Chapter 3 3

"No permanent day. Why, Aling Consuelo?" a smooth voice asked, enticing. "Here, Grace wants to catch a ride to Manila because there's no transportation from your resort."

Atreo looked at me, making me gulp nervously as his gaze felt intense.

"I'm not sure about that. I just arrived, so it might take a while before I leave."

Take a while? Oh no! What about me? Surely, Kuya and Dad will worry. Are they safe, at least? I hope so, to pick me up.

"Grace, don't you know your family's number? Let's call them."

I pondered, struggling to remember. "No, Aling Consuelo," I sighed deeply.

"Alright, General. Maybe Grace can stay here while you're around."

Aling Consuelo invited me, and I followed her to a two-story rest house with almost pristine white paint. It looked beautiful and spacious, equipped with brand-new appliances.

"How are you holding up, Hija? General might stay here for a few months."

I glanced at Aling Consuelo, who had placed a basket on the kitchen bar. I looked around the American-style kitchen; the house seemed somewhat melancholic, perhaps rarely inhabited.

"I'm fine, Aling Consuelo. What matters is I get a ride back home."

I sat on a high chair while she prepared with a sharp knife. She smiled at me and handed me a knife.

"Let's pick some vegetables before it gets dark. General might eat once they finish their work."

I nodded, excited to get off the high chair. I was about to experience vegetable picking for the first time.

We went outside and joined Atreo's group again. He sat on a beach chair, observing his men. When he saw me, he smiled, but when I smiled back, he averted his gaze. How aloof!

I looked at Aling Consuelo, who led the way. I hurried to keep up, realizing I had slowed down when I glanced at Atreo.

Behind Aling Consuelo's house, we walked a path with bamboo fences on either side, guiding our way. We walked along a long path surrounded by various plants.

As we walked, I noticed different kinds of vegetables growing. "Wow, there are so many vegetables, Aling Consuelo."

She laughed at my reaction, placing the basket on the ground. "We have plenty because these are what Feliciano and I always eat... Put the vegetables you pick here."

"How will I know which ones to pick?"

Approaching the eggplant area, she said, "If it's smooth, moderately sized, and free from animal bites, you can pick it." I nodded as she explained for other vegetables. Remembering everything, I went to the tomato section. I love tomatoes.

I enthusiastically picked, not realizing I had gathered a lot. Aling Consuelo chuckled. "Aling Consuelo, what do you call this?" I saw a long, chubby vegetable with a smooth, light green surface.

"Oh, that's... squash! Hija, don't wander too far; you might get hurt!" she warned.

Unsure if it was ready to harvest, I passed by. I noticed a grove of orange trees, and my eyes lit up. I walked towards it, smiling broadly.

"Aling Consuelo, there's an orange tree here." I turned back, realizing she was gone.

Where am I? I tried retracing my steps, but it seemed different. I might be heading into the forest.

"Aling Consuelo! Where are you? Ouch!" I sat down after slipping on a slippery rock.

I held my throbbing bottom, but my attention was drawn to a long creature slowly approaching me. I paled, unable to move when I realized what it was.

A snake!

"Aling Consuelo! Help! Please help me!"

I cried in fear, especially as the snake slithered towards my foot. I heard a gunshot, and I froze.

"Tsk."

I quickly opened my eyes upon hearing that hiss. Glancing around, I saw Atreo holding a gun. I looked at the snake and breathed a sigh of relief as it lay lifeless. I stood up, raising my hands along with my sitting mat.

"Thank you," I smiled at him.

"Next time, don't wander too far if you can't protect yourself. You even worry Aling Consuelo," he remarked.

After saying that, he turned away, leaving me slightly annoyed by his brusque tone. I promptly followed him.

"How did you find me?" I asked as I trailed behind him. He didn't answer, making me more curious. I looked back at him, noticing his tattoo through the black tank top. The lines on his body were distinct and seemed firm when touched.

"Seriously, where are your clothes from?"

I glanced at Aling Consuelo, who approached me when we got back. "Thank you, General. Sorry for the trouble."

Atreo patted Aling Consuelo on the shoulder, assuring her it was fine. He glanced at me before turning away.

"Aling Consuelo, I almost got bitten by a snake. Good thing he arrived."

"I told you not to wander too far. The forest is next, and there are surely wild snakes there."

"I'm sorry. I saw an orange tree."

"You should've told me, and I would've gotten it. Next time, don't go far; it's dangerous."

I nodded and walked with her towards the basket. I helped her carry the full basket and walked back.

