ONM: Chapter 4

 

  Vivien

  “Sweety, wake up. We're here.” I groggily straightened up and looked at Mommy.

  “You seem really tired, dear. I've been trying to wake you up. Come on, get ready and follow me. Your grandparents are waiting inside,” Mommy said.

  I nodded to Mommy before she went down first. I peeked out the window. Wow! I've missed it here in Bulacan!

   Yesterday, Alexander dropped me off, but just outside the subdivision. I didn't want him to drop me right in front of our house, fearing Mommy might be surprised. She might think I went to a bar with Penelope and suddenly got a boyfriend.

 Upon arriving at the house, Mommy warmly welcomed me. She mentioned that we were going to Bulacan because Grandpa was sick, probably from climbing the mountain too much. They insisted that we stay here for a week. It wasn't a problem for me since it's a break for me. I also texted Penelope to follow here.

  Only Mommy, Kuya Vince, and I came to Bulacan. Daddy stayed in Manila for some paperwork, As I stepped out of the van, I couldn't help but smile widely at the sight of Grandma's house. It hasn't changed. They've truly embraced a simple life here. I know they still help gather charcoal from the mountain, and they even go up there. They also continue planting rice, with a large rice field here in Bulacan. When I was younger, I used to join Mommy, and I enjoyed going to the rice fields with Grandma.

  They also have a pigpen, located behind the house. I haven't visited them for several years due to being busy with my studies.

  As I entered, Mommy and Kuya were already seated, happily chatting  with Grandma. When they noticed me, they both smiled widely at me.

 “Vivien, Apo! Oh, what a beautiful young lady!” I approached them to give my respects. Grandma stood up to embrace me tightly.

  “I miss you, La. How have you been? Are you still going up and down the rice fields?” I jokingly asked. She chuckled before tapping my arm, signaling me to sit beside them, and I immediately hugged Grandpa, who was smiling broadly. Apparently, his feet were swollen, and he couldn't stand up.

  “Oh, I no longer climb the mountain. Your Uncle Rey can handle that. Your grandpa is just stubborn; that's why his feet got swollen. I'm busy taking care of the pigs that your Uncle Rey raises. That's my pastime now,” Uncle Rey, Mommy's younger brother, chose to live here to accompany Grandpa and Grandma.

  “Good thing if that's the case. Tito Rey has people to help him with the Charcoal-making and the rice fields. You should rest and relax,” I advised my stubborn grandparents.

  “I'm sorry, dear. We're just used to being active,” Grandma explained.   “By the way, we heard that you've graduated. Congrats, dear. We're very proud of you and your brother, Vince.” 

  "“Thank you, Lo,” my brother and I said simultaneously.

Grandma shared many stories about the charcoal-making business, which has grown bigger now. Even the pigpen at the back has expanded. They also reminisced about our childhood with Kuya. It made me feel like it would be nice to live here—a simple life with fresh air.

  After a lengthy conversation, we had our meal before resting, considering the long journey we had earlier. I was truly exhausted, especially since yesterday. Oh, I remembered that guy again.

  

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NEXT DAY

  As early as 5:00 AM, my brother and I were already awake. We wanted to go down to the rice fields and see what had changed there. It's delightful to stroll around during this time because the weather is cool, and there's a gentle mist.

  “Let's go, Vi.” I stood up from where I was sitting, but Kuya was quick to surpass me and went out first. Isn't he excited? It's only 5:30 AM, and we're not bringing a vehicle since the rice fields are not far.

  This place of Grandma is indeed charming. At the back of the house, where their pigpen is, there's a path going up the mountain. On the other side of the road, you can see the descent to a vast rice field.

  While many own portions of those rice fields, Grandma's land is among the largest.

  “I miss this fresh air. And the thick mist below the rice fields. Good thing I joined you and Mommy. I've been so stressed this week with our clients,” my brother said as we walked. We were on the side of the road, with the expansive rice fields below, and on the other side, there were houses.

  “Yeah, I really miss it here. It's a good thing Dad is understanding, so he took over for now.” 

