#OLAPlayPretend
Chapter 28
Villa
It was almost seven in the evening when we arrived at Pamalican Island using the Dela Vegas' private charter. Mismo ang General Manager ng Amanpulo ang sumundo sa amin ni Mama. I thought we would just be picked up by a representative, pero hindi ganoon ang nangyari.
The General Manager took us to our rooms. Mama had a whole casita all to herself. Beachside iyon at mayroong sariling pool. I made sure she was all settled and comfortable before leaving her alone.
Sinabihan ko rin ang GM ng mga bawal na pagkain sa kanya para walang maging problema. I was surprised when she told me Xaiver had already informed them about my mother's condition, and he asked them to prepare a separate meal plan for her.
The hospitality service was already outstanding, but the entirety of the peaceful and beautiful island made the experience ten times better. Our one-bedroom villa looked like a legit beach rest house. It has a terrace, garden, swimming pool, outdoor dining, and poolside sala. Air conditioned din ang living area sa loob ng villa at pati na rin ang bedroom.
Nang matapos kong ayusin ang mga gamit sa loob, I went out of the villa and walked to the pool. Hindi ko matandaan kung kailan ba ako huling beses nakapag-swimming. I didn't have the time and the luxury to do it. Now, I can't believe I have this all to myself while Xaiver's still not here.
Dahan-dahan akong naupo sa gilid ng pool at inilaglag doon ang mga paa hanggang binti. The water was unusually warmer. Akala ko malamig ang tubig dahil gabi na. I wondered if the pool has a heater...
Sinulyapan ko ang cellphone na inilapag ko sa gilid. I had not received any text from Xaiver. May signal naman pero siguro ay talagang hindi pa niya sinusubukang tumawag at hindi pa nagte-text.
I read our last exchange of messages. He wished me a safe flight and told me he was with Macy. Halos gabi na sila nakapunta ng sementeryo upang bisitahin ang puntod ni Carter. Ang sabi ni Joseph ay may mga tinapos munang trabaho si Xaiver sa opisina bago umalis kasama si Macy.
Tapos na ang visiting hours. Sa pagkakaalam ko ay alas-syete ang sarado ng sementeryong pinuntahan nila. Siguro ay kakain pa sila sa labas pagkatapos. Wala namang kaso sa akin, but I hoped he would call or text at least.
Napabuntonghininga ako. Ano naman sa akin kung hindi siya tatawag o magte-text? Hindi ko na dapat ini-stress ang sarili ko sa ganitong bagay.
As soon as I decided not to care, my phone suddenly rang. Muntik ko na 'yong mahulog sa pool lalo na nang makita ko kung sino ang tumatawag, and obviously, it was Xaiver.
Hinintay ko munang lumipas ang ilang segundo bago sinagot ang tawag. Tahimik ang paligid sa kabilang linya bago ko narinig ang boses ni Xaiver.
"Bakit ang tagal mo sagutin ang tawag?" Xaiver asked.
"Hindi ko napansin agad. Naka-silent ang phone ko," sagot ko kahit na hindi.
"Why did you put it on silent?"
"Nasa labas kasi ako... It's so peaceful and quiet here. Ang ganda-ganda rin ng villa. Parang nakakahiyang mag-ingay." May katotohanan naman iyon kahit papaano. Hindi siya agad sumagot kaya muli akong nagsalita. "Uhm, magkasama pa kayo ni Macy?"
Xaiver heaved a sigh. "No. Kakahatid ko lang sa kanya."
"Kumain kayo sa labas?"
"I don't have time for that. Babalik pa akong office. Joseph's waiting for me."
"Babalik ka pa?" Mabilis kong tiningnan ulit ang oras para makasigurado. "Mag-eight na. Ano pa'ng gagawin mo roon?"
"I still have work to do. May mga hindi pa ako natapos dahil sinamahan ko si Macy kay Kuya."
BINABASA MO ANG
Play Pretend
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