Promise To A Stardust (Published Under Flutter Fic)
Kabanata 19
Kabanata 19
"YOU are the tour guide! Bakit ka nand'yan?!" sita ko kay Caspian na kanina pa nakabuntot!
"Kasi tour guide nga," aniya sabay nguso.
"Oh, e, bakit nasa likod ka? You should be explaining in front and not here!" I exclaimed. He smirked.
"Ayaw, dito lang ako," he answered stubbornly.
"Sa likod?" Kumunot ang noo ko. "Nando'n ang mga turista! Doon ka magsalita sa harap–"
"Nandito ka rin, a? Turista. Ako 'yong tour guide, 'di ba, bagay?"
Sinapok ko na. Humalakhak siya at umatras.
"Reev..." ungot niya pero inirapan ko lang at bumaling kay Rix na tahimik na nasa tabi ko.
I talked to him, nahihiya at biglang umepal 'tong isa.
"Saan tayo kakain mamaya?" I asked him.
"Tonight?" He asked. I nodded, umubo naman si Alcantara sa likod ko pero hindi ko siya pinansin. I remained looking at Rix.
"Maybe, we should dry different dish this time in the resto. Ako na pipili ng pagkain." He smiled politely.
"Great,"
Nagtungo kami sa bangka, nauna paakyat si Jerix at inilahad ang kamay niya para tulungan ako pero hindi ko na nakuha nang maramdaman ang kamay sa baywang ko.
I was confused, sa paglingon ko ay nahuli ko si Caspian sa ginagawa. He lifted me carefully inside the boat like I weighed nothing. Umakyat din siya kaagad pagkatapos.
I was beside Jerix with the ten other tourists inside the boat. Habang nag-aayos ang bangkero ay tumayo sa gitna si Caspian para sa briefing kuno para sa tour.
Listening to him explain the tour's itinerary made me smile. He's so good with it. He speaks clearly and fluently like it wasn't his first time touring people around. He could also somehow insert his corny humor into his speech at kuhang-kuha naman niya ang kiliti ng mga turista.
It's not shocking anyway, he's a businessman. A CEO at that, he's trained to close business deals and urge investors to invest.
It was obvious the tourists adores him. May mga pasimple pang kumukuha ng picture niya, kunwari ay sa view pero siya talaga.
Hablutin ko kaya saka itapon?
Charot.
I made a face.
"And for everyone's safety, I require you all to wear your life vests," aniya.
I took the lifevest under my seat. Isinusuot na rin ni Rix ang kanya.
I wore it, medyo nahirapan pa ako sa proper way para mahigpit na itali at mukhang napansin ni Rix 'yon.
"Let me, Lars," aniya. Hinarap ko siya at napansing medyo magkalapit ang mukha namin.
He was crouching, doing his best to tie my vest. Tahimik ko lang siyang pinagmamasdan.
"Wrong," I stiffened when I heard him. 'Di ko na napansing nasa harapan ko na rin si Caspian! Kunot ang noo at iritado.
He knelt in front of me and took my arm, hinarap ko siya at pinagmasdan ang ekspertong pag-aayos niya ng vest ko. Bagsak ang itim na buhok sa noo, sa muling pag-angat ng tingin niya sa akin ay seryoso pa rin.
"You have to do it properly, mabilis 'tong matatanggal sa katawan mo kapag hindi mo tinali ng maayos,"
I nodded. Tumayo siya pagkatapos at do'n tinawag ng isang turista ang pansin niya.
"Uhm, Cas? Can you help me with my vest?" The blonde woman asked with her flirtatious smile.
My jaw ticked. Binalingan ko si Caspian, nag-aantay na lumapit siya pero bumaling lang siya sa kasama.
"Yohan, pasuyo naman patulong si Ma'am," ani Cas bago namulsa at naglakad papunta sa bangkero.
I smirked.
Good boy, huh?