As we passed by where Atreo and his men were warming up, I didn't see him there. I ignored his men and joined Aling Consuelo on the way to the rest house.

Upon entering, I was surprised to find Atreo inside, sitting on the sofa with his head against the backrest. He had his eyes closed, and I could freely observe his face. When he opened his eyes, I averted my gaze.

"Aling Consuelo, I want your adobo chicken."

Aling Consuelo stopped talking, and I stopped too, looking at him. He looked at me, and we locked eyes deeply.

"Alright, General. I'll cook it for you." I looked away so Aling Consuelo wouldn't notice. I glanced at him once more, but he wasn't looking.

When we reached the kitchen, I sighed. I was really going crazy. Shocks. I really like him. He's handsome, and I admired him even more for saving me.

"Hija, get the chicken from the fridge."

I lay back, smiling, imagining his handsome face.

"Aling Consuelo, does Atreo have a girlfriend?"

"Why are you asking? Don't tell me you have a crush on the general? Oh, you're still young."

"No, it's just that he's at the right age. Maybe he already has a girlfriend."

Aling Consuelo's eyes twinkled as she looked at me. She took a deep breath and answered.

"I haven't seen him bring a woman here. I don't know if he has a girlfriend or a wife."

Maybe he doesn't have one yet. But with his looks, it's impossible that he hasn't had a girlfriend. Annoying. What if he already has a girlfriend?

I looked at the fridge to find the chicken. I checked the lower part, but it wasn't there. So, I looked up and saw the frozen chicken along with some frozen food. I took it and faced Aling Consuelo, ready to give it to her. But I was surprised when I bumped into a solid body. I looked up and saw Atreo's lips twitch.

He grabbed something beside me, and I gasped as he pulled me towards him. I looked at him, and he had a serious expression.

"Such a waste of electricity," he said, and that's when I realized he closed the refrigerator, which was why he pulled me closer.

He let me go and left in front of me, carrying a small bottle of mineral water. I blinked and swallowed, stunned. I felt the strong beats of my heart as I caught a whiff of his very manly scent.

"Hija, what happened to you? And why are you hugging the chicken? You got wet."

I looked at the chicken I was holding tightly, my face heating up.

God. How embarrassing!

"I nodded and stood up to help Aling Consuelo. I carefully lifted the dishes containing the remaining food one by one to avoid dropping anything.

"Hija, after you're done there, could you please take this to the hut? Go ahead; I'm sure my husband is already there."

"Sure." I quickly responded, placing the last plate on the kitchen bar. I took the plate with the remaining adobo and vegetables. I walked carefully out of the kitchen, carrying the two plates.

When I reached the living room, Atreo emerged from a room. I paused, and so did he, but he walked away first, carrying a towel. I followed him immediately. Upon exiting, I saw him turn. I was about to follow, but when I looked at the plates I was carrying, I sighed.

I just brought them to the hut. Upon entering Aling Consuelo's house, I saw an elderly man sitting in front of a table with a glass of water in front of him.

"Who are you, Hija?"

"Are you Mang Feliciano? Aling Consuelo's husband?"

He nodded, and I smiled, excitedly approaching him.

"There's some food left in the big house. They said it's our meal for now."

"Huh?" I knew he was confused about why I was with him. So, when I placed the plate with food in front of him, I sat on a long wooden chair facing him.

"Earlier, around noon, my parents and I were headed to Palawan for vacation. Unfortunately, something happened, and I ended up here and was saved by Atreo... I mean General. Now, I'll be staying with you temporarily. Is that okay?"

"Oh, that's not a problem, Hija. Our door is open to you."

I smiled even more at his words and clapped my hands.

"Thank you, Mang Feliciano." He nodded and smiled.

"No problem, Hija. But how will you get back home? Do you have contact with your family?"

I shook my head and sighed, expressing sadness about being separated from my family. But the truth is, I seem to like it here. I like the sea, the hospitality of the people, and Atreo. So, it's more fun to stay here. I hope my family takes a while to find me, and I hope Atreo stays here for a long time. I don't know; it feels like I'm captivated by him. Even though he's serious and aloof, it's more challenging for me. I feel like he doesn't have a girlfriend because if he did, she would be with him. Right?

"I'll just accompany General back to Manila. I don't know my family's contact number."

He nodded, stood up, but I stopped him.

"Let me do it, Mang Feliciano. You seem tired from your work."

I left the table and approached the plate stand. I took three plates and placed one in front of Mang Feliciano, and the other two on either side. Then, I took a spoon and fork and neatly placed them on his plate.

"Oh, Hija, it's fine for me to eat with my hands." He said.

