Chapter 4

     IT was never a poor decision to visit the Philippines. For Jax, that country boasts a plethora of tourist attractions where he may unwind and spend time. He’s been itching to try a variety of foods as well. He wanted to be motivated to create tragedies, and he believes the Philippines has plenty of stories that don’t end nicely for him to draw inspiration from. Jax is still undecided about his options. He’s at the airport right now, waiting for a call from a friend and his flight number to be called. He decided to do some online surfing while waiting. The news he saw before Glen barged into his office came to mind at that very moment. He thought back to his favorite couple’s reported hidden son. He’s not sure why he’s so invested, but he’s been following and supporting them since he was a kid, so that’s probably why.

While reading the papers again, he squeezed his lips together. Despite being a huge fan, something inside him tells him that invading someone’s privacy is bad, but his curiosity is getting the best of him. He gazed about at the passers-by, deciding to take a break from all the stress. Because it was not rush hour, everyone appeared to be in a good mood. While sipping their latte or iced americano, everyone appears to be at rest. Then Jax shifted his gaze to the ground. It was gleaming white. He looked in the mirror, his face flushed with both worry and anticipation. He was able to see how large his black circles were in this manner.

As he focused on himself, he became aware of all the signs and symptoms of exhaustion. He’s been overworking himself to the point of exhaustion, all in the name of creating another masterpiece. He needed a break once in a while. Writing used to be his way of unwinding. However, with all of the certifications and obligations, it is no longer as pleasurable as it once was. His ambition was to become a writer, but he constantly questions himself. He thinks to himself, “Am I really a writer if I can’t write in multiple genres?”

Doubts. Anxiety. Worries. Expectations. For him, everything was terrifying. It was a lot of fun when he began writing. It was so much fun for him to start writing. Because of his father, his coworkers’ insecurities were thrown upon him yet again. Instead of hating his father, he disdains himself. He also despises the idea and thoughts that occur to him on a daily basis that he only made it to the top thanks to the support of others, rather than his own abilities.

Jax knows he promised himself he wouldn’t think about the things that stress him out so he could get back to writing, but how can he do that when he’s not working? It was a huge undertaking. Fortunately for him, after an hour of waiting, his flight number was finally called. He took a step forward, his chest heaving, hoping that this vacation would genuinely soothe him.

     PALAWAN. It is known as the Philippines’ most beautiful island. And it’s easy to see why. The azure ocean, limestone cliffs, and lagoons of the island province were all just stunning. Not to mention the dolphins off the coast, gigantic clam gardens, sea turtles, and this island’s stunning white beach, numerous butterfly species, and thick palm forest. I’ve even heard there are over 600 different species of butterflies here, which I adore. They’re quite lovely.

I have a strong hunch that residing here will accelerate my recuperation. This is why I am confident of doing so. I need to motivate myself so that everyone can see that I am capable of standing on my own… but first, I need to take a bath because it is extremely hot and I am completely sweaty.

I was thinking about what I needed to do today while showering. I don’t have much of a plan; all I want to do is have fun and try new things. Is it possible that I should call Chase once more? They do, after all, live close by. The first song I played was Hozier’s ‘Take Me To Church.’ It’s such a catchy tune, and it’s a song that I can listen to on a regular basis. That music is incredible. I kept showering while humming the melody. It’s always wonderful to have a tiny concert in the bath; it makes me laugh.

When a notification appeared, it shut short my mini concert. Chase’s message informed me that they were outside. That made me pout because it meant I had to finish quickly so they wouldn’t have to wait. But wait, can’t they just go inside? Because this is his boyfriend’s rest house, I’m guessing they have a spare key. “Whatever,” I whispered to myself, shrugging.

I rushed to get dressed after washing off and wrapping myself in a towel. I didn’t even bother blow drying my hair so I could greet them at the door only to find them relaxing on the couch as if this were their home. That is technically correct. But what about now?

“Val, our youngest,” says Chase. He eagerly greeted with an ice cream container in his hand and that natural obnoxious grin plastered across his face. I squinted, and it was strawberry-flavored, of course. “What’s up with that sad face?”

I took a deep breath, my face contorted in a ‘seriously?’ expression. “I had to rush, only to find you sitting at home.” With a grimace on my face and my brows meeting, I quickly added.

They merely reacted with a tiny laugh and turned back to watch television. That made me sigh. Of course, they are unconcerned, and it shouldn’t upset me so much. I’m just very sensitive these days. But now that my mind had calmed down, I realized why I came here in the first place: to relax. Pivoting on my heels, I walked to my room and took my time choosing clothes, eventually settling on handmade long sleeves produced by locals – which I had received as a present earlier, and which was both surprising and touching – and ‘maong’ above knee shorts.

