Our flight to Siargao was at exactly six o'clock. We split up with the other team because the two of us didn't want to go to the island with our team. Rafa had just mentioned to me that we were going to the whole island, she said she had heard that the farm of our head's business partner was also there. I thought it was just a private resort.
We chose three seaters just so we could sit next to each other. Fortunately, my seat is in the window, so I'm sure I'll enjoy this trip.
I silently watched Yerim adjust our bag above our seats when I saw someone familiar to my eyes.
It's the guy from last night! What a coincidence.
I simply followed him with my gaze and my eyes almost widened when I saw him sitting in the chair in front of me. I could clearly see his head because he's tall, so when he tilted I could see his side profile again.
"Hey, are you okay?" Yerim asked. I immediately look at her then I nodded.
“Are you sure? It's like you saw a ghost,” she added so I just shook my head.
I picked up my earphones and quickly plugged them into both of my ears. I adjusted my seat, even the scarf around my neck I adjusted so that it covered half of my face. I looked in front of me again and it was only then that I noticed his quick turn of gaze in front of him.
Is he looking at me?
Why would he do that, Astraea?
I kept looking at him who was now stunned. In my few years of writing, I know very well that every expression of people and based on his expression... ah, I can't read anything. He has a blank expression. Just deadly staring outside the window. I wonder what is he thinking. Is it about what happened last night?
I examined his face. His eyes, nose, lips, and clenching jaw. What is he up to? Maybe he's not from Manila and now he's going home to wherever he came from.
After minutes of just staring at him, I heave a sigh and then close my eyes, but that didn't last long either because Yerim suddenly touched me.
I turned to look at her, "Why?"
"Do you know him?" she asked, referring to the guy in front of me.
"N-no... of course not," I responded promptly thinking she had noticed my stare at the man earlier.
“Ah, I thought you know him. I noticed that he was staring at you earlier,” she said then shrugged her shoulder.
I could no longer answer. I looked again at the man who was still in good shape.
He's staring at me earlier? Ahm, why?
After an hour, we safely landed in Surigao. I never saw the man again because we went straight to the van that was waiting for us. Our company is the best! Everything is free, there is even a free car.
"What is this trip for again?" I asked the two of them as we left the airport on our way to where we were going.
“Let's just say it's like... an icebreaker? This is Miss Lim's way to give us a break from work,” Rafa replied seriously while staring at her phone.
"Wow, we're lucky," I said while adjusting my clothes because I was a little upset when I fell asleep earlier on the plane.
“Are you seriously continuing wearing that kind of clothes? Plus, that big eyeglasses of yours. Can't you use contacts instead of that?” Yerim complained to me again so I was fired.
This is really my only dress. Everything in the suitcase is what we bought yesterday.
“What is the problem with this? I'm comfortable here, eh.”
“You're a pain in the eye, Rae! Just change as soon as we get there,” she told me sideways.
Soon we reached the neighboring town of the island they say. I was mesmerized when I saw how beautiful that place was. It was hot, but the very strong wind took it back. The chirping of birds can also be heard. The sea also smells great. I don’t know if I would even want to go home to the City because of the beauty of this place.
"Is this the place?" I interjected a question to the two while talking to our driver companion earlier.
A, Miss Jacinto, head of the other department. What is she doing here?
“It’s not over yet, Rae. We will take a yacht to get to the island itself,” Yerim whispered back to me.
I just nodded and then picked up my luggage. I followed Rafa and Yerim toward the yacht. There we had no choice but to join the other department. These two still don't like them because they have different attitudes. They can just ignore it, but they are the ones who start the fight.
The whole ride was safe. When we arrived on the island itself I was doubly amazed at the place. I can't believe there's a place like this! Only now have I been to such a beautiful place.
After we put all our belongings in the bedroom I decided to separate from the two of them first. I immediately went outside and enjoyed the view and scenery. The white sand, blue waves, and all. So silent. In extreme silence, you can only hear waves. Miss Lim is right. It'll help us to break the ice.
I decided to take a walk. I was able to hug my cardigan because of the strong wind. I saw a big tree in the distance so I went quickly to it. I smiled when I saw a hammock attached to it so I quickly sat down there. It's a pity that the family can't be included. If my mom and Art are here with me, they will definitely be happy.
"Excuse me, that's my place."
"Holy!" I shouted when suddenly someone spoke behind me.
I quickly turned around there. I could hear my heart pounding because I was so nervous. My mouth fell open when that face was exposed to me.
It's still the guy from earlier on the airplane. Same as the guy from last night. What is he doing here? Is he following me?
"Uhm... what... I'm about to leave," I said to him then immediately stood up and went on my way.
But before I could get away he spoke again.
"What are you doing here? Don’t you know that this is private property?” I heard him say so I was shocked.
I turned to him. He's standing beside the hammock and looking at me intently. His expression was still the same. Nothing. Blank. Cold, deadly glare.
What the fuck is wrong with him?
Instead of answering, I just turned my back on him again. I was about to go and went on my way when I heard him utter a word again.
"Old woman."
What the hell?