Chapter 5- was it coincidence?
C h a s i n g D r e a m s, l o s i n g h e r.
"Kailan ba tayo mag b-beach activity? Excited na excited na ako oh." Kiro asked. He's wearing his goggles, with his swimwear, and applying his sunblock while we just had our lunch. Hindi naman halatang excited?
"Tara, come with me. Let's inquire a tour guide." I invited him to come with me since wala pa kaming tour guide.
He immediately wore his cap. "G, tara Doc."
We have been looking around, inquiring some tour guides. But their offers is not full package, and I don't feel safe with their small boats.
So instead of roaming around, we went to the information booth for some recommendations.
"Good morning ma'am, how may I help you po?" A girl with beach hat on greeted me.
"I'm here to ask for some recommendations, so we are looking for a professional tour guide, that would enjoy the activities with us." I said directly.
"oh yes of course, ilan po ba kayo?" she asked
"6, all adults." I responded
"Okay, what time are you planning to start the activities po? so we can inform the tour guide."
I checked the time on my phone. "right now."
"Okay, you're good. I'll just need your contact number here." She handed me the log book.
"Anyway, with regards to the boat that we're gonna be using."
"So we have a Class A which is for 2-3 persons, and 1 tour guide.
" She showed me a picture of a small boat.
"Premium which is the one you'll be using, it's for 5-7 persons with one tour and life guard.
" this is what we're gonna use, it's fair size.
"We here the Deluxe yacht, which is for 8-10 persons.
With 2 tour guide, and 2 life guard for your safety. "
"I want the Deluxe." I ordered.
She looked at me as if I just said a joke.
"Ma'am, it can't be. Strictly we have to follow the rules when it comes to capacity."
My brows furrowed, is this a joke? It's a win win for them, I wanted the most expensive, and they won't let me?
"But I want that one, can't you guys just add more life guard or whatever.?" I asked.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I don't think we can. We have to accommodate every guests, we just have enough tour guides."
"I'll pay extra." I tried to play them with money.
She just gave me a disappointing face.
"If you really want the Deluxe, you can try to find some people who would like to join you."
"Reserve that one for me."
Kiro and I left the lobby, and went back to our friends.
I don't know where to find someone who would join us, maybe just ask these random people.
"Doc, pa'no 'yan? okay naman kami sa Premium e." Kiro suggested
I nodded. "Okay, mag premium kayo. Kayo lang." I'm freaking scared of small spaces.
"Joke lang Doc. Ako na lang maghahanap ng sasama satin." he smiled awkwardly.
"Ano, okay na?" Xylla asked as soon as we came back.
"Nope na nope, itong si Doc kasi ayaw ng premium boat." nagsumbong pa nga.
"eh bakit kasi premium gusto mo??" Ralph pointed his fingers to Kiro.
"Oo nga, ang sosyal mo naman? Aisle added.
Kiro took a step backwards and raised both of his hand, na para bang natokhang.
"Uy, bakit ako? Patapusin n'yo kasi muna ako."
"Ayaw n'ya ng premium, gusto Deluxe na yate." He added.
They all stared at me as if I did something horrible. "what? is it a big deal?"
"I would also like to get the Deluxe.". Ate yana raised her hand.
"Syempre anak mayaman kayo e." Mica said sarcastically.
"Aisle, samahan mo si Kiro. Try to convince stranger to join us. We need at least 2, or 4 will do.". I ordered them, 'cause there is no way I will be doing that.
"Bakit ako? nakakahiya." Reklamo n'ya, trying to refuse me.
Kiro then pulled her away, and she did nothing about it. As if she can do something, eh hawak hawak na s'ya ni Kiro.
"Ikaw na!"
"Ikaw na kasi!"
"Ayaw ko, ikaw na!"
Dapat talaga hindi na kami pinagsama nitong babaeng 'to e. Kanina pa kami nagtatalo kung sino magtatanong.
Tinulak ko s'ya palapit sa 2 babaeng nakaupo sa buhangin, para wala na s'yang palag.
