Chapter 4
Summer is about to end and Vince has not received any communication from Mikaella Lee who promised him of immediate phone call as soon as she had the means. Vince Madrigal, with his solid and credible papers has just been promoted as senior architect of Toledo Group of Companies. While sitting on his drafting table, and looking at the blank drawing paper, Vince thought of how Mikaella Lee would react to his proposal. He waited for the perfect timing, and for him, that timing has come. The moment she calls, he will surprise her with, “I got the promotion, will you marry me?” and of course, the sweetest answer will be, “yes”. This thought paints smile on his lips as he picks the lead pencil to start sketching his next project.
Before the end of summer, Ellah’s project is almost over. She develops the nipa hut into a two-story cottage that looks cozy since the materials are all bamboo. Despite being native, Mikaella Lee’s touches make it an elegant-looking abode at the midst of the forest. Three more cottages are also built around the vicinity and she is currently working on the last one. A much bigger cottage that would serve as a multi-purpose hall. Landscaping will follow and soon, Mikay’s Nest at Isla Carillo will be open to public. But success is always hindered by beds of roses. Ellah’s project runs of budget. If she will do the cost cutting, the original design will be sacrificed. She has to find ways and means, and this is her huge boulder.
One day, Mark visits the islet to check on Mikaellah Lee’s needs and at the same time to say goodbye. He is bound to Manila on the next day for his classes at Mapua Institute. Ellah mentions about her financial needs.
“What if you stop the construction?” he suggests. They are sitting on a boat while waiting for the sunset.
“Stop, and then what? If I’ll stop, it will be a waste of time, besides nothing will happen.”
“Wait until I graduate and earn money.”
“That will be years from now, Mark. I can’t wait,” she answered as she crumples the hair of the young boy.
“Never do that again. You’re treating me like a kid,” he uttered as he gently combs his raven black hair.
“So, are you going back to ask help from your family?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. You know the reason why I’m here.”
“Then, go on and look for possible means.”
His answer makes echoes on her ears. Mark is right, he may be young, and sometimes innocent yet they have the same principles in life. Perhaps their many things in common are the binding threads that make them meet halfway. Unlike Vince, his boyfriend, they are almost always on both ends. The thought of Vince at the middle of their conversation gives her awkward moment.
Sunset is over and it is getting dark, she is about to stand up but she felt Mark’s right arm pulls her back. This makes her fell to his lap. The moment their eyes met, she feels uneasy. There is a strange feeling she can hardly explain.
“Will four years be a long time to wait?” he asks with mix persuasion and conviction.
“Why?”
“Can you wait till I graduate?”
“What do you mean?”
He looks at the horizon and says, “Today is not the right time,” and he holds her closer until she feels his breath. Ellah gently pushes Mark away and starts getting up. She knows how the young man holds himself and fights his inner desire.
Ellah understands what he means. “You are too young for me and I am too old for you. When you go to the city you will find girls of your age. You will eventually realize I’m correct.”
“Stop it. What I want is an assurance that you will wait for me.” There is a force on his voice that Mikaella Lee forgets he is talking to a 17 year old.
“I have a contract with your father, and you know that, right?”
“So, it means you’ll stay?”
She nods slowly.
“That is what I want to know. Thank you.” And they both stand up and begin walking back to the cottage.
A tall stranger with captivating looks stands straight into Ellah’s door one morning. She has just arrived from the mainland to finalize the reservation made yesterday by the town mayor. After almost six months, the resort is fully established and little by little becomes known to clients mostly foreigners. Thanks to Susan, her best friend in college who bought her brand new Toyota Innova because she was able to pursue the development of the resort.
“Good morning, sir” she grins joyously to the visitor.
“This contract is void,” the stranger utters in almost a whisper but with a tone of authority while handling her the piece of paper. Mikaella Lee noticed it is the contract she made with Manuel Amoroso few months ago. His words are sharp and she could sense the grudge he is holding inside.
“Would you mind to come in, sir? It will be improper if we discuss critical matters while standing at the door,” Ellah replies.
The visitor follows inside while she gets something to drink. After several months of staying in Isla Carillo, Mikaella Lee never feels afraid, but now is different. The presence of this man brings her chills on the bones. When she faces the stranger she forced herself to gain composure.
“I am Michael, the eldest son of the owner of this place. I am telling you, you cannot have this area.”
“Sir, your father and I agreed on a contract. The contract clearly states the duration of my stay in this place, after that, I’ll go, everything will be left to your father. Now, what is the problem?”
“I have plans for this place. You see, I worked hard for years thinking that when I go back I can start my plans.”
“It is not my fault. As long as the legality of the contract is concerned, I own the place.”
“Stupid!”
“Don’t ever call me that again! Now, the door is open, you may go. Go out!”
“I will go, but I will come back to get what is mine.”
“Ok, fine. Come back if you want. But you cannot just push me away from here, clear Mr. … who are you again?” she said sarcastically.
“Michael. Remember my name because I will be your great nightmare,” and he hurriedly steps out of the cottage.
She wakes up early the next morning because of the noise from the outside. When she goes out to check, several men are building a cottage near her place. She finds out it belongs to the arrogant man yesterday. The confrontation once again leads to argument which worsens the situation. Now, this man is her mortal enemy, the very last man she likes to see in Isla Carillo.
Fate becomes cruel for her and Michael because every day they cross their paths and see the faces they swear and condemn. Every hour of every day Michael finds ways to make Ellah lose her temper. Finally, Mikaella Lee gives in. Her anger flares up and she burst in tears while shouting when she saw several animals devoured her garden. She knows it was his doings. Ellah hurries to her neighbor’s cottage ready for a fight, but only the workers are around. That evening, Ellah sleeps in tears while keeping her wrath.
When Michael arrives the following day, Ellah is having a cup of coffee on the veranda. She hurries to confront him, but the rain starts to pour and Michael runs in the opposite direction. It would be too late to catch him if she goes on.
After few more nasty tricks, Mikaella Lee comes up with a reverse strategy. She starts to avoid crossing paths with him, and during inevitable circumstances, she pretends not to see him.
Few more weeks and Michael moves in to his cottage. At the middle of the night when Mikaella Lee is sound asleep, he turns on the stereo into its full volume. And soon, his neighbor’s nightmare begins.