Chase Me, Ara Portia (Published Under IMMAC PPH)

32:

Tinapik ako ni Leigh nang marahan. Iyon ang gumising sa akin at nalaman kong nasa pier na pala kami. Natatanaw ko na ang pribadong ferry boat ni Mr. Tamuyaki. Pati na nga rin ang apat na speed boats na nakahilera sa taas ay kapansin-pansin. There are seven people on board. The captain and some divers.

"Nakatulog po kayo nang mahaba, sir. Don't worry though. We do not have to go out this car. Kapag nakasakay na ang kotse ay doon tayo baba sa loob." Si Leigh.

Tumango naman ako. Inoobserbahan ang nangyayari. Sa ngayon ay ang sasakyan na nina Mr. Tamuyaki ang pumapasok sa ferry boat. It's not a small ferry boat but a big one. It's like mini ship if I will have to explain it. Mas malaki naman sa mga pangkaraniwang yate pero mas maliit kaysa sa mga barko.

"It's already ten thirty?" Napapakunot ang noo ko. "Napahaba yata talaga ang tulog ko."

Awtomatiko ko ring tiningnan ang cellphone ko. Wala pa rin akong natatanggap na text at pagpaparamdam mula kay Ara. It has been more than twelve hours. Half a day na akong walang balita sa kaniya at hindi ko iyon kinakaya.

"Habang nandirito pa nga pala tayo sir, I would like to explain to you the private island's amenities. Hindi kasi nakasama sa email ko ang inclusions at ang malinaw na detalye noon. The private island is called Bellaroca Island Resort and Spa. It is a dream haven for everyone who wishes to have peace." Pag-uumpisa ni Leigh habang hinihintay naming tuluyang makapasok ang kotse sa ferry boat. " The property amenities includes free high-speed internet wi-fi, infinity swimming pools, fitness center with gym or work out rooms, the beach, a bar and lounge, spa, a business center kung saan kayo magsesettle ni Mr. Tamuyaki ng business matters, hot tubs, may laundry service at may restaurant. There's also a concierge."

"How about the rooms?"

Sandaling tumingin sa MacBook si Leigh at mayamaya ay nag-umpisa nang magbasa. Kasabay din noon ang pag-andar ng sasakyan. Kami na ngayon ang sasakay sa ferry boat.

"All the bodyguards including Mr. Tamuyaki's will be staying at the hotel deluxe rooms that costs $460 per night. You will be staying on a single bedroom inside the garden villa that costs $840 per night. Magkasama sina Mr. Tamuyaki sa kanilang room malapit sa'yo. Their room costs $1330 per night because it is a two-bedroom suite. Ako naman po ay kalapit lang ng kwarto ni Manong Lucio. We will be staying at the hotel junior suites, one-bedroom rooms. Those costs $490 per night."

"I mean the room features, Ms. Leigh."

"Oh, right. All rooms are non-smoking suites. Upgrades depends on you but in every room, there are air conditioning, kitchenette, a flat screen television and a room service."

Tumango na lang ako. Tuluyan na kaming nakasakay sa ferry boat. Bago pa man ako bumaba ay muling nagsalita si Leigh.

"The normal travel is to dock at Balanacan pier, but the captain said they'll stay on sea. They'll just stay near the island and launch the anchor with the right depth. The professional divers will get our things to safety first before they take us by speed boats. We will be there roughly by three thirty in the afternoon."

Hindi ko na sinagot ni Leigh. Bumaba na rin ako ng sasakyan at agad na lumapit kina Mr. Tamuyaki. He is talking to his wife that is why I waited for them to finish. Nang makuha ko naman ang atensyon nila ay ngumiti ito sa amin. Pinaupo ako sa tabi nila. Nagpahain agad ng ilang mga pagkain at wine. Dalawa pala sa mga tao rito ay assigned sa services. They served the best food. I signed Leigh to come near us and so she did.