SOUL SNATCHERS

CHAPTER 8

It was nearly 11:00 PM when they arrived in the town of Candelaria in Zambales. They pulled up to Sea Breeze Beach Resort, where the path to the hotel entrance was adorned with lights attached to the mango trees. The resort was conveniently located just fifty meters away from La Paradiso Hotel, where the Sabellano family would be staying for the next two days. It was the perfect spot for them to meet up with Rose and spend time together.

Henry parked his 2010 Ford Ranger Wildtrak, and with excitement, Vanessa, Agnes, and Chantelle stepped out of the vehicle to marvel at their surroundings. They delightedly plucked ripe mangoes, a complimentary treat for guests of the hotel. Argel joined them, assisting Mercy and Lourdes in unloading their bags and food from the car's compartment. After their nearly four-hour journey, everyone was tired and drained. They swiftly arranged the rental of three rooms for their stay over the next two days.

Karl arrived on his motorcycle, dismounting and placing his helmet atop Henry's car. He noticed Agnes gazing in his direction and enthusiastically waved to greet her, but she coldly disregarded him. Perplexed, Karl approached her, only to have Agnes intentionally avoid eye contact.

"What's wrong with her?" he asked to chantele who stood beside him.

"I'm not sure. Perhaps she's just not in a good mood. She mentioned having a headache, maybe," Chantelle replied in her tomboyish tone. Karl nodded slowly, releasing a sigh.

"She may simply be tired. Let her rest," Vanessa suggested, her sentences gracefully spoken, reminiscent of a beauty pageant contender.

"I see," Karl responded. "Tell her to take her meal before going to sleep," he added while checking his cell phone for any new messages. He read Rose's texts and dialed her number.

"Hello," he greeted.

"Thank God you're safe. I've been texting and calling you since we arrived at the hotel, but you never replied," Rose's voice rang through from Karl's phone.

"The signal was terrible, and we were still on the road," Karl explained, admiring La Paradiso Hotel's beautifully domed roof.

"How is everyone? Let them know I'm looking forward to seeing them tomorrow," Rose eagerly exclaimed.

"We're all fine and safe here. I'll relay your message. By the way, how are your parents? And of course, your cute little brother Julius?" Karl inquired, taking out a stick of cigarette from his shirt pocket and placing it between his lips.

"Julius is okay..." Rose paused, sighing softly.

"Are you okay, though?" Karl's concern was evident in his voice. He settled onto his motorcycle seat, lighting the cigarette between his lips.

"I... I don't know. I can't say that I'm completely okay," Rose's trembling voice responded.

"I'm always here for you, you know that. I'll help you through it. Whatever it is, I'll stand by your side no matter what. Feel free to share anything that's troubling you about your parents," Karl reassured her.

"I know you'll do, Karl. It will be good to talk about it in person. It's not just Mom and Dad that are bothering me..."

"What is it?" Karl inquired.

"It's about a man named Seth," she revealed.

"Who's Seth? Do I know him?" Karl asked his tone became serious.

"You don't know him, and I don't either. Like I said, I will tell you about him tomorrow."

"Okay, if that's what you want, then I'll have to wait until tomorrow. By the way, what are you doing now?" Karl changed the topic.