  “Daddy knows I'm stressed. Besides, it's been years since I took a leave.” 

  “He works too hard, Daddy said you could take a vacation. This brother of mine, he's so immersed in work, look at him, still no girlfriend.” 

  “I studied everything and had numerous clients these past years. Anyway, what are your plans now? You graduated, are you going to join the company?” We stopped for a moment, I gave him a slight smile before turning to face the rising sun.

  “I want to push my modeling career first, kuya. You know from the start, that's really my dream. But because Daddy wanted me to work in our company, I followed their wishes. I also love designing and drawing, so I didn't have a hard time with Architecture. I'm sorry, kuya, I won't be able to help you with the company for now.” I looked at him, and he turned to look at me intently. He took a step forward to hug me.

  “I know that's what you're going to say. Don't worry about the company; I can handle it well. I just asked about your plans. For now, enjoy your life and pursue your true dream. I'm here to support you.” I hugged him back. I miss this bond. We rarely have conversations like this.

   We continued to walk and go down to the rice fields, and there were workers already. I  stayed under a large mango tree while my brother talked to the supervisor. I stood up when I saw the wives of the workers arranging some freshly picked vegetables. They probably would cook those for lunch.

  I walked towards them, and one of the ladies noticed me and greeted me.

  “Good morning, dear. Are you Mang Basyon's granddaughter?” I smiled and nodded.

  “Yes, may I ask what you're doing?” 

  “We picked some vegetables. We're going to cook Chopsuey and Pancit later. It's perfect timing, dear. Stay for lunch so you can taste these fresh vegetables.” I glanced at the veggies on the table, suddenly craving them. It's been a while since I had vegetables.

  “Sure, we'll have lunch here with my brother. Let me just tell him first.” 

  “Sure, dear.” 

   I left them and wanted to help, but it seemed like they had enough hands. I paused when I saw my brother still talking to the workers. Maybe they're discussing something important. I decided not to disturb them and opted to take a walk. A lot has indeed changed here.

  I thought of taking pictures, so I took out my phone from the pocket of my gray hoodie. I was still wearing a jacket even though it's 6:30 AM; it's still chilly at this hour. I'll probably take it off around 7 or 8.

 As I checked my phone, I raised an eyebrow when I saw four messages from an unknown number. Who could this be? I opened it 

and read the texts.

[phone]***

Good morning, It's me Alexander, please save my number.

[phone]***

Hey, are you awake?

[phone]***

You still haven't seen my text?

[phone]***

  Are you in Bulacan? Where in Bulacan are you? Are you near Norzagaray? I'm on my way to Bulacan right now to check my grandma's business. When you read my message, reply to me, please.

  My lips parted in surprise after reading the text. How did he know I was here in Bulacan? And where did he get my number? I didn't give it to him! Is he a stalker?

 And oh my! Of all places in Bulacan, why is his grandma's business also here? I checked the time he texted; it was 3:38 am, early in the morning. I tapped my forehead. Why didn't I check my phone earlier when we left with my brother? I was too excited.

  I sat down on a long bench nearby, troubled. I thought my mind would be at peace now. Maybe we won't even meet here, right?

  “Looks like you've already read my text. Why didn't you reply?” I was almost startled when someone spoke beside me. I raised my head, and my eyes widened as I recognized who spoke. What is he doing here? 

  He sat beside me without saying anything and gave me a serious look.

  “I told you to reply when you read my text. Why didn't you reply?” I didn't answer his question; instead, I squinted at him.

  “What are you doing here? Are you following me? How did you know my number?” I bombarded him with questions. I just mentioned earlier that maybe we won't meet, right? But this guy seems to have mushroom genes, popping up unexpectedl

   “I have my ways, and I told you earlier that I will go to Bulacan to see my grandma's business. Do you see the other rice field over there? That's my grandma's. She has one of the biggest rice fields and mango orchards here.” I followed his pointing finger. Jeez! Just like my grandma's rice field, theirs is also vast, with many people working. It's a small world; their grandma's rice field is right next to my grandma! So, I won't be surprised if he saw me here.

Continuation in the next chapter...

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