"Miss, by any chance. Gusto n'yo bang sumama samin sa mga beach activities? shoulder na namin lahat, we just need more para mas masaya." rinig kong pang hihikayat n'ya sa mga babae.
"Sorry po, kakatapos lang din namin mag activity e." The girl on the right rejected her, so I tried to walk away first dahil baka masabunutan pa ako.
"Sabi sa'yo, ayaw eh." Reklamo n'ya.
I pointed my fingers to the group of people. "Ayun! may apat oh, try mo doon- Aray!" Binatukan ako teh.
"Ikaw naman kaya?? kanina pa ako nagtitimpi sa'yo ha."
I have nothing to do more, kaya ako na lang lumapit. Baka mapuno ako ng pasa pagkatapos nito.
"Tol, ahhh may tanong sana ako. Free ba kayo ngayon?" I started the conversation with a question para matapos na 'to.
"Bakit pre?" Sagot ng lalaking mataba na nakaupo sa water Jar.
"Nag hahanap kasi kami ng willing sumama samin mag activity mamaya. Baka gusto n'yo sumama, ahh libre na lahat lahat." I stated my intentions.
"Uyyy G ba? G ba??" he asked his friends excitedly.
"Tara, G na yan. Palag palag na"
"ay kaso pre, may mga kasamahan pa kami, bumili lang ng beer. Antayin na lang natin, 5 lang naman sila don." He handed me a beer, pero hindi ko na tinanggap.
As soon as I heard na may iba pa palang kasama, I took my phone out, and put in my ears, as if may tumatawag.
"Hello? ay totoo? sayang naman. Nakahanap pa naman sana kami ng sasama." Tinaasan ko boses ko intentionally para marinig nila.
They all stared at me, waiting for my next words.
"Oh Sige sige, babalik na lang kami d'yan." I put my phone back in my pocket.
"Mga tol, pasensya na kayo ha. Cancel na lang daw, may emergency isang kasama namin e. Sige, salamat." Without looking back, I walked as fast as I could towards Aisle. Nakakahiya talaga, pero lagot ako kapag na G ko 'yon.
"Ano, kamusta?" Aisle asked me.
"Wala, teh kulang na lang mag isang dosena pala sila."
"ay, may Idea ako. Doon tayo sa mga bangka oh, for sure may mag i inquire d'yan, oh edi ayon ayain natin." She waggle her brows.
"Alam mo minsan, may utak ka rin pala 'no?" I gave her a head pat, na parang aso. "Good dog."
"Doon tayo oh, mukhang maraming lumapait don." Tinuro ko si kuya na nakasandal sa barko n'ya.
Pumunta kami doon, at tumambay sandali. Baka may lumapit dito at mapakiuaapan namin sumama.
"I can't believe this! Isn't it in favor with them?!" we saw a couple who seems to be so stressed.
"It's okay, we don't need to do it." The woman tried to comfort him.
Pinapanuod lang sila namin ni Aisle habang stress na stress, ang lalake ay may hawak na phone na parang may tinatawagan. While the woman is clinging in his arms.
"fuck that!" the man ended the call aggressively, parang hindi nakuha ang gusto ah.
"Stop with that cursing! what's wrong with you? we're in public." I heard the woman scolded him. Deserve, hindi maangas tol.
"I'm sorry, Hon. It's just that... I want this to be memorable. But that god damn Yacht!"
the man looks so furious.
I nudged Aisle's shoulder. "Pangit siguro ugali nung guy, no?."
Once again, binatukan ako. "Hoy hindi mo ba narining?? God damn Yacht daw!"
"Oh ano naman?" I massaged the back of my head, ang sakit e nangyan
She just looked at me, shrugging, raising her eyebrow, a gesture I did not quite comprehend. "bakit?" I asked confusedly. She just responded me with the same face.
I then realized, the word Yacht. Does this mean they wanted the yacht?! I ran to them, almost stumbled into that woman.
"hey, look out man." The man covered the girl with his arm.