“I’m going!”

“Wait, aren’t you going to eat first?!” I heard Chase screamed. I only ignored that and ran outside – feeling really excited. Before his voice totally faded, I heard him shout, “Have at least a sandwich, Bryant!”

     AS he looked in the beautiful panorama of Palawan, Jax’s jaw dropped open. He appears to be dreaming. It’s very magnificent. It is worthwhile to pay attention to everything. He breathed a sigh of relief as he hopped from the van and looked about the Puerto Princesa neighborhood. The condominium building where he will be staying is directly in front of him.

He hurriedly entered the condominium, puffing his cheeks.

“Jax!” That was the only thing Jax heard before he lurched to his feet and was engulfed in a warm, massive bear embrace by a small lass. A sniff was followed by a loud laugh, and when his sister, Ivy, took a step back, he saw her teary face for the first time. “I’ve been missing you!” She stated her case.

For the first time today, Jax grinned genuinely. He was missing his sister the most. Due to the hectic demands of his profession and her university’s schedule, their communication has been on and off since he journeyed abroad to pursue his career. And seeing his sister today made him feel completely at ease. Joyous emotions had felt so foreign to him for so many years, but he felt so different in a magnificent way just now. All of the emotions he’s been hoping to experience are returning to him right now. Who knows, maybe all he needed was a little family love?

Jax brushed Ivy’s hair and inquired, breaking the comfortable stillness. “What’s new with you? You’ve matured.” In which the latter replied in their mother tongue that she’s perfectly alright and that school has been a piece of cake.

He smirked at his sister’s self-assurance. One thing is certain: Ivy is still very active. She’s still the ray of brightness that Jax adores. “Where’s Mom?” He added, referring to their stepmother.

“At the market,” Ivy said, pulling her brother outside while holding his arm. He was perplexed as to why they were going outside when he had just returned home, but he said nothing. When Ivy added, “We are actually going there right now, but of course, we’ll stroll first,” his perplexity dissipated almost as quickly as it had arisen. Jax didn’t comprehend what she was adding after because she was speaking in her own dialect.

In answer, he only hummed. Puerto Princesa’s natural beauty is unrivaled. He’s also noted that they’re only walking in feet, but he hasn’t objected. Under the orange hues of the sun, he was able to see every aspect of the town.

When they arrived in the plaza, Jax was once again mystified when Ivy pushed him to sit on the center chair. He’s not complaining because it wasn’t that hot. He’s used to people staring at him, so it wasn’t too uncomfortable for him. Ivy greeted him with a teasing smile when he finally found a comfortable position. “Are you all set?”

Jax cocked his head, “What are we getting ready for? Are we doing something? And if we are, why are we doing it now, and why in this place?” Why wasn’t I informed?” He bombarded her with questions before he could even stop himself, and all he got in return was an eye roll.

Ivy snarled impatiently, as if she was irritated. “When I merely asked whether you were ready, you asked much too many questions. Actually, it was a yes or no question, so thank you for not responding.” She replied sarcastically, with that deadpan face Jax recognized because he has the same expression when he’s annoyed.

To cover his frustration, Jax muttered a swear under his breath and then put a timid smile on his face, nodding yes to whatever his sister had planned. When he looked about, he had to squint because his attention landed on the banned on his left. ‘Speed dating!’ read the words, and as if heaven and hell had descended on him, Jax realized what was going on: his sister had set him up. The line is long, composed of both girls and boys, and he’s obliged to date them right now. “Am I that hopeless?” he wondered aloud, emphasizing the word ‘that.’

He didn’t have much of an option but to accept reality. He wasn’t even ready when the program began, so he was awkward and couldn’t strike up a discussion with the first few people. Time passes quickly, and Jax finds himself enjoying this speed dating experience a little more than he should.

A lovely young lady sat in front of him. Her beauty had left him speechless. Because the lady in front of him has angelic looks and her ash gray hair looked so wonderful on her, it’s as if God has favorites. Jax cleared his throat and whispered a, “Hey,” as he gathered himself.

“Hi!” She smiled as she greeted him. Her voice has a lovely musical tone to it. It caught him completely off guard. “My name is Brianna, and it’s great to meet you.”

“As you can see,” he introduced himself, pointing to the banner with his name inscribed on it.

“Yep. Jax,” Brianna nodded, “I know, Glen actually introduced you to me. I’ve heard a lot of stuff about you.” Despite his many questions about why she knows his best friend, Jax chose not to go more.

“I’m hoping for nothing but the best.”

“Certainly, sure!” Brianna exclaimed, giggling. After that, there was silence, until the lass broke it by asking, “I’ve heard you’re here to relax?”

“It’s all for my novel.”

