Tagpuan 1995

Kabanata 4

Sa Habal-Habal, Sa Daang Masukal.

~When he loves me,

I...~

I let out a heavy sigh after quickly setting my phone alarm off. Yes, with that song as its ringtone.

During my teenage years, I already had trouble waking up in the morning even with the loudest alarm's beep.

But for unknown reason, one day I just woke up realizing I have been overcoming it through the past years because of that song.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit gano'n na lamang ang epekto saakin ng kanta at tila hindi ko na kayang pakinggan ang mga susunod pang mga salita pagkatapos ng naunang linya.

Siguro dahil masyadong masakit ang mensaheng nakapaloob dito.Sobra.

"Hanggang ilang araw ka mananatili roon, naneng?" si tito habang sinusundan ako ng tingin sa ginagawang pag-impake ng ilang importanteng gamit. Toothbrush, extra clothes, camera, meds, and everything.

"Isa hanggang dalawa lang siguro, uncle. No need to worry 'bout me, I'll come back safely po." malawak ang ngiti ko upang mapanatag na rin ang kanyang kalooban.

We hugged and smiled at each other before I get in the car. I waved at him happily kahit na kitang kita ko sakanyang mata ang pag-aalinlangan.

Tito Fernan closed the hatchback's door for me. The wrinkles on his forehead become evident as the tail lights flashed, tumatanda na rin siya.

Nakikita ko ang kan'yang imaheng kumakaway sa side mirror hanggang sa nakalabas na kami ng main gate at hindi ko na siya matanaw habang papalayo kami.

After riding for few hours, madilim pa rin ang paligid dahil alas singko pa lang ng madaling araw.

Nakarating na ako sa bayan kung saan tanaw ko ang grupong makakasama ko sa pag-akyat.

Tito wants his driver to escort me until the main village but I refused.

Three hours ride is already too much at ayaw ko ring makaabala pa lalo na't mapanganib at masukal na ang daan papunta roon. Besides, I'll be with a group of mountaineer together with some tourists throughout this journey.

I hope this will be a great adventure!

Wearing an appropriate hiking clothes and gear, mukhang hindi ko na kailangang ipakilala ang sarili.

"You're the famous travel vlogger, right? I am honored to be with you in this journey then. Ako nga pala si Bernadette."

"Ako naman si Jake."

"Felicity, miss vlogger."

"My name's Nat. Mas maganda ka pa rin talaga sa personal." with that semi-deep voice of hers?

Napalingon ako sakan'ya and I immediately got it. Thankfully I don't need to ask what's beyond obvious. Nat, probably short for Nathaniel or Nathan? Nato? Well, who knows? He said it's Nat.

"Estephen, Capricorn."

"Cardo, hija. Manong Cardo."

We extended one's hand and exchange hugs for some. Their warm welcome somehow compensates the coldness I am feeling.

Nasa labing-isa ang bilang namin sa grupo at lahat sila nagpakilala saakin ngunit hindi ko na matandaan ang pangalan ng iba.

"Why bother introducing yourselves? We'll eventually separate ways after this." in a stone cold manner, a guy suddenly appeared out of nowhere, ruining the mood.