The first place we'll visit for the tour is the Hidden Lagoon of the Lost Island. It's located near the iconic shipwreck beach. Isa ito sa mga gusto ring mapuntahan ng mga turista pero limited lang kasi at ocassionally lang nag-a-accept ang management ng tours dito.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" namamanghang ani ni Rix.
"Yes," I said, admiring the view.
He caught my gaze and spoke. "How are you, Lars?"
"Great. I'm having fun being a nurse, I worked at a small hospital in Casa Amara. You?"
"Doing great, too. I'm still working in States. I was just here for vacation."
"Kumusta naman sa ibang bansa? Masaya?"
"Yep." He chuckled. "Almost the same here, mas mataas nga lang ang sahod roon and more opportunities. Ikaw, Lars, hindi mo ba naisip mag-ibang bansa? I can help you get a residency there–"
"She loves the Philippines," I gasped when Caspian appeared from nowhere and sat casually close to me.
Humalukipkip siya, ang berdeng mata'y madilim. Sa halip na mairita sa biglang pagsingit niya'y 'di ko naiwasang purihin ang ayos niya.
He's only wearing the usual beach fit. Plain white short sleeve shirt and beige khaki pants. Slippers. Nakaipit lang ang sunglasses niya sa magulong buhok. 'Yon lang pero agaw atensyon na!
"I know she'll love the States, too," ani Rix sa kanya.
Caspian scoffed.
"Nothing beats home." Hindi rin papatalo 'tong isa.
"But still, we can't just stay in our comfort zone forever," ani Rix.
"Hindi 'yon, kung anong nakasanayan mo do'n ka–"
I slapped Caspian's leg, natigil siya at humarap sa akin kaya pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata.
"Bida-bida ka?" I hissed.
Umawang ang labi niya, mukhang na-offend sa 'kin. Tinaasan ko ng kilay. Umamo ang itsura.
Ayaw patalo!
Jerix chuckled. Binalingan ko siya at nginitian.
"Mas gwapo naman ako r'yan," paepal no'ng isa kaya kinurot ko na.
He gasped and caught my hand before I could pinch him again.
Doon ko lang napansing pinagtitinginan na kami ng mga kasama. I was about to pull my hand away when the stubborn Caspian "Maraming Raket" Alcantara caught it again and started drawing circles on my palm.
Despite the crashing of waves and the sound of the winds, I heard his whispers.
"Mahal na mahal kita, Reev," he whispered solemnly, only me and the winds could hear.
Hinayaan ko siya at binusog na lang ang tingin sa malinaw sa dagat. It mirrors the blue skies. It was so clear you would thing the yachts passing us by were flying as some sort of illusion. Kitang-kita ang naglalanguyang mga isda at sigurado akong kung lalangoy ay makikita kaagad ang mga korales.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Caspian mused.
"Hmm," I hummed, closing my eyes to feel the rustling of winds.
"Nilalamig ka?" bulong niya pagkaraan.
"No,"
"Naka-swimsuit ka sa ilalim?" maliit niyang tanong kaya hinarap ko na.
"Yeah,"
"Di mo huhubarin 'no?" aniya.
"I will swim, Alcantara. Alangang magdamit ako ng mahaba, 'di ba?"
"Kailangan ba talaga?" inarte niya. "Makikita ka no'ng mga lalaki. Baka 'di na sila makapigil na kausapin ka. Seselos ako, Reev."
I almost laughed.
"So? Hindi naman kita boyfriend?" I mused.
"Liligawan nga kita," ungot niya.
Heat crept into my face. I rolled my eyes.
"'Di ba, sinabi ko na ngang–"
"Liligawan pa rin kita," putol niya. "Kahit ipagtabuyan mo 'ko, Reev. Kahit pahirapan mo 'ko. 'Di ako susuko. Mag-aantay ako."
"Paano kung ayaw ko na talaga?" I challenged. "Kung kahit matagal nang nag-aantay ka, hindi talaga?"
"Then I'd wait my whole life, then. I won't give up." He let out a shaky breath. "If there came a time you really wouldn't like me anymore then it's okay. Basta mamahalin pa rin kita. Mahal pa rin kita."
