Ethereal Phantasm

CHAPTER XI

LAIRE'S POINT OF VIEW

Two months had passed by and the village seems to be going well. All of us does our own chores, especially that the village embraces their new leader.

I saw how Mila and Theo educated the young children not far from where I'm sitting. Mila is a strong woman and Theo, on her side, always backs up and gives strong opinions to her ideas. A perfect fit to lead this small village. Napatingin sila sa akin kung kaya't kumaway ako. They waved back.

I am currently sitting at one of the kubo near the beach to see the view. Nagpapalipas lamang ako ng oras. Hindi ako tatagal dito. I looked up and felt how the sun brightens the world that surrounds me.

Tumayo ako saka iginala ang paningin. I saw Lance and Ori helping the villagers' fisherman to go fishing. It's a good thing that Ori is slowly adjusting here. She shows a smile often that indicates how she felt good after days of living here.

Lastly, my sight went to Jacques who is currently walking towards me while bringing a bag of fruit.

"They call it Santol," he said midway walking. "It's not like I'm sharing it with you. But the kids forced me to give some to you."

I reached out my hand, trying to get some Santol.

"Yeah, sure. I'll pretend that these came from the kids," I said and smirked. Kumuha siya ng isang santol galing sa bag na bitbit niya saka binigay sa 'kin.

"Tell the kids I said thank you," I told him sarcastically.

"They said you're welcome," he responded sarcastically which made me roll my eyes. "...In advance."

That's how it is between us for the first week. It wasn't long either when he decided to go in his own way like what he always planned to do in the first place. Apart. From us. From me.

The day that he departed wasn't sad for me, or at least that's what I wanted to believe. He doesn't let me read his expression either. As he walked away from the village, he was emotionless as usual. Siguro nga ay tama ang sinabi niya.

I was never his little sister. I was never someone close or dear to him. And I guess that's okay for the both of us. It seems like we both just silently agreed that it's better that way.

The rest of our days during daylight were spent productively, I hope. Tuwing dumidilim ay nagsisindi ng bonfire ang iilang mga villagers.

Tonight wasn't different from those nights that I spent here. As usual, Lance and Ori helped cook the fish they caught earlier.

I sat beside Mila as we started eating. This is how our daily life proceeds as days go by. Fortunately, walang mga hindi kaaya-ayang nagaganap. We've been at least peaceful for a moment living here. No Dahlia, no extraterrestrials, and the people seem happier than before.

I'm glad it all worked out. At least for now.

Ilang linggo pa ang dumaan nang dumating ang tag-ulan. It's a difficult situation as we noticed how the water rises. Walang gabi na hindi ko nakikita si Mila mag-alala. She really loves this village. She protected it while I was gone. She got attached so much.

When the sun rises, the disaster of last night's rainstorm emerges from our sight. And by the looks of it, mukhang uulanin pa yata mamaya ulit.

"Mila..." I heard Theo called. "I think we need to find a place to shelter us from the storm temporarily."

"I agree," I said, entering their conversation. "It will not be long until another rainstorm follows. We need to at least find a place higher than this and somehow far from the sea."

"We still have more time till night comes. The rainstorm always comes when the sun sets," Mila stated and nodded. "Pack all your things. We're going to travel."

Hindi na kami nagpalipas ng oras nang marinig iyon. We spread the announcement and told the other villagers that they immediately complied. Hindi nagtagal ay nagsimula na kaming maglakad papasok sa gubat, kung saan pupunta kami sa mataas na bahagi ng isla.

I remained at the back of the group para masigurado ko na walang maiiwan. Mila leads them.

Hours passed and we're actually having troubles because the route is slippery. Lance and Ori are helping those who are feeling difficult to proceed, especially the elders and kids. Hindi nagtagal ay bakas sa mga mukha nila ang pagod.

Mila finally decided to rest for a bit so we could eat.

I monitored everyone and made sure that they had their meals with them. Isa-isa kong chini-check kung kumpleto ba sila. I took a deep sigh after doing my job.

I was kind of surprised when a tumbler of water showed up on my face.

"You need water, right?" Ori said as she handed me the tumbler. "Take it. And have you eaten, Laire? I haven't seen you eat."

"It's fine, Ori. My body still keeps up." I shook my hands and accepted the water. I drank it and felt like I was boosted again. "See? All fine."

"Let's be careful, alright, Laire? This village needs you." She smiled and turned her back. I nodded at her words. That's right.

Nagsimula ulit kaming maglakad hanggang sa lumipas ang ilang oras. The people in front of me stopped. Mila found a resting place to spend the night.

Napatingin ako sa itaas. Thunderstorms are already fuming above the sky. It's been days since this happened. May bagyo ba?

But based on the lessons I took, storms are supposedly not this long. There are storms that could last this long but not this strong, also. Imagine a storm lasting for several few days with a constant strength for a specific time. What exactly is happening here?

The resting place that Mila found seems like an abandoned village. May mga modernized na bahay na siyang pumapalibot sa paligid. This is enough for us to get rest.

I remained firm as the rest of the night went. We decided to switch our sleeping schedules so one could rest and the other could go and monitor.

This place is a perfect place to spend the next few days. Medyo may kataasan ang lupa rito at matitibay ang mga bahay. Although it's kind of creepy, I think we can tolerate this until we make sure that the storm has stopped.

I suddenly heard a noise of stepped dried leaves not far from here. I prepared my pistol and knife with me as I looked in the direction of the noise. Slowly, I walked towards it. I picked up my flashlight and put it besides my gun.

I gulped. Nang buksan ko ang flashlight ay napabuntong hininga na lamang ako. May isang tao lang pala ang natutulog habang nakasandal sa kahoy.

I attempted to walk near para sana gisingin siya nang may mapansin ako.

It's an odd smell.

Napatingin ako sa taong nakita ko kanina. He seems like not hearing me. Lumapit ako rito saka niyugyog ang balikat niya. Mas napakunot ako ng noo dahil sa may maramdamang hindi kaaya-aya sa kamay ko.

I froze.

This is a trap. Shit. We are not supposed to be here.  I'm not supposed to do that.

"Fuck..." I whispered to him. "Run."