"Not to be eavesdropping, but I heard your conversation. Do you want the Yacht?" I asked directly, wala ng intro intro to.
"Why the hell do you care?" That gorgeous woman replied.
She tried to walk away, but her boyfriend stopped her before she could even try.
The man inspected me as if I just committed a crime. "you look familiar." He said.
He looks familiar as well. I think I've seen him before. "po?"
"nothing." He said, which broke the silence. "Anyway, what is it? about the Yacht?" He added.
I composed myself, before I started a word.
"So, my friends and I tried to get a Yacht, but unfortunately we have to reach the minimum capacity, which is 8. And we're only 6. So by any chance, would you guys want to have a good time with us??". I waited for them to answer.
A phone call interrupted us. "Hello Doc? Yes po?" it was Aisle, I think Doc. Zarya called her.
"Ay sige po, I'll tell Kiro na lang..... Sure, bye po." she hung up the call, and I stared at her waiting for the information.
"Kiro! Balik na lang daw tayo, sabi ni Doc. Okay na lang daw sa premium!". Aisle said.
I decided to say a proper goodbye to these two, before we head off, since we bothered them.
I face them once again. "Ahmm, sorry po. Nevermind n'yo na la-"
"We're interested." the woman says in chorus.
"Hon, it's no longer romantic." The man disagree.
The woman just gave him a deadly look, kahit ako natakot doon.
"ah- yeah yeah. We would like to join you." the man has nothing to do about his girl's decision. While I am here, don't know what to do because Doc Zarya already cancelled the Yacht.
"Hey?" the woman broke my thoughts.
"Yes, yesss. ahh sure. Antayin n'yo na lang po kami sa lobby, sabihin n'yo na nalang kasama kayo namin. Deluxe Yacht po." I immediately turn my back off, and head straight towards Aisle.
"Aisle..... I think matutuloy tayo, with those two." tinuro ko ang dalawang naglalakad palayo.
"Gagi ka! Nag cancel na nga e" Binatukan na naman ako pot---
"Aray! ano ba? kanina ka pa ha."
"Lagot ka kay Doc, ikaw bahala mag explain don." She left me, nauna na s'yang maglakad pabalik.
While walking back, iniisip ko na ano ang sasabihin ko kay Doc. Dahil for sure, there would only be 2 possibilities. Either she would be happy, or I would be dead.
"Doc? hehehe" Kiro walked slowly towards us, ano na naman kaya pakulo nito.
"Why? pack up na kayo, let's do premium na lang." I said.
He just smiled awkwardly. "Doc, I already found someone who would join us e. Hehe."
"Is that so? Ilan sila?" I asked. I know I called them too late, I can't get mad for that.
"2 only." but his awkward smile was still there. "but they're couple."
There you go. I knew there was something off. So what is this gonna be?? We'll be their bodyguards?
"there are hundreds of people here, yet you managed to choose a couple? What a bulls eye!" I clap sarcastically.
"It's fine sissy, it's gonna be so fun then!?" While I am irritated, my sister on the other hand is excited as hell.
I let out a sigh, accepting my defeat.
"Okay fine. Pack up, we're heading back to the lobby." I told them, and walked first.
Walking back to the lobby with them, I couldn't stop smiling. Seeing them so happy filled me with a quiet joy. It hasn't been long, but I've already found such peace being with them. This little treat is just my way of trying to repay them for the smiles they've given me.
Pagpasok namin sa lobby, I look around for those two na sinabi ni Kiro. But my eyes don't see any couples here.
"Ma'am, I just need you to fill up this form. We need some personal information in case of emergency po." The lady on the front desk handed me the form.
Tinapos kong ilagay lahat ng information na kailangan nila from me, and pinasa-pasahan na lang namin.
"Nandito na po ba 'yong dalawang kasama namin?" I asked the lady.
"Yes ma'am, we insisted na mauna na po sila doon." She replied.
After that, nag proceed na kami sa kung saan nandoon ang Yacht na gagamitin namin.
We went to where the yacht is, and I was surprised by how small it is. I mean, compared to our yacht....