Umikot ang sikmura ko. Kinuha ko ang palad mula kay Cas, 'di na sumagot at nag-iwas na lang, pinagmamasdan ang paglapit ng bangka sa Lagoon.
It was breathtaking. It's my first time entering the lagoon. Noon kasi ay labas lang ako dahil sa high-tide pero ngayon ay kalmado kaya p'wede.
The large rock formation took over the place, tila hinulma at pinag-isipan. It felt like I came straight out of a fairytale.
In the middle of the sea is a small, floating nipa hut-like house where some island officials and lifeguards are staying to watch over.
Sa gilid no'n ay may mga kayak na palutang-lutang na para sa dalawa o tatlong tao.
Caspian stood again.
"Okay, everyone, welcome to the Hidden Lagoon." He smiled, his eyes glistening with pride.
If I remember it right, it was him along with his cousins who owned the entirety of the island.
Kahit ako rin sobrang proud siguro kung may ganito ako kagandang isla. This place was even featured as a part of seven wonders of the world! It's that beautiful!
"Behind the rock formation on your right side, as you pass through that small rock arc is the lagoon itself. However, we couldn't access it via boat because of its small entrance. We could only get inside with the kayaks."
"So, we gotta ride those small boats?"
"Yes, Sir." Caspian nodded. "The guides will teach you the proper way to paddle. To see the lagoon, we must enter that small hole." He pointed to the hole in the middle of the rock formation.
Arko iyon na kayak lang ang kakasya. Siguradong yuyukod pa ang papasok na tao kung sobrang tangkad.
Pumila na ang mga turista, one by one, they went to the kayaks and enjoyed their way towards the hidden beauty.
"Lars, should we ride together?" Humawak si Rix sa baywang. "I know how to ride a kayak. I can help you?" He smiled.
Napasulyap ako kay Caspian na tumutulong sa pag-alalay sa mga turista pababa sa kayak. I could notice him glancing at me from time to time but he somehow looked shy.
I smiled at Rix. "Thank you but I might ride with him." Nguso ko kay Cas.
"Oh, alright. No worries." He winked and messed with my hair.
Nagtungo na siya pagbaba sa kayak at naging alerto si Caspian nang makita si Jerix.
Kaagad siyang napabaling sa akin, akala yata ay sasama ako kay Rix. Kitang-kita ang kaba niya at inaantay ang reaksyon ko.
Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Bilisan mo, Alcantara, I wanna see the lagoon,"
His lips parted.
"P-partner tayo, Reev?" He murmured. I nodded, nakagat naman niya ang labi at tumango na may masayang ngiti.
"Gagalingan ko mag-kayak!" He exclaimed happily kaya nailing ako sa kanya.
We are the last pair to get on the kayak, sa unahan ako mauupo at sa likuran si Caspian.
"Careful, babe," ani Caspian na inaalalayan ako paupo sa harap habang maingat siyang umayos sa likod.
The guides gave us a double-sided oar for paddling.
Kaagad na gumalaw ang kayak sa pagtama ng malakas na alon kaya kinabahan ako at napahawak sa gilid.
"You alright there, babe?"
"Y-yeah." I cleared my throat. "It's just the waves."
"Don't worry, akong bahala," aniya. "Here's the paddle? I'll instruct what way we'll paddle."
"Okay," I gulped and lowered it in the water.
"Left," he instructed. Ginaya ko siya.
"Right, babe."
Maayos naman no'ng una, gumagalaw kami papasok sa butas pero hindi kami magkasundo ni Caspian at bigla kaming lumiko.
"Cas!" I hissed.
"Fuck!" He cursed. "Sorry, babe! 'Yong hangin kasi!"
We tried again pero sa huli ay napasinghap ako sa gulat nang bumangga na naman kami sa bato. Iritado ko siyang nilingon.
"Seriously, Caspian Alcantara, alam mo ba talaga paano mag kayak?"
Napakamot siya ng kilay at maliit na ngumiti.