"Huh? Hands? Why would you eat with your hands? Aren't your hands dirty? You might get bacteria."

He laughed at my reaction.

"It seems you're not used to ordinary life, Hija. But for us provincianos, it's more enjoyable to eat with our hands. Our hands aren't dirty when we eat because we wash them well. See?"

He stood up and approached the tap, so I went closer and watched him. I nodded because he was right. Wash hands and soap. After thoroughly washing his hands, he shook them gently before returning to the table.

"Like this. Rice and viand. Mix them and squeeze them between your fingers. Like this."

I watched him, even how he took a bite. I was amazed, so I went to the tap and washed my hands. Then I sat in front of the table and tried what he was doing. I took some rice and viand, struggling a bit, and some rice grains fell.

"It's more enjoyable to savor the food this way, right?" he said with a laugh, watching me.

"Yes. Plus, it saves on washing."

We both laughed and continued eating.

"Oh. Oh. Looks like you're having fun there."

We turned to the door as Aling Consuelo spoke. But I almost choked when I saw Atreo behind her, also looking at us. I quickly faced my food, feeling my cheeks heat up. What did I look like earlier?

"I'm just teaching this young lady. It's amusing how quickly she learns to eat with her hands." Aling Consuelo said with a smile. "Oh General, you're here." Mang Feliciano stood up when he noticed Atreo. I wiped my lips; I hope I didn't look like a child.

"Sorry for the disturbance, Mang Feliciano. I'm just here to ask if you'll be using the boat."

"No problem, General. I'll rest tomorrow. You can use it."

"Okay then. I'll go ahead." That's all he said, and I secretly sighed.

"Have you met Grace, Feliciano?" Aling Consuelo approached us, and I turned to the door, but Atreo was gone. God. This is embarrassing. What did I look like earlier?

"Grace is her name, Hija. A beautiful name, suits you."

"Thank you. Come on, Aling Consuelo, let's shake hands together."

We laughed at what I said. It feels good to be like this. Simple. It's boring when I have everything I want. But now, I want something, and it seems hard to reach. But at least now, I won't be bumped here. Because I'll make sure to get what I want."

To help ease the fullness from eating, I decided to take a stroll along the beach. I've eaten a lot, and I'm in trouble with Derek if I gain weight. I rubbed my stomach, feeling the satisfaction of being full. Oh well, it will go away quickly. At least I tried eating properly-no more just bread and vegetable salad. Brown rice and tuna. Sometimes I skip meals to stick to my daily diet and maintain fitness. There were times I fainted from not eating, coupled with exercise. My parents don't know because Dad would probably kick me out of modeling if he found out I'm dieting.

I sat on a beach chair and enjoyed the breeze from the sea. It feels so good to swim now. Unfortunately, I don't have extra underwear if I get wet. But whatever, the important thing is that I feel comfortable.

I stood up, took off my dress, placing it on the chair before removing my slippers and walking towards the sea. I smiled when I felt the cool and slightly chilly water on my feet. I quickly submerged myself when I reached a somewhat deeper part.

I resurfaced and ran my fingers through my hair to remove the water. I looked up and closed my eyes; it felt so good.

I did a backstroke and saw the bright moon. I went underwater again and did a vertical dive. When I was running out of breath, I resurfaced.

"Refreshing!" I shouted and laughed. I stayed a long time in the water before finally getting out, thoroughly enjoying the feeling. I twisted my hair as I approached the shore.

I adjusted my bikini bra while walking towards the beach chair. But I stopped when I saw that my dress was missing.

I looked around, but it was nowhere to be found. I scratched my head and squinted, wondering where I had placed it. I know I left it on the beach chair.

I took a deep breath and put on my slippers before walking back to Aling Consuelo's house. I just hope she won't scold me when I tell her that her dress is missing.

I'm used to walking in a bikini, so I don't care if someone sees me like this. I glanced at Atreo's house. And I don't know if I'm just seeing things or what, but it seems like someone is standing by the sliding door on the veranda. I just shrugged and continued walking.

"Aling Consuelo!"

"Oh dear... my goodness, why are you like that? Where's the dress you were wearing?" she exclaimed, so I smiled.

"I just went swimming in the sea, and I placed your dress on the beach chair, but when I came back, it was gone."

"Come here. Goodness. I might faint with your appearance." she said hysterically, making me laugh because Aling Consuelo is apparently too conservative.

She lent me her clothes again, and although she had no choice, she lent me the underwear she hadn't used yet. Aling Consuelo is thin, so I guess it fits me.