"Wow, ang laki pala nito Doc!" I heard kiro screamed with excitement. That's when I knew I couldn't let my thoughts about this yacht get out of my head.
The yacht is quite nice, more than enough space for us, but too small for my eyes. The tour guides and life guards are already doing their jobs. Preparing emergency supplies, checking the area, etc.
When one of the tour guide noticed us.
"Ma'am, good day po. Ready na po ba kayo? Tara tulungan ko na kayo d'yan." He greeted us with a smile, and offered a hand with our things.
"Uy may pool pa, guys kita n'yo 'yon?" Tinuro ni Kiro 'yong maliit na pool.
"Guess what Kiro, hindi kami bulag." Mica rolled her eyes. Nag aaway na naman sila.
I didn't notice them at all, my attention was drawn to the two people on the upper deck. I believe they are the ones joining us.
Since they were away from us at the entrance of the yacht, we couldn't see their faces from below. Magjowa nga ata sila, the way the the woman rest it's head on the man's shoulder, habang nakaakbay naman ang lalaki.
"Ma'am, tara po sa taas. Nandon na po ibang kasama n'yo." The tour guide lead us the way up to the Flybridge.
my favorite spot when it comes to Yacht. It is a place where you can see the world in 360, with the breath of waves, and view of a beautiful deep blue ocean.
We followed him, and we insisted na tulungan na s'ya sa mga gamit namin.
We reached to the Flybridge deck, and the couple is already having a good time. Nakatalikod sila saamin, at tila hindi kami napansin dahil masyadong abala sa kani-kanilang sarili.
"Excuse me Ma'am Chiara, Sir Ryan. Andito na po iba n'yong kasama." The tour guide introduced us to them.
It took me a moment to process what I'd heard. Was my mind playing tricks on me? Had I really heard that, or was it just wishful thinking amplified by the sea breeze?
Tama ba talaga 'yon? sila nga ba talaga?..
As they turned, faces were visible. The answer to my question was answered.
"Hi po! it's me Kiro again hehehe". Kiro greeted them with excitement.
Sumunod naman ang iba, they all greeted them nicely, with a big smile on their faces.
"Hey, Zarya. My bestfriend, what a great coincidence is this?" The man, Ryan. Said with a chill tone.
I immediately turned around, planning to ditch this adventure.
But my sister stopped me. "Where are you going?"
"Back to hotel." I said, cold and firm.
I saw the confusion in their faces.
"Why? are you good?" Xylla who looks so worried. Held my hand.
"I'm not really feeling okay right now, I'm still having some headache from... from last night."
"So do you wanna rest first? Let's see if there's a room in here."
"No, I wanna go back."
"okay, I'm coming with you then." she insisted. "You guys can wait here, I'm gonna find others who would like to join y'all." she added.
As we're about to leave, someone voiced out.
"When we first arrived and agreed to join you all, My boyfriend and I were a bit apprehensive," she admitted, her voice softening slightly.
"It's always a little nerve-wracking being on a yacht with a group of complete strangers.
". She paused, a subtle smile playing on her lips as she rose to her feet.
"You wouldn't want your friends worrying about something like that either, would you? "
I was furious at her response. Later that night, she pushed me away as if I were a decease she had survived. But now, why is she saying this? I thought it was in their favor.
"I am sorry for the inconvenience, but don't worry. I will make way for this to be fixed immediately." I responded with a cold posture, trying my best not to be soft again.
"Your friends would get sad if both of you would leave, for sure. Imagine, I saw the excitement in their eyes as you went in, and you're just gonna take that excitement away from them.?" She replied sarcastically.
I was out of words, I couldn't even defend myself anymore. every words that came out of her mouth just made sense.
"Tama naman si Chiara, dito ka nalang. May room d'yan sa baba, pahinga ka muna doon.". Ryan joined the conversation, agreeing with that woman.
"Right sis, gusto mo samahan na kita?" Ate Yana insisted.