"Uhm, kasi Reev–"
"Hindi, 'no?" Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.
"Medyo kaso 'yong hangin–"
"Magdadahilan ka pa?" I asked.
His lips protruded at me and he blinked cutely. "Sorry po, love you na, Reev."
It caught me off guard that I was too late to look away and he's already smirking.
"Oh, so saying I love you makes my babe blush," he mused. "I love you, I love you, I love you!"
"Caspian!" I exclaimed, nag-iwas ng tingin. "P-pasok na nga tayo sa lagoon bago pa kita lunurin dito!"
Tuwang-tuwa siyang naaasar ako. Nagsimula kaming magsagwan ulit, nagtatalo pa saang direksyon ang una. Luckily, after decades of paddling, we finally pass the rocks and saw the magnificent view lurking behind.
The lagoon is in the middle of the massive rock formation. From our place, nakita ko ang makipot na daan na kakasya ang isang barko papasok but I don't think if you get inside, you could get out. The only way was to turn but that seemed impossible.
The rocks were so close that a massive ship turning wasn't possible. Sasabit lang 'yon sa batuhan and then you are stuck.
The tourists are having fun, taking pictures but I don't think the photos could justify how beautiful the place was. Tumigil ako sa pagsagwan at hinayaan ang alon at hangin na dalhin kami.
"Wow!" I exclaimed at nagulat ako nang mag-echo ang boses ko. "Cas! Nag-e-echo!"
He chuckled, sa paglingon ko ay nakamasid lang siya sa akin na may ngiti. Mapungay ang mga mata niya. His green eyes shimmered like the waves behind him and depending on how it reflected in his eyes, you could mistake it as a mixture of blue and green shades.
"Ang ganda, Cas!" I beamed.
He remained staring at me with his adoring eyes, ni hindi niya inalis ang titig bago nagsalita.
"Maganda nga, sobra," he breathed.
I didn't like how it made me feel. How it made me giddy. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
"I love you, Reev!" He suddenly screamed, his voice echoed the place.
Nanlaki ang mata ko. Nagsitinginan sa amin ang mga kasama kaya suminghap ako at nilingon si Caspian.
"Cas!" I hissed.
"I love you," he whispered again.
"Hindi mo ko madadala d'yan, hindi ako m-marupok, sorry ka." I scoffed.
"Okay lang, ako na lang magiging marupok sa 'ting dalawa," hirit pa niya.
I shook my head. He called my attention again. Aangil sana nang mapansing hawak niya ang phone at nakatapat sa 'kin.
"Smile, babe."
I did smile, a genuine one at that. He captured the moment, his eyes soft and when he's satisfied, itinago niyang muli ang phone.
Napunta kami sa gitna, nanlaki ang mata ko nang makakita ng pagong na umahon mula sa dagat at muling lumubog sa isang kisapmata.
"Turtles!"
"Babe, look at the sea," Caspian instructed. Ibinaba ko ang tingin para sumilip, natitigilan sa nakita.
"T-that's..."
"Another shipwreck ship," he finished.
"How..." I muttered. "Oh, I remembered it now. May shipwreck din dito! But how..."
"You know the tale of this island, right?"
Tumango ako at muling tumitig sa ilalim. Sa linaw ng tubig ay kitang-kita ang nasa ilalim! Akala mo'y abot-kamay lang!
"Princess Guinevere's parents made their way here, dala ang bangkay no'ng prinsesa. Then, naligaw sila dito." He looked around the place. "It's a narrow place. Once they were in, they couldn't get out. They tried to maneuver the ship but the ship only crashed in these rocks."
Umangat ang tingin ko sa naglalakihang mga bato.
"Then, the ship drowned, killing everyone aboard." I bit my lip and stared at the ship I am sure a hundred feet away from us.
Bakit lumubog?
"Some version says, karma. Some says, the heart of the sea, the sea witches, 'yong mga sirena, nakasubaybay sila sa pag-iibigan ni Lucian at Guinevere so when they died, nagalit sila. They seek their revenge, inakit 'yong mga tao sa barko hanggang sa malunod sila isa-isa. Then, they pulled the ship down the sea so no one could escape. It will drown with them."
