Chapter One

Chapter One 

"BUYABOD PORT! Those who sleep there, get up and you might pass!" The passenger cruise operator who boarded Calapan shouted. 

I lost my sight for an instant and looked around me when I saw that I was already in this part of Marinduque. I tidied up the stuff we were carrying while some of the passengers were getting off. I felt like a stranger at the place I grew up in. I felt the salty air touch my skin. 

I was surprised when somebody spoke from my back. As soon as I saw him, a smile came across his lips.

"I knew you'd come to this place. It's great that we're here to wait," Damian smiled as he crossed his arms, leaning slightly against his car. 

Regardless of what he wears, you can think that he was standing at a fashion show. I felt homesick when I saw them. 

I smiled vastly.

"How did you know I was coming?" I asked by surprise before coming close to him.

He looks down at the things I'm carrying. 

"Sin," His brief response. 

I just nodded when he snatched my things. I'm sure Rhum told Sin. Sin is the type of person who can't keep a secret even just for a minute. He tends to informed everyone, he likes leaking information. That’s always our case. 

Alejandro's arms were outstretched as he walked closer to me, a wide smile appear on his lips. I look forward to seeing them again after an extended period of separation. The women were gawking, although Alejandro and Damian they spoke to me instead without even paying attention to our environment. They have changed a lot, but they have not lost their rudeness toward women who fall upon them.

"Thou art beautiful," he smiles. "And a lot better," he said.

I smiled, "I told you, I can make it." I winked. 

I hugged him and I chuckled when I noticed Celestina and Nieva sleeping in the back of Alejandro's car. 

"Wake these two up," I laughed before I took my hands off him. 

Nieva came around exactly. Her eyes locked on mine. She wiggled Celestina's shoulder, awakening her. I wave my hands at them. They went straight for me after they got out of the car. I welcomed them with a hug. 

"OMG, Robin! I miss you so much," Celestina cheered. 

"We haven't seen you for a long time!" Nieva quarreled. 

"How much have you missed me?" What time did you get here?" I joked. 

We are most anxious to meet you. I almost got out of town. Duh, what has it been?" asked Celestina cleverly, deep down there is distress in her vo 

"Six years, to be precise," Damian said abruptly. I noticed we draw too much attention to ourselves. People around us have suspicions on their forehead, why big personalities in Marinduque are here at the port. 

Atty. Alejandro Velasco is the prince of the trial court of the entire island. Alejandro hails from the Velasco clan, an influential family of entrepreneurs, politicians, and philanthropists. 

Architect Damian Manguera, a former member of the well-known Moonlight Band, the successor of the vast manga farmstead in Sta. Cruz. 

Celestina Madrigal was born wealthy, she's very pretty too. Despite their financial status she did not hesitate to make friends with me. She is the daughter of the Mayor of Gasan. Celestina's father was one of the richest and influential men in Marinduque, where she inherited his many businesses and ventures at a young age. 

Nieva is an avid and active member of the Catholic Women's Club and is known for her contributions to arts and culture as well as her involvement in civic organizations. 

There is more pay attention to the two men and women are still giggling. The two do not pay attention to them. Town's people are irked when they recognize and get to know me, there is more and more gossip.

"Carmensita's granddaughter!" 

"Serrano?"

"A Mercader," mixed anger and reproach in the voice. 

"From the family of the corrupt ..." 

"We have to go." We're going to drive a couple more miles to Mount Catala," Alejandro insisted. Probably didn't like the swelling heard. 

Their group was quite infamous. I just didn't comment either. He walked to his car with some of my belongings. We followed him as the conversation continued. One by one we boarded the van owned by Alejandro. Damian signaled to a man near his car, probably the driver of his family. Alejandro was the driver next to him in the front seat and Damian, while we, women were in the passenger seats.

"Isn't it in Malindig?" Damian raised a question in astonishment. 

It's specific to the Marinduque Highlands. It was a simple and peaceful place. Where I got to know my friends. She has been away from this place for six years and has chosen to survive in a city. Now she only came back because her only relative was sick. She's been raised by her grandmother since she was four. And she's not asking where her parents are, because she's already learned the answer herself. They gave me up for my good, so they could live freely and have my own decision 

"We'll pick up Kaja and Grunt first at Alkaid's house," I said as I took the mineral bottle out of one of my bags.

"When did these brats get here?" 

"Two months ago," I said, sipping water from a bottle of water. 

I watched Celestina look at me in the rearview mirror.

Well, no complaints, these two have the same attitude. Hmph!" Her intriguing comment. 

We laughed at Celestina's reaction because Kaja and Grunt frequently imitated the way Celestina acted and spoke.

"Devil's genes! If they weren't cute, I wouldn't lay my pretty eyes on them," he added. 

"Sus, you bet! You are the very first one who will run after them once we arrive," I predict. 

"Robin, have you heard the news?" Alejandro asked me with a smile, which surprised the latter. There was something strange in the twinkle of his eyes, I turned my gaze in another direction. Alejandro is a handsome man, no doubt 

"What rumor did you gather again this time, Alejandro?" Damian replied. Alejandro just chortle and shook his head then started the engine. Ready to depart.

Nieva smiled foolishly before mumbling, "You won't believe it, Robin! I saw a familiar face yesterday." She said teasingly.