"Ma'am, may medicine kit po tayo doon sa kwarto. May list na rin po doon ng kung para saan ang mga gamot, kayo na lang po bahala." The tour guide informed me about the medicine. Paano naman ako iinom ng gamot, wala naman masakit saakin.
"Dito na po kayo, ate Yana. Ako na sasama kay Zarya sa kwarto." Xylla dropped her things, and hurriedly held my waist as we're about to leave the Flybridge.
"Just let her sister do it's Job, I think mas comfortable s'ya sa kapatid n'ya. As she should." There goes Iris, the woman who's like a maze.
Dali dali naman ako nilapitan ni ate to help, and Xylla moved away.
"No, I think the ocean will definitely heal my headache. I'll just stay here." I declared.
"Okay then, if you say so." She said as she sat down.
I paid for all of this, including the Yacht. Pero bakit parang s'ya ang naging boss dito, at wala akong magawa doon.
Ever since, I hate it when someone contradicts my decision. But if it's Iris, I get to numb to feel the fierce inside me.
"Everyone, settle down po muna tayo. So we just going to introduce the safety, and preparedness plan. This will be a short briefing only don't worry. " The life guard broke the awkward silence, with life jackets, and other swimming equipment.
We all went silent for a moment to listen.
"So first and foremost, I would like to introduce the team.
This is kuya Jason, he will be our tour guide for today's activity" He introduced the guy on a yellow shirt.
"This is kuya raul, our Assistant tour guide.
" He then introduced the man who greeted us earlier.
"This is our assistant life guard, kuya emong.
" He pointed the man beside him. "And of couse, I am dan.
Anything you prefer to call me is okay. I am your life guard, ready to save you anytime.
" After his short introduction, a woman suddenly appeared.
"Ay bago ko pa pala makalimutan, this is Ma'am Ria, medic po natin s'ya on board.
She is not suppose to be part of this but tumawag ang management because it's almost 3pm and baka magabihan na po tayo.
" I was just about to ask him bakit may medic, kasi wala naman 'yon sa handbook kanina, buti detailed si kuya.
"Okay, so now let's proceed." He showed us the life jacket.
"For safety, we advice you to wear this kapag gusto n'yo bumaba ng yate.
But for emergency purposes, if you hear a bell ringing, immediately wear this.
I am assuming that all of you knows how to wear this, so we have the straps here.
Of course a whistle, and an oxygen bag."
"When scuba diving, you are encouraged to wear a full body suit, fin, and oxygen tanks.
If not, we have to do a checking sa mga susuotin n'yo.
Always stay in sight range, wag po malayo masyado ha.
And lastly, let us know if you are capable to do the activities.
Hindi po 'yong hindi ka marunong lumangoy, tapos gusto mo mag free diving.
Nakoo". They all laughed, thinking it was a joke.
But for me, it was an insult. Because I don't know how to swim.
"Nakuha po ba lahat ng sinabi ko?" He asked, and they all gave him a nod.
"Okay, so if may tanong pa po kayo just let us know." He smiled, and leave.
We all settled down, nag kanya kanya na. Aisle and Mica were taking pictures, Kiro is having the best life with foods, Ralph is having his own world with his fishing rod, while ate Yana and Xylla are choosing what to wear for their pictures.
And here I am, secretly watching those two. They were doing all the things couples do, laughing, touching, sharing intimate glances. Aaminin ko, bagay sila.
Hindi ko alam kung ginagawa nila 'to ng sadya.
I couldn't help but notice Ryan stealing glances in my direction, a smirk playing on his lips.
Was he trying to provoke me? To revel in my discomfort?
I couldn't decipher his motives, and frankly, I shouldn't care.
I wouldn't care. But damn, it works.
I've made a promised to myself. Ang nangyari kagabi saamin ni Iris, 'yon na ang huli. Sa ngayon.
I have no intentions of seeing her again as of now. Driven by self pity, and shame. Dahil alam kong hindi ko pa kaya... Hindi ko pa s'ya kayang ipanalo ulit.
Pero bakit parang kinakampihan ako ng tadhana para saktan ako, at sinasadya pang lalong saktan?