I nodded.
These kinds of myths aren't new to this island. Even the iconic Navagio Beach had its own version of its tale.
"Has anyone ever tried to see if there are any remains on the ship? Kung totoong may mga bangkay? O kung ano'ng laman no'ng barko?"
"A few did but they never had the chance to swim up again," aniya.
"They just drowned?" I glanced at him.
He nodded. "Corpses weren't even recovered. As if it was cursed not to let a soul go. Mermaids are vindictive."
This island is magical, with hidden stories of love and lost hope. It seemed weird to believe in stories like this but it's been going on for years. The locals knew it by heart.
About the tragic love story of the pirate, Lucian, and Princess Guinevere.
"Too bad Guinevere and Lucian died and never reached their happy ending," I murmured, running my fingers to the cold water.
"Tragic," he whispered sadly. "I won't be like them."
We spent our time in the lagoon and went to Zarina Island after. As per the myth, it was the island where the mermaids stayed. Lulubog at lilitaw ang isla nito. Kapag high tide ay mawawala pero maswerteng maganda ang panahon ngayon kaya nagpapakita.
We decided to eat here for lunch. May mga pang-ihaw sila at utensils. Nakaabang din ang mga basurahan at bawal mag-iwan ng kahit anong kalat. May malaking penalty sila sa susuway.
Naupo ako sa duyan na isi-net-up sa isang puno habang nag-aantay na maayos ang pagkain. I am wearing shades and red bikini top, naka-maong shorts na lang din ako sa pang-ibaba.
I watched Caspian strolling the shores, topless and wearing his sunglasses. Tumutulong siya sa mga kasama at ibang turista na mag-ihaw.
The sunrays only complimented his sunkissed skin, highlighting his golden tan appearance. Feeling ko ay ganyan 'yan dahil sa pangingisda niya!
Ang lalaking 'to talaga, napakaraming raket!
Pinagmasdan ko ang dagat at langit na tila nagtatagpo sa malayo bago ibinaling ang pansin sa paahan ko kung saan pilit na inaabot ng alon ang mga daliri.
"Here, babe." I looked up. It was Caspian with a plate of rice and grilled fish and meat.
"Thanks." I smiled genuinely.
His face brightened. "Wait, kuha kita buko juice." Tumakbo siya paalis at malaki ang ngiti nang bumalik, proud na proud sa buko juice na dala.
I accepted it. Nakisiksik pa siya sa akin sa duyan. Hinayaan ko na.
Our bare shoulders touched, making me shiver.
"Shrimps, Reev?" Inilahad niya sa akin ang hipon. I nodded, ngumiti siya at binalatan ang hipon bago ilagay sa plato ko. Dahil do'n ay 'di ko maiwasang mangiti.
It was as if I was seeing the old Caspian, the Caspian I knew from before. Bare and real, without secrets to keep.
This is how thoughtful he is. In my entire year of being together, I don't think there was a part of me that's unhappy. I am always full, my heart and my stomach.
"Akala ko ba 'di na tayo magkikita?" I asked.
"You said someday," aniya at ngumiti.
My forehead creased, confused.
"Kaya 'di ako nagpakita muna kaagad. Not that day pero some day. Ito na ang day na 'yon. Surprise! Ako ang personal tour guide mo, ano'ng rating mo, Ma'am?" Ngisi niya sa kagaguhan. Itinapat niya sa labi ko ang imaginary microphone.
"Zero. 'Di marunong mag-paddle, malulunod ang turista," I commented, chuckling when his expression fell.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
IT was a tiring day but overall, I am happy. Masaya ang lahat sa first part ng tour. Nagpasalamat pa sila kay Caspian na malaki raw ang tulong pero scam naman 'yon.
Ako nga lang ang tino-tour nito! Kung ako ang turista, zero talaga ang rating nito at may favoritism!