“Yes! You’re a writer, right?” Brianna pointed to the banner once more, and it was then that Jax saw his achievements were also included. In humiliation, his face turned red. Even though it was his first day in the Philippines, his sister had already done things to irritate him in front of a large group of people, and if no one else thinks that’s wicked, he certainly does.

When Jax finally broke free from his embarrassment, he noticed Brianna looking at the two men on the mango stand with a mixture of curiosity and… bitterness? He’s not sure, but he does know one thing: the girl he’s attempting to impress already has her eyes set to somebody else. He sees small subtleties when it comes to love because of his experience writing romance.

“Which one appeals to you?”

Brianna was startled and flinched. She sighs, discouraged, as she tries to refute and erase the presumption with her hands. She spoke in hushed tones, pointing at the person with blue curls and bit her lower lip. “Aiden is his name. I’ve adored him since we were little, but he’s smitten with some other person.”

Jax nodded as she continued to tell her story. “Those two are renowned to be the ideal couple in this town. Everything in their relationship is so nice, it’s relationship goals. Everyone is envious, but not romantically, to put it mildly. However, I am. Since then, I’ve been envious…” She groaned, her eyes welling up with tears. “… since that should be me,”

“What do you mean?”

“I confessed to Aiden before, and he mirrored my feelings. However, I had to leave for college because I had been picked as one of the exchange students. I imagine he’d had enough of waiting and had fallen out of love? Then there was Nate.”

Jax was at a loss for words. Theirs was a heartbreaking tale. He couldn’t help but blame the man because he’s a sucker for romance. Both men, he believes, are the story’s villains. He believes Aiden should have waited till he and Brianna had their happily ever after. A prompt came to him at that very moment. He grasped Brianna’s hand, gasping, while she stared at him with puzzled eyes and thanked her.

Brie scratched her brow and said, “That’s so random. Welcome? However, what are you thanking me for?”

“You aided me,” Jax shook his head and exclaimed, oblivious to the repercussions. “You have no idea why, but you have been extremely helpful to me. I’ve a suggestion. If you agree, we can both help each other, and this is also my way of saying thank you once more.”

Despite her confusion, the lass just returned a nod. With a wide grin on his face, Jax continued to reveal his plan, “I can help you in getting back with Aiden. All I have to do now is polish all of the ways in my head.”

Brianna stared at him as if she was seeing things. She was perplexed as she moved closer to him “What are you talking about? Are you attempting to persuade me that we will separate them? That’s heinous!” She murmured to him, but in a shouting tone, trying hard not to be too loud, but she wanted him to sense her disdain.

With a chuckle, Jax said, “Hey, I’m not as horrible as you think. Of course, we’ll figure something out. We’re not going to separate them. They’ll take care of it on their own.”

“Wouldn’t that be assertive and disrespectful? Isn’t it possible that we’re invading their privacy?”

With a shake of his head, Jax expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. “Don’t you want him back? I believe you two are made for each other.”

The latter went silent as he said that. She’s sweet and charming, and she honestly cares about Aiden and Nate, but is she happy? No. She’s looking for more. Of course, she desires his return. But does she really want him back to the point that she becomes a villain? Into a bad guy?

Sighing in defeat, she agreed.

Jax felt as if he had won a contest. He would go to any length for his book. Of course, he wants to help them, but he also needs to benefit from this difficult situation.

“That’s fantastic! Please call me at the number below if you’d want to learn more about my tactics.” Brianna just nods with a pursed lip as she accepts the card, leaving the chair still reeling from the events of the day.

When Jax sensed his sister’s presence, his smile faded. His instincts were correct, as he felt her prodding him afterward, sensing her excitement, “How did it go? Did you two click?”

“No, but I got to set her up with someone else.”

Ivy stomped her feet in irritation as she stared him down in bewilderment and disdain. “What the hell is going on?! It’s supposed to be ‘your’ speed dating session, not hers!”

Ivy hissed when Jax simply tutted. She was adamant, and by the time Jax noticed her look, it was too late. She was already bringing someone who was equally perplexed as he was closer to him. And when Jax thinks that man is gorgeous, he means it – he’s a close match for the God of Love. A lovely sculpture.

Ivy mocked Jax by mimicking his awestruck expression and forced the other man to sit down. “Jax is my brother. What’s your name, by the way? I apologize for dragging you into this, but he desperately needs someone to help him get laid-“

“-Ivy!” He interrupts her. His face is scrawled with disbelief merely from hearing the filthy assumptions she made. She’s definitely matured.

She laughed hysterically “Sorry, sorry, sorry. What’s your—wait, where has he gone?”

Both of them were taken aback when they noticed the man had already vanished, rushing away from them. They both scratched their heads at the same time, asking each other, “Are we really that scary?”