Along The Way

First Official Travel

THEZZA

Napadilat agad ako nang masinagan ng araw ang aking mukha. I yawned, stretching my hands.

"This is it, Camiguin." I smiled.

Today is the 14th day of August. And you know what's so special about this day? Today, we are going to travel to the island born of fire! We're going to Camiguin today!

Nakapag-book na si Tita Rosie ng ticket para sa flight namin. Of course kasama sila Yaya Issa, Tita Rosie, hindi ako sigurado kay Symon at Darlene. I actually planned to bring Dar with me. I contacted her so that I could tell her but she's unreachable. I texted her but she didn't reply.

Hindi masyadong nagpaparamdam si Dar ngayong mga araw. Last time, I remembered calling Tita Sallie and she told me that Darlene's not feeling well. Ilang beses na nga raw silang pumunta sa ospital, e. I am worried until now because she didn't update me or what. She keeps on ignoring my calls. I'm not an idiot. I know that something is going on right there. But I trust my sis not just because she's my cousin but also because she's a good woman.

I already packed my things yesterday so I can just prepare a bit now. I keep on biting my lips. Goodness, I'm so excited! No words could express how delightful I am. This is gonna be my first official travel! And this will be so fun.

Bumangon ako sa kama at bumaba sa sala. Napasulyap muna ako sa kwarto ni Tita Rosie. Well, it's close.

Nakita ko sila Yaya Issa at iba pang yayas sa kusina. They are cooking something but Yaya's outfit is already ready.

Pagbalik ko sa sala ay nakita ko si Tita Rosie na nakadamit pang-travel na. May kausap siya sa telepono. "Yes, alright. Pick us at 9, Henry!" Binaba rin niya ito. Oh, he's talking with Mr. Hotdog. Well, Mr. Hotdog will be our driver so he's gonna come with us, apparently..

"Oh, Thezza, dear! Hindi ka pa naligo?" She asked as soon as she noticed me. "Uh, hindi po kasi ako naliligo kapag nag-tatravel. Nahihilo kasi ako, Tita, e."   "Well, we have the same habit. Magbihis ka na do'n. Henry will be here at 9." She told me and I nodded.

I went upstairs again. Kinuha ko ang inihanda kong damit sa aking closet. Nagbihis ako ng isang high waisted denim jeans at puting T-shirt na may kakaibang disenyo. I inserted it in my jeans. I tied my hair in a ponytail, as usual.  Sinuot ko rin ang puting Korean shoes ko.

Lalabas na sana ako nang may sumagi sa aking isipan.

Hinanap ko ang singsing na ibinigay ni Symon sa 'kin noon. When I saw the ring, I decided to put it in my necklace. So, hinubad ko yung kwentas at isiningit doon ang singsing. I smiled as I touched it.

Beep beep

"Thezza! Let's go! Si Henry na bahalang kumuha ng maleta mo!" It was Tita Rosie calling me. "Yes, Tita!" I immediately answered. Sinuot ko muna ang maliit kong black bag pack. I checked my phone for any message but I saw nothing.

I went downstairs and told Mr. Hotdog about my things. Kinuha agad niya 'yon at nauna na kami nila Tita at Yaya sa loob ng van. Napa 'o' agad ang bibig ko. What a white and shiny van. Parang bago ko pa lang 'to nakita, ah. "Is this new?" I asked Tita Rosie. "No, dear. Maganda lang talaga ang pagkakalinis ni Henry. You sure wala na kayong nakalimutan?" Me and Yaya both shook our head.