting on the other side of the couch.
Ralph raised his glass. "Doc. hindi naman malakas tama nito."
"Gusto mo ba ma knockdown agad?" Mica asked him in a sarcastic tone.
I got up, and went to the bartender's counter. "Excuse me, can I get a Vodka Kick instead of margarita on our table please?"
"Would like me to make it a little more special, ma'am?" The bartender asked.
I smiled. "No, we like it raw. Give us 2 bottle of Vodka, no any mixtures." I ordered.
"Ohh wow. No worries." He handed me the 2 bottle. "Here you go."
I left the counter, and went back to our table. When I returned, only Xylla and Ralph were at our table. I guess Mica had already found her own little world in this bar
"Where's Mica?" I confusedly asked, as I sat down.
Ralph shrugged. "ramdom guy wants to buy her a drink."
"Don't mind her, she's old enough." Xylla opened the bottle, and poured Ralph's glass.
His face soured as he drank the Vodka. "Ohh, I thought you want something strong?". I teased him.
He stood up. "Wait waitt, I'll be back." and went to the counter.
He looked like he was about to head to the counter to ask for lemon or something similar, but before he could even move, a group of girls approached our table.
"Hi, can I get your Igram?" A blond girl asked him.
He pulled out his phone, and gave his username to that girl. I smiled, knowing that he doesn't like it when someone asks for his socials.
"would you like to join us?" the girl invited him.
He shakes his head. "I—uhmm... I'm kinda occupied." He declined the invitation.
The girl looked at me, her face is asking for permission. "You don't mind, do you?"
I giggled. "No, not at all."
"Hehe, ahhmm.. Wait" He was too hesitant to leave our table.
"doon ka na muna, okay lang kami dito". I'm trying to convince him, but I think it doesn't matter since the girl is already pulling him.
Xylla and I were almost choking out of laughter. you should've seen Ralph's face when that girl just glommed onto him! He looked totally stunned, like a deer in headlights.
I swear, he didn't know whether to laugh, cry, or just stand there. What was that all about? I couldn't tell if he was loving it or wanted us to save him. Seriously, is he even into girls? I have no idea what's going on.
"How about you? aren't you going to enjoy the night?" Xylla asked me as she poured me a drink.
I emptied the glass before I answered her. "I am enjoying the night." I said.
"Really? by sitting here?"
"By being drowned in this chaotic place." I replied.
"Are you good?" I saw the concern in her face.
I smiled, and filled her glass. "I am good."
"It's just the two of us now." She chuckled.
"Why don't you go and have fun as well?"
"I am having fun." she smiled. "You know what? we've been friends for a couple of months, yet I don't think I know you enough for us to be friends."
I looked at her. "what do you mean by that?"
"Tell me more about yourself, your interest."
I once again chugged a glass of vodka "There's nothing much about me." I gave her a dry laugh.
"you're so boring." I fixed my gaze on her, as she said those words.
"Okay, at least tell me why and how come you left the country for 8 years, without coming back. Even for a short vacation."
I had a glass before I answered. "I was too focused in pursuing my dreams." I simply said.
"That you did not bother to come back?? How is that even possible."
"y—yes..." I was hesitant to answer.
"So you have achieved your dreams now, since you're back."
I slowly swirled the glass in my hand. "I've returned to chase my dream."
She looked at me, looking confused. "Didn't you just finished your degree in italy??"
"Italy was never the dream. I chased the wrong one across the world, searching for something I already had. Now, after eight lost years, I don't even know if that dream is still within reach." I emptied another glass of vodka.
"That's deep, I wanna know more." She is invested now, all ears wide open.
"I'm getting a little dizzy, I'll just go to the comfort room for a sec." I got up and excused myself.
The words came out, but I was barely holding it together. I was fighting back tears. I could feel the drink hitting me, and I knew I couldn't start unloading on Xylla. So, I just had to make an excuse.
I rushed to the comfort room to compose myself, I wasn't aware of how much alcohol I had during that short conversation with her.
I'm having a headache, and I can't take it no more. So I went back to our table, and tried to act fool.
"Xy, I'm going back to the hotel. You guys can stay here." I asked to get some rest.
"Wait, the night is still young Zar. Stay for a lil bit longer."
I did not listen to her words, I stood up and was about to walk outside.
"At least let me drive you back to the hotel." She insisted.
"I can handle myself, Xy. I'm not drunk."
I declined her offer, confident I could handle the short walk back to the hotel. Luckily, a group of friends happened to be heading in the same direction, so I wasn't completely alone.
I walked into the hotel, and a wave of confusion just hit me. It was like stepping into a completely different world. The lobby was swarming with people, all dressed in sharp, dark suits.
It was almost midnight, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. "What's going on here?" I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.
I scanned the crowd, trying to make sense of it all.
Some of the faces looked vaguely familiar, like people I should know but couldn't quite place.
My mind was drawing a blank. I rubbed my temples, trying to clear the fog.
"It's probably just the alcohol," I mumbled, but even as I said it, I knew there was more to it than that.
The energy in the room was palpable, a strange mix of excitement and tension.
It felt like something big was about to happen, and I was right in the middle of it.