Suddenly my chest throbbed as if someone was awakening the feeling of being consigned to the grave in oblivion. I could no longer hold my breath freely. 

"So, it wasn't gossip," Celestina said artfully as she continues to manipulate few strands of her hair with her hand. 

"Don't persuade mentioning his name, Celestina. Somebody might overdo things again," Damian reminded her. 

Celestina snickered as soon as she heard her name, "Err, stop calling me Celestina!" She slaps Damian's arm. "You're annoying, huhu." 

"Why are you beating me too?" Alejandro groaned while looking bad. She rolled her eyes heavenward, "It's not my fault. The last letter of my name was wrong when my parents registered me, hmp!" Dismissing Alejandro. 

Without mentioning a name, I already know who they're referring to. I felt a sting in my heart. I struggled to clear my mind of what had happened.  More bothered about what might arise. I just hope our paths don’t meet while I stay here. Marinduque is vast so somehow, I was flattered. 

"Music please!" Celestina demands. 

As soon as the radio switched on, political news shortly welcomed us. 

"In Marinduque Province, the Lecaroz family holds three important posts. Congressman Aristeo Lecaroz, Governor Francisco Lecaroz, and Mayor Constancia Lecaroz got re-elected. The elder son, Engineer Aristotle Lecaroz saw with them, is this a vision that he will also pursue. path of politics? " 

One of the longest-ruling political dynasties in Marinduque is the Lecaroz family. They ruled Marinduque for about a century. 

Alejandro and I glanced at each other in the rear-view mirror. 

"Politics is their lineage. I wouldn't be surprised if the eldest son ran as well," I commented. Politics wasn't my cup of tea. As elections getting nearer, politicians will surely be serving community works again. Showing how they help people during emergency strikes. However, when it happens they just sitting calmly watching people cries for their help. Everyone looks at each other. We're thinking the same thing. It means, they are excited to work again. I smirked. Corvidae, hmm. These past few years, they were silent. I focus too much on myself. 

Celestina lowered her knees, "We were really surprised when you confirm your break up," she murmured. 

The topic I'm preventing came back again. "Some said you cheated, because you found someone wealthier than him, and some said he just pitied you. Is gossiping their meal?" Nieva wiggled her head in disbelief. 

Damian laughed before looking at Alejandro. "Nieva is making fun of you," the latter just smirked. 

I was merely shaken by the awkwardness of my friends. She silently watched her friends. She knows that sooner or later they will learn the truth. I guess, they notice something, they're just waiting for a confirmation. 

"Enlighten us, Robin. What happened? It's been years already, we're just waiting for you to open up with us," Alejandro asked in a deep tone. "You know us, we won't judge a person without evidence. We e don't believe in made-up stories. Besides, we know you well enough to know what you're thinking. When you love, that's it. We're just confused by what happened, there's a catch isn't it? " said Nieva and jiggled her shoulder.

"The latter," I said casually, trying not to spill more information. She doesn't want any inconsistencies. But Celestina still seems to be waiting for an explanation. She arched a brow. 

"We won't buy that, hmp!" 

"Showbiz!" 

“I chose a private life because I wanted to be like an ordinary human being, "I answered directly as I opened the book I got. 

"Which is not." 

"Ordinary human being my ass." 

I laughed at the end of the comments. 

"You're hurting my feelings, ha!" Fools, despise me. 

I sighed. "Because the longer I stayed, the more pain I had to endure. So, I chose to leave. I never thought I was capable of loving someone more than I love myself." I smiled bitterly. 

"I just arrived, don't fry me."

"How did you cope up?" Nieva asked.

Celestina leaned her head in my shoulder, "Are you going to be alright?" 

"The pain will always be there, you just learn how to deal with it. It's been six years.  I've got a lot of things that I want to share with you. Thank you for getting along with my selfish decision." I said honestly while facing the window, watching my reflection. 

They laughed, mocking me. "That wasn't the first time." 

"Indeed, you've always been selfish since we were kids." I sniffed then smiled. 

I just listened to the songs playing on the radio. I think the sad music still accompanies my feeling that even the rain couldn't stop it from pouring. Thank you, Lord, for the sympathy! I just looked at the tall buildings outside as we passed there. Soon the road to Mount Catala was taken. Now we are surrounded by trees. I opened the window slightly to breathe some fresh air. It feels pleasing, watching magnificent views! The trip was long. We made the most of our time, conversing about what happened. Every time we meet in a car, I look at it. The road here is usually not paved. Our car stopped with an oncoming SUV because that part was narrow. The windshield was not tinted, my eyes widened slightly to see who was driving. It was as if the soul had escaped me when he noticed me which caused me to be stoned. Our eyes met. Suddenly my heart stopped beating. My sanity went blank for a moment, especially when I could see there wasn’t even any emotion to be read in his eyes. The moment he passed and disappeared from my sight. No one noticed from my companions except Alejandro. I became quieter, specifically, I did not speak. I clenched my fist. Heave a deep sigh. Calm down, Robin! 

"Why had you suddenly fallen silent?" Nieva asked me noticing my silence. 

"I-I'm just tired from the long trip," I lied then averted my eyes. 

Celestina handed me the pillow she was using, "Sleep first. We'll wake you later, okay? " I went back a few seconds, hitting our eyes, I was horrified. I closed my eyes pretending to be asleep. I ended up sleeping because I was tired from the flight.