"Thank you, Cas," pasalamat ko nang masolo siya pagkaraan.
"Did you enjoy it?" Masuyong tanong niya.
"Yes." I smiled. "Sobra."
He nodded. He reached for my flying hair and tucked it behind my ear.
"That's good to hear," he breathed and suddenly he was holding a flower. Inilagay niya 'yon sa likod ng tainga ko, iniipit.
"There, bagay." He grinned.
"Saan mo na naman nakuha 'to?" I asked, touching the white flower.
"Sa Zarina." He chuckled. "Gusto ko na sana ibigay kanina kaso nahihiya ako."
"Wow, ikaw, nahihiya?" I grimaced. "Sa lahat ng kilala ko, ikaw ang pinakamakapal ang mukha."
Napahawak siya sa dibdib.
"Grabe ka naman, Reev! Sakit mo naman!" He exclaimed dramatically.
"Am I lying, though?"
Namula siya at napakamot sa batok.
"Kasi baka sabihin mo ang corny ko, 'di ba... 'Di naman talaga ako marunong manligaw? Ang epic ko palagi magpakilig."
"Nanliligaw ka talaga?" Natawa ako.
"Yes! Ikaw naman, bakit 'di ba ako kapani-paniwala? Gagalingan ko manligaw, Reev! Promise! I won't mess up this time!" Inangat pa niya ang palad na tila nanunumpa.
I smiled sadly.
"I don't know, Cas," I shrugged. "'Di ako sigurado..."
"I will try my best, I will wait for you no matter what happens. Kahit gaano katagal, I will prove myself again, to you," he promised.
"Cas," I sighed. "Kung manliligaw ka rin, hindi ako sigurado kung may patutunguhan ba o sasagutin kita–"
"B-basted na ako agad?" Nalungkot siya.
"H-hindi naman," I bit my lip.
His eyes are teary now. It alarmed me. I felt like I'm a bitch for being that harsh kaya napailing ako.
"Okay... okay, h'wag kang iiyak! Ang iyakin mo, a?"
Mas naluha lang siya.
Diyos ko po! Ang lalaking ito!
"I won't ever promise you a chance. I still stand by my decision," I informed. "But... alright, feel free to change my mind. If you could."
"Yes!" Natawa ako nang napasuntok siya sa hangin.
Because he's very transparent with me, I could see the happiness in his eyes. He jumped and even clapped, cupping my face before showering my forehead with kisses.
"Thank you, Reev! I love you! I love you! 'Di ka magsisi! Gagalingan ko! Todo bigay!"
Tinulak ko siya, naiiling.
"Magpapahinga na ako, Alcantara. Lumayas ka na," taboy ko.
I fixed myself. It's already ten and I'm preparing to go to sleep when the doorbell rang.
Sumilip ako sa peep hole at napasinghap nang makita si Caspian sa labas. Bumaba ang tingin ko sa katawan at napasinghap sa suot na manipis na lingerie kaya mabilis kong binalot ang katawan sa roba at binuksan.
"Anong problema mo?"
"Nahanda ko na, Reev!" Inilahad niya sa 'kin ang laptop.
"Ang?" Takang tanong ko.
"Basta, tara!" He beamed excitedly, reaching my waist to guide me to the couch.
I was very confused as I watched him connect the laptop to the television.
"Ano na namang kabaliwan 'to, Alcantara?" Humalukipkip ako. "Disoras na ng gabi!"
"Presentation," aniya.
"Huh? For?"
He cleared his throat, inilahad niya ang TV kasabay ng paglitaw ng wallpaper niya sa screen. Which is me, from the tour earlier.
"Sorry, babe, minadali ko kaya pangit 'yong animation. Gusto ko sana 'yong mga lumilipad-lipad na parang butterfly kaso walang internet." He smiled sheepishly.
May namuong question mark sa ulo ko.
"So, here! Sit back and relax." He pressed the remote and I almost slipped from the couch when I saw the PowerPoint presentation.
Advantages of having "ME" as a boyfriend
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