Unrequited | SB19 Stell [SB19 Series #3]

19

Disclaimer: There will be Visayan sentences in this chapter. An English translation will be provided after the said sentence.

Stell’s POV

“On behalf of Philippine Air, we wish you a wonderful stay in Camiguin,”  the flight voice-over sounded from the speakers. I peeked outside the airplane window. Ken and I just landed in Camiguin.

SB19 was on a five day break. After our short Coron trip, Ken and I immediately boarded a plane towards Camiguin. It was tiring but I was doing this for Mhai.

I was doing it for the woman I love.

Naks. I wanted to slap myself. I was being so cheesy.

Ken herded me outside the airport as soon as we disembarked. He was being extra energetic today. I allowed myself to be herded by Ken. He was fluent in Bisaya. I needed him for this trip.

“Hi Sir Ken?” a friendly looking woman approached us as soon as we were outside the airport doors.

“Maam Jen, di ba? Maam Jen of Camiguin Rent a Motorcycle?” Ken asked the woman.

Maam Jen of Camiguin Rent a Motorcycle nodded. She handed Ken two helmets- one red and one blue. “Texi lang ko sir ha ug i uli na nimo ang motor. Ang OR ug CR sa motor naa sa U-box.” (Just text me sir if you’ll return the motorcycle. The motor’s official receipt and Certificate of registration are found in the U-box.)

Ken accepted the helmets. “Salamat kaayo, maam,” (Thank you very much, maam.) Ken replied. He handed the red helmet to me. “Oh, eto. Suot mo yan.”

“Wow. Kelan ka pa nakipag coordinate para mag rent ng motor?” I asked, amazed at his efficiency. Ken never told me that he was renting a motorcycle. He just said, “Basta, ako bahala.”

“So, where are we going?” Ken asked as he put on his helmet.

“To Jeramae’s Bed and Breakfast,” I replied, inputting the said establishment on Google Maps.

“Jeramae is Mhai’s aunt?” Ken clarified.

I nodded. “Yep.”

I hopped on the motorcycle and Ken drove all the way to wherever Google Maps will take us. We passed by a few restaurants. It looked very quaint. Unlike the busy streets of Metro Manila, there was no traffic in the streets of Mambajao.

It was kind of refreshing, not having to stop every minute or so. Ken continued to drive until we reached the barangay of Agoho. From there, we turned towards the beach.

“Your destination is on the right,” Google Maps informed us.

“We’re here,” I said, noticing the Jeramae’s Bed and Breakfast sign a few meters away from the road. I looked around. The black, stony beach was laid out in front of us. The sound of the waves, lapping on the stones made the place more relaxing.

The beach was very different from Coron. It’s amazing how one country can offer so many types of beaches.

“Steeeeeelll!” a shrill voice broke through the air, breaking my reverie.

Ken and I faced the source of the voice. It was Tita Je. She was making a beeline towards us, her hands already extended, ready to envelope me in a big, bear hug.

“Kumusta man tawn kang bataa ka? Dugay nako wala kita nimo!” (How are you? I haven’t seen you in a long time.) she exclaimed. I had a faint idea of what she was talking about. I used to ask Ken to teach me Bisaya. I only understood kumusta and bata. Sure enough, I received a huge hug from her.