After bathing and changing into a flowery yet short dress, I was all set. I love it. It looks trendy. My shoulders are visible, and it fits me perfectly.

"Aling Consuelo, why does this seem small? Is this really yours?" I asked as I approached her, folding the clothes.

"I've had that for a long time, Hija. It's good that it fits you. It's not as big as it was earlier. I have more old clothes; I'll give them to you for replacements."

"Oh, thank you very much. But where do you buy your clothes and underwear?"

"When Feliciano goes to the other island, he buys clothes there. Let it be, and tomorrow I'll buy you some underwear so that I don't have to keep washing your worn ones repeatedly."

"Thank you so much. Let it be, I'll repay you someday."

"Don't mention it, Hija. What matters is that we, as a couple, were able to help you in some way. Okay, lie down here, and my husband and I will be in the other room."

"Okay. Good night, Aling Consuelo," I said, waving. She smiled and shook her head while carrying the folded clothes.

I fixed my hair using the towel. Then I lay down on the firm bed with thin padding. It's a bit painful on the back, but it's fine.

The next morning, I woke up early. And when I remembered Atreo's training, I quickly went to the window with bamboo slats. I raised it and propped it up with a piece of wood. I looked outside, but silence greeted me. I frowned and left the window.

"Aling Consuelo, where are the people at the rest house?" I asked Aling Consuelo, who was cooking breakfast.

She briefly glanced at me and returned her gaze to what she was cooking.

"The General and his men are not there. They have an operation on the other island, so they might return late."

I felt disappointed because I won't be able to see Atreo all day.

"Aren't you going to the other island? Can I come with you?"

"I asked Feliciano to take you, Hija. We can't leave the resort empty if all of us leave."

I became even more disheartened because there's no way I can catch a glimpse of Atreo this morning.

Instead of idling away the afternoon, I helped Aling Consuelo with her chores. After finishing lunch, she taught me how to make decorations from seashells and beads.

"I've enjoyed doing this since I was a child. Ever since Feliciano and I moved here and started living together, this has been my pastime."

"That explains all the decorations in your house. They're beautifully made," I said, focused on threading beads onto the nylon string.

"That's why when you learn this, you might not get bored here while you're still around."

I paused in making the decoration and looked at Aling Consuelo.

"When I go back to Manila, I'll proudly showcase your work. Many stores in Manila buy these."

"Really?"

"Yes. And you can also take pictures and upload them on social media. If you want to make some extra money, we can sell your creations through social media."

"I didn't know about that. I thought I'd only do this here. I didn't know I could sell them... Thank you, dear."

I smiled at her, tucked my hair behind my ear, and went back to my work.

By late afternoon, I hadn't stopped making decorations. I had settled into the beach chair because it was cool and comfortable to work on decorations for the house and body. I was making an anklet; beads on the feet look beautiful. And I have someone in mind to give it to.

After finishing, I lifted it to admire. I didn't expect that I could make something like this. It's challenging for beginners, but with perseverance, you can become an expert.

I looked at the ocean when I heard them coming. From afar, I saw Atreo's group wearing military attire. I smiled and tidied up the decorations. I fixed my hair and clothes before waiting for their boat to land.

When their boat reached the shore, they disembarked one by one, led by Atreo. So when he walked away from the beach, I walked towards him.

He stopped when he saw me, causing his group to halt as well due to his sudden stop.

"Hello to all of you," I greeted.

"Hello little kid," greeted the guy with a mohawk whose name I couldn't remember. I frowned at him before looking at Atreo, who had no discernible emotion on his face but was looking at me.

I presented the anklet I made, but he didn't take it.

"For you..."

His men whistled and made teasing sounds. I was getting tired because Atreo still didn't accept it.

"Tsk. It's so childish," he said and walked past me without taking it. I sighed at what he said and looked at the anklet he deemed childish.

"How pretentious," I muttered, then looked at the youngest among them. He's cute, so I smiled at him, took his hand, and said, "You can have it. Cutie-cutie." I patted his head before turning away from them. I glanced at Atreo, who stopped, so I smirked at him before approaching the container of decorations.

After grabbing my belongings from the decorations, I walked away and gave Atreo a sly look as I passed by. When he looked at me, I flipped my hair and walked ahead of him.

"Tsss, she's so pretentious. Huhu, I'll make something else."

I found myself sitting on a chair in Aling Consuelo's living room. My back was aching from bending while making the anklet, but he didn't take it. I stretched my legs on the chair with my back against the pillow.

I wanted to take a short nap before continuing with the anklet. Maybe it was too small for him, which is why he called it childish.