Chapter IX: Decision

Chris helped me to stand up. He’s now wearing his shirt and we’re on our way to his car. Good thing wala kaming nakasalubong na gwardya o taga-bantay, because we look really suspicious dahil basa kaming dalawa. 

I did not say anything until we reached his car, he opened the door for me and I made my way inside. Instead of opening the aircon he opened the window, so that we won’t die due to hypothermia. 

I hugged my knees and leaned my head to the window, feeling the air as he drove. “Still too cold?” He asked, giving me a quick glance before looking at the road again.

Halata naman sigurong nilalamig pa din ako? Pft.

He suddenly stopped the car. I almost hit the dashboard because of the sudden break, and I almost shouted at him. But then I remembered, he saved me from the pond, lent me a ride, and okay, add the fact that he hugged me so I won’t feel cold. So I restrained myself and just shut up. 

Bumaba siya ng sasakyan at binuksan ang car compartment. He came back inside the car with a blanket. He put it on me. 

What is the chance that a man brings a blanket with him in his car? Or is he used to bringing blankets for some reason? Whatever it is, I just thanked him and kept my mouth shut again. 

“You okay?” He asked after minutes of silence between us. What happened at the ponds a while ago got my tongue tied. I don’t really want to do it, it’s just that the pond is calling me to swim. 

Funny.

“That pond is off limits for a reason.” He stated in a serious tone, “did you know that pond is said to be cursed?” 

Chris started telling a story about a man who died at that pond. One day, a man is looking for a tree to cut down to make charcoal. He found the pond and was enchanted by it and then he found himself drowning at the pond. Rumor has it that the pond is not capable of life, the fish that are put in there would rather die or miraculously be gone. The origin of the pond is not known, who built it and how long it has been there. 

I was moved by the story. Confused. 

“Boo!” He suddenly shouted and so I screamed at the top of my lungs. I almost threw myself out of the window. The darkness of the path we are traveling isn’t helping me to calm down.

He’s laughing really hard, “you’re so serious. That’s just a joke. Kwentong-bayan lang ‘yon.” 

I threw the blanket at him. Agad naman niyang hinarang ‘yung kamay niya. I thought it’s serious because I, myself, was enchanted by that pond! “Kwentong-bayan! Kwentong-barbero! Kwentong-kalye! Kahit anong kwento pa ‘yan, it’s not a nice joke!” 

It’s not really nice. Given my mood right now, it is ruined. Again. And by this guy. Again. As if my feelings are laughing stock for him. I know I should be grateful for him tonight but I still can't help but to feel annoyed. 

“Okay, sorry. Leira.” He said, emphasizing my name. 

That’s another thing. I told him that I will agree to travel with him if he finds out my real name. I should have told him that I’ll consider it, hindi ‘yung payag agad. 

“How did you find out my name?” After leaving Ariel City, it is a habit of mine not to introduce myself in my real name. When I am at Cinderella, my name’s Cindy. Here at Belle, my name’s Elle. My name depends upon the place I am at. The idea came from my real name, Leira. It is Ariel, in backwards. “I just know.” And yes, she – my mother – named me after Ariel City. 

I thought the reason why he is not bothering me for days is that he’s trying to find out my real name. “That’s just my first name.” I rolled my eyes.

“Leira Mint Salcedo.” He said quickly. He said it in a tone that I cannot understand. The way he said my name, it feels warm. He said my name with familiarity, as if he had said it a lot of times already. I can’t help but to admit that it’s really good to hear my name coming from his mouth. 

Hindi ako nakapagsalita agad. He knows my real name already, and I gave him a word. Still, “give me time to think about it.” 

We came to the inn. Chris agreed, he said he’ll give me time to think about it. He even encouraged me. He says it’ll be a lot of fun and I will be able to do the things on my bucket lists while accompanying him. It’s a win-win situation for us. He even brought up the thought that after the bucket list, he’ll help me die, “that is if you really want to die after finishing the list.” He said. I just shrugged.

After thanking him, I made my way straight to my room. I am really exhausted. And I failed to look for a job. 

I woke up with a burning feeling. Pakiramdam ko’y sinusunog ako sa impiyerno. 

My window is opened, my whole room is a mess, I am still in my dress from yesterday. Which gives me the idea why I feel so heavy. My undergarments are now dry.

Great!

I dragged myself to the comfort room, after taking a bath, I just quickly arranged my room to look neat. I went to the dining area to eat something, I even forgot that I did not eat anything last night. That got me thinking. I could die from a convulsion due to high fever, add the fact that I do not eat properly. But that’s a stressful way to die. I can’t imagine myself in that situation.

I gulped. 

The free breakfast for today is fried rice, bacon, boiled eggs, pancakes, and a variety of drinks like tea, fresh milk, and coffee. I dug in, not minding everyone that is eating with me at the table. 

A commotion was then heard while we were eating, from the voice, I can figure out that that is Harold – the owner of this place. I set aside my plate and walked my nosy butt out at the commotion. 

Harold is screaming at Violet, he’s complaining about a man here at the inn who is overstaying for a day. “Sabi ko naman sa’yo! Kung walang pambayad, paalisin mo na. Ang kailangan natin, pera!” Violet rolled her eyes at him and said something in a murmur sound. “Sige na, paalisin mo na. Wala naman pang-bayad eh.” Old Harold slammed the desk and left.

Halos madapa ako sa pag-akyat sa hagdan. I don’t have any money left and Harold is not the kind of considerate person. His life probably revolves around money. Bagay sila nung dati kong landlady. 

What the heck.

I immediately closed the door and leaned at it. No way I’m gonna be a hobo… Or I could be? Probably just gonna lie around and wait for my death.

Because I am having a moment with myself, I did not notice that Chris is sitting at my opened window. He seems to be having fun, watching me in my current state. “What?” I asked him and laid down on my bed. I am frustrated and stressed as hell!

“What’s your decision. Come on, we don’t have time. Pumayag ka na kasi.” He pleaded while walking closely to my bed. Tumalikod ako at itinaas ang kumot hanggang sa aking ulo. “Please Leira.” He sat down on my bed.

“No.” I said sternly. 

He said he’ll give me time. But here he is, bugging me again. 

“Pretty please?” 

“No.”

“Sige na. It’s really fun and exciting. Leira, please.”

“Find someone who will be willing to join you and your fucking adventure!”

Sa inis ko ay napa-upo ako. I should be resting today so that I can finally find a new job tomorrow, pay old Harold, and die. 

He stopped, assessing the words I’ve said. “Do you want a fucking... adventure?” He wiggled his brow. I throw the pillows at him. “Bastos! Just go and find someone else.”

I heard him saying, “ayoko nga,” and then laughed. 

“But seriously. We don’t have time. We should really leave today. Harold wanted me out of his place because I overstayed for a day.” He looked at me with his eyes pleading. He even held my hand, but I repulsed, giving him an eye roll. 

I sighed. Maybe this will be a good thing. It might benefit me to do the things I want to. I am tired right now and his offer is good. 

“Sagot mo lahat ha.” I stated. He quickly nodded, “oo. Lahat. As in. I just need you to come with me.” I sighed for the nth time.

“Okay.” Damn. Heavens and hells